Disclaimer : Fairy Tail is owned by Hiro Mashima. I do not own Fairy Tail nor any of it's character's, except my OC.
Chapter 1
Zeref Dragneel stood in the centre, as chaos reigned all around him. The Dragon's had attacked their village out of nowhere, none of them were prepared for such an attack. He looked in his arms to find his youngest brother asleep, sleeping peacefully but had begun to awake hearing all the commotion. "It's alright Hiro look at me" Zeref tried to console the crying baby "Your brother's here and I promise, I wont let anything happen to you" he said hugging the child close as he ran away from all the fire and chaos trying to find a safe place.
"Zeref….over here" came a voice as he turned to find his Uncle standing in the trees. "Uncle….where were…you ?" Zeref began to cry as Hiro began to wail as well. Zeref tried to muffle his brother's cries, to avoid attracting the attention of the Dragon's.
Acnologia pulled Zeref close hugging him tight, as the tears ran down his face "I thought I lost all of you" he turned his head looking around "Where are the other's. Your Dad, Mom ….Natsu ?" he asked surprised. Zeref tried to hold back his tears "Dad and Natsu went out, it was just me, Mom and Hiro. When the attack happened, Mom was worried sick about Dad and Natsu. She asked me to take Hiro and run to safety and that she'd find Dad and Natsu and that they would come find me". Acnologia held Zeref close as he sobbed into his chest, the baby Hiro looked on and began to smile as he recognized Acnologia.
Zeref stared sadly at his brother, who looked at him a confused look on his innocent face. Acnologia looked at the two of them as the realization dawned on him "You must be crazy, to think that I'll let you go back into that hell" Acnologia remarked glaring at Zeref as he held onto his arm dragging him deeper into the woods.
Zeref resisted before pulling his arm away, he handed Hiro over to Acnologia before addressing him "Please Uncle, for all we know they maybe searching for us. I need to go back and look for them" he pleaded to Acnologia. "Then I'm coming with you" Acnologia stated firmly as he held Hiro close, the baby had gone back to slumbering peacefully. "No…" Zeref downright declined the offer. "What do you mean no…?" Acnologia demanded " They are my family too…that's my brother over there dammit" he screamed at his nephew, furious. "Please Uncle…." Zeref fired back but his voice broke " I can't take Hiro back there either. I promised Mom, I would keep him safe and I don't think anyone would keep him more safe than you". Acnologia looked at the child asleep in his arms then back at Zeref "You come back…. you hear me, you find them and you come right back. I'll be at Anna's house" he clarified.
Zeref just nodded as he turned to go back a voice stopped him in his track "Ze…zu" Hiro blurted out stretching his little arm's towards his brother. Zeref turned with tears threatening to spill from his eyes as he stared at his little brother "Hey…there Hiro, I gotta go lil buddy. I need to go find Dad,Mom and your elder brother too. You want to see them too don't you ?" he asked. Hiro just looked at Zeref curiously "Da…da…" he cooed, "Yeah buddy…I'll go get them, you stay with Uncle Acnologia till we return alright" Zeref grinned at his brother.
Hiro looked at Acnologia then back at Zeref who wiped his eyes on his sleeve and had begun to run back into the smoke and debris as Hiro looked on sniffing and then turning to stare back at his Uncle before clinging onto him.
Acnologia stared at the child and after Zeref, he felt the rage piling up inside him "What did we ever do to these Dragon's ?. What did this child and his family ever do to them ?". Acnologia growled out angrily as he punched a hole into a tree. He looked at the kid in his arms whispering to him "I promise you kid, I'm going to make them pay for everything that they've done".
Anna Heartfilia almost had a heart attack when she suddenly heard pounding on her door "Who is…it ?" she demanded, her hands on her keys. "Anna…it's me Acnologia open up" came the reply as she unlocked the door. "Ace…what are you doing here…?" she asked surprised, that was when she noticed the baby in his arms. "What's going on…?" she asked worried. "Dragon's…." Acnologia replied "They were everywhere. Zeref, he…he went back I…had no choice….I had to keep Hiro safe. I just didn't know what to do" Acnologia groaned holding his head and falling to the floor exhausted.
"Ace…it's ok tell me what's going on…?" she asked concern etched in her voice as she took the baby from his arms. "Dragon's…Anna…they attacked our village, none of the villager's ever saw it coming. I wasn't there but my brother and his family weren't so lucky, my nephew Zeref managed to save his youngest brother. The rest of his family though are still trapped there" Acnologia choked as Anna passed him a glass of water.
Anna placed a comforting hand on Acnologia's shoulder as he rested his head on her hand. "It's ok the two of you will be safe here" she replied "We'll go look for your family first thing in the morning". She looked at the child smiling at him, she began to tickle the child as he started gigling.
But Acnologia hadn't moved an inch, "What's wrong Ace….?" Anna asked him concerned. "I'm not waiting until morning" he replied. "Don't be crazy Ace…it's dark outside you won't even notice the Dragon's coming" she reprimanded him. "Anna I promise, I won't stop until I've found them….or until I've eliminated those damned Dragon's, this I promise" Acnologia replied. "Ace…" Anna tried to reason with him. "Please Anna, I can't take Hiro with me. It's too dangerous and I need to find Zeref as well, until then please look after him" he pleaded with her. Anna looked at his blue eyes piercing into her own brown eyes. "Ace...don't be crazy I have no experience dealing with kids" she pleaded. "I know you can handle it, you're the only one I trust Anna" he said smiling a warm smile at her. Anna couldn't help but give in "Fine Ace…but I swear if you're just dumping a kid on me….you're a dead man". "You're the best Anna" Acnologia grinned at her kissing her on her head before turning to his nephew "I'll be coming back for you little one" he whispered before he left through the door. "Well let's get you fixed up shall we" she whispered to the baby who just looked at her, his eyes filled with wonder at the appearance of a new face.
It had been a few month's and Anna had begun to worry whether, either Zeref or Acnologia were ever going to return, but she had her hand's full with the addition of Hiro in her life. The kid though still a baby,behaved like he had an unlimited supply of energy. Most of her day was spent running after him, feeding him, searching for him, bathing him and then the event's would repeat, though not necessarily in the same order.
This day was different though, as Anna was done feeding Hiro and had just gotten him to fall asleep there was a knock on her door. "Ace….can't believe it you're back" she replied opening the door enthusiastically, as her excitement waned, when she realized it was Zeref instead. "Zeref..where were you ?" she asked concerned as she pulled him close into a hug.
Zeref's face turned red as he politely replied "I'm sorry Miss Anna" he began "Oh c'mon there's no need for formalities over here" she responded. "Uh…well I'm still sorry that I didn't contact you sooner" he replied. "That's ok, I do understand you've had your hand's full Anna replied "How are your parents and your brother ?" she asked eagerly. Zeref clenched his fists as tears fell down his face "They're dead…", Anna felt her heart break, looking at the anguish on Zeref's face "I'm so sorry Zeref" she replied trying to comfort him . "I don't need your pity" he barked at her. Anna was taken aback by the sudden outburst but she held her nerve as she looked at Hiro sleeping peacefully in the adjacent room "It will be tough saying goodbye to him though…." she replied trying to change the subject, as Zeref turned to look at his brother sleeping peacefully.
"That's what I'm here to talk about" he began "I've been approached by the Magic Academy, now that I'm an Orphan" he choked at the last part. "They've agreed to give me a place to stay and continue my education based on my previous excellent performance. I know this is asking too much but I need you to take care of Hiro a little longer" he requested politely. "Zeref, he's your brother he deserves to be with you and what about Acnologia…?" she asked him. "I haven't heard from Uncle, since the day of the attack" he responded. "Zeref still think about him he's growing up, what do I tell him about the whereabouts of his family….?" she begged him. "Don't worry Anna, I have a plan…." he replied. "Zeref you and Ace are going to end up destroying yourself over revenge" she pleaded. "Don't worry Anna….i have no intention on seeking revenge, I have an entirely different plan. And I will make it work at any cost" he replied.
"Until…then please look after Hiro a little longer ?" this time Zeref pleaded with tears in his eyes. "Fine…." Anna gave in once again "But I swear Zeref if he ever question's your whereabouts I'm bringing him straight to you at the Academy" she remarked. "That's fine…." Zeref answered as he gave a gentle kiss to his sleeping brother before taking leave.
A year and a half later, Hiro had grown up. He was now four years old, Anna was his teacher,his mother and his friend. He had learned early enough, not to mention anything about his family as it upset Anna anytime he did. Though she did tell him some thing's, but most of the thing's she would just deflect and tell him he would understand better when he was older.
One day as he played around the house, while Anna completed chores. He felt an immense pressure In the atmosphere and he couldn't understand what it was. Anna on the other hand was on guard, as she called on Loke. "You…look amazing today Miss Anna…" he began but Anna interrupted him. She didn't have to explain anything as Loke had sensed the magic pressure too.
The pressure increased, as suddenly the door flew open "Geez guess…I overdid it, still getting the hang on reigning in my power" came a voice. "Ace…." Anna screamed in joy as she ran to him hugging him tight, Loke glared at the two of them as Anna just shook her head closing his gate. "Sorry for keeping you waiting this long Anna….." he smiled at her.
Anna couldn't believe her eyes as Acnologia walked inside searching for Hiro. While Anna stood near the door, her hands on her hip as she glared daggers at Acnologia. "Are you going to explain your absence ?" she demanded. "I'm really sorry Anna, but as you can see I had a good reason for it" he said as his aura spread even more. Anna looked at him amazed by the transformation "How….where did you manage to gain this kind of power ?" she asked.
Acnologia just grinned back at her "Oh…this ?. This is the kind of power that you inherit from a Dragon" he declared. Anna felt her whole world collapsing as she enquired "Where in the world did you manage to learn Dragon Slaying Arts from ?, if not from a…" she left her sentence hanging as the realization dawned on her. "That's right, I learnt these technique's from a Dragon. But that's all these are, techniques. I'm going to make this power my own and hone a Dragon Slaying Art like no other, a power that can be rivaled by no mortal or Dragon" Acnologia began to mumble lost in a daze.
"Ace…why are you here…?" Anna asked him afraid of his answer. "What…do you mean Anna…I'm here to relieve you of your burden. I am here…for my nephew" he replied. "Now…where's the boy Anna…?" he requested, but it sounded more like a demand to Anna. "Hiro…." Anna called out to him.
Upon hearing Anna call out to him, Hiro slowly stood up from his hiding place under the table as he moved towards her still afraid of the aura that he was sensing from Acnologia. He slowly moved towards Anna and hid behind her. Acnologia looked at Hiro hiding behind Anna "Now…now little one…come to me. Don't you remember your Uncle Acnologia ?" he smiled stretching his hand's out for him. Hiro looked at Anna, who smiled sweetly at him and pushed him gently towards Acnologia.
As Hiro approached Acnologia, the nearer he got the more vaguely he could remember his face from his memories. "Are you my Uncle ?" Hiro asked Acnologia his voice filled with innocence "Anna told me that I had a brother and an Uncle, and that when the time was right I would meet them" he grinned as Acnologia pulled him close the tears falling down onto Hiro. "Why are you crying Uncle ?. Are you hurt ?" the boy asked innocently as Acnologia felt the tears fall down rapidly. "No….little one. I only just imagined, how proud your Dad and Mom would be to see you grow up to be this clever and understanding. I have no doubt thanks to your upbringing" Acnologia replied smiling at Anna. Who just stood staring at the scene but returned his smile.
"Mom…Dad are they with you, is brother with you ?" Hiro asked excitedly as he started jumping up and down trying to move towards the door. Acnologia held onto him firmly "Now little one, I will tell you everything but I need you to listen carefully" he said looking at Hiro, who nodded his head, tears forming in his eyes already. "Ace…please he doesn't need to know all this, he's too young" Anna pleaded with him. "Anna…thank you for everything. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful for all that you've done. But this is between me and my family. I am requesting you to stay out of this" Acnologia replied in a commanding tone, one that scared Anna, sending chills up her spine.
"Now Hiro…not only did you have a Mom and Dad, but you also had two brother's" Acnologia began. "Two brother's…?" Hiro exclaimed jumping for joy. Anna could see that Acnologia was trying to be patient with the child. "Yes…their name's were Zeref and Natsu, now all was fine until one day. These monster's attacked your village". "Mon…monster's ?" Hiro screamed running to hide behind Anna, who embraced him in her arms. "Boy…come back here right….now ?" Acnologia demanded as Hiro began to cry but untangled himself from Anna and began to walk slowly towards Acnologia. "Ace…" Anna began but was silenced by a stare so frightening from Acnologia that she felt herself paralyze from fear.
"Hiro…" Acnologia began when the boy reached him "I've got one rule, obey me…no matter what and no harm will come to you, to us…" he corrected himself as Hiro sniffed wiping away his tears. "Now as I was saying these monster's are called Dragon's and they probably have your parent's". "They do….? he asked surprised. "Indeed they do….and they probably have your brother's as well" Acnologia added before turning to look at Anna expecting an interruption, when she didn't interrupt however Acnologia continued " So… you see Hiro, I have worked hard and finally achieved the power to destroy these monster's once and for all. And I'll need your help to do that" he declared. "Why do you need my help, if you really are that strong, why don't you destroy them yourself ?" Hiro questioned. "Ah…now you see Hiro…when Anna is working doesn't she ask you to help her out in whatever small way that you can…?" Acnologia questioned him in return. Hiro nodded his head in answer. "So…you see in that same manner I need you to help me bring these monster's down and who to trust more than family" Acnologia replied.
"Not to say but for all we know, their next target maybe Anna" he said as Hiro's face turned pale, "No I will protect Anna" he replied stretching his little arm's out in front of Anna. "That's right Hiro….but to do that, you would have to grow strong like your Uncle…right here" Acnologia replied as Hiro stared at him. "If I grow strong like you, can I protect Anna…?" Hiro asked him. "Yes…and I'm confident that together we will find your parent's and brother's as well" Acnologia added, a huge smile appeared on Hiro's face. "Alright I'm ready then" Hiro said standing close to Acnologia.
"Ace…please he's just a little boy" Anna finally managed to blurt out. Acnologia moved towards her, his face inches from her's "Anna…look at me" he said forcing her to look into his eyes. The next thing Acnologia knew, he flew away from Anna landing on his head. Loke stood his light shining bright as he glared at Acnologia "Don't you dare touch her" he declared, as Hiro stood rooted to the spot not moving an inch. "Loke no….go back" Anna declared trying to force close his gate but before either Loke or Anna could make a move, Acnologia moved so fast that Anna thought he teleported as his hands clasped around Loke's throat. A purple aura formed around his fists as he blocked a sneak attack that Loke was planning. "You can block my light, what are you….?" Loke asked. "Your worst nightmare" Acnologia growled at him. "Ace…please don't do this…"Anna pleaded with him. Upon hearing her plead, Acnologia released Loke and stepped back, as Anna force closed his gate.
Hiro who still hadn't moved looked at the two of them. Acnologia bent down to ruffle his hair "Did you see what I did there…?" he asked him, Hiro grinned at the question "You were there" he said "And then you disappeared and appeared there" Hiro began talking animatedly. "You see if you come with me you could do the same thing's and more" he whispered. "Really…?" the young boy asked excited. As Anna began to try and talk to Acnologia. He interrupted her before she could begin, addressing her "You…. have no idea, the hell that I've been through and the thing's that I have achieved, in the time that I have been away". He said turning to look out through the door into the woods. "I am a force to be reckoned with out there and this little guy right here has the blood of us Dragneel's running through him, could you imagine what the two of us could do together ?" he asked her his voice filled with excitement.
"Ace….please, don't fill his innocent heart with your vengeance" she cried as the tears fell from her face. Hiro walked towards her "Anna, please don't cry I won't let anything happen to you. I will protect you always" he said smiling at her. Anna choked at his words and pulled him close, sobbing profusely.
"Hiro….time to go..." Acnologia commanded. Hiro hesitantly pulled away from Anna moving to hold Acnologia's hand. Acnologia stopped at the entrance "Hey…Anna" she looked at him surprised at being addressed, "Trust me, when this is all said and done. The three of us will be happy together again" he replied before moving out and disappearing into the trees.
Anna felt her knees give in as she fell to the floor, sobbing profusely. Hiro had been such an integral part of her life for almost two year's and now she feared just what Acnologia would end up doing to the child. Loke appeared beside her opening his own gate as Anna rested her head on his shoulders. Loke didn't even have the heart to flirt with her as he saw her sobbing profusely, his own thought's were filled with the battle that had taken place earlier.
Acnologia carried Hiro to a cave where he lit a fire to keep the two of them warm. "Wait…are we staying here…?" Hiro asked him surprised. "That's right I have some fish that you can eat, so eat up and go to sleep" Acnologia ordered. "But…but…"Hiro began to counter when Acnologia glared at him his temper rising, "Hiro to beat these monster's we need to make sure that we get as close as we can to be called Monster's ourselves ?" he replied.
Hiro gulped looking at Acnologia with fear etched in his eyes, "I do not like fear boy…?. Do you see fear in my eyes…?" Acnologia asked him. "No…." he replied. "Exactly...remember Hiro, what was the one rule that I told you to follow always…?" Acnologia demanded.
"It was to obey you no matter what and that no harm would come to us if I did…." Hiro replied. "That's good now be a good boy and go to sleep as I asked you. I promise I will keep you safe" Acnologia replied.
"Tommorow, I take my first step towards exterminating these Dragon's off the face of the earth" Acnologia exclaimed as scales spread across his face.