Enjoyoyo!

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Chapter Eight - The Truth

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The festive mood in Crocus was almost surreal. Lanterns lit the night sky, food stalls lined the streets, and laughter filled the air. The citizens of Crocus and members of the various guilds were gathered in the central square, celebrating their survival and the recent victory over the dragon invasion. Music played in the background, and people cheered as the trauma of the battle began to fade, at least for a little while.

In the midst of all this, Princess Hisui E. Fiore stood atop a platform, her expression somber as she looked over the crowd. She held a lacrima in her hand, her voice projected through it to ensure that everyone could hear her clearly.

"Everyone, may I have your attention for a moment?" Hisui began, her voice soft but enough to hush the crowd. The music quieted down, and eyes turned toward her, the air shifting to a more serious tone. She took a deep breath, her expression reflecting both gratitude and sadness.

"I know tonight is meant to be a celebration—of our victory, of our survival," she said, her voice carrying through the square. "But before we can celebrate, there's something I need to say."

She paused, her gaze dropping for a moment before she met the eyes of the gathered crowd once again. "The events that led to this—the opening of the Eclipse Gate, the arrival of the dragons... i-it was my decision that set everything into motion... I made a choice that put all of your lives at risk, and for that, I cannot apologize enough..."

The crowd grew still, the weight of her words sinking in. "I-I made a mistake," she continued, her voice cracking slightly. "One that cost us so much. And I know an apology isn't enough to undo what happened, but I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me..."

She swallowed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But amid all of this darkness, there were those who stood up, who fought to protect each and every one of us. Among them, there was one mage who stood above the rest—a man who gave everything for us, for Fiore."

Her eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on the Fairy Tail guild members, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Natsu Dragneel… or Tobi, as many of you knew him now… He gave his life to protect us. He faced the dragons alone when no one else could, and because of his sacrifice, we stand here today."

She paused, the emotions clearly visible on her face. "Tonight, we honor Natsu Dragneel...! a hero of Fiore. His courage, his strength, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, although the tone was solemn. The name "Natsu Dragneel" echoed through the square, glasses raised in tribute. The members of Fairy Tail stood quietly, many of them fighting back tears. The crowd erupted into cheers, but it was tinged with sadness.

Fairy Tail members looked on, many with tears in their eyes. Wendy bit her lip, her heart aching at the mention of Natsu's sacrifice. She could barely hold back her tears as she whispered, "Natsu-san…"

Erza stood beside Wendy, her eyes closed, a solemn expression on her face. She clenched her fist, the words of Hisui striking deep. The realization that Natsu had given everything—again—made her heart ache. She took in a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "We'll bring you back Natsu... I don't care what it takes..." she whispered under her breath.

Gray stood not far from them, his jaw clenched, his eyes shadowed with regret. "Damn it, flame-brain…" he muttered. He could feel the knot of anger and grief in his chest tighten. "Why do you always have to play the hero?"

Juvia, standing close by, wiped her eyes with her sleeve, her usual cheeriness nowhere to be found. "Juvia… Juvia wishes Natsu-sama could be here… He is always saving us all…"

Gajeel crossed his arms, looking away as he grumbled under his breath. "Idiot… We didn't even get to finish our rematch."

Ultear, watching from a distance, felt her chest tighten at the mention of Natsu. She had seen him vanish before her eyes, saving her—choosing to save her instead of himself.

Meredy watched Ultear, her eyes filled with concern. "Ultear... it's not your fault," she said softly, trying to comfort her friend.

"But it is... If only I were stronger... If only I wasn't such a damsel in distress at the most crucial moment, then Natsu..." Ultear's voice broke, tears welling up in her eyes.

Jellal stepped forward, his eyes gentle but firm. "Stop, Ultear. Natsu wouldn't want you to be beating yourself up like this," he said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Ultear clenched her fists, her expression hardening as her tears fell. "I don't care what happens... I'll find a way to bring him back. I have to...!" she said, her voice filled with newfound determination.

Minerva, who was also present, stood silently, her face shadowed. The thought of Natsu—the one she had come to care for deeply—being gone twisted something painfully in her chest. She refused to believe he was gone forever. "He's not dead," she muttered to herself, her fists clenched. "He can't be."

Kagura, her expression pained, looked up at the sky, her thoughts conflicted. She had come to admire Natsu's strength, his resolve, and now he was gone. "Dragneel…" she whispered, her heart heavy.

The crowd continued to cheer, but for those who knew Natsu, it felt hollow. A void that couldn't be filled by the festive atmosphere around them. The cheers of the people, the clinking of glasses, and the joyful music all seemed distant to those who mourned their friend.

Hisui, stepping down from the platform, looked out over the crowd, her eyes finding the Fairy Tail and Sabertooth members. She walked towards them, her expression apologetic. "I… I'm so sorry," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "If I hadn't opened the Eclipse Gate…"

Erza shook her head, her eyes filled with a mix of grief and determination. "No, Princess, it wasn't your fault," she said, her voice breaking slightly.

She took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she thought of Natsu. "Natsu... he made his choice. He chose to protect all of us, even if it meant sacrificing himself. It's who he is—always putting everyone else first, always bearing the weight of it all." Her voice wavered, and she clenched her fists, her heart aching with each word. "That's just who Natsu is... even when it costs him everything."

Hisui nodded, her tears finally spilling over. "I promise you, if there's anything I can do to help bring him back… I will do it."

Lucy stepped forward, her voice breaking as she spoke. "We all will. We owe him that much."

"How touching," Minerva scoffed, her arms crossed, stepping closer with a mix of disdain and disbelief on her face. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at the members of Fairy Tail. "You speak as though you care about him now. Isn't it a little late for regrets?"

The tension in the room thickened. Fairy Tail members turned toward her, their expressions shifting from sorrow to defensive anger.

Erza stepped forward, her brows furrowing, her tone sharp. "What do you mean by that?"

Minerva met Erza's fierce gaze without flinching, her voice laced with bitterness. "I mean that it's awfully rich of you to mourn him now, after what you did. Leaving someone like him behind? The one person I heard was the most loyal of you all?" Minerva paused, her eyes shifting to meet each Fairy Tail member in turn. "The Salamander Natsu Dragneel. The man who would do anything for his guild, the one who would face death without a second thought for his friends… abandoned."

She stepped closer, her eyes locking onto Lucy's. "Do you think you deserve to call him a comrade now? Do you think your words mean anything after betraying him?"

Lucy's lips quivered, her eyes wide and glistening with tears that she could no longer hold back. "You don't understand..." she began, her voice weak.

"Don't understand?" Minerva repeated, a hint of rage slipping into her voice. "I understand perfectly. I know what betrayal feels like, what it means to be cast aside by the very people you trusted. You speak of guilt, but does that really change anything? You're here, partying, celebrating, while Natsu is—"

"That's enough!" Erza interrupted, her voice trembling with emotion. Her eyes were wide, tears brimming. "We know we were wrong, Minerva. There is nothing we can do to change what happened, but we're doing everything we can now to make things right."

Laxus stepped forward, his eyes narrowed, fists clenched. "You think we don't know how bad we messed up? You think we haven't paid for it every day since?"

Sting stepped up beside Minerva, his expression just as fierce. "Then maybe it's time someone else makes you pay for it. I always looked up to Natsu-san. There is no way I can just let this go...!"

The atmosphere became electric with tension, as both guilds seemed ready to clash.

Gray gritted his teeth, stepping up beside Gajeel. "You want a fight, Sabertooth? We'll give you one."

"Stop it...!" Wendy cried, her voice breaking as she stepped between the two groups, her small frame trembling. Tears streamed down her face, her desperation clear. "Please, we can't do this. We can't lose anyone else."

Juvia, standing beside Wendy, nodded, her own eyes misty. "Natsu-sama wouldn't want this. He sacrificed himself for all of us, and here we are, ready to tear each other apart."

Minerva's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Wendy, but her stance remained firm. "Words are easy. Actions are what matter. And right now, all I see are people who abandoned their so-called family."

Erza stepped forward again, her eyes blazing with determination. She moved in front of Wendy protectively, her voice unwavering. "We failed him, yes. But we will bring him back. We'll make it right, even if it costs us everything."

Minerva stared at Erza for a moment, her lips pressed into a thin line. She looked like she wanted to say more, to lash out again, but instead, she shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "I hope for your sake you get the chance to make it right. Because if you don't, then you'll just have to live with the knowledge that you failed him... twice."

Rogue stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Gray. "Do you really think you deserve that chance? After everything, why would Natsu-san even want to come back to you guys?"

Gray clenched his fists, his voice low but filled with emotion. "Because he's our family. And we may have messed up, but we won't stop fighting for him. Not now, not ever."

Arcadios, noticing the heightened tension, quickly stepped forward to defuse the situation. "Everyone, please, let's not turn on one another. We have all suffered through this ordeal. Natsu Dragneel's sacrifice was for all of us, and the least we can do is respect that by not fighting among ourselves."

Hisui, her voice trembling slightly, added, "We need to honor his memory by coming together, not tearing each other apart..."

The tension slowly began to dissipate, though the air was still heavy with emotion. Members of both guilds stepped back, their expressions a mix of sadness and guilt. The confrontation had left a deep impact, and Minerva's words lingered in their hearts.

Makarov took a deep breath, stepping forward. The members of Fairy Tail glanced at him, seeing the guilt written all over his face. He turned his gaze to Hisui and gave her a grateful nod before his eyes moved toward his own guild. "We need to have a discussion. Now."

Erza took a step forward, her gaze unwavering as her eyes met Makarov's. The pain was clear, but behind it was a determination, a demand for truth. "Master..." her voice trembled slightly, though it carried her strength.

"We trusted you. I trusted you. But what really happened that day, when you decided to leave Natsu behind? We deserve to know the truth. I still refuse to believe that you made that decision with the right mind! The Fairy Tail I grew up with would never choose to abandon their own...!"

Gray's brow furrowed, his voice filled with frustration and disbelief. "Natsu would never have left us behind. And yet, we just abandoned him... Why?"

Wendy, tears brimming in her eyes, clung to Carla. "Natsu-san always protected us... He would've never abandoned us like that."

Makarov sighed deeply, his head hanging low. "I know," he started, his voice strained, "I know how it looks. But that day, I saw Acnologia and the devastation it was capable of. I truly believed that staying meant death for all of us." His gaze lifted, meeting each of theirs. "I thought I was saving as many of you as I could. I thought Natsu was lost, and I made a choice—perhaps the wrong one—but one I thought I had to make. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make."

"That's not good enough, Master," Gray spoke up, his voice filled with frustration. "So we just left him behind? Without knowing for sure? How could you—how could WE make that choice...!?"

Makarov's expression faltered. He tried to maintain his composure, but the cracks began to show. "I know, children. I know what I did, and I have regretted it every single day since." He sighed deeply, his eyes filled with sorrow. "But at that moment, with no signs of life and with the threat of Acnologia, I made a decision to protect all of you..."

Mavis, who had been listening quietly, floated forward. Her ethereal presence seemed to glow even brighter as she spoke. "Master Makarov, I need to know—and I ask all of you as well—do you really believe this was your own decision...?" she said, her voice steady but tinged with sadness.

Makarov looked up at the First, his eyes weary. "I don't know. Perhaps we were clouded by fear, by desperation. Perhaps our judgment was swayed by something we didn't understand at the time." He looked away, almost unable to meet Mavis's eyes while the rest of the members simply looked down in shame.

Mavis suddenly had a glint of an understanding in her eye that had eluded them before. Her voice, calm yet haunted, carried over the stillness, cutting into the very heart of the matter.

"I think I understand now..." Mavis began, her tone both kind and sorrowful.

Makarov blinked, confusion clear in his tired eyes. "What do you mean, First?" he asked, genuine curiosity laced in his words.

"I believe there was a malevolent presence acting upon you all that you failed to see..." The guild members glanced at each other uneasily, the realization setting in.

Mavis looked around, her gaze sweeping over the faces of her beloved guild members. Each face reflected anguish, pain, and a yearning to understand. She took a breath, steadying herself before she spoke. "During those moments on Tenrou Island, I sensed something... a darkness, a twisted energy that manipulated your fears and clouded your judgment."

She paused, letting her words sink in, watching the recognition start to dawn on a few faces.

"Ankhseram," she finally said, her voice now a whisper, heavy with significance. "The dark god responsible for Zeref's curse—the one who twisted his fate. I felt the echoes of that curse on Tenrou Island that day. It was subtle, but it was there. It warped your perception, magnified your fears, and dulled your resolve to fight for Natsu. It wasn't just your fear of Acnologia; there was something much darker at play, something that led you to abandon him."

Makarov's eyes widened at her words. "Zeref...?" he muttered, the name alone sending shivers down his spine. "If that's true, then..."

Lucy's eyes widened, the tears she had fought so hard to contain now spilling over. Her voice was thick with emotion, her body trembling as she spoke. "We were manipulated?" She took a shaky breath, her fists clenching. "All this time... we thought it was our decision..."

Gray's eyes narrowed, his voice harsh, yet the undertones of regret were clear. "We let something like that control us... We abandoned a comrade because we were too weak to see through it."

Mavis nodded sadly. "Even with manipulation, we bear responsibility for our actions. But understanding what happened is the first step in ensuring it never happens again."

Mavis continued, her voice gentle but resolute. "You must understand that what happened on Tenrou Island wasn't entirely your fault. It was a tragedy brought on by forces far beyond your control. But we must also learn from it, and grow stronger. We have to protect each other better—to never leave anyone behind again."

She looked directly at Makarov, her gaze softening. "Master, you did what you thought was best. But now we know, and we must face this truth together."

Gajeel, his teeth gritting, muttered, "All that manipulation crap is just an excuse to me. We still failed the guy. We let our fear overpower everything else."

Laxus, arms crossed, his gaze piercing, added, "I felt something was off back then. But I brushed it aside, believing you knew best, old man. We never even looked for real evidence, did we?" His voice was edged with frustration, the guilt obvious behind his eyes.

Erza clenched her fists. She spoke through gritted teeth, "If only I wasn't so weak! If only I was conscious, I would have beaten some sense into you all...!" She looked at Fairy Tail, her eyes now glistening with tears. "We failed him. And I will never forgive myself for that."

Mirajane, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her voice deceptively gentle, but carrying a chilling undertone. "So, this is what you all convinced yourselves of!?" She shot Makarov a sharp glance, and then looked around at the other guild members. "That leaving behind one of our own was somehow the best choice we had...!?" Her lips twitched as if she wanted to smile bitterly, but she held it in. "You all talk about having no other option, but that just sounds like an excuse."

Inside, a storm of emotions raged. You can try to justify it however you want, but it doesn't change the fact that you abandoned him. He was your family, and you threw him away without a second thought. Her mind flashed with memories of Natsu, of his unwavering loyalty, of the strength he'd shown for the sake of every member here. And then, of how they'd betrayed that trust.

Mirajane's eyes narrowed as she continued, her gaze filled with cold accusation. "The moment I woke up and realized what you'd all done, I couldn't believe it. I was disgusted." She turned her gaze to Makarov, her tone sharpening like a blade. "We weren't supposed to be like that... We were supposed to be better..."

Lisanna's eyes went wide, her breath catching in her throat as she heard her sister's words—words that cut through the heavy silence like a blade. "Mira-nee..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

The shock on her face was unmistakable; she had never seen Mirajane like this before. Her gentle, loving sister—so full of compassion—had never spoken with such coldness, such disdain. The intensity behind Mirajane's words left her stunned. She felt a knot of fear and confusion in her chest as she watched her sister, struggling to reconcile this new side of Mirajane with the person she had always known.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she hesitated before stepping closer to her sister. "Mira-nee, I... I know what happened was terrible. We made a terrible mistake. But we all suffered because of it—none of us wanted this..." Her voice cracked as she spoke, her emotions bubbling to the surface. She reached out, almost touching Mirajane's arm before pulling her hand back, unsure if her comfort was wanted.

She swallowed hard, her gaze softening as she tried to meet her sister's eyes. "We just... we have to stick together now, don't we? We can't change what happened, but we can bring him back. We can make things right, together." Her voice was thick with emotion, pleading, her heart breaking for the pain she could see in Mirajane's eyes.

Lisanna knew the regret that gnawed at her. Every day, every hour, she had felt the weight of what they had done. She had replayed it all in her mind—the day they left Tenrou Island without Natsu—wondering why they hadn't fought harder, why they hadn't seen what they were doing until it was too late. It haunted her, and she knew that same pain was etched deeply in Mirajane's heart.

Deep within Mira, her true emotions remained hidden—hatred, betrayal, and an unwavering allegiance to Natsu. They don't deserve your loyalty, Natsu. They never did. But when the time comes, I'll be right there by your side. Always.

Erza narrowed her eyes slightly, her mind racing. This isn't like her... Erza thought. She had seen Mirajane grieve alongside them when they had first returned from Tenrou Island—grief, but not resentment. But now, standing here, Mira's demeanor was colder, her tone sharper. It was almost as if she held a personal vendetta. Why now? What did she know that the rest of them didn't?

Erza took a small step forward, her brow furrowed in suspicion, her gaze studying Mirajane intently. "Mira... I don't remember you being this angry before. You were unconscious during the decision, like Wendy and I. Yet, the way you're talking now... It sounds like there's something else you're not saying..." Her voice softened, her eyes searching. "Do you know something...?" she asked, her heart aching at the possibility.

Mirajane's eyes flickered towards Erza. She forced a sad smile, shaking her head, her blue eyes betraying nothing. "You're wrong," she said softly, her voice almost soothing. "I just... I just can't help but feel angry. It's different now, knowing what we know—understanding how we let ourselves be manipulated. Perhaps I've had more time to reflect, and the anger just caught up to me." She averted her gaze, hiding the turmoil within.

But the seeds of suspicion had already been sown. Erza kept her gaze on Mira, her instincts telling her there was more beneath the surface, something Mira wasn't saying. She had seen the emotions in Mirajane's eyes—emotions that didn't align with simple regret or anger. There was something darker, something... personal. Erza clenched her jaw, deciding to let it go for now, but a resolve to find out the truth settled within her.

Mirajane's expression remained sorrowful, her words deceptively gentle, but inside, her thoughts were anything but. Why would I reveal the truth now? That I've known all along Natsu was alive—that I've been working with him, feeding him every detail about this guild, meeting him in secret while they carried on as if he was dead forever?

They don't deserve the truth. They don't deserve to know how he's always been just out of reach, waiting, biding his time. They think they understand regret, but they have no idea. My Natsu... My strong, loyal Natsu. After everything, we finally had a chance to be together again, away from all of this. And yet, somehow, they managed to take him from me once more. Her jaw clenched as the emotions churned, a storm of grief and anger.

No, I won't forgive them. I can play my role—the gentle, regretful Mirajane—but beneath it, the truth won't change. They took him from me again, and I will not rest until I get him back. Until we're finally free of all of this.

"We'll get him back, Mira-nee," Lisanna said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We'll bring him back, and then... we can all be happy again, just like we always dreamed."

Mirajane's expression shifted—her cold stare softened, and her lips curved into a gentle smile as she wiped away an unshed tear. She nodded, her eyes looking deep into Lisanna's, carrying an unspoken promise. "I know, Lisanna," she said, her voice returning to the familiar, soft tone that Lisanna recognized. "I know we will."

But even as she smiled, Inside, she whispered to herself, I'm sorry, Lisanna... I never managed to tell you that our Natsu was alive and well. No matter—once we get him back, we can finally be happy again, all of us... This time, you'll be with us too.

And with that thought, she hugged her sister, her face turned away to hide the storm of emotions still raging within her. To Lisanna, it felt like her sister was comforting her, but to Mirajane, it was a promise—a vow to protect the only people who mattered to her.

She smiled wider at Lisanna, her eyes shining with what seemed like hope. Her gentle mask was back in place, as perfect as ever. "Let's do this together," she added, her voice filled with sincerity. "For Natsu."

Mavis hovered above them, her presence radiating a gentle but commanding aura. Her expression, although sorrowful, held a newfound spark of determination. She looked around at the gathered members of Fairy Tail, her voice clear and unwavering as she spoke.

"That's right," Mavis began, her voice both gentle and resolute. "Do not give up hope. The influence of Ankhseram has weakened tremendously. This is the time to make amends, to rectify your past mistakes. But first—our most important task lies ahead. We must bring Natsu back."

The members of Fairy Tail stood quietly, their eyes locked on Mavis as she continued, her voice growing more passionate.

"I saw his strength, his power, when he saved us all from the dragons. His spirit burns brighter than ever, even in the darkest of times. There is no way he is dead." Mavis's gaze moved over each of them, her eyes filled with a quiet fire. "Even now, I know he is fighting wherever he is, battling against the odds with every ounce of strength he has."

She paused, letting her words sink in. Then, her voice rang out with the hope and determination that had kept the guild together since the very beginning. "We cannot waste any more time. We must make haste and get him back as soon as possible! It's time to save Natsu Dragneel!"

The determination in her words ignited something in each of them. The members of Fairy Tail looked at one another, nodding, their expressions hardening with resolve. They knew what needed to be done—they would not fail Natsu again.

Erza stepped forward, her eyes ablaze with determination. "We will bring him back, no matter what it takes. For everything he has done for us, we owe him that much."

Gray clenched his fists, nodding. "We won't stop until we find him and bring him home."

"Count me in," Gajeel grunted, his voice filled with conviction. "Salamander's not going down that easily, not on my watch."

Wendy wiped her tears, her young face now set with a fierce determination. "Natsu-san... we won't give up on him."

Makarov, the weight of his past mistakes heavy on his shoulders, took a deep breath. He looked at his children, at the fire in their eyes, and nodded. "We are Fairy Tail. We fight for our family, and we will get our boy back...!"

Mirajane, hiding her true emotions, smiled gently. "Whatever it takes, we will bring him back."

Levy looked up, her voice filled with emotion. "We have so many resources. We'll start right now. Research, gather information—anything that might help us understand where he is or how to reach him."

Mavis nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. We will work together, as a family, to save Natsu. I have faith in all of you, and in Natsu. He's out there waiting for us—now it's our turn to bring him back home."

The entire guild erupted in a wave of affirmations, voices overlapping, each one carrying a promise, an oath to Natsu. The weight of their previous betrayal still hung over them, but it was no longer a burden—they would use it as fuel, as motivation to right their wrongs.

Together, Fairy Tail would do whatever it took to bring Natsu Dragneel home.

Ultear had been standing just outside the circle, watching the heartfelt exchange, her expression unreadable. But as she listened to the guild's resolve, she felt something stir deep within her—a glimmer of hope that maybe they weren't too late. She took a breath, stepping forward from the shadows and making her presence known.

"I might have a way to bring Natsu back," Ultear said, her voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere. Everyone turned to her, eyes wide with a mix of hope and shock.

Erza's gaze snapped up, her eyes locking onto Ultear. "You... what did you say?" There was a tremor in her voice, as if she was afraid to believe it.

Ultear nodded, her eyes softening as she looked at each of them in turn. "I've been thinking... there might be a way. I've done a lot of research into time and dimensional magic, and while it won't be easy, I believe there's a chance we could bring Natsu back from wherever he is. But... it's going to require a lot of work, and it won't be without risks."

Hope sparked in the eyes of those gathered around her, and Erza took a step closer. "We're prepared to do whatever it takes. If there's even a slight chance, we have to try."

Mirajane stepped forward, her expression both hopeful and resolute. "Then let's do this. For Natsu. We'll bring him back, no matter what the risks are."

The guild members nodded, their resolve strengthening once again. Ultear looked at them, a slight smile tugging at her lips. She could see it in their eyes—their determination to bring their friend back, no matter the cost. She hoped it would be enough.

---

Kagura sat in silence, her gaze distant as she stared into her cup. The festivities continued around them, the lively music and laughter contrasting with the turmoil of her thoughts. Milliana, sitting beside her, noticed the silence and nudged Kagura gently.

"Kagura, you look so serious… What's on your mind?" Milliana asked, her voice carrying its usual lighthearted curiosity.

Kagura exhaled softly, her eyes lifting to meet Milliana's. "I was just thinking about everything that happened. About him... Natsu." She paused, her expression caught somewhere between admiration and regret.

Milliana blinked, a slight blush on her cheeks. "Oh, you mean Salamander?" she said, a teasing smile forming. "Is this about how strong he is? Or is there something else?" She leaned in closer, her ears practically twitching with curiosity.

Kagura shot her a brief glare, but the sternness in her eyes melted quickly into something softer. "Strength, yes. But it's more than that, Milliana. He saved us all, without a second thought for his own safety. He threw himself into that Gate... for us, for everyone. I saw a side of him that I hadn't understood before." Her hand tightened around her cup. "A sense of honor, of sacrifice. And... it's frustrating. It's frustrating to see someone fight for everyone else like that and not think of himself."

Milliana watched Kagura carefully. "It sounds like you admire him a lot," she said gently, though there was no mistaking the curiosity in her voice. "Maybe even... a little more than admire?"

Kagura's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, she was speechless. Her face reddened as she quickly looked away. "It's not... It's not like that," she said, her voice unusually soft. But her words lacked conviction. She could still see the image of Natsu, standing alone amidst chaos, the way he refused to back down, even against impossible odds.

Milliana smiled knowingly, leaning closer. "You're blushing, Kagura. You never blush. Not even during missions or when you're embarrassed. Natsu really must've gotten to you." seeing Kagura squirm even more made her smirk knowingly.

Milliana leaned forward, her eyes gazed with an unspoken understanding. "I know what you mean though... Honestly it was shocking to find out he was Tobi all along. I mean, he was there at the Tower of Heaven, Kagura! He was the one who fought against Jellal, who gave Erza and everyone else the strength to fight. He was there when we needed him the most."

Kagura's breath caught at Milliana's words, the memories of that fateful day resurfacing. She had heard the stories of how Natsu had fought Jellal, how he had been the one to stand up against the impossible odds of the Tower of Heaven.

Milliana continued, her tone filled with awe. "Back then, he was like a beacon of hope. And now, to see how far he's come... I could hardly believe it when I saw him fight against those dragons. It's like he became someone even greater, more powerful. But... that same spirit, the one that protected all of us, was still there. It's like he never changed."

Kagura clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to steady her emotions. "He was willing to sacrifice everything again, even after what Fairy Tail did to him. Even after being abandoned by them..." She looked down, her voice shaking. "He saved us all, Milliana. He saved Ultear, he saved Crocus. And we couldn't do anything for him. He gave up everything for us."

Milliana's face softened, her eyes glistening with emotion as she rested her hand gently on Kagura's arm. "I know, Kagura. I know how much this hurts you. It hurts all of us. But you saw how he fought, how he never once hesitated to protect everyone. Even after everything, he stood up for us... That's just who Natsu Dragneel is...I realised that after he saved us all from that tower..."

She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "He was willing to throw himself into danger, even after what happened to him. He's always been the one to look out for others, even if he never got that same loyalty in return."

Kagura clenched her jaw, her eyes clouded with a mixture of anger and admiration. "He shouldn't have to be that person all the time. He shouldn't have to carry all of us on his shoulders, especially not after everything he's been through..."

Milliana leaned back, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Ugh, Kagura, talking about him like this...you're making my crush on him resurface again..." she groaned, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Kagura's eyes widened in surprise, turning her head quickly to look at Milliana. "You... had a crush on Natsu?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. It wasn't often that Milliana talked about things like this.

Milliana laughed lightly, her blush deepening. "I mean, who wouldn't? He was the one who saved us all at the Tower of Heaven. He was fearless, and kind, and he never gave up." She paused, her expression softening as she glanced at Kagura. "And now, seeing how much he's grown, how much he's willing to sacrifice for everyone... it's hard not to admire him even more."

Kagura blinked, her surprise melting into a small, knowing smile. "You always hide these things well, Milliana. I never thought you'd have a soft spot for someone like him." There was a hint of warmth in her voice—almost as if the admission made her feel closer to her friend.

Milliana let out an exaggerated groan, throwing her head back. "But that's it! No more sitting around feeling bad! Let's do something, Kagura. We have to bring him back!"

Kagura chuckled softly at Milliana's sudden burst of enthusiasm, feeling her own spirits lift in response. Milliana was right—sitting around and feeling sorry wasn't going to bring Natsu back. It was time to act.

"You're right," Kagura said, her voice steadying as she nodded. "We can't just sit here. If there's even a chance we can help, we have to try."

Milliana grinned, her tail swishing excitedly. "I'm sure that Ulty chick—what's her name, uh, Ultear—has a plan. She was the one who helped close the gate, right? Maybe she knows something about getting Natsu back."

Kagura's eyes narrowed with a newfound determination. "Then let's go find her. If she has a way to bring him back, I want to be part of it."

Milliana pumped her fist in the air, her face lighting up. "That's the spirit! We'll find a way to help Natsu, no matter what. We owe him that much, and honestly..." she trailed off, her expression softening. "I think he deserves to know that we all care—that we're willing to fight for him this time."

Kagura nodded, her resolve hardening. They wouldn't let Natsu's sacrifice be in vain. They would bring him back—together. And this time, they would show him that he wasn't alone. Not anymore.

Milliana's grin turned mischievous as she nudged Kagura lightly. "You know, Kagura-chan, I also wouldn't mind sharing him with you," she teased, her tone playful. "I mean, if we both admire him so much, why not?" She gave Kagura a sly wink, clearly enjoying her friend's reaction.

Kagura's eyes widened as her face turned a deep shade of red. "M-Milliana!" she stammered, her usual composure crumbling completely. She turned away in an attempt to regain her dignity, but the blush only spread further. Meanwhile, Milliana burst into laughter, clutching her sides as she found endless amusement in Kagura's flustered state.

---

Natsu stood firmly amidst the vast, chaotic realm beyond the Eclipse Gate, his grip steady on the gunbai resting in one hand. The air was heavy with the acrid scent of sulfur, and the deep, resonant roars of thousands of dragons echoed through the desolate landscape around him.

His clothing hung in tatters, clinging to his sweat-soaked skin, the evidence of countless battles etched into the rips and stains. He wiped the blood from his brow with his free hand, his eyes sharp, unwavering, as he surveyed the dragons ahead.

All around him, colossal dragon corpses littered the ground—evidence of the relentless battles he'd fought and won. Yet, there was no time for rest, no pause to celebrate these victories. The horizon was darkened by the silhouettes of more dragons, each one fiercer than the last, their eyes fixed upon him. The earth beneath him trembled with their roars as they advanced.

Natsu's heart pounded in his chest, the thrill of battle coursing through his veins. His lips curved into a grin, almost feral, his body shaking with excitement. He shifted his stance, planting his feet firmly into the scorched ground as he hefted his gunbai onto his shoulder, the weight familiar and reassuring.

"You want a piece of me, huh?" he muttered, his voice rough but laced with determination. His eyes, glowing with the power of his Sharingan, locked onto the oncoming mass of dragons. "Alright then... Let's see what you've got."

The dragons hesitated for a moment, as if taken aback by the sheer audacity of a lone human standing his ground before their might. A low murmur spread amongst them, their eyes narrowing, the realization that a human still stood here—a survivor amongst their ranks—struck something primal.

And then, the silence shattered.

One of the dragons lunged towards him, its wings propelling it with incredible speed, jaws wide open, ready to snap him in half. Natsu's expression remained calm as he took a step forward and swung his gunbai.

A forceful shockwave burst forth, colliding with the dragon's charge, halting it mid-air. The impact sent the beast reeling, wings flailing as it tried to regain balance. Without a moment's pause, Natsu closed the distance, spinning the gunbai in his hand.

Another dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, but Natsu intercepted it, redirecting the flames with his gunbai in a smooth arc. The dragon's own attack was hurled back with twice the intensity, engulfing it entirely.

Landing back on the ground, surrounded by a number of fallen dragons, Natsu rested the gunbai against his shoulder, his eyes fierce.

"Hmm... that's like number four hundred and... uh, where was I again?" he muttered, almost bored. He shrugged, a smirk appearing on his face. "Honestly, I lost count a while ago. But who cares..." He tightened his grip on the gunbai. "Now, who's next?"

Natsu continued his relentless onslaught, each swing of his gunbai crashing through dragon scales, each surge of fire and lightning obliterating wave after wave of colossal beasts. His body moved like a blur, weaving through attacks, dodging fangs and claws. His once pristine clothing now hung in tatters, drenched in his own blood and that of his enemies. Yet he pushed on, unbroken, determined.

Time had become meaningless. He couldn't tell if it had been hours or days, but he fought on, driven by an unwavering resolve to make his way back. The number of dragons he had slain was beyond measure—a testament to his power, but also to the unending nature of the challenge he faced.

Another dragon appeared before him, its wings tattered from Natsu's earlier assault, its scales cracked and broken. Despite its injuries, it roared defiantly, launching a desperate blast of energy towards Natsu.

Natsu scoffed, raising the gunbai and using it to deflect the blast effortlessly. "Pathetic," he muttered. He dashed forward, his body disappearing in a burst of speed, and reappeared above the dragon, his gunbai swinging down with deadly precision.

Before he could finish it off, the world around him suddenly shifted.

A massive tremor shook the ground beneath him, causing the very air to vibrate. Natsu's eyes narrowed as he landed, steadying himself against the sudden shockwave. The roar that followed was unlike anything he had heard before—a deep, earth-shaking bellow that seemed to come from the very core of this dark dimension. The roar reverberated through every corner of the desolate landscape, shaking the ground, and causing even the most fearsome dragons to recoil in fear.

The dragon before him, battered and bleeding, began to laugh—a deep, guttural sound filled with satisfaction.

"It's over for you now, human," the wounded dragon rasped, its voice dripping with malice as a crooked grin spread across its maw. "You think you're strong, but... HE has awakened. The Dragon God himself. Your fate is sealed."

Natsu's eyes narrowed, the intensity in his gaze sharpening. "The Dragon God?" he repeated, a smirk curving at the edges of his lips, undeterred by the ominous claim. "Heh. Sounds like a good time."

A tremor rippled through the ground, and Natsu felt the temperature around him plummet, the air growing thick with a suffocating, ancient energy. It wasn't just a power; it was something primordial—a force that transcended the draconic threats he'd faced until now.

But his heart wasn't filled with fear; it hammered with anticipation, excitement coursing through his veins. He had wanted something that would push him to his limits, and it seemed that the universe was answering his call.

He turned his focus back to the wounded dragon, his tone dripping with disdain. "You really think some so-called 'god' is gonna change the outcome?" Without hesitation, he swung his gunbai in a wide arc, a powerful burst of wind pressure erupting from it, slamming into the dragon and silencing its laughter as its body was sent crashing into oblivion.

With the dragon dispatched, Natsu lifted his head, his senses heightened. Something colossal approached—an overwhelming presence that loomed, seeming to smother everything in its wake. He could feel it closing in, a force that promised devastation. And yet, his smirk only widened, his body humming with readiness.

"Bring it on," he growled, his eyes gleaming with a savage ferocity. His breath steadied, his grip on his gunbai tightening. This was the kind of opponent that he'd been craving—something capable of pushing him beyond all limits, an adversary worthy of his full strength.

The earth trembled with each rumbling roar that seemed to split the heavens, shaking the very dimension. And then, it arrived.

A rift appeared in the turbulent sky, splitting the atmosphere with a blinding, iridescent light. From the depths of that rift, an immense form began to emerge, descending from on high with a celestial glow, as if born from the very stars themselves.

The Dragon God was unlike any dragon Natsu had ever seen. The sheer size of his colossal form dwarfed the other dragons, casting an immense shadow over the battlefield. His scales glistened like polished obsidian, capturing the light of the rift, each scale reflecting the glimmers of a distant galaxy. It was as if the entire universe rested within him, an infinite expanse contained in his dark armor.

His wings unfurled, stretching across the sky like a cosmic tapestry adorned with shifting constellations, pulsating with pure energy. Each flap of those vast wings caused the very air to ripple, like waves of energy pushing the ground apart, splitting the land beneath.

The Dragon God's eyes glowed with molten silver, shimmering with an eerie radiance that seemed to pierce through time itself. It was an intelligence that carried the weight of ages, a wisdom steeped in unending malice. Those eyes spoke of countless worlds that had risen and fallen—worlds that meant nothing to him.

A third eye rested at the center of his forehead, a deep crimson glow marking it—the Eye of Dominion, a sign of his celestial sovereignty. Around his three spiraling horns, a dark energy pulsed, causing the very air to vibrate. His presence was like a sickness that seeped into the earth and sky, bending the realm itself to his will.

The air shimmered, filled with a dark miasma that blended with the starlight. His arrival distorted reality, the ground warping beneath him, cracking as if struggling to bear the weight of his existence. Swirling cosmic mist danced around his immense frame, as if space itself clung to him.

Then he opened his massive maw, and the roar that followed wasn't merely a sound—it was a force that transcended dimensions. It resonated across the infinite expanse, causing the very sky to fracture, cracks forming in the atmosphere as if this realm itself was tearing under the strain of his presence.

The force of the Dragon God's arrival made the ground beneath Natsu crumble, dust and debris flying into the air. Even the dragons that had been battling fiercely moments earlier now cowered, their colossal forms trembling at the presence of their true ruler. They knew their place before such a being.

Natsu stood there, the weight of the Dragon God's aura pressing down upon him, his legs trembling slightly from the overwhelming pressure, but his expression didn't falter. He raised his head, his eyes meeting the Dragon God's, filled with fire and defiance.

"So, you're the one they call the Dragon God, huh?" he said, his voice calm despite the storm brewing around them.

The Dragon God finally descended, his massive form landing with a force that shattered the earth beneath, sending ripples of raw energy through the dimension. His celestial wings folded inwards, draping his immense form in an ethereal shroud as his silver, burning eyes fixed on Natsu.

A low, rumbling chuckle echoed through the realm—deep, ancient, and dripping with disdain. "A mere mortal's actions caused this world to summon me... How amusing. You, a mere human, challenging fate itself. It's truly something I would never have anticipated."

He paused, the red glow from the third eye upon his forehead flickering ominously as his gaze focused intently on Natsu. There was a sudden shift in his demeanor, a realization gleaming in his eyes. "Wait..." The Dragon God's voice was laced with something that might have been surprise, as if putting together an intricate puzzle. "So it was you..."

Natsu blinked, his brow furrowing slightly as confusion overtook his features. He maintained his stance, the gunbai ready, but he was cautious, waiting to understand what this being meant.

The Dragon God's lips twisted into a wicked smirk, his gaze gleaming with both amusement and curiosity. "So it was you—Ankhseram's mistake. It all makes sense now. The god of curses meddled, and thus, your fate changed. Well this is interesting..."

"The hell are you talking about?" Natsu growled, his voice laced with curiosity despite his indifferent expression.

"You see, dragon slayer, you were never meant to be here, to stand against me."

Natsu's brows furrowed, his voice coming out as a confused whisper. "What...?"

"In all the timelines, in all possibilities, you and your comrades were supposed to be frozen in time—trapped for seven years on Tenrou Island. You were never meant to alter your fate like this."

The words hit Natsu like a sudden wave, a mixture of revelation and confusion washing over him. He gritted his teeth, his gaze narrowing. "What are you even talking about?" he demanded, his voice filled with tension. "What the hell do you mean we were supposed to be frozen?"

The Dragon God chuckled again, the sound like the grinding of boulders, resonating deep within the chaotic landscape. "Ah, poor mortal, still unaware of the forces that played with your lives. Oh, how that cursed god meddled with your existence. In the timeline that should have come to pass, your little band of friends should have been sealed away, safely outside of time's flow, helpless but preserved. That was your true destiny. But something happened, didn't it? He did something this time, and the strands of time twisted around you."

Natsu's eyes widened, his fists tightening around the handle of the gunbai, his gaze narrowing in a mixture of anger and confusion. "What the hell are you even trying to tell me...? And why should I worry about the fate of those pathetic people that left me!?"

The Dragon God's lips curled into a mocking smirk, a deep, rumbling laugh escaping his massive form. "Oh, how amusing—your ignorance blinds you, even now." He shook his head slowly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Your guild never left you, dragon slayer. It was never their choice, not in any timeline that should have come to pass."

Natsu's eyes flickered, confusion turning into shock as he glared at the massive being before him. "What...?"

The Dragon God paused, almost as if savoring the moment. He lowered his head, his gaze locking onto Natsu's, the ancient silver glow reflecting in his irises. "The truth is, your guildmates—the ones you call your family—they were manipulated by forces far beyond their control. It was not their decision to abandon you. It was the cursed god, Ankhseram, who twisted their minds and emotions. His influence was subtle, yet powerful enough to sway even the most loyal of hearts."

Natsu's breath caught, and he took an involuntary step backward, the weight of the revelation crashing over him. His mind raced, trying to comprehend the enormity of what he was being told.

The Dragon God, his smirk never fading. "Yes. In every other timeline, without Ankhseram's interference, your guild stood by your side. They fought Acnologia with you until the bitter end. Together, you all faced the great black dragon, the destroyer, and in the aftermath, you were preserved by the magic of Mavis—the First Master of your guild. You were meant to be frozen in time with the rest of them, safely out of the reach of Ankhseram's curse, until the time was right for you all to be released."

The words hung in the air, each one echoing with a deeper significance than the last. Natsu felt a lump form in his throat, his heart pounding, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "So you're telling me... they never abandoned me? That everything they did... wasn't real?" His voice wavered, a mix of disbelief and the pain of betrayal being shattered.

The Dragon God gave a low chuckle, the stars on his scales shimmering faintly as he nodded. "Precisely. Ankhseram, for his own reasons, altered the timeline, manipulated your fate, and broke the unity of your guild. You were never meant to face Acnologia alone, nor were they meant to abandon you. Everything you endured—the hatred, the sense of betrayal—it was never supposed to happen. Ankhseram's meddling is what caused this rift in your fate."

Natsu's heart ached, a torrent of emotions rushing through him—anger, regret, confusion, and even a hint of relief. He gritted his teeth, his knuckles turning white as he clutched the gunbai. "Why tell me this now?" he spat, his eyes blazing with defiance. "Why should I even believe you?"

The Dragon God's laughter reverberated across the battlefield, dripping with contempt and malice. "Believe it or don't, mortal, it matters little to me. Your defiance merely amuses me—a lone dragon slayer challenging gods and fate itself." His eyes narrowed, a sinister glint of irritation flashing beneath his wicked smirk. "But your actions, your very existence in this timeline, have thrown everything into chaos. You've slain countless dragons, disrupted the balance of power, and now... I have been summoned to restore that balance. It begins with you, Natsu Dragneel."

Natsu's lips twisted into a snarl as he shook his head, eyes ablaze with a burning fury. "I couldn't care less about your balance or fate," he spat, his voice filled with disdain. "You say my actions changed the course of things? Good. But you're telling me now that everything that happened—all that pain, all that betrayal—was just because some god decided to meddle?"

He tightened his grip on his gunbai, the tension in his hands speaking volumes of the anger that surged within him. His eyes were sharp, filled with a rage that bordered on the edge of sanity. "Ankhseram," he muttered, venom dripping from his words. "So it was you—the cursed god who played with my life, who messed with my friends, twisted everything to bring me nothing but suffering..."

A wild grin spread across his lips, but his eyes remained deadly serious. "You think I give a damn about you being a god? You think I'll just accept this?" He laughed, the sound full of dark amusement. "You tell me my family never left me, that it was all because of some piece-of-shit deity messing with their minds? Then screw fate! I'll find that shitty cursed god myself. I'll rip that bastard apart with my own two hands!"

His voice grew louder, more defiant. "God or not, I'm going to show him what real power looks like! I'll show him what happens when he messes with me, with my life!" He pointed the gunbai toward the Dragon God, his entire body trembling not from fear, but from sheer fury. "You want to talk about correcting things? Then come at me! And once I'm done with you, I'll take that god down too. I don't care how many of you there are, or what power you claim to have—I'm going to show you what a real god looks like!"

The Dragon God's eyes narrowed, an eerie glow flickering, mingling with surprise and dark malice. He tilted his head, his wings shifting slightly, sending out radiant pulses of energy that darkened the sky around them. "Your defiance is commendable, mortal," he sneered, his colossal form radiating an aura of divine wrath. "But words are hollow against true power. The fury of a god—a force beyond your comprehension—will crush you."

The ground trembled beneath them as the Dragon God spread his immense wings, the constellations upon them pulsating with pure, celestial energy. Reality itself seemed to strain under the weight of his presence, his power warping the earth and air.

Natsu's grin only widened, the flames of his magic consuming him, combining with the lightning sparking across his form. He pointed his gunbai at the Dragon God, his gaze unwavering. "You can talk all you want about power and balance. You think I'm scared of a so-called god? I've already fought battles no one else could win. You think you can stop me? Go ahead and try."

His voice echoed across the chaos, full of unbreakable resolve. "I'm done playing by the rules of others. This ends here. I'll crush you, and then I'll take down that shitty god too. I'll show all of you what happens when you mess with Natsu Dragneel...!"

The tension between them thickened, the earth itself holding its breath. Natsu was ready, his heart full of rage and a thirst for vengeance—a true god would finally meet his match.

The Dragon God's wings beat once, twice—each movement sending shockwaves that ripped through the earth below, carving trenches into the desolate landscape. Stars shimmered across his vast form, each glimmering scale radiating otherworldly energy, as he locked eyes with Natsu.

Natsu narrowed his gaze, reading the immense power about to be unleashed. He braced himself, his feet digging into the scorched ground, a fierce grin on his face.

The Dragon God roared, the immense force of his celestial energy surging toward Natsu like a cataclysmic wave, tearing apart everything in its path. Natsu smirked, his Sharingan spinning calmly as he tightened his grip on the gunbai.

In a swift motion, he swung the gunbai in a wide arc, effortlessly redirecting the Dragon God's attack. The redirected energy shot past him, vaporizing a distant mountain. Natsu barely flinched, his eyes still locked onto the Dragon God.

As the beast lunged forward, Natsu flickered out of view—Body Flicker Technique. He reappeared just above the Dragon God's massive head, the gunbai raised high. With a swift and precise strike, he brought it down, the force rippling across the Dragon God's scales, sending shockwaves through the air.

"Is that all you have?" Natsu's voice was calm, almost disinterested. He dodged the incoming claw with minimal movement, twisting his body in a fluid motion before planting a firm kick into the side of the beast's jaw, sending it staggering back.

Without missing a beat, Natsu landed, forming hand seals at lightning speed. He didn't shout his techniques like some declaration—he executed them with cold precision, a dark fire blazing in his eyes. "Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence," he murmured, roots erupting from beneath the Dragon God, attempting to bind his immense form.

The Dragon God roared in frustration, tearing at the roots that tried to hold him down. His power surged, sending chunks of earth flying in all directions. But Natsu remained unfazed, the grin still etched on his lips.

"Pathetic," he muttered under his breath. The celestial beast's massive tail came crashing down, and in an instant, Natsu's body distorted, phasing out of existence with Kamui. He reappeared behind the Dragon God, the gunbai raised high, ready to strike again.

He didn't need to shout—every move was deliberate, every strike measured. It was as if Natsu was not fighting for survival but merely testing the limits of the Dragon God, his demeanor calm, cold, and unyielding.

The Dragon God bellowed, his colossal form unfazed by Natsu's latest assault. His scales seemed impenetrable, each strike of the gunbai ricocheting off without leaving a mark. He turned his massive head, the eerie, molten silver eyes locking onto Natsu. The Dragon God's tail lashed out like a falling meteor, forcing Natsu to move—quick, almost ghost-like—warping through space to avoid the impact using Kamui.

"Impressive for a mere mortal," the Dragon God's voice boomed, filled with ancient arrogance. He opened his maw, and a burst of energy, shimmering like the heart of a galaxy, erupted forth—a Celestial Breath, capable of destroying worlds.

Natsu's eyes flashed, Sharingan spinning furiously. He activated Kamui just in time, the energy attack passing harmlessly through his intangible form. Without missing a beat, Natsu reappeared, his gunbai at the ready. He thrust his palm forward, releasing a blast of concentrated fire and lightning—an amplified version of his Flame Lightning Dragon's Roar, now even more destructive.

The blast hit the Dragon God directly, exploding upon impact in a symphony of roaring flames and crackling lightning. But as the smoke cleared, the Dragon God remained, his massive form seemingly unaffected by the attack.

"Do you think the power of flames and lightning is enough to face a god?" the Dragon God taunted, his colossal wings spreading wide. With a single flap, the air itself seemed to rupture, and the sheer force of it forced Natsu backward.

The dragon slayer dug his heels into the earth, his Susanoo flickering into existence to shield him from the windstorm. The Susanoo, its four arms wielding weapons of ethereal energy, swung back, each strike aimed at the Dragon God's vital points.

The Dragon God met the onslaught with a roar, his claw striking forward with enough force to clash directly against Susanoo's sword. The resulting impact echoed like thunder, the shockwave splitting the very earth beneath them.

Natsu's lips twisted into a smirk, his Sharingan meeting the Dragon God's eyes. "You call yourself a god, but I don't see anything divine. You're just another beast that needs to be put down."

The Dragon God roared, celestial energy surging around him. He raised a claw, and the stars within his wings began to shift, each one pulsating with energy as they shot forth beams of concentrated cosmic power.

Natsu jumped, warping himself into the Dragon God's blind spot. He swung the gunbai with all his might, channeling his fire and lightning into the swing, sending another shockwave that echoed across the battlefield.

The Dragon God's eyes narrowed, sensing the danger of this mortal. He spun, his tail lashing out like a whip, but Natsu anticipated it. His Susanoo moved in tandem, its ethereal arm raising a shield to block the attack.

The clash was monumental, the shockwave scattering debris and carving scars into the battlefield. Despite the massive size difference, Natsu held his ground, the power within him unyielding.

The Dragon God laughed, his voice filled with both amusement and anger. "You dare resist the will of a god, defying even fate itself! This imbalance you've caused—it ends now, Dragneel!" The air shimmered, the stars on his scales glowing brighter. He drew in a massive breath, preparing an attack unlike any before—a roar infused with the power of the cosmos, a Cataclysmic Dragon Roar.

Natsu stood firm, the intensity in his eyes unyielding. He knew he had to counter with everything he had—he couldn't let the Dragon God's destructive power go unchecked. He took a deep breath, gathering his magic as his eyes glowed with determination, the Sharingan and Rinnegan both shining fiercely.

Natsu's Susanoo, surrounding him like an ethereal warrior, began to glow, its enormous form shifting as Natsu channeled his magic through it. Flames of crimson erupted around the Susanoo, intermingling with the bright arcs of lightning. The Susanoo's jaw opened wide as Natsu infused his magic into it.

"Let's show him what real power looks like...," Natsu muttered, his voice carrying a fierce intensity. He focused all his power, the flames, the lightning, and the black flames of Amaterasu merging into one, gathering at the mouth of the Susanoo.

The Dragon God unleashed his roar, a beam of cosmic energy erupting from his maw, bright as a supernova, splitting the very air and shaking the ground. It was as if the heavens themselves were being torn apart.

Natsu responded in kind. "Take this—Eternal Susanoo's Roar!" he shouted, the Susanoo mirroring him, its colossal mouth releasing a beam of unimaginable power.

The flames twisted with bolts of lightning, their core consumed by the black, all-encompassing flames of Amaterasu. The Susanoo's mouth glowed brilliantly as it released the combined force—a massive, devastating roar that blasted forward, meeting the Dragon God's attack head-on.

The two roars collided, and the world around them seemed to shatter. The sky split apart, torn between the cosmic energy of the Dragon God's attack and the combined might of Natsu's roar. The resulting explosion of energy shook the realm to its very core—a deafening clash of light and darkness that sent shockwaves rippling outwards, uprooting the earth and tearing apart mountains in their wake.

Natsu gritted his teeth, the force of the clash pushing against him, the energy threatening to tear his Susanoo apart. But he refused to back down. He pushed more of his power into the attack, his body screaming in pain from the strain and countless battles so far, but his resolve remained unwavering. The flames of his roar grew fiercer, the lightning crackled louder, and the Amaterasu flames burned with an intensity that refused to be extinguished.

The Dragon God's eyes widened, a flicker of disbelief flashing across them. The mortal was matching his power—no, he was beginning to push back. The Cataclysmic Dragon Roar began to falter, the cosmic energy dissipating against the force of Natsu's attack.

With a final, earth-shaking surge of strength, Natsu unleashed every ounce of power he had. His roar—fire, lightning, and Amaterasu—raged forward, overwhelming the Dragon God's roar, tearing through the cosmic energy until it struck the Dragon God directly.

A deafening cry escaped the celestial dragon, his massive form engulfed by Natsu's flames, lightning, and black fire. The ground quaked violently, fissures opening beneath them, and a blast of raw energy rippled through the dimension. The sky above fractured, shattering under the force of their clash.

For a heartbeat, silence fell, the world seeming to hold its breath as the energy dissipated, leaving behind the sight of the Dragon God, scorched and wounded, his once-mighty wings trembling, his imposing figure seemingly diminished. His shimmering scales were charred, the stars that adorned them now barely flickering.

Natsu panted heavily, his entire body aching, his muscles crying out in exhaustion. The ethereal form of his Susanoo faded away, dissipating into the void around them. Yet despite the fatigue, Natsu's stance was unbroken, his gaze unwavering as he looked up at the Dragon God. His eyes blazed with defiance and resolve, as if daring the celestial being to rise once more.

"I don't care what you are—a god, a dragon, it doesn't matter to me," Natsu spat, his voice a harsh rasp, carrying every ounce of his relentless spirit. "If you stand in my way, if you threaten those I care about, I'll take you down."

For a moment, the Dragon God remained still, the winds around him quieting, the very air heavy with tension. Slowly, the mighty dragon lifted his head, his eyes narrowing as they focused on the human before him. There was anger in that gaze—anger at being struck down by a mere mortal—but beyond the anger, something else flickered: a reluctant acknowledgment, a respect earned through a strength the Dragon God had not expected.

"To defy a god," the Dragon God said, his voice deep and resonant, yet filled with weariness. He paused, each word carrying weight beyond its meaning. "You truly are... something else, mortal. To have faced my wrath and still stand... Your strength, your will, is unlike any I have encountered before."

He shifted his massive form, the stars embedded in his scales flickering dimly. His wings, scorched from Natsu's attack, folded in, and he seemed almost contemplative, his gaze locked onto the dragon slayer who stood with such determination.

The Dragon God chuckled, a sound both dark and hollow, but no longer filled with the same malice as before. "You are indeed a force that defies fate," he said, his molten silver eyes glinting as he observed Natsu. "But there is much you do not understand. You think this battle, this victory, is all there is—but your actions have brought consequences beyond your comprehension."

Natsu gritted his teeth, still catching his breath, his brow furrowing as the Dragon God spoke. "Stop speaking in riddles," he growled, the irritation seeping through his voice. "If you've got something to say, say it already."

The Dragon God's lips curled into a faint, almost sadistic smile. "By killing my dragons, by tipping the scales of balance, you are doing more than just seeking revenge. You have drawn the attention of powers that transcend this dimension. You cannot see the threads you've pulled, but your actions ripple across the fabric of fate. Your defiance has become a disturbance—a disturbance that the gods will not ignore."

Natsu's fists clenched tightly, his eyes darkening. "You think I care about what some gods think?" he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I've had enough of gods meddling in my life. If they're unhappy with what I've done, then let them come for me. I don't care who or what they are. I'll show them what happens when they mess with a dragon slayer."

The Dragon God watched him, the silver glow of his eyes slowly softening. There was a faint hint of something akin to respect in his gaze—a recognition of the mortal's defiance, his sheer unwillingness to bow.

"You speak with conviction, Dragneel," the Dragon God finally said, his voice heavy. "But there is a difference between defying a god and facing the consequences of challenging the very balance of creation. Your rage, your determination—it is admirable. But you are now at the center of a storm that reaches far beyond this dimension." He paused, his gaze piercing. "The gods may take this challenge, but are you truly ready for what will come?"

Natsu scoffed, his tired grin still managing to shine through. "Bring it on," he said, his eyes ablaze. "I'm ready for whatever fate throws at me. I'll tear it apart if I have to."

The Dragon God stared down at the human before him—a mortal whose spirit seemed unbreakable, whose strength rivaled the divine, whose anger against the gods fueled his very existence. This was not an ordinary dragon slayer. He was different.

"You will need that strength, Dragneel," the Dragon God murmured, a strange, almost nostalgic undertone to his voice. "For there are forces that seek to control fate, and you, with all your defiance, have become a threat—a threat to be destroyed, or perhaps... a force to change everything."

The Dragon God gazed down at Natsu for a long, silent moment. The air between them seemed to shimmer with the sheer weight of everything that had been said and done. He watched the dragon slayer, a mortal who had stood before him, unyielding, refusing to bow to even a god.

Slowly, the Dragon God's expression shifted—there was a glimmer of acknowledgment in his eyes, a faint nod of respect that carried the weight of ages. "You are more than just a mere dragon slayer, Natsu Dragneel," he said, his deep, resonant voice carrying across the barren landscape. "You are worthy... worthy enough to know my name."

He paused, his presence seemingly growing as he spoke. The stars on his scales brightened one last time, and the very air shimmered around him. "I am Ishgarion, the Primordial Dragon God—the one who watches over the balance of all dragons across countless worlds."

Natsu's eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise flashing in them. Despite his exhaustion, he straightened himself, his breathing ragged but spirit unyielding. "Ishgarion, huh?" he repeated, his voice hoarse yet defiant. "I'll remember that, you oversized lizard."

Ishgarion, the Dragon God, let out a deep, rumbling laugh—one that resonated with something far beyond malice. There was a hint of amusement in it, as well as a strange sense of anticipation. "You are a curious being, Dragneel. Despite everything, you still stand before me. And now, you have made a fool of gods. Perhaps... just perhaps... you may do what no other mortal has ever done."

Natsu snorted, his lips curling into a weary grin. "Ain't that just like me?" he replied, his tone filled with his signature bravado, but beneath it, a sharp curiosity stirred.

His eyes gleamed, the stars within them glowing with a renewed intensity. "You may just be able to bring about the demise of that cursed god, Ankhseram. You have the strength and the will. I will look forward to seeing how this story unfolds."

Natsu's grin flickered, turning serious at the mention of Ankhseram. His mind spun as questions bombarded him, but before he could respond, Ishgarion continued, his eyes taking on an almost predatory glint.

He looked Natsu over, a smirk spreading across his immense maw. "But look at you... barely able to stand. You may have this round, mortal, but know this—I would much rather fight you at your full strength, fully recovered, without the weight of exhaustion and previous battles slowing you down." Ishgarion's smirk widened, the malice in his gaze replaced with a twisted kind of respect. "Perhaps next time, Dragneel, we will see who truly holds the power to alter fate."

Natsu clenched his fists, forcing his battered body upright, his teeth gritted in defiance. "I'll be ready, Ishgarion," he shot back, his voice carrying a growl of determination. "Next time, I'll show you what a dragon slayer is really capable of."

A dark laugh erupted from the Dragon King as he began to ascend, the stars on his wings burning brighter, like galaxies in their death throes. His colossal wings stretched wide, rippling with an ethereal light as he took to the air, his form glowing with a radiant energy that seemed to defy reality.

"Now, begone from here, Dragneel. You do not belong in this dimension." His voice echoed across the empty landscape, the force behind it undeniable. "The imbalance you've caused here needs to be corrected, and I have my own mess to clean up." Ishgarion's eyes locked on Natsu for one final moment. "This world is no longer your concern."

With a final dismissive wave of one colossal claw, the Dragon King opened a massive rift in the sky. A blinding light poured through it, swirling and twisting with cosmic energy. The force of it pulled Natsu off his feet, and before he could react, the vortex engulfed him entirely. The world around him spun, his senses overwhelmed as he was sucked through the swirling rift.

The last thing he heard was Ishgarion's booming voice, filled with both amusement and impatience. "Do not disappoint me, Dragneel. Show me the strength that defies gods... or fall trying."

Natsu gritted his teeth, trying to steady himself as the sensation of being ripped through dimensions overwhelmed him. For a brief, disorienting moment, there was only darkness, the sensation of being pulled through time and space. And then, suddenly, it stopped.

The rift spat Natsu out, his feet crashing back down onto solid earth. He stumbled, catching himself as he tried to reorient. He looked around, blinking to adjust his vision to his new surroundings, the familiar air of Earthland filling his lungs once more.

His eyes narrowed as he took in the scene—Ultear, Erza, Kagura, Minerva, and Milliana were all there, their faces tense with emotion, seemingly in the middle of a heated argument.

The five women stood near the ruins of the Eclipse Gate, tension evident between them as their conversation grew increasingly heated.

Ultear was the first to raise her voice, her brow furrowed in frustration. "I understand that you think brute force might be the way to solve this, Erza, but we're talking about the boundaries of space-time here. It's not something you can just smash apart with a sword!"

Erza's eyes blazed with determination, her hands clenching at her sides. "I don't care how complicated it is, Ultear! If there's a way to bring Natsu back, I'll do it. If that means breaking through the barriers of space and time, then I'll find a way." She took a step forward, her presence towering. "I won't leave him behind this time...!"

Kagura nodded, crossing her arms. "But it might not be that simple. Ultear's right; we have to be careful. We can't risk creating a larger mess and losing Natsu forever." Her voice was filled with a rare vulnerability.

Milliana, who had been listening, finally snapped. "Ugh! You're all just making my head hurt! If we can't brute force it, and we can't take risks, what are we supposed to do then?! Sit here and hope for a miracle? Because that's not working!"

Minerva, standing with her arms crossed, shook her head, her lips curving into a sardonic smile. "Hope for a miracle, you say?" Her voice carried a tinge of mockery, but her own frustration was evident. "We've all witnessed what kind of man Natsu is—maybe he doesn't even need us to help him. Maybe he'll find a way back on his own, and we're here wasting time arguing like fools."

Milliana rolled her eyes. "Great, more riddles. What do you mean by that, Minerva?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice reached them. "Can you all stop arguing already? My head is already spinning..."

All eyes turned toward the source. There stood Natsu—battered, shirtless, and covered in dirt and blood. His appearance stunned them into silence, his toned muscles drawing both awe and concern. He scratched the back of his head, as if none of the chaos mattered. "Seriously, what's all the fuss?"

Milliana's eyes widened, her voice a mix of a gasp and cry. "Natsu!" She rushed towards him, almost tripping over her feet.

Ultear's breath caught in her throat, her cheeks reddening briefly before she shook it off, her emotions quickly shifting to disbelief. She stepped forward, her lips trembling as she spoke, almost afraid it wasn't real. "N-Natsu...?"

Erza, who had been arguing just moments before, went completely still. Her eyes reflected disbelief, shock, and deep emotion, as tears brimmed. "Natsu...?"

Kagura blinked, her gaze glued to him. His ragged breath, the state of his body—he looked like he'd fought an unimaginable battle. Her heart pounded as she whispered, "How... How is this possible?"

Minerva, frozen for a moment, eventually allowed a grin to spread—one that carried a mix of relief and excitement. "Of course, I knew it...!" she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "There was no way you'd just die and leave me behind like that..." She let out a sigh of relief, her guard dropping as she suddenly rushed toward him, unable to hold back anymore.

Millianna crouched next to Natsu who caught the incoming Minerva, a grin spreading across her face. "You should've seen Kagura! She was soooo worried about you, Natsu~!" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Kagura's cheeks turned pink, and she shot Millianna a glare as she approached them before giving her a light bop on the head. "Quiet, Milliana," she said, trying to mask her relief with her usual stoicism, but a small smile betrayed her true feelings. She looked at Natsu, her expression softening as a small smile tugged at her lips. "I'm glad you're back..."

Natsu looked between them, confusion etched on his face. "What the heck happened while I was gone...?" he muttered, loosening his hold on Minerva, but she refused to let go. Instead, she clung to his arm, pressing it between her chest and giving him a sly grin.

Ultear took a shaky step towards him, her eyes shimmering with emotions she could barely contain. "You... You really came back?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "How...?"

Before he could answer, Erza broke from her shock, rushing towards him, tears streaming down her face. She threw her arms around him, holding on as if afraid he'd vanish. "You idiot!" she choked out, her voice breaking. "We thought... we thought you were gone..."

With Minerva still clinging to his arm, Natsu found himself in an awkward embrace, with Erza gripping onto his torso tightly while Minerva refused to let go of his other arm, holding it possessively. He smiled softly, letting out a small sigh. "I'm fine, Erza," he said softly. "I don't go down that easily."

Ultear's eyes narrowed slightly, her emotions mixed between anger and relief. She took a deep breath, her voice trembling. "Do you have any idea how worried we were?" she murmured. "You just... vanished... I-I thought I'd live the rest of my life knowing it was my fault..."

Natsu, seeing the pain in her eyes, gently unwrapped himself from Minerva and Erza. He stepped forward, wiping away Ultear's tears and lifting her chin so she looked at him. "Ultear, I'd have done it a million times to save you," he said softly. "You never did me wrong. You were ready to sacrifice everything for everyone else, ignoring the consequences you could've faced. How could I stand by and let someone like that die?"

A small smile tugged at his lips as he added, "Besides, I came to like your scent after a while... especially when you used to tail me all the time back in Fairy Tail."

Ultear's eyes widened, a blush blooming across her cheeks. She cursed herself silently, forgetting about his Dragon Slayer senses. He had known all along. Her heart pounded, a mix of embarrassment and warmth filling her as she realized how much he truly understood her.

Ultear blushed even harder, trying to compose herself as she stammered, "It... it was for information gathering, you know, spying for Hades and all that... Just doing my job... I mean, I had to keep an eye on you." She tried to maintain her excuse, but her voice wavered, clearly flustered.

Natsu smirked, leaning closer and placing a finger gently against her lips. "It's fine," he said, his voice soft yet confident. "Like I said, I came to like feeling your presence near me. You don't need to explain."

Ultear's breath caught in her throat, her blush deepening as she fell silent, a mixture of embarrassment and warmth welling up inside her.

Milliana giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she observed the scene. "Wow, Natsu, you're being so bold~!" she teased, leaning in closer with a grin. "But just so you know, Kagura and I have a super secret agreement Ultear—Natsu actually belongs to us now!"

Kagura's eyes widened, her face turning a shade of pink as she stammered, trying to make excuses. "M-Milliana! That's not—it's not like that!" she protested, her voice flustered.

Ultear blinked, her face turning pink in surprise. She quickly tried to mask her embarrassment, narrowing her eyes at Milliana. "Is that so?" she said, her voice laced with an almost amused disbelief. She glanced at Natsu, then back at Milliana, her lips twitching into a half-smile. "You two are quite confident, aren't you?"

Minerva, on the other hand, glared at them, her expression annoyed. She crossed her arms and scoffed, murmuring with a confident smirk, "Natsu is mine. You could never come close."

Meanwhile, Erza simply let out a sigh, her lips curving into a gentle smile as she looked at Natsu. She was just happy that he was with them again, the relief of having him back washing over her. "I'm just glad you're here, Natsu," she said softly, her heart full of determination to make things right and show him just how much he meant to her.

Suddenly a familiar voice called out "Natsu..." surprising Natsu as he shivered at the tone of the voice knowing he is now screwed.

Mirajane approached from behind. Her eyes were shadowed by her bangs, her knuckles white as she clenched her fists tightly. It was clear she was furious, her aura practically radiating her rage. Natsu noticed immediately, a nervous bead of sweat forming on his brow.

Oh no... Mira looked really angry. He knew he hadn't told her about his plan. In fact, nothing had been planned—it had all happened so suddenly. He prepared himself, ready to take the brunt of her fury. He braced himself for her to hit him, his heart pounding as she got closer.

Instead, Mirajane jumped on him and crashed her lips onto his in a fierce, passionate kiss. Natsu's eyes widened in shock, completely taken aback. A gasp escaped those around them, all of them caught off guard by her sudden action.

After what felt like an eternity, Mira pulled back, her cheeks flushed, her eyes still blazing with emotion. "You idiot..." she whispered, her voice trembling as she stared at him. "Don't you ever do that to me again!"

Natsu stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing to catch up. "Mira…" he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. He wasn't sure if he should be scared or relieved, but one thing was certain—he knew she really cared for him.

Mirajane looked at Natsu, her gaze softening as her anger slowly gave way to vulnerability. "I'm done hiding," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "During the games, it took everything in me not to rush over to you, to just hold you. I missed you so much, but I had to pretend... like I didn't know anything. But not anymore." She stepped closer, her eyes meeting his. "I just want to be with you now Natsu...and just be me again..."

Natsu's expression grew solemn as he listened. He reached up to touch her cheek gently. "Mira, I'm sorry for putting you through all that," he said quietly. "And making you be part of my revenge... I didn't want you to have to deal with any of that."

The intensity of the moment caught everyone off guard, each of them silently processing what had just been revealed.

Erza's eyes widened as she stared at the scene in front of her, her mind racing with confusion and shock. Mirajane and Natsu's relationship had clearly been far more intimate than she had ever realized. How did Mira manage to hide this? she wondered, feeling a mix of surprise and something that made her heart clench. She was struggling to understand why Mirajane had kept this secret and how deep their connection really went.

Minerva, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes at the display of affection. Her gaze shifted between Natsu and Mirajane, recognizing the unmistakable love in their eyes. She felt an uncomfortable pang—an acknowledgement of a serious rival. Another threat... to my claim, she thought, her eyes narrowing further. She let out a sigh, muttering under her breath, "I suppose a man of his caliber would need plenty of women to keep him in line... Doesn't mean I like it though..."

Ultear and Kagura exchanged glances, both of them equally startled by the confession and the sudden intensity between Natsu and Mirajane. They were witnessing a side of Natsu they hadn't been fully prepared for, a side that was deeply affectionate and connected to Mirajane in a way they hadn't seen before.

Milliana, meanwhile, blinked before a grin spread across her face, leaning closer to Ultear and whispering with a teasing tone, "Looks like Natsu really knows how to make his women swoon~!" She giggled, her playful attitude standing out against the otherwise tense atmosphere.

Ultear just sighed, though her lips curved slightly. "He really has a knack for creating chaos, doesn't he?" she said, but deep inside, her heart sank with a tinge of sadness and envy. She couldn't help but wish she could be that close to Natsu—something she'd secretly desired since those days she had watched him from the shadows. Her mind drifted back to a memory that made her cheeks flush; the time she saw him showering, she had gotten a nosebleed, much to her own embarrassment. Shaking her head, she scolded herself internally for those inappropriate thoughts, her face growing warm as her gaze fell on Natsu.

Erza stepped forward, her eyes sharp as she looked directly at Mirajane. "Mira... how long has this been going on between you and Natsu? You never mentioned anything to me, to any of us. You knew he was alive all this time...?" Her voice was a mix of hurt and confusion, searching for answers.

Mirajane sighed, her expression hardening as she faced Erza. "Erza, it's not something I need to explain to you. You and the others—" her voice shook with an underlying bitterness, "you all abandoned him. You sided with Fairy Tail and left Natsu alone when he needed you most. But I didn't. I stood by him, helped him in every way I could. I searched for him endlessly. Something you couldn't do." There was a hint of sorrow in her voice, but she didn't falter, her words cutting deep.

Erza's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. Guilt seeped into her features, her shoulders slumping. "I... I didn't mean for any of it to happen," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "It was never supposed to be like that."

Seeing the anguish in Erza's eyes, Natsu stepped in, a heavy sigh escaping him. He placed a hand on Erza's shoulder, his gaze soft. "I know, Erza," he said gently. "I know It wasn't truly you... It was Ankhseram. He cursed all of you—he influenced your actions."

Erza's head shot up, her eyes glistening with tears. "You knew...?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

Natsu nodded, his expression serious as he looked at Erza. "Yeah, I found out... None of you were in control. But that doesn't change what I've become. The old Natsu Dragneel is gone; it's too late for him."

Erza's eyes widened as she heard his words, her heart sinking. The realization hit her hard—that carefree, smiling Natsu was gone, and the man standing before her was someone different. Her tears brimmed over, her hands trembling as she stepped closer. "I know, Natsu... but I want you to know I won't stop trying to make things right. I never got the chance to tell you back then how much you mean to me." She looked up at him, her gaze full of determination. "I can't go back, but I will do everything I can for the Natsu standing here now. You still mean everything to me."

Mirajane glanced between them, her eyes softening as Erza spoke, but she stood her ground, her expression guarded. She knew how deeply Erza regretted everything, but that didn't mean she'd back down either. Natsu had changed, and she had been there for him when she found him.

Natsu gave Erza a quiet nod, his gaze steady, yet distant. "Do what you need to, Erza," he said, his voice calm, almost indifferent, though it lacked harshness. He then turned to Mirajane, his expression softening as he gave her a faint smile. "Mira's been the one who's really been there for me. Without her, I would've been in a much darker place."

Erza looked between the two, taking in the scene. She swallowed her pride, then met Mirajane's eyes with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Mira," she said softly. "It seems you did for Natsu what I couldn't... I'm truly grateful."

Mirajane smiled softly at Erza's words, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions—relief, understanding, and perhaps even a hint of surprise. She placed a gentle hand on Erza's shoulder. "You don't need to thank me, Erza," she replied, her voice warm. "I just did what my heart told me to do. Natsu's been through so much... "

She then suddenly smiled very sweetly, yet there was a distinct mischievous glint in her eyes as she hugged Natsu's arm tight, her voice dripping with affection. "Plus, he is my future husband, so of course, I'd do anything for him..." She finished her statement by squeezing his arm between her breasts and leaning in to kiss his cheek.

Erza's reaction was a mix of shock and disbelief. Seeing Mirajane's open declaration and affectionate gestures toward Natsu left her feeling conflicted. There was a sense of deep regret in her eyes as she realized how much she had missed out on by not being there for him when he needed her. Yet, she swallowed her pride, her gaze softening. Instead of anger or jealousy, there was a hint of determination—she knew she had a lot to make up for and was willing to prove herself to Natsu.

Natsu chuckled softly at her display, completely unbothered by the blatant possessiveness. He glanced sideways, catching the visible reactions around them—Kagura's eyes widened in disbelief, her cheeks tinging a soft red. Milliana's ears perked, and she quickly pouted, mumbling something about "secret agreements being broken." Meanwhile, Minerva's eyebrow twitched, her gaze darkening into a cold glare as she looked ready to challenge the claim directly, her pride taking a visible hit.

"Honestly, Mira," Minerva murmured, her voice dangerously low, "you think you could stake a claim like that so easily?" Despite the venom in her tone, her eyes were focused solely on Natsu, a strange mixture of desire and competitive spirit. "Don't think for a second I'll give him up so easily," she added, arms crossed tightly.

Milliana giggled mischievously, her eyes darting to Ultear. "Looks like we got competition, Kagura and Ul!" she teased, her tone light but her grin impish. "I didn't know our dear Natsu was so popular~"

Kagura, on the other hand, managed only a stunned stammer. "Future... husband?" She blinked, her usually calm demeanor visibly shaken by the bold statement. "When did this—?" Her eyes shifted between Natsu and Mirajane, as if trying to piece together a puzzle she didn't know was even there.

Ultear's lips tightened slightly as she quickly glanced at Natsu, then away. A soft, almost invisible blush dusted her cheeks, and she scoffed lightly, trying to wave off the suggestion. "I-I don't have time for this nonsense," she muttered, her voice carrying a hint of awkwardness, but she struggled to keep her jealousy at bay.

Just when it looked like the tension was going to escalate again, Ultear cleared her throat, trying to redirect the situation. "Ahem. Actually, Princess Hisui wanted to know the outcome," she said, her voice becoming more composed. "She prioritized all the resources for this to work." She looked towards Natsu, her eyes softening just a bit, appreciative of his presence once more.

Natsu raised an eyebrow, processing Ultear's words. "The princess, huh?" He nodded thoughtfully, a smile on his lips, though a flicker of something darker glinted in his eyes. "Alright. We should thank her for her help. Besides, I've got some questions for her...like what kind of princess thinks opening a gate to let thousands of dragons invade our world is a good idea...?"

The sudden shift in his tone sent a shiver down Kagura, Ultear, and Milliana's spines. Minerva and Mirajane, however, only bit their lip, their gazes softening with lust as they felt the sudden heat rise between their thighs at his dominant tone. They could never get enough of this Natsu...

Erza sighed internally, accepting that whatever happened next, there was little she could do to dissuade him. She could only hope that nothing escalated too far.

As they began to move, Mirajane still happily clung to Natsu's arm, making a point of sticking close. Minerva reluctantly followed, her gaze still trained on Mira with an icy competitiveness. Kagura stayed silent, her expression mixed, while Milliana bounced alongside, giggling and making playful jabs.

Ultear lingered for a moment, watching Natsu's back with a small sigh before following. As she trailed behind, her eyes momentarily softened, a wistful thought crossing her mind—one day, maybe, she could be by his side like that. She shook her head, scolding herself inwardly, her blush resurfacing at the memory of the first time she caught sight of Natsu, all those years ago—more specifically, at that one particular incident at the hot springs...

Ultear closed her eyes and groaned under her breath, mentally shaking off her thoughts. "Get it together," she mumbled, her face tinted pink as she hurried to catch up with the others.

---

And thats a wrap omfg. Anyway YES I expanded a bit more on the universe in my own way. I do feel Mashima didnt do ENOUGH with Ankhseram so I will take it in my own hands to do so. Plus it fits considering Natsu's power level in this fic so of course he would face gods pfft. what? dont worry though I will still keep canon arcs in mind as well and wont forget them. I do love the arcs after GMG so yeah dw.

Also I will expand more on Mirajane by the way and show what happened etc. soon soon. I do love me some NaMi and its definitely one of my top favourite ships for sure so of course I could never forget it xD

So with all that I shall see yall in the next chapter whenever that is..! ty for reading. and ofc leave a review of what you think so far. Your own theories or ideas are welcome!