Done with exams now so I can finally start writing again. I still have study related stuff to do over this time, but not a great deal so I will be getting a few more updates out now. Thanks for sticking with me.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Previously:
After helping Mira focus her drive, Natsu wandered around Fiore, before finding a girl crying in the forest. Later learning the girl to be Minerva, a girl who had been humiliated by her father due to her supposed weakness, Natsu took her under his wing and trained her for a few months. Meanwhile, back at the guild, Erza continued to pressure Makarov to be allowed to search for Natsu, with Makarov agreeing that if Natsu did not return by the time of the S-Class trials, she could go search for him. Natsu would then leave Minerva, telling her to reform her guild and defeat her father, before Sayla informed Natsu about Ultear snooping around for information on him.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Techniques

Chapter 8 – Death Is Optional

Natsu entered the lair of Tartaros with much less fanfare than last time, actually going through the entrance of the cube, rather than ripping through it as he had done previously. Making his way through the halls, he noted the absence of any and all presences.

"I highly doubt every demon is off doing something, so where are they?" Thought Natsu, before making his way towards Mard Geer's lair.

Opening the door to Mard Geer's little room, Natsu noticed multiple existences pop up on his natural radar.

'That's new, Mard Geer.' Commented Natsu, walking into the room, which held all the demons of Tartaros.

'Yes well, with recent events, it seems security needed to be increased. I am surprised Mard Geer's design was able to affect even you.' Commented Mard Geer coolly, even though he was inwardly quite surprised.

'I was only using my passive sensing abilities, believe me, if I had been called for by you or Sayla, I would have sensed it nonetheless. Now, where is the problem I have been told about?' Asked Natsu.

'Why are we even here discussing this? We should have just destroyed that little rat.' Commented the largest demon in the room.

Natsu paused to observe the man. He was as muscular as he was tall, giving him quite the imposing figure, even without his extra set of arms.

'Where is the fun in that? Without a little bit of torture, there is no point in even taking someone prisoner in the first place.' Commented a dark blond-haired demon, who also possessed a dark blond tail.

'Sayla, please tell me I was not requested to act as a mediator, I will not be happy if I was.' Commented Natsu, turning to face the pale Etherious.

'Of course not, Master E.N.D. we merely wanted you to advise us of how to proceed.' Commented Sayla carefully.

The room seemed to still at this, some in the room not being aware of Natsu's identity.

'I see. Take me to this prisoner then, I will attend to them myself.' Said Natsu, prompting Mard Geer to rise from his seat and led both Sayla and Natsu to the prisoner.

'That was E.N.D., seriously?' Asked the blond-haired demon.

'I have no memory of that person.' Spoke up another blond-haired demon, only this one possessed a much larger, hulking frame.

In the background, a well-groomed man wearing armour continued to stare at the last place Natsu had been, before exiting the room, ignoring the mutterings of the other demons.

-line break-

'Now I understand taking someone prisoner and even perhaps torture… but having them sit in a room with a pot of tea seems like something… odd.' Commented Natsu, as he peered into a room, which held a woman comfortably drinking tea.

'Well, she is part of one of the guilds that make up the Balam Alliance. It wouldn't have been ignored if we tore the flesh off her bones.' Said Sayla, causing Natsu to quirk an eyebrow.

'You've gotten more… bloodthirsty than I remember Sayla.' Commented Natsu.

'I've been reading.' Replied Sayla, causing Natsu to snort in amusement.

'Should we send for Kyouka?' Asked Mard Geer.

'Hmm, yes.' Said Natsu, after a moment of thought.

Sayla left the two watching the dark mage, who continued to sip her tea calmly.

'Mard Geer would like to know what you intend for us to do with her.' Said Mard Geer.

'We won't kill her, but, people looking into me are either demons, crazy or after my head. I need to determine which she is. Of course, the state we send her back in is debatable.' Said Natsu, before hearing two sets of footsteps approach.

'Kyouka, please interrogate our guest regarding her intentions for coming here.' Said Mard Geer.

Kyouka spared a glance at Natsu who merely stared back at her apathetically, before she gave a small nod and entered the room.

'Allow me to introduce myself, I am Kyouka, one of the Nine Demon Gates.' Said Kyouka, as she stood across from the dark mage, only a small table between the two.

'A pleasure to meet you, I am Ultear Milkovich, the leader of the Seven Kin of Purgatory.' Greeted Ultear.

'The leader?' Commented Natsu in confusion.

'Such a pretentious name, Kin of Purgatory. Those humans don't know the first thing about purgatory.' Scoffed Sayla.

'Very well then. Now that introductions are out of the way, why are you here?' Asked Kyouka.

'Nothing in particular, I'm just searching for information. I must confess, recent news that has reached my ears grabbed my interest.' Said Ultear, causing Natsu to sigh.

'Well, that rules out demon, so she is either crazy or here for my head.' Said Natsu.

'I see… would this information happen to pertain to Master E.N.D.?' Asked Kyouka, only for a gleam to appear in Ultear's eye.

'Great, she's crazy.' Grumbled Natsu, gaining the attention of both demons beside him.

'What makes you say that?' Asked Mard Geer.

'She has come seeking me. What this is likely to mean is either she wants me for her own purposes, or, the more likely reason, something to do with Zeref.' Explained Natsu.

'You don't mean to suggest that she knows you are Zeref's brother, do you?' Asked Sayla.

'No. Not even any of you knew of that before I told you. What is the more likely explanation is given the notoriety of E.N.D. she thinks she can use me to get to Zeref.' Said Natsu.

'Can she?' Asked Sayla curiously, only for Natsu to shake his head.

'No, truth be told, I don't know where Zeref is, especially with how much may have changed in these past few centuries. Zeref was already becoming reclusive before I started training with Igneel. I bet he is hidden away somewhere, either waiting to die or plotting some scheme… but I can't say for sure.' Said Natsu, even as Kyouka and Ultear continued to trade vague statements back and forth.

'Mard Geer, I'm getting bored, please go in there and extract the truth out of her. Use Kyouka if you wish.' Instructed Natsu, getting a nod from the former leader of Tartaros.

-line break-

Ultear felt her spine tingle as another demon entered the room. The demon she had previously been conversing with also seemed to pick up on the change of atmosphere, as her previously bored gaze sharpened, and a small smirk started to grow along her face.

'Kyouka, please increase sensitivity to five times that of normal.' Requested the demon who had just entered the room.

Ultear felt a tingling across her skin, before shifting ever so slightly. The rubbing of her clothes against her skin suddenly became quite uncomfortable, causing her to shift further, amplifying her discomfort.

'Explain your intentions for coming here now.' Demanded Mard Geer.

'I came seeking information about E.N.D..' Said Ultear, before feeling something slither up her ankles.

'No. You did not. You were caught in the process of searching for something and said you were seeking information. Master E.N.D. does not agree with this statement.' Said Mard Geer, causing a gleam to appear in Ultear's eyes again.

'Oh? Then why does Master E.N.D. not come and interrogate me personally?' Asked Ultear, before her legs were wrapped up in strange vines that had appeared from nowhere.

'He will, but first, we will learn of your true intentions.' Said Mard Geer.

Ultear maintained her gaze with Mard Geer, all the while, attempting to degrade the vines ensnaring her legs, only to find her magic ineffective.

'From the surprise on your face, you expected to be able to overpower Mard Geer. There are not many things more foolish than that, but attempting to deceive Master E.N.D. is quite close.' Said Mard Geer, before his vines crawled up along Ultear's waist, crisscrossing over her navel and wrapping around her shoulders from behind. In the next motion, the vines stretched along Ultear's arms and pulled them out to her side, before the entire mass of plant life carried its cargo against the wall, leaving her pressed against the stone structure, unable to move.

'Now then, did you come seeking Master E.N.D. for himself or for his relation to Zeref?' Asked Mard Geer.

Ultear glared at the demon in front of her with murder in her eyes, finding herself completely powerless.

'Kyouka, please double Miss Milkovich's sense of pain.' Said Mard Geer.

Ultear winced slightly, as the vines capturing her tightened and she became acutely aware of just how tight they were.

'The sooner you answer Mard Geer, the sooner we can finish this nonsense.' Said Mard Geer, staring back at Ultear in amusement as she tried to resist.

'Mard Geer finds you defiance pointless. Know this, Mard Geer will only let you leave here when you tell the truth or Master E.N.D. himself says to let you go.' Continued Mard Geer.

'Grimoire Heart won't stand for this.' Spat Ultear, before a vine wrapped around her neck and pressed her against the wall.

'We have Master E.N.D. meaning Grimoire Heart is nothing to us. If Tartaros so wished, we could end all guilds in one fell swoop.' Started Mard Geer, before turning to his side to face the mirror.

Mard Geer tousled his hair, calming down before continuing again.

'Now then, you will tell Mard Geer why you are here, the only thing up to you is how soon you do so and how much pain you endure before then.' Said Mard Geer.

Ultear was fuming, finding herself completely helpless, yet unwilling to back down. The door to the room opened slightly. Kyouka and Mard Geer both glanced at the door, before nodding, confusing Ultear. The two demons didn't say a word as they walked out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Ultear peered into the darkness, hoping to see something. There was only abject silence to greet Ultear and it was entirely frustrating. As the minutes ticked on, Ultear found herself getting more and more annoyed as it seemed her senses were steadily becoming stronger until the air itself against her skin felt like sandpaper.

'You think this is enough to beat me? I've been through worse than you demons could ever imagine!' Shouted Ultear, only to feel her threshold for pain slowly increasing.

'So you find that interesting huh? Well guess what I know about each and every one of you so called demons. I know that if I ever find your books I can end you in an instant!' Ranted Ultear, even as the sound of footsteps made themselves known.

Sayla walked into the room and stared at the angry mage, before sighing, almost in defeat.

'I order you to tell the truth of why you came here.' Said Sayla, before walking out of the room.

'I came here to find E.N.D. to lead me to Zeref.' Said Ultear reluctantly, fighting to keep each word unsaid and failing.

'I thought so.' Said a new voice, causing Ultear to huff.

'Another demon?' Scoffed Ultear.

'I'm sorry, I thought you came here looking for me, if that is no longer the case, I'll leave.' Said the voice, causing Ultear's eyes to widen in panic, as she heard the footsteps belonging to the one who had spoken become fainter.

'No wait! Please come back!' Screamed Ultear, as she heard the footsteps stop.

Ultear held her breath for what felt like ages, waiting to hear if the one who had spoken to her would return. After agonising minutes, the footsteps started again, only walking closer to her instead of away. The door which had been left slightly ajar by Sayla was then opened and in stepped a man, covered by a large cloak with the hood up, shrouding his face.

'Well then, why do you want Zeref?' Asked the figure.

'How do I know you are really E.N.D.?' Asked Ultear suspiciously, only for the figure to turn and start walking towards the door.

'Wait… stop please!' Cried Ultear, even as the figure kept walking, only to stop at the door and close it.

'Now then, I'm a busy man and I don't really care for games that don't amuse me. You will tell me why you want Zeref and why you want me to get to him. Fail to do this and I will see to it that you stay here. Mark my words, Mard Geer's words were not a threat. If I wanted to, I could end your guild in one attack, but I won't do that unless I need to. Tell me, Ultear Milkovich, do I need to do that?' Asked the figure, before turning around to face Ultear again.

Ultear considered for a moment goading the man in front of her.

"Surely no one could defeat Master Hades and all of the kin… right?" Thought Ultear uncertainly.

'If you are questioning whether I could actually back up my words, do remember why you sought me out in the first place.' Warned the man, walking closer to Ultear ever so slightly.

'After all, I could end you right here and now and no one would know.' Said the figure, as they continued advancing on Ultear.

As the cloaked figure neared Ultear, she paused for a moment, pondering her next course of action. If what she was presented with was real, E.N.D. himself was standing in front of her. E.N.D. may be able to lead her to Zeref and help her achieve her dream. Exactly why was Ultear remaining tight-lipped? It is because she didn't know for sure if this was E.N.D., that was why.

'If you can prove to me you are really E.N.D. then I will tell you everything.' Said Ultear.

'So you are going to be difficult hmm?' Hummed the figure, causing Ultear to tense up.

'Mard Geer, please bring me my book.' Requested the figure, causing Ultear's eyes to widen.

'Before you get any ideas, your magic is still restricted, meaning you can't do anything to harm my book.' Said the figure, only for Ultear to smirk, despite her current situation.

'If you really are E.N.D. why would I want to kill you?' Retorted Ultear, causing the figure to huff in amusement.

'I was just checking. Seems I was unfortunately right about you.' Muttered the figure, shaking their head in what seemed to be disappointment.

'What do you mean by that?' Asked Ultear, only for Mard Geer to enter the room.

'Here is your book, Master E.N.D..' Said Mard Geer, handing a book with the letters "END" written at the top.

The figure grabbed the book and held it up to Ultear's face, so close that if she strained a bit she could actually lick the cover.

'Satisfied?' Said the figure redundantly, seeing Ultear looked as though she had just got a puppy for Christmas.

'Thank you Mard Geer, please take my book back and close the door behind you. The vines will also be unnecessary once you leave.

Mard Geer acquiesced and as the door closed behind him, the vines disappeared, dropping Ultear to the floor, as E.N.D. walked over to the table.

'Hmm, this tea is cold now.' Muttered E.N.D. as Ultear walked towards him.

Ultear prepared to speak, only for fire to appear within the sleeve of E.N.D., before the sleeve covered the teapot. After a moment, the sleeve was lifted and steam could be seen coming out of the kettle.

'Now then, why don't you sit down and start talking. I'm very busy in case you didn't know.' Said E.N.D., as he sat down on the only chair in the room and poured himself a cup of tea, using Ultear's cup.

'That was my cup.' Said Ultear.

'I don't care.' Said E.N.D., as he drank from said cup.

'You come here seeking information, snooping where you shouldn't, getting captured and lightly tortured, face to face with your objective… and you want to complain about a cup. Say what you want before I leave and let Mard Geer and Kyouka play with you.' Said E.N.D. gruffly, the annoyance in his tone easily noticeable.

Ultear didn't know what to do, unsure of how to proceed and stared at the cloaked figure for a minute.

'Look, I didn't come here to have you stare at me, so let's cut to the chase, why do you want to find Zeref?' Asked E.N.D. as he set down his empty cup.

'The Ultimate Magic World, that is wh-' Started Ultear, only for Natsu to cut her off.

'No, I didn't ask you for rubbish. I asked why do you want to find Zeref.' Reiterated E.N.D. causing Ultear to bristle.

'The Grand Magic World is not rubbish!' Protested Ultear, only for E.N.D. to stand up and approach her.

'Yes it is, now answer me, why do you want Zeref or I will see to it that you never leave this place?' Demanded E.N.D. looming over Ultear.

Ultear whispered something that not even the trained ears of E.N.D. himself could pick up.

'What was that?' Asked Natsu, genuinely curious now.

'I said… I want my mother back. I want to reverse time and go back to fix the past.' Said Ultear.

There was a prolonged silence in the room for a moment, before E.N.D. turned around and sat back down.

'You don't need Zeref for that you know?' Pointed out E.N.D., causing Ultear to gape.

'What do you mean?' Asked Ultear in shock.

'What I mean is if you wanted to travel back in time, you could do so without Zeref. True, you would need to fulfil certain objectives, but it is very possible. I don't think you truly understand how that would work though. In that case, you wanting to be with your mother is your true objective. Now, tell me what happened to your mother and I will see if bringing her back is possible.' Said E.N.D., causing Ultear to look at him in disbelief.

'You mean it is possible to bring someone back from the dead?' Questioned Ultear in shock.

'In more ways than one, so why don't you start talking before my patience runs out.' Said E.N.D. calmly.

'My mother… Ur Milkovich, she used Iced Shell to turn her body into ice in order to stop Deliora, a demon.' Said Ultear.

'Deliora hmm? Deliora wasn't a push over either, seems your mother must have been quite strong. So you want your mother back then… does it matter to you in what form?' Asked E.N.D. confusing Ultear.

'What do you mean?' Asked Ultear.

'What I mean is I can bring her back to life right now if you bring me to her, but she would be part demon. If you want her back as a human, that would be quite difficult but not impossible, although theoretically it is, as no one has succeeded.' Spoke E.N.D. causing Ultear to look at him in disbelief.

'You must be joking.' Spluttered Ultear, causing E.N.D. to stand up again.

'You came here seeking answers because you thought it was possible, now, as I present the truth to you, you deny it. Figure out what you really want and get back to me with your response. Leave now though. Oh and one last thing.' Said E.N.D., as he paused, hand on the doorknob.

'Your magic would work on my cloak.' Said E.N.D., as he flung open the door and walked out.

Ultear quickly employed her magic, degrading the fabric obscuring E.N.D.'s identity from her, stitch by stich. The demon laughed in amusement, as the garment slowly dissolved, the figure fading into darkness as the cloak vanished, but just before E.N.D. could disappear from sight, Ultear glimpsed a mane of pink hair.

-line break-

'You seemed to enjoy yourself there, Master E.N.D..' Said Sayla, as Natsu and her walked towards the exit of the guild.

'I suppose I did towards the end, hehe.' Snickered Natsu.

'If that was meant to be a pun, Master E.N.D., that was terrible.' Said Sayla.

'I'm sure there are other ends that would be more interesting to you, Sayla, but you'll have to wait for that.' Teased Natsu, causing the demon to flush slightly.

'Now Sayla, I would like for you to head back and make sure our guest does in fact leave, forcefully if need be.' Said Natsu firmly, getting a nod from the demon, before she left the Dragon Slayer alone.

'I'm really not patient so whatever you want you might as well get it over with now.' Sighed Natsu, before hearing the clank of metal.

'Are you really E.N.D.?' Asked the same well-groomed, armour clad man, who had been staring at Natsu before.

'Why on earth do I have to keep proving myself, yes I am E.N.D. what is it to you?' Asked Natsu in annoyance.

'You are the reason I perished along with my family, I will never forgive you!' Roared the man, causing Natsu to clean out his left ear with his index finger.

'Uh, I don't think so, unless you are over four hundred years old. Go get your facts straight old man, especially when you clearly didn't do enough research as to if your family is actually dead in the first place. Later.' Said Natsu, before leaving the shell-shocked man behind.

-line break-

"I wonder if I should head back to the guild now… it's been long enough and I'm getting a bit bored to be honest." Thought Natsu, before feeling an out of place source of magic.

Coming to a stop, Natsu found himself looking down at a figure wearing a suit. Dropping out of the sky, Natsu landed in front of a man who was quite startled by Natsu's appearance.

'Isn't this a surprise, a Celestial Spirit out and about without a summoner. You don't see that every day.' Said Natsu.

'Who are you?' Said the man Natsu had spoken too.

Natsu took a moment to study the man. He had orange hair that looked like a mane and was clad in a suit, however, his entire posture appeared defeated.

'Wow, you really must be tired to not recognise me, especially since you should have at least heard of me.' Joked Natsu.

'What do you want? I'm just trying to have a pity party here; don't you know crashing a party without an invitation is rude?' Said the man, attempting to joke.

'I don't know, I figure when Leo the Lion is so sad he doesn't recognise E.N.D. when he is standing in front of him, well that is sufficient grounds for crashing a party.' Joked Natsu.

The spirit tensed up at this, before relaxing.

'Well, if you've come to end me then go ahead. I deserve it after all.' Sighed Leo, before sitting down on the ground, cross-legged and head bowed.

Leo heard the crunch of E.N.D.'s shoes as he walked towards him, stopping just in front of him, before the demon himself sat down beside him.

'Well, if I'm going to end your life, then at least tell me what you've done to deserve it.' Said Natsu.

'I killed my summoner.' Said Leo, before stopping, as though that answered everything.

'Yeah I need more than that. I mean, if you are asking for me to take your life, at least tell me about your life.' Yawned Natsu, before lying down on his back, looking up at the clouds.

'What are you talking about? Aren't you supposed to be a demon? Why would you care about my life?' Asked Leo in confusion.

'Hey, just because I'm a demon doesn't mean I'm going to go out and slaughter everyone left, right and centre. Besides, I like a good story.' Said Natsu.

'You do realise that is what demons are supposed to do, right?' Pointed out Leo.

'And Celestial Spirits are supposed to protect their owners, so it looks like we both suck at being what we are, now tell me the story already.' Demanded Natsu impatiently.

'My owner… former owner… Karen Lilica… she would abuse Aries.' Started Leo, getting a hum from Natsu.

'That sounds weird, don't you guys form contracts with your summoners, surely there would be an implied do not abuse clause in there somewhere.' Interjected Natsu.

'If only things were that simple. Celestial Spirit mages are basically our owners. While there are many who show us a certain level of courtesy, there have always been a few that were cruel.' Explained Leo.

'Hmm, makes sense I suppose, the same thing happens with people after all.' Added Natsu, before going silent again, giving Leo a chance to recollect himself.

'Aries was always a target for Karen's wrath, being a defensive spirit. Her combat prowess is not reflected in her raw strength, meaning she was easy pickings for Karen. Eventually, I decided to step in, keeping myself in this world to prevent Karen from being able to summon spirits and I said I would stay out until she released both Aries and I from her.' Said Leo.

'Can't imagine that went over well. Losing your favourite toy is enough to make anyone less than agreeable. I suppose I can guess where this is going, but you might as well finish the story.' Said Natsu, sitting up and facing Leo.

'After months of not being able to go on missions without us, Karen snuck away on a job that was easily above her level. She had never been able to summon two spirits at the same time and with me out, she was powerless which cost Karen her life. Now, because I led to the death of my summoner, I've been cast out of the heavens, left to roam here until I finally run out of energy and pass away into nothingness.' Finished Leo.

'Pretty dark stuff there man… still not the worst story I've heard and not the best either. The way I see it, you've got three choices now.' Said Natsu as he stood up, forcing Leo to look up at him.

'The first option is pretty obvious, but it also sucks the most, you just stay here and rot away until you eventually die.' Said Natsu, getting a small nod from Leo.

'The second option and the one I recommend, is coming back with me to Fairy Tail and enjoying the last of your days. Fairy Tail would accept you no matter what you are and you might actually make a few friends along the way.' Continued Natsu, getting a disbelieving look from Leo.

'Why would anyone want to be friends with a murderer?' Asked Leo.

'Hey, I've got friends that are murderers… hmm, I might be a murderer too, I still don't remember everything from my past and I do know I lost control once… water under the bridge though, that was centuries ago.' Said Natsu, rubbing his chin in thought.

'Are you sure they would take me?' Asked Leo, showing his vulnerability.

'Of course, Fairy Tail takes any and all comers in, as long as they just want to try and make a couple of friends. You don't even have to fight if you don't want, but that'd be such a waste of Leo the Lion. I won't judge though, after all, most people think I should be out there destroying villages when I'm pretty happy with a decent piece of meat.' Said Natsu.

'Then please take me to Fairy Tail.' Requested Leo, getting Natsu to grin.

'Sounds good, let's get going.' Said Natsu, before walking off.

A moment later Leo stood up, looked back at where he had come from, before following after Natsu.

'We might need to give you a new name though.' Mumbled Natsu.

'A new name?' Inquired Leo in confusion.

'Yeah, oh, that reminds me, my name isn't E.N.D. in Fairy Tail, it's Natsu Dragneel, so you'll need to keep my little secret for me, that won't be a problem, right?' Asked Natsu giving Leo and unnerving grin.

'Of course not.' Said Leo, but that wasn't enough for Natsu.

'Uh-uh, I know how this works. I want you, Leo the Lion, to promise me that you won't reveal my true identity to any human or spirit.' Said Natsu teasingly.

'… I promise.' Said Leo, after a pause, causing Natsu to beam.

'Great. Now then, back to names… Leonard? Hmm, even if it has Leo in it, doesn't sound right. Lee? Hmm, nah, not with a suit like that, a green one maybe… Lyon? Nah, too stupid… hmm, Leo and key… I got it, we'll call you Loke! Yeah, that's not too obvious and you should be able to remember to answer to it without freaking out. Okay! From now on, your name is Loke, well, unless you want to tell everyone you're a disgraced and exiled Celestial Spirit, your choice of course.' Said Natsu.

'Loke should be fine.' Said Leo, causing Natsu to grin.

'Great, good thing you decided too, since we're actually only a few minutes away from Fairy Tail.' Said Natsu cheerfully, before Loke realised something.

'Wait, you said I had three choices, death, Fairy Tail and what? What was the last option?' Asked Loke.

'Oh that? That's simple. I turn you into a demon so you don't fade away and die. I mean, joining Fairy Tail won't save you, it'll just help you go out with some good memories at least. Now if you actually want to live, all you need to do is ask.' Explained Natsu, surprising Loke.

'Why would you want to save me?' Asked Loke in confusion.

'Well, I mean, whether you remember it or not, Celestial Spirits actually did help me out a bit in the past and if I can forgive and guide a bunch of squabbling demons, I'm sure I can help out a Celestial Spirit too.' Answered Natsu thoughtfully.

'Yeah, you just need to make sure you remember one thing if you become a demon.' Continued Natsu.

'What would that be?' Asked Loke.

'Never touch what is mine, simple right?' Answered Natsu.

'What do you mean, what is yours?' Asked Loke.

'Well, since we are almost here, I'll show you.' Said Natsu, before kicking the guild doors in.

'I'm back!' Cheered Natsu, getting a round of cheers from the guild, before walking over to Makarov who was seated on the bar.

'So you finally dragged yourself back here. With a guest too it seems.' Commented Makarov.

'Yeah, this is Loke, he wants to join Fairy Tail and uses… eh, what kind of magic do you use?' Asked Natsu, turning to Loke.

'Ring magic.' Said Loke.

'Hmm, I seem to remember Master Bob telling me about someone who used Ring magic... what a coincidence. Well then, what colour stamp do you want Loke?' Asked Makarov.

Loke thought for a minute, before giving a sigh.

'Green.' Said Loke.

'Hmm, throw in a pink stripe as well.' Added Natsu, getting the two to look at him.

'Why?' Asked Loke.

'Green so you don't forget and pink so you remember why.' Said Natsu.

Loke stared Natsu down for a minute, before sighing.

'Right, green with a pink horizontal stripe too.' Said Loke.

Makarov hummed to himself before grabbing the stamper from under the bar and raising it up.

'On my back please, over my heart.' Said Loke, taking off his suit jacket and pulling up his dress shirt.

Makarov pressed the stamp against Loke's back, before a green Fairy Tail symbol with a pink stripe through the middle of it was revealed.

'Welcome to Fairy Tail my boy. Now, I would say let's party, but it seems that is going to be short lived.' Said Makarov.

'What makes you say that gramps?' Asked Natsu, before three forms lunged at him.

'Damn it! I thought you said he wouldn't be able to make that many tails at once.' Shouted Mira.

'I guess I was wrong.' Said Erza.

'Hmm, Lisanna? Why did you attack me?' Asked Natsu in confusion, spotting the younger Strauss sibling.

'For fun.' Said Lisanna with a smile.

'Hi Natsu!' Cheered Happy, from atop Lisanna's head.

'Hey Happy, not troubling everyone for fish are you?' Teased Natsu.

'That's mean Natsu! Besides, I know how to fish myself anyway. Free fish just tastes better.' Pouted Happy.

'Hmm, yeah I guess that is right.' Agreed Natsu, before looking back to Lisanna.

'You know Lisanna, we kept putting off that talk, I think it is about time we had it.' Said Natsu.

'Why? It's only been a year or so.' Teased Lisanna, sticking out her tongue, causing Natsu to laugh.

'Oh yeah. You three, meet Loke, he just joined Fairy Tail today.' Said Natsu, swinging the three bound girls to the side so they could see Loke.

'Um, hello?' Said Loke in confusion.

'I see, welcome to the guild. I am Erza Scarlet, that is Mirajane Strauss and this is her sister Lisanna Strauss. The blue cat is Happy, Natsu and Lisanna's adoptive son. Nice to meet you.' Introduced Erza.

'Uh, nice to meet you too. I didn't expect for there to be so many interesting mages here.' Said Loke, confused at how Erza could speak so calmly when she was bound up.

'What she neglected to mention is red is into bondage and Natsu is a Shibari Master.' Added Mira.

'Damn it you harlot! Stop trying to ruin Natsu's reputation!' Shouted Erza.

'You know you like it, so why not let everyone else know?' Teased Mira.

'Well, I'll go deal with them in a bit gramps, but is there anything I've missed?' Asked Natsu.

'The S-Class trials will be starting soon.' Said Makarov, causing Natsu to hum.

'Hm, I see. Pass, I've got better things to do.' Said Natsu, cutting off Makarov and shutting up the two girls behind him.

'What do you mean you pass Natsu? Didn't you want to be S-Class?' Asked Erza in shock.

'Yeah… but since I can go on jobs with you two, I don't really mind not being S-Class, who wants all that fame and recognition anyway.' Said Natsu, sending a small wink to Loke, who then found Erza's gaze fixed on him.

'Is there something you aren't telling us Natsu?' Asked Erza sternly, even though the effect of her tone was diminished by her current position.

'I don't think so. Loke, anything I'm forgetting here?' Asked Natsu.

'Nothing at all.' Said Loke calmly.

'So you're back flame brain!' Called Gray, walking up to Natsu fully dressed for once.

'Oh, hey icy. Love to stay and chat, but I'm sure the longer I stay the more chance there is of you stripping, so I'm out. Oh and Loke, one last thing.' Said Natsu, before pointing to the three girls he held.

'Mine.' Hissed Natsu, before walking out of the guild, girls and Happy in tow.

'That was weird…' Commented Gray, before noticing Loke.

'Who are you?' Asked Gray.

'I'm Loke.' Said Loke.

'Gray, nice to meet you.' Greeted Gray.

'Uh yeah, any reason you just took your shirt off?' Asked Loke in confusion.

'Damn it, I thought I had trained enough to stop doing that.' Grumbled Gray, before walking off.

'Well, that was interesting…' Commented Loke, turning to Makarov.

'Yes, well, with disaster averted… let's party!' Cheered Makarov, rousing the guild into celebrating for their newest addition.