The Return of the Dark Knight

by Dakudoragon'naito87

Humanity is dancing upon the precipice of destruction. Demons thought long lost to time have begun to surge forth from beyond the gates, and the Dark Knight Sparda is all that stands against them. Yet tragedy struck long ago, and now the task of protecting has fallen to his grandson. A young man who must learn to master his new found powers and prove himself worthy of his legacy.

1. Chapter 1

The Dark Dragon Knight.

Prologue: The Legend of The Dark Knight

Across the sea there lies a land of wonder and magic. Fiore is its name and it is a peaceful country full of mystery and adventure merely waiting to be found. But, almost 2000 years ago this was not the case. It all began when The Prince of Darkness Mundus ruler of the demon world planned to launch a genocidal campaign to wipe out the human race and any who he believed would pose a threat to his reign. And so began the war. The war ravaged the lands plunging it into darkness and as the war waged on for many years with humanity on the very brink of defeat, all hope seemed lost. Until he came. The Dark Knight Sparda. He served, as one of Mundus top generals the only one Mundus actually feared would be able to overthrow him. Mundus planned to have Sparda murdered, afraid of his power and influence with the demon forces once the war was over. Before Mundus could fulfill his plan Sparda turned on his brothers turning the tide in humanities favor after learning of Mundus' plot and just how deluded and vile Mundus was at his very core all merely to keep power. After months of fighting it had all come down to Mundus and Sparda, face to face. It was said that the battle tore the very land asunder as the two waged a personal war, one for the good of mankind, the other total domination of those he deemed lesser than himself. Sparda, though unable to kill Mundus was able to weaken him enough to seal him away to hopefully never return to threaten humanity, along with the gate way to the demon world with a sacred amulet and the blood of a human priestess. Though it did not come without a cost, to Sparda himself. In order to ensure the seal would remain strong he also used his own blood and his sword known as The Force Edge with almost all of his power sealed inside as the final key. Sparda then vanishes from history becoming nothing but a myth. Many assumed he had died, having stripped himself of almost all of his power. They were all wrong… in a manner of speaking. Sparda had fallen in love with a human woman. And from this love he fathered two sons, twin brothers before he vanished never to be seen or heard from again. The brothers in the years that followed fought constantly in an almost obsessive need to prove which of them was the strongest. Each trying to deny what they are, a being born of both worlds. One seeking to throw away all that made him human in a quest for power, while the other sought to deny the power that came from his inner monster. At this time humans had gained the ability to harness magic as a means to defend themselves from the remnants of Mundus army. Guilds formed for strength in numbers and to seek companionship in the centuries that followed, though one stood out above the rest, a little place called Fairy Tail. The youngest brother came upon the guild after returning from the demon realm having finally defeated his brother and resealing the gate. The brother had stumbled upon the town of Magnolia. This is when things began to change. All that is known is that the Son of Sparda came face to face with the founder and first guild master, a woman by the name of Mavis Vermillion, a woman renowned for her strength and use of her Holy Fairy Magic and that the Son of Sparda stayed in Magnolia.

Years passed with the land experiencing prosperity not seen since the end of the Demon War. Though that was not to last. A dark wizard by the name of Zeref had begun a campaign to annihilate all those who could not use magic. The Son of Sparda later learned that it was Mundus who had given Zeref his power as a means to return to the human world. He knew that only he would stand a chance of being able to stop them and confronted Zeref, in a castle off the coast where Mundus had begun to reform. The battle was long and if anyone were to witness it, it seemed as if it were a battle of Titans one backed and controlled by the ruler of demon kind, while the other had only his own skill and the power left within his father's sword which he had taken from the demon world to keep it out of the hands of those who would abuse the power it granted. In a desperate gamble the Son of Sparda channeled all of his power through the Force Edge to end the Prince of Darkness once and for all. No one knows exactly what happened in the castle only that Mundus was finally defeated and the castle lay in ruins. Having finished what his father had started all those years ago and now the Son of Sparda could begin building his life, with his wife and unborn child. Unfortunately he died from his injuries and the loss of his power leaving, his wife and 1-year-old son behind. His tomb was built on the remains of the castle to forever stand guard should Zeref ever rise again with the blade that he wielded in life standing guard. The peace the Son of Sparda had sought for his family was shattered when worshippers of Zeref sought out the boy to turn him into a new Prince of Darkness. In one final act the woman released all of her magic killing her assailants but at the cost of her own life though the fate of the son is unknown. Only stories remain of the Son of Sparda, and how in our darkest hour, like his father before him a Dark Knight rose to defend us. Know the world faces a new crisis. Zeref has made plans from beyond the grave to finish his masters' twisted plans for total annihilation and the only one who stands a chance of winning is a child born of the Sparda line, though none remain. All accept one, the son who was lost, the grandson of Sparda. Now the mantle of the Dark Knight must be taken up once again or all will be lost.

Chapter 1 The Lost Son is Found!

Natsu Dragneel had always known, even when he was young that he was different from most of the wizards he had met. He remembered when Igneel had disappeared how in his grief and anger he had unleashed a tremendous amount of power, though it was not his magic it was something much more dangerous and primal, almost demonic in nature then nothing at all. The last thing he remembered was waking up miles away in a clearing with nothing but shorts and the scarf his father had given him for his 6th birthday. Well not really birthday it was merely the day Igneel found him as a baby. He wandered across Fiore hunting for his food and stealing clothes when his old ones didn't fit. But that all changed when Makarov the Third guild master of Fairy Tail found him outside of Magnolia in the East Forest. Natsu to this day never knew why he had stayed near Magnolia only that he felt a pull in a certain direction wherever he went which led him to directly to Magnolia. Natsu had many happy memories from then on when Makarov offered him a home in Fairy Tail. The minute Natsu walked in he felt at peace, as if he had returned home for the first time in years. The years that followed had their ups and downs, meeting his guild mates, Happy's birth and all of his adventures through the town being beaten by Erza and Mira every day to name a few. Though the darkest moment in Natsu's life was when his childhood friend Lissana died on job. That was the only other time Natsu ever unleashed that same power from years ago turning a small clearing into a war zone with craters and burnt trees signifying his grief and rage. From that day onward he swore to himself to never let it happen again. Now here he was a few years later with the past preparing to repeat itself. He was in the Tower of Heaven trying to save Erza from one of the Ten Wizard Saints, a man called Jellal who was planning to sacrifice her to resurrect Zeref. Natsu had arrived in time to pull her out of the lacryma core before knocking her unconscious so he could focus on probably his hardest fight yet.

"You made her cry. Erza's not supposed to cry. She has to be strong and never give up. To be proud and fierce! I don' t want to see her like this. So I will fight, to end her nightmares once and for all!" Natsu exclaimed and with a mighty roar launched himself at Jellal with a flaming right hook going straight for Jellals head. Jellal used his magic to appear behind Natsu with a kick that sent Natsu flying into a lacryma pillar.

Natsu merely stood and gave a fanged grin his vest and scarf blowing behind him in the wind yelling, "BRING IT ASSHOLE! You want to take her than it will be over my dead BODY!"

Jellal threw his head back and gave a bone-chilling laugh, "That's exactly what I was hoping for, the famed Salamander come to die, I can't actually believe I thought you were a threat to my plans. And once your dead nothing will stop Zeref's rise to power!"

Natsu glared at Jellal "Enough talk let's start so I can kick your ass from here to Oshibana!"

"Then come Salamander show me the power of a Dragon Slayer!" Jellal taunted making a 'come at me' motion with his hand. Natsu didn't waste a second taking a deep breath and focusing his magic into his mouth with a seal appearing in front of him Natsu called out his spell, "FIRE DRAGONS ROAR!" The large stream of fire tore its way towards Jellal who merely smirked.

Jellal calmly called out his own spell, "Meteor" appearing right beside Natsu once again. Natsu cancelled the flow of magic to his spell and did a flame covered sweep kick at Jellals torso calling out his spell "FIRE DRAGONS TALON!" but Jellal merely vanished and came at Natsu with a solid haymaker which Natsu was able to block if only barely, Natsu jumped back to try and create some space for his next spell. Natsu flipped himself so that his hands were on the ground and begin spinning his legs and body like a top shouting, "FIRE DRAGONS HELLFIRE TWISTER!" Jellal attempted to get back in time but it was hopeless as he was tossed around by the flames before being launched at the tower floor creating a small crater, Natsu seeing the opening pushed himself into the air above Jellal and launched a huge fire ball which created a massive explosion upon impact causing huge amounts of damage to the tower.

Jellal stood with only a few small scratches to show that he had actually been hit with the attack, looked upon the destruction with horror, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? Do you have any idea how long it will take to repair this!?" he yelled in anger. "

If you care about this damned tower so much I'll just tear it down PIECE BY PIECE! After all destruction is my specialty." Natsu exclaimed with a smirk. Jellal with a look of utmost contempt and malice glared at the Fire Dragon Slayer.

"FINE I can rebuild but what I want is for you to just turn over and die!" And so the two combatants clashed once more with Natsu launching a combo of a Fire Dragons Iron Fist and a twin Talon with a Wing Attack to follow up. Jellal used his Meteor to avoid the Iron fist and one of the Talons but the other one made contact sending Jellal flying before he managed to right himself and avoid the rest of Natsu's attack. Jellal appeared above Natsu a small smirk on his face,

"Why don't I show you REAL destructive magic!" Channeling his magic Jellal launched it at Natsu, who thought it appeared similar to his Brilliant Flame attack he was only just able to hear Jellal call out its name, "Meteor Crusher! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" Natsu roared in pain with the blast sending him through a few of the support pillars with the last one sending a shard about a foot long into Natsu's right leg. Natsu began coughing up blood thinking 'Damn, it feels like he cracked a few ribs I can't let him hit me with that to many times or I'm a goner.' Natsu looked at the lacryma shard, grabbed it with both hands and ripped it out of his leg then used his fire to cauterize the wound to prevent bleeding out. Jellal merely smirked and began walking towards the pink haired mage and began to chuckle,

" Hahaha, what's wrong not so damn tough and cocky now are you brat! I must say I'm disappointed I expected more what with your speech of defending her and beating me to end her so called nightmare. Your weak, and now she and you will pay the price."

"I still got some fight left in me so don't count me out yet asshole!" Natsu exclaimed smashing his fist into the ground causing it to splinter and crack.

"Fine, Salamander no more fooling around I'll finish this quickly." Then in a flash of gold light Jellal was gone with a fist buried in Natsu's gut which sent him flying once again with Jellal following close behind. Natsu attempted to right himself but Jellal merely grabbed his leg and smashed Natsu into the tower floor, sending to the lower levels and took off after Natsu pressing the offensive, before Jellal received a twin flaming kick to the face forcing him to back off giving Natsu an opening. Natsu used his flames to propel himself away giving him a chance to use one of his more…destructive spells. Drawing his right fist back with his left arm seemingly aimed at Jellal, Natsu threw his fist forward launching a spiraling stream of fire screaming, "FIRE DRAGONS INFERNO TWIST!" Jellal seemed impressed if only slightly,

"Now this is what I was hoping for. You might have actually be able to seriously wound me with that." Jellal admitted after he managed to avoid the attack moving so that it missed by a hairs breadth. But what Jellal said was true, although each mage had landed devastating blows only Natsu looked as if he had actually been hit. His jacket torn to shreds, leaving him in nothing but his pants which now looked more like shorts and the scarf given to him by Igneel. Covered in cuts and scratches Natsu looked as if he had seen far better days having to use his fire to close all of his wounds and the one on his right leg to stop the bleeding. While Jellal was only missing his large overcoat with the occasional cut here and there. Natsu needed a plan and fast. It was too crowded on this level of the tower and Natsu needed room to make sure he didn't accidentally kill someone inside the Tower.

Then Natsu decided to take a page out of Gray's book, 'I hope this works' "FIRE DRAGONS VOLCANIC RAGE!" It was at this point that Erza had begun to regain consciousness to the sound of explosions and cracking. Looking around she noted the ruble and destroyed pillars and the craters scattered around. Erza was in disbelief, she had always known Natsu was strong but to cause this much destruction, it was unbelievable!

'Just how long have you been hiding this strength, Natsu?' Erza pondered. Suddenly the floor beside Erza erupted in flames scorching the crystal on its way through the floor of the tower. Erza watched, shocked as Jellal came flying through the opening, heading straight into the ceiling with a sickening crack creating an impression of his body. Then a white and pink blur flew through the hole landing in front of Erza cracking and shattering the lacryma from the force of the landing. Natsu stayed crouched ready to move, glaring at his opponent knowing it would take more than that one move to finish Jellal off. Natsu was right in that regard. Jellal stood and glared at the Dragon Slayer, he screamed enraged,

"THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU! I'M NOT GOING TO LET SOME PUNK DESTROY EVERYTHING I'VE WORKED FOR OVER THE LAST 8 YEARS! NOW I'M GOING TO FINISH YOU OFF YOU INSIGNIFICANT PEST!" Jellal threw his arms up in an x shape gathering his magic in to a black ball a few feet above his head. Erza watched horrified as the spell caused the shaodows around the room to bend towards Jellal. Erza had seen how wounded Natsu was and new that if that attack hit, Natsu would die. Erza ran and stood in front of Natsu her arms spread out as if to shield him. Natsu stood there shocked, he yelled at Erza,

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Erza seemingly ignored him, instead she told Jellal quite angrily,

"You want to kill Natsu then you have to kill me to!" Jellal cancelled the magic as Erza continued; "you wouldn't want to kill your sacrifice to Zeref now would you?" Jellal looked down the shadows from his bangs hiding his eyes from view and merely sighed,

"While you do have a point I could easily find a replacement that is more suitable, but I'll come to that after I kill you BOTH! HEAVENLY BODY MAGIC ALTARIS!" Natsu felt his heart turn cold as ice as he watched the large black ball of magic tear its way towards him and Erza. Natsu screamed in despair,

"ERZA, LEAVE ME AND GET OUT OF HERE! SAVE YOURSELF!" Erza merely turned to look at him noting his fearful expression, smiled at him and said

"It's because of me your in this mess the least I could do is try and protect you." Erza turned and closed her eyes waiting for the spell to hit; only it never did. Erza opens her eyes to the see Simon standing in front of her and Natsu. Natsu stood frozen,

"It's you." he whispered in shock and disbelief. The two Fairy Tail mages watched Simon fall back allowing Erza and Natsu to see the extent of his injuries. Cuts and bruises covered his body with blood falling on to the floor at a steady rate. Erza rushes to his side, kneeling down beside him.

"Why did you do that? What the hell where you thinking Simon!?" Erza asked. Simon lifted his head slightly, and said in almost a whisper,

"I was saving the only thing that got me through my time in this place. After all as kids you were the only one who could make me smile" he smiles before looking at her fully "I would do it again to give you a chance of life away from here." Erza pleads with him saying,

"Please don't die, don't you dare die on me Simon!" Simon merely looks at her thinking of when he met her all those years ago, 'I have always loved you. It's up to you now Natsu keep her safe. For the both of us.' Simon's life finally slipped away a lone tear falling down his face and a smile as his world went black. Tears began to streak down Erza's face before she screamed in grief over the loss of her friend with sobs racking her body uncontrollably as she cried over Simon's body. Natsu's face contorted in cold fury with clenched fists watching Erza cry. Unnoticed by them all Natsu's eyes flashed to an ice blue and his rose coloured hair flashing to the purest white as his rage began to take hold before he calmed himself to focus on the fight. Jellal merely laughed, throwing his head back with a Cheshire cat grin,

"Oh how pathetic! I do hope you both realize he threw his life away for nothing. Simon must've realized I'm not letting either of you leave this place ALIVE! I WILL FINALY RESUR- SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Natsu roared punching Jellal across the face sending him flying into a large lacryma block with the force of a freight train. Jellal began to cough up blood, eyes wide and clutching his stomach slowly trying to come to terms with what happened. Jellal raised his head to the sound of chewing and gazed in disbelief at his opponent. Natsu had grabbed a piece of the Ethernano, about the size of his hand and began to bite into it. Jellal looked upon Natsu in shock, 'He's actually EATING it!' Natsu's eyes snapped open with an ethereal blue glow as he roared towards the sky, magic energy from the tower flowing around his body tearing the lacryma apart. Natsu then swung his arms in an arc sending a wave of pure magic power straight at Jellal who used his Meteor spell to escape. Suddenly Natsu collapsed onto his knees liquefied Ethernano coming out of his mouth before he began to hack and cough rolling on the ground screaming in agony "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH."

Erza screamed at him, "ARE YOU INSANE!? Ethernano is made of all kinds of different elemental magic it'll kill you!" Jellal chuckled,

"Well this certainly makes my job easier if the idiot kills himself." To their shock the area around Natsu erupted into flames, which began to form a large dragon seemingly roaring at the heavens. Natsu began to stand up, his eyes surrounded by scales as well as his fore arms with his eyes turning green with slit pupils and his canines extending and sharpening. Natsu had achieved a Dragon Slayers greatest ability, the legendary Dragon Force, which grants the user the ability to fight toe-to-toe with a dragon! With a mighty roar Natsu launched himself at Jellal ready to end this fight once and for all!

While away from the scene, in a tomb located at the very base of the tower, a large broadsword with a pointed pommel attached to a seemingly one handed based hilt which led to a skull with black eye sockets sitting atop bones in the form of a person's rib cage was clasped in the hand of the statue standing over the grave. This was Rebellion the sword wielded by the Son of Sparda before his death. The eyes began to glow an unholy red in time with Natsu's sudden changes in appearance and sudden spike in power even if it was only for the briefest of moments. It sensed one with the blood of Sparda close by. Meaning only one thing. That the lost son had been found. All it had to do was wait for its master's call. It was almost time for the Dark Knight to rise again. As Erza watched the two titans clash she had a feeling that things would take a turn, for good or ill she did not know but she knew it would happen, and soon. As the battle raged on around her Erza, being Erza wanted to help. Erza had faith in Natsu to be sure, she trusted him with her life but she had lost one friend already and she would not lose Natsu as well. Using what little magic she had left she summoned a large zanbatou like sword that had a two sided blade with symbols adorning the spine of the blade ready to jump in and aid Natsu. Erza stumbled forward leaning on the sword for support and was able to get close enough to hear Natsu yell something at Jellal. What Natsu said shocked her.

"YOU MADE HER CRY!" Natsu yelled as he grabbed Jellal by the throat before crashing through floor to a different level of the tower, "I MADE A PROMISE AND I'M NOT GONNA BREAK IT! I SWORE I WOULD NEVER LET ANYONE I CARE ABOUT DIE EVER AGAIN! YOU HURT HER AGAIN AND I'M GONNA FUCKING INCINERATE YOU!" While flashing through his mind the oath he made to himself in the clearing when Lissana died a few years ago and the one he made to Simon only hours previously. Jellal screamed in pain and agony with the Dragon Slayer sending his body through the many tower floors. Jellal managed to slip from Natsu's grasp and launched himself using Meteor towards the top of the tower. Natsu righted himself and gave chase determined to kill the man who had caused Erza, his nakama and so many others untold pain. When Jellal made it to the top it was to see Erza swinging her large zanbatou aiming to take off his head. Jellal ducked and jumped back to avoid her follow through. Though he noted how Erza seemed dead on her feet stumbling from swinging the large sword. Before he could take advantage of this he was kicked to the side of the face by Natsu, which sent him sailing into a wall. Natsu turned to Erza,

"Erza you need to get out of here now! I can help you Natsu, you look as if you're about to keel over any minute. I could say the same and, while I appreciate the concern Erza I can't go all out if I have to worry about you to." Natsu's eyes suddenly widened sensing the magic coming at them, he grabbed Erza before throwing her away from the blast as it engulfed him. In the process Erza lost her sword and watched as it landed upright in the lacryma. Jellal seeing the opening pressed the attack knocking Natsu who was slightly dazed from the blast into a wall and as Natsu began to fall to the floor Jellal grabbed the hilt of the sword. Turning his head he sneered at Erza, saying

"Now live with the knowledge it was your fault he died." And Erza watched horrified as Jellal threw the sword straight at Natsu

"NATSU! WATCH OUT!" but she called out to late and watched as the sword buried itself almost up to guard in Natsu's chest pinning him to the wall of the tower. Down in the tomb Rebellion knew that the time was almost upon it to be wielded once more. Its wielder only needed a reason to keep fighting. Erza tried to stand and run to the man she had come to love but the blast had caught her leg causing her to collapse to the ground clutching her leg. Erza gazed at the floor petrified thinking over Jellal's words 'it was your fault he died'. Those words began to whisper louder in her head wracking her with an empty feeling in her stomach and the horrible guilt they placed upon her and the grief of losing a person more important to her than anything else. Erza looked up to see Jellal walking towards her a confident and snide look on his face as he looked at her. To both Erza and Jellal's shock they both heard the sound of coughing. Erza turned her head and looked at the Dragon Slayer noting that Dragon Force had ended due to the extent of his injuries, but despite that Natsu was alive! Natsu raised his head and despite his serious wound glared with a primal fury at Jellal,

"I'm not dead yet motherfucker."

Jellal smirked, "My, my, my… I am quite shocked that you're still breathing all things considered. But play times done. You will die any moment now and Erza not far behind you but perhaps one more thing before you go? A final goodbye so to speak." As he was talking Jellal had broken off two, 6-foot long shards of lacryma one in each hand and began walking towards the pinned Slayer. When he finally drew level with Natsu he buried the shards underneath Natsu's armpits one per side. With a shit-eating grin on his face Jellal grabbed the sword and thrust the last bit forward before ripping it from Natsu's body allowing Natsu to fall and be suspended by the lacryma shards in the form of a make-shift crucifix. Natsu began to cough violently, blood pouring from his wound and mouth pooling on the floor staining it a dark red, his head slumped forward feeling his life begin to leave him. All he could hear was Erza's voice calling out to him as his vision began to go black

"NATSU PLEASE! YOU HAVE TO GET UP! NATSUUUU!" Natsu began to think on everything he had done in his life, all the people he'd met since joining Fairy Tail but one person kept reappearing. Erza. Not Makarov, not Gray, no one else. She plagued his thoughts, from when she offered to teach him to read and write when they were kids, chasing him around Magnolia after he got into a fight with Gray and wishing him luck on his first job to name a few. And finally the promise he had made to himself to never, EVER let one of his nakama die ever again and his declaration to rid Erza of her nightmare. Natsu could hear her voice calling out to him louder and louder telling him to stand and fight with all that he had. He would save Erza! Death would not stop him, and Jellal would die for trying. Rebellion, having sensed its wielders resolve and knew it was finally time. With a mighty crash Rebellion flew through the roof of the tomb and the levels of the tower heeding its master's call. Dark power began to swirl around Natsu, dark crimson and black with his body beginning to change having finally unlocked the devil blood within him. His hair once a rose pink now the purest white like freshly fallen snow, that where once black as night were now eyes as blue as an artic freeze, that were now bathed in an eerie, ethereal crimson glow. He screamed at the top of his lungs unleashing a mighty roar his glowing eyes directed straight at Jellal.

"I WILL SAVE HER! AND I'M GOING TO SEND YOU STRAIGHT TO HELL!" To the shock of those watching a large sword flew from the opening in the floor heading straight for Natsu landing in his palm with a resounding SMACK. The energy intensified, releasing a shockwave that sent Jellal flying though he was able to hold on to the sword and it also destroyed the shards suspending Natsu off the ground while Erza began to slide back before grabbing a piece of the lacryma imbedded in the floor to stay in place. The wave of energy was felt all the way to Magnolia, where in the guildhall, master Makarov gazed at the mug in his hand deep in thought.

"So…the Dark Knight legacy continues. I hope he is ready for what lies ahead." he muttered to himself. Makarov then lifted his head; seemingly looking at nothing though his head was drawn in one direction, towards the Tower of Heaven "Be safe my boy and May the Dark Knight guide you." Erza watched in a daze as the man she believed to have died trying to save her raised the sword in his hand directly at Jellal with a look of untold rage, hatred and disgust upon his face.

"Ready for round 2 asshole?" Jellal after standing up from being tossed like a rag doll merely lifted the sword in his hand ready to begin until it simply vanished into a magic seal. Jellal looked at Erza who was panting from using what little magic she had left to send the sword back into her storage space. Jellal merely scoffed, before turning to glare at the now white haired Slayer.

"I must say it is quite annoying how you simply won't give up and die though this does beg the question, how are you still alive?" he asked a single brow quirked upwards in a questioning gaze. Natsu shrugged and replied "Don't know don't care. All I care about is ending this and taking Erza and the others back to Fairy Tail."

"It doesn't really matter I suppose you're going to lose anyway, but perhaps once I beat you perhaps I'll use you instead as the sacrifice and have you watch as I kill your nakama. How does that sound huh Dragon Sla-" Jellal's eyes widened in shock and pain as his chest erupted in a fountain of blood, a large cut going from shoulder to hip seemingly appearing out of nowhere. He gazed horrified into the eyes of his enemy who appeared directly in front of him, the now ice blue eyes sending a shiver of fear throughout his body. In a desperate attempt at trying to buy him some time Jellal launched himself towards Erza to stop the slayer from attacking, but it was all for naught as Natsu merely vanished into thin air in a bust of speed reappearing directly between Jellal and his target, Rebellion pulled back for a thrust ready to skewer him. Jellal attempted to dodge but it wasn't enough, feeling the cold steel cut in slightly between his ribs before vanishing in his Meteor spell. Blood began to flow from Jellals wounds like a river staining the crystal beneath his feet a dark red. Glaring at the two Fairy Tail wizards Jellal using the last of his strength flew into the air, gathering all of his magic before a huge golden seal appeared in front of him a maniac grin on his face. Erza gasped recognizing the seal from the Phantom Lord attack,

"He's going to cast the Abyss Break! BUT, WHY? YOU'LL JUST DESTROY THE TOWER SO MANY DIED TO CREATE!" she screamewd at Jellal unable to believe he would destroy it after all that had gone into it.

"It doesn't matter I did it once I can do it again! Now, LORD ZEREF! Your time has almost come to finish what you began! Soon you will rule this land and destroy all who opose you!" But just as Jellal was about to launch his attack he gasped in pain, from Erza's attack when she confronted him and the injuries Natsu had given him during their battle. Natsu seeing the opening launched into the air his body aflame with his sword drawn back for one final strike! The flames began to take shape, appearing as a dragon with its mouth open in a mighty roar!

Natsu shouted, "I will stop you! I will defend this world from people like you, who seek to conquer it believing your better than the rest of us! You're a fool if you believe Zeref will share his power with you! SO GO TO HELL AND TELL HIM IF HE EVER RETURNS I'LL SEND HIM RIGHT BACK!" Rebellion feeling its wielders rages unleashed Natsu's devil energy coating the blade in the dark power in the form of black and crimson flames. Natsu called out his attack the name coming unbidden to his lips "DEVILS JUDGEMENT!" The flames from the sword mixed with Natsu's normal fire launching it in the shape of a large dragon mouth agape ready to devour all in its path! Jellal screamed until the flames consumed him with all going silent. Natsu fell to earth heading for the top floor of the tower. Upon impact he left a large crater with a shockwave spreading dust through the air. Erza stared at her savior, standing tall his hair and scarf blowing in the wind, sword propped on to his right shoulder and gazing at his torso Erza felt a foreign heat creep up her face, her cheeks gaining a light dusting of pink and slightly widened eyes. A warm feeling of relief and untold joy spread through her body upon seeing the Dragon Slayer.

'Thank goodness he's alright. Maybe now I can tell him.' Erza so lost in her thoughts did not notice that Natsu had begun walking towards her until he was right in front of her.

Crouching down to eye level with the Requip mage Natsu asked concern clear in his voice, "Yo Erza you alright? We need to get the hell out of here."

Erza snapped from her thoughts looked at him; "Yes I'm fine" she lied discreetly trying to hide her injured leg from view. Natsu noting the slight movement narrowed his eyes before gazing at her leg.

Taking in the slight burns and cuts he turned to her, "No, you're not let me help you." Natsu said stabbing the sword into the floor, before grabbing a hold on her arms aiding her to stand. Erza was able to feel the calloused palms from years of fighting, as well as his bodies higher than average body heat giving her a comforting feeling as well as causing a shiver to run up her spine. Seeing Erza shiver a little Natsu nudged her slightly to get her attention, "You cold or something Erza?" Natsu asked, knowing that due to his magic he didn't get cold, knowing full well the same couldn't be said for Erza. Erza was about to answer him when she realized that instead of being eye to eye, she only saw the top of his chest. Tilting her head slightly back her eyes widened in realization that Natsu had grown about 4 inches putting him at about 6'2 compared to her 5'10. Tilting his head slightly to the left in confusion Natsu looked at her, "Erza? What are you looking at; do I have something on my face?" Natsu then looked at the blade of the sword to look at his reflection for anything that shouldn't be there. Erza had a small sweatdrop watching him look at himself in the blade. While Natsu was preoccupied Erza took the chance to look at Natsu's battered form only to find nothing there! Erza began looking for any sign of injuries gaining a massive blush after gazing at his defined abs that looked as if chiseled from solid marble to his large pecs and corded arms leading up to his face, which was now devoid of any baby fat becoming more angular and refined, resembling one of those marble statues she had seen on the occasional job. This caused Erza's mind took a one way trip to the gutter thinking of a similar scene from one of the more…explicit books that she borrows from Levy on occasion. Natsu noticing Erza's flushed features and hearing her mumble under her breath so low even his enhanced hearing couldn't catch it snapped his fingers in front of her face, "Erza you ok? You got all red for a minute there, you sick or something?" he questioned.

"N-NN-No I'm fine Natsu now let's get out of here." Erza was able to answer embarrassed at the slight stutter before turning away from him. Natsu merely scratched the back of his head,

"O-kay if you say so, now any ideas how to get out of here?" he questioned before grabbing the sword and placing it on his back and, to Natsu's immense surprise the large sword just stuck there. 'Weird. Cool, but weird.' He thought. As they looked around, the tower began to shake with large shards falling from the ceiling forcing the two mages to stumble and avoid what they could. "What the hell's happening?!" Natsu shouted after having narrowly avoided a large shard landing directly in front of him.

Erza's eyes widened in realization, "The towers gonna blow, it can't hold all the Ethernano! The powers too much, if it blows the entire coastline will be destroyed!"

Natsu gazed at her in disbelief, until a voice spoke in his mind, a raspy, ancient sounding voice, 'Use me. Who the hell are you!? … ANSWER ME! You know who I am, merely look on your back.' Natsu turned his head to stare at the sword. 'You're the sword?! Yes. What the hell are you?! I am a Devil Arm, YOUR Devil Arm to be exact. What the fuck is a Devil Arm!? I will answer any questions you may have later right now you need to save yourself and the girl. HOW?! Stab me into the lacryma core of the tower, I can take most of the energy and contain it. All right, I hope this works; by the way what am I supposed to call you? My name is Rebellion. Well thanks for all the help…Rebellion? Rebellion?! Ah, I can deal with it later. Right now I need to stop this thing from blowin sky high!' Natsu so lost in his inner discussion didn't notice Erza approaching the core, before turning to look at her 'What the hell is she doing?' His question was soon answered as Erza stuck her hand into the lacryma and watched as it began to absorb her. "ERZA! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! GET AWAY FROM IT!" Natsu sprinted towards her, arriving just as her body was about a quarter of the way in.

Erza looked at him with a sad smile. "I have to do this Natsu. It's my responsibility to-"

"LIKE HELL IT IS!" Natsu screamed at her tears shinning in his eyes. Natsu grabbed her around the waist; causing Erza to blush so red a tomato would be jealous before stepping back and away from the lacryma taking her with him. Inwardly though she felt a deep joy at being held in his strong arms she had always wondered what it would feel like-, 'NO! BAD ERZA! BAD ERZA! Now's not the time!' she thought while her body began to betray her with her deep blush and the shiver that ran down her spine as Natsu pulled her to his chest. Natsu grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him "WHAT IN THE HELL WHERE YOU DOING?!" he shouted in anger. Erza looked up at Natsu "I was going to try and see if the lacryma would accept me so I could control the blast."

" YOU WOULD HAVE DIED!"

"At least no one else would have to; this is MY responsibility, no one has to die for me."

" DID YOU EVEN STOP TO THINK OF WHAT THAT WOULD DO TO EVERYONE AT THE GUILD!?" Natsu roared at Erza his eyes bathed in an unholy fury but Erza was able to catch a flash of… desperation in his gaze as he looked at her. "You're important to everyone at the guild. Did you think of how this would affect Gray? Or Lucy? Happy? Me?" whispering the last part low enough that Erza couldn't hear him. "I swore to Simon and to myself to keep you safe and I'll be damned if I fail 'cause you throw your life away!" Natsu said slightly tightening his grip on Erza's shoulders as he continued, trying to restrain himself from releasing his rage at the thought of losing her knowing if he did nothing would remain standing. "You don't die for your friends you live for them. This decision affects more than just you Erza Scarlet and don't you ever, EVER forget that!"

" N-Nat-Natsu…"

" Promise me that you won't throw your life away." Natsu pleaded.

Erza lowered her head away from his gaze "I-I-." Moving his hands from her shoulders taking Erza's face in his hands tilting her head to look into his eyes once more.

"Promise me." he whispered, his voice sounding desperate and pleading, "Fairy Tail just wouldn't be the same without the mighty Titania." he joked, chuckling to himself. Erza gazed at him with wide eyes before a lone tear fell from her eye. Natsu using his thumb got rid of the evidence bringing a light blush to both mages cheeks.

Erza slowly nodded, "I promise."

Natsu smiled before touching their foreheads lightly together, "Thank you." he said in a breathy whisper. Suddenly the tower began to shake violently bringing the two mages back to reality. Natsu's face lost all emotion cold fierce determination taking its place. Drawing Rebellion from his back he walked calmly towards the large crystal, drawing Rebellion back thrusting it up to the hilt inside the crystal. The eye sockets on the skull began to glow a deep cobalt blue, which slowly began to turn into a dark crimson. Unknown to Natsu, Rebellion was not only gathering the magic energy, it was purifying the magic into devil energy to unlock Natsu's full potential by sending miniscule amounts to strengthen the young man.

'I am sorry Natsu, but this is the only way to ensure your survival.' Rebellion would not give all the energy to Natsu in one go that would cause more harm than good. No, Natsu would have to prepare his body for that much power or it would destroy him. But there is a time and place for everything and this could be dealt with when the time came. As the Ethernano was slowly gathered into Rebellion the tower began to return too normal when the sound of screeching metal reached the ears of the two mages. The structural damage was too great causing the metal supports to fold in on themselves ripping and tearing, as the towers own weight destroyed it. Watching the glow fade from Rebellions eyes, Natsu knew he had to act fast quickly placing Rebellion on his back once again. As the tower began to fall down around them, Natsu knew there was only one way to get out alive, with the only other option being running, for the entrance though that would take too much time. The only problem with option 2 would be surviving Erza's' wrath if they did survive. Either way Natsu looked at it he died, but his 2nd idea may get Gray killed to if he played his cards right. Smirking devilishly Natsu decided to go with option 2. So in a swift action faster than eyes could follow Natsu grabbed Erza in a bridal carry. Erza made a sound of indignation before glaring at the Dragon Slayer though with the pink tint to her cheeks it looked less frightening than normal which was a relief to Natsu.

"What. Are. You. Doing. Natsu?" she demanded.

"Easy saving our lives is that a problem ma'am?" Natsu said giving her a grin. Though Natsu has no idea what possessed him to say that, he had never said something like that top her before. Unknowingly, due to the activation of his devil blood, it was slowly changing his mentality, to be more… instinctual. Not to mention the affects Dragon Slayer magic tends to have on the wielder by enhancing all aspects of the user, instincts included. So, in other worlds Natsu may start acting…different than normal. Like maybe a bit of a thrill for… dangerous stunts, though he seemed to have that already. "So if there are no more questions lets fly!" Natsu exclaimed grinning ear-to-ear before sprinting towards the edge of the tower Erza clutching to his neck creating a weird feeling in the pit of Natsu's stomach, one he thought he would never feel again.

Erza screamed in slight fear, "Natsu, what are you doing?"

"Hold on tight, this is gonna get crazy!" Natsu exclaimed before jumping clean off the edge of the tower.

"KYYYYYAAAAAAAA!" Erza screamed at the top of her lungs causing Natsu to merely stare at the famed Titania with a quirked brow watching her scream like a little girl, eyes wide open and clutching to his neck for dear life.

Natsu merely grinned before yelling in glee, "YEEEE-HAAAWWW!"

"NATSU I'M GONNA KILL YOU IF WE DON'T MAKE IT, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!" Erza yelled at him but with the wind whistling around them and the free fall, Natsu was having too much fun to care with the adrenaline pumping through his body drowning out all noise. As they began to get closer to the water Natsu used his flames to keep them up positioning their bodies to land on the shore. Once they touched down Erza refused to let go of Natsu's neck having buried her head, in the crook of his neck before he used his magic to make them land safely. Natsu began to blush lightly having caught a slight hint of her scent, 'She smells like… strawberry cake? And...lavender? Didn't expect that. But, then again why the hell am I surprised?' he thought dryly noting that she seemed determined to stay there, "Erza, its safe you can let go now." Lifting her head, Erza stared at Natsu noting the light pink on his cheeks, before a coy smirk spread across her face. What? You honestly think she's gonna let him get away with the stunt he pulled? Hell no!

"Why? I rather enjoy being like this, don't you Natsu~" she whispered into his ear, causing his blush to reach atomic levels,

"I-I-I-I n-nev-never s-said anything about n-n-not liking it but d-don't you think this is a little uncomfortable?" he asked nervously sweat trickling down his neck at break neck speeds hoping he hadn't made her mad until he noticed the amusement that shined in her eyes, and the smug grin on her face. Natsu initially angry that she had managed to trick him of all people inwardly thought 'Alright, two can play this game.' Natsu then pulled her body tighter to his before tilting his head down to her neck, his breath causing Erza to shiver in excitement, before lifting his mouth to her ear, "Now that I think about it I am enjoying this rather much." he whispered huskily before pulling back to look at her face. What he saw caused him to burst into laughter, noting the deep red blush that put her hair to shame and slightly glazed look in her eyes while a strange sense of accomplishment rose within his chest. Though Natsu was rather shocked that he actually said that.

"Natsu! Erza! Where are you!?"

"OI! DIPSHIT, YOU STILL ALIVE?! COME ON, ANSWER ME DAMMIT!" only to be snapped back to reality at the sound of Lucy and Gray calling out to them. Through the tree line burst Gray who tripped on a branch causing Lucy to fall on top of his back followed by Sho, Millianna, Wally and finally Juvia who managed to land on Grays head with Happy sitting on top of the pile a paw trying to cover his laughter at Gray's misfortune. Watching Gray struggle for breath, his arms thrashing erratically with his head having been buried in the sand from the fall and Juvia landing on it only served to make Natsu laugh even harder tears streaming from his eyes while trying to make sure he didn't accidentally drop Erza. That would only spell his doom. The laughter caused everyone's heads to snap in Natsu's and Erza's direction, taking note of the tall, white haired man, with a huge ass sword seemingly attached to his back, with Erza in his arms, taking note of a light blush on her face, though, all of them seemingly missed the scale pattern scarf clear as day wrapped around his neck. This caused everyone to jump to their feet a spell ready to be cast at a moment's notice all glaring at the laughing man. What he said next merely confused most of them,

"HAHAHAHAHA! Jesus snow cone this reminds me off the time when Erza smashed your head through the guild wall before taking a chair to your back for stripping in front of her when we were kids for the first time."

Gray having finally freed himself shouted, "HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU KNOW THAT!? I'VE NEVER EVEN SEEN YOU BEFORE!"

"What the hell are you talking about? It's me Natsu, what did the ice princess hit his head on a rock buried in the sand or something?"

"That's impossible Natsu has pink hair not white and he sure as hell doesn't have a sword." Natsu tilted his head before placing Erza on her feet reaching to scratch his head before taking a lock of hair in-between his fingers and said,

"No duh I know my hair…is…pink?" Natsu gazed wide-eyed at his now white locks before rushing to the water to see if it wasn't just a trick of the light. As he looked at his reflection in the water, Natsu also took notice of his more angular face, ice blue eyes and the fact that his hair now laid mostly flat on his head, with the occasional spike here and there. He leapt back in shock, "HOLY SHIT! WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO MY AWESOME HAIR!?" Natsu yelled crocodile tears streaming down his face as he mourned his loss. Everyone else merely stared at his back a large sweatdrop rolling down the back of their heads. Natsu then turned to look at Erza an accusing finger pointed at her, "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THIS HAPPENED?" he yelled a tick mark on the top of his head.

Erza shook her head angry at herself for not telling him and merely said, "I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you please hit me!"

Now it was Natsu's turn to sweatdrop before saying, "I'm not gonna hit you Erz-"

"I must be punished for forgetting, please hit me!" she continued.

"I told you NO DAMMIT!" Natsu yelled. The rest of the group merely stared mystified at the conversation before them. Gray walked towards Lucy and Happy while still looking at the argument going on between Erza and Natsu,

"Are you seeing the same thing I am?" Gray asked.

"Erza and the white haired guy who says he's Natsu yelling at each other about him hitting her?" Lucy asked in return.

"Yep." he responded.

"Then yes."

"I want a fish!"

"CAN YOU THINK ABOUT SOMETYING OTHER THAN FISH FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS!?" Lucy asked looking at Happy in anger.

"Why? I like fish and I'm hungry, YOUR SO MEAN LUCY!"

"I'M GONNA STRANGLE THAT DAMN CAT!"

"I'm on a team with idiots." Said the now naked Gray who had Juvia gazing at his body in a daze an atomic red blush on her cheeks,

"OH GRAY~"

Gray looked down, "GODDAMMIT WHY THE FUCK DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING!?" before he scrambled around trying to find his boxers while Sho, Miliana and Wally watched the Fairy Tail wizards in shock.

"I can't believe this is normal for them." Sho stated. Wally nodded his head in agreement while Miliana began to chase Happy around a dangerous gleam in her eye causing Happy to yell out in fear,

"AHHH. GET AWAY YOU CRAZY CAT LADY! BUT YOU'RE SO CUTE!" Millianna squealed, as Happy took cover behind Juvia who was still in a daze with large hearts in her eyes and some drool going down her chin. Once everyone had calmed down and Gray found his clothes they returned to the matter at hand. Namely, Natsu's changes and what happened inside the tower.

"How do we know you really are Natsu?" Gray questioned, before Erza answered him,

"Yes that is Natsu, do you really think I would be talking to anyone else Gray?" she asked sending him a slight glare which caused Gray to shiver in terror.

"Alright then. So, could someone explain why flame brain looks like this?" Gray asked.

"I don't know what happened all I remember is watching my life and then I remembered everyone at Fairy Tail. Next thing I know Rebellion lands in my hand and I unleash this weird power." Natsu said, keeping out the part that he saw Erza the most and his need to save her.

"Rebellion? What's Rebellion?" Lucy asked him with the questioning looks being shared by everyone else.

"Oh right sorry. That's the name of the sword, Rebellion." he answered simply.

"How do you know that?" Erza asked inspecting the sword as she spoke.

Natsu turned to look at her, "It told me." Was all he said which only got even more confused looks though Erza seemed a little suspicious, narrowing her eyes at the sword. After all it came from an area home to Zeref worshippers, who's to say the sword wasn't one of Zeref's creations? Natsu noticing her look tried to waylay any concerns, "Relax, it hasn't done anything to harm us, hell it's what allowed me to save you and besides if it is dangerous Gramps will probably tell us." After a few moments Erza nodded her head giving some credit to his words.

"Back to the original question that still doesn't answer why you're taller and have white hair idiot." Gray stated getting a glare from Natsu but instead of starting something, he merely shrugged and said,

"Hopefully Gramps has some answers because I got nothin'."

Erza nodded in consent, "Natsu's right and there is nothing we can do about it now. Let's head back to the resort." Erza, while glad to be reunited with everyone, was exhausted the battle had taken its toll on her and it finally caught up to her. She began to sway from side to side before she began to fall before Natsu appeared next to her catching her.

"Erza!" the others shouted in worry. Natsu merely put his arms under her legs taking her into a bridal carry once again.

"She's fine just exhausted from the whole thing. Let's get out of here, besides I need to go into town for some new clothes." Natsu stated turning his back to them and began walking to the resort looking at the beautiful red head in his arms. Natsu felt that same warmth in his chest, seeing Erza at peace, as if a great burden had been lifted of her shoulders. He recognized the feeling from his childhood and it was something he thought he had crushed long ago specifically for the person in his arms. Unconsciously Natsu was pulling her closer to him as she buried her head in the crook of his neck a small smile on her face as they lead the group towards the resort. Though no one noticed the flash of black and crimson on Natsu's right arm.

A few days later Erza woke to sunlight streaming through the window in her room at the resort. As Erza began to wake up she was forced to slowly open her eyes to get used to light and Erza was startled to find herself in bed at the resort. Erza gazed down to see her body covered in bandages from head to toe.

"You're up! I just came in to check on you." Said a voice startling Erza, causing her to snap her head to the door. To her surprise Erza saw Natsu leaning against the doorframe a grin on his face. She noted he was dressed in black cargo pants with a belt that had a dragonhead as the buckle and black combat boots with his scarf wrapped around his neck like always and he was shirtless, giving her the chance to stare at his torso bringing a blush to her cheeks and for her heart to beat faster in her chest.

"What happened? All I remember is talking at the beach then nothing. And what happened to your clothes" Erza said gazing around the room. Natsu began to walk towards her before sitting in a chair next to the bed.

"You passed out. I carried you back to the resort so you could get some rest and medical attention. You've been resting for a few days. As for the clothes, well I figured a change was in order" He told her looking her over to see if the bandages needed to be changed. Lost in thought he was brought back to reality by a loud rumbling sound. Blinking Natsu turned to look at Erza a deep blush on her cheeks as she stared at the bed sheets as if they were the most interesting things in the world. Natsu grinned, deciding to not pass up the chance to get back at Erza for all the times she beat him when they were kids…in his own way of course. "I gotta say Erza that sure as hell scared the hell out of me. Now why don't we get you something to feed that beast eh?" Standing up Natsu began walking towards the door, only to notice that Erza hadn't moved. Turning to look at her Natsu tilted his head in confusion, "Erza, you okay?"

"I don't think I can walk" she said her eyes cast towards the floor embarrassed to admit it.

"Sorry about that I should have known after what happened and being stuck in a bed for a few days. Do you want me to bring you some food?" he asked walking towards the door.

"I-I-It's okay Natsu I'm fine." Erza stammered not wantibg to be a burden.

"Your stomach begs to differ. I can carry you if you would prefer?" Natsu told her a brow quirked.

"No that won't be necessary I think I can make it." Turning her body Erza began to stand up when her injured leg gave out on her, causing her to fall towards the floor. What she didn't expect was to feel a pair of arms wrap around her waist to hold her up and for her head to rest on a firm, almost rock hard chest that emitted a comfortable heat. Erza tilted her head up and saw Natsu stare down at her his eyes showing concern. Erza could feel her hands on his chest and unconsciously she began to move them down, feeling his body with her hands searching for any evidence of what Jellal had done to him at the tower. This caused Natsu to gain a light blush and his body to stiffen under her ministrations. He noted that her hands weren't as calloused as he expected feeling like silk as they travelled across his chest and abs. Erza pulled back, though she was still in his arms to gain better access and was so lost in what she was doing that she didn't notice Natsu start to lower his head. Natsu had no idea why he was leaning down only that it felt right with his body and inner dragon/devil screaming at him to take her as his. To make sure that any who sought to take her understood that she was HIS!

Erza finally realizing what she was doing, looked up, "N-N-Natsu I'm sorry I," Erza's eyes widened finally taking note of just how close Natsu was to her, their noses were almost touching noting the predatory gaze in his eyes as he stared at her sending a shiver of excitement down her spine. She could feel his breath on her face and she began to lean up towards him their eyes beginning to close until they were brought crashing back to reality at the sound of giggling. Snapping their heads away from each other they both stared at Happy who was standing at the door.

"Hahaha, You liiiiiiiiikkkkkkeeeeee each other! Wait till we get back I'm gonna tell EVERYONE when we get back to the guild starting with Mira oh this is gonna be," Happy stopped his speech finally taking notice of the aura of terror and rage emanating from the two mages. Erza glared at the blue cat with a look that promised untold agony and that the receiver of said punishment would beg for a quick end to their misery as a shadow covered Erza`s eyes that now glowed an unholy red. Natsu`s though is what terrified Happy the most. Natsu`s eyes glowed a deep crimson with his body surrounded by red energy with wisps of black as if in flames and a spectral figure standing behind him. It appeared to be covered in black armor that had glowing crimson lines running across it with a pair of wings that looked like they belonged on a large beast spread out behind it with a helmet in the shape of a dragon's head that had a crown of horns bathed in black flames staring at the cat as if Happy were an insect to be crushed beneath its boot. Happy flew out of that room faster than a bat out of hell screaming "HELP ME! ERZA AND NATSU ARE GONNA KILL ME! LUCY, GRAY ANYBODY HEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPP!" As the auras of doom faded away from the two mages Natsu and Erza turned to each other with Natsu having snapped out of his trance finally taking note of just how close they were since the entire time Natsu still had his arms around Erza's waist and her hands were still on his chest. Natsu made no move to pull away though, instead he merely grinned at her.

"Now that that's taken care of lets grab something to eat my treat."

"You don`t have to Natsu-" Erza began until Natsu cut her off.

"I want to now come on lets go before Gray and Lucy show up." he told her walking towards the door her still in his arms.

"Shouldn't we wait for them?" Erza asked.

"If you want to but I found a place that makes strawberry cake but they stop in about 5 minutes-" Natsu started a smirk on his face before Erza snapped her head to look at him a look of glee on her face.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO LETS GO!" Erza screamed in joy grabbing Natsu by the scarf and bolting out the door.

"Wait Erza calm down-AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Natsu screamed as he was dragged through the resort to the town a cloud of dust in their wake. In a small café near the edge of the town we find Natsu laying his head down muttering under his breath about "damn cake crazy red heads" while Erza was happily munching on her 6th piece of cake. As Erza finished the last of the cake Natsu turned to look at her and was once again struck by that feeling in his chest, seeing her smile seemingly without a care in the world. It brought a smile to his face, 'She's beautiful' Natsu thought before his brows furrowed into a scowl 'I just hope Gramps has some answers when we get back.' It was as Natsu was in his inner thoughts that Erza noticed the intense look he was giving her as well as the large bright smile that formed on his face before it slowly turned into a scowl.

Concerned at the change Erza asked "What's wrong Natsu?"

"Hmm… oh sorry got lost in thought." Natsu told her with a grin that even she could see was slightly forced.

Erza furrowed her brows, her eyes showing concern, "Are you okay? I've never seen you like this." Natsu sighed placing his elbows on the table his head in his hands.

"It's just a lot to take in." he said lifting his heads up to look at her the warmth this time accompanied by a strange flutter in his gut. Pausing shortly to regain his focus he continued, "The whole thing at the tower and me gaining Rebellion and using that weird power… I'm just hoping Gramps has some answers when we get back." Natsu admitted while not mentioning the strange feeling that happened whenever he looked at her, deciding to keep it to himself until the time was right. As they were talking the waitress came up to them, flashing Natsu a look that REALLY pissed Erza off. She began to glare daggers at her as the waitress seemingly ignored her presence and asked Natsu all kinds of questions leaning down a bit to show some of her cleavage. Natsu ignored her looking at Erza the whole time. "Can we have the check please?" he asked without looking at her. The waitress simply pulled it out from her pocket and also a small folded piece of paper. She turned and winked at Natsu before walking away. Natsu merely quirked a brow at the paper before opening it, showing a time and a room number at the resort. He merely scoffed and burned it by channeling a small amount of his magic to his fingertips. Erza saw him burn the paper and a sense of relief spread through her body. "C'mon we better go before the others get worried." Natsu said snapping her from her confusion. Natsu was almost out the door when Erza finally stood and ran to catch up to him. As they made their way through town Natsu turned his head slightly when a flash of black appeared at the edge of his vision. Stopping Natsu turned to look in that direction and saw a clothing store was what he was looking at. Erza stopped and noticed Natsu was no longer beside her. She looked around finally seeing him standing in the middle of the street staring at a store. She walked back to stand next to him.

"Natsu what are you looking at?"

Natsu looked at her, "Go on ahead I'll see you back at the resort. Besides I think Sho and the others wanted to see you when you woke up."

"Alright, but you come STRAIGHT back to the resort. AM. I. CLEAR?" she told him a small glare for added affect.

"Aye, sir!" Natsu responded with a grin. Nodding Erza began walking away towards the resort. Looking at the store window Natsu saw a long black trench coat with only the left sleeve, gold trim and a hood from what he could see from the window.

Walking into the store Natsu went up to the cash, "How much for the coat in the window?" he asked.

The woman at the cash turned at the voice and tried to suppress a blush at the shirtless man in front of her. "I'm sorry what did you say sir?" she asked nervously fidgeting slightly trying desperately to not strip the man in front of her with her eyes.

Natsu merely smirked slightly "I asked you miss on how much the coat in the window cost." Turning her head slightly she looked at the coat and her eyes widened before looking at Natsu.

"That black one there?" she asked pointing. Natsu nodded, "Well sir that coat cost about 400,000 jewels." Natsu had his eyes as wide as dinner plates, 400,000 jewels for a frikin' coat!

"Why is it that expensive, exactly?" Natsu asked.

"Oh it has self-repair enchantments and is also resistant to most forms of magic."

"I'll take it!" Natsu exclaimed, it looked badass with his new look and he wouldn't have to replace it after a fight if he used his fire. It was an easy decision to make. Taking out his wallet Natsu took out a wad of jewels and gave it to the woman. "Thanks miss!" Natsu turned and grabbed it finally taking note of the tribal designs on the back in red and gold forming a skull with flames surrounding it creating something similar to a magic seal. A megawatt grin spread across his face as Natsu grabbed it from the manikin throwing it on leaving it open to show his chest and abs with his guild mark proudly shown on his right arm. The reactions he received unnerved him. From the female populace from teens to adults with a guy or not he got nothing but blushing, giggling and eyes that were filled with lust. From the men looks of jealousy and glares was about it. With the occasional look that was similar to the women which scared the hell out of Natsu. Pulling his hood up Natsu covered the top half of his face in shadow before he began walking to the resort. When Natsu returned he found the others sitting around a table eating with Gray, Lucy and Happy all talking to Erza about where she went off to.

Walking up to them Natsu tapped Gray on the shoulder, "Oi, icicle she was with me so lay off and leave her be." Natsu said.

"That's another thing where were YOU this morning anyway lava brains? And what's with the coat?" Gray asked turning to look at him. "I went to check on you and your bed was empty with that huge sword in the corner."

"I don't need to tell you shit. You're just lucky I don't melt you snowman."

"Wanna go there shit head!" Gray yelled Natsu sighed as the others watched, waiting for one of them to do something before Erza brought her righteous anger upon them. What was said next shocked them to their core…well Lucy and Happy anyway.

"No I just wanna grab something to eat then go to bed. So if you would get out of my way." Natsu said as he pushed past Gray to sit down, "Oh yeah one last thing." Natsu pointed his finger and launched a small fireball that torched Gray's pants leaving him in his boxers before he sat down and grabbed few plates of food and began to seemingly absorb the food like a vacuum. All the Fairy Tail members stared at Natsu in disbelief except Gray who was running around before going upstairs looking for his suitcase for a spare pair of pants.

The mages from the tower all stared at them with a quirked brow until Sho turned to Lucy, "why do you all look so shocked?"

It was Happy who answered him, "I have never, EVER seen Natsu turn down a fight. Especially from Gray that was one thing I thought would never happen."

Sho looked at Lucy again, "Are they really that bad?"

"You have no idea." she dead-panned. Natsu stood up and began to go up the stairs lost in his thoughts. Erza watched his retreating back with concern 'I hope he's alright.'

As Natsu laid down he never noticed the constant glow coming from his right arm and from Rebellions eyes, 'Soon you will learn everything.' Rebellion thought while ensuring Natsu did not hear. It was in the middle of the night that Erza woke up after her and the others minus Natsu went out and did everything possible at the resort hitting it big in the casino. She decided to check on everyone and looked in the rooms starting with Gray and Lucy. She also noted that Happy was in Lucy's room. Erza finally stood in front of Natsu's door before opening it slightly and was alarmed to find the bed empty and the sword no longer there by the bed.

'Where the hell could he be?' she thought worried. That was when she felt Natsu's magic outside the resort. After walking for what seemed like an hour she found Natsu standing in a clearing in the forest surrounding the resort with Rebellion in his hands in a relaxed stance with it propped on his shoulder before he ran forward towards a tree across the clearing with a vicious thrust that seemed to make Natsu a blur and Erza watched as the tree seemed to implode from where the blade made contact splinters and large shards of wood flying everywhere. That was when she took note of the other trees that were felled all around the clearing.

As Natsu placed Rebellion on his back that was when he called out "I thought you were supposed to be sleeping, Erza." Erza was surprised she was found but she merely stepped towards him.

"I could say the same to you; you need rest after what happened." She told him coming to stand in front of him.

He looked down at her, "How did you even know I was gone anyway?" he smirked "Was the great Titania spying on little old me. I'm flattered."

Erza blushed, "I was not spying on you dammit! I woke up and checked on everyone and found your room empty." She explained before Natsu merely turned to leave saying over his shoulder,

"Sure whatever you say, now are you going to stand there or are you coming back to the resort?" Erza ran to catch up. They walked in silence until Natsu turned to Erza, "Can I ask you for a favor? "

Curious Erza looked at him as they walked, "What kind of favor are you talking about?" she asked.

Natsu turned his head, "Can you teach me how to use a sword?" he asked.

"You seemed like you knew something about using a blade." she responded.

Natsu scratched the back of his head, "That I can't explain… I just knew what those moves were and how to do 'em plain and simple like instinct." Erza seemed to think about it for a few minutes before she nodded her head,

"Yes I will teach you but you better be ready." she said with a slight grin.

"I'm all fired up!" he told her with a fanged grin. As the two walked in comfortable silence they walked past a patch of moonlight streaming through the tree canopy. Natsu took the time to look at Erza and what he saw took his breath away. He has always known Erza was beautiful he just hid it well but now with her bathed in the moonlight it left him gob smacked. The moonlight made her skin appear to glow, giving her the look of a goddess while her red hair shined like the purest ruby a dark elegent red and appeared as if made of silk and her eyes were a deep chocolate brown with a shine that captivated him as he drowned in his desire and Natsu began to walk slowly towards her. Erza had noticed Natsu turning towards her, walking as if in a trance and she saw the predatory look in his eyes and she began to step back away from him before she walked back into a tree.

She gazed at Natsu a shiver going down her spine, "Natsu what are you doing?" she questioned as he walked closer and closer preparing to attack him to make him snap out of it until he placed his hands on the tree beside her head keeping her in place. Erza's eyes widened "Natsu snap out of it, this isn't yo-mmph" she was silenced as Natsu's lips covered her own her eyes widening to the size of dinner plates before they slowly closed as she wrapped her arms around his neck bringing her body closer to his, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, moaning a little when she felt him wrap one of his arms around her waist while the other tangled itself in her hair. After about a minute the two broke for air, gasping slightly trying to calm down.

Natsu had lowered his head to touch their foreheads together, "You don't know how long I've wanted to do that." he said.

Erza looked at him questioningly her anger at him that would spell his doom sidelined momentarily not begging to hope he was going to say what she thought he was. "What do you mean by that Natsu?" she asked.

Natsu looked Erza in the eye no hesitation in his eyes or his voice as he spoke, "I love you Erza Scarlet. From the moment I met you all those years ago. I only wish I could have told you sooner." He closed his eyes and waited for the thrashing he was sure was bound to come; only it didn't. He looked at Erza who was wide eyed her eyes showing shock and Natsu thought he saw joy before she leapt at him burying her head into his chest. Confused all Natsu could do was wrap her in an embrace pushing her back slightly to look at her seeing a large bright smile on her face.

"I love you to Natsu." She said shocking him to his core frozen in place.

"W-What did you say?" he asked trying to make sure her heard her right.

She looked him straight in the eye, "I have loved you since we were kids. You were always there to make me feel like I was cared about and that I belonged." She just hoped Mira didn't find out. She knew that she wouldn't be able to hold herself back from telling the guild.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Natsu asked confused yet overjoyed at her answer.

She looked at the ground for a moment before lifting her head to look at him, "I was afraid you wouldn't feel the same." She admitted her head looking at the ground once more, "I was afraid and embarrassed so I decided to keep it a secr-" she was silenced when Natsu crashed his lips against hers trying to convey all his emotions to assure her that he felt the same. All his passion, his love, his hunger for her all coming to the fore.

"But, why did you keep this a secret for so long?" Erza asked him after they seperated for air.

"It's my dragon instinct." Natsu explained. "To find someone strong, someone who can fight alongside me, my partner in mind, body and soul. I love you for who you are and the fact you made me feel happy, that I was important to someone for the first time in a long time since Igneel left. I stayed quiet because I was afraid if you knew you would cut me out of your life." Natsu said his head facing the ground, praying she wouldn't send him away only to be shocked when she merely laughed and pulled his head to look at her.

"I'm not going to send you away. But we have a lot to talk about when we get back." Erza told him her face taking on a serious expression.

Natsu grinned; happy she wasn't trying to kill him and responded with an "Aye sir!" causing her to giggle. Natsu was also trying to decide if he should tell her the FULL reason he stayed quiet as long as he had.

"Come on we should get back before the others wake up." Erza said taking Natsu's hand and began walking back to the resort. Erza realized shortly after they began walking that Natsu hadn't exactly answered her question. He gave a reason yes, but she had been able to see a look of grief briefly pass across his face when he had answered her causing her to believe he might be hiding something. "Natsu," Erza began choosing her words carefully to avoid offending him "were you being honest with me, when you told me your reason?" Natsu sighed knowing she would ask sooner or later he just never expected THIS soon. He figured he might as well tell her it would only cause problems if she found out later and took it the wrong way.

"It was because of what happened with Lissana." He relented after a few minutes his voice filled with sadness.

Erza was confused, "What does Lissana have to do with this?" she questioned.

"She was my closest friend other then you and Gray and when she died I felt as if a part of me had died with her." Natsu admitted reliving his grief for his fallen friend. "If that was what happened when a friend died, I was sure I wouldn't be able to survive if you died. I just wouldn't be able to keep living." Erza stared at him her eyes showing a deep sadness at the fact Natsu had to deal with Lissana's death on his own before she pulled him into an embrace to try and reassure that he wouldn't have to be alone anymore. Natsu continued unaware of the tears streaming down his face, "I guess it all comes down to how I was raised." This confused Erza. How would that affect his ability to love?

"What do you mean by that Natsu?" she asked.

"Dragons mate for life. Dragon Slayers are the same." he explained.

"How?" Erza asked motioning for him to continue. "Dragons and Slayers love a person for the rest of their life. For example humans can fall in and out of love, but us? We fall in love that's it. We can never move on no matter how hard we may try to." Natsu told her.

Erza sighed, "We can deal with it back at the guild."

"Do you think we should tell everyone." Natsu asked.

"About what?" Erza asked confused.

Natsu gestured to himself then Erza, "You know, about us?" Erza shook her head still trying to wrap her own mind around the whole thing, "No. i want to see if the others can figure it out for themselves."

"Alright, but we should really get back before someone notices were gone." Natsu agreed before taking her hand in his and as they began walking back the sun began to rise casting the world in a bright glow that brought a smile to Natsu's face as he began to think that things might get back to normal once they got back. He could not have been more wrong.