Archive of Our Own ^beta

A familiar blonde woman in a blue and white outfit with chocolate brown eyes looked out of the large windows of the Fairy Tail building and sighed. "It has been five years, huh...?"

A man with dark hair as black as the midnight sky sighed while crossing his arms. "I guess so, Lucy... Time flies by... You think Erza's finally let go of it?" He then turned his head to face the blonde, concern filling his face. "You know, the fact that Natsu's gone...?"

"I don't know, Gray," Lucy answered honestly while staring at the ground. "I... I'm still surprised that he left on his own like that... I don't get it. Why would Natsu just leave like that...?"

"I don't know," Gray answered as he slowly furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. "I know one thing: he's going to get his ass kicked for suddenly leaving us the way he did. The hell was that pyro thinking?!"

Lucy sighed as she stood, gracefully patting Gray's arm. "Gray, please."

Whipping his arm away from the Celestial blonde, Gray glared at Lucy. "No! Don't 'Gray, please' me! You and I both know how Natsu said goodbye; he didn't even say it! What did he do? He left a note for Happy to find and share with all of us! Natsu didn't even tell you! Me! Or anyone in the guild before he upped and vanished! How are you not angry with that?! He just abandoned us without reason! Aren't you angry?!"

"Gray." Lucy stood as she spoke firmly. "Please. Let it go! Natsu must have had a reason!"

"And what reason is good enough?!" Gray slammed his fist on a nearby table, making everyone else turn towards the Ice Wizard. "You know him, we both do. All those years where you rushed in blindly to save you, me, and all of our friends. That's why I don't understand it! Why leave that note?! Why leave so suddenly?! Why would you WANT to leave?!" The Ice Wizard ruffled through raven locks before swiping his hand forward as he glared. "How can you accept Natsu being so GODDAMN PATHETIC?!"

Before anyone would rush towards Gray or voice their disapproval, they were all silenced and halted by a powerful and resounding slap as their Guild Master, Erza Scarlet, swiftly smacked Gray with a stiff and hardened palm. "Don't...!" She growled as her brown eyes hardened and darkened. "Don't you dare belittle Natsu's name again, else you'll get hit with something worse than a slap... Understand?"

Gray's eyes widened as the tingling pain vibrated through his cheek, but seeing Erza's deadly glare, he was numbed to all of his pain. "I understand... I'm sorry, Erza."

"Just don't do that again. I'll be in my office." The redhead then walked into her office and sat down to sift through some papers. As she sorted through the papers, her eyes widened as a letter slowly drifted onto the floor until Erza caught it at the last second. Holding the paper up, she frowned as her eyes became misty as she began to re-read her beloved Dragon Slayer's letter of departure.

"Hey guys, I know how this may seem that I'm leaving you guys this letter, but I'm sorry to say that this letter will be the last thing you'll receive from me. I'm sorry, but I can't be a part of Fairy Tail anymore. I know that you all must be shocked, and that you guys must be pissed off that I didn't say it in person, but it'd be better to end things this way. I'm sorry for this, and I don't want to leave you; I have to because I don't want to hurt any of you. The years I spent with you guys will always be my happiest memories so thank you for letting me be a part of your family, but this is goodbye. I wish you all well and try to live happy lives... For me."

"Thank you for everything, Natsu Dragneel."

Erza wiped the single tear from her eye as she sniffled, gazing at the calm ocean water. Why did you have to go, Natsu...?

"Sky Dragon's..." Inhaling massive amounts of air, a young female adult with long dark blue hair puffed her cheeks before expelling a giant torrent of spiraling, sharp wind. "ROAR!"

As the torrent of wind barreled through some gigantic beasts, it sent them flying while also chopping down some nearby trees, creating an empty trail that led to a crash site into a nearby mountain. As the young woman stood, she pushed back her long hair as she smiled proudly at the various monsters lying unconscious. "Way to go, Wendy!" She turned and smiled as her name was called, seeing two cats with angelic wings flying towards her.

"Indeed!" The white cat flew down to pat the young woman's leg while smiling proudly. "You managed to take down Onigres by yourself! You've clearly gotten much stronger, my child!"

Wendy smiled timidly while rubbing the back of her head. "Hehe~ thanks, Carla, Happy. I'm glad that I'm making progress. I thought training with Gajeel wasn't enough."

Carla shook her head as she smiled. "Nonsense, Wendy! You've grown considerably! Especially since Gajeel is busy being a father! I'm sure he's proud of you!"

"Do you think he would too...?" Wendy asked the two Exceeds in a calm but sad tone. As the young woman looked on with a confused gaze, Happy and Carla realized who she meant, and a moment of clarity washed over them as Wendy lightly frowned and rubbed her arm, while Carla looked down at her paws. However, after looking at the ground, Happy smiled at Wendy.

"I think Natsu would be really proud of you... He'd probably say you'd be lighting a fire in his belly and make him excited about fighting monsters with you." The blue Exceed chuckled before placing a paw on Wendy's leg as he smiled warmly. "He always seemed to find the good in everything, and I'm 100% sure that he would be happy seeing you grow and get stronger!"

Eyes widening at the cat's statement, Wendy sighed and smiled. "Thank you, Happy. That was one of his greatest lessons, right? Always think of the good."

"Aye, sir!" Happy exclaimed while holding up his open paw, making Wendy laugh and Carla smile before the three descended the mountain path.

However, as the three walked calmly down the mountain trail, a loud boom thundered through the valley, shaking the three and the ground beneath them.

"What on Earthland was that?!" Carla exclaimed cautiously.

"I don't know, but it sounded big..." Wendy slowly furrowed her brows and clenched her hands as she turned towards the sound. "... We need to face it."

"Wendy, you can't be serious!" Happy exclaimed as he tapped the young woman's leg. "Doing something like that would be idiotic!"

"But it's something Natsu would do," The blue Exceed was quickly silenced as Wendy firmly spoke, keeping her eyes focused on the booming source. "And he would do it because he knew that stopping whatever is causing that noise would save a lot of people, so I'm sorry, Happy. I'm going!"

Eyes widening in shock as the young Dragon Slayer swiftly dashed away, Happy and Carla flinched with astonishment as Happy held out his paw. "Wendy! Wait a minute!"

Turning towards her fellow Exceed, Carla furrowed her white furry brow. "We need to stop her, Happy!"

Running after the Dragon Slayer, the two cats then summoned their wings and took to the skies, swiftly zooming through the air after Wendy, before they stopped after seeing the Sky Dragon Slayer standing in a field. Lifting their heads forward, Happy's and Carla's slowly widened as they cringed fearfully at the sight before them.

Standing in front of them was a massive primate with a pair of lower-jaw fangs, bulky, muscular violet skin, deep black, thick fur covering its enormous body, and around its elbows and knuckles were thick, spiky gemstone protrusions. The massive primate clenched its clawed hands into fists, then beat its chest like a gorilla, releasing a battle cry as it roared.

"HOOHHOOARGH!"

"That's..." Happy's eyes twitched fearfully as he began inching away in the air. "T-That's a Behemoth Oni Vulcan! Just one of those requires a S-Class Wizard!"

"Wendy, get out of there!" Carla held her paws to her mouth to amplify her fearful shout.

Panting nervously after seeing the gigantic primate's animalistic yet devious smile, Wendy began stepping back fearfully as she quivered. 'I didn't think that it would be something this gigantic! Happy and Carla are right, I just need to!' Her fearful eyes widened as she stopped after seeing a small forest home to her right. 'There are civilans! I need to warn them!'

However, the ground shook and quaked as the massive Vulcan ran forward, striking the land with its fists and clawed feet as it destroyed the landscape from its weight and strength while charging forward, causing Wendy to dodge the beast's swift dash.

"Wendy!" The white Exceed landed and placed a paw on the panting Dragon Slayer's leg. "What on Earthland would cause you not to run away?!"

"T-There's! A house!" Wendy immediately stood, despite nervously panting, to shout as she saw the Vulcan continue its mad forward dash, quickly descending the mountain, not moving away or veering from the house. "We need to save them!" After shouting, a pair of white feathery wings sprouted onto her back, and she soon ascended to the skies and flew towards the Vulcan as it swiped up the earth, as it began to swing its massive arm downward, a few feet from the small house. 'I can't let those people die!'

"Sky Dragon's Vortex Forcestrike!" Striking the massive arm with her body, fully flexed and powered by a mighty defensive wind, Wendy managed to make the Vulcan slip and land on its side, narrowly avoiding smashing the house. "Thank goodness-AH!"

"HOOHAGRH?! ARGAHHA!" Swiftly grabbing and clenching the young Dragon Slayer as he grunted confusedly, the massive Vulcan then growled and bared its fangs and sharp teeth at Wendy, causing the young woman to scream and groan painfully.

"AAHHHAHHHH!" Wendy shrieked painfully as the powerful grip on her body tightened even harder, making her feel like her very bones were being crushed.

Swiftly flying towards the massive primate, Carla and Happy glared at the Vulcan with determined gazes. "We're coming, Wendy!"

As Carla flexed her angel wings and descended towards the Vulcan, her body began to glow, and she quickly transformed into her human form, her right foot flexed forward, winds surrounding it. "Crescent Descent!"

"HOOHAGHH?!" The Vulcan loosened its grip on Wendy as Carla struck the primate on the side of its massive jaw, causing its eyes to twitch and lightly stunning it.

"Max Heat Headbutt!" Glaring with angry white eyes, Happy circled in the air before zooming towards the Vulcan with a hardened and superheated heat, making it cough as its head flung back, letting go of Wendy as its nose bled.

Groaning after dropping to the ground, Wendy slowly stood and rubbed her arm and leg, wincing as she panted. "Wendy, we need to get!"

However, Carla was unable to finish her exclamation as the Vulcan spun with its arms held outward, striking both her and Happy with hardened gemstone fists, making them cough up blood before being sent crashing into trees, causing Carla to revert to her cat form.

"Carla! Happy!" Wendy shouted in fear as the two cats groaned, then slowly stood before falling onto their stomachs. As the Vulcan began walking towards the two Exceeds, Wendy's fearful eyes hardened with determination as she started sucking air into her cheeks. "Sky Dragon's Roar!"

Flinching after being hit by a spiraling torrent of wind to its mountaintop-like head, the Vulcan growled as it flexed its jaws, flashing its sharp teeth at Wendy. "HOO... GRRH..."

Despite her body aching and throbbing in pain, Wendy clenched her teeth as she glared at the massive primate and shouted: "If you're going to try hurt my friends, you go through me first, so bring it! I'll beat you senseless, you overgrown monkey!"

"HOO! HOOAH! GRAHHN!" Angrily cringing with veins bulging on its head, the massive Vulcan roared while aggressively beating its chest before dashing towards Wendy and began swinging its massive fist onto the young woman.

'Fast wind that run the heaven... VERNIER!' Quickly covering herself in enhancement Magic, Wendy quickly dodged the Vulcan's downward strike and, using the dust eruption to her advantage, promptly hid behind a rock pillar after kicking three stones towards the Vulcan.

Grinning evilly, the Oni Vulcan charged forward. It allowed the stones to crush on its skin instead of dodging them, and clasped its massive clawed hands together before swinging downward and crushing the very stone Wendy was hiding behind. After creating a crater, the Vulcan's evil smile faded as it looked confused, realizing Wendy wasn't there. "HOOH?!"

"Looking for me?" The Vulcan flinched before turning its head, and its eyes widened as it saw Wendy flying in the air with a determined grin before she descended towards the primate. 'Power of the stout arms that tears heaven... ARMS!' "Sky Dragon's Spiral Claws!" Encasing her feet in offensive physical enhancement magic, Wendy then spun, her feet pointed towards the Vulcan, spiraling wind encircling her entire body.

Grunting as it stood while holding against the Sky Dragon Slayer's spiral attack, its eyes widened as Wendy bounced off its massive arm and pierced its eye, making it yelp painfully as its eye bled. "HOOAHHOW! OW! AHHHOOOH!" Covering its bleeding eye, the Vulcan yelled painfully while glaring at the flying Dragon Slayer before roaring and beating its chest, angrier as its purple skin began to redden. "HOOH! HOOAHH! HOOOOHARGH!" The Vulcan then began madly swinging and flailing its massive fists wildly at Wendy. Managing to dodge the beast's swings, Wendy shot out air slashes to cut through the Vulcan's gem armor,r and just as Wendy finally made a straight path, the Vulcan grinned with dark amusement and flexed its fist forward, causing one of the gem spikes to fling forward, piercing the left outer side of her stomach.

"G-GAWKH!" Coughing up some blood and spit after being pierced, Wendy lightly stumbled in the air, allowing the Vulcan to strike, and as one of its massive fists began barreling towards her, Wendy's eyes widened before encasing herself in defensive magic and winds. 'ARMOR! Sky Dragon's Guarding Gust!' Crossing her arms and legs in front of her as a barrier of wind and magic encircled her, Wendy was sent flying and sliding onto the ground with minimal additional damage as she successfully guarded with one of her powerful defensive skills. However, after the barrier disappeared, Wendy dropped to a knee as she groaned painfully. I now see why these kinds of Vulcans need S-Class Wizards... She wryly joked to herself before turning towards the groaning Exceeds, her gaze tired but concerned. Carla and Happy aren't looking good either... I don't know if I'm strong enough to...

"Out of power? Heh, yeah right!" Suddenly, a memory of her older brother, with his trademark toothy, determined smile, flashed through the young woman's mind. "If I run out of power today, then I will borrow some from tomorrow!"

Irises twitching, Wendy smiled, sighed, and stood. '... That's right. You'd push past your limit and surpass your current self, right Big Brother Natsu? I can't let myself be beaten and let my friends get hurt!' "I'm not giving up yet... Because now, I'm all fired up!" After pulling her hand away from the wound on her stomach, Wendy stood, swirling winds encircling her fists, her wings fluttering quickly, and her dark blue suddenly turning bright pink.

"GRH!" The Vulcan grunted angrily after exhaling aggressively through its nostrils and struck the earth with its gem fists before roaring and charging. "HOOOAH! GRAHH!"

Despite the enraged primate charging towards her with a foaming mouth, Wendy stood calmly and began waving her hands, gathering and pooling wind. "Deus Esques!" After shouting, her body glowed green. She gritted her canines, a large amount of wind encircling and surrounding the Dragon Slayer. Wendy's eyes shone a vibrant pink as she clenched her fists, then opened her palms and moved her hands fluidly, forming a focused ball of wind in front of her. "Dragon Slayer Secret Art, Shattering Light: Sky Spear!" After creating a pointed cylindrical point to the sphere, Wendy clapped her hands together, then released a mighty lance made of hurricane gusts towards the Oni Vulcan, pushing back against the massive primate's gem fist. As the two clashed, the Vulcan's eyes furrowed and widened as it saw its gem fist shatter.

"HOOAH?!"

"BREAK THROUGH AND PIERCE!" Wendy shouted at the top of her lungs as she pushed her palms forward, causing the wind lance to break through the Vulcan's defense and pierce right through its bleeding eye, causing it to stiffen and groan. Wendy yelled as she pushed the lance deeper into the beast's head, causing it to lower its hands and begin tilting backwards as the spiraling lance began to break through its skull before an explosion of wind erupted, sending the Vulcan crashing into a nearby mountain as it lay on its back. Wendy chuckled in exhaustion as she began to fall to her knees. "W-Was... Was I brave like you, Natsu...?"

However, before she could enjoy sweet, blissful slumber, the Oni Vulcan rose to its feet and roared while wildly beating its chest and flailing its tongue. Grunting angrily at the hole on its head and skull, the Vulcan glared while bleeding profusely as it stomped the ground with its fists and feet before running towards Wendy, eyes filled with the intent to kill. "HOOOOAHHH!"

You've got to be kidding me... I'm too tired to run, and I can't move a muscle... Wendy sighed, her gaze defeated and exhausted, as she dropped her arms to her sides and saw her rampaging opponent. Frowning as the Vulcan stood before her with its fists raised in the air, the Dragon Slayer made peace with her actions. I'll see you soon, Grandeeney...

However, just as she accepted death, the Vulcan's massive body was suddenly engulfed in powerful and intense reddish-orange flames, causing Wendy to stumble back from the force and burning the beast as it groaned painfully. "HOOOAAGGH!" Just as the Oni Vulcan finished groaning, its body soon disintegrated into ash. It blew in the wind, making Wendy stare into the flakes in amazement because something about these flames felt familiar.

They... Almost feel exactly like yours, Natsu... Wendy watched the powerful fire soon change into flowing flame lashes as they died down before slumber finally took her.

Slowly opening her eyes as she began to wake up, Wendy sat up and furrowed her eyebrows as she realized that she was in a home, very similar to Porlyusica's.

"Don't move too much, you'll open the wound." The young woman flinched awake at the sound of a firm, deep masculine voice calling to her, turning towards a tall man in a hooded cloak, crushing spices and blending potions, shooting orange flames from his fingertips as he boiled them. Staring at the man in astonishment, Wendy then looked down at the tight but comfortable bandaging on the stomach wound she endured before turning back towards the man.

She then remembered her teammates. "S-Sir, what about my friends?!"

"No need to worry," the tall man chuckled, his warm smile widening as he waved his hands, his eyes and upper face still not exposed. "Your friends are resting on the hammocks; they should be waking up soon."

And soon enough, Happy yawned as he slowly opened his eyes and sat up in his hammock, rubbing the bandages he had on his wounds. "Oh, hey, Wendy. Did you patch us up?... Or wait, where are we?"

After yawning as she woke up, Carla sighed as she placed a paw on her furry forehead and shook her head. "Don't you think that should have been the first question, Tomcat?"

"What'd I tell you?" The tall man smiled as he pointed to the Exceeds, making Wendy sigh in relief.

"Thank you, sir!" She then smiled and bowed to the man, with a bright, appreciative grin. "You saved us!"

The man laughed as he waved his hand. "No, no! You saved yourself and your friends! I merely helped nurse you three back to health."

Wendy shook her head, pointing to the man's flames beneath his boiling beakers. "No, I merely made it easy for you to take down that Oni Vulcan! I realized the fire before I passed out, so thank you sir for saving us!" Wendy held the man's hands as she again bowed before him.

"It's alright~! Don't worry about it! I like to help rescue people who get lost in these woods, so you're giving me a reason not be so isolated!" The man sheepishly spoke while rubbing his neck and chuckling before tilting his head as he smirked. "... You do know you can let go of my hand now, right?"

"Huh? O-Oh, I'm sorry!" Wendy quickly let go of the man's hands before looking at hers, focusing on the sensation from them. "I-It's just your touch... Feels familiar."

"And what about it feels familiar?" The man joked.

Wendy smiled with a proud warmth. "It feels like the very same intensely powerful flames a particular old friend of ours had. Almost like his flames and warmth were like theSunn. Blazing hot, but somehow comforting."

The man smiled in surprise. "I see! Well, on behalf of your friend, I am grateful for your compliment, and on my behalf, do me a favor and don't rush into trouble like that, kiddo!" The man lightly bonked the young woman's head, making her groan, but smiled as she rubbed her head. "I'm sure that your other friends would want to see and spend time with ya, and I get enough daredevils as is!"

"Alright, I won't..."

"Thank you." The man smiled before taking his seat at his table and focusing on the potions once more. "You should probably notify your guild that you completed, I wouldn't want them to worry about ya!"

Carla tapped Wendy's leg as the cat looked up at her. "He's right, child. We need to head back to Fairy Tail before Erza worries about you!"

Happy held up a paw with a bright smile. "Plus, you can brag to everyone that you helped take down a Behemoth Oni Vulcan! I'm sure eveyone is going to be proud!"

"We will! We will! I swear!" Wendy smiled sheepishly as she waved her hands at the Exceeds. "We just need to make sure that ask our friend what he needs before we head out!"

"'Your friend?' I'm sorry, who are you talking about?"

Wendy chuckled as she already imagined the raised eyebrows on the man's face. "Why, you of course, Natsu!"

The man and the cats flinched simultaneously, with Happy staring at Wendy in astonishment. "Are you sure, Wendy?!"

"Maybe you need to rest." The man spoke with a concerned tone.

Wendy frowned with a firm pout as she looked up at the man. "I would never forget your scent, Big Brother..."

The two cats' eyes widened as they turned towards each other, then at the tall man, making him lower his raised hand and sigh. "... I should've figured you'd catch me, Wendy..." Accepting defeat, Natsu slowly pulled off his cloak's hood, and he could feel the utterly astonishing gazes of his friends.

The Fire Dragon Slayer's youthful looks and qualities were no more. Natsu had a more masculine, mature face while still conveying youthful vibrancy. The Dragon Slayer had now developed a line of well-maintained facial hair from his chin and upward, but most noticeable of all was the now prominent golden eyes with draconic slits that Natsu now had.

"N-Natsu..." Happy stared at the salmon-haired Dragon Slayer as his eyes began slowly tearing up while he gritted his teeth before he suddenly began wailing as he rushed towards Natsu. "WHY?! Why did you go?! Why did you make me give that letter for everyone?! Why not tell us before you left?!"

Natsu frowned with a firm, empathetic gaze as the blue Exceed pelted his chest with punches as he wept. "I... I'm sorry, Happy. I just had to leave, it would have been better for you all if I did! I was trying to look out for you all, alright?!"

"Well, you failed at doing so, Big Brother," Wendy firmly frowned at Natsu, who lightly cringed at her sudden flat expression. "You, the member most known for helping others, always ready to defend our home, and being the first person to reach out to anyone who needs it, and being a constant source of joy, thought that leaving your family would be better off than letting us help you?"

Slowly blinking thrice at the young woman's stern gaze, Natsu slowly answered. "... Wendy, it's not something that easy to fix! Unfortunately, no one can fix this! I had to come to terms with it before I could live with the truth of it!"

Crossing her arms as she raised her head, Wendy raised an eyebrow as she asked in an intrigued tone. "And have these five years been enough time to recollect on whatever has affected?"

"I-I mean, yeah I suppose!"

"Then, we leave for Fairy Tail as soon as we recover!" Natsu stiffened as Wendy hastily responded. The Sky Dragon Slayer then smiled brightly with her hands on her hips. "Everyone's goping to be so happy to see you again, Natsu!"

Carla smiled while crossing her paws. "Indeed, Mavis knows how dreary it's been!"

After wiping away his tears, Happy smiled brightly and nodded. "It's about time we had some happy days..."

"N-Now a minute!" The Fire Dragon Slayer yelled as he stood from his seat, making everyone else stare at him, surprised by his new growth spurt as he stood at the same height as Gildarts. "And who exactly decided this?!"

"That's simple, big brother. Majority rule."

Furrowing his confused eyebrows, Natsu yelled at the cheekily smiling woman. "And whose the majority?!"

Smiling as she chuckled, Wendy then held a hand in the air. "All those in favor of allowing our friend to stay here even though it seems he says he's fine?"

Chuckling as he raised his hand, Natsu's smug expression soon dropped as he realized he was the only one with his hand raised, making everyone else smile smugly before Wendy asked: "All those opposed?"

Natsu's mouth soon dropped as Wendy's hand, Carla's, and Happy's paws raised in the air. "That's not being fair! You all thought the same thing! That's being cheeky!"

"If it takes being cheeky to bring you home, I will, big brother!" Wendy pouted determinedly with eyes sparkling with pride, Happy mirroring her expression.

Eyebrow twitching, Natsu then sighed and chuckled, surprising Wendy and the cats. "Heh... Only my little sister and little buddy would be cheeky to get me to come home... Fine, we leave for Fairy Tail as soon as you three heal up."

"Aye, sir~!"

"Prime Master, I think you should take the day off and rest!" A man with a particular eye tattoo on his face and the base of his head shaved, creating an army cut of dark, bluish-black roots. In contrast, the top of his head had the same spiky, straight, deep blue hair, and he tried to reason with the armored redhead as she descended the guild steps and out of the guild, everyone watching with curious gazes. "L-Like spending time with your fellow members and teammates?!"

"Y-Yeah!" Lucy stood as she nodded her head. "You probably need your rest, you've been awake for the past twenty four hours!"

"I. Am. Fine, you two." Both Jellal and Lucy flinched as Erza's low and authoritative voice echoed throughout the hall. "I can't take a break anyway, I have been called by Mest to meet his new Rune Knight squadron."

Mirajane tilted her head as she furrowed her brow. "Erza, I'm sure that he'll understand. You are the principal guild master of the guild he is a part of."

Erza huffed into a condescending smirk. "I am going to ensure we still are copacetic standing with the Magic Council and the Rune Knights since Master Makarov and Mr. Yajima are no longer with us..." The redhead sighed as she stood, feeling everyone's sad, concerned gazes, hiding her frown at that realization before opening her eyes and pushing against the large wooden doors. "... So as the new Guild Master, I need to ensure everyone's well-being and maintain a cooperative relationship with our country's government in case of an emergency. We can't fight all the battles alone, after all." The redhead joked dryly. "Besides, I could see if we could get some new members from the Rune Knights maybe! So, I'll be fine everyone, truly!" She then turned towards everyone with a forced smile. "If something truly dangerous or something that requires my full attention happens, I will certainly rush back but if not, I will trust that you all will take care of the guild in my stead. Can we agree on that, everyone?"

"Y-Yes, Erza..." Everyone looked on with empathetic gazes, nodding.

"Thank you," the redhead said, slowly nodding before waving to her members as she soon departed for the train station.

As the redhead soon disappeared from view, everyone sighed and flopped into their seats, faces contorted with grief and sadness. The Iron Dragon Slayer groaned while grinding his teeth and ruffling his spiky black hair. "AGAHHn! I hate this!"

Gray scowled at Gajeel while crossing his arms. "Yeah, news flash: we all do, Metalhead."

"Yeah, but I don't know how much more of this I can take!"

"Are you being an ass on purpose or are you trying to be funny?!" The Ice Wizard slammed his hand on the booth table before the Iron Dragon Slayer, causing Gajeel and some neighboring members to flinch and turn towards Gray.

His eyes slowly hardened into furrows and anger as he soon stood and glared into Gray's eyes while clenching his fists. "You think I'm trying to be funny, Ice Prick? I'm! Just saying what we're all thinking and some of us aren't able of handling holding these kinds of emotions in!"

Surprisingly, Gray chuckled before stepping back and shaking his head. "Says the recently becoming father... Well, your kiddos are seven and eight so far, but it still makes you quite the sap up, Gajeel~? Guess Levy really does!"

"Say one more thing about my wife and kids, Frostie, and I'll ensure Juvia and your little brat will be your nurses after I whip the floor with your cocky self!" Gajeel growled as he gripped Gray's white shirt, pulling Gray's calm, surprised face to meet his intensely angry and vein-popping face.

"Heh. So, I was right, huh? AGH!" Groaning as the Iron Dragon Slayer suddenly choked him, Gray then groaned after being spun around and then thrown into a side-level wall of the guild. As Gray slowly stood, he smirked with annoyance as Gajeel walked towards the Ice Wizard, iron-dragon metallic scales enveloping his fists and arms. "Seems like someone's sensitive."

As everyone watched the Iron Dragon Slayer glare intensely while morphing his hand into an iron club as he walked towards the cocky Ice Wizard, Lucy sighed before walking over to stand between the two men.

Glaring with an annoyed raised lip, Gajeel frowned as he stood before Lucy. "Outta the way, blondie. This Ice idiot's begging for an ass-kicking!"

"Gajeel, I get that Gray is being an absolute ass, but don't do this. It's not like he really means it-!"

"I don't give a damn either way!" Lucy was quickly silenced, and she flinched slightly at Gajeel's sudden exclamation. "I'm sick and tired of this gloomy bastard and I'm gonna beat him so he has something to be emo about!"

Lucy gasped while Gray huffed with a chuckle, tapping the Iron Dragon Slayer's chest. "Gajeel, you don't mean that!"

However, before he could answer, Gray stepped forward and lightly pushed Lucy away from Gajeel, making her look confused at the Ice Wizard. "Nah, you trying to start something, metalhead? Because ya know, I'm in the mood to kick some ass..."

"Gray, not you too!" Lucy stomped her feet as she exclaimed before trying to shove the two men away from each other. "Seriously, guys...! Stop! Being childish! AH"

However, Lucy was pushed away from them as the two men shoved the Celestial Blonde away from them and stumbled into a nearby booth, causing her to look concerned and shocked as the two men began pooling their respective elements into their fists.

"Gray! Gajeel!"

"Ice-Make...!"

"Iron Dragon's...!"

"WAIT!" Suddenly, Wendy's shout stopped the two men and caused them, as well as everyone else, to turn towards the guild's doorway to see Wendy standing with an astonished expression, mirrored by the Exceeds, but the tall man kept a blank expression. "This is our home, don't fight each other!"

Carla stepped forward while nodding, then pointing at Gray and Gajeel. "She is right! You two need to be more civil and respectful of each other! Are you not family?!"

Looking at each other with annoyed glares, Gajeel and Gray huffed before turning away from each other, putting their fists into their pockets.

"I'll save that ass-kicking for when you really deserve it, Frosty..."

"Whatever, I'll beat your ass whenever, Metal head..."

"Seems like you two are always at each other's necks no matter how long it's been..." The cloaked man chuckled with a smile after watching Gray and Gajeel, who immediately furrowed their brows as they looked at the man in confused annoyance.

"And just who the hell are you to be so smug about that statement?!"

Wendy hastily but calmly placed her hands on Gray's arm. "He's a friend, I swear. A really close friend to us all!"

As Gray turned towards the Sky Dragon Slayer, he lightly chuckled at Wendy. "Oh, yeah? And exactly how close is this guy, Wendy? Did we get a new Wizard who sneaks in like Mystogan used to?"

"No," the cloaked man answered for the young woman. He pursed his lips before wryly smiling as he grabbed the front of his hood. As Natsu's face, hair, and head were revealed to the guild body, everyone's eyes slowly widened. They stood astonished as they immediately recognized and realized that their Salamander was standing in the guild after a five-year disappearance!

"Na..." Lucy spoke lightly as her chocolate orbs slowly began to tear up; her legs quivered, and she fell to her knees, tears welling in her eyes, leaving her eyes stunned. "Natsu... Is that really you...?"

"I-It can't be... C-Can it?" Mirajane covered her mouth as tears fell, her little sister and brother standing stunned by her.

"Droy, you'd tell me if I was dreaming right?" Jet turned towards the toned man, his eyes bulging and confused at what he was seeing.

"I was just about to ask you to do the same for me..." Droy slowly blinked with his tuft, slowly drooping onto his head as he stood stunned.

Marco, who had grown as tall as Wendy, with his black hair now more wild but flowier than before, stood from his seat, slowly gritting his teeth as his eyes began to well. "B-Big Bro Natsu...!"

"S-S... Salamander...?!" Gajeel sadly exclaimed, his eyes beginning to tear up with shock. However, despite the tears falling from his eyes, he then glared as he ran towards Natsu before stomping his foot in front of the Fire Dragon Slayer, his clenched fist encased in iron dragon scales. "You...! YOU BASTARD!"

As the sound of the impact vibrated throughout the guild hall, everyone stood astonished in the silence and patiently until...

"AGH! Damnit! My hand!" Gajeel suddenly exclaimed painfully as his fingers burned and were broken, causing him to writhe on the ground while clenching his hand.

"Huh...?" Natsu plainly stared at his fellow Dragon Slayer, surprised by his painful state. 'I don't think I flexed my muscles. Did I...?'

"Oh, what? You two think your little play was funny or something?!" Natsu flinched from both Gray's harsh exclamation and his even colder glare.

Immediately shaking his head and waving his hands, the Fire Dragon Slayer exclaimed hastily to the Ice Wizard. "W-What?! No! I didn't think I was that hard to hit! That's my bad!"

Veins popping in his head as his glare intensified, Gray then shouted with angry white eyes at Natsu. "Who the hell do you think you are for taunting us, bastard?!"

"Gray, I'm not trying to egg anyone on! I just maybe a little difficult to handle hits from right now for you guys is all I'm!"

"That's it!" Flinching at Gray's sudden shout, Natsu watched Gray rush towards him, his right fist encased in spiky, icy armor, barreling towards his face.

'I wasn't trying to aggravate ya, Ice idiot!' Natsu thought, with a comedic half-grin, as Gray rushed towards him. As the icy fist zoomed towards his face, Natsu completely relaxed and watched the fist come towards his face. 'Don't flex or tense up, let Gray hit you. It's what you get for being an emo dumbass for leaving everyone, so just take the punch and.'

As Gray's punch collided with Natsu's face, snowflakes and ice crystals filled the guild's airspace, making everyone's eyes widen in surprise at the sight until...

"AHH! My bones! I think he shattered my bones!" Gray exclaimed painfully as he held his broken and burned hand while falling to his knees and writhing.

Staring at his past fellow teammate before turning towards his guild members, many of whom had surprised faces that made a bead of sweat fall down his head as he half-grinned. "...S-So, does anyone else want to take a turn hitting me or can we just get to my reasoning?"

"Hmph! Those two haven't become real men yet, so I don't think you're ready for a guy like me!" Natsu sweatdropped at Elfman, who stood over him with his massive, muscular arms flexed as he cracked his knuckles, grinning deviously and cockily.

"...Elfman, you can't be serious."

"Damn right I'm serious! I'm gonna beat you for making sisters cry! Beast Soul!" Suddenly, a bright light enveloped the guild, and as it faded, what stood in Elfman's place was a massive white-haired ape with protruding bottom fangs, a bulging, muscular body, spiky, rocky armor across its body and arms, and all of it bearing Elfman's facial scar and angular eyes. "WEREKONG! Prepare yourself for a brutal beatdown, Natsu!"

'Alright!' Natsu grinned determinedly as Elfman's massive fist barreled towards him. 'With this big of a fist, I'm damn sure to take some damage! You've always proven why the bigger fist gets the job done, Elf!'

After Elfman's massive fist struck Natsu, the building's entrance was destroyed and splintered by the impact, leaving everyone laughing and trying to breathe, astonished by what Elfman had done. Still, in that silence, they suddenly grew alarmed!

"Grh...!" Elfman gritted his sharp teeth as he twitched his eyes painfully before groaning and wailing as he lifted his fist. "He not only broke and burned my arm, but he also popped it out of the socket! AGHHN!" Reverting to his normal human form, Elfman joined Gajeel and Gray on the ground, mirroring their agony-filled writhing.

Slowly blinking thrice at the three men, Natsu then stared at the open crater behind him, then at the stunned guild body with a defeated expression as he hung his head. "...I'm sorry. I suppose I can't take you guys' beatings without harming you all. I suppose you all can think of a new kind of punishment, it's what I get for being an emotional prick by disappearing for five years." He then bowed before everyone. "I will gladly take my punishment."

However, to Natsu's surprise, instead of angry shouts, everyone began chuckling, eventually filling the guild with warm, loud laughter. As everyone laughed happily, Natsu lifted his head to stare at his guild mates, astonished by their actions. "I-I don't get it, what'd I do...?"

"You made it happy again, Natsu," Lucy smiled warmly after wiping the happy tears from her eyes. "For the first time in five years, just for a bit, it felt like the old Fairy Tail."

"You can say that again," Cana smiled warmly as she sat up in her bar seat. "It feels good to let out a laugh afte so long!"

"Even after all this time, you still managed to make us laugh." Lisanna walked over to the stunned Dragon Slayer and patted his back as she smiled brightly. "Thank you, Natsu."

"N-No prob, I guess...?" Natsu awkwardly chuckled while sheepishly rubbing his neck.

Carla cleared her throat, making everyone turn towards the white cat as she raised her paw. "That comedy act was all well and dandy, but you still haven't told us the reason for your disappearance, Natsu!"

Everyone immediately stiffened, then pointed at Natsu as they unanimously shouted: "Yeah! Tell us!"

Lightly cringing from everyone's united action, the Fire Dragon Slayer nodded as he plainly grinned, sliding the hood fully off his head. As he did, everyone's eyes widened because they all noticed the curved crimson black-tipped dragon horns he now had on his head.

"Natsu, why do you have those...?" Levy asked as she squinted while studying the horns, astonished by how natural they seemed. 'Is he wearing those as part of his outfit...?'

"Well, it's an after-effect of why I left, Levy." Natsu forced a smile to Levy, who raised an eyebrow at the Fire Dragon Slayer. He then turned towards his Exceed. "Happy, come here a minute."

Tilting his blue furry head, Happy then walked towards Natsu. "Yeah, Natsu?"

Kneeling to meet the cat's curious gaze, Natsu smiled tenderly as he tapped his horns. "I need to try and pull these off my head." Chuckling at Happy's confused gaze, Natsu then explained. "Just trust me, it'll make sense to you and everyone else after you do."

"OK..." Summoning his wings, Happy then flew behind Natsu and gripped the curved horns on his head, grunting after shaking the horns and trying to pull them off. Happy then covered his wings in teal Magical energy to boost his strength and speed as he tried to pull harder, and just as his blue forehead reddened from strain and his angel wings bulged, Happy stumbled back and fell on his furry bottom, panting. "I-I! I can't pull them off!"

"That's because you can't, Happy, they're permanent. You guys want to know why I left?" Natsu sighed before turning to gaze calmly at everyone. "I left because... I'm no longer human, I'm now a dragon."

"WHAT?!" As the statement left Natsu's mouth, everyone shouted before their curious gazes shifted as they realized the man was telling the truth from his appearance and facial features. A tense silence soon filled the guild once more, Natsu sucking in his lips and frowning at the astonished and furrowed brows of his guildmates.

However, Lucy soon crossed her arms under her ample chest as she glared at Natsu. "That's a pretty pathetic and selfish reason for leaving us, Natsu."

Wendy immediately turned towards Lucy as she nodded in agreement. "That's what I said!"

Natsu flinched and raised an eyebrow at the Celestial Blonde. "Huh?! How was I being selfish if I left to protect you guys?!"

"We're a family, right?" Lucy's hasty question silenced the Fire Dragon Slayer.

"Y-Yeah..."

"And you know what family does, right? We stick together!" Natsu flinched as Lucy exclaimed and stood. "No matter how hard it may be!"

"We help each other when it's needed!" Romeo shouted as he stood, his father, Macao, grinning proudly. "And help pick each other up when we're low!"

"We provide each other with whatever we need!" After wiping her tears, Mirajane stood with a determined expression. "No need for reason, when things are tough, we're there for each other!"

"We accept each other!" Laxus walked over to Natsu, standing next to him with a determined expression as he nodded. "No matter how we've acted or stupid things we've done, family doesn't judge!"

As everyone stood around him, their gazes determined, Natsu looked at them, surprised by their expressions. However, before he could speak, Gray stood, his hand still bruised, and now he smiled with Elfman and Gajeel, both smiling just as warmly. "And most importantly! We don't give up on those who have, so no matter what you become or how strong you get, I'll still challenge you because family helps family get stronger! So we can protect each other!"

"Aye, sir!" Everyone immediately raised their index fingers to the guild ceiling as they cheered.

Eyes shining with everyone's cheer, Natsu bit his lower lip as he looked down before chuckling and laughing, smiling warmly and toothily as he calmed down and looked at everyone. "I really missed you guys... I'm sorry I left."

"Oh, it's alright, Natsu," the Fire Dragon Slayer said, looking at Cana curiously as she grinned. "We're just now going to make sure you don't try to disappear again!"

"AGREED!" Everyone crossed their arms, nodded, and shouted in unison.

Laughing at everyone's united expression, Natsu turned towards the now broken opening to the guild with an amused grin. "I suppose I'll have to hear the reprimands from the Guild Master after causing destruction to the guild."

Opening their mouths, everyone immediately closed them as a thought popped into their heads, and after looking at each other, everyone turned towards the Heavenly Body Wizard with curious gazes. Jellal smirked as he felt everyone's gazes and walked over to Natsu, patting his back.

"You're right, Natsu. This was quite the damage. Luckily enough for you and us, the Guild Master will be returning shortly, since I think this is a good enough reason for the Prime Master to return, right, everyone~?" Jellal turned towards the guild body, gazing at them with glistening eyes as he smirked.

"Indeed it is...~." Natsu raised an eyebrow and sweatdropped at everyone's gleeful smiles as their eyes sparkled.

Mest smiled proudly as he and Erza stood before the newly made 45th squadron of Rune Knights while they were sparring and training with one another across the large training field. "It's incredible, isn't it?" He turned his head slightly while continuing to focus on his soldiers. "I've been watching these rookies from when they were just cadets, and now they're full-fledged Rune Knights! You can't help but be proud of their efforts!"

"I suppose so..." Erza answered plainly as she watched the soldiers train, her face plain and devoid of emotion. "You and your men seem to be making good progress..."

Sighing at the redhead's monotone tone, Mest huffed with a chuckle and half-smiled at Erza. "I suppose you're still feeling down because of Natsu's departure, huh?" Mest sighed as Erza kept looking forward. "You know, I'm sure that he would probably want you to move on."

"Well, that's not going to happen, so there's no need to discuss that." Mest flinched at Erza's sudden, harsh, stern tone and glare.

"B-But Erza, don't you think five years is enough time to get over?!" The man then cringed and sweated profusely as the redhead glared even harder and stood before him, arms crossed.

With darkened eyes and an intimidating aura, powerful enough to make even the nearby soldiers sense and quiver fearfully from it, Erza spoke firmly and deeply. "My emotions are mine alone, and how I choose to deal with them is my choice. Understand...?"

Bowing before her, Mest sucked in his cheeks and nodded frantically, making his soldiers' eyes widen at their leader's response. "A-Aye, ma'am!"

'Just how terrifying is his Guild Master?!' The soldiers stood, mouths gaping and expressions shocked.

"Good, and besides," Erza sighed as she looked at the horizon, her mind focusing on the Fire Dragon Slayer and remembering the numerous moments she and he had. "... For everything he's done for me, I don't think I could ever move on from Natsu. I care for him greatly and need to see him again." She then firmed her gaze as she stood. "That's why I'll keep looking for him so I can tell him how I feel."

Mest sighed as he stood, rubbing his neck. "I suppose I can say I'll be rooting for you, but I don't know the chances because if no one in the guild or any of my men could find him, I don't see."

A sudden and loud chirping caused both Erza and Mest to flinch, quickly silencing the Teleportation Wizard. Looking down at her skirt pocket, Erza pulled out a Miniature Communication Lacrima, and her eyes widened as a miniature hologram of Jellal appeared on the screen, sporting a suspiciously cheery smirk.

"Hello, Prime Master~!" The hologram of Jellal smiled happily as he raised his pointed palm to the side sky after saluting.

"Jellal, did I not instruct you to call me unless of an emergency or something that requires my attention?" Erza yelled, eyes white with anger, into the phone, scaring both Mest and his soldiers.

"Oh, ho~ But Prime Master, this is something that requires your attention. For you see, the guild entrance was destroyed by a scuffle between some guild members."

Sighing as she rubbed her forehead, Erza groaned in annoyance at Jellal. "I can have that fixed by tomorrow morning with the special construction crew the guild has! Why would that need my attention?"

"It's not the construction that needs your attention~" The redhead halted her complaint as Jellal quickly cut her off, surprising her with his amused grin. "It's the guild member that requires your attention. You see, this member unknowingly destroyed it," He then chuckled as he saw Erza's curious gaze before he looked towards the side. "I've been told that this certain member often causes destruction whenever he comes back to the guild. He's even here with us now, having a good time after being away for so long."

'This is probably Gildarts...' Erza sighed and rolled her eyes before frowning, annoyed, then focusing on Jellal.

"And funny enough, the request for you to meet him came from none other than Wendy Marvell, who found them on her recent job!" That new statement had made Erza blink in surprise before she had focused on the information, slowly rising her head to meet Jellal's amused smile.

"...And who exactly is this member I need to meet?" Erza asked cautiously as she raised an eyebrow.

"Sadly, I cannot say as we all feel that you and this member should meet privately, and we must ensure you two meet after so long! But I cannot spare any other details! But this meeting is in dire need of occuring so we ask you come back, Prime Master Erza!"

Slowly blinking, the Lacrima then buzzed out and shut down. Erza held it in her hand as she rubbed her tongue against her cheeks, shaking her head before turning towards the direction of the train station, making Mest's eyes widen greatly. "E-Erza, wait! Where are you going now?!"

"I'm heading back to Fairy Tail!" Erza shouted as she continued to storm off, eyes determined and focused. "Either I'm going to kick somebody's ass, or I'm in for a shock, I don't know. Either way, I need to find out! I'm off!"

Soon enough, the Titania disappeared, making Mest stare in astonishment at the distance. One of his younger cadets walked up to him and tapped his shoulder. "Chief, do you think we should follow your Guild Master? You know, to make sure she's OK?"

Chuckling at the young blonde man, Mest smiled but shook his head. "For as long as I've known Erza, once she has her mind on something, she's going to do it. This is the same woman who took on 100 monsters, after all!"

Laughing heartily and waving to his fellow guild members as he walked out the slowly being-put-back-together entrance with Jellal, Natsu then turned his head towards the sapphire-haired man as he sighed and walked. "So, you're no longer a Guild Master, Jellal? That would seem boring."

Chuckling at Natsu's slight pout, Jellal smiled as he shook his head. "I'm still technically a Guild Master, Natsu. Since Crime Sorcière and Fairy Tail merged, I handle the duties of Crime Sorcière, including the new members and sorting through requests. Surprising, it's similar to the job I had with the Magic Council!"

"Huh! That's cool! Then," the Fire Dragon frowned as he raised an eyebrow, pondering. "Why isn't the place called Crime Tail or Fairy Sorcière?"

"I doubt everyone wouldn't want to change the name of the most well-known guild in all of Fiore that saved the country multiple times."

Natsu opened his mouth and held a finger up momentarily before he pondered this, before lowering his hand and closing his mouth as he realized that Jellal was right. "...That makes sense."

Jellal smiled as he patted Natsu's back while looking at his stunned gaze. "Well, it helps I've been the Assistant Guild Master for five years so I can come up with good quick answers~!"

"Yeah, I can see." Sharing a light laugh, Natsu then looked toward the setting sun dipping down the horizon across the coast of Magnolia. "...I missed that sight. That golden glow of theSunn before it's night, it always feels like a good end of the day, ya know?"

"Funny enough, I do." Jellal joined Natsu in watching the settingSunn. "Right as I fill out the last bit of paperwork, I can get a moment to stretch and relax! I just stare at that sight and somehow I'm as calm as can be with looking forward to seeing my lover before bed. You know, you could have shared that sort of thing if you had stayed here, Natsu!"

The Dragon Slayer snorted as he crossed his arms, standing to lean his head away from Jellal. "Jellal, listen, you guys are my family, I doubt you all care enough to want me to your lovers..."

"That is very true, but what about a certain redhead, hmm~?"

"I'm not going to go after your wife, dude, relax." Natsu cringed and sweatdropped at Jellal's cheeky smirk.

Cringing as he stepped back, Jellal frowned as he crossed his arms and stood. "Erza and I aren't married, Natsu."

Raising an eyebrow at the Heavenly Body Wizard's sudden mood and facial change, Natsu asked Jellal cautiously. "I... Figured dating for five years would be enough."

"We're not dating either," Natsu flinched at Jellal's statement. "I'll have you know Lucy and I have been going steady for three years since you've been away!"

"Oh, wow! That's great! I'm glad you have each other!... WAIT! You and Erza aren't dating or married?!"

Standing while blinking slowly, Jellal opened his tightly pressed eyelids to gaze at Natsu's confused-riddled face after he shouted. 'Well, to be fair, everyone else were a bit shocked at first too... Until they found out we were already living together.' "Yeap. I'm lucky to be Lucy's boyfriend... Natsu, can you do me a favor and next time you shout like that, give me a heads-up when you're that close...?"

Cringing as he covered his mouth after seeing the impact of his powerful voice had on Jellal, spreading his hair and face. "W-Whoops! S-Sorry, Jellal! Dragon lungs are mighty powerful huh?"

"Oh, I definitely see!" Jellal exclaimed before rubbing his cheeks to relax his muscles and letting his hair return to its usual expression. "Whoa! But you know, Erza hasn't dated anyone in these past five years."

"W-What? Why?!"

"Oh, she was determined to find a certain Fire Dragon Slayer and bring him back before she would."

Natsu then sighed as he closed his eyes and lightly lowered his head. 'Of course, she would do that... And she probably still wouldn't until I got back!... Why would she do that for me?' He then gazed at Jellal as the sapphire man's face finally returned to normal. "... Has this new Prime Master been treating Erza alright?"

Jellal calmly grinned while lifting his head. "Well, the new Prime Master prioritizes the needs of our guild members, ensures our well-being and that we have jobs readily available, allows evey guild members to have the freedom to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't break the rules, but sadly the Prime Master is quite reserved and often tends to shun the other members away from their problems and put up on a tough face."

"That's not right! The Prime Master of Fairy Tail shouldn't feel that way! Fairy Tail is a family!" Natsu shouted after furrowing his eyebrows at Jellal.

"I know, that's what we've been saying but they just don't seem to get it unfortunately," Jellal sighed with faux sadness, shaking his head and placing his hands on his hips. "They've been very closed off for these past five years and we just simply don't know what to do..."

Natsu looked down at the ground, then back before slightly lifting his gaze towards it as he furrowed his brow. "...Maybe I could speak with them. Offer a different perspective on things and help them open up, ya know?"

Turning his gaze up at the Dragon Slayer, Jellal looked at Natsu hopefully, but their eyes widened when the Dragon Slayer smiled; he saw a familiar redhead walking towards them. "Well, you have your first opportunity now, Natsu. Because it is good to see you, Prime Master!"

Eyes widening, Natsu immediately began turning around after Jellal's happy shout. "L-Let me introduce myself to you, Prime Master!"

Walking up to the guild, Erza sighed while rubbing her brow as she continued to walk, lifting her head to meet the gaze of her guild members. "Jellal, this better not be some kind of prank, I had to immediately rush back here to!"

As the two Wizards finally gazed at each other, both their eyes widened, and they stood still as if time had come to a halt, with the two of them sharing this lapse in time. They stared at each other in shock, astonished by the sight of one another.

"... N-Natsu...?" Being the first to break the silence, Erza meekly asked with a whisper as she slowly began stepping towards the Fire Dragon Slayer, her eyes slowly misting and shaking. "... Is it really you? H-Have my prayers finally been answered?"

"E-Erza? F-Fancy meeting you here!" Natsu sheepishly joked with a shaky grin before flinching and turning towards Jellal. "Wait! You mean to tell me Erza's the Prime Master?!"

"Indeed~ She's been waiting for you to return, Natsu~! And now you have, we'll let you two catch up~!"

"C-Catch up?! Bastard, you tricked!" However, as Natsu fully turned around, Jellal immediately zoomed back into the guild with everyone else, who were grinning cheekily. 'Damnit, you guys!'

Natsu immediately flinched as Erza hastily grabbed and held his hand, causing him to turn and look at the redhead, his eyes widening at the exasperated expression she had. "I-It is you, Natsu... You... You finally came back."

Surprised by the grip she had on his hand, Natsu then gazed at Erza's face. "Y-Yeah. I'm," he sighed before turning to focus on the redhead, his eyes widening at the dazed expression on her face, noticing her legs shaking as she stood. "I-I'm sorry I left. We should get inside so you can."

"No!" Erza's shout quickly silenced the Fire Dragon Slayer, surprising both him and the members inside. She then lifted her hand and caressed Natsu's face while tenderly gazing at him. "... I'm sorry, it's just. I'd rather be home with you than spend time at the guild now. I. I need to be alone with you right now, Natsu."

"U-Um, I thought men weren't allowed into Fairy Hills."

"Not there," Natsu nervously gulped as Erza held her face mere inches from his as she hastily and firmly spoke. "Our home! Let's go!"

"'L-let's go?' I don't even know! AH!" Natsu yelped as Erza nodded before grabbing his hand and pulling him away in the direction of Magnolia's forest. "WaAit a sec, Erza! W-Where are we going?!"

However, the pair soon departed as Erza hastily dragged Natsu away, and despite the unusual display, the guild members smiled happily. Still smiling warmly, Wendy turned her head towards Lucy.

"You think Natsu's finally going to stay with us, Lucy?"

"Oh, he won't have any choice," Lucy answered with a cocky smirk. "Now that he's back, I'm sure Erza's going to keep a tight hold on him and make sure he doesn't sneak off ever again~!"

"E-Erza! Wait a minute! Where are we even going?!" Natsu hastily asked as the redhead sped-walked while pulling his arm as she dragged further and further into the deep forest landscape of Magnolia.

"I told you, home," Erza answered as she kept walking, holding Natsu, without stopping, with laser focus on the destination.

"And that's what I'm trying to fingure out! Whose home?!" The Fire Dragon Slayer furrowed his brow as he stared at the redhead, almost stumbling as she came to an abrupt stop.

Erza smiled warmly as she turned towards Natsu, standing in front of a new but strangely familiar house. "I told you, our home."

As Natsu stood behind the redhead, his eyes widened as he studied the house. It was a multi-story building that oddly seemed to have the size of a forest mansion with raised columns made not to disturb the natural landscape, a thick but sturdy wooden frame that formed like a forest cabin, with the same look and feel as his original home, including the same quaint mailbox in front of it. "... It... It's still here..."

"I wouldn't allow for it to be taken down," Erza smiled as she gazed at Natsu's astonished gaze before looking back at the house. "After you left, Happy moved in with Lucy and Jellal, making everyone think that your home would be taken down by the town. But I soon moved into it after becoming the Guild Master and renovated it in time for your return so I suppose you can say it is now Natsu and Erza's home."

"T-Thank you..." As Natsu turned his head back to Erza, he slowly bowed his head to the redhead as he thanked her, making her giggle and shake her other hand.

"It's quite alright Natsu, I swear! As I said before, I wouldn't allow it to be taken down. I couldn't anyway," Erza smiled dreamily at the house while holding Natsu's hand. "I couldn't allow the home of someone I care for more than anything be destroyed." Smiling at Natsu's sheepish but astonished expression, Erza then walked into the home while holding onto the Dragon Slayer.

Following the redhead's lead back into his old renovated home, Natsu's eyes widened at the inside. Everything was, somewhat strangely, the same as before, but now there was much more furniture, stairs leading to two new upper floors, one of which was an attic, and the home was more spacious, with a larger kitchen, dining room, and living room spaces. There was a beautiful fireplace in the center of the living room, and above it was the same collage of happy memories and photos of the beautiful smiles of the fellow Fairy Tail members. Seeing his home in the same heartwarming state he'd left it in, Natsu's draconic eyes misted over as he sighed with a smile, the memory of leaving it coming to mind.

"Are you alright, Natsu?" Erza hastily questioned the Dragon Slayer as she noticed his misty eyes. "Was there something I missed or messed up?! I tried to have Happy lead the renovations so everything could be just as you left it, but if we!"

"No, no." Natsu quickly answered while lightly patting Erza's hand with a warm smile. "It's perfect, Erza. I mean it. It's even more perfect than it was before. Seriously, thank you." After the two shared a warm smile, Natsu grinned happily at Erza. "You know, you didn't have to do all of this, Erza. I don't think that I'm deserving of something like this!"

However, Natsu was quickly silenced as Erza caressed his cheek, making him stiffen as he closed his mouth and his eyes widened. "Of course I did, and I'll happily do it every time for you and just for you~ I." She lightly bit her lower lip before gazing into Natsu's surprised orbs. "I missed you, and I mean that. More than anyone in the guild, and there will never be anyone who comes before you. It hurt immensely when you left, and I thought that I would never feel as happy as I do right now. And you know what? I know that I'll never feel this happy again unless you're here with me..." The redhead then pressed her head into the Dragon Slayer's chest as she hugged him. "...Why did you did you leave? I was so scared and felt so alone... Was it something we or maybe... I did?"

"W-What?! No!" Natsu immediately shook his head while looking down at Erza after staring in stunned disbelief at the redhead. "I left because it was something that happened to me, I left because I was trying to protect you guys!"

Lifting her head to gaze at Natsu with an astonished expression, Erza hastily exclaimed to the Dragon Slayer. "S-So, we made you afraid?! I! I didn't mean for us to make you fear your safety, Natsu. I apologize! Now that you've returned, I will esnure that everyone treats you kindly from now on!"

"T-That's not what I meant, Erza!" Natsu yelled, eyebrows furrowed, staring at the redhead in astonishment.

"Then, what do you mean?!"

Flinching at her exasperated yell and concerned gaze, Natsu sighed and held Erza's hands. "Let me go of me for a minute."

Furrowing her brow as she shook her head, Erza immediately tried to step closer to the Dragon Slayer. "Natsu, I will do no such thing!"

"Please, Erza," the redhead then halted her exclamation as Natsu firmly complained while continuing to stare into her unsure chocolate orbs. "I promise that I won't be going away. It would be easier to understand if I showed you, so please. Let me show you why I've been gone for so long and maybe it can help you understand."

Sucking her pursed lips in briefly, Erza focused on Natsu for a few minutes before sighing and nodding, allowing him to be freed from her hold, and as she let him go, she raised an eyebrow as Natsu began taking off his cloak and shirt. However, as the red sleeveless vest slid off his torso, Erza's eyes widened at what she saw. The draconic horns weren't the only physical change he had undergone. His arms, chest, stomach, and the exposed parts of his legs were covered in crimson with yellowish salmon highlights, dragon scales. Studying his now bulkier than before muscular and scaly body, Erza raised her head to meet Natsu's empathetic half-grin as she meekly asked. "Wh... Why do you have these, Nat?"

"Because I'm no longer human, Erza." Erza's eyes widened as she stared at Natsu in utter disbelief.

"... What?"

Sighing as he raised his head, Natsu closed his eyes as he lowered from his brief stare at the ceiling. "... You remember Ignia and the Dragon Gods, Erza?"

Quickly nodding, Erza immediately answered the Dragon Slayer. "Of course I do! Did! Did he do this to you?"

"Technically, he and Acnologia did this to me." Natsu gazed plainly but firmly at the surprised redhead. "Dragon Slayers aren't just given the ability to slay Dragons with strength that matches theirs, having enough of their blood-."

"But you're not a dragon murder, Natsu!"

"Or if the Slayer's factors align with the Dragons," Natsu pressed his right index finger onto Erza's lip, softly silencing and calming the frantic redhead. "Then it's possible for the Dragon Slayer to develop Dragonification, and being that I was the one who defeated Acnologia and ingested Ignia's flames, the newly awoken Dragon Seed in my body began to grow. Until it hatched when I killed and defeated my second Dragon... Ignia."

Erza's eyes widened as she gasped. "You... Killed Ignia...?"

Natsu lightly pursed his lips as he slowly nodded with his eyes closed before looking at the redhead. "...Yes."

Studying Natsu's gaze and facial expression, Erza then closed her eyes as she asked him. "... What would have happened if you hadn't?"

"Every human, both in Alvarez and Ishgar, would have either been forcefully and painfully transformed into Dragons, losing their humanity in the process. Or they would have been slaughtered and massacred by both Ignia and the Black Wizard Faris in a war that would have never ended, as it would have been a contest between the two on who could kill and destroy the most. It was included with the challenge notice he sent after we came back from Guiltina, after we spoke with Selena and Mercphobia about handling the other rogue Dragons." Natsu attempted to explain with a slight hint of humor, forcing a grin. He then frowned as he looked down at Erza's hands while he held them. "I couldn't let my friends and family suffer like that, so I left. I left all of you as a self-sacrifice to ensure that you and every human would be able to have your freedoms and peace to continue living with consciousness rather than live as slaves and cattle, because I would never forgive myself if I allowed that to happen. So, I'm sorry," He then let go of Erza's hands and held his fists by his sides as he bowed his head. "I'm sorry for causing you sadness and hurt for these past five years. I've been nothing but a pathetic bastard, and I know I am! I shouldn't have the honor of having you prepare this for me after I left you and everyone like that, so I'm fine with you taking your aggression out on me!"

However, to Natsu's surprise, Erza held his cheeks and swiftly snatched his lips, widening the Dragon Slayer's eyes, and as the redhead slowly pulled away from his lips, he meekly asked with red dusting his cheeks.

"W-Why did you?"

"Don't ever do that again."

Slowly blinking at the redhead's sudden stern gaze, Natsu opened his mouth to curl his lips inward before tilting his head as he asked. "D-Don't ever do what again...?"

Firmly pressing the Dragon Slayer's cheeks together as she held them, Erza firmly gazed into Natsu's unsure eyes with her hardened dark eyes. "Don't ever belittle or tear yourself down ever again, understand? You left our guild on a mission to not only protect us, but the entire human race in two countries that were once at war with each other, and prevented the same tragedy from happening again. You were nothing but truly honorable, and we should be thankful for what you've done! You should be mad at me for being an emotional bitch than beat yourself up."

"E-Erza, you're not that and you will never be!" The redhead flinched and stared at Natsu, surprised as he hastily yelled his disapproval. "Don't call yourself that!"

"B-But it's true, Natsu! I haven't been faithful to your abilities, and I've been nothing but depressing to others because of it!"

"No, you haven't!" Natsu shook his head as he exclaimed, astonishing the redhead. "I left without telling you or anyone and even after completing my duties, I still shunned you and everyone else out of my life as I regained my consciousness. If I had came back, I'd been nothing but a ruthless beast and I wouldn't want to the family I care about, especially the woman I love most than anyone else so I won't allow you to berate yourself!"

Erza's eyes widened as her cheeks flushed red, her chocolate orbs glistening. "You love me...?"

Irises twitching, Natsu sheepishly rubbed his neck and blushed, pouting cutely. "... Of course, I always have and I always will. You've always been the love of my life and I'm never going to stop loving you... B-But, you probably don't feel the same, and it's OK!" He quickly shook his hands and sadly smiled at the redhead. "I get it, you probably wouldn't want!"

Natsu's eyes widened again as Erza pushed onto the large leather living room couch while taking his lips once more. "E-Er! Mmm! Erza, what's?" She swiftly kissed him, making Natsu sit stunned as he felt the redhead slide her tongue into his mouth hungrily. "E-Erza! What's wrong with?!" Stiffening in astonishment for this time as the redhead quickly took off her armor and blouse, sitting on Natsu's groin with only a lacy black bra as a top, while wearing her blue skirt. "W-Why did you take off your clothes?!"

"Because you've made it swell for you~!" Erza shouted while gazing at Natsu with a passionate longing. "I! I can't hold back anymore...~ I need to embrace you, Natsu!"

"W-Wait a minute! W-What did I do?! What's swelled?!" After nervously stammering, Natsu then blushed heavily with comedic wide eyes as Erza grabbed his hands and placed them on her ample, well-endowed chest.

"My heart~" Erza panted with pink-dusting cheeks, holding Natsu's hands on her chest as she stared into his nervous eyes with her dark and lustful ones. "You've made it swell and beat fast for you, and you've been the only one whose had that effect on me! You have this effect on me because I love you and only you! I've loved you since we were children, since we formed Team Natsu, since you nearly died for me by saving me from the Tower! You have been the only person that I found worthy of having my heart and hearing you feel the same way. Natsu, I." She sighed as she leaned into Natsu's face and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I... I can't hold my love for you...~."

Blushing heavily at the redhead's lustful expression, Natsu stared at Erza's face in utter shock, stunned by how the redhead was acting. "I-I! Uh! I-I'm glad that I can make your heart feel! Mmm~! Er-Mmza~! ErzM! Mmm~! Erza, wait a!"

Shaking her head briefly as Natsu attempted to pull away, Erza thrust her lips onto Natsu's before pulling away to whisper to him. "No...~ I can't stop~ Mmm~ I finally have you with me again and we're in our home... Mmm~ I~ I need to show how much I missed and love you...~."

"I-Isn't there a better way to than kissing me constantly?!" Natsu hastily exclaimed with blushing cheeks.

"There is one other way I'll be satifised." Erza smiled, causing Natsu to quickly gaze at her curiously.

Leaning his face into hers, Natsu immediately asked the redhead. "And what do I need to do?"

"Mark me as yours...~" The Fire Dragon Slayer cringed with red cheeks as Erza huskily whispered into his ear.

"H-Huh?! B-But, Erza, you can't say stuff like that! I-It doesn't mean!"

"Does it not mean that I will have a permanent physical mark on my body that binds you and I together for the rest of our lives and ensures our souls stay together as a fated couple?" Erza asked plainly with a firm expression, firmly pouting at Natsu.

Sitting on the couch, completely dumbfounded, Natsu answered by slowly nodding. "... It does." Erza smiled happily, but Natsu curiously raised an eyebrow while slowly tilting his head. "... How do you know that?"

"Gajeel and Wendy told me about it after Gajeel married and marked Levy~."

Opening his mouth, then closing it as his eyes widened briefly before he focused on the redhead, Natsu frowned with realization, then sighed and smiled. 'Of course they did...' "B-But you're sure that you would want something like that? I-I mean, it hurts at first and you wouldn't be able to have any flings."

"I don't want that," Natsu was quickly silenced after Erza leaned into his face. "I don't want flings with other people, I don't even want to be that kind of relationship with no one but you, Natsu! I want you and only you! I want you to be mine and for me to be yours indefinitely and I don't care if it hurts or permanent, I want to belong to you."

Gulping nervously, Natsu then sighed through his nose as he nodded before looking at Erza with a firm warmth. "Then, tell me when it hurts too bad, alright?" After sharing a nod, Natsu smiled before taking Erza's lips.

As the two soon melded tongues, Natsu soothingly yet sensually caressed, massaged, and rubbed Erza's back and ass as he kissed the redhead, causing her to moan as they kissed. Pulling away from the woman's lips, Natsu then kissed, licked, sucked, and nibbled Erza's jawline, cheeks, and neck while wrapping his arms around her back, one hand sliding up and rubbing her back, and the other squeezing her ass harder than rubbing it and kneading the peachy bottom.

"Ahhhn~ Ahmn~ Ahh~" Moaning louder after the Dragon Slayer pulled away from her lips, Erza wrapped her arms around Natsu's neck once more, pulling him back tightly against her as he continued to kiss, lick, suck, and nibble her earlobe while massaging her ass. "Na...~ Ahhn~! Natsu~"

"Am I doing badly...?" Natsu huskily whispered into Erza's ear, soothingly rubbing her thigh as he began slowing down. "Do you want me to stop...?"

"No~!" Erza immediately held Natsu's hand on her thigh, shouting and shaking her head with flushed cheeks. "I don't want that! I-It's just," The redhead blushed while looking down at Natsu sheepishly. "You're just better at this than I thought...You just surprised me, I want you to still mark me."

Blinking at the redhead, Natsu then smiled and kissed her once more, surprising Erza. "I'm just going by instinct, I do want to bring you pleasure after all."

Erza pouted cutely at Natsu, making the Dragon Slayer chuckle. "You don't need to worry about doing more, you bring me happiness and pleasure regardless."

"Then, I'll have to ensure I keep doing so, as your lover~!" Smiling at the redhead's blush, Natsu then trailed down her neck with kisses and licked, sucked, kissed, and nibbled her right shoulder, softening and preparing the area as she panted and moaned before Natsu's canines extended like a snake's and he swiftly bit down onto Erza's skin.

"AGAHHN!" Erza yelled painfully as she gripped Natsu tightly as he tore her skin and bit into her innerthighn.

As the crimson liquid spilled out of her shoulder, Natsu licked the wound clean and healed it with soothing but intense flames, filling Erza's body with the same fire and calming her down. Studying the redhead's expression with his golden eyes, he then pressed his lips onto the scar mark,k and as he pulled away, the circular scar mark glowed orange as it finished forming into a circular design of a red dragon wearing golden armor flying in front of a yellow sun with seven silver swords surrounding it. Smiling at his handiwork, Natsu kissed the mark and then turned towards Erza.

"And now, we are love bound and now there's nothing from keeping us together."

"Good," Erza swiftly kissed Natsu, surprising him, and as she pulled away to look at his stunned face, a warm but lustful smile graced her lips. "Now, there's nothing stopping me from taking these lips, I'm not gonna stop until we've paid that five-year-snuggle debt~."

Steam erupting from his ears as she lustfully smirked at him, Natsu frantically shouted at Erza. "WHAT?! E-Er-Mmzma?!" Unfortunately, he had no time to voice his rebuttal as Erza took his lips once more, locking him onto the couch and dominating this battle of tongues. As Erza passionately kissed Natsu, he couldn't help but think Wendymighty have been right about his disappearance.

'I'm glad that everyone accepted me back, including Erza, and I promise that now that I'm back! I'll never leave again! B-But if being gone for five years warrants this... I may not want to consider leaving in the first place!'