Ryuga: "So? What was it that was so important you couldn't tell me over a hologram?"

Ryuga was currently sitting at a table across from his father, Ziminiar. They were in the Demon God's office, where most of the paperwork and negotiations were taken place. The office, contrary to popular belief, was surprisingly simple. It had a wooden table with a few chairs laid out, and... that was about it. Of course, piles of paper resembling hills spread out across the desk, but Ryuga figured this meeting had nothing to do with any of them. His father said nothing but took a glance at Sylvia standing next to him.

Ziminiar: "First, Sylvia, leave us."

For a split-second, Sylvia widened her eyes, but she immediately regained her composure, as a first-class maid should. She bowed to Ryuga first, then Ziminiar.

Sylvia: "Then, by your command."

She walked out of the room and closed the door. It was a couple of seconds later, after confirming that she was gone, that Ziminiar spoke.

Ziminiar: "You know I'm not a fan of beating around the bush."

Ryuga felt a bead of sweat run down his forehead. Normally, his father was a kind and gentle man, but, every now and then, he showed his true colors... A great king who has brought his country through many battles. That was the look Ryuga was getting now. Ziminiar's eyes had no kindness in them, they were even sharper than Ryuga's. Ryuga could feel the back of his throat getting a little dry as his nervousness grew.

Ryuga: "So it's that serious huh?"

Ziminiar: "Indeed. I'll just say it straight... I got a messenger today from the sole survivor of the 34th Scout Division."

Ryuga almost gasped. He knew exactly what the purpose was of the 34th Scout Division, rather, he could not forget it even if he wanted.

Ryuga: "So I'm to take it as... It's him?"

Ziminiar: "Yes. The sole survivor was left alive on purpose, to give us, no, in particular, you a message."

Ryuga: "Where is this messenger?"

Ziminiar: "Dead. As soon as he spoke the last word of his message, he died instantly."

Ziminiar watched as his son bit his thumb so hard it started bleeding. He was, too, worried, but what his son felt must have been far worse.

Ryuga: "He's gotten even stronger?"

Ziminiar: "It would seem so, and it also seems like he's not caring anymore about being clean. As long as it's in his way, he will destroy it without hesitation. He's coming for you, son. Perhaps it's best if you come home."

Ryuga looked at his father with pleading eyes, but they soon turned dark and he furrowed his brow. He looked off to his right, almost sneering at himself.

Ryuga: "No. I can't drag anyone into this. It's my fault, it's my responsibility to stop him."

Ziminiar: "But are you sure you can stop him on your own?" Ryuga's eyes narrowed.

Ryuga: "If I get distracted for even a sec-no, half that, I'll probably die. That's all the more reason why I have to do it on my own. I can't let anyone get caught up in our feud."

Ziminiar leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily. It was so heavy, in fact, that Ryuga couldn't help but sigh also. It was, obviously, a very stressful topic for the both of them.

Ziminiar: "Listen, son.." He leaned forward in his chair, looking Ryuga in the eyes. "I don't think what you did was wrong."

Ryuga looked down at his hands as if recalling a distant memory.

Ryuga: "Neither do I. But I do understand his rage."

Ziminiar got up out of his chair and walked over to Ryuga. He spread his arms and hugged his son while Ryuga was still sitting down. Ryuga sighed and hugged back. Once it was ended, Ziminiar's face returned to its normal cheeriness.

Ziminiar: "Well, if you really want to be alone to take him, then I won't object. Just be careful, my son." Ryuga stood up also and bowed to his father.

Ryuga: "Thanks, Dad."

Ziminiar chuckled and placed a hand on Ryuga's shoulder. He then looked him closely in the eye.

Ziminiar: "So, tell me... Ya boned one of those pretty humans you always with yet?"

Ryuga's face turned into a deadpan as he removed his father's hand and started walking towards the door. He opened it, but, before he completely left, he looked back with a smirk.

Ryuga: "Maybe."

He walked out of the door, and, not long after, heard a loud shout of "OOOAAHH!!" from within the office.

Sylvia approached him once she confirmed he was not with his father and bowed properly. Ryuga, holding back the urge to reach out and stroke her wings, acted as a proper prince should.

Ryuga: "Raise your head, Sylvia." She did as ordered.

Sylvia: "Did you have a nice chat with your father, Lord Zephyn?"

Ryuga: "Hmm, nice? No, I wouldn't say it was nice."

He didn't seem like he was going to say anything else, so Sylvia answered.

Sylvia: "Then, would you like me, your servant, to try and lighten your spirits?"

Ryuga gave her a genuine smile, something she hadn't seen in many years, and pat her shoulder.

Ryuga: "You needn't do anything unnecessary, Sylvia. Good work." He noticed she was pouting a little, so he tried to make her feel better. "I'll be counting on you again next time I visit my home, please be ready."

He started to walk away, and Sylvia turned and looked at his back with earnest eyes.

Sylvia: "Yes my lord! I'll do my best to satisfy you when that time comes! So don't take too long!"

Ryuga kept walking to the palace doors, but he had a small smile on his face.

Ryuga: "Of course I'll be back soon, I want to see my dear friends' baby. Oh! I wonder if the baby will call me uncle, how cute!"

Needless to say, the staff of the palace was surprised to see their prince acting so gleefully in front of them. They all couldn't help but carry confused expressions since they never saw this side of the prince.

Ryuga: "Guess I should head back."

He said these words as he walked up to the Gate portal. He stepped into the purple, swirling ooze, and felt his scenery change into one very familiar. He stepped out from the Gate and appeared inside his apartment. Once he confirmed where he was, he sent the Gate back into the depths of the earth.

Ryuga let out a little yawn and walked over to his window.

Ryuga: "Hmm, so it's morning? Well, it doesn't look too late. Guess I'll visit the guild."

Deciding upon that, he changed outfits into one more comfortable. After he took a quick glance in the mirror, he decided that he looked acceptable and set off towards the guild. As he was just about to open the door, he stopped. He strained his ears and heard the door directly across from his, Lucy's, open. His hand was hesitant to open the door.

Ryuga: "She won't think it's weird if I come out at the same time... Right? No wait, she probably figures I have senses beyond the normal human, so it would be weird if I came out. I probably couldn't pass it off as a mere coincidence. Maybe I should just wai-"

He heard the sound of the front door opening, and he realized that she left while he was stuck in his thoughts.

Ryuga: "Oh, I guess that works. But wait, if I go out right after, she'll think I'm stalking her won't she?"

He gently opened the door and peaked outside. He knew there was no one there, but it was still reactionary. After confirming multiple times that Lucy was gone, he closed the door and stepped into the hallway.

He started walking down the stairs but froze once he heard the front door opening again. This time it wasn't Lucy, but someone even more familiar. He once again strained his ears to listen.

Mirajane: "Come on Lisanna he's up here!"

Ryuga's eyes widened and his thoughts began to race.

Ryuga: "Should I keep going or just act like I was sleeping or something?"

He heard Mira's foot tap the first step, and in an instant quicker than a flash of light, a door slammed closed.

Mirajane: "Hmm? That sounded like Ryuga's room."

Lisanna: "Are you sure he'll be happy to see me? He's been avoiding me ever since I came back."

Mirajane: "Don't say that, I'm sure he's just been busy doing something."

Lisanna: "Oh, I guess that's possible. So he finally decided to stay in Magnolia huh? Have you already seen his place?"

Mirajane: "Hmm? Oh yeah. I visit it a lot with Erza."

Lisanna: "With Erza? What does that mean?"

Mirajane froze with a cold sweat running down her forehead.

Mirajane: "Ahah, never mind that. We're almost there."

They walked up to Ryuga's door and Mira knocked on it.

Mirajane: "Ryuga? Are you in there?"

Ryuga: "Huh? Mirajane?"

Mirajane: "May we come in?"

Ryuga: "Sure."

Mira opened the door and saw Ryuga sitting on his couch, with a tired face and messy hair.

Mirajane: "Did you just wake up?"

Ryuga: "Oh no. I just returned from visiting my father. He had... unpleasant news for me."

Mirajane: "Well, as interesting as that sounds, I didn't come alone."

Ryuga: "Oh?"

Lisanna peaked her head cutely from behind Mirajane. Honestly, it was an adorable gesture that made Ryuga want to pet her head, but he restrained himself.

Lisanna: "H-Hi Ryuga... Long time right?"

Ryuga: "Lisanna... It's a pleasure to see you again."

The tension in the air was well above the noticeable level. Sensing this, Mira scoffed.

Mirajane: "Agh! Why are you two like this?"

She grabbed Lisanna's hand and started walking over to Ryuga.

Lisanna: "B-Big Sis Mira what are you-"

Mirajane practically threw Lisanna onto Ryuga, and both the former friends looked nervous.

Mirajane: "You two have been friends for longer than you can even remember, Lisanna. Ryuga used to watch over you as you slept!"

Ryuga: "H-Hey! Don't make me sound like a pervert."

Lisanna: "What? Is it true?"

She looked up at Ryuga with her adorable eyes, and he just couldn't help but blush a little, as if looking at a newborn, curious puppy.

Ryuga: "Well... When you were a baby, you used to play with my wings and tail."

Lisanna hugged Ryuga with tears gently falling from her eyes. He also wrapped his arms around his friend, whom he thought was dead for many years.

Ryuga: "I'm glad, so glad you're alive."

Lisanna: "Sorry... You've been waiting a long time haven't you?" She spoke while trying to keep her tears under control.

Ryuga: "Yeah. It's truly been a long time. I'm sorry I couldn't find a way to save you."

Lisanna: "It's okay. It's not your fault. I'm just glad I'm here now."

Ryuga: "Yeah. I'm so glad."

He squeezed her tighter, as his first friend at Fairy Tail cried into his chest.

Mirajane: "See? Isn't this better?" She smiled brightly.

The two friends ended the hug and Ryuga pat Lisanna's head. She giggled and smiled just like she used to when she was a baby.

Ryuga: "Just like a puppy. So cute."

He didn't notice it, but he was smiling from ear to ear. Mirajane was happy, but she decided to end it there.

Mirajane: "Now then, Ryuga, don't you think we should tell my little sister?" Lisanna looked back hesitantly.

Lisanna: "T-Tell me what?"

Mira ran up to Ryuga and kissed his cheek.

Mirajane: "Ryuga and I are lovers!"

Lisanna: "W-WHA!?"

She recoiled in what seemed like surprise, at least that's what Ryuga hoped it was.

Lisanna: "Ryuga actually took interest in someone? Well, I guess it's about time, but still... To think it was you, Big Sis Mira. W-Wait, so what you said earlier, with Erza?"

Mirajane: "That's right, Erza is also Ryuga's lover."

Lisanna's face turned from surprise to anger quicker than a lightning flash.

Lisanna: "Ryuga! How could you do that to my sister!"

Ryuga: "Wait a minute! They all agreed on it." Lisanna eagerly looked to her sister.

Lisanna: "Is it true?!?"

Mirajane: "Yes it's true Lisanna. I'm actually the one who proposed the idea. Ryuga was originally against it." Lisanna seemed to relax a bit.

Lisanna: "Hmm... Well, I guess it's okay if everyone agreed on it. But still, wow, this is a lump to believe."

Mirajane: "And he even trained me and Elfman!"

Lisanna: "Wow! Really?" She looked to Ryuga with a big smile. "Thank you for taking care of my family, Ryuga!"

Ryuga: "Don't act like I won't do it anymore. I'll stay with you all for as long as I can."

Mirajane: "You better! Let's be all one big, happy family!"

Ryuga: "Well, I'd be lying if I said I'm opposed to that. Shall we go to the guild? I was going to go before you two came in."

Mirajane: "Yeah, let's go. I heard something big was supposed to happen today."

Lisanna: "Something big? I want to see, let's go!"

Once Ryuga, along with the two ladies, entered the guild, the entire place became silent. Ryuga looked at his guildmates eyeing him like they wanted to devour him. He was confused, but he became even more confused after Mirajane spoke.

Mirajane: "Come on, Lisanna, we're on the opposite team this time."

Ryuga watched as Mirajane walked Lisanna over to Erza, who had her sword out and pointed towards the ground. Ryuga, now figuring out what was about to happen, sighed.

Ryuga: "So is this how you all feel? That I'm not giving you all enough credit?"

Erza: "It's not that. It's just... We can't always rely on you! We need to also become stronger."

Ryuga: "You will not get stronger if you blindly train. You must first train-" He pointed to his head. "This, before you can master your respective magics."

Natsu: "I've never been one for using my head. Let's just fight!"

Ryuga: "Hmm, so the entire guild against little ol' me? Don't you think that's kind of unfair?"

Gildarts: "Hahaha! He's right. We should at least give him one teammate."

Erza: "I guess you're right. Pick one teammate." Ryuga spoke without hesitation.

Ryuga: "Wendy."

Wendy: "E-Eh!? Me?" She peeked out behind Gray's back.

Ryuga: "Do you not want to?"

Wendy: "N-No... If that's what you want."

She timidly walked over to his side, and Ryuga pat Wendy's back. She jumped a little at this gesture, earning a mumbled "cute" from the demon next to her.

Ryuga: "You all better watch out. From what I've seen, she's not good at holding back. If you're not careful, you'll probably get knocked out within seconds."

A couple of the guild members said things like "Woah! Wendy's that strong?". This reaction caused Wendy to blush and hide behind Ryuga.

Wendy: "A-Are you sure I can do this?"

Ryuga looked down at Wendy with a parental smile on his face.

Ryuga: "I told you that I would protect you right? Won't you be my partner in this?"

She smiled a bit and nodded at him, still gripping onto his shirt.

Ryuga: "So cute."

Erza: "So? Shall we get this started?"

Gray: "Let's do this!"

Elfman: "That's what men do!"

Mirajane: "I guess I can let loose a bit."

Lucy: "I don't know about this..."

Natsu: "Don't be a wimp Lucy, if it's all of us, even Ryuga doesn't stand a chance!"

Bisca: "I-I wouldn't say that."

Gajeel: "Geehee!"

Levy: "Is that all you can say, Gajeel?"

The entire guild, besides Wendy, looked at Ryuga with determined, but worried faces.

Max: "Why do I feel like we're about to try to swim the ocean?"

Gildarts: "If only it were that easy."

Everyone chuckled a bit.

Ryuga: "Very well. Wendy and I will take all of you on. Come, let me show you the power of my people!"

Everyone yelled and started running, but before they could clash, a giant hand slammed in between them. They all looked behind them to find a huge Makarov with steam escaping his lips.

Makarov: "Take this outside damnit! Don't ruin another guildhall!"

Ryuga: "He's right. Let's take this to the forest."

He was the first one to walk out, with Wendy hurriedly following along. Eventually, everyone presented themselves at the forest, where Ryuga first touched the human realm.

Ryuga: "Now then, this should be far enough away.

Everyone gulped at the sound of his venomous words.