Author's Note: I know this update isn't as long as what I typically upload, and of course, it isn't even REMOTELY close to as long as the chapter I previously released, but I thought some closure was needed before we head into our next timeskip! And I hope the timely update makes up for its slight lack in length!

This update has a small bit of plot development, but it's mainly being used to tie up a couple of loose ends you might still have questions about. I hope you guys enjoy this quick little update, and I hope it helps ease your minds a bit on whats to come after this next timeskip. As always, let me know in the reviews what you think of the update. I read all my reviews, and I get notifications on my phone every time someone supports the story through a favorite, follow, or review!

With that being said, I hope to see you guys in the next update... When our gang back at Fairy Tail is three years older!

During Those 7 Years

Chapter 31: Inmate and Roommates

The prison cell the man resided in was cold and well protected to say the least. Instead of resembling barred cages, the cells comprised of reinforced walls: designed to completely drain the magical potential of any prisoner detained. An entire row of these cells were found on either side of the hallway outside, and the only connection they shared to the outside world was a singular, small window that would be impossible to escape through even if managed to be broken.

Although the prison was designed for maximum security, there was still one unit in particular which required to have a Magic Council representative guarding it at all times. And of course, this cell in particular was currently inhabited by the man resting inside it.

The imprisoned man had a toned and muscular body. He was currently wearing his signature skin tight vest coupled with baggy pants. Although his green eyes scoured the lifeless ceiling as he was left to his thoughts, the most prominent facial features were his blue hair and red tattoo surrounding his right eye. His name was Jellal Fernandes.

The guard monitoring the floor from outside was wearing the attire of a high position Magic Council representative. He sported a blue jacket outlined with pink accents. The jacket rested over a collared shirt bearing the Magic Council insignia. His attire was complete with white pants secured with a simple belt, gloves, and a matching cape held closed by a green, gem-like buckle. Jellal knew this man as Lahar.

As Jellal continued to reflect upon the situation he was in, as well as the predicament of a close friend he recently offered life changing advice to, he was forced to end his state of rest by sitting upright on his bed to divert his attention to the sudden change in brightness radiating from the far distance.

As Jellal began to peer out of the minuscule window out of sheer curiosity from the spectacle before him, he realized that the source of the brightness appeared to be from a torrent of raging, golden flames many miles in the distance. The blue haired man was immediately captivated by the undeniable beauty of the golden pillar seemingly erupting from the ground. Despite the situation he was in, a genuine smile managed to creep across his face as he recognized the one mage who could produce such a magnificent display of raw magical potential. "Natsu." He spoke to himself.

"What was that, inmate?" A voice was directed towards him from outside the cell. Jellal immediately turned his head in slight shock, as it was rare for anyone to directly address him at this of an late hour.

After realizing the voice belonged to none other than Lahar, Jellal sighed in slight annoyance at the name the Magic Council representative referred to him as. Before Lahar took notice, Jellal reverted his smile into an expression of curiosity. After regaining his composure, Jellal gestured towards the radiation managing to seep through the window. "I was just wondering what on Earthland could have cause that."

"What the hell ?" Lahar spoke aloud for Jellal to hear. He immediately pressed his thumb against the pad outside the unit's door, allowing him access into the cell. As he approached the window Jellal had separated himself from, he began to observe the spectacle the blue haired man was referring to. "Could it be a threat to the building?" He asked in concern.

"Why don't you check it out for yourself?" Jellal shrugged, pretending to not give much attention to the situation. He approached his bed once more, lying down to rest while staring blankly at the ceiling.

"And you expect me to leave the most notorious prisoner in all of Fiore unattended? I'm the only Magic Council representative on duty at this time. By the time I manage to contact someone to take my post, it could be too late."

Jellal reluctantly sat up once more and held his hands out for Lahar to to observe. "If you are so hellbent on ensuring the safety of the Magic Council Headquarters, has it ever occurred to just take me with you?"

Lahar cocked his eyebrow, causing his gaze funnel between between Jellal's stoic facial expression and his extended fists. "And you are suggesting this why?" Lahar continued to observe Jellal's facial expression for any ulterior motive of suggesting such an idea.

Instead of acting in denial, Jellal narrowed his gaze slightly and began to truthfully respond to Lahar's skepticism. "Lahar, we are currently at the highest security prison on Earthland. I am the most wanted criminal in all of Fiore; even if I somehow managed to escape, where would I plan on going? I can't accept quests from Legal Guilds for obvious reasons, so do you think I plan on joining one? Do you think I will just run to Master Natsu and hope to seek refuge with Fairy Tail for the rest of my life: somehow hoping that one of the most powerful mages alive will not attract attention to me? I chose to put myself in here, and that decision I made two years ago belongs to no one else but me." Jellal spoke with absolute certainty, not hesitating in the slightest to ensure that Lahar would finally understand his reasoning.

Lahar peered into the prisoner's eyes for any lack of truth whatsoever, even the smallest amount to reveal an ulterior motive. But after realizing how sincere Jellal continued to remain throughout his defense, Lahar sighed in response and complied with the man's reasoning. "I suppose you have a point. You don't particular gain anything no matter which way you look at the situation," After hesitating for one last moment, Lahar used his dominant hand to reach into his jacket and reveal a pair of Magical Restraints, "You know the drill. Face towards the wall with your hands behind your back." Lahar instructed.

Jellal complied by nodding his head and standing up to press his chest against the cold wall of his cell. As he extended his hands behind his back, he sighed with a slightly tired expression plastered across his face. This would be the first time in years he would be able to fully embrace a perfect nighttime atmosphere such as this, and yet, it would still have to be done while restrained.

Immediately after restraining Jellal, Lahar gestured towards the entrance to the cell. "We'll be taking a left all the way down the hall."

Jellal complied by nodding his head and leading Lahar out from the cell. The duo then began a light tread past multiple cells similar to the one Jellal was housed in and towards a set of separate staircases at the end of the hall. As the Magic Council representative monitored Jellal's pace from behind, he once again began to instruct Jellal before he could traverse the staircase.

"We won't be taking the staircase down to the courtyard. Take the one on your left. It'll take us to the balcony which we use as an outlook in the event the city is ever on lockdown."

Intrigued by the change in scenery, Jellal looked over his shoulder slightly to nod towards Lahar. He continued by entering the stairwell which led the duo up towards where the top floor of the building was located.

Lahar approached the reinforced door with an elaborate lock leading to the balcony. He once again reached into his jacket, this time, to reveal an assortment of keys on a chain. After thumbing through in search of the correct one, he inserted it into the lock before propping the door open with his body. "Since you were the one who offered to take me with you, the least you can do is help locate where we last saw that disturbance." Lahar professionally stated.

Jellal nodded in agreement. Without another word, he stepped into the moonlight shining down on the stone surface of the balcony. Jellal immediately reeled at the amount of radiance emitted onto his body. He diverted his attention to the celestial bodies above and was absolutely captivated at how transparent the nighttime sky was. Not a single cloud littered the sky. As Jellal's body subconsciously walked in a trance-like state towards the edge of the balcony closest to where his cell was located, he embraced the unparalleled atmosphere by deeply sighing to himself. After momentarily looking over the edge towards the massive city of Era, Jellal realized why the nighttime sky was as unobstructed as it was. "Is it typically always this dark at night?"

Lahar looked towards the massive clock tower towards the opposite end of the town and replied. He diverted his attention between the dimly lit courtyard below in contrast to the lifeless town of Era surrounding the massive rock the Magic Council Headquarters resided on. "Well, it is nearly three in the morning. Not even the late night drinkers are up at this time: even on a Saturday morning," Lahar paused to accompany Jellal's location, "However, this doesn't concern us at the moment. Do you still see the source of the disturbance, inmate?"

Jellal leaned against the balustrade and continued to survey the side of Era his cell overlooked. After a few seconds of silence between the duo, Jellal shook his head. "It doesn't appear to be there still."

Lahar nodded in response. "Then I doubt whatever that was is a threat to Era. I would still feel more comfortable if we stayed out here for at least another hour: just to confirm that the city isn't in any danger."

Jellal nodded in response before diverting his attention back towards the horizon illuminated by the celestial bodies. Minutes continued to pass between the duo in utter silence, to the point where Jellal could confidently say that he felt more reassured in the presence of the celestial bodies comforting his Celestial Body Magic rather than the very man standing directly next to him. The manner Lahar provided his next question revealed the exact reason why Jellal continued to feel this way. "I still don't see anything of interest. How about you, inmate?"

"That isn't quite my job, now is it, Lahar?" Jellal managed direct a response towards Lahar tinted with slight agitation.

Lahar immediately stopped resting on the balustrade. He peered into Jellal's eyes and responded in a slightly threatening tone. "I don't like the tone of your voice... Inmate." He emphasized the term used to generalize Jellal.

"Why do you keep calling me that?" Jellal asked with a flustered tone in his voice, not caring if the Magic Council representative was taken back by the direct question. "This is possibly the one night for the rest of my life where I can somewhat feel... Free... And everything you say ends up bringing my thoughts right back down to what my life is like in that cell."

"Because, that's exactly what you are. You're just another one of our inmates." Lahar stated as a matter of fact. He then proceeded to resume leaning over the balustrade while managing to level his tone, "Besides, do you really feel as though someone in your position should be making any demands?"

Jellal hesitated for a moment to frown. After collecting his thoughts to form a response with, he began to speak towards Lahar. "I understand that whatever I did in my past is unforgivable, but if I'm 'just an inmate,' then I think the life I live in that cell is far too excessive from what any other typical inmate in a prison cell is accustomed to. But that's not what I'm trying to get at... Why is it you have zero sympathy for me wanting to... you know... Repent for my sins? Even though it could never amount to what I committed in the past, doesn't an inmate deserve as much as that?" He gestured out towards the celestial horizon, trying to use the movements of his hands to express his disappointment.

Lahar pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "My opinion still stands. Those who have committed to the path of evil will always be evil in that right. And I don't know why this conversation suddenly interests you. I don't see how you need the approval from one person when you can justify whatever life you live from those who are around you."

"How is that? I fail to see how this is suppose to comfort me; there aren't exactly many people around me to justify the life I'm forced to live, aside from you." Jellal sarcastically replied to how isolated his lifestyle was.

Lahar sighed. Seeing as Jellal was unable to reach the same conclusion as him, he began to speak once more. "I'm an honest person, so I can't lie. What I'm trying to say is that even though I believe you belong here in prison, others sure as hell don't."

"Huh?"

"Look at Master Natsu. He still manages to visit from time to time. Should't that mean something? I have no idea what he sees in you, but it's obviously more than I can right now."

Jellal stood in a slight daze. Never had he even considered Natsu as justifying the life he had chosen form himself. "Are you saying that he sees hope in me? Or... Perhaps he supports my decision to repent for my sins in prison? "

Lahar nodded in response. "From what I've seen, I'd say so. But does that mean I agree with him? No... Besides, I don't think Master Natsu advocating for you would ever work out. If you somehow managed to break out of here, what would you do? Join Fairy Tail? You already told me why that wouldn't work."

"No," Jellal chuckled, "Of course that wouldn't work. It'd be impossible," He paused to contemplate the level of admiration Natsu had for him, "But knowing how persistent Master Natsu is, he would still go to hell and back if it meant trying to find a way for me to live a normal life. Even still, I couldn't possibly allow them to harbor me. That would be far too much to ask of everyone at Fairy Tail," Jellal once again paused, this time, to consider the path he would embrace if he were to break out of prison, "If I somehow managed to get out of here, I would probably just go on my own."

"Wasn't it your decision to let me bring you into custody-"

Jellal interrupted Lahar. "It was... I never said it wasn't. I know it was my decision for you to bring me into custody, but sometimes I feel like this just can't be it. How is paying for my sins sitting in a prison cell and allowing my past to swallow me in a state of endless depression? So instead, if I SOMEHOW got out of here, I'd try to improve on myself because I can tell there's a person who knows I can, and that person's name is Master Natsu... Because when you really take the time to think about it... When someone as amazing as him treats you like a person when you don't even feel like a human, it changes your entire world." It was at that moment, Jellal's eyes lit up. He slowly raised his head up towards the sky in realization at the conclusion his mind had arrived to.

"If you say so." Lahar sighed, surveying the horizon before him for any sight of the disturbance.

As Jellal stood in realization of what he had said to himself, he managed to utter one thought within his mind. "I know what to do," Jellal inwardly smiled, "It really is a beautiful night. You can see the constellations up above." He paused to gesture towards the heavens above.

"Sure is." Lahar held up his hand in dismissal, not wanting the conversation to grow unprofessional.

Jellal sighed deeply to himself, using the next few moments to prepare his thoughts for the inevitable decision he had come to. "Hey, Lahar. Have you ever heard the story: the story about how the constellations were created?"

"I don't recall the constellations even having a backstory associated with them," Lahar paused to scour his mind for any recollection of a possible story, before subtly shaking his head at the situation, "However, I am not too interested if it will end up distracting us from what we came up here for."

As Jellal began to use the final moments of tranquility to reassure himself of his decision, he brought himself to confidently respond to Lahar. "Well... It's not long at all. We might as well try to entertain ourselves with something in the meanwhile." Jellal then began to slowly step away from the balustrade, causing Lahar to cock his eyebrow in confusion.

"Where the hell are you going?" The Magic Council representative asked in confusion.

Jellal ignored Lahar's comment. The blue haired mage lifted his head towards the constellations residing above them, providing a dazzling radiance for all of Fiore to witness. With his hands still behind his back, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and readied his body to recite the one true thought continuing to plague his mind.

"Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens...

All the stars, far and wide..."

Each line Jellal recited caused the celestial bodies above to begin to radiate with greater intensity, however, it was still not to the point of attracting Lahar's attention.

The Magic Council representative only eyed the inmate across from him in utter confusion, completely oblivious to the change in luminescence above.

"Show me thy appearance...

With such shine."

The celestial bodies immediately began to radiate with enough intensity to fully attract Lahar's attention.

The Magic Council representative immediately bolted his head towards the sky above and widened his eyes in horror at the sight of celestial light beginning to rain down from the heavens, being focused towards Jellal's raised chest.

"Oh Tetrabiblos...

I am the ruler of the stars...

Aspect become complete...

Open thy malevolent gate."

Jellal parted his hands from behind his back, instantly breaking from the pair of magical restraints without any effort whatsoever. He proceeded to lift his hands above his head, causing them to bask in the light of the celestial bodies pulsing with magical potential.

As Lahar diverted his gaze between the sky and Jellal's stance, he immediately noticed thousands of Magic Circles being generated by each star in the sky, only amplifying the sheer intensity of the magical potential and celestial light raining down on the prisoner. Just as Lahar braced himself to apprehend Jellal, the spell being recited was completed.

"Oh, 88 Stars of the heaven...

Shine!

Urano Metria!"

Jellal boomed one of his most powerful spells with as much resolve as he could muster, causing his eyes to shoot open and pulse with a golden aura. Before Lahar could even react, a blast of celestial light was cast upon the massive city of Era from each magic circle scattered across the sky, thrusting Lahar's body backwards and towards the balustrade he originally leaned against. He was completely incapacitated from the unfathomable amount of magical potential Jellal possessed, and was unable to remain conscious to witness the city bathe in the blinding celestial light unleashed upon it from the heavens.

The spell dissipated over the moments to come, but not before a single soul had the opportunity to awaken and witness the dazzling array of celestial light scattered across the sky. And of course, it was not before Jellal had used the immense power of the spell to vanish... Without a trace.

Scene Change - Magnolia Forest

The pink haired Fairy Tail Guild master strolled through the forest outlining Magnolia Town with Kagura walking at his side.

Archenemy loosely dangled at Kagura's side, indicating that she was tired beyond belief, and that the only reason she managed to stay awake was because of her following Master Natsu at her side. "Master Natsu... Macao and Sayuki already went home for the night... What is it that you have to show me which couldn't wait until we wake up?"

As Natsu led Kagura through the final portion of the foliage and undergrowth, he turned to smile at the purple haired guild member before extending his arm out towards a small structure which resided within the massive prairie before them.

Kagura cocked her head in confusion once she realized the structure was that of a house. The exterior had an arched entrance leading to the door below it. The appearance resembled a yellow, old-fashioned bungalow with a brick chimney and some decorative elements around the door and walls. The roof was plated with a series of red tiles. Kagura inwardly admitted that the exterior appeared to be messy, one of the reasons being that there was a massive tree sprouting through part of the roof. As Kagura focused her gaze towards the path leading up to the entrance, she couldn't help but smile at the makeshift plaque with the names of residents scribbled on it. "Natsu and Happy," She recited to herself and paused to eye her Guild Master at her side, "You wanted to show me your house?"

Natsu sheepishly rubbed his head. "Well... Kinda," He paused to jog up to the entrance while holding his hand outwards in hospitality, "Come on in... I wanted to show you what's inside."

As Kagura passed over the welcome mat, anxiously approaching the door which Natsu began to prop open with his body, her jaw nearly dropped in disbelief at the sight of the interior. For as small as the house was, it was an absolute mess. Hell, the cleanest part of the house seemed to be the welcome mat she just passed over.

The interior had a dining table towards the rear, but food and trash was scattered everywhere around the room. Kagura assumed Natsu's bed was the raggedy hammock, pillow, and patched blanket off to the side. One edge of the hammock was attached to the ceiling and the other to from a tree which sprouted from the ground, with a wooden staircase leading up its trunk. The house was lighted by a round chandelier hanging over the ground. In addition to the chandelier, there seemed to be an old training dummy which appeared to have not seen any use in years. And of course, the puppet resembled Erza Scarlet of all mages and was sloppily attached to the ceiling with a pipe.

The floor was covered by different objects, among which is a large, stone barbell, some gears, a pair of chests, and a chair laying on its back. The backmost parts of the house had what seemed to be a bathroom to the wing on the left, and an unidentifiable room to the wing on the right.

"You wanted to show me... The mess?" Kagura could only manage to deadpan with her slack jaw.

"Hey... It's not that bad. It IS what I call home, after all." Natsu defended himself with a pout on his face. He then gestured for Kagura to follow him.

Natsu then led a reluctant Kagura to the unidentifiable room. Kagura followed behind Natsu as the door creaked open, and her eyes widened in utter shock. The room was absolutely spotless, and a luxurious bed was placed towards the back. Two drawers rested on either side of the back frame, and a massive window pane was above the bed, allowing to see the stunning moon caressed by the nighttime sky. However, what Kagura was most taken back by was the fact that all her belongings were neatly spread out across the plush carpet. It was as if she was standing in an entirely different house when compared to the atrium she had just passed through.

Before she could mange to stutter towards Natsu in utter confusion, the pink haired Guild Master toothily grinned and nudged Kagura on the shoulder. "I hope you didn't mind me bringing over all your stuff. On the train back to Magnolia, I ended up contacting Wakaba using my Lacrima to see how things were back at home. He wasn't happy that I woke him up at that time, but he said that the owner of Fairy Hills, Ruchio, needed to inform us that we were in the process of moving the Tenrou Group's stuff out to start renovations. Erza's armor and all that other stuff is being stored at Fairy Tail in the meanwhile. And... Well... I remember you talking to me about how you'd need a place to live while it undergoes renovations. Soooo... I wanted to surprise you with this room when we got back. I contacted one of the housing attendants over at Fairy Hills to see if they'd be able to bring your stuff here. They always have someone on staff, even at this time of night, so everything you own is here," Natsu paused to rub his head sheepishly, "I know you wanted to get a chance to check the place out before moving in... But I kinda wanted to do this as a 'thank you' for everything you've helped me with. That includes that badass sword you got me."

Kagura's eyes began to tear up at the thought.

Before she could even think of a response to express her gratitude for the massive gesture she was given, Natsu began to fear the worse from her silence. He began to sweatdrop in slight sadness and shook his head in reassurance. "Buh- But don't worry... If you don't like the room, just tell me and we can get it moved back to Fairy Hills. I should waited for you to come check out the place instead of assumin-

Natsu was never given the opportunity to finish his statement. Before he could, Kagura threw herself on Natsu and enveloped him in an embrace just as the Fairy Tail Guild Master was about to regret his actions. "Thank you so much... Master Natsu."

Natsu returned the embrace and immediately let out a sigh in relief, "For a second there, I thought you hated the room," He chuckled before beginning to speak about this new environment Kagura would have to live in, "Buh- Because I know it's not a lot, but you don't have to worry about rent... After all, I built the house myself."

Kagura shook her head in complete understanding and denial. "Of course I love the place... It's just I was taken a bit back at how messy the main area was. But I remember you telling me about possibly living here after we managed to bring down Raven Tail," Kagura smiled, "I think the place is amazing. Messy, but amazing." She gestured to the cleanliness of the guest room and how much effort Natsu put into keeping it in that state.

Natsu sheepishly rubbed his head again. "Well... Igneel always told me that I should keep a clean guest bedroom on my hands. Good thing I did, since I never got the opportunity to come back here ever since I made you the first offer to move in with me." He paused to gaze into Kagura's grateful eyes.

"That makes more sense." Kagura giggled while attempting to hold back a yawn, just because of the fact it would make her look ungrateful and uninterested in the offer.

Despite Kagura's futile attempts to hold back her yawn, her tired state did not go unnoticed by Natsu who began to apologetically conclude his conversation. "I can tell you're really tired. There's no need to try and hide it," He jokingly nudged her, "I mean, we HAVE been up the entire night now. It only makes sense we get some rest," He paused to glance between the scenery outside his window and the state of the main room of his house, "I'll find some time to clean up the place tomorrow, after we make an appearance at the guild hall. I hope you don't mind waiting until then."

Kagura began to frantically wave her hands in response. "Nononono... I don't want you to feel obligated to have to do that. I'm your roommate now, so I have to pick up my own weight around here also." She confidently boasted in sheer happiness at the new room.

Natsu flashed a toothy grin her way in response. "Then it's settled... We're in this together," He paused to scour Kagura's tired facial expression, the entire time he could visibly tell how much it conflicted with her attempting to remain happy. "Yup, I don't think there's much point in us trying to keep ourselves awake for much longer," He paused to gesture towards the other wing across from Kagura's room while chuckling, "You can wash up in the bathroom over there. It's in the wing opposite of where you'll be staying. The cabinets and shower should have all your toiletries from Fairy Hills. If you feel like you need some extra stuff, don't hesitate to use anything else of mine you manage to find in there," He began to stroke his stubble for anything he forgot to mention to Kagura before snapping his finger in realization, "OH! You probably still remember from that pot of soup I made for the Magic Alliance when we were camped outside Clover Town, but I manged to teach myself how to cook when the Tenrou Group vanished. I try to make grocery runs every other day of the week to pick up some ingredients and household stuff, starting on Monday. Just leave a list of stuff you need on the kitchen table the night before I head out to the guild hall. That way, I'll be sure to get what you need from the market before I come home the next day."

Kagura stuttered at how self-sufficient, independent, and generous her new roommate was being to her despite his current living conditions. "Yuh- Yeah... Of course I remember the soup. After all, it was probably the best soup I have ever had." She could only bring herself to state.

Natsu smiled at Kagura's compliment and proceeded to speak to the purple haired Guild Member. "It's still awesome that you think that... Because if that's really the case, I was hoping you wouldn't mind that I whip up homemade meals every night. You can probably tell by how messy the main room is, but I always cook more food than I can eat, so I might as well just cook for the both us from now on..." Natsu's voice began to trail off as he saw a look of concern plastered across Kagura's face.

"Uh- Are you sure you'll be okay with all of this?" Kagura began to speak with modesty and slight concern.

Natsu began to nod his head in absolute certainty while wildly gesturing with his hand movements. "Of course I'm sure! All the extra food I make would have gone to waste anyways, so now at least it's going towards someone who deserves it," The comment caused Kagura to blush ever so slightly, "But if I ever have to work a late night at the guild hall, I'll try to let you know in advance so you can heat up leftovers or eat out for the night," Natsu paused to gesture towards the random tree growing through the side of his house, "The staircase on that tree actually leads to the roof. If you ever have trouble sleeping, or just have a lot on your mind to deal with, the view of Magnolia Town and the forest is amazing: ESPECIALLY at night," Natsu then paused to sheepishly gesture towards his makeshift bed located in the main area of his house, "And speaking of places to sleep, you could already probably tell by now, but I tend to crash on that hammock over there."

The amount of friendliness and warmth Natsu had continued to usher upon Kagura was enough to make her tear up in response. "Thank you Master Natsu, for everything. This is all just so much. I know you're my roommate and Guild Master and all, but it's just hard to believe that there's a person as amazing as you who lives in this world would's be willing to do this for anyone in need."

Natsu began to smile with his signature toothy grin with a blush staining his face's complexion. "Well, you're right about one thing; of course I'd do this for someone in need," He paused to reassure Kagura, "But it's a bit more than that I think. I wanted to do it for someone who not only needed it the most, but also for someone who means the world to me... Because that's what matters most, right? And I think it's because that person has always been you." Natsu stated it while subconsciously inching towards her.

The statement caused Kagura's breathing to grow ragged which was evident with the unpredictable rise and fall of her chest. "This moment... It's what I want... Natsu... He's the person Simon helped me realize I love..." She thought to herself as she raised the palm of her hand at her side, ready to brace against Natsu's chest in hope of them finally reciprocating the feelings she had long felt for the Dragon Slayer; it was just that she was never given the opportunity to understand them until now.

Natsu interrupted Kagura's thoughts by adding onto the previous comment he had made. "You know, Kagura. As amazing as a person you tell me I am, sometimes... You don't see the exact same things in yourself. Just from how I've seen you unsheathe Archenemy and emotionally express yourself as apart of Fairy Tail, it leaves me with no doubt that this is your new destiny in life. I know I told you this exact same thing back when we were apart of the Magic Alliance, but that was before you unsheathed Archenemy," He paused to chuckle to himself in realization, "And the fact I'm already finding myself saying this again just proves that the most amazing person in this house... Is actually you." Never in Natsu's life had he felt this strange of an emotion course throughout his body, but even he had no way of making sense of it. How could he? It was something that had been completely foreign to him all this time, and all he knew was it always managed to loop back to the strong connection he shared with Kagura.

Each statement Natsu was oblivious to caused Kagura's heart to flutter. Regardless as to whether or not it was due to the Fairy Tail Guild Master's nonchalant and dense nature, coupled with him not realizing how emotionally invested she had put herself into this situation, neither of them had a moment to ponder its meaning before another thought crossed Natsu's mind: forcing him to separate the little space which remained between their bodies."OH, before I forget! The housing attendant who dropped off your belongings had no idea how you wanted it organized, so she neatly left it all on the room's floor. I think she ended up putting your pajamas in the bathroom, so you don't have to spend time picking through your stuff to find them. You can just wash up, throw them on, and hit the hay."

Kagura nearly collapsed at how abrupt the situation had ended, but even she knew she had to snap herself out of it. No matter how emotionally attached she was to the outcome she was hoping for, she knew it was unfair to Natsu to burden him with being able to reciprocate feelings for her which he probably didn't even understand himself... If he even had feelings to reciprocate at all. Whether or not Natsu had the intention on returning those feelings to her in the future, she knew the only thing that would be fair to him was to give him the time he needed to mature and find out if what he had said to her was to a fellow Nakama... Or something more. If this outcome was from any other person, she would be in emotional turmoil at how the person in front of her had dismissed the situation. But this was Natsu, and she couldn't help but begin to chuckle at how far she was willing to take the situation with someone who knew no better at the moment.

"Did I say something funny?" Natsu scratched his head in utter confusion, while wondering why Kagura had began to chuckle out loud.

Kagura lightly shook her head and managed to cover up her thoughts and facial expression. "I was just thinking about how the guild hall is going to react. After all, we have a bunch of stuff to catch up on with them."

"Ah, yes. The casual, 'I met the first Dragon Slayer, found out I'm 400 years old, and became more powerful than I could ever imagine to defeat a Dragon Slayer named Acnologia who ended the most ruthless war in the history of Earthland,' Type of adventures."

Kagura then chuckled more audibly at her Guild Master's antics. "If that's how we're going to break it to the guild hall, then I'm going to want as much sleep as I can get before then."

Natsu nodded his head in agreement. "I know... Take as much time as you need in the bathroom getting ready for bed. I'll probably end up showering when I wake up tomorrow, since I want to spend a couple of minutes relaxing on the roof." He held his hand up, beginning to dismiss the conversation

Before the pink haired Guild Master could traverse to the ladder leading up to the roof of his house, he felt a pair of warm arms wrap around his waist. As Natsu looked over his shoulder to gaze towards the source of the embrace, he was surprised to see Kagura warmly smiling into his black eyes. "Master Natsu... Thank you again. I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for you... LITERALLY." She sheepishly chuckled.

Natsu smiled and patted her hands which were placed around his waste. "Of course, Kagura. After all, everything I said was true."

As Kagura began to loosen her grip around her new roommate, she watched as he traversed towards the ladder leading up the trunk of the tree. Natsu began to scale the wooden staircase, but not before peering around the trunk to flash Kagura one last toothy grin. "Goodnight Kagura. Sleep well, and let me know if you need anything."

Kagura confidently nodded her head in repose, "Goodnight Master Natsu," Before watching his grin dissipate behind the tree he used to scale towards the roof.

Natsu grunted to himself as he managed to lift his body on top of the roof's tiles. He dusted his cloak and pants before slowly raising his head to marvel at the beautiful scenery. Magnolia Town was peacefully resting behind the light foliage of the treeline. Not a single inhabitant littered the streets which added to the sheer silence present throughout the area. The moonlight glistening over lake Sciliora in the distance only magnified how stunning the scenery was.

Just as Natsu thought the scenery couldn't be improved, his eyes widened in absolute admiration at the sight before him. As his gaze began to scour the nighttime sky, he noticed the celestial bodies above began to generate thousands of magic circles in wave. The magic circles were the exact same color of the respective celestial body channeling its magic potential. However, the largest of all was a cream colored magic circle in front of the moon.

In an instant, a blast of moonlight traveled from the moon along with every other celestial body illumining the night sky, causing their rays to shoot through their respective magic circle and towards Earthland: in the general direction of Era.

Natsu was at an absolute loss of words. It was as if a shower of comets began to rain throughout Earthland's orbit. "What the hell is that... Huh- Who the hell is strong enough to control the magic of the universe?!" Natsu referred to the thousands of magic circles which littered the horizon.

Natsu was absolutely mesmerized by the supposed spell's beauty to the point where he subconsciously lowered his body to the roof of his house. As he crossed his legs over one another, he inhaled deeply and began to admire the once in a lifetime scenery: the forest, silent town, and array of pouring magic potential throughout the darkness of the night. It was only then that he allowed his thoughts to wander. From the guild hall renovations that were nearly underway, thanks to the Jewels earned from the Raven Tail quest, to the wedding Alzack and Bisca planned on hosting. So much had happened over the past two years, and he only knew there would be more adventures to come. But with Kagura moving in, him getting his Magic back, and looking forward to spending time with the newly engaged couple in a renovated guild hall, he could only smile to himself as he laid down on his roof and prepared to face the bright future ahead within the comfort of the stunning night.

Thank you for your time!