As the smoke cleared on that day, many were cautious to leave their homes as the entire town was rendered silent in the aftermath of the battle. Many a concerned citizen had found a Fairy Tail mage and was quick to help them shortly before guiding the wounded to their guild hall. Even though they were angry from the damages to their homes, they knew it was always an option to rebuild. Some didn't think it necessary to blame Fairy Tail for the mayhem. Others, not so much. As the master recovered, he was sure to receive more than a few grievances and damage bills in the mail for probably the next month or so. Other than that, the townsfolk were just happy the violence was over so they could get back to the festival. The recovery would happen the next day. For now, everyone had the festival to worry about. Once almost all the guild members were present, Erza stood in the middle as the crowd silenced. Thanks to a few healing potions and some rest, they were all in considerably better shape. Besides the bandages and bruises.

"Alright, everyone! Good news! The master is going to make a full recovery." everyone cheered before the re-quip mage continued, "We just need to be ready for the festival and parade tonight. For now, we can rest."

The guild was happy as everyone in it smiled and conversed as if it were an ordinary day. Mira was serving drinks and food with Max assisting her. Lucy, Gray, and Juvia were sitting at a table and just relaxing as the former's drank and ate while Juvia just imagined being with her 'Ice Prince'. The atmosphere at the table was joyful and content. Until Lucy started talking.

"So, has anyone talked to Natsu after what happened?" she asked.

Gray paused and finished the sip he was taking before putting his mug on the oak table. Sighing, he leaned back, making the chair creak slightly as he thought over what he'd been told by Levy.

"I haven't talked to the flame head. From what Levy said, I don't think I want to right now." he responded seriously.

Lucy and Juvia frowned, along with a few others that were listening in.

"Why not?" Lucy inquired.

"Because don't you remember what she said? She talked about him as if she were watching a monster. She'd never seen him so serious in her life and it were as if he was enjoying punching Laxus within an inch of death at one moment. Whatever is wrong with the big idiot, I don't want to be around him until he's cooled down. Especially since he's stronger now. As much as I hate to say it." Gray explained.

"Yes." Juvia chimed in, gaining their attention, "From what I have been told about dragon slayer magic from Gajeel, it could kill a dragon slayer to eat an element that is not theirs. Natsu was taking a very big risk doing so."

The three looked over at the bandaged up Gajeel who had occupied one of the many benches lining the building. His arms were crossed and his head was leaned back. His eyes were closed as he tried to relax and a chair was holding up his bad leg as a crutch rested next to him against the wall.

"Shersh rert, ya kner." Happy suddenly pointed out as he munched on a fish in the middle of the table.

"Hey Happy. Did you talk to Natsu? How did he seem?" Lucy asked.

"Well, he-" the blue cat was cut off as said dragon slayer could be seen walking through the doorway.

The guild quieted as he walked in, taking steady strides as his sandals hitting the floor became one of the louder things in the area. He looked different somehow. His face was serious and emotionless. He was wearing his signature baggy pants, vest, and of course his scarf. Besides his right arm being in a sling and a few bandages around his torso, Natsu looked perfectly fine. The pink haired man approached the bar, where Mira was waiting for him. Natsu sat in a stool as the ashen haired woman smiled at him. He smiled softly back before speaking lowly.

"Can I get a beer, Mira?" he requested.

"Sure thing, Natsu." she responded happily.

Within a second, a pint of the bitter alcohol was in his hand and he took a slow sip as Mira leaned with an elbow on the bar and her chin in her hand as she still smiled at him.

"So, the she-devil returns?" Natsu suddenly asked softly.

Mira was taken off guard for a moment as her smile slowly left her face. Natsu went on.

"I'm glad." he said, taking her even more off guard.

"W-Why?…."she asked quietly, almost whispering.

Both of Mira's hands were on the bar and Natsu put his drink down to rest his hand on hers. The barmaid almost blushed at the contact and how warm his hand felt. She looked up into his eyes. Natsu's expression softened. It was gentle and caring, making her cheeks actually go pink as blood rushed to them.

"Because you need to stop holding yourself back, Mira." he spoke softly again, "We can't change what happened with Lisanna. We can only live and smile for her. She would hate to see you lying to yourself like this and almost always faking that gorgeous smile of yours. If anyone should be acting the way you are, it should be Elfman, but look at him."

Natsu gestured to said take-over mage with his head and Mira looked to see her grinning brother as he talked and relaxed while enjoying time with his guild mates. Natsu's voice drew her back to him as he poke again as his hand slowly and gently squeezed hers.

"Smile for her, Mira. Be strong for her. Live, love, laugh. Because one of these days, I'm coming after you for a spar. And I won't go easy on you." he finished with his signature grin.

Mira grinned back as a tear went down her face. Natsu was quick to wipe it away with his thumb after pulling his hand from hers. Before he could take it from her cheek, she held it their with her other hand. Natsu was surprised as she lightly rubbed her face in his palm and kept grinning at him. Unknown to the oblivious pink haired slayer, the she-devil always had a thing for him. Ever since Lisanna passed, Natsu was always there. It was because of him Elfman got back on his feet and became strong. And she'd never forget the night she ended up at his bungalow when the loss was too much to bare. She'd been greeted by an equally broken Natsu. Ever since they had woken up the morning after on his couch and in each other's arms, she'd felt something for him. They didn't do anything like that, you perv! Mirajane almost smirked as she spied the small traces of red across Natsu's cheeks as he pulled his hand away before getting up.

"Thank you, Natsu." she praised.

The dragon slayer just smiled and made to join his friends and happy, but the guild suddenly went fully silent. Natsu knew who it was as he turned. Laxus was making his way into the guild. Or rather, limping slightly. The lightning dragon slayer was worse off than he was, making a small part of Natsu feel guilt. Just a small one Laxus' entire torso was bandaged and the hand Natsu had broken along with the sprained arm it was attached to, was hanging in a sling. The half of his face Natsu had made swollen was bandaged up as well. Along with his nose. He'd be lucky if he could still use that eye once it was healed. Everyone was watching, most with glares as he approached the middle of the guild.

"You got a lot of nerve showing your face here, Laxus." Gray said off to the side.

"Yeah, why don't you just get out." Jet said as he sat with Droy and Levy.

"I'm just here to see the old man." Laxus responded as he tried to keep walking.

The blue haired script mage's partners were about to stand and block the blond's way along with a few others. Erza made an attempt to stop them as they all threw insults and objections at the man. Then, Natsu stepped forward after putting down his beer on a random table. The guild went eerily quiet again as the two stood there and just stared at one another. Neither moved or spoke for the longest time. The tension in the air was palpable. Then, Natsu slowly stepped sideways and gestured with his good arm to the infirmary, his expression not changing.

"The master is in the infirmary." he stated.

Laxus nodded. As the blond mage passed, he gave Natsu a thankful look, to which he just responded with a subtle and curt nod. Once Laxus disappeared down the hall, Natsu looked back to everyone else and took his beer back before finishing it in one go. He didn't hate the lightning dragon slayer anymore. Natsu understood why he did it. If only Laxus would have done it the right way. Natsu wouldn't have had to go to those lengths to stop him.

"What the hell, Natsu!" Jet exclaimed as he stepped in front of the slayer.

"What?" Natsu responded.

"Why are you, of all people, letting him see the master?" Jet answered with an angry snarl.

Natsu still had a straight face as he took a step toward the speed mage. There was a look in his eyes all of a sudden that made Jet lose his ire and take a step back.

"I think the beating I gave him was proper punishment for his misgivings. Wouldn't you say, Jet?" Natsu asked at the end, surprising many at how mature he was acting.

Jet thought it over before a sigh escaped him.

"I guess." he answered.

"Look," Natsu started, "I know Laxus is a giant prick, but he's still part of our guild. Our family. We don't turn our back on family. That's not who we are. We're Fairy Tail. Alright?"

A slow and soft smile rose to many a guild member's face from the dragon slayers word's. Including Jet and Droy.

"You're right, Natsu. Sorry." Jet apologized.

Natsu smiled and patted the other young man on his shoulder before handing him a beer.

"A round for the house on me!" he exclaimed before giving Mira the jewels that she needed.

The guild cheered and raised their drinks to the dragon slayer as he did the same.

"To Fairy Tail!" he yelled before drinking.

Natsu's smile slowly left after he drank and watched everyone else. His plan was selfish and probably not the best way to go about it, but he was going to do it for them. For his guild. As soon as Laxus was done with the master, Natsu would have a talk of his own with him. Until then, Natsu wore a smile as he enjoyed life with his friends. As Laxus made his way out, Natsu could almost feel the sadness rolling off of him. Natsu had his suspicions, but if he had to guess, he'd say master expelled him. The dragon slayer sighed as he got up and made his way to the infirmary. Curious eyes followed him, but no one asked any questions. As he made it to the door, the pink haired man could hear the distinct sound of crying. Natsu frowned.

"This must be hard on him as well." he thought

Deciding just barging in would be a bad idea, Natsu softly rapped his knuckles on the door. The crying stopped and Natsu could distinctly hear a tissue being thrown away as he waited for a response.

"Who is it?" Makarov's soft voice requested.

"Gramps, it's me." Natsu called through the door.

"Come in, Natsu." the master responded.

Natsu slowly opened the door and walked in. The room was peaceful and quiet. The sun was pouring in through the windows, lighting the room nicely. Dozens of beds vertically lined the walls as Makarov sat on one of them and was wearing a white robe around his tiny frame. His equally black eyes looked up at Natsu tiredly. There was red around them, showing signs of tears. Natsu sat across from him on another bed and there was a long moment of silence between them until Natsu broke it.

"Did you expel him, Master?" Natsu asked softly and carefully.

Makarov was still quiet and he sighed before answering.

"Yes. I did."

Natsu nodded with understanding and leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs before running his uninjured hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry it had to come to that." he said sadly.

Makarov nodded thankfully and looked off into space, but Natsu got his attention back as he spoke again.

"I just hope what I have to say doesn't make things worse." Natsu told him.

Makarov gained a curious air as he listened.

"What is it, my boy." the old wizard saint asked.

Natsu was quiet as he stood and walked over to a window. His eyes just scanned the area as the sunlight hit him. He let out a sigh before leaning his back against the windowsill and looked his guild master in the eyes. It would be disrespectful not to.

"I need to leave for a while." Natsu finally informed.

Makarov's eyes widened and he was about to speak, but Natsu kept going. He made lightning and flame dance around his hand as he looked at the old man.

"I need to treat this new power seriously, Gramps. I have little to no control over it. So, I need to train with it along with my original fire dragon powers. I need to be stronger. So I can protect those I care about better. It shouldn't take too long, but I know I can do it."

Makarov calmed himself as he thought over what his pupil told him. Sure, he didn't like it, but it wasn't as if he could stop the young man. The dragon slayer had determination in his voice and burning strong behind his eyes as onyx eyes met his old black ones. The master smiled softly and nodded in understanding. Natsu's power receded as he waited for the man to speak.

"Very well, Natsu. You do what you need to. I will not impede your progress. Would you like me to tell the rest of the guild when the time is right, my boy?" he said.

Natsu smiled back and nodded.

"If you don't mind. I'm leaving tonight." Natsu answered.

"Where will you go?" Makarov inquired.

Natsu thought about that. There were a few places he had in mind, but he settled on the best option.

"Up North in the mountains. Peaceful, quiet, and I'm less likely to cause damage up there with my training." Natsu responded.

"Will you take Happy with you?"

Natsu shook his head sadly.

"No. I'll miss him, but I don't want him getting hurt or something of that nature happening to him. It's better if he stays with Lucy, Mira, or even Erza."

"Very well. I suppose this is goodbye for now then?" Makarov asked with a sad smile.

Natsu smiled softly back and they grabbed hands in a one sided handshake.

"I'll be back, Gramps." Natsu promised before pulling away, "I'll be sure to leave you a communication lacrima before I leave."

Natsu was on his way out as Makarov called after him.

"You better take care of yourself, brat! No going and getting yourself killed!" the older man ordered.

Natsu smiled wider as he left and turned his head to respond.

"I promise."

More tears went down the old master's face, but he knew the dragon slayer would make good on his promise. And that he would come back to his family. He smiled as he cried. The boy was becoming a man. His child was growing up.

Natsu slowly made his way through the busy streets as he wore a long black cloak and had a large bag over his shoulder. The dragon slayer had made it to the center of Magnolia. He smiled as his guild marched in the parade and made quite the spectacle of themselves. Then, there was their signature hand symbol. Natsu's smile widened into a grin as he saw a crying Laxus in an alley not far from him. Makarov not only gained eye contact with his grandson, but he also managed to find Natsu in the crowd, looking at both of them seriously as he posed with his arm high in the air and his index finger and thumb extended. Both Natsu and Laxus went different directions. Natsu made it to the top of a hill on the road leading to his home town when he turned to look at it one last time. Taking a long inhale of air, he sighed. Just when he turned and was about to start walking again, a soft female voice stopped him in his tracks.

"So, you're leaving?" she asked as she stepped from behind a tree.

Natsu knew she had been following him. He was just wondering when she would decide to make a move. Turning back around, the dragon slayer smiled sadly at his white haired friend. Mirajane was still looking as beautiful as ever of course as she stood there in her usual red dress. She was looking at him with an expression that was all but begging him not to go as her gorgeous blue eyes became teary.

"Yes." he simply answered, his voice just as soft.

Mirajane suddenly rushed forward and grabbed him in a tight embrace, her arms around his neck as she buried her face in his chest. Natsu stayed where he was and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Why?" she asked against him as he could feel her tears run down his chest.

Natsu comfortingly ran a hand through her soft hair as he held her closer. Gently holding her cheek, he made her look at him.

"I need to be stronger, Mira. I'm tired of everyone doubting me. Making me doubt myself. And especially not being strong enough to protect the people I care about." Natsu told her.

Mira cried more as she maintained eye contact and brought her hands down to grip his vest and cloak.

"You'll come back, right? Promise me, Natsu." she all but begged.

Natsu felt something unfamiliar stirring within him as he looked into those pools of brilliant blue. It made him want to do something he had never thought about doing to a girl as his eyes quickly went to her soft lips and back.

"I'll do you one better." Natsu said before taking action.

Without thinking, the dragon slayer pressed his lips against hers in a kiss that told her everything he was suddenly feeling. Mirajane went stiff in his arms and her eyes were wide before she closed her eyes and kissed him back. It quickly became passionate as Natsu pulled her closer and angled his head as her wonderful bust pressed against him. A soft moan left the take-over mage as both breathed out of their noses so they wouldn't have to pull away. Soon, Mirajane found herself pinned to a tree as their tongues clashed and fought for dominance. She moaned louder and wrapped her long legs around him as his hand supported him by resting on the tree. After a while, they both were panting as they separated slightly. Mira kept him close to her as their eyes connected again. Natsu had no idea what got into him, but he wanted more. The take-over mage was surprised to see his eyes had become like slits. They slowly went back to normal as they just kept looking at one another.

"Wow." she said.

She almost moaned again as his calloused hand ran under her skirt and up her thigh. Natsu wanted her so badly in that moment, but he couldn't. Not only did he have things to do, but that would be moving too fast. She wasn't some easy and quick conquest he would hear the geezers (Gildarts, Macao, Makarov, and Wakaba) talking about. This was Mirajane. The she-devil. She deserved someone that loved her and wasn't going to use her.

"Yeah." he responded softly.

They leaned their foreheads together as her hands held both of his cheeks. Mirajane softly kissed him again and he was quick to kiss her back.

"You come back to me, Natsu." she practically ordered him.

"I promise." Natsu told her.

He was slow and reluctant to put her down, but Natsu eventually did as they shared another heated and passionate final kiss. They both slowly backed away from each other, her moving toward Magnolia and him headed away. They smiled as each sported a crimson blush on the fact they just all but confessed feelings of love and attraction for one another.

"You get stronger, Mira. Alright?" he asked.

"I will!" she promised.

Mirajane stopped as Natsu turned and she watched him lift his hood and disappear into the dark. Her heart skipped a beat and she found her maidenhood heating up as the events played back in her mind. She grinned as her feet carried her back into Magnolia with new found determination. Yes. She would get stronger. Not just for her friends and family. For him. For Natsu. Her dragon.

Needless to say, Natsu's leaving did not sit well with the rest of the guild. Natsu's closest friends had to be restrained so they wouldn't go after him, especially a certain sobbing blue cat. Mirajane was quick to take Happy into her arms and comfort him as Master Makarov explained that it was Natsu's choice and exactly why he left. Laxus being expelled didn't go over well either, but the guild was more worried about the lovable fire dragon slayer. The weeks dragged on as the guild members went on with their lives. They had to stay positive. No one was unsure they would see Natsu again. They all knew he'd be back. So, they smiled and carried on. Just like he would do. Especially since encouraging stories and rumors of Salamander thrashing criminal syndicates and even some dark guilds had started reaching their ears after a month. Little did they know how soon they would see him again.

Two Months Later

"So, Oracion Seis?" Erza asked Master Makarov.

"Yes. There has been word of them planning something big, so Fairy Tail will be forming an alliance. Together with Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter we will send teams to engage and defeat them." Makarov explained.

"Are you sure we can beat them? Besides, who will you be sending, Master?" Lucy asked with worry.

"Well, I have decided to send you, Gray, and Erza." the saint answered.

The celestial mage's eyes widened as she looked at the old man.

"Me!? Why me?!" she exclaimed, "I'm not that strong."

Makarov smiled as he looked back at her.

"You doubt yourself, Lucy, but I know you have great strength just waiting to be let out." the master reassured.

Lucy just turned away and fidgeted as she blushed in embarrassment. She'd never really been held in such high regard before besides when Natsu would do it. Erza and Gray smiled as the ice mage patted her shoulder.

"Listen to him, Lucy. Gramps knows what he's talking about." Gray told her.

"I'm going too!" Mirajane announced loudly as she stepped forward.

The whole guild was taken aback by this as Mira stood there in an outfit similar to the one she used to wear. Tight leather pants that hugged her curves, knee high boots, a leather vest that was barely containing her cleavage, and a leather jacket. All black. Her long white hair was tied in a long pony tail in the back of her head as she stood there with a smirk.

"Absolutely not." Erza denied, "This mission is too dangerous, Mirajane. Even for you."

"But not for you, Red?" the take-over mage asked challengingly, "As far as I'm concerned, I am still an S-class mage. Trust me, I can do this."

No one could believe that Mirajane seemed to be going back to her old gothic and powerful self. They actually believed her, being able to feel the power rolling off of her. Erza, Lucy, and Gray looked to their master to hear his decision as he looked Mira over. Slowly, Makarov nodded as he sighed.

"Just don't make too much of a mess. I don't need to have a damned stroke. You hear me?" he commanded.

Mirajane smiled as she started her way out with the others following reluctantly.

"You got it, Master." the she-devil called behind her.

"These kids will be the death of me." the old man said as he drank from a tankard.

An idea suddenly struck him. Within seconds, Makarov was in his office and grabbing a communication lacrima from one of many drawers in his desk. After the saint put some magic through it, the lacrima glowed and made a pinging noise shortly before the one receiving it answered.

"Yes, Master? What is it?" a low male voice came from it as a face appeared.

Makarov smiled, but it didn't last long as he started to speak.

"I know it hasn't been very long, but we need your help." he said.

"I'm listening." was the immediate response he received.

It were as if they were fighting a losing battle. Completely one sided with Erza and Mirajane being the only two left standing. Erza was in her flight armor while the she-devil was fighting in her satan soul form. Erza was occupied with Racer while the Mira was battling Cobra. Both were getting more and more frustrated as they threw hit after hit, only to be evaded and struck repeatedly in return. Mirajane ended up taking a hard kick to the cheek, sending her sliding across the dirt. She managed to dig her claws into the ground, making her stop as she glared at Cobra. He smirked at her as the snake around him prepared to strike.

"Don't you realize it's pointless, girlie? I know every move you make before you act on it. You stand no chance against me." Cobra taunted.

Erza ended up thrown to the ground hard by Racer not far to her left as Mirajane clenched her clawed fists. Without thinking, the she-devil rushed at her opponent. Cobra's smirk widened as Cubellios curled up before surging forward with her mouth open and fangs extended and ready to kill. Cobra did not anticipate what happened next. His loyal serpent was suddenly grabbed by the throat and thrown to the side by a new enemy that appeared out of nowhere in a flash of flames. Mirajane stopped in her tracks as Cobra glared at the new opponent and a wounded Cubellios coiled back around him. Standing there was a man, his face shadowed by the hood over his head. Magic pressure was building up from him as he wore sandals and a damaged cloak.

"Looks like I got here just in time." a low and strong voice emerged from the man.

Mirajane smiled as she stood behind him. She knew exactly who it was. Erza and all the other's eyes widened in surprise as the mystery man tore off his cloak, revealing familiar baggy pants, a vest, and a scaly scarf. His pink hair had lengthened some and was wild as he stood there. He was even sporting some light facial hair as flames and lightning surrounded both of his fists as his power increased by the second.

"Who do I beat the shit out of first for roughing up my family?" he asked with a predatory growl.

Oracion Seis glared at him as a whole as his serious and calculating face glared right back.

"You." Brain said with anger and familiarity.

Natsu Dragneel had entered the battlefield.