I DON'T OWN FAIRY TAIL! MASHIMA SENSEI DOES!

Prologue

The war had ended months ago. Acnologia was still a threat to be addressed, but even he had to regroup upon realizing the newest developments. Zeref's curse had been reformed…

A few months prior...

Zeref and Natsu battled once again, but this time E.N.D was released. Zeref firmly believed this was finally his chance to die even though he was immortal. However, Gray arrived with his Demon Slayer powers in full-force. Gray was not as strong as Natsu, but his Demon Slayer magic was the most suitable option to handle E.N.D. Zeref did not feel the need to intervene, for he believed Gray didn't stand a chance against his greatest Etherious.

During their battle, Zeref noticed a strange feeling. It was as if he could still feel his younger brother's human self. Eventually, he heard Natsu yelling for someone to kill his Etherious counterpart. Suddenly, Zeref snapped and realized something: He had this curse for a reason. He worked so hard to bring back his beloved brother. How could he let him die a second time?

Using his magic, he separated E.N.D and Natsu from each other. Natsu's body lay unconscious as his Etherious counterpart continued to fight Gray. However, things were different. Gray went from nearly losing to gaining the upper hand. It appeared as if E.N.D needed Natsu's human body as a vessel to be anywhere near as powerful as it was supposed to be. Gray swiftly overwhelmed the Etherious and killed it with the Demon Slayer magic his father gifted him. When the dust settled, Gray saw Zeref holding Natsu's human body.

Zeref was crying. His brother was dead again. His Curse of Contradiction was probably going to erupt once again any second now. Suddenly, he heard a voice.

You experimented with dangerous, dark magic in order to revive your brother. It was and is not your purpose to choose who lives and dies. Your brother died once again before you and because of you. Your punishment is not over, but it will now be changed. Your brother understands the precious value of life and consequences of death. He understands what it means to treasure and protect life. Rather than doing this yourself, you decided to defy death. That is why you were cursed centuries ago. I have decided he has the right to live because of the value he has in your world. You can learn from him as you protect him. Though it will be a more tolerable one, this is your new burden. You will protect your brother, the one you fell in love with, and the guild those two love and treasure. You and your beloved will age until you are both physically 27 years of age. You two will then stop physically aging and live to be immortal as you have already been doing. You and she will look after the guild you have tormented. You will look after her. You will look after your brother. You will no longer kill those around you as you have in the past. Your new burden is a labor. Understand it and do not fail.

Zeref regained his grasp on reality. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. Ankhseram? It had to be. He then felt Natsu coughing and regaining consciousness. His brother was alive? Of course he was. He was just told a second ago—

"Zeref?" Natsu questioned as he opened his eyes.

"Yes?"

"Huh…I guess this means you're a member of Fairy Tail, huh?" Natsu grinned as Zeref couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You heard everything I just heard!?"

"Hell yeah I did! Everybody did!" Natsu exclaimed.

"He's right," Gray stated. He was only a few feet away from them. "I'm pretty sure everyone fighting in this damn war heard that."

Zeref was in disbelief. This was a second chance. He could now live his life without tormenting others. He could be the kind person he knows exists in him. He could finally be with his sweet, beloved Mavis. He smiled and rose to his feet. He cleared his throat and looked into the sky.

"All troops, cease your fighting and return to Alvarez. All Spriggan go to Fairy Tail at once. Do not harm anybody. This war is over. I will arrive there as soon as possible," Zeref declared. He looked down at his brother and the Demon Slayer. "You two have had enough. Let's go home."

Back at Fairy Tail

As the members of Fairy Tail and its ally guilds arrived, they rejoiced knowing the war was over. They knew it was over. They heard the divine, omnipotent force that spoke to Zeref. They all felt assured.

Levy and Pantherlily arrived together. Levy's clothes were still tattered from her and Gajeel's fight with Bradman. She didn't care though. She knew Gajeel was alive, and she had to see him immediately. He had confessed his love to her. She loved him. It was now her turn to tell him how she felt.

She anxiously scanned the crowd and scurried through. Lily stayed by her side in his battle form. He too wanted to be reunited with Gajeel. He was his cat after all. Many people greeted Levy, but she simply nodded her head and moved on, looking for him. She swept through the entire guild hall until she made her way back to its entrance. She and Lily began to fear the idea that Gajeel had died while making his way here before Zeref called off his forces. Suddenly, she felt large, muscular arms wrap around her from behind. A towering figure with a familiar warmth cradled her within those large arms. Her eyes began to sob. She knew who was holding her. She turned around to see Gajeel towering over her, holding her tightly.

"I'm not letting go, at least…not yet," he smiled.

Lily poofed back into his smaller form and hugged Gajeel from atop his head.

"We thought we almost lost you, you idiot!" Lily murmured.

"You think I'd just die after telling this bookworm how I feel about her?" Gajeel said sarcastically.

Levy lifted her face from his chest and smiled with tears rolling down her face. Without hesitation, she tackled the Iron Dragon Slayer onto the floor and kissed him.

"I love you, you metalhead! Don't ever leave me again!" she said before she returned to kissing him passionately. When their lips parted again, she rested the side of her face on his upper chest beneath his neck as he stroked her hair gently. Everyone in the guild hall smiled as they saw the two. Many knew this was bound to happen one day. They just didn't expect in a million years Gajeel would be the first one to confess.

Shortly thereafter, the Spriggan 12, or whatever was left of it arrived at the guild. The atmosphere was tense upon their arrival.

"Umm, we'll just wait outside until everyone else is here," Brandish said as she urged the rest of the Spriggan to wait outside the guild.

Zeref, Natsu, and Gray arrived at Fairy Tail less than half an hour after the Spriggan arrived. As they approached the guild hall, Zeref paused.

"The two of you should go in first. I don't know how well they'll receive me after everything I've done. I'll debrief the Spriggan of my plans before I join you."

"Alright, whatever you say bro," Natsu said. It kind of felt weird saying that so casually, but that weird feeling abandoned him as he sniffed a familiar scent. He raced into the guild hall to find the source of it. Gray followed him inside relatively slowly, nervously actually.

I told her I'd give her my answer after the war was over. Well, now it's over. I know how I feel about her, and I'd have to be stupid to not know how she feels about me. I guess I don't have to be worried about getting turned down.

Gray stopped his inner monologue as he walked into the guild. He scanned the crowd looking for a particular water mage. He then felt his heart beat fast when he heard a familiar greeting.

"Gray! I've been waiting for you! Are you okay!?"

He swallowed the lump in his throat and approached her as calmly as possible.

"Is there a reason why you're still ready to kill demons?"

Gray didn't realize his Demon Slayer powers were still activated. He then exhaled as he withdrew the blackness that covered his body, receding it back into the permanent mark on his forearm.

"Juvia, I'm so glad you're okay," he said as he hugged her.

Juvia's heart began to leap out of her chest. Her face was as red as Gajeel's eyes. She was being hugged by Gray, and she wasn't the one who had to initiate it.

"I'm so glad you're safe—"

"It's time I told you how I feel," Gray said, wasting no time. He partially separated himself from Juvia while still holding her in his arms. His body was still colder than that of a typical human's, but for some reason, Juvia always thought it was comforting. She still couldn't believe what was happening. Gray then opened his mouth and gave her the answer he promised her.

"At first, I only wanted to be friends with you, and every time you obsessed over me, I was annoyed. I eventually changed my mind. I don't know when this happened, but I couldn't tell you how I felt. You see, I was afraid. I was afraid I'd lose you like how I lost my parents and my master. After becoming stronger, I've realized I can protect you. I'm not afraid to tell you how I feel about you. I love you. I want you to be in my life. I hope you can forgive me for making you wait this long," Gray said intently as he looked Juvia in the eyes.

Juvia couldn't believe it. Gray, the one she loved dearly, loved her too. It was too much. She couldn't hold back her tears. "I don't mind waiting this long. All I care about is being with you!"

Gray, who had been holding her in his arms this whole time, lightly pressed his forehead against hers. Her deep blue eyes close to his. He smiled and closed his eyes slowly as he advanced his lips toward hers. He kissed her deeply and emotionally. His right hand was gently cradling the back of her head while his left hand remained wrapped around her waist. Juvia slowly wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders. She wanted, and technically could, melt in his arms. She had waited for this moment for years. She and Gray were together. Water and Ice were together. It was perfect.

Natsu was still searching for the source of that scent. Where the hell is she? Our guild hall isn't that big. Why can't she just stay still? Is she even moving around?

"Natsu!"

He turned his head and there she was.

"Lucy!" He ran to her and hugged her, lifting her feet off the ground.

"I can't believe it! You actually did it! You and Gray did it!" She was overjoyed to see him alive and safe, but then remembered he did in fact die before being brought back their world. "Don't you dare die on me again!" she yelled while pointing a finger at him.

"Alright alright I won't," he said while holding his hands in front of himself.

"You mean…so much to me Natsu. I can't imagine what life would be like without you," she chokingly said.

"Hmm? Are you trying to say something Lucy?"

"Yeah...I'm just really glad you're okay. Did you see Gray and Juvia? Looks like they're together now!"

"WHAT!? Ice stripper and Juvia? Shit! Well, good for them! I saw Levy and Gajeel making out on the floor when I got here. I guess they're together too" he said while scratching the back of his head.

"Yeah I guess our team is gonna lose a member, and you won't be able to pick fights with either Gray or Gajeel."

"Eh I'll deal. Besides, I still have you," he said while smiling.

"Yeah—wait what about Erza and Wendy?"

"Oh yeah! I can't forget about them!" he said slightly blushed. Everyone is getting together except for me! Erza tackled Jellal when I was looking for Lucy, and Gajeel and Levy are now together—who saw that shit coming anyway? Gray and Juvia too? Geez. How did I not notice all of this coming?

"Anyways, let me introduce you to someone," he said while grabbing her hand and gesturing her over to the front of the guild.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Who do ya think?" he said sarcastically.

Zeref finished debriefing the Spriggan. He told them to leave and carry out his plan accordingly. He'd keep in touch with Alvarez from time to time, but that probably wouldn't be necessary. He knew he picked the best people to run his old empire. He bid them farewell and turned back to the guild hall. He exhaled and began walking toward its doors.

How are they going to react to seeing me? I was their enemy a couple of hours ago. I've killed so many. I don't deserve to be here, but I have to be here. Deep down, I want to be here.

He entered the building and met silence. The hall was loud and vibrant but calmed a few seconds after Zeref made a few steps into the building. He looked up nervously. He didn't know what to say. People still feared him even though they heard what Ankhseram told him. He couldn't blame them. He was a monster.

"Hello—"

"Hey bro, this is Lucy!" Natsu said as he ran over to Zeref. "She's my friend and partner who's saved my ass so many times! Lucy this is Zeref, my older brother!"

"Hi" she said weakly. She didn't really know what to do until Zeref reached his hand out. At first she didn't know what to do, but then here human instincts kicked in. Natsu was there too. His presence comforted her. She then shook Zeref's hand as a woman should.

Zeref, now calmed down even though everyone was still watching them, smiled and calmly asked "So Natsu, is she your girlfriend, fiancé, or wife?"

Lucy and Natsu both blushed. They were both so red, they could be mistaken for two tall bottles of ketchup. "WHAT!?" they both questioned.

The whole guild roared in laughter after hearing the question and seeing the reaction. The tension in the air had been lifted, and the lively atmosphere returned.

"She's my friend, Zeref," Natsu stated calmly. "She's a really close friend," he said while scratching the back of his head.

"Ah I see. Well it's a pleasure to meet her—"

"ZEREF!" squeaked a high-pitched voice.

Zeref turned his head. Rushing towards him without any shoes on, a familiar face ran up to him and hugged him, wrapping her short arms around his waist. He was at a loss for words.

"Mavis, let go of me," Zeref weakly said.

"Absolutely not. You're back. You're you again! You're mine now!"

He eventually smiled and returned her embrace.

"SO BRO! IS THIS YOUR GIRLFRIEND, FIANCE, OR WIFE?"

Zeref and Mavis blushed. "Ask me again later. I'll pick one," Zeref sarcastically said, knowing he handled his younger brother's remark well. "It's time for me to address everyone here though. Where is Makarov? Mavis and I need your current master present."

"Here I am!" The short master was only a few meters away.

They then saw Makarov make his way over to them.

"Great, let's move to the stage. They have an idea of what is going on, but I need to fill in the small details," Zeref calmly stated.

They made their way to the stage, and Master raised his voice to direct everyone's attention to it.

"Everyone, as you know, the war is over. Zeref has told his troops to fall back. I am glad to see so many of you unharmed. Now, please turn your attention to him as he provides you with important details," Makarov exclaimed.

"Hello. Firstly, I want to apologize for the grief I have caused you. I know many of you will probably not care for my apologies, and I cannot blame you. You all heard the god Ankhseram. My curse has been reformed. I no longer kill out of contradiction. I will now protect. I will not only protect because it is now my labor. I will do so because I truly want to protect my brother, my beloved, and the guild they treasure dearly. Alvarez will be under new leadership. August and Invel will lead it along with my former council. I am no longer the emperor of that continent. The war may be over, but Acnologia is still however a threat. I suspect that he has decided to fall back and rethink his strategy knowing that I have joined you. I and the Dragon Slayers will prepare to address that threat when the time comes. This was my plan centuries ago. Until then, I shall rebuild Fiore. The Spriggan were ordered to mend all the physical damage brought to your land. I believe Ankhseram also brought back more people than my brother, Natsu. I do not expect you to accept me immediately or even at all, but I swear I will protect this guild, its members, and its allies," Zeref finished his statement, waiting for some kind of reaction. The crowd was silent.

"So does this mean you'll be our new guild master?" Natsu asked.

"Me!?" Zeref reacted in shock.

"Him!?" Makarov questioned.

"No, I'm unfit to be your guild master, brother. I'm sure someone more worthy will replace Makarov soon," Zeref stated with a slight smirk on his face. I guess Mavis and I would be able to serve as Fairy Tail's guild masters forever. I mean, our labor is to protect it. Who knows? Maybe one day…

Everybody laughed. Makarov was going to be master until he was dead. After all, the man was the third, sixth, and eighth master.

Zeref snapped his fingers and everybody's wounds in the guild hall vanished.

"This will be my first gesture," he said kindly as he walked off the stage. Mavis was still holding his hand.

"What do you want to do now?" she asked Zeref.

"I need a drink," he said.

"Zeref, you're like 17! I'm 13! We physically aren't old enough to drink!" Mavis exclaimed.

"You and I are well over the drinking age!" he jokingly said as they ventured their way over to the bar.

"I'm with Zeref!" Cana shouted. "Let's party!"

The whole guild hall erupted. They drank and celebrated until they all crashed onto the floor deep into the night and early morning. Well, not everybody passed out after the festivities.

"Your friends are a merry bunch," Zeref said as he stood next to Mavis on the second floor balcony.

"Yes, but they're now your merry bunch as well!" Mavis said as she held onto his arm with her head draped over it.

He laughed and then slowly pulled her into his arms and gazed into her eyes.

"The last time I did this, I thought I lost you," He said as he slowly placed a kiss on her lips. When their lips parted, they checked to be sure they were both alive and not half-dead. They were put at ease to see they were still standing. They laughed before Mavis tackled Zeref, kissing him passionately.

"I'm so glad we can finally be together," Mavis said when she gasped for air.

That was an understatement. They were both more than glad. They were able to be together for an eternity. They could finally love each other without the worry of killing one another. They smiled as they slept through the night in each other's arms.

I hope you enjoyed the Prologue. I had to set up everything before I could really get into it. Let's assume all the civilians who died during the war because of Zeref were brough back to life. K? Cool. I didn't want to address Larcade Dragneel because we don't know anything about him yet as I'm writing this story. I also chose to not address other characters like Eileen/Irene or Brandish, because we don't know enough about the former and I don't really like the latter. I'll write the story with the manga chapters in mind, but I won't throw stuff in just because I feel obligated to. There will be some (maybe a lot of?) mature content.