sorry for the 6-month hiatus

The two combatants stared each other down waiting on Natsu to start the match

"This is purely a sparring match meaning no lethal blows!"

"Richard are you ready?"

"Yes Natsu"

"Jordan are you ready?"

"Yes Natsu"

"GO!"

Jordan didn't hesitate to use his maker magic using the same pose as Gray and many others.

His first attack was a stone that could be described as an arrow.

the shaft was about a foot thick with a broadhead to match.

Richard just stood by snapping his finger to cause the ground to Liquefy before bending to his will evident by the arrow stopped dead in its tracks.

Why is it stopped? Is simple Richard magic like all earth magic allows him to bend it to however they see fit?

In this case, he moved the earth like a glove to capture the stone arrow.

This did not sit well with Jordan trying to calm himself

"I'll give you one chance to forfeit the match," Richard said

"Like hell, I will" and so the battle between two great mages rage onward for the remainder of the day.

By the time the sun had fallen the battle ended in a draw between them.

Natsu walked to the center of the destroyed earth seeing Jordan standing on his knee and Richard in the same position.

"I'm calling it this match, it's a draw," he said fiercely.

They both let out a disappointing sign but knew it was pointless to continue.

Both because the guild master commanded it and they were out magic energy to continue.

Ultear begrudgingly cleaned up their mess before everyone went back to work.

One week later

With the help of Doranbolt Natsu took Meredy to Marry's Taylor shop.

He was teased heavily for caving to the girl's will.

Meredy walked out in a red dress wearing white stockings and a black hairband.

"Let's get back" Doranbolt teleported them all back to the guildhall.

Nothing really changed over the coming month.

Ther job they took grew in numbers and variety.

The main focus was still dark guilds but other requests started coming in like monster elimination, protection jobs.

And one of Natsu's favorites is working at Yajima restaurant.

That one always seemed to lift their spirits and it helps their image as a guild.

Many of the other guild masters acknowledge Natsu's skill at running a guild.

So much in fact some did joint jobs with his guild.

Of course, the only ones willing were Blue Pegasus, Quatro Cerberus, and Lamia scale, and let not forget Fairy tail.

Speaking of Fairy Tail Natsu made sure to visit them for the Fantasia parade.

They even grew in number to have 20 members strong.

Before Natsu knew it Two years had passed since he started Crime Sorcery.

His relationship with Ultear has what some could say stabilized.

They still wouldn't admit they liked each other but they developed a more professional as far as guild affairs are concerned.

Year x787 May

Jella was laying on the ground as Natsu stood over him.

Natsu had his left arm blocking a sword strike meant for Jellal.

The person attacking was a woman with raven-colored hair and white blazer.

"Jellal you ok?" Natsu grunted holding off the unsheathed sword.

Jellal takes a look around to see the massive crater resulting from the attack "I'm fine Natsu!"

"Good now explain why you just attacked a member of my guild?" he said fiercely as he glared at the woman.

Ultear and Meredy plus Happy are standing on the sideline watching this display with shock.

Especially Natsu being able to hold off that attack with one hand.

"So this is what Malcolm meant when he said Veridian was strong"

"I SAID EXPLAIN YOURSELF!" he demanded.

It was at this time a familiar face showed itself.

"Millianna, what are you doing here?"Jellal asked as he gazed at the women standing behind the swordswomen.

"Kagura here to kill you for killing Simon!" she said fiercely.

"Sorry but that's not happening today" Natsu raged as red glow radiated from his body before pushing the now named Kagura with ease.

The glow intensified as Natsu rage increased.

the ground started cracking from sheer power rolling off him.

He stared Kagura dead in the eyes with malice so intense she collapsed to the ground using her sword to keep her upright.

Millianna was quivering in fear from the power Natsu was giving off.

Finding the strength to stand "My name is Kagura Mikazuchi Jellal killed my brother, Simon"

Natsu didn't even try and hide the surprise on his face.

He didn't have to look to know Jellal is equally surprised if not more.

"I don't care what your reason is, I'm not gonna stand by and watch a member of my guild die. Millianna I know you have every right to hate Jellal. Same for you Kagura but Jellal trying to make amends for his crimes." he said with a pissed-off expression standing tall.

Jellal had gotten back to his feet standing behind Natsu "what he says in the truth Millianna, I'm sorry for all the pain I cause you." he said with the same tone as Natsu.

Kagura's banged eyes covered her eyes.

It was clear she was deep in thought at what to do.

She suddenly charged at Jellal once more.

Before she could even strike she was suddenly Slammed against the earth.

The last thing she saw before everything faded to black was a fiery fist planted in his abdomen.

Natsu pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration before glaring at Millianna.

He walked over and picked up her sword before his eye went wide.

"Ultear make sure Kagura's ok and Millianna I highly suggest proceed carefully or you'll end up like her."

Ultear ran down and checked on Kagura, to her relief she was just knocked unconscious.

Natsu looked to the blade once more to see it glow white before enveloping him.

Then the glow started turning red.

Natsu just stood there in silence with his eye closed.

After several minutes Kagura finally regains consciousness.

She was setting up against the tree with Millianna by her side.

She looked to see Natsu with her sword before his eye opened.

He walked over to her with her sword, holding with both hands he snapped it in two with his knee.

She had a look of sadness in her eyes aimed towards her precious sword.

"Natsu what did you just do?" Jellal stated.

"I was communicating with Archenemy," Kagura's eye snapped towards him.

"My blade spoke to you?"

"Yes and up till now I thought it was only a myth Erza told me about."

"What do you mean Natsu?" this time it was Ultear to ask.

"The story goes there are blades out there. There are well-living beings. Her blade is one of the few, that's what the glow was."

"Continue"

"It was telling me about you, Kagura. From the moment you touched its hilt to right now. Your strong Kagura there is no denying that. But your reason for fighting is flawed!"

She just looked away not willing to face him.

"Your sword broke because it let me break it!"

This got her attention and everyone else.

"What do you mean Natsu?" Happy asked.

"It broke because I could tell Kagura reason was holding it back from its true power. Your desire for revenge is holding you back. Archenemy is a powerful sword but you lack the reason to show it."

"What do you mean?" Kagura finally asked.

"Archenemy can be fixed but only by you!"

"I'm having trouble keeping up?" Millianna stated.

"What Natsu said is until Kagura can find the right reason to fight and get stronger it will forever be broken" Ultear informed Kagura.

She had a feeling this was going to be the case when your part of a guild like Grimoire heart you learn things no one should ever know.

"Then what is the reason Natsu?" Kagura demanded.

"I don't know!"

"What?" she practically yelled.

"That something you have to find on your own. But here's a hint, revenge will only weaken the blade."

"Only when you find it will you be able to repair Archenemy and wield its true strength. Come on let go we have to get back to the guild" he signals for the others to follow.

"Oh and one more thing. Try and harm Jellal again. A broken sword is the least of your worries, after all, you made the first move."

Millianna and Kagura cringed at those words knowing full well what could happen if words reach its way to the council.

Kagura picked up the blade before putting the pieces back together only for nothing to happen.

A few stray tears streamed down her face.

After walking the fairways Happy had to ask.

"Natsu there has to be more than you were letting on?"

"Same here" Meredy stated.

With a sigh "I wasn't lying about her sword and how only she can fix it."

"Why can only she do it?"

"Because Archenemy saw something in her when she found him, yes archenemy is a HE."

"What was it?"

"A kind heart but she was so consumed by her hate for Jellal it blinded her and that kind heart fell into a pit of despair. Only when she finds that can the blade be forged a new."

"How could the blade be fixed that way, wouldn't it need a blacksmith or something?" Meredy added.

"Living blades are different from regular blade Meredy" this time it was Ultear to speak.

They tried to push further but neither Natsu nor Ultear would budge.

Meredy was going to do the puppy dog eyes but one look from Ultear spelled punishment if she did.

It would take two days to reach the guild but before that, they camped out for the night.

By the time they finished setting up camp the sun had sunk beneath the horizon.

All but one was quick to fall asleep.

And that was Natsu, with everyone asleep it gave him some peace and time to ponder his encounter with Kagura and Milliana.

Like every guy before and after him, he took a walk to get some space, hoping to gather his wits.

He carefully and quietly walks away from the camp using the moon to light his path.

An unknown amount of time later.

Meredy suddenly shot up wondering why she was up so late into the night.

After taking a moment she realized she was thirsty, enough to pull her out of sleep.

She looks through the bag and to her dismay they were empty.

She picked up a canteen before heading to a nearby spring.

She was so out of it she failed to register someone was not among them.

After walking a fair way she was close to the spring.

Just as she was about to make it to the top she noticed two figures below.

Not wanting to be caught she was quick to lay down on her billy.

She raised her head enough to get a good look at the two figures.

After a closer look, she realized one of them was Natsu and the other was ULTEAR.

As she gazed at the two, she saw something that both shocked and warmed her heart at the same time.

Before she was Ultear laying her back against a tree.

Natsu closed her off from running, from the looks of it she had no intention of leaving.

That's not all one of Natsu's hands was shoulder level as it barely touched her hand. So close they would have interlocked with the slightest movement.

And finally, they were looking deeply into each other's eyes as the light of a full moon washed over them.

Meredy was speechless at this before smiling "about time, Natsu you're the only person I've seen who can bring out Ultear good side."

She continued to watch the two for who knows how long.

Neither of then dared to jeopardize this Private moment between them.

Then Natsu broke away holding out his hand which she took gladly.

The moment she saw this she quickly rolled around the hill bearly avoiding eyesight.

After taking one last glance they were holding hand as Ultear rested her head on his shoulder.

"Great looks like I have to take the long away back"

she quickly got her water before circling around there camp being careful not to make too much noise.

When she walked back into camp she silently let out a sigh of relief as both of them were fast asleep.

She took a few sips of her water before calling it a night.

After a long night's sleep, they packed up heading off to their guild.

Every so often Meredy felt the unmistakable feeling of eyes staring the back of her head.

She was able to steal her resolve enough to not pay it any mind.

Crime Sorcery base

It wasn't long before they reached their home.

In the last two years, a small community was born around the guildhall.

There were countless houses, businesses, and even a park.

Both Malcolm and Mary moved their shops to their small town.

This brought in more people and eventually, the town of Nevermore was born.

The population was a small 5,000 thousand people compared to Magnolia housing 60,000 people.

They had just entered the city heading to the old fort that is the guildhall.

"Ah Natsu your back I just got restocked on meat!" a butcher shouts.

"Maybe later gotten gotta make sure the guilds doing good"

"Ok then."

Before long some kids ran past them saying their hellos before going back to playing.

When they finally made it to the entrance Lahar was standing before them.

"What brings you here Lahar?" Natsu stated flatly.

"The council is pleased that your action gives results. Because of that, they have relaxed some of the charges against those three" he points to the three founders of Crime Sorcery.

"How relaxed are we talking?"

"If all goes well they might get off scot-free as even the royal family has taken notice."

This got their attention while Natsu still had a blank expression "Is there anything else?"

"Yes but that's between you, me and the council"

Natsu let out a sigh at this before heading inside "Will finish this in my office"

Natsu led Lahar to his office and locked the door and put up some silencing runes.

Natsu sat at his desk while Lahar sat across from him. "Shoot."

"Given your track record, the council has a few more wizards they would like you to look at to see if any interest you, here are their files" he places a large folder on his desk.

He took the files and put them in the cabinet of his desk" I'll give them a look over the next few days. Is there anything else?"

This meeting went on for a couple of hours before Lahar took his leave.

No one knows what they talked about, not even Ultear knows and she is his assistant.

Natsu spent the entire week going through all the files he was handed to him.

Sadly none of them seemed to be willing to seek redemption.

From what he read most of them didn't have that spark of regret in them.

And since his guild has 20 members he can tell if they're worth his time or not.

Except one caught his interest, and since it was in the files he had a sneaking suspicion why.

The person in question was Erik or Cobra as he went by when they first clashed.

It was obvious they just wanted to get rid of him and Natsu one of the few wizards who can deal with him when he's using his magic.

He looks through his file again before leaning back in his chair letting out a loud sigh.

His office door opens to reveal Ultear with Happy on her shoulder.

"Something the matter Natsu?" she could hear him from across the hall.

"Council trying to dump more prisoners on me again"

"None of them caught your interest, I take it?"

"Cobra was one of them and I'm conflicted if I should or not!"

"I have to agree with Natsu, he's no pushover" Happy stated.

"He was the only one from Oracion Seis not counting Richard they wanted to dump on me."

"What about the others?"

"I never asked and they never mention it."

"Well I suppose we can put him on the back burner for now then"

"I have to agree with you. It was Obvious they just want to dump their screw-ups on me whenever they can."

"We knew this would happen when we became a legal guild"

"I know."

"Aye sir"

"Well, I'm getting something to eat you coming Happy?"

"Aye, sir" he jumps to Natsu's shoulder as they head to the food hall.

Ultear was quietly walking behind them.

Natsu got a fat juicy steak with some flaming alcohol, Happy got a fish.

Ultear just stared him down from the wall she is leaning on.

Her thoughts went over what Natsu told her.

Crime sorcery's goal is to give a second chance to wizards.

But it's not a dumping ground for everyone else to get rid of the problem wizards of the world.

To make things more complicated the Grand Magic Games are coming up.

Their guild hasn't participated because one they didn't have enough members the first time and the second time the country still had some misgiving about them.

But this is the third year it will happen.

From her conversation with Natsu, he has no interest in them.

They just seem like a waste of time for him plus he has enough on their plate as it is.

After all, they're the only ones keeping this group of ex-dark Mages called a guild going.

Natsu was deep in thought at the moment.

His mind was going over what Lahar told him about a few weeks back.

Apparently, Acnologia has been spotted near Fiore recently.

Being a dragon slayer led him to be the only one who has a hope of beating him.

After thinking it over some more that's probably the reason they want him to take Cobra off their hands.

He has gotten stronger in the last two years.

But even so, He's hit a wall as the only one who can give him a challenge is Jellal.

But he's often busy doing guild elimination.

Cobra would be a good partner to train with.

It would give him some backup if the time comes but he pushed those thoughts away.

He checks the date and sighs he has another guild master meeting he has to attend to soon.

headed to bed to get some sleep before he has to leave.

Two days later

Natsu is just getting into Clover town. He tried to readjust himself after getting off the train.

He traveled by himself as Ultear's manning the guild and Happy is off on a mission with Meredy.

He stands before the conference hall.

He takes a deep breath before opening the doors to see all the other guild masters.

The first to notice him is Macao followed by Goldmine and Bob.

And his least favorite of all, Jiemma glaring at him.

Jiemma was later found out to be responsible for a number of rumors about his guild.

He even tried to set them up to disband them.

But the support from the other guild masters forced the council to do a proper investigation.

That cleared their name and Jiemma was left off with a warning not to do it again.

That really pissed him off, Sabertooth gets a warning and there disbanded if they break one law.

But he can't fault the council on that one.

The meeting was a simple overview of how things were doing.

And of course the Grand Magic Games.

"Natsu your guild taking part in them this year?" Macao asked.

"I don't know honestly there's still a stigma surrounding my guild"

"Wouldn't make a difference" Jiemma mocked.

This earned their glare of many guild masters who support Natsu.

"Come again!"

"You heard me, your guild joining wouldn't make a difference, my guild has powerful mages. You would lose off the bat" he declared.

Natsu was fuming at this, even though it has been two years Jiemma still could get under his skin.

There are still a few guild masters that have complete and utter disdain towards his guild.

The sad part he realized the disdain will never go away.

But he will get rid of it or die trying.

"I heard the bitch is still around. I'm surprised she hasn't slit your throat and turned it to a dark guild" he spat.

Everyone nearby could feel the raging hot magic radiating from him.

"Natsu you have to calm down or all your efforts will be wasted!" Macao said sternly.

He took a deep breath before exhaling.

This did the trick and calmed him down.

Now all he has is a pissed expression aimed toward Jeimma.

He wasn't alone, most of the other guild masters were glaring at him.

"ENOUGH!" they all look to a magic council representative.

"This isn't a place to prove who is the better guild. Or have you forgot the purpose of these meetings is to strengthen relationships between guilds!"

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to cause you any trouble" Natsu stated in an apologetic tone.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. You on the other hand" she glares daggers at Jiemma.

"What is it," he said in a neutral tone.

"If you still want to call yourself a guild master you better behave yourself at these meetings!"

"Fine"

"Now the purpose of this meeting is to brief you that there's been a lot of activity recently concerning dark guilds."

All eyes landed on Natsu as dark guilds are his guilds specialty.

"Hey don't look at me, my guild just eliminate them"

"Thanks to the counter-effort of guilds like Natsu's, they have been thins in numbers, unfortunately, they've been more active recently. Whether they have plans to turn the tides in their favor, or if they're just being reckless as they try to stay ahead of anyone who can stand in their way!" All eyes land on Natsu once more.

The rest of the meeting was uneventful before the meeting was adjourned.

Natsu casually heads back to the train station when he accidentally bumped into a kid around Wendy's age with blond hair.

"Hey watch where going, mister!"

"What's going on Sting?" a red-haired feline creature said

"This guy just got in my way forcing me to the ground"

Natsu had a blank expression in his face before heading off.

"Hey you can't just leave we haven't settled it yet"

"I really don't have time for this kid I have to return to my guild"

"What guild wood that be?"

He stared at him with no expression before say "I'm the guild master Crime Sorcery Natsu Dragneel" he continued to head to the train station hoping this encounter would be over.

"Your are NATSU DRAGNEEL!"

"What of it kid?"

"I'm a dragon slayer like you, my element is white or light!"

This got Natsu's attention as he never thought he would run into another dragon slayer after Cobra.

"What do you hope to accomplish kid?"

"I want to be a strong wizard like you. Please allow me to join your guild Natsu."

"Sorry kid, it's not that I don't want to, But my guilds purpose is to give a second chance to those who seek it." He looks into his eyes to see a glimmer of hope fade from his eyes.

…

with a sigh "You can stay at my guild for the time being. ONLY till you can find a guild you feel will help you get stronger, do we have a deal"

"Yes. But I might have a hard time finding a proper guild, to join"

"Guess that's another thing I" ll have to help you with," he said blankly.

"YES, you here that lector!"

"Yes, I did!"

"What are you standing around for let get moving!"

sorry for taking so long to post this chapter I had massive writer's block as I was on the verge of writing my self into a hole

that be very difficult to get out of

if you don't know I throughout my upload schedule so I update stories in any order I see fit also I finished my second NatsuXDimaria fic

and my first NatsuXKagura fic

as always make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review