Determination

Past

"Fire dragon...roar!" shouts a 10 years old Natsu but smoke only comes out from his mouth.

Igneel chuckles at his weak roar causing Natsu to blush from embarrassment. It's been a few years that Igneel has been training Natsu. Day in and day out. Natsu is a slow learner but after a few practices, he is able to get the hang of it. Igneel pushed him to become stronger which did show in Natsu. He isn't the little baby when Igneel first lays his eyes on him.

Igneel smiles at the thought but he fears he crossed a line. When Natsu starts calling him, father. That took time getting use to for Igneel.

"Dad...show me again?" Natsu asked clenching his hands.

"You havent given up yet Natsu" Igneel said with a slight smirk.

"Of course not!..I plan to become stronger than you!" Natsu replies back.

"Haha...well it will take hundreds of years for you to reach my level" Igneel said chuckling then turning to the mountain. "Fire dragon...ROAR!"

Natsu shakes from the intensity of Igneel's attack that burned off the mountain top. Natsu is shock how powerful it is compared to his failed attempt of a dragon roar.

"Wow..amazing" Natsu said to himself.

"Its all in the belly, Natsu...let the fire in your belly out" Igneel said with a smile.

"Yes!" Natsu replies grinning.

Soon, their ears twitch after hearing someone coming out of the forest. They turn their heads and see's Zeref with a small smile on his face.

"Big brother.." Natsu said surprised.

"Hello Natsu, I see you're having a fun time training with Igneel" Zeref said to him.

"Yup" Natsu said, punching his fist against his palm. "Like always"

"Good..but can I borrow Igneel for a minute?" Zeref asked kindly.

"Uh sure..i'm just going to practice some more then" Natsu said, starting to walk away from the two.

"So, what do you have to say to me?" Igneel asked Zeref.

"Im going to leave soon" Zeref replies back.

"Leave...so it's that time already.." Igneel said with a sad tone.

"Yes, I can feel my power grow restless each day...even my memories are slowly fading away...that is why, i'm leaving...i fear that i might accidentally hurt Natsu" Zeref states.

"Hmm...so you're going to leave him alone"

"Well you're going to be with him"

"...you mean inside of him in order to stop the process of his dragon change...as well as.."

"His demon form..END"

"Fire Dragon..ROAR!"

Suddenly Natsu's roar burns brightly near the edge of the cliff. Natsu grins with joy in his accomplishment.

"The key of beating Acnologia...is Natsu Dragneel...i didnt understand those words until you told me how you resurrected the boy into a demon so he can live" Igneel states.

"Well, its never heard of but i did it...and am cursed because of it" Zeref said. "But i would do it again for my little brother...just to see that smile of his"

"And what happens if he finds out the truth..or are you not going to tell him?"

"...i will...which is why i'm here in the first place" Zeref answers him.

"hmm...I think it would be better when he's a little older..right now he's an innocent child"

"Your right...however...the more you think like that...our chances in defeating Acnologia will lessen" Zeref tells him. "...this is where you will also they goodbye to Natsu too and his real training begins"

"Its unfair to Natsu to have his brother and adopted father leave him like this in a young age"

"...I'm going to meet with Natsu again someday...that's certain by then...I hope, he will forgive me" Zeref said with a sad expression.

"..and I, like the rest of the last dragons will meet him again at the right time"

Igneel starts walking to Natsu slowly while Zeref watches him. Igneel reaches Natsu and grabs his attention.

"Well done Natsu.." Igneel praises him.

"You think so" Natsu said happily.

"Yes..just like the other times...you have quite a gift in learning most of my magic..however there is still more you need to learn"

"So teach me..I want to learn so much from you!"

"...Natsu.." Igneel said in a serious tone causing Natsu to calm down his excitement. "There comes a day when someone must go on a journey.."

"What kind of journey?" Natsu said tilting his head.

OOO

Ferocious winds dances with the sand. A shadowy figure is seen, walking through the sand storm wearing a brown cloak with the hood on.

OOO

"..A journey of searching...searching for answers, searching for a reason to keep moving forward...searching of a way to become stronger and surpass their limits" Igneel states.

"That does not sound much fun.." Natsu said crossing his arms.

"It isn't meant to be fun...it's meant to teach you and to understand yourself better"

"..boring.."

Igneel wacks Natsu's head with his finger.

"Ouch!" Natsu screams in pain.

"You may be too young for this to understand but...to become strong you must find a reason to be strong"

"A reason.." Natsu said to himself.

A flash of bright orange light glows in front of Natsu who gets blinded. He covers his eyes with his arm.

"So it begins…" said a feminine voice in the shadows of the forest behind Zeref.

"Indeed...get the others ready...it's time to begin" Zeref states with his sash swaying by the wind.

OOO

A burst of fire twirls violently, moving toward the sandstorm. It clashes against it, consuming it causing the fire tornado to enlarge. It vanishes in seconds revealing Natsu walking, unaffected at what just happened. His expression stayed the same. A serious and determined expression.

Flashback ended

"Grugh" Sapphire said feeling herself losing air.

"Open the exit...now" Natsu said in a deep voice causing the room to shake.

"Grahh!" Sapphire screams and a portal slowly appears in the ceiling.

"Thank you.." Natsu said, dropping Sapphire on the floor.

Natsu looks up, gazing at his escape to a world he has not seen for so long. "Im coming for you..Zeref" he thought glaring.

OOO

"Alright…" Hero said, feeling the whole building shake along with everyone else.

"Whats happening?" Lucy asked feeling her body ache.

"Sapphire's world is crumbling...meaning, we don't have time to waste" Hero states.

"So why the hell were waiting for?" Gray asked in anger.

"For my energy to return..so i can use synchronization" Hero answers him.

"Synchronization?" Erza said confused.

"When two hearts are sync with each other are able to use each other's move and skills freely and are in sync...however this can only work when the two people have a close connection or a deep bond...and when they have a similar life" Hero tells them.

"So what are you planning to do with this power?" Erza asked, curious.

"Use it to connect with you and Lucy...this way i'm going to share your pain that you are feeling now, so you can walk without being dragged down..as well share my power that can allow you to use your magic" Hero exclaims. "But for Gray..I can only do two...but i can heal the magical energy you lost"

A glow came from Hero's hand, flowing towards Gray covering his whole body. His eye's widen feeling a sudden power boost. He clenches his fist and the light disappears.

"However, your pain will still be the same...so remember your limit..now...synchronization" Hero said with the top of his palms glowing.

The top of his right hand glows brightly revealing a diamond with lines going in it and the point pointing towards him. His right eye stays the colour brown. The right front half of his hair changes to red. On top of Erza's left hand, the same symbol appears and the left part of her hair changes from red to brown.

On Hero's left hand, the same marking appears and his left eye colour changes to Lucy's colour. The left front half of his hair changes to blond. Lucy's right hand, has the same symbol and the right side of her hair changes to brown.

"Wow, whats this?" Gray said surprised.

"These are signs when you sync" Hero states.

Erza and Lucy are amazed and suddenly feel different. They clench their hands feeling a surge of energy swim in their veins. Hero can also feel their power as well as their pain. He grits his teeth but turns around.

"Alright, i'll take the lead...you guys follow" Hero starts running ahead.

"Will you be ok Gray" Lucy said worried about him still being afflicted with the pain.

"Ya i will be...you guys just run, ill be right behind" Gray said with a smile.

Erza and Lucy looks at each other and nods. They both starts to run along with Gray who is behind them. They both feel different, like they are not in their bodies. They don't feel scared or weak. They both sense danger above them. They look up and see part of the ceiling about to fall on them. It did not take them a minute to think what to do but a second.

Erza pierces the falling debris, slicing it to pieces and Lucy swings her arm horizontally causing fire arrows to launch towards the pieces turning them into ashes. They continue running while Gray look dumbfounded at what just happened. "This synchronization is no joke" he thought feeling the pain getting worse each step he takes but pushes through it.

Hero breathes heavily. "Such a pain but, I need to see him first" he thought feeling Lucy's and Erza's pain affect him. He narrows his eyes seeing a flash of orange. A small smirk appears on his face and he starts running faster.

"Im going to see Sapphire first...you guys catch up" Hero jumps forward, disappearing from their sights.

They nod and continue to make their way while the whole building shake and debris falling down on them. Gray trips and hits the ground. A shock of pain hits him causing his head to pound so hard.

"Damn it.." he said clenching his hands.

Suddenly he feels himself being pulled off the ground. He looks at his left seeing Erza put his arm over her shoulder and to his right, Lucy put his other arm over her shoulder.

"We're not going to leave you behind" Lucy tells him.

"She's right, we're going out of this together" Erza spoke.

Gray smiles at them, seeing how he is being the one being saved by them then the other way around. He nods and the three starts running together.

OOO

Natsu steps forward and senses something familiar. A glow appears in his left side of his coat.

"So you guys are still with me" Natsu said softly.

"We have always been with you...that was are promise to her" said a voice in Natus head.

In a flash a spinning blade appears next to Natsu's face whose fire split it in two right before hitting him. Natsu turns where it was thrown from.

"Made it just in time" Hero said with a smile. "Well now i know who not to call to build my house"

Hero knocks on the wall, which crumbles. His eyes shift to Sapphire who looks weakened on the ground then to Natsu.

"Seems like you made a mess here" Hero states, jumping from his spot before Natsu's fire pierces him.

Natsu's eyes shift to where Hero is, causing his fire to launch toward him. He sees a small smile on Hero's face who disappears from his place. His eye shifts to his left and right side looking for Hero.

"You are strong...much stronger than Natsu but.." Hero voice echoes throughout the room. "Are you smart?"

Natsu gets pulled into the floor by a hand gripping him from the ground. Hero slowly comes out of the ground.

"I go by another name called Shadow...able to transport through the shadows" Hero jumps backward after Natsu turned and side kick him.

Natsu gets up and glares at Hero who grins in return.

"But I rather use a weapon against you" Hero states raising his right hand forward.

A bright light shines and materializes into a baton. Hero squeezes it tight, causing the two ends to grow out until it is above the length of him. He taps the ground with the bottom end of his bo staff.

"I prefer this than a sword any day" Hero said with a smile.

Natsu brings his right hand out causing a spiral of fire to appear in front of his palm which slowly grows and fire to sprout out from within it heading straight for Hero.

Hero spins his bo staff in front of him becoming his shield against the fire that splits after hitting his weapon. On his last spin, Natsu's punch came through an opening which Hero is surprised to see. He reacts and whips his bo staff at Natsu's gut, stopping him from getting close.

Natsu does not get pushed back but stands against the bo staff blocking him from Hero. he lays his hand on it and starts burning it.

"Wont work..i created this for me...your actually powering it up" Hero said with a slight smirk.

Natsu expression changes to shock seeing his fire get absorb by his bo staff. He lets go and gets hit across the face with one end, making him step back. Hero kicks his gut pushing him more back. Natsu gets his composure back once Hero stops walking.

"You wont win...from Lucy and Erza i received their magic…" Hero states spinning his bo staff in one hand and tapping the ground with the end of it.

He raises his right hand. "Requip" he thought receiving armour similar to what Erza uses along with the sword.

"Requip magic.." Natsu said softly familiar with that magic.

"And the other...seems like i'm missing something...yet i feel stronger with it...like a boost with Lucy's magic" Hero states with his left hand glowing yellow.

Hero ears twitch hearing keys clank together. He looks straight at Natsu and notice on his right side of his coat, there's a yellow glow.

"What do you have in there?" Hero asked Natsu curious.

However he did not respond and dashes toward Hero who prepares himself. Natsu's arms covers with fire that changes to black. It also changes shape into claws. Hero can sense a new power coming from Natsu and makes an X with his two weapons shielding him.

"That wont save you...from this" Natsu tells him with a cold glare.

"Your right it wont.." Hero states with both his weapons and armour disappearing. "But this will"

Hero snaps his fingers which confuses Natsu who stops mid way with a look of shock. He falls on his knees. His fire disappears and holds his chest.

"How can you feel pain...if you don't have a heart" Hero states.

Natsu eyes widen from hearing that. He slowly stands and looks at Hero with lifeless eyes.

"How did you know that?" Natsu spoke in a serious tone with a green glow.

"After clashing with you..ive noticed...you dont feel pain...it may seem like it but...no, so i examine you from afar…" Hero said to him.

"Thats impossible...you did not get near enough to be able to tell that" Natsu said until he realizes. "Unless…"

"Thats right...if i felt your heart beat with your real body" Hero finishes his sentence.

OOO

A bright glow comes from the cliff. Hero is seen with his hand placed on Natsu's chest glowing brightly white.

"How is this possible...just who are.." Hero ask the sleeping Natsu with a puzzled look.

OOO

"I had my physical self go to your body to seal you" Hero tells him.

"So I would have been trapped if i defeated you then" Natsu said with a soft chuckle.

"Yes, but who said you would…"

"Your right.." Natsu said with a small smirk, looking at his arms glow. "How long do you think your seal will keep me trapped?" Natsu asked.

"...if someone breaks it from the outside" Hero answers him.

"So I wouldnt be able to then"

"Thats the point...your dangerous...not sure what your plans are but, I dont think you should be wandering about alone...this seal will be invisible to others and Natsu...only I can see it since i created it..and since no one knows you exist...I dont have to worry about someone trying to unseal you"

"...your clever...but it wont work...I will come back and complete my mission" Natsu said slowly disappearing from the bottom slowly moving to his head. "I promise him"

Natsu disappears leaving Hero alone with Sapphire who is against the wall still shaken. Hero turns to her and walks. He kneels down.

"Theres darkness in you….I can see it slowly consume you" Hero said, staring into her eyes. "Your a victim of it too...arent you"

"Hero!" Lucy said running entering the room with Gray and Erza.

Before Hero responds, he gently taps Sapphire's head who falls unconscious and falls forward. He catches her and puts her arm over his shoulder.

"Thats Sapphire...what happened to her?" Erza asked him.

"Her mind could not handle this place...it short circuited...we need to get her out" Hero said looking up. "And thats are way out, Gray can you make an ice staircase"

"Ya" Gray said and creates it.

Hero starts walking on it with Sapphire. Erza, Gray and Lucy follows behind him curious on what happened. Seeing the room beat up tells them a big fight took place here and Hero is victorious yet from his expression he didn't look happy. There is a hint of sadness within those eyes. It is a silence and pleasant walk to the top of the staircase. Hero stops, looking at the portal.

"Well this will be goodbye...you three take care of yourself" Hero said and a white card spins toward Erza who is surprised and catches it. "That's a calling card...if there is ever an emergency call me with that"

"Thank you for your help Hero...I dont think we would be able to escape from here" Erza states.

"...Your still not safe" Hero said softly.

"Hm?"

"The darkness is coming...it already arrived in this world...in order for you to survive from it...you must get stronger...and change" Hero tells them. "Because who you are now..you wont be able to survive"

Hero enters the portal and disappear from their sight. They all feel uneasy from what he said. However, they don't want to dwell on the thought, here. The three enter the portal.