The Mage Guild „Fairy Tail". The usual laughter and noise that were always assosiated with the guild were not around. An eary silence covered the colourful building. Even the colourful banners seemed dark and depressed. The long war against Dark Bring had taken it's toll on everything. And now the members inside were waiting for information. Their strongest mages that were availble at the time had joined the Magic Council forces after what was believed to be Dark Bring's headquorters was found by them. If everything went well this could have meant the end of the war as the dark guilds master was apperantly there alongside Endiras Dars. No communication was able to pass through to or from the attacking group. It was the same as every single battle that Dark Bring fought , commanded from the shadows by their mysterious Strategist. And Dars , who had earned the nickname as Fairy Tail's Bane , was there as well. As until now no major engagement that had been fought under these cirquimstances had ended favoroubly for Fairy Tail. But they had faith things would be different this time. With the council forces they had a vast numeretical advantage over Dark Bring and their own Master was there as well. But the waiting was not easy. And it had been too long since they left.

Wendy was amongst those that were waiting inside. Even though she was part of the same team as Erza and Grey she had not been allowed to join in this battle. Makarov had decided that she was too young to enter many of the battles that were fought against Dark Bring. Even if he did claim it was because of her healing ability that she would be of better use there , tending to the wounded instead of risking herself. Even if it did made sense , and the number of heavily wounded was indeed very high it did hurt her that they did not have enough confidence in her combat ability. Often while healing somebody she wondered if she was there , would she be able to save him from receiving the injury in the first place.

Sitting on the table close to her was Happy. The blue cat had been staying with her and Charle ever since Fairy Tail's first encounter with Dark Bring. He hasn't been the same since Natsu and Lucy had gone missing. Wendy and Charle had tried to cheer him up many times , but unless those two came back it was doubtful he would return to his old comidic self for more then a few minutes.

Mira was at the bar getting drinks for the people inside and Charle was helping her. She was the only one who was smiling. Though she kept up the act as to not worry anyone Wendy knew she must be worried about Elfman. When the war began many mages joined Fairy Tail to fight along them. There were some small light guilds who Dark Bring had brought to destruction during it's rise and many of their remaining members signed on with them along with freelance mages. Most of the injured ones were amongst them , but old members of the guild had also suffered. Jet , Droy , Wakaba amongst them were in some of the worst condition. And for several days Elfman was missing. He was leading a group of new recruits for what he called „Manly training" and was supposed to come back several days ago.

Everyone who was not waiting for a drink was sitting chattling with his beighbors. Only Cana was on her own , but even she did not make any noise as she drank. All this silence was beggining to annoy Wendy. It just didn't feel right. Just as she was thinking of going back to the dorm and wait for news there until it was nightime something unexpected happened.

The doors to the guild were kicked open and Natsu Dragneel stomped inside grinning.

„Hi Everyone!"

At the next second Lucy entered the guild after him smiling.

„We're back!"

Everyone inside had frozen from shock. They were standing by the door , greating them casually like nothing had happened and they were missing for so long. Happy was the first one to move , flying into them with tears in his eyes.

„Natsu! Lucy!"

„We're back partner."

And just like that everyone had encircled them. Even those who had never met them before. Natsu and Lucy were something of a legend amongst the new members. Even before they joined everyone had heard stories about them. Natsu and Lucy apperantly even had fanclubs now inside Fairy Tail.

„We went out to put down Dark Bring and found those two along the way."

„What'ya say icepick? If it weren't for me you be in big trouble!"

„Everything was under control flamebrain!"

„Really? Didn't look that way to me."

„I had nearly forgotten how annoying you are."

The two of them were close to starting a fight as Lucy was holding back Natsu and Juvia Grey. It was Mirajane who stopped them in the end when she jumped at them and hugged them both. Just like that the entire tension that had overtaken the guild vanished as if it never existed. Everyone was laughing as they ushered the group inside.

Wendy went over to greet them as well. With how people were surrounding the two she couldn't get more then two words out of them before she was pushed back. But even if it was for a second she caught a strange smell from them. Just as she realised what it was a small blush appeared on her face. Their scents had nearly become one. Gajeel tapped her at the shoulder before she could decide what to do.

„Not now."

It took her a second to realise what he meant. Of course he would have figured it out too. He was a dragon slayer as well after all. Was he trying to be uncharacteristically subtle about it?

„Before that could you check up on me? Don't think that council healer did it right. My arm still hurts like hel."

Behind him Levi was looking a little confused. Guess he didn't mention anything after all.

„Please sit."

Mirajane was trying to sort out some order in the greeting that Natsu and Lucy were receiving with little success. Those two barely had time to breath. It almost felt like there were more people inside then a few minutes ago. Then she noticed Makarov walking happily.

„Master. About ..."

„Ah yes of course. I completely forgot to say what happened with the mission."

Everyone who was swarming over Natsu and Lucy suddenly became quiet to hear Makarov.

„The attack was a complete success! Right now the Council has Dark Bring's master and Endiras Dars in custody. There is still the matter with their strategist , but with their main leadership down this war is nearly at it's end!"

Dark Brings Strategist walked through the corridors of Dark Brings headquarters. For the past three years he had rarely left this fortress. Build inside a vast mountain with secret exits leading far away from it , none of the magic council's tracking would be able to find it. He had made sure of this. And as the one who led it's excavation he knew all it's secrets. Secrets that would be known only to him. It was not because he was plotting betrayal. He was completely loyal to Dark Bring's purpose. These secrets simply were not to interest to the other two. The ones who were now summoning him.

He knew why they had returned. For this reason he was wearing his leather armor. Black wrappings covered his mouth and the left half of his face. Under his right armor he carried a metal helmet while his left hand was on the sword handle of his broadsword. He was slender , perhaps a shadow of the warrior he used to be , but dressed in his armor he felt more like his old self. Without haste he entered a large reception area. In the far corner he could see two exoticly dressed woman sitting on the ground. The older redheaded one was playing a lute while the younger white haired one was humming to the melody. The melody was beautiful and relaxing. A weaker mind would have fallen to sleep by now. Close to them was a man dressed in half plate , polyshing a shield which had a sword edged in a scabbard on the inside part. There were others as well. People he knew well. The redbearded man in the tigers cloak , the warriors with masks depicting different animals and the halfbeast Rufes. All of them he had recruited himself. Allthough he couldn't see him , Dark Bring's Strategist was certain that he was in the furtest corner. If he looked closely he would probably be able to see them. The eyes of Dark Bring's shadow. The first of the Pillars. But his attention fell elsewhere. In the middle right in front of him. The ones who summoned him. He went close to them and fell to one knee before them.

„You summoned me Masters".

His voice did not sound human. Did not sound alive. Like a recording that had been ruined by time. Each word was almost painful to the ears. But it was his voice now and was thankful for it. His right eye was closed. After seeing the people there he was now certain why he was summoned. An arm touched his right shoulder.

„You know full well you must not kneel before us. We three rule over Dark Bring as equals."

His gaze rose up to meet Ifiet's. Of course he knew it well. The term „Master" „Second in Command" and „Strategist" were just words meant to give some false sense of rank amognst the leadership of this dark guild. False sense that would cause it's enemies to ponder , to think they could be turned against each other. Even if they were equal as the three rulers of Dark Bring , to him they would always be his masters. The ones who gave him a new purpose when he was lost. And he would always pay them their due respect. Slowly he rose to his feet.

„Since you have summoned everyone am I to assume?"
„Yes. - Endiras spoke – It is time to move on the next phase. We are returning „home"."

Wendy , now finished checking on everyone who had went to fight , was sitting in front of the bar. Next to her was Gajeel. Lucy , Erza and Levy were a bit further away speaking with Mirajane.

„So ... about those two ..."

„Ah that? - Gajeel grinned – I just wanna see how long it will take for them to notice. Bet they'll be shocked that they didn't see it immediately."

„Well they haven't said anything so perhaps they want some privacy?"

„Like I care about that. I may say it at some strange time just to make them uncomfortable."

„Gajeel-san. - she smiled her most pure smile – Please don't."

He swallowеd nervously and nodded. Wendy had come to learn some nasty healing magic from Porlyusica. One time she had used it on him he was out of commision for a week for a reason he would never admit. She was growing up to become one dangerous woman.

Behind them the guild had errupted into one of it's usual fights. A sight many had not seen in a long time and it was to no surprise that it was started by Natsu and Grey.

„So it became like this... – Mira let out a sigh – And you two just came back too. Sorry it is so noisy Lucy."

„Are you kidding? I missed this kind of thing. - Unknown to her everyone had missed it as well – To be honest I kind of have the urge to join in..."

„That is a bit strange Lu-chan. You have never shown interest in this sort of thing before. Actually... - she leaned in closer – You kind of have the look Natsu has when he is about to join in."

„Really? Well I am a bit surprised Erza hasn't jumped in to stop them already."

„Well since you two just came back I decided to let them have a bit more freedom for today. I will not intervene"

As she was speaking three random items had struck her. When the forth hit she let herself loose.

„THAT IS ENOUGH!"

„She really did hold back didn't she?" - Lucy laughed

„Yeah. She usually jumps in after a maximum of three hits."

Natsu was amongst the first blown away from the fight by Erza and he landed close to the bar. He seemed dazed and Lucy got up to help him sit. Looking at the scene it seemed like Erza wouldn't break up the fight easily. It was probably gonna last until everyone started going home. Thinking about home Lucy felt that she had been forgetting something important but let it slide.

„Are you going to jump back in?"

„Nah.I think I'll sit here to catch my breath before that."

Mirajane couldn't help but notice how strange it sounded. Natsu not willing to jump back into the fight immediately like he always did. And Lucy , probably unknowingly even to herself , was tapping the floot with her left foot. She gave out the aura that she really wanted to join in.

„I'll wait for Grey and Erza to weaken each other and then beat them both up!"

He began laughing mischeviously. That was definetely a Natsu styled plan alright. Though as she recalled he rarely planned anything. It was still weird.

„Ah Wendy." - Lucy went to her

„Yes?"
„I need a huge favor."

A few minutes later Wendy was looking over the Lucy's celestial keys that were lined up on the bar. The red lines covering them pulsed as she neared her hand to them.

„So Dars did this?"

„Yes. Although I still don't understand what he did. But after we reached a town in Fiore and managed to find someone who sells selestial keys , all he could say that the seal was somehow acting like a desease and he couldn't do anything about it."

„It really does feel like some sort of sickness to the touch.."

„So that bastard got your spirits sick with the flu?"

„Natsu I really doubt anyone could do something like this..."
„A space dimension desease? But to make something like that on a whim in a matter of seconds..."
Wendy was muttering to herself and nobody was able to hear her. Even Natsu and Gajeel with their dragon slayer hearing could only understand a couple of words.

„Well Wendy? Can you help?"

„The book Porlyusica-san gave me did have some things written about this type of magic desease. Ignoring the fact that it shouldn't be possible to make it as fast as he apperantly did it , but because he did it so fast it is not so hard for me to dispell it"

With a single touch of her finger the red lines began to vanish one by one. When the last one vanished a bright light blinded them all. When their sight came back all of Lucy's Celestial Spirits were around her speaking at once. Some like Aries and Taurus were crying , some like Scorpio were laughing at the others for apperantly being worried about her.

„Now now everyone. I'll tell you all about it later."
After a few minutes one by one they began to go back to the spirit world. Each with a few small word , most like Capricorn expressing that they will want a more thural explanation later. Last to leave was surprisingly Aquarius who winked at her right before vanishing without saying a single word. It obviously made Lucy feel a bit uncomfortable. Only Loki seemed to have little to say before going back first.

„I am really grateful Wendy! That was a huge load off my shoulders."

„It was my pleasure."

Natsu had already rejoined the fight and just like everyone expected it continued until late at night. Even Lucy had really joined for a little while. When they were finally satisfied Natsu , Lucy , Erza , Grey , Wendy and the two exceed left the guild. With their heads cooled down they were able to have a relatively normal conversation with the exceptional insult sharing between Natsu and Grey.

„An ice dragon? Really?"

„It's what I've been telling you."

„A dragon. Made out of ice , that is not a real dragon? So it was what? Like Lyon's magic?"

Lucy turned around to answer this.

„No. I am certain that it was alive. Some form of living ice or something."

„Well you are not the type to exagerate like that guy over here. But it is still hard to accept. I am an ice magician and have never heard of something like this"

„There is much about magic we still don't know. It is not impossible."

„Yet you still doubt it. Don't you Erza?"

„Well you are talking about living ice. I do not doubt you met such a creature , but it could have been something else. You didn't exactly have time to look at it properly."

„That is true."

„On another note. I am a bit curious about these Pluffys."

Grey laughed again at that name. Lucy was certain she would regret naming them this way forever. They had agreed beforehand what to say when asked about their stay in that frozen hell. Some parts , like that city with the obelisk , they decided would be better off kept a secret. And some personal details like Natsus condition were completely left off. Also the information on Endiras Dars they aquired was now completely useless. Still they would share it with Makarov at a later time.

„This path feels familiar."-Grey looked around

„Well duuh. It is the path to my house. Can't wait to see the old shed. Didn't used to be building around here before."
Only Natsu and Lucy were continuing to walk. The others were standing still , shocked that they had forgotten about his home. They were close to where it used to be. And the hotel that now occupied the majority of the land around here was visible from here. The two mages finally noticed it and stopped moving.

„My house!"

Erza stepped forward and cleared her throat.

„This area got scheduled for a tourist attraction around an year and a half ago. We tried to keep your house alive , but even if we were sure you would come back , the mayor did not share our belief. Sorry. There was nothing we could do."

Natsu stood there with an empty look on his face.

„Well we did save everything inside."

„Really? Where is it?"

„At Lucy's apartment."

„My apartment? Wait...of course the rent! Two years worth of ..."

„No need to worry about that. We covered it monthly."
„Before you say something like paying us back. As we can't take on any jobs due to the war with Dark Bring the Council has been funding us. We just put it up as war expanses. That is how we handle the Fairy Hills rents too"

„Everyone...Thank you!"

„As we said. It was no problem. Let's go down there..."
Natsu and Lucy were once again blind to the fact that the others had frozen in place for a moment. And when they reached the apartment they understood why.

„Even with all of Natsu's stuff...IT IS WAY TOO PACKED!"

While indeed the dragon slayers belongings were there it was impossible not to notice several armor stands , clothes , healing supplies , beer kegs and other items assosiated with guild members being everywhere.

„Well...after we put Natsu's things here we all kind of started to hang out here a lot. And we often left things behind."
„Well I don't really mind... - she took another look around – But you used the apartment as a storage right?"

„We will take out our stuff of course. Now that you are back."

„It has been a long day and you must be tired. We'll leave you to get some rest."
„But where will Natsu-san sleep?"

„That's right...my home..."

„Aye.."

„Of course you can stay here for now."

Soon Erza , Grey , Wendy and Charle had left Lucy's apartment. The celestial mage was waving them goodbie. She thought it was funny how Erza nad Wendy had both „secretly" snatched pijamas from there. They had definetely been planning to spend the night there. She had thought someone would protest to her deciding Natsu could stay there , but it was not like he had not spend the night there before. But after everything that had happened ovet these two years waking up and not finind Natsu nearby would have felt weird. When she came back the dragon slayer and Happy were chatting in the living room.

„I'll go take a bath."

She waved at them as she entered her bathroom. Of course Happy would be there. For a moment she had forgotten that the cat would be with them. Not that she ahd any ulterior motives for that thought. Still not feeling in the mood she exited the bathroom faster then usual and headed for her room. Just as she sat on the bed she saw with surprise Aquarius appearing before her. For a moment she thought she'd get scolded by her but to her amazement Aquarius had tears in her eyes.

„Aquarius?"

„I still can't believe it...to think you actually did it. You actually got a boyfriend! Even if it is that guy."

„And just what is wrong with him?"- Lucy puted

„That is exactly why I thought it was hopeless for you. Good luck" - she smiled at Lucy

„Well..thanks.."

„By the way. I didn't think I'd need it but I got this for you just in case."

Just as she was vanishing Aquarius gave to Lucy a cardboar box. With a confused look she opened it and immediately turned red , hiding the box in a drawer.
„No way I am using this! Never!"

Suddenly feeling tired she lay on her bed. It had been more then two years since she last slept here. It did not take long for her to fall asleep.

Happy woke up and flew out of his hammock. He had set them up after it was decided he and Natsu wound spend the night at Lucy's apartment. But when he looked at the one that was supposed to be filled by Natsu the flying cat was terrified. It was empty. Happy began wondering if last night was simply a dream and he had sleepflown here. He began flying around going around the apartment but when he flew inside Lucy's room he was reliefed. Nastu and Lucy were both there. Sleeping on the same bed with Natsu hugging Lucy. Happy grinned. Something like this had happened before and Lucy had beaten the dragon slayer for it. He landed just above them waiting for them to wake up and enjoy the familiar sight , looking forward to the chaos that would follow.

When he reached the guild his shocked expression had not vanished. When they woke up they just greeted him „Good morning" and got up. The entire situation with Natsu hugging her was completely ignored by those two. Like it was something usual. Happy had realised it , but it was simply too much for him to process immediately. He flew and landed in front of Mira.

„Something wrong Happy?"

Everyone from Fairy Tail had already been inside the guild since first light. Probably some thought it could have been a dream that those two had come back and were anxious to see them again. Not that Lucy and Natsu were much further behind. The ruckus had just began when the guild doors were opened and a man in formal council attire entered.

„Who is this Mira-san?"

„Of course you haven't met him before. He is our liason to the Magic Council."

„What's brought you here Isran? - Makarov moved towards him – I thought that you would be busy with securing the imprisoment of Endiras and Ifieth?"

„It is about that. I am sorry to say this but...they have escaped."

Shocked voices could be heard all over the guild. If anyone spared a glance at Natsu they would see him uncharacteristically shaking.

„How? - Makarov rose his voice – I thought you secured their travel path and had enough guards around them!"

„It was not a resque. All survivors said the same thing. Endiras Dars broke his chains and after that saved his Master."

„That is impossible! - Erza went to them – The strike I hit him with sealed his magic! Even with his physical strength he shouldn't be able to beat ..."

„It seems your attack was not effective after all. We are certain his magic was used in his escape...even without survivor reports."

Erza then remembered Endiras's smile when he borded his prison transport. He had deceived her that she had won. She simply had no idea why. To secure his master's escape? She had been defeated soon after him. And he could have thought that a continued fight could endager her. But how would he have known she'd loose? And why would he care? He didn't seem to care when someone from his allies got hurt or captured. She decided thinking more into it was pointless. For everything that was known about Endiras , they still had no idea how he thinked or operated. He managed to surprise them each time.

„But it is not all bad news. We know where those two are headed. Along with their strategist. The reports are one hundred percent certain."

„Where?"

„They are heading for the Arnadian Sultanate."

Only Endiras and Dark Bring's Strategist were still in the reception area. The other members had gone on to pack for their long trip , while Ifieth had went for the final adjustments to her new arm.

„I feel that I should apologise for the last engagement. My plans completely failed."

„Not even you could have anticipated that annoying intervention D...heh...Strategist."

He gave a small thankful nod to Endiras. Both he and Ifieth had respected his wish to remain simply as the „Strategist" until this phase of the plan was finished. It had been a foolish , considered by himself as a childish condition to his joining. Inside Dark Bring it did not matter what his name was. But for now he preferred to be this.

„An unfortunate coincidence huh?"

„You know I believe less in coincidences then even you. No. This was arranged."

„Do you know by who?"

„No. But I have known ever since me and Ifieth left that mountain chain that there are other powers out there scurrying in the shadows. Powers that seek to use Dark Bring for their own purpose. - He clenched his claw – But we will grow until there is not a single crack in which they can hide from us. Light , dark. It does not matter. In the end only Dark Bring shall stand!"