Almost didn't get my update for this month because it has been chaos. That being said, the chapter was written and put up on my pat reon months ago, I just haven't had a single moment to give it a quick read over and post. As you might imagine, the healthcare sector is busy right now…

On to more story related matters, I'm getting into a really fun part now, the few years before canon which will not only introduce a large proportion of our supporting cast, but will set the scene for a lot of future events and changed dynamics from canon. Of course, not everything will change and some things will stay the same, but as always, with my own twist on them.

Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan

Previously:
Natsu, Kagura and Happy successfully arrived at Alvarez, however, their presence did not go unnoticed. Natsu ran into Brandish and Ajeel, who tried, unsuccessfully, to apprehend him, finding Natsu was able to resist their magic quite handily. Kagura found herself up against an overpowering force in the face of Dimaria's magic, but Dimaria herself soon found herself off balance, when Natsu was able to negate her magic as well. The Spriggan reported news of Natsu to Invel, who confronted Natsu, who then confirmed he was indeed E.N.D., before Natsu left the Spriggan behind. This was not taken well by Ajeel, who despite Invel's words, decided it was time for war against Ishgar.

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

'Dragon or E.N.D. talking'

"Dragon or E.N.D. thinking"

Techniques

Chapter 7 – Invasion

Kagura was still blown away by Natsu's abilities. One moment they were staring down hundreds of soldiers on the port of Alvarez and the next, they were standing on Ishgar soil, back in the forest outside the village Natsu and Kagura had first met. Natsu released Kagura and Happy, letting the two regain their bearings.

'Well, that was almost a dead-end I suppose, but it did give me some valuable information at least.' Said Natsu.

'Such as?' Asked Kagura.

'From the sound of things, Zeref is king of that place. That means two things. The first, that he has definitely been there at some point and may return in the future.' Said Natsu, as Happy floated over to rest on his shoulder.

'And the second?' Asked Kagura.

'That he wasn't there. Narrows down an entire continent on my search for him. I'd consider that progress.' Answered Natsu.

'Do you suppose there will be any consequences due to the fact that we did technically invade a country not allied with us?' Asked Kagura.

'I won't tell if you don't.' Joked Natsu, with Happy nodding in agreement.

'I just hope this doesn't lead to trouble.' Mumbled Kagura.

'On a more serious note, did you see why I try not to bring you with me on some of my more dangerous trips? Those mages were definitely something abnormal though, I have to admit.' Said Natsu.

'How am I supposed to get stronger if I don't face people stronger than me. While I admit you are stronger than them by far, you won't ever fight me with true intent to harm me, only to train.' Commented Kagura, causing Natsu to hum in agreement.

'Well, I suppose you got me there. On the other hand though, if you've yet to beat me when I'm training you and not fighting with my full power, you won't be able to beat them either. On that note, I think it is time to step up the training, by having actual training now instead of sparring.' Decided Natsu.

'I'm ready.' Said Kagura, getting into a stance, causing Natsu to smirk.

'That's what I'm talking about, I'm getting all fired up.' Said Natsu, before his fists were engulfed in flames and he charged Kagura.

Natsu shot out multiple jabs at Kagura, forcing her to duck and weave around his fists. The swordswoman ducked under a particularly wide jab and stepped into Natsu's guard, preparing to smash her sword into his abdomen, only for a knee to rush her abdomen.

'Rule number one: if it looks obvious, don't take the bait.' Said Natsu, slamming his knee into Kagura's gut, causing her to gasp in pain, before leaping back.

'Rule number two: never drop your guard.' Continued Natsu, as four thorns broke through the ground and wrapped around Kagura's arms and legs.

'Rule number three: endure everything until you have an opening.' Said Natsu, rushing at Kagura with a flaming fist.

Kagura struggled against the vines unsuccessfully and realised she was going to need to pull out her secret trump card.

Natsu was almost about to reach Kagura, flaming fist rushing towards her face, before he felt himself pushed down significantly. Natsu's fist missed and made contact with a thorn, freeing Kagura's right arm, allowing her to cut the remaining thorns around her quickly, due to Natsu being distracted, before leaping back a large distance.

'I guess you know rule four already. Always keep a trick up your sleeve.' Commented Natsu.

'Since we are fighting seriously, I see no more reason to hold back.' Said Kagura, causing Natsu to grin.

'Well, let's just see how well you handle rule five then.' Said Natsu, before rushing Kagura again.

The pair would keep their deadly game up for almost an hour, before Kagura slipped and was wide open for an attack. Natsu was upon the swordswoman instantly, delivering a fiery uppercut. Kagura winced at both the heat and the impact, as she was knocked into the air. Kagura closed her eyes to brace against the soon to come harsh impact against the ground, only to find herself caught in mid-air. Opening her eyes, Kagura saw Natsu had leapt into the air and caught her, using his wings to stay afloat.

'Not bad for our first serious fight.' Commented Natsu.

'Yes.' Agreed Kagura, inwardly hiding her exhaustion.

'Well, looks like you have a good grasp on rule five as well, but there is room for improvement.' Said Natsu, as he gently dropped to the ground, before letting Kagura stand.

'What was rule five?' Asked Kagura curiously.

'Simple, never give up. Follow the five rules and you will be unbeatable. Although, only following the last rule can be annoying if you don't work on the other four, so don't think the last rule is the most important.' Explained Natsu, thinking off his persistent Fairy Tail opponent.

'Natsu, I'm hungry.' Whined Happy, floating over to the pair, having picked up on the fact that the fight was over.

'Well, in that case, why don't we go and get something to eat.' Suggested Natsu, much to Happy's happiness.

-line break-

Invel had made his way back to the palace in deep thought. Encountering E.N.D. had not been something Invel would have liked at this point in time, especially with the Emperor still roaming outside of his kingdom. What was more troubling though, was just how strong E.N.D. had proved himself to be. Invel was by no means arrogant, but his prowess with Ice Magic was second to none. The fact that his magic was useless against E.N.D. was quite a shock to the man.

"So the brother of The Emperor is indeed this strong. It seems it will be even harder for The Emperor to rule the world if that is his adversary." Thought Invel, before remembering something.

"He was looking for his Majesty… but he did not express a desire to kill him. Perhaps I may have misjudged this situation slightly. If we cannot beat E.N.D., conceivably there may be another way to ensure he doesn't stand in the way of his brother." Thought Invel, beginning to formulate a new plan for dealing with the powerful demon.

-line break-

Ajeel was currently mobilising his troops, preparing to lead the first contingent to Ishgar himself, before the rest of the army would arrive. A bored Dimaria was watching the events below her, before spotting a head of green.

'What are you doing here, Randi?' Asked Dimaria, jumping down to the green-haired girl.

'I'm looking for a ship.' Replied Brandish flatly.

'Oh, don't tell me you are going to join us?' Asked Dimaria.

'No. I want gelato.' Said Brandish coolly, before walking away from the blonde.

'Aw, come on Randi, don't you want to go have some fun?' Pressed Dimaria.

'I don't find what you do fun, Mari.' Said Brandish, continuing to walk away from the woman, hoping to lose her, only to no avail.

'You're so mean, Randi.' Said Dimaria, settling for walking after the girl for now.

Brandish walked through the dozens of soldiers around them, preparing for war, seemingly looking for a specific ship, all the while, Dimaria followed her like a puppy.

'Why are you encouraging Ajeel?' Asked Brandish, after a few minutes of searching.

'Why not? It should be fun and a good way to pass the time.' Said Dimaria.

'So much effort for a pointless affair.' Commented Brandish.

'Oh don't be like that Randi, when a chance for some fun comes up, you have to take it. I belong on the battlefield.' Said Dimaria.

'I don't want to be on a battlefield.' Said Brandish flatly.

'If that's the case, you better rethink your plans for gelato, looks like the first ship is about to set sail.' Said Dimaria, causing Brandish to turn around.

Indeed, Ajeel was standing on the edge of a ship, surveying the rest of those around as they prepared to depart.

'Head off in ten minutes, that should give me enough time to get things started.' Said Ajeel, only to feel the boat sway lightly.

'I'm just a stowaway.' Said Brandish.

'I'm just following Brandish for now, but I'll join you after the ten minutes have gone by. Time doesn't really mean that much to me anyway.' Said Dimaria.

Ajeel stared at the two other Shields of Spriggan and found himself perplexed by their strange attitudes once again. Brandish seemed to just do whatever she wanted and couldn't be bothered with any task that required anything more than the barest amount of effort. On the other hand, Dimaria followed Brandish around with constant excitement and was always happy to go out and humiliate dozens of people at the slightest whim. The two had perhaps one of the strangest dynamics in the entirety of the country and it left Ajeel scratching his head at times as to whether they even liked each other.

'Well, it won't take long to get there, not with the Ajeel Squad on the case.' Said Ajeel, getting cheers from his men.

'Don't you usually use airships?' Asked Brandish.

'We are.' Said Ajeel, before the ship lifted off the ground.

Brandish noticed that through the air, their speed of travel was much quicker and they reached the halfway point of Caracole Island sooner than Brandish was expecting.

'Wasn't that your stop, Randi?' Asked Dimaria.

Brandish merely stared at Dimaria in mild disappointment, before standing up.

'I'll just get it on the way back.' Said Brandish, before moving to the front of the ship.

'Way back? Are you sure you can wait that long?' Asked Ajeel.

'Yeah, there's no telling how long we'll be there for.' Added Dimaria.

'We won't be there long.' Said Brandish, confusing the two.

'What makes you say that?' Asked Ajeel.

'Invel will find out eventually.' Said Brandish simply.

-line break-

The port town of Hargeon was one of the most beautiful towns in Fiore, known for its fishing and prosperity more than anything else. The proportion of people in the town who could use magic was quite small, so it was quite a shock for them when ships started dropping out of the sky and numerous people emerged from them.

'Well Ishgar, prepare yourself because Ajeel is here!' Exclaimed Ajeel.

A few onlookers stopped to stare, but everyone else just continued on with their day.

'Not quite the reception you were expecting.' Commented Brandish, noting that hardly anyone was paying attention to the man.

Case in point, once Brandish stood next to the man, a few more people stopped to stare at the woman, shifting even more of the focus away from Ajeel.

'I'm going to go look around.' Said Brandish, before walking off into the town.

'So, do you still want that ten-minute head start or should we get started?' Asked Dimaria.

'Hey kid, where are all of your mages?' Asked Ajeel, to a passing boy.

'We don't have a lot of mages here, this is a fishing town mister.' Said the boy, before continuing on his way.

'A fishing town, sweet. Guess there won't be any trouble at all then.' Commented Ajeel with a grin.

'Well, I suppose even you could win a fight with a town of no mages.' Commented Dimaria in amusement.

'I mean, it would be fun to trash this town, but I'm itching for a fight.' Said Ajeel.

'Well, why not take over then.' Offered Dimaria.

Ajeel paused to give this some thought, before noticing a map pinned to a bulletin board nearby. Making his way over, Ajeel scrutinised the map.

'Hargeon… hmm, guess that is where we are. Who the hell named all these places, Magnolia, Akane Beach, Lamia Scale?' Grumbled Ajeel, before spotting something that made him smile.

'What's this, the Capital isn't far from here… well, I guess it will be easy to take this place over after all.' Said Ajeel to himself, before making his way past Dimaria, back to his soldiers.

'Half of you stay here and let the rest after us know that we are heading to the capital. Everyone else, let's take this place over!' Said Ajeel enthusiastically, getting a few cheers from his men.

'Well, are you in or not?' Asked Ajeel, returning to Dimaria.

'Why not.' Said Dimaria easily, as half of the soldiers disembarked from the ship.

Ajeel and Dimaria then returned to the ship, which promptly took off into the sky again, heading for Crocus.

-line break-

'Man, I must be tripping. That looks like a flying ship.' Said a man who looked like a high school delinquent, with his blond hair spiked up into a horn, while clad in a studded, sleeveless leather jacket, studded metal bracelets and leather pants.

'Better let the bosses know what's up.' Commented another similarly dressed man, only with black hair instead of blond, getting a nod from his comrade.

-line break-

'Brain, what was that all about?' Asked a man, dressed in what appeared to be a racing suit.

'It seems some members of Dark Unicorn have spotted a flying boat heading towards Crocus from Hargeon.' Said Brain.

'I heard it with my own ears and still don't believe it, but I am hearing rumblings from strange people.' Commented a man, who was currently scratching a large purple serpent under the chin.

'Is that so, Cobra… perhaps I will send word to other two then. It is not something we are interested in, but it may serve some purpose I suppose.' Said Brain thoughtfully, before reactivating his communication lacrima.

-line break-

'Ultear, I have just received word that a flying ship has invaded Fiore and his heading to the Capital. This may prove to be the distraction we need to acquire another key. Go and monitor the situation and report back. Attempt to prolong the situation if possible.' Ordered Hades.

'Of course.' Said Ultear, before heading off.

-line break-

'Mard Geer understands. Mard Geer well dispatch some assistance.' Said Mard Geer, a tall, lean young man, who led the guild of Tartaros, the third head in the Balam Alliance, along with Grimoire Heart and Oración Seis, led by Brain, who Mard Geer had just finished communicating with.

'Kyouka, dispatch some of those worms under us.' Said Mard Geer simply, before closing his eyes.

"Mard Geer will find the Book of E.N.D. once again. The others must not know of its absence." Thought Mard Geer, formulating a plan to regain the book that he had lost years ago now.

-line break-

Brandish noticed as a new batch of ships arrived from across the sea. It seemed as though the groups were now mobilising with a goal in mind. Brandish internally sighed, knowing that Invel had not caught on to the plan of Ajeel in time and now it seemed there really would be a war after all. All Brandish wanted was to get some gelato and had instead been followed by the apparent brother of their Emperor, which had then led to an invasion of retribution. Deciding that things had progressed to a point of no return, Brandish decided to make the most of the situation and go exploring. Having decided to go in the opposite direction of her two fellow Spriggan, Brandish found herself in a forest quite close from the coast. There was a lack of people around but plenty of flora and fauna. Brandish reasoned that with a fishing town nearby, there wouldn't be too many living in the somewhat more uncomfortable wilderness that was the forest, far removed from the niceties of modern dwellings.

'Natsu, why couldn't we get fish?' Whined a childlike voice, grabbing Brandish's attention.

"Natsu… wasn't that the name of the one who followed me?" Thought Brandish, before making her way towards the commotion.

'Come on Happy, we can't leave Kagura by herself to go fishing. Besides, meat is good too.' Said Natsu.

'Fish is healthier for you, everyone says so.' Retorted Happy.

'Yeah, but you need to eat meat as well, or you won't grow up to be big and strong Happy.' Countered Natsu.

'I don't need to be big and strong, I'm cute and I am at the perfect height to stab people in the ankle.' Said Happy.

'Hmm, well, you got me there… okay then, we can get some fish for supper.' Decided Natsu, causing Happy to cheer.

Brandish moved closer, but stopped upon hearing the two in front of her stop moving.

'Hey Happy, why don't you go and catch up with Kagura, I'll be there in a second.' Said Natsu.

'Okay, but you need to get me twice as many fish tonight.' Agreed Happy, before flying off.

'What are you doing here?' Asked Natsu.

The was silence for a moment, before Brandish spoke up.

'I just wanted some gelato and now you've caused all sorts of problems.' Said Brandish, causing all the trees in between her and Natsu to shrink down to the size of mushrooms.

'Hey that's not my fault, all of you attacked me, I never even threw one punch.' Defended Natsu.

'Why not?' Asked Brandish.

'I wasn't there for a fight in the first place, I was just looking for Zeref.' Said Natsu with a shrug.

'Is he really your brother? Invel seems to think so.' Asked Brandish, her curiosity getting the better of her momentarily.

'Yeah, he is, I would never lie about family.' Said Natsu seriously.

Brandish opened her eyes slightly at this, before narrowing ever so slightly.

'If he is your family, why are you only now looking for him then, what changed?' Asked Brandish.

'If I'm being honest, nothing really changed, it just seemed like the right time. I've gotten strong enough that most people don't really have a chance of getting in my way and I'm pretty confident that I can talk some sense into him now if I do find him. I wasn't always the smartest kid you know, but I at least have a better understanding of the world now… or at least enough to convince people that life is worth living I guess.' Explained Natsu.

'Are you? Being honest I mean?' Asked Brandish.

'Well yeah, I don't have anything to hide about what I'm doing, especially not from you. In fact, you can tell everyone in Alvarez I'm looking for Zeref, it won't really change what I do.' Said Natsu.

'Why did you say especially not from me? You don't know who I am. I could destroy this entire continent if I wanted to.' Said Brandish.

'So could I, but I don't think you really want to, and I know I don't, especially if Zeref is here somewhere.' Said Natsu with a shrug.

'You didn't answer my question.' Commented Brandish.

'And I won't, I don't want to. All you need to know is I see us becoming close friends in the future and I have a hunch for these things too.' Replied Natsu.

'What makes you say that? Even if you are the brother of the Emperor, it doesn't mean we are on the same side of things.' Retorted Brandish.

'Well, that doesn't really have anything to do with why I know what will happen in the future… wait, what did you mean we aren't on the same side of things?' Asked Natsu.

'I have my doubts about the friendliness between Ishgar and Alvarez, especially with Ajeel having come to start a war. Not that it is any of my business, but I'm not going to go out of my way to visit you or anything and I doubt you will be able to come and go as you please through Alvarez after this is all resolved.' Explained Brandish.

'I don't think a war would stop me from doing what I want… wait, a war? Why?' Asked Natsu.

'Because you invaded Alvarez. Invel said not to, but Ajeel got away before he found out. Mari and I just kind of came for the ride. Well, I just missed the stop for the gelato and Mari was following me, but she went with Ajeel for now.' Said Brandish.

'I got the feeling something like this might happen. Even though I did my best to not stir up any trouble. Guess I need to go stop them.' Said Natsu, before turning on his heel and going in the same direction Happy had departed a few minutes ago.

Brandish tilted her head slightly, wondering if Natsu actually understood what she meant by war and decided to follow him.

'Natsu, why is the ice cream lady following you? Does she think your hair tastes like strawberries?' Asked Happy, once he spotted Brandish behind Natsu.

'Apparently there is a war starting up.' Said Natsu, causing Kagura to look at him in disbelief.

'Oh don't worry, I'll take care of it. I think it's my fault anyway, so it's the least I can do. Want to come?' Asked Natsu.

'Not particularly.' Said Kagura, sending another glance at Brandish.

'Ok then, you three stay here, I'll make this quick.' Said Natsu, dumping their eventual lunch off his shoulders, before his wings flapped out and he disappeared in the blink of an eye.

'How fast does he actually fly with those things?' Asked Brandish.

'Really fast.' Replied Happy, causing Brandish to stare at him.

'Wait, what are you doing?' Asked Happy, seeing Brandish start to reach for him.

'Don't worry, this won't hurt a bit.' Said Brandish, causing Happy's wings to pop out and for him to prepare for action.

-line break-

'I still can't believe we haven't run into any sort of defence force yet. I mean, we are invading this place and no one is really batting an eye.' Commented Dimaria, as she and Ajeel flew towards the capital of Ishgar.

'That just means it'll be all the more fun when they do get started.' Said Ajeel, before spotting a building in the distance, just off to the side of their intended trajectory.

'Say, that's a fancy looking building.' Commented Ajeel.

'So? I thought you wanted to take over this place, not trash random buildings.' Questioned Dimaria.

'If I remember right that place is the headquarters of something… a council of some sorts, I think. I'm sure they'd have to have some decent security.' Said Ajeel, before signalling for a change of direction.

'Hmm, that looks like a person floating there.' Commented Dimaria.

'What?' Said Ajeel, before spotting what Dimaria had.

'It seems you flies have gotten lost, but I'll be sure to guide you safely into the ground.' Said the silver haired man floating in the air.

'Flies? Then what are you?' Scoffed Dimaria.

'You can call me the Grim Reaper.' Said the man.

'Wow, that's a really pretentious name.' Commented Dimaria.

'Whoa, looks like we are ready for a party here!' Said a new voice, gathering the three's attention.

'Who's this weirdo?' Asked Ajeel, only for Erigor to gasp in shock.

'Trinity Raven!' Exclaimed Erigor.

'Oh, because there are three of you… not a very creative name. The raven part doesn't make sense either.' Said Dimaria in disinterest.

'Ho-ho, evil doer, your words are those of spite, jealous of the Warrior of Justice, Fukuro.' Said a man with the head of an owl.

'Bakel, why don't you have some fun. I'll take on that guy in the air.' Said Ajeel, to one of his soldiers.

'All right, I like that jetpack.' Said a larger muscular man, with a striped scarf over his eyes.

'I want a Succubus baby!' Said the long-haired man who was dressed like a heavy metal guitarist.

'Boring.' Said Dimaria, before spotting something on the last member of Trinity Raven.

'Hey that's a nice sword you've got there lady. I wonder if you know how to use it.' Said Dimaria, spotting the blade of the pink haired member of Trinity Raven.

'Perhaps you would like to find out for yourself. I daresay my blade has cut down more than your blade.' Retorted the woman.

'Oh I doubt that, but I'm willing to test things out.' Said Dimaria, preparing to jump off the ship.

'Ah man, there goes my Succubus. Guess I'm just going to have to settle for raising some hell the old-fashioned way.' Said Vidaldus, eyeing the other soldiers with Ajeel.

All of a sudden, the ship carrying the Alvarez natives disintegrated, sending its occupants down to the ground.

'That felt like time magic. What little brat is messing with my magic?' Growled Dimaria.

'Oh don't mind me, I'm just here to watch and wanted to speed things up.' Said Ultear, sitting on a tree branch a few metres behind Trinity Raven.

'Who are you?' Asked Vidaldus.

'Unfortunately I won't be your Succubus either I'm afraid. I'm the insurance policy, courtesy of Grimoire Heart, but don't let me stop your fun.' Said Ultear.

'Insurance policy huh? Well, you can be sure I will specifically hunt you down and kill you at some point in the future. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe months from now, but I will take my time with you and make you squeal before I'm finished with you.' Said Dimaria, glaring at Ultear.

'Well, I guess time will tell.' Replied Ultear and with that final statement, the fight kicked off.