Dawn had risen as sunlight shined over the ruins of the castle. Natsu, still in Dragon Force, stood tall with the Devil Trigger Dante. Both fell to their knees. Natsu fell on his hands, while Dante used Rebellion to support himself. The scales vanished from Natsu's body as he returned to his normal state, and red mist rose from Dante's body, he then returned to his human appearance; both regained their breaths.

Dante: (panting and looked at Natsu) Now that... was a rush.

Natsu: (panting) You said it bud. 

Natsu smiled and held up a fist, Dante smiled and the two weakly fist-bumped.

???: Natsu! Dante!

They both turned around to see Kat, Trish, Happy, Wendy, Carla, Erza, Gray, Lucy, Juvia, Levy, Cana, Elfman, and Mira run towards them. 

Happy flew into Natsu's chest as the blue cat cried and the two found themselves circled by the wizards who began to praise them.

Levy: You guys were so awesome!

Cana: You two kicked that guy's ass!

Elfman: Yeah, that was so freaking manly!

Wendy: (stars in her eyes) You're both so amazing!

Carla: Yes quite impressive.

Gray: Not bad, not bad at all. Aside from completely destroying this castle.

Lucy: There's no doubt about it, these two are the strongest!

Trish looked to Dante and smiled in his direction, and he smiled back. Admits their praises, both the Fire Dragon Slayer and the Devil Hunter smiled. 

Dante: So where's everyone else? Gajeel, Lady, and the others? (looks and smirks at Lucy) And your boyfriend Lucy?

Lucy's face turned red with steam coming from her ears. 

Lucy: He's not my boyfriend! Anyway, he went back to the Spirit World to rest up.

Erza: Gajeel, Lady and the Thunder Legion went to retrieve Vergil. They should be back soon.

???: He ain't there.

They all looked to the side to see Gajeel, Lady, Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen walk towards the crowd. 

Gajeel: Vergil ain't there.

 All the wizards were surprise, especially Dante.

Natsu: Not there?! What do you mean not there?!

Lady: He's gone, no sign of him.

Freed: It was as if he vanished in thin air.

Gray: He just got the crap beating out of him and then some! How could he have just walked away?!

At that moment, a strong wind blew past them; and a few of them could see a figure briefly move in the wind. 

???: This is far from over. You will see me again.

Wendy, Lucy, and Erza especially had a chill sent down their spine as they all looked in the direction the wind had gone, but they saw nothing.

Happy: (shivered) Okay... that was scary.

Lucy: (frighten) Anyone else a little freaked out right now? Not just me?

Cana, Wendy, Levy, Juvia, Happy, even Lady, all raised their hands in agreement.

Dante: I wouldn't worry. (struggled to stand up, using Rebellion to support himself) He's too injured to fight any further, he won't be an issue for a while.

Pretty much everyone all breathed a sigh of relief.

Kat: Dante's right. Besides, Vergil will most most likely gone back training by himself now that he knows what we're capable of. 

Erza: Come on everyone, let's go home.

They all began to walk back to the guild. Erza and Gray supported Natsu on their shoulders, while Trish and Lady did the same for Dante; but it was Erza's comment that made Dante briefly lost in thought.

Dante: (thoughts) Home.

Fairy Tail guildhall

Everyone had all arrived back, and there was a small celebration taking place as nearly everyone was drinking and cheering, all to welcome back their rescued comrades. Drinking contests, dancing, and even the occasional thrown mug; it was a happy day for the Fairy Tail guild.

Erza, Kat, Trish, Gray, Lucy, Happy, and Lady were currently at the bar with Makarov, telling him all that happened; fighting demons, the amulets that we're the key to the Demon World, their fight against Vergil, but it was Natsu's and Dante's unison raid that really got his attention.

Makarov: Interesting. Despite the difference in their abilities, they were able to perform a feat that would normally take monks who would train their entire lives to pull off. 

Erza: We did learn that Sparda worked with the Dragons in ancient times. So it would stand to reason that Natsu and Dante could combine their powers, much like Sparda did with the Dragons.

Happy: All I know is those two were strong enough to wipe to floor and ceiling with Vergil!

Lady: And that right there is an achievement in on itself.

At that name, Makarov's mood became one of contemplation. 

Makarov: They are twin brothers, but couldn't be any more different; how could someone who bears the same blood as Sparda and Dante, be so cold-hearted and cruel?

Gray: Kids don't always take after their parents. Just because they're in the same family, don't mean they're gonna act the same way.

Lucy: You think he's gonna come back? You think Vergil might...

Trish: If he does we'll be waiting for him.

Makarov: Well said Trish. (turned to the other female Devil Hunter in the group) Lady, I would also like to thank you for your help in rescuing my children.

Lady: Sure, no problem old man.

Lucy: So what, you're just gonna leave now?

Erza: You could join Fairy Tail if you want.

Lady was actually surprised at that statement. 

Lady: Really? But I'm not a wizard.

Gray: That shouldn't matter. Dante, Kat, and Trish aren't wizards and they're still members.

Lucy: (smile) You'd definitely fit in.

Happy: Aye!

Lady looked at Trish and Kat, who gave a smile and a shrug.

Lady: Sure, why not.

In the result Lucy, Erza, Happy, Gray, and Makarov all smiling.

Erza: Then welcome to Fairy Tail, Lady.

Lady: So where's the fire-breather? Haven't seen him since we got back.

Kat: He's in the infirmary. Vergil gave him a nasty scratch and Mira's helping him.

The Infirmary

Natsu sat on one of the beds in the infirmary, his shirt was completely off, save for his white scarf. There was a long, diagonal scar on his chest; from the slice that Vergil gave him when he tried to protect Wendy. It ran from his right shoulder to the left side on his abs. Mira was sitting on a chair, observing it.

Mira: It's not gonna leave any internal damage, but it will be a permanent scar. 

Natsu: (bore his usual grin) Nice, now I got myself a cool battle scar. Bet Gray wishes he had one like this.

Mira gave a slight amused smile at Natsu's optimism, but it faded as there was something in her mind, it had been there since her fight with Vergil and she needed to get it out.

Mira: Natsu... (looking away) Do you... blame me...

Natsu: What? Vergil did this, why would I-?

Mira: Not that. I meant... for... Lisanna. 

Natsu's face became serious once he heard that name. 

Mira: Do you blame me for... what happened to her? Is it... my fault?

Natsu: Wha... Mira, where's this coming from?

She couldn't even face him. 

Mira: Please just... tell me...

Natsu put a hand on her shoulder and he looked her in the eyes. 

Natsu: Mira, look at me. It is not your fault, and I don't blame you for what happened.

Mira: But... you wanted to come with us... If I said 'yes' then... maybe she... might still be here with us. 

Mira looked like she was about to cry.

Natsu: Is that really what you think? Or is that just what Vergil told you?

Mira: But maybe... he was right...

Natsu: Mira, look at me. 

She looked into his eyes as he spoke with all seriousness in his voice. 

Natsu: I don't blame you for anything, and I know Lisanna wouldn't either. 

Mira's watery eyes slightly widened as Natsu continued. 

Natsu: Yeah, I miss her and I always will; and a part of me does wish I was there back then, but we can't change what's happened. What's done is done, I don't blame you or Elfman; Lisanna would just want us to smile and keep moving forward. 

Her younger sister's smiling face flashed in Mira's mind again. 

Natsu: Her smile was what kept me going this whole time, and I will never forget her. But we can't dwell on the past; it's not what she would have wanted. All she would have wanted for us was to be happy, that's all.

Mira was so moved by this, that the first thing she did was pull Natsu into a hug. She buried her face into his shoulder and let her tears fall. Natsu was surprised at first, but he embraced her back.

Mira: (continued to shed tears) Is it... okay if we still miss her?

Natsu: Yeah, it's still okay.

He comforted the woman he saw as an older sister.

Back at the guildhall, a few hours later, the celebration still continued. Natsu and Mira walked out of the infirmary and joined Kat, Trish, Erza, Lucy, Happy, Lady, Gray, and Makarov at the bar.

Erza: Good to see you up and about.

Happy: You had us worried for a minute.

Natsu: Come on, it's gonna take a lot more than some extra long butter knife to do me in.

Lucy smiled but noticed a few tears fall a bit from Mira's face. 

Lucy: Hey Mira, are you okay?

She whipped away the last of her tears and took a breath to regain her composure. 

Mira: (smile) Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks Lucy.

Natsu: Hey Gray! (showed off his scar) Mine's bigger than yours! 

He was referring to Gray's scar on his forehead.

Gray: (swat dropped) Yeah, rub it in why don't ya.

Natsu then looked and saw a black Fairy Tail emblem on Lady's right thigh. 

Natsu: Oh, you joined Fairy Tail, Lady?

Lady: Demon hunting business has been pretty dry, so it was either this, or run the risk of living under a bridge.

Natsu: (looked around) You guys seen Dante? I owe that guy a rematch!

Trish: No we haven't, sorry Fire-breath.

Lucy: You know, come to think of it, I really haven't seen Dante since we got back.

Everyone at the bar looked a little more serious at that. 

Makarov: Perhaps he just went home. It wouldn't surprise me, given what happened recently.

???: We just checked.

They looked to see Wendy and Carla waking from the entrance towards the bar.

Natsu: Wendy, what's up?

Erza: Do you know something?

Wendy: I wanted to pay Dante a visit at his apartment to thank him for saving me, but he wasn't there. 

Her friends are in shock.

Carla: He left behind no note, and we looked everywhere in the city, it's as if he has vanished.

They all looked to each other in surprise. 

Lucy: Now I'm a little worried.

Lady: Knowing him, he's probably drunk at a bar.

Carla: We checked all the taverns in town, no sign of him.

That really came as a surprise to everyone.

Gray: Okay, now I know something is up. 

Wendy: Kat, do you know where Dante could have gone?

Kat: (pondered for a moment) Well... given his little 'family reunion', I'd say there's only one place he would be.

*with Dante* 

There was a large grassy field in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. However, within the field were many grey, rectangular stones. Grave stones. Dante stood in front of one of them as the wind blew his jacket a little bit. The stone read 'Eva, beloved mother'.

Dante: Hey mom. It's been a while, sorry about that, things have been pretty crazy for me. (looked down a bit) I saw Vergil again, he's worse than ever. I know you told us never to fight with each other and always stick together, but... I just... I don't think I can do that, not with the path he's going down. And believe me, I have tried everything. I... I can't help him. The best thing I can probably do for him, is put him in a jail cell or even... kill him if he forces me to. I'm sorry. (looked at his mother's grave again) Hey, it wasn't all bad though. I did meet some really great people recently. A guild called Fairy Tail. (gave a slight chuckle) Oh man, you would love it there, the people are awesome! Not to mention the ladies are super hot. There's also this fire-breather guy named Natsu who will pick fights as if his life depended on it. I see a lot of myself in him. (his smile vanished) That's why, I can't be with them, because I'm Sparda's son. Don't get me wrong, I respect Dad big time and always will...  (looked at his hands) But as long as I have his blood, more and more demons are gonna come after me. I mean, I got no problem at all if it's just me but... If something were to happen to them... I couldn't live with myself.

He let his jacket loose a bit and looked to his left shoulder, which still bore a red Fairy Tail emblem.

Dante: That's why... I'm quitting. I'm sorry.

Dante walked out of the cemetery and onto a small, dirt road. He looked out to the horizon that lay before him.

Dante: Better get moving. 

???: DANTE!!!

He lost his composure as he turned around to see Natsu, Erza, Lucy, Gray, Wendy, Carla, Kat, Lady, Trish, as well as pretty much every wizard in Fairy Tail run in his direction; all calling out his name.

Fairy Tail: DANTE!!!

Dante: Wha... what the hell? What are you guys doing here?!

Happy, with tears in his eyes, flew into Dante's chest while crying his name.

Erza: There you are!

All the guild wizards approached Dante.

Lucy: We looked everywhere for you, we've been worried sick!

Wendy: You left without saying anything.

Dante: How'd you guys even know where to find me?!

Kat: (raised her hand with an innocent smile) That would be me.

Dante gave her a brief glare.

Natsu: I heard what you said Dante. You're quitting Fairy Tail?!

That was a huge shock to every wizard present.

Gray, Happy, and Erza: WHAT!?

Lucy: You're leaving?!

Wendy: Why?!

Dante: Seriously? Do you even need to ask me that?

Erza: Wha- is this about Vergil? Dante, no one in the guild blames you for any of that.

Elfman: Yeah, she's right; it was all that non-man Vergil!

Dante: He's my brother, he's my responsibility.

Carla: Dante... If this is about what I said when Wendy was kidnapped-

Dante: You were right. If I dealt with him sooner, or at the very least, warned you about him... it wouldn't all have blown up like that. And he's still out there.

Gray: So? Now that we know who we're up against, we'll be ready for him.

Gajeel: That bastard made a big mistake picking a fight with this guild. I learned that the hard way.

Dante: It's not just Vergil. I'm Sparda's son. Yeah, the humans all see him as a legend, but as far as the demons are concerned, he's a traitor and any trace of his blood is a 'sin against existence' or some crap like that. I got nearly every demon out for my head, even that freak Mundus. Sure, I can handle all that by myself, but if something happened to all of you while I'm still a part of your guild...

Makarov: (realized) Ah. So that's what this is.

Wendy: You... you're trying to protect us?

Dante looked away, all the wizards each had their own face of understanding.

Erza: Dante... Believe me, I can understand how you must be feeling right now but... you don't have to bear all that responsibility by yourself.

Dante: It's not whether I can or can't, it's because I have to. I have to be by myself.

Lucy: So what? You just want us to stand by while all of Hell is gunning for you?!

Natsu: (angrily) Are you saying we can't handle demons?! Fairy Tail's stronger than you give us credit for!

Dante: You guys are major powerhouses and can handle all the small-fry, no argument there. I'm talking about the likes of Mundus and all the other big shots; Vergil was a horror story come to life, but those guys are something else entirely.

Gray: Shouldn't it be our choice though? Whether to help you or not? We wanna help you, we want you to stay with us.

Wendy: Please Dante, don't leave!

Dante: I can handle it all BY MYSEFL!!! 

He silenced every wizard present; even Natsu and Erza were surprised at his outburst.

Kat: No Dante, you can't. (Dante looks at her) You may be Sparda's son, but there's limits to what even you can do. The whole world doesn't have to rest on your shoulders you know.

Trish: Kat's right. Why do you think she, Lady and I always help you? And it's not just to earn a quick buck.

Lady: We helped you because we wanted to. That's all.

Dante: Guys- 

Makarov: Even if you warned us about Vergil or the other demons, it wouldn't have changed anything. (Dante gasped) Everyone has demons in their past that will haunt them, and you can't change the fact that those who are weak will forever remain weak, but those don't necessarily have to be bad things. Sure, humans may be physically weaker than demons, and people will get swept up in another person's past and end up hurt, but those insecurities are the reason why guilds exist in the first place, and there why we have friends. When the people who care for us surround us, it's easier to have a positive motivation. Yes, there will always be bumps in the roads and we may even doubt ourselves from time to time, but as long as we have faith in those people and ourselves especially, we can continue marching forward. You have your own path to choose Dante, don't let silly things like family heritage or an old sibling rivalry get in the way.

For the first time in his life, Dante didn't know what to say. Those words rung in his head as his pupils began to shake, as well as most of his body. He turned around, unable to face all the wizards of Fairy Tail.

Makarov: If you really wish to leave the guild Dante, then we will respect your decision. But, know that you will always be welcomed with us, no matter what you will always have a home in Fairy Tail.

Dante still faced away from them. Happy flew close and looked at his face. 

Happy: Dante... are you crying?

The cat was shoved away by Dante.

Dante: It's just the rain.

Natsu: It's not raining.

Erza: There is no shame in shedding tears Dante.

Lucy: Besides, someone like you, someone who would be willing to shed tears for their friends will always be welcomed in the Fairy Tail guild.

Makarov: And besides, there may even come a time where even a devil may cry. (gave a faint chuckle) I can see where you got the name of your old shop from.

Dante had never seen anything quite like this. These people knew who and what he was, and all the danger that can come from just being around him, and they were still willing to open up to him. He whipped his face.

Dante: Sorry... I can be an idiot sometimes.

The wizards all began to smile as they had a good idea of where this was going.

Wendy: (smile) So, does this mean you're going to stay Dante? Please say yes.

Carla: (smiled) Wendy has grown quite fond of you.

Gray: (smile) It'd be nice to have another powerhouse in the guild.

Lucy: (smile) Plus I am your neighbor, you wouldn't wanna hurt your neighbor's feelings right?

Gajeel: (smile) This guild can be pretty lame sometimes. But I can guarantee, you won't find anything like it anywhere. It's one of a kind.

Juvia: For all the ruckus, it's actually quite a lot of fun.

Cana: (smile) Plus you owe me a rematch for a drinking contest.

Elfman: (large 'manly' grin) A real man always cries for his friends, and Dante, you are a real man.

Trish: I'm staying in this guild, it'd be nice if you stuck around.

Lady: What she said. 

Kat: This guild has always treated me like family, just you and Vergil when we were together. 

Mira: (smile) Fairy Tail is basically one big family, you're a part of this family too.

Natsu: (smile) Come on Dante, don't leave us all hanging. Plus you and I kicked Vergil's ass once, we can do it again. Bring on Mundus and all the other demon pricks, bet I can take more down than you.

Happy: Aye! We're the best guild ever!

Every wizard around him began to voice their reason of why they think he should stay. 

Dante: (smiled as he turned around) Alright! Alright! Don't get all sappy on me.

Natsu: (confident smile) So, are you staying?

Dante: Yep. I'm staying.

Every wizard then cheered as soon as he said that. Wendy ran up to him and hugged him, her heard just below his rib cage. Dante smiled as he put a hand on her head. Natsu and Gray both jumped on his back, putting him in a headlock and giving him a large noogie. All the other wizards approached him with a pat on the back as well.

Erza: (amused smile) Alright everyone! That's enough. Give him some breathing room.

Fairy Tail: Yes ma'am!

They gave him space.

Natsu: Yo Dante! (got close to Dante's face; bearing an eager smile) As soon as we get back to the guild, you and I are fighting! You owe me a rematch!

Dante: (smiled back) Why wait till we get back? I'll take you on right here, right now.

Natsu's grin grew even wider. 

Natsu: Oh. Even better.

Lucy: Aw geez, they're gonna fight now?

Happy: Aye! That's Natsu and Dante for ya!

Erza: Well then, let's give them some room everyone! 

All the wizards backed away, giving the two much room as they were definitely going to need it. The two stared down for a few minutes.

Dante: Fair warning though Natsu. Now that you know exactly what I am, I ain't holding back like last time.

Natsu: I wont' hold back either.

 Dante: (smiled) So you get it right? You end up loosing a limb, don't come crying to me, Flame-for-brain.

Natsu: (smile) I can say the same for you, Demon-boy.

Natsu's right fist lit on fire, while Dante drew Rebellion.

Everyone watched the showdown that was about to begin with his or her own smile.

Dante: (thoughts) Fairy Tail. Yep this place is definitely something.

Dante and Natsu both stared down with large grins.

Dante: (thoughts) Family, that's a word I can get used to.

Natsu's entire body lit on fire as he prepared himself, while a faint red aura formed around Dante. 

Dante: (thoughts) Don't get me wrong, family's great and all, but this... this right here... This is what I live for!

Natsu then gave a battle cry as he lunged to Dante, who repeated the same action.

Dante: (thoughts) I'm absolutely crazy about it!

They flew towards each other, Natsu surrounded by his Fire Dragon magic, and Dante by his crimson Demon aura, each of them with a large smile on their face.

Chapter 20 ended.

This puts an end to the Dante arc. Up next is Edolas, as I've got a few special things planned for that. But befoe we get there, I do have one last 'filler episode' up next just before Edolas. Trust me, you are going to love it. I'm all fired up for it! 

Also I would doing some lemon suggestions for Dante's harem as well. So if you have any ideas, please let me know at the comments below. 

See you all soon.

And... Jackpot.