This is basically an abridged version of my theories regarding Natsu, E.N.D., and their relationship that I just wanted to get out there.

Seeing you brings back so many memories.

Well, not so much seeing, since I'm trapped in a book. Still, your presence is enough to make me remember.

I remember learning Dragon Slayer Magic from Igneel.

I remember meeting my beloved. Falling in love for the first time. Seeing that monster of a Dragon Slayer kill her simply because I refused to kill Igneel. Because I refused to betray the ideals our teachers created us for.

I remember my long journey, a seemingly endless quest for vengeance. I remember battling Demons, and learning how Zeref created them. When I decided the only way to destroy that man was to become one of the Black Mage's Demons.

I remember feeling myself become corrupted by Zeref's magic. I remember not caring that the Black Arts were not meant to transform humans. I remember losing my sanity, my humanity.

I remember being a prisoner of my own thoughts as I gathered other Demons created by Zeref, Etherious, we were called. I remember the feeling of hatred for humans, having seen how ugly they were firsthand as humans taught to unite humans and Dragons disregarded the wishes of their teachers for power. I remember discovering the true form of magic, what we now call Curses, and especially the evolution of Dragon Slayer Magic, Devil Slayer Magic. I remember forming a guild of Demons, teaching them the Curses I discovered, and organizing ourselves better to wipe out humans, lower than insects, ugly in their greed and their sloth, well deserving of the wrath of Zeref's creations.

I remember Igneel standing in my way. I remember his statement that I had become the same as that man, now calling himself Acnologia. In hindsight, I know he was right, but I still remember my boundless fury. I remember the hellish cataclysm we both unleashed.

Finally, I remember my soul being pulled from my body into a book by some dark spell of Zeref's. I remember his prophecy, that one day a Dragon Slayer taught by Igneel would inherit my name, my soul, and the power to finally end Zeref's existence, as I agreed to do when I was first transformed.

And now, in the arms of Mard Geer, I can sense you, this era's Son of Igneel. You are Natsu Dragneel, as I once was four hundred years ago. We are two distinct entities, yet we are destined to become one and the same. And when we do, one of us will be claimed by the other, his soul lost to a Dragon or a Demon forever.

Will I become an extension of you? Will I give you the power to kill Zeref as was prophesied? Or will I take you over and continue my campaign to eradicate the filthy creatures called humans? From Etherious Natsu Dragneel to the Natsu Dragneel of this modern era, that will depend on your will.

And if you are weak, I will consume you.