Hi everyone Azza here.

Yes another Fairy Tail fic and as the description read it has what I believe to be the makings of a really good one.

This was requested by Streetmallet and I do apologise for how long it took to get this out but as I'm sure you noticed I've been also working on other stuff too. Hopefully this first chapter not only gets you but also anyone else excited and yes I haven't listed a pairing yet because it's a surprise for now.

Also at the time I am uploading this we will be in the final few days before Chapter 545 aka the final chapter of the Fairy Tail series so I just want to take a moment to acknowledge all the hard work Hiro Mashima has put into the series to create what we all know and love today. Despite what we all personally like and dislike one thing is for certain that each and every one of us has definitely taken the series to heart and experienced a wonderful adventure together and for that Hiro we all thank you!

Now hopefully when the final chapter drops we get the continuation of the anime or at least something but I digress please remember to celebrate another one of the amazing legends of manga/anime as it concludes!

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Escape From The Dark

/Unknown Forest/

"Hand the child to me Lady Mavis," a voice roared through the forest as a young woman dashed through the forest at high speed.

In the woman's hands was a child no more than a year old, the child was sound asleep as the woman hurried through the forest.

Arriving at an abandoned village the woman ran to a large mansion and entered, her eyes darting around everywhere.

"So you have arrived then, Mavis," a woman said as she emerged from the shadows. "I trust you were followed?"

Mavis sighed as she cradled the child in her arms. "Yes Irene is on my trail so we don't have time to talk about this in detail. My only question is will you take my son to them, the Dragons I mean?"

"Are you sure Mavis, you will never see your son again if I take him?"

Mavis looked down at her son with tears in her eyes as she nodded. "He'll be better off that way; a chance for my son to live a normal life is worth the pain."

"Then pass the boy here, if what you said is true Irene will be here at any moment and she must not know of my existence."

"Of course I understand," Mavis said as she handed the child to the woman.

"Your son will be taken care of Mavis; Dragons are very protective of those they care about."

"I know but before you go let me give him something." Mavis held out her son's right arm and placed a tattoo on his shoulder that was a golden colour. She then placed a second tattoo on his forearm.

"Mavis you didn't-."

"I've given him my power, naturally he will have to learn to use it for himself but if he is as smart as even one of his parents then I think he'll be fine. As for the Guild Mark that's for when he's older, surely Fairy Tail will survive into the future and he might gain some answers there."

Handing the woman a pendant she quickly ran to the end of the room.

"Make sure to give him that for me, a little reminder of his mother. I'll hold Irene off long enough for you to get away. Thank you again, Anna."

"Mavis you still haven't told me the child's name," Anna said as Mavis smiled.

"His name is Natsu, I'm sure you can guess the rest." With that Mavis swiftly exited the building leaving Anna with Natsu in her arms.

"The child of the Black Wizard Zeref and Fairy Mavis Vermillion, there's only one Dragon I see you paired with," Anna said as she disappeared back into the shadows.

Mavis had made sure to put some distance between her and the town before waiting for Irene. Within minutes the scarlet haired mage had arrived.

"Where is young Master Natsu?"

"By now far beyond Zeref's reach by now," Mavis said as Irene became furious.

"After all Lord Zeref had done for you, all the sacrifices and hardship you would destroy his life's work!"

"Our child is not some object for him to experiment with he is a living being, Zeref has already tainted him with enough of that Demonic essence I wish I could have stopped him before he started!"

"Lord Zeref's goal of creating E.N.D has been foiled because of you, years of research destroyed and his only surviving subject now missing!"

"Irene my son will not share our cursed fate; he will live a normal life with normal friends! I won't allow you to ruin his future over Zeref's horrific experiments!"

Mavis began to glow a golden colour as a large sphere appeared around the two.

"You would hinder me that much as to use the Fairy Sphere!"

"If I weren't cursed then I would still give my life for my son anyway, no amount of pain you inflict on me will force me to drop this barrier!"

"Is that so dearest Mavis, you value our child that much."

Mavis' eyes widened in surprise as Zeref emerged from the woods with his usual calm expression.

"Lord Zeref I apologize for failing you," Irene said as Zeref waved his hand.

"Your failure was expected Irene, when one deals with Mavis they usually come out on the worse end of things. Unfortunately Natsu is gone and I can no longer sense his whereabouts which is most unfortunate."

Walking up to Mavis he could only smile at her.

"Destroying several of my books, burning all my notes and running off with my vessel, unfortunately Mavis you forget that we cannot die. I will one day possess the materials again, a vessel however will need to be acquired."

"Do what you want to me Zeref, Natsu's safe and that's all that matters!"

"He is safe now since you've assured him to be a failure, don't think I can't tell your missing a good portion of your power I am your husband after all. As of now I have no further use for him other than the fact that he is my son."

"How are you able to be so cold Zeref after all we've been through?"

"How can you be so radiant despite the curse we both suffer? Irene, take Mavis with us. I have a few things I must try before letting her return to her guild."

"Of course Lord Zeref but about the Fairy Sphere we can't leave until she deactivates it?"

"A bluff by Mavis she doesn't have the power to maintain it for more than a few minutes I'd say."

"I see, I shall make all the necessary arrangements at once."

"Don't judge me dear Mavis; this is how I've always been from the start."

Knocking Mavis out Zeref looked up at the sky, his eyes turning crimson.

/Anna's POV/

It had been several days since Anna had met with Mavis and she still couldn't help but feel sorry for the young woman.

"Forced to give up her child and have him sent to be raised by Dragons, a mother's worst nightmare."

After making her way up a mountainside she tapped on the rock next to her several times revealing a hidden pathway.

Making her way inside Anna could hear a low rumble as she approached a Dragon.

"Anna Heartfilia you have returned once more, with another child no less."

"Hello Grandina, yes this is Natsu. Now I know that he was completely against it last time but I want Igneel to raise this child."

Grandina moved her head to get a better look at the child before tapping his fore head with her snout.

"Hmm this one might actually peak his interest, he can be quite stubborn but he'll see the potential in that boy I'm sure. Tell me though about his hair-."

"The result of his father Zeref, in the letter I received from Mavis she said that he'd attempted to turn this child into the most powerful demon in the catalogue of books Zeref possesses. I can only assume that his hair was originally a blonde or gold type colour but had black mixed in when the demon was introduced."

"Such a sad beginning for one so fragile, Igneel should be up at the peak as usual. When you talk to him try to make it sound like he has no choice that usually works."

"Thank you Grandina," Anna said as she exited the cave and looked up at the peak. "Well here we go again."

After spending half an hour carefully climbing the cliff Anna reached the peak and sure enough Igneel was curled up at the top, opening one eye to look at Anna approaching.

"So it was you, smelt you a mile away. So that's the kid you were talking about huh, doesn't look like much to me."

"Grandina said to take a closer look and you'd see his potential."

Igneel let out a low rumbling noise as he moved his head closer to the baby and put his snout to Natsu's forehead.

"Hmm interesting, very interesting. Perhaps I was too hasty in saying I wouldn't take him. I sense two completely opposite magics within him yet he isn't dead, perhaps I will take him on."

"That was surprisingly easy Grandina made it seem like you wouldn't take him unless I made it seem like there was no choice."

"Bah she doesn't know what she's talking about, what does it matter I'll take the boy. I trust he's now a part of the plan?"

"Yes Mavis said any life would be better for him than E.N.D so I assume she's ok with it.

"Yes I'd heard rumours of E.N.D floating around and had you not presented the child to me I wouldn't have been inclined to believe them."

"Well he isn't E.N.D Igneel, just another powerful Demon unbound by the books of Zeref. I think Mavis took him away before he could bind Natsu to a book and power him up to be E.N.D."

"Well in any event the boy will be raised though unlike the blue haired one Grandina is looking after this boy will be trained rigorously!"

"I'm sure you'll be fair Igneel, now I must go to check on the other children thanks again for taking him."

Igneel just let out a low rumble as he took Natsu from Anna and placed him where he could keep an eye on him.

"Also make sure he keeps this it was from his mother," Anna said as she placed the pendant around his neck. "Until we meet again Igneel."

Igneel ignored her as he focused his attention on the child in front of him. "Perhaps all isn't lost after all."

/12 Years Later Natsu's POV/

"You call that a King's Roar boy, this is a roar! Fire Dragon King's Roar!" A massive torrent of fire erupted from Igneels maw which destroyed the top of the mountain opposite them.

"That's no fair you've had way more practice with it than I have you only taught me how to use King magic last week!"

"Quit complaining Natsu and try it again once you realise why it's not coming out as powerful as it should be then you'll be able to correct your mistake and improve upon it."

"Why can't you just tell me what I'm doing wrong Igneel Grandina always tells Wendy when she screws up?"

Igneel looked at Natsu before letting out a low rumble. "I suppose you are mature enough to know why I push you so hard but if I tell you then you must never tell anyone not even Wendy."

"C'mon Igneel you know I won't say anything if it's important I never have before."

"Yes you always were mature for your age even though you do tend to complain a lot though that probably comes with age."

Natsu leant against Igneel's leg as the Dragon sighed. "So what's up?"

"Natsu there will come a time where Grandina and I will no longer be around to take care of the two of you, to keep things simple one day when you wake up we will be gone and it will be up to you to take care of Wendy."

"But why do you have to go Igneel," Natsu asked confused as the Dragon shook his head.

"I cannot tell you these things Natsu but know that one day we will return and explain everything, you are smart enough to know that everything I do is for a reason so please trust me."

"So this must be why you never help me solve my problems because I need to be ready for when you leave."

"Yes and no, Natsu when I'm gone it will be up to you to continue to discover new applications for your magic as well as improve upon your other magical talents."

"Alright Igneel I'll stay quiet about it but I want full details when you come back, then we'll fight because I'll be super strong by then!"

"Perhaps Natsu but remember one thing, the day we are gone that golden marking on your arm will lead you to a place that takes in all kinds of brats like you or so I've been told."

"Huh if you say so, hey can we go find something to eat," Natsu said as he jumped on the Dragon's back.

"Well now I don't see why not," Igneel said as he took off from where they were and dove towards the forest below.

'The day is coming soon Natsu but I know you'll make us proud after all I did raise you.'

/Three Years Later Natsu and Wendy's POV/

"Natsu wake up, wake up!"

Natsu slowly opened his eyes and sat up as he looked around noticing he was in a clearing, turning to Wendy he could see she was crying.

"What's up Wendy," he asked as she continued to sob.

"Well I woke up and went to look for Grandina and I can't find her anywhere and I can't even pick up her scent!"

Natsu's eyes shot wide open, 'Igneel warned me of this but I didn't think it was gonna be this soon! I can't let Wendy know but I need to convince her to come with me."

"Hey Wendy calm down I'm sure there's a reason why they're gone, I can't smell Igneel anywhere either. I don't want to sound mean but crying won't solve anything we need to figure out a plan."

"A plan, what type of plan," Wendy sniffed.

"Well a plan for… if they don't come back we still have to live you know."

Wendy looked at Natsu slightly shocked before sighing. "You're right Natsu that's why you're the big brother."

"Yeah exactly now I have an idea but we'll need to find one of those towns where others like us live. You remember Anna right?"

"The nice lady who taught us how to read and write as well as things about the human world, what about her?"

"See this mark on my arm I remember Igneel saying she had one just like it so I'm guessing if we find out what the mark means then we can find out where Anna is, surely she'd know something right?"

"Of course she's the one who found them in the first place she's bound to know where they are," Wendy exclaimed as she got up and looked around. "So if we want to find one of these towns which way do we go?"

"Isn't it obvious we climb up a cliff or mountain and get a better view," Natsu replied as she nodded in approval.

"Alright then Natsu lets go," Wendy said as the two began to make their way towards the nearest mountain.

On the way Natsu pulled a locket out of his pocket and opened it. 'N V, I wonder if anyone knows about this at this place we're going to?'

"Come on Natsu hurry," Wendy shouted as Natsu quickly shook the thoughts off.

"Right I'm coming," he said as the two began to race up the mountainside quite quickly.

Once the two reached the top there was a single tree in the centre which Natsu quickly climbed.

"Do you see anything Natsu?"

"Hmm well I don't really know what one of these towns is supposed to look like but I think this is one, it'll take a while but we could get there today."

"Really that's a relief," Wendy sighed as Natsu jumped out of the tree.

"Don't think that just because we find one town that Anna will have to be there Wendy we might have to go on an adventure to find her."

"An adventure that sounds like fun," Wendy replied cheerfully as Natsu grinned.

'She forgot about Igneel and Grandina being missing rather quickly oh well,' Natsu thought as the two began to race down the other side of the mountain.

After spending most of the day on the move Natsu and Wendy arrived at the edge of the town.

"Well that took a while," Natsu sighed as Wendy nodded in agreement.

"At least we made it before nightfall otherwise who knows what monsters we would have run into out there."

"Good point," Natsu said as the two made their way into the town. "Stick close to me Wendy we don't know what these people are like."

"Ok I'll watch your back," Wendy replied as Natsu laughed in amusement.

The two at first began looking around for any sign of either the emblem on Natsu's arm or any sign of Anna and found none of either.

"Maybe no one in this town knows anything," Wendy sighed as the two sat down in a side street.

"Maybe but have you noticed how strange this place is everyone seems to be almost scared of something."

"Do you think that's why no one will even look at us?"

"I don't know but somethings telling me we should leave."

"Ok Natsu let's go," Wendy replied as the two went to stand up only for two thugs to be blocking the way they came.

"Leaving so soon kids why not stay awhile and …. See the sights," one of the thugs said as the other began to laugh.

Natsu and Wendy turned around only to be met with two more of them. "Listen we're not here looking for trouble," Natsu said as the thugs began to laugh.

"Well now isn't that a shame because trouble was looking for you two wasn't it guys," one of the thugs said as they nodded in agreement. "You two look like you'd fetch a high price at auction maybe you should come with us eh?"

Natsu began to realise the severity of the situation and whispered to Wendy. "When I say now jump up to that balcony ok."

"Alright Natsu," she replied as one of the thugs began to reach for Natsu.

"Now!" Wendy jumped high into the air and landed gracefully on the balcony as Natsu grabbed the man's arm and threw him at two of the others.

"What the hell," one of the thugs shouted as he rushed Natsu.

Ignitig his fists Natsu punched the man in the chest winding him and sent hm flying out of the back street, across the road and into a building.

"This kids a mage don't hold back boy's," one of the other thugs said as three of them rushed Natsu.

"If there is one thing I despise its people who try to enslave others, Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!" The attack struck all three of them causing an explosion which flicked up dust.

Natsu quickly jumped up to meet Wendy as the two began to run across the rooftops.

"Remember your training Wendy who knows if there's any more," Natsu shouted as she nodded.

"Oh there's plenty more of us kid, no one crosses Ebon Revenant and lives!" Natsu and Wendy were quickly surrounded by at least six mages as they stood back to back.

"Well this escalated quickly huh?"

"Well you were right about leaving at least."

"You ready to do this sis?"

"Try to keep up big brother, Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!"

"Hmph your pretty cocky today, Fire Dragon's Talon!"

Natsu and Wendy began to fight off the mages as the fight spilled onto the streets below.

"You little punk we're supposed to just capture you but after that I think killin ya will be much easier, Flame Shot!"

Natsu grinned as he began to eat the flames which caused everyone in the area to look on in shock.

"Blegh that fire tasted gross you mustn't be strong thanks for the meal though."

"Did that little freak just eat fire!"

"No way what the hell did that kid just do?"

"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu punched one of the mages in the face while they were caught off guard and kicked another one before taking off down the street. Looking up to the roof he could see Wendy easily taking care of her pursuers.

'Now we just need to get out,' Natsu thought before a large wave of darkness tore up the street in front of him which he quickly dodged.

"So you're the little freak who's been messing with my Guild Members huh, you don't look like much."

'This guy is way stronger with the others no more playing around; I guess he's the leader?' Natsu looked at the man who was wearing a dark purple cloak with an insignia on it.

"Ebon Revenant, that's the last thing you'll think of when I crush the life out of you kid, I don't know how you managed to give my boys so much trouble but I ain't gonna play around."

The man rushed forward and immediately went on the offensive as Natsu began to block his strikes. 'These are coming in pretty fast I'd better make sure I pay attention.'

"Well you've got some skill kid but let's see how you handle this, Dark Impact!"

Natsu barely managed to dodge the attack as the man kicked him in the stomach and sent him flying into a building.

"Gahaha you did alright for a little squirt but it ends here," the man said as he began to form a ball of darkness in his hand before he stopped and looked at the building. "What the-."

"Well that's enough of the warm up," Natsu said as he walked out of the building completely unharmed.

"So you can take a few hits big deal," the man scoffed as Natsu sighed.

"Time to wrap this up I guess," Natsu said as he began to walk forward only this time several duplicates of himself began to appear alongside him. "Time for round 2."

Natsu and his duplicates all took off faster than the man could track as they began to quickly circle him.

"You little punk don't get so cocky," the man began to charge an attack before he was hit several times from different directions. "What the, which way did he just-."

"Don't bother it's over, Fire Dragon's Wing Attack!" Striking the man and bringing him to the ground Natsu followed up by punching him straight in the gut. "I'd suggest getting out of the trade you're in its disgusting."

Natsu began to walk away as the man slowly got to his feet. "Make a fool out of me will you I'll kill you!"

The man suddenly began charging an enormous amount of magic between his hands and began to expand it before his face was suddenly smashed into the ground.

"Didn't anyone ever teach you some decency; you don't attack someone from behind that's pretty rude."

Natsu casually turned around and looked at the man. "Thanks but I had it covered," Natsu said as he blew some flames out of his mouth.

"I'm sure you did kid that was pretty impressive, this guy here's the leader of a Dark Guild round these parts and you took him down quite easily."

"Dunno what a Dark Guild is my little sister and I got attacked by these guys and ended up fighting them."

"Seriously you don't know what a Dark Guild is what type of backwards place where you born that there are no Dark Guilds?"

"Dunno lived in the mountains my whole life, but enough about me who are you?"

"The names Gildarts kid I'm a mage like you what's your name?"

"Natsu nice to meet you, at least you haven't tried to attack me yet."

"I'm not in a Dark Guild kid I'm in a regular old Guild called Fairy Tail though you've probably never heard of it."

"Huh is that right well it was nice meeting you but I've gotta go make sure my sister is alright she was being chased by a few of those Dark Guild guys."

"I'm just fine Natsu," Wendy said as she jumped off a nearby roof and landed next to him. "So who's this guy?"

"My names Gildarts young lady and no I'm not with these guys."

"Really then why are you here," Wendy asked as Gildarts scratched his head.

Pulling out a piece of paper and tossing it to the pair. "I came here to take these guys out but it seems you two handled them. I'm guessing the two of you aren't from around here huh?"

"That obvious huh, nah we just got here and some of these guys tried to kidnap us so we fought back."

"You kids really stumbled into a real mess huh, this towns a haven for Dark Guilds. The town of Saiten has more jobs to its name than any other place in Earthland so you two got lucky."

"If it's so dangerous then why are you here," Natsu asked as Gildarts smiled.

"Something tells me you already know the answer to that kid, now tell me why the two of you are here?"

"We're here for two reasons, to find someone named Anna and I need to find out what a symbol I have means."

"Hmm well I can't say I know any Anna's but a symbol I might be able to help with, what's the symbol look like?"

Natsu walked over to the man and revealed his mark which caused the man to look at him surprised.

"Where'd you get that mark kid," Gildarts asked as Natsu sighed.

"No idea from what I've been told I've had it since birth."

Gildarts revealed his own mark as Natsu's eyes widened in shock. "It's the same!"

"Yep, kid this is the Guild Mark for Fairy Tail. Now I'm not sure how you managed to end up with that mark but there's only one person I know that could tell you but you'd have to come with me back to Magnolia."

Natsu looked over at Wendy who nodded before returning his attention to Gildarts. "We'll come with you to this guild hopefully someone might know Anna there too."

"Right it's just a day's journey from here but I've been meaning to ask you something. What magic do the two of you have anyway?"

"I'm a Fire Dragon Slayer but I have other magic I just don't know what it is."

"And I'm a Sky Dragon Slayer," Wendy said as Gildarts nodded.

"Dragon Slayers huh now there's a rare magic you don't see every day. So let's get going then."

The two nodded as they quickly left the town.

/Magnolia/

After walking for most of the day the trio made it to the outskirts of Magnolia.

"See that building over there you two that's Fairy Tail, just wait here a minute and we'll get going."

"Why are we waiting here," Natsu asked confused before the ground began to shake violently as the entire town began to shift revealing a single path to the guild.

"Whoa does that happen for all the people in your guild?"

"No just me hell they called it the Gildarts shift so that should explain it to you clear enough."

Natsu could only smile as the three began to walk to the guild, reaching the entrance within a few minutes.

"Hope you kids aren't shy, you walk in with me all eyes will be on you," Gildarts said as the two nodded. "Just stay close and you'll be fine."

Gildarts opened the door and the three made their way inside.

"Hey look Gildarts is back!"

"No point askin if he succeeded in his job we all know the answer!"

Many of the guild members began to cheer at Gildarts' arrival before they began to notice Natsu and Wendy behind him.

"Hey who are the two runts Gildarts you pick em up somewhere on your job?"

Gildarts ignored the question as he made his way to the bar where an old man sitting on the counter looked up at him.

"So how'd it go," the old man asked as Gildarts grinned slightly.

"Well I got there and the jobs done but I can't say I did much."

The old man raised an eyebrow before looking at Natsu and Wendy who were standing behind him.

"I take it the two of you had something to do with that?"

Natsu nodded as Gildarts continued to speak. "This kid in particular has something I think you'd find interesting, look at his forearm first then the upper arm."

The old man jumped off the counter and walked over to Natsu who eyed the man suspiciously.

"Settle down boy I'm not going to try anything, my name is Makarov what's yours?"

"Natsu," he replied as the old man looked at his forearm before his eyes widened.

"It can't be," Makarov said as he looked up at Natsu. "Show me the other marking you have."

Natsu revealed the Guild Mark as Makarov began to think to himself. 'Is this the boy the First Master predicted would one day arrive, the signs are rather convincing.'

"So do you know anything Makarov," Natsu asked as the old man nodded.

"There was a message passed down from the First Master of our guild to await the arrival of a boy with half black half blonde hair bearing two of the guilds signature marks."

"Signature marks, Gildarts said this one was your Guild Mark but what's this one?"

"Well boy that is one of the three spells of Fairy Tail, Fairy Glitter. The thing is only one spell can be actively learnt and only the Guild Master normally know it, the other two being spells normally granted under certain conditions."

"So what's Fairy Glitter then," Natsu asked confused.

"An attack that is overwhelmingly powerful boy, I assume you have never used it?"

"No I've always had it just like the Guild Mark and it's never done anything," Natsu replied as the old man nodded.

"I see, I want to see what you can do in a fight boy is that alright?"

"Why do you need to see me fight," Natsu asked confused.

"I want to see your magic for myself, really it's just a way I might be able to tell something about you."

Natsu looked at the old man as many of the other guild members had begun to gather round.

"I'll fight him gramps," a black haired boy said as he took off his shirt.

"Enough Gray it's not your decision," a scarlet haired mage said as she made her way to the front. "I'm Erza Scarlett sorry if Gray was harassing you."

"Erza why don't you shove off as if anyone wants to talk to you," a silver haired mage said as she began to laugh.

"That's enough all of you," Makarov said. "Mirajane stop that."

Mira and Erza stopped butting heads as the old man sighed. "Gildarts I want you to test him."

The Guild Hall fell silent as Gildarts sighed. "What do you want to do Natsu," he asked.

"If it'll get me some answers then I'm fine with it but we should fight away from here if I'm gonna fight properly."

"Gee cocky much," Mira said with a grin. "Still you look real strong maybe you could beat Erza over there."

Erza and Mira were immediately butting heads again as everyone collectively sighed.

"Hey kid we'll fight at the beach it's just past the back of the guild," Gildarts said as the two began to walk out with Wendy close behind.

"That kids gonna get crushed," Gray said as Makarov sighed.

"You might be surprised Gray," a voice said from the second floor.

"So you could sense it too Laxus," Makarov asked as the man jumped down and walked out the door.

"Dunno about all you guys but I'm keen to see what goes down," Laxus said as he left.

Natsu and Gildarts stood opposite to each other as the entire guild had turned out to watch.

"Alright kid I'm ready to get this started give me everything you've got," Gildarts said as he raised his arm.

Natsu's expression lost all emotion as he became encircled in fire before rushing Gildarts.

"Come and show me more of that magic I saw back at Saitan Natsu," Gildarts said as he powered up a strike.

"Is Gildarts crazy that'll kill him," Erza cried out in shock as Makarov raised his hand.

'Let's see if you really are the First's child,' Makarov thought as Natsu reached Gildarts.

"Crash Impact!" Gildarts threw a punch and it went right through Natsu surprising him.

As the blow went towards Natsu he managed to dodge the attack fast enough before kneeing the Crash Mage in the side of the head. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Throwing another punch Gildarts managed to block it before kneeing him in the gut sending him back a few feet.

"No way that kid landed a hit on Gildarts not even I can do that," Mira shouted as the rest of the guild watched on in shock.

"Not bad kid but holding back isn't the best idea."

"Well I've never had anyone strong to fight before," Natsu replied as more versions of him began to appear.

'Illusion magic just like the First Master's, there's no doubt about it now but I wonder what else you can do?'

Natsu rushed Gildarts and began to circle him with speed as the Crash Mage smiled. "Now I've gotta say that type of technique would work on an ordinary opponent but you'll have to do better than that."

Raising his right leg Gildarts brought it back down causing the ground around the two to shatter.

'That was brute force, this guys gonna be trouble,' Natsu thought as he used the pieces of earth to get higher into the air.

Natsu began to inhale as Gildarts immediately took on a defensive stance.

"Gildarts on the defensive what's he think a runt like that's gonna do," Elfman said.

"Fire Dragon King's Roar!" Natsu released an enormous breath attack which engulfed Gildarts within seconds flicking up dust and bits of earth everywhere.

As the dust cleared everyone was shocked to see Gildarts had actually been pushed back a few feet with Gildarts' cloak tattered and singed.

Natsu landed back on the ground in front of Gildarts panting slightly as the Crash Mage grinned. "That'll do kid that was a great attack."

"Anyone got any fire," Natsu asked as many of the guild members looked at him quizzically before Wendy spoke up.

"Natsu is a Fire Dragon Slayer and he can eat fire, it's the same for me I can eat wind."

"Anyone got any idea where Levy is she could make some," one of the guild members asked as Makarov sighed.

"She's currently off on a job Macao give the kid some fire."

"Well this ought to be interesting," Macao said as he shot some purple flames at Natsu who quickly sucked them into his mouth.

"Mhm that's some pretty good fire!"

Makarov could only sigh as a small smile appeared on his face. 'There is much I need to tell you about boy but it can wait for now, your mother would be proud at how you've grown.'

/Alverez Empire Zeref's POV/

Zeref stood on the outskirts of his own capital city Vistarion, looking out upon the empire which he had built a while ago.

"A nation built purely on a whim and yet look at it truly a marvel of this world. It seems Irene has succeeded in the task I set her to care for this place."

Zeref smiled as he casually strolled up to the front gates of the city as two guards blocked his path.

"Identify yourself in the name of his Excellency Emperor Spriggan," one of the guards said as the other one nodded in agreement.

"Emperor Spriggan," Zeref replied casually as the two guards looked at each other before looking back at him.

"If you truly are the Emperor then you must speak into this lacrima here the name of the interim leader of the Empire."

"Simple enough," Zeref said as he walked over to the lacrima and muttered Irene as the ground began to shake violently.

Within seconds a woman with scarlet hair appeared at the gate and rushed towards Zeref.

"My Lord you've finally returned," she said as she knelt before him shocking the guards who immediately knelt as well.

"Don't kneel Irene it's beneath you," Zeref sighed as she quickly rose to her feet.

"Lord Zeref shall I take us to the palace," she asked as Zeref nodded.

"The throne room please and summon the Spriggan called Brandish I've heard so much about, country demolisher a title I'm most interested to hear the origin behind."

"Of course my Lord," she said as the two disappeared before reappearing in the throne room, Zeref already sitting on the throne.

After waiting several minutes Irene returned with a green haired girl in tow. "Here is Brandish Lord Zeref."

"Thank you Irene I request that you leave us I have a top secret mission that not even you can be privy to."

Irene looked at Zeref for a brief moment before nodding and leaving the room.

"It is an honour to finally meet you sire," Brandish said as she knelt before him.

"Rise Brandish the Spriggan 12 are not required to kneel before me," Zeref sighed as Brandish quickly rose to her feet.

"What is it that you require my assistance for Lord Zeref?"

"Ah yes now this is a task that will require someone with your unique abilities, assuming that the title of country demolisher isn't just for show?"

"Of course not Lord Zeref I can accomplish any task laid before me."

"Is that so, I'll hold you to that Brandish. Now it has come to my attention that my son has just resurfaced in the Kingdom of Fiore."

"You have a son my Lord," Brandish asked shocked as Zeref nodded.

"Indeed he was taken from me before the Empire was even founded and until now even I could not sense his presence within the world.

"Before the Empire was founded, is he immortal like you?"

"I have no idea he was taken when he was just a baby so whatever he has hadn't manifested yet, however there is one thing I do know he has. My son Natsu is a half demon through my own doing, even being a half demon it is one of the most powerful demons I've created to date."

"So what exactly do you want me to do my Lord, retrieve him and bring him back?"

"No retrieving him now is out of the question, as it stands Natsu is currently an enigma to me so my task is this. Journey to Fiore and observe Natsu but never interfere under most circumstances."

"Excuse me Lord Zeref but wouldn't one of the more covert members of the Spriggan be better suited for this task?"

"No Brandish you are most suitable for this task for the other reason, Natsu is my son which means he will attract the attention of my failures that have formed the guild known as Tartaros. Now don't be fooled I say failures but each of them possess frightening and unique powers of their own. As you observe should you catch wind of any members of Tartaros attempting to make contact with my son or attack him you know what needs to be done."

"Eliminate them, so that is why you requested me. But wouldn't Irene be the optimal choice for such a task since she easily towers over most of us in power?"

"Once again you are incorrect, Irene isn't able to interfere because of another mage that wields considerable power and has knowledge of who she is. Currently I have no idea who this mage is only that she knows about myself and Irene specifically."

"Should I eliminate this person if I discover them?"

"No that person must be captured at all costs, speaking of which the leader of my failures you are also not permitted to engage. That demon is known as Mard Geer and unlike the others has something in his possession that must not be damaged not to mention that he is probably around your level of power."

"So what do I do if he shows up to attack Natsu?"

"Well that will depend on the situation, should I sense Natsu has no chance of winning I will appear personally to deal with him. We want as little interference with his life as possible to ensure his abilities are drawn out naturally."

"Very well Lord Zeref where am I heading to?"

"A town called Magnolia, from what I can sense he is still there currently at a guild called Fairy Tail."

"How are you able to tell Lord Zeref?"

"Just call it a hunch," Zeref said with a small smile as he stood up and made his way to the balcony motioning Brandish to follow.

"When would you like me to depart my Lord," Brandish asked as Zeref looked up at the sky.

"Hmm well now should be good, one more thing before you go. Under no circumstance are you to communicate in any way with Serena unless it occurs by chance in which you act according to the situation. He is currently on another important mission which could end up being just as critical as this one."

"Very well my Lord," Brandish said as she was about to leave before Zeref grabbed her arm, freezing her in place.

"I believe I said that you were to go now," Zeref said as Brandish disappeared in a flash.

Looking out over the capital Zeref could only sigh. "I wonder how you have grown Natsu."

Hopefully everyone enjoys this new series and I'll see you in the next chapter.