Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail
Getting involved in the war was easier said than done. With the recruiters no longer interested in his former school, Zeref realized he had to actually understand where their bases were located. Igneel, despite all his connections, could only help so much. "I'm a dragon! Do you honestly think I'd know where to find mankind's soldiers?" His comment had made Zeref realize the foolishness of his request, and left him wandering instead.
Their trio was unusual, Zeref had to admit. Most people kept their distance upon seeing a dragon approaching. Those people didn't even stick around long enough to see the path of death following after Zeref as well, while Natsu rode on Igneel's back for their journey. Flying was not an option, not when a prolonged outburst of magic could result in the deaths of both Igneel and Natsu. So, traveling by foot was their solution. They'd often take breaks for Zeref and Igneel to speak with Natsu, trying to train the boy further, but most of their time was spent moving. Zeref could educate his younger brother while walking, with stories of the war and what he had learned.
"Your magic is one of the simplest forms, despite how complex it may seem. It stems directly from elemental manipulation, requiring more of an instinctive focus than anything else for mastery." He was trying to help Natsu grasp how to strengthen his spells as they walked, going on about how to not think so hard about using his power. "As such, your magic is based off of emotion. These feelings need to be channeled into each spell, empowering your flames and giving them strength. So, what things make you wish to fight?"
Normally, Zeref could watch Natsu trying to pick fights with almost anything. He was hyper, and with little toys, he saw fighting as the only interesting game to play. Considering how dangerous Zeref's magic was, he couldn't really challenge Natsu himself. So, he let his demons act as target practice for Natsu. Since they followed his orders, it was easy enough to let the boy practice chasing them down and strengthening his flames against them.
With a smile on his face as he swung his legs by the sides of Igneel's back, Natsu shrugged. "I dunno. I just like fighting. It makes me feel strong, like I can protect you better." That odd desire of his always made Zeref smile. Even growing up, Natsu had wanted to try and protect Zeref. They both were close, until the moment he died.
"You do realize that Natsu does not learn like you do, Zeref." Igneel's rumbling voice came before Zeref could reply. "He does better with experience as a teacher, rather than spoken words. This is why I usually train him in areas where none can see us. That way, any damage done to the area is no concern of ours."
"I don't have another option. Recruiters will come for him again, you know they will." Igneel did not reply, instead huffing and gazing at the path they were walking on. It was a grassy region, with few trees or plants in the area. A dirt road marked their path, used for travel between towns. They usually veered off the path when nearing one, to avoid terrifying too many people with Igneel's presence. "So, I make you wish to fight?" Natsu shrugged, frowning and studying Zeref closely. "Then…when you attempt to utilize magic, picture my image. Imagine that my life is in danger, that someone is about to—"
"But why would it be in danger? I thought you said you couldn't be killed!" Natsu sounded lost, making Zeref sigh and shake his head.
"Very well. What about Igneel? Do you wish to protect him as well?" Natsu nodded, while Zeref continued on. "Then imagine his life in danger, and—"
"Yeah right, like anyone could take down Igneel!" Natsu laughed at that, patting Igneel's neck with his small hand. "He's invincible! When we're all together, nothing can stop us, not even an entire army of monsters!"
Glancing towards the dragon, he saw the animal make a motion somewhat like a shrug, lifting his shoulders and making Natsu shift his weight on his back. "I told you, this will not get through to him. So, Natsu, did you want to try facing down that army of monsters in person one day?" He tried to make his tone joking when speaking to the child, while Zeref realized how pointless this was.
"Yeah! That'd be awesome. You'd show me how to beat them first, right?" Nodding, Igneel smiled as the boy wrapped his arms around Igneel's neck. "That's why I'm sticking with you. Zeref's strong, but his magic is creepy and I don't wanna fight like him. When I grow up, I'm gonna be just like you, a massive dragon that can destroy anyone that wants to hurt my family!"
Those words seemed to put an odd look in Igneel's eyes, distant as his smile faltered. Zeref had seen this look before, when family was mentioned. "Of course, but sometimes, things do not go according to plan. Remember, if something ever comes your way and knocks you down, always find the strength in your heart to rise back up and keep moving forward. Looking to the future and what may be is the best way to keep yourself from falling into despair."
Those words seemed to be aimed as much towards Zeref as they were towards Natsu. Avoiding the dragon's watchful gaze, Zeref pointed towards their path instead. "It appears as if we are nearing a town." He did not want to talk about how he couldn't seem to see his future anymore. All he could imagine was more death and loss, an endless suffering due to the curse he had gained.
The distant town actually looked heavily guarded, unlike the last one. It made Zeref slow down his pace, wondering if anyone had spotted Igneel yet. That was answered by the sight of an odd creature flying above them. It seemed to have wings and graying skin, with a single massive eye gazing out at the land below. Sensing the energy coming from it, Zeref knew it was a creation of magic, though he did not know who had created it. This was an unusual power, though he did not know if it meant this town had been attacked recently or if they were simply more cautious than others.
When it spotted them, the creature seemed to turn around, leaving for the town in the distance. "What was that thing in the sky?"
Natsu's question made Zeref tilt his head slightly, debating if they should turn back or not. "Magic, of a rather unusual form. Someone was spying on us, I think."
"I didn't smell it until it was on top of us. Whatever it is, it is well concealed by the caster." Igneel's comment made Zeref nod, understanding that there would be no extra warning this time about whoever was coming. "Regardless, there is another presence approaching. This one…I believe it would be best for me to leave. It smells like a dragon slayer."
Nodding, Zeref watched as Igneel began taking flight, rising into the sky to avoid the incoming individual. However, he was not expecting the wizard to stop and not attack. Instead, the man smiled at him, kneeling before him. The man had dark blue hair, and odd tribal tattoos on the sides of his face. A black cloak hung over toned muscles, with one arm visible on his right side with similar markings to his face. "Greetings…our queen saw your approach and requested that you be greeted at once. I am Acnologia, the first of the dragon slayers. Considering your proximity to one such creature," Acnologia lifted his gaze towards the sky, where Igneel still seemed to linger. "we've assumed that you hold a desire for an end to this war, a peaceful one in which we find a way to coexist with dragons."
Following his gaze, Zeref slowly began to nod. "I am…though I am not foolish enough to believe that this war will end peacefully. Death is required to put an end to such a tragedy, where hatred runs strong. Someone must be made afraid of both sides of the war, someone who can either become a common enemy, or a common ally to unite the two."
Zeref had every intention of becoming their enemy. He had already sent word out to his creations, telling them to begin their own battles in the war. Demons were meant to fight wizards and dragons alike, sending about more chaos and destruction as the new race was introduced. He had yet to hear news of their actions, but he knew that soon he would hear about their influence. "If you would just speak to Irene, certainly she could make you see otherwise. She has a way of making even the darkest of hearts see hope in the future…for she did the same for me. You see, I once lost my entire family to dragons, We were traveling, in the process of moving to a new village. One of those beasts stumbled upon us during their flight, and viewed my parents as a decent meal. I was merely a baby, not large enough to even be worthy of a snack to one of them. Abandoned and alone, I was raised by this town behind me. When Irene arrived, with her dragon in tow, I was doubtful of her ability to do as she promised. Then, she granted me this power…the power that I know has the capability of ending any war, if pushed to its limits."
Lifting an eyebrow, Zeref studied Acnologia closely. "I find it difficult to believe any such power exists…however, I never claimed to be unwilling to hear her tale. Be warned, I am in possession of an unstable magic of my own…it would not be wise to allow others to remain close to me."
Nodding, Acnologia rose to his feet, turning to move towards the town. "With the skill of those here, I imagine that will not be necessary." Lifting an eyebrow, Zeref stepped off of the path, pointing towards where he came from. Lining the path, any plant that had once been alive had wilted away, turning black and dead. There were a few spots that had survived, during times when Zeref had been too focused on speaking about the technical aspects of magic for his curse to sense any attachment to life. "What…what power is that?"
No longer fond of declaring a specific form of magic, Zeref's gaze turned distant. "Black magic." It wasn't as if anyone could identify his curse, anyway. Even in Mildia, books on the gods had become rare, and books on the curse were difficult to find. In that school, he had only found a handful of texts that described what it did, and none went any further than that.
Raising an eyebrow at Zeref, Acnologia seemed to smirk. "Impressive. I'd say we've found a fighter after all. You can tell your dragon to land, too. We aren't the kind of people to fight a potential ally to our cause."
Glancing up towards Igneel, Zeref nodded. He is…unusual, but I sense no ill intent. Zeref skimmed over Acnologia's mind, just to be sure. Even with his telepathy, he saw little of concern within him, beyond memories of fighting in the war. This man had killed dragons with ease, and his magic seemed versatile. Much like Zeref, he seemed to possess the capability of fighting with multiple elements at once. Making a note to keep a close eye on him, Zeref continued on. For now, you may land. However, I would not trust them until we meet with this queen he keeps mentioning.
Following his lead, Igneel angled downward, landing on the path ahead of them. "A dragon slayer, seeking to help dragons? Now, that is an odd find indeed. Just what is your name, young wizard?"
"Acnologia. I will do anything in my power to ensure that no one suffers a tragedy like my own. If that means allying with other dragons…so be it." There was something dark in that desire, in the way he spoke of power. Oddly, Zeref didn't find himself disturbed by the observation. Instead, he was curious about what was driving him so hard. He had even shown no fear of his own power, instead looking at the sea of death Zeref created as an amazing gift. "I see you carry another with you. He bears your scent, dragon."
Nodding, Zeref moved forward, staying close to Igneel's side. "That is Natsu…he is Igneel's student."
"A child dragon slayer? Most don't begin learning until they are at least fourteen. What made you decide differently?"
Sharing a look with Zeref, Igneel shifted his weight slightly. "I held no desire to be involved in this war. My entire family was killed in battle, and I saw no need to rush to my own death. Teaching a boy magic seemed like a decent enough method to remain neutral throughout the conflict." This was new to Zeref, hearing about Igneel's family. However, he did not press for details. "From what I gathered, you are taking us to meet one of the leaders of this war. Why should we trust her, and not someone else?"
"Because she seeks out peace between dragons and humans." Acnologia stopped in his walking for a moment, smiling at Igneel. "In fact, she is the one who created dragon slayers in the first place. Her enchantments were what made it possible, the enchantress studying under—"
"Irene Belserion…I had heard rumors of that name. I did not realize she was still in the area." Igneel glanced towards Zeref, stopping for a moment. "If you are looking for a swift end to this war, she is not the one to be seeking out. Irene is focused on the long-term plans, old friend. While I cannot say her ideals are wrong, they are not the swiftest method of bringing about the peace you are seeking."
"How dare you insult—"
"I see." Zeref interrupted before Acnologia could finish his angry outburst. "It also appears as if I may have acted too soon in providing that command towards Deliora." Glancing in the distance, Zeref could see the result. He didn't expect to personally witness any of his demons attacking, but this one was quite impressive in its own right. A massive, monstrous figure seemed to be staring down the village with a harsh glare. It was taller than any building in the area, towering over the entire village and making it look like a blade of grass in comparison to his size. Screams could be heard from where they stood, and Acnologia seemed tot grow tense, ready to fight. Seeing him, Zeref grabbed his arm and shook his head. "Do not waste your energy on a battle that you cannot win. That demon is of my own creation…and you will not save anyone when their lives are already forfeit."
Jerking his hand away, Acnologia seemed to try rushing forward. However, he stopped when he saw the massive beam of green light blast from Deliora's open mouth, shooting down towards the city. Flames ignited everywhere the beam touched, exploding and devastating the town in an instant. Cries and screams continued filling the air, as Zeref saw the few survivors reaching the path they stood on. "What…how did you create such a monster?"
Smiling, Zeref glanced towards Igneel, seeing the dragon hanging his head low. "I told you…this will only create needless death, Zeref."
Turning towards Acnologia in return, Zeref shook his head. "No, for there are survivors to tell tales of my monsters. Wizards cannot kill them…nor can dragons…they are a common enemy to unite against. Utilize this properly, and your queen just might achieve her dreams, Acnologia." The man looked uncertain, staring at Zeref with a glare.
"If you are what the rest of humanity is like…maybe it would be best to let them perish along with the dragons. I had thought wizards were honorable people, after witnessing them fighting to protect others. This…this is nothing but chaos and destruction, a man seeking out war for no other purpose than war itself."
Tilting his head, Zeref found it far easier to put on that false smile than it was before. He was getting better, and playing his role in this game. "I told you before, I am a black wizard. Tell the world of my name, Acnologia. The Black Wizard Zeref is coming to fight back against this world. They were the ones who abandoned me…who saw me as a useless fool that could not protect anything. Now, I will watch as the world burns, for nothing can be gained without sacrifice. If I must sacrifice the world to protect my family…then so be it."
For the first time in his life, Zeref felt confident that he had control over this curse. This was the mindset he was searching for, the one that allowed him to forsake life itself and kill heartlessly. As he watched Deliora continue his rampage, he couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. Maybe he could enjoy this little false role of his, in his own way. The world had tried to take Natsu away from him, rejecting his desires and refusing to let him choose his own fate. Now, it was his turn to steal all of these lives from the world, and let his creations test their strength against the wizards that foolishly thought dragons were the most dangerous thing they could possibly fight in this war.
And Zeref meets Acnologia...then proceeds to make him angry and hateful towards humanity as well as dragons. I won't really have a whole lot of focus on Acnologia in this story, but I did want to include at least one event that helped show his historical development in Fairy Tail, since it was somewhat overlooked in canon. Either way, feel free to review and tell me what you think!
