S.R: Okay, so I was planning to drag things out a few chapters before getting back to canon material with the end of the 7 year time skip. I have it written out, but honestly, I don't like it and I just want to move on already…. So, we're going to say goodbye to Ignia and Selene, and then flash forward to the end of the time skip. Also this is a week late and it's completely my fault. I had uploaded it on here and I thought I posted it. My bad. Any who, let's get on with it.
A week and a half had passed, and Natsu learned quite a bit from the Dragon Gods. Some of the news was shared with Wendy, as it was something he felt she also deserved to know. But beyond that there were several things that the older duo had informed him of.
Because Igneel was gone and they suspected he would be until long after it was time for Natsu to claim the crown, and because his throne had been empty for so long, Natsu would have to show his worth to ascend to the throne when he was old enough. There would be several trials, and before he could officially do anything after being accepted he would have to assemble his own council. As one of the oldest dragons still living Selene gave him sound advice on how to go about choosing his council, since there would be a lot of work.
At first Natsu tried to argue that it wasn't important, as he didn't want to take Igneel's place as the Dragon King, and that if he absolutely had to his first decree would be to put someone else in his seat. But Selene and Ignia both flat out refused that idea.
'It may fall to the Dragon Slayers to deal with Acnologia, but as that is essentially declaring war, you can't do anything other than self defense without the consent of the Dragon King.' They claimed, both also mentioning that aside from a few key duties the title of Dragon King was mostly ceremonial and wouldn't really affect his life.
When he finally relented to accept the responsibility he did add in a stipulation. Natsu would take the crown so that he could declare war on Acnologia, ONLY should he feel like the Dragon Slayers had the ability to fight and win against The Apocalypse Dragon.
By the end of the second week Ignia and Selene had been in Magnolia the trio had finally finished with all of their discussions.
"So… We've finally gone through everything that we needed to."
Natsu said with a sigh as he and Cana stood side by side facing the two Dragon Gods.
"I really do wish we could stay for longer, but I don't think it'd be wise. I may be hiding my power but Ignia isn't, and it does draw attention."
Huffing at the fact she seemed frustrated that he didn't know the technique she was using to do the same, Ignia looked away as Selene spoke.
Natsu just nodded, though his smile was not quite as bright and lively as it normally would be.
"Since it will likely be a long time before we can meet again, I think I'll leave you with a couple gifts."
The Mood Dragon God, continued on. Since she was suppressing her magic presence, the only clue she was using her magic was the bright flash of light. When it faded, her hands were out towards the couple, and a couple bags were being held out.
"One of these bags is for you, one is for Wendy as I would feel bad leaving her out, and the last well… It's more of a just in case you need it. But I won't spoil what the gifts are."
'Just in case my ass… One of those twins will be a Dragon Slayer no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Though I wonder how long she's had a lacrima ready to go if it was needed… Eh, I can think about that later. I've got a gift of my own to give.' Ignia thought to himself before stepping forward while Cana accepted the bags as Natsu was busy hugging Selene.
He intended to shake Natsu's hand but the pink haired man pulled him in for a hug instead. Since it would still work, he lightly partially activated his magic, before letting it settle on the his brother. As they separated Natsu just quirked an eyebrow.
"I can't teach you anything until you're training with pops is done. But I can lend you both the knowledge and the power to try some of my magic. It's an old spell, one that takes one dragon's magic and crystallizes it before embedding it into another dragon's body as a tattoo. It's far safer, and far less painful than it would be to do it with an actual lacrima despite technically being the same thing."
As he spoke Ignia motioned for Natsu to bare his chest. As he did the group looked on as the same tribal sun tattoo that was on Ignia's abdomen appeared on Natsu's, though it was a bit more wild looking, almost as if the 'flames' were more wild and uncontrolled.
"The only problem with this method, until you've gotten used to drawing the magic from it, you can only use the same magic it was made by. It'll feel weird for a bit since your fire is far more controlled than mine is."
Once more hugging his adoptive brother Natsu thanked the two Dragon Gods, both for their gifts, and for the past two weeks. Getting to meet them, and learning everything they had shared with him, it was something he was extremely grateful for.
Hours Later
Natsu had handed the bag that was for Wendy over to his blue haired sister before escorting his wife and their newborn twins home. After they had gotten settled in for the night he carefully crept out of bed and down to his training cavern that was attached to his basement.
"So she did catch on."
He commented as he noticed the gift that Selene had commented was 'just in case'. It was a solid black lacrima with pools of twinkling white light. Given the fact it felt exactly like her magic, he knew what it was for. If neither Cornelia nor Dante inherited his affinity for Fire magic, but were still able to be a Dragon Slayer, he could use the black tome that was hidden among his collection of ancient Draconic items. They would become a Moon Dragon Slayer. So 'just in case' she had given him a Moon Dragon Lacrima. Granted her real gift for him was a Fire Dragon Lacrima as well. Sighing heavily Natsu began to move towards the ornate keyed chest in the corner of the room before he noticed that there was still more in the bag she had specified was for him. There was a map with a couple locations circled, and a note.
The note read as such 'This was a lacrima made by my twin sister and Igneel's mother. Igneel has the exact same fire she did, so all this would really do for you is increase the size of your magic container.
I don't know if Ignia and I stressed it enough, but you are going to be the one that leads the fight against Acnologia. There is no doubt that Acnologia will eventually target you, as he desires to wipe out all remains of dragon kind. No other Slayer is as strong as you or even has the same potential you do. Besides you will grow stronger still and it will draw him to you. This lacrima is the only weapon I can give you in order to help prepare for that fight.
The map is so you can search for a few key material needed to get into a secret temple to learn a special spell that will help you see Igneel again should you wish to try and see him before his job of preventing you from become a dragon is over.
Sincerely,
Selene
P.S. - I know you'll peak at what I said was 'just in case' and realize that it's a lacrima to go with the black tome on your bookshelf. Unless the twins can not learn my magic without it, do not use the Lacrima (and preferably not until after Acnologia is dealt with). It was made ages ago and has absorbed errant magic for over three centuries now, so whoever uses it will gain a massive influx of power as their magic container increases, enough so that they will draw all kinds of unwanted attention.'
After reading the note Natsu wasn't sure how to feel. Of course Ignia and Selene both heavily stressed that the Dragon Slayers would be the ones that had to fight Acnologia. He really didn't want to, but because they wouldn't let the topic drop he did end up accepting the responsibility. However he was only verbally agreeing. Every time the idea was brought up his mind would say 'Just make them happy. You don't have to do anything. You can't do anything, because you can't afford to leave your family alone.'
"I don't know if I can handle that responsibility."
He finally muttered to himself. Had anyone been around to hear him they would have been shocked. Natsu never backed down, and was always so confident, they'd say the pink haired man was someone that didn't even know what the word doubt meant. That was just because no one had ever seen Natsu reach his limit. So really it should be expected to hear him say he wasn't so sure he could deal with Acnologia. After all, he already had so many other things to be responsible for, that adding something else to the list should be concerning.
Year X791- April 1st
Three years had passed since the two Dragon Gods had visited, and not much had happened for the mages of Fairy Tail. Really the only big change was that Natsu's moniker of 'The Salamander' was swapped out after he became the 6th seated Wizard Saint. Because he revealed his combination of Fire and Earth magic, he people started hailing him as the 'Volcanic Dragon'.
Fairy Tail was still hailed as the strongest guild in Fiore though other guilds had been growing in fame. Of course with Mira, Laxus, Natsu, Jet, Droy, and Wendy as S-class it made sense. Most other guilds only had 3 or 4 S-class wizards. Though they had the most A-class wizards as well with Bisca, Alzack, Max, Warren, Macao, Wakaba, Laki, and Reedus. Cana also fell under that category but as she was the guild master she didn't count.
"Mommy? You have a guest."
Cana heard as someone knocked on the door to her office. The little voice of Cornelia making her smile.
"Thank you sweetie. Come on in."
With that the door opened, and her daughter escorted in a familiar face.
"Hello master Dragneel."
"Good afternoon Ichiya. What brings you to Fairy Tail today?"
"I bring interesting news. As master Bob said we would continue to monitor the waters around where Tenrou Island was. We've gotten some very weird readings."
Cana just raised an eyebrow at that.
"It's ethernano water. Shouldn't you be used to weird readings?"
"That's not quite what I meant. Because it's ethernano we don't normally get any specific results, as our readings just indicate 'pure magic'. This time though, we've managed to get it to pick up on a new kind of magic, one that doesn't have a precise label. Something is going on, and master Bob sent me to let you know."
Ichiya explained with a smile. He could tell this news was making the brunette's day, as she finally started to smile.
"I know Fairy Tail raised enough money to buy a new boat to sail towards the island when it reappeared, but master Bob said you could borrow the Christina. At least one of us from Blue Pegasus has to be with you though as no one besides a member can pilot it."
Cana was smiling from ear to ear by this point.
"It's a good thing most of our members are supposed to be getting back from jobs today. Can I ask you to come back tomorrow, with the Christina?"
Nodding his head with a pleased grin Ichiya just responded "Of course."
The Next Day
Cana had gathered a small group to head out on the Christina. As the current guild master she felt it was her duty to go, not that anyone would have argued against it. Natsu was coming along too, because he wanted to be there for his wife should things turn out differently from their expectations. Laxus and Mira both volunteered to stay back at the guild, with the white haired woman offering to keep an eye on Cornelia, Dante, and Michiko.
The finalized version of the group that had been picked up by Ichiya and the Trimens who were piloting the Christina was simple. Cana, Natsu, Wendy, Jet, Droy, and Warren.
"It really means a lot that you guys are helping us."
Cana commented to the Blue Pegasus members as they scanned the area around them.
"It's nothing. After all we were close with them too."
Eve, the Trimen that was sitting closest to the group of Fairy Tail wizards responded.
"Uh, is it just me or is there really a little blonde girl standing on top of the water over there?"
Hibiki commented as he pointed for the others to see.
True to his words there was a small blonde figure lightly standing on top of the water. Her pink dress fluttered in a slight breeze despite the fact her hair didn't flutter at all. Large green eyes looked back at them as her mouth opened.
At first no one heard anything, but then a soft voice echoed through the air.
"Help them."
With that the girls right arm raised into the air, and the water behind her shook as an absolutely massive sphere appeared as if it was rising from the waves. The faint golden barrier was sparkling, though everyone could see an island inside of it.
Several people fell to their knees as tears formed in their eyes, the joy in seeing the return of Tenrou island completely overwhelming them.
"Whoa!"
The young voice of Michiko sounded out from behind them, causing both Cana and Natsu to turn.
"Michiko what are you doing here? You should be back at the guild."
Cana asked with a concerned face. Natsu was torn between wanting to scold his oldest child and laughing at the fact she had sneaked behind everyone's back to be there.
"You said there was a chance you'd be bringing everyone home, so I wanted to see."
The 8 year old responded. It didn't really shock anyone to hear her reason. The guild was never shy about stories with the group that had disappeared with Tenrou Island, so it made perfect sense that she'd be interested in them.
"Haaa… Okay, just stay close to us okay? No going off on your own."
With a sigh Cana relented to the idea. It wasn't like they could turn around and take her back. The spell protecting Tenrou was gone and they probably noticed the Christina already. To turn away now would give the wrong impression.
About twenty minutes later they had Ichiya and the Trimens park the Christina and let them off on the beach. Natsu was the first one off, with Michiko on his shoulders. Cana followed a step behind him, and just behind her was the others.
"Warren, call out to master Makarov with your Telepathy. Let him know we're coming to them."
The dark haired man nodded in response as their group slowly made the trek towards their friends.
After a moment of silence Warren spoke up.
"Apparently they're confused about what's going on. I told him to keep everyone close and sit tight until we get there to explain."
"Good job."
When they emerged into the clearing that was being used as the base of operations during the exam, there were smiles on their faces, and shock on the faces of those that were attending the trials.
"What the hell?!"
"What's going on?!"
"Why do you guys look so… So different?"
Was shouted by the confused party. Especially when they noticed just how different everyone looked. Rolling his eyes Natsu turned towards Makarov.
"What do you guys remember exactly?"
While some of them were miffed that he was ignoring them, no one spoke up, choosing to let the master explain what had happened.
"We had just settled down for the day when an ungodly powerful magic presence was felt coming towards us. Gildarts apparently recognized it and in a panic he gathered everyone together so we could leave, but because some people didn't understand it took him too long and we all froze when we saw that black dragon. The last thing any of us remember is seeing an impressively large breath attack coming at us."
As Makarov explained he shot a slight glare towards Gray and Elfman in particular.
"So you don't know how you survived?"
Cana questioned as she felt a headache coming on. The response was a shake of his head.
"I'm not sure who did it then, but someone used a powerful spell. The magic council had it recorded to be able to have proof you guys were gone, but Wendy and I noticed some kind of barrier that had our symbol on it. After searching the library we found an old book left behind by the first master. We figured someone used one of the three guild spells, one called Fairy Sphere to save you guys."
Everyone that didn't already know about Fairy Sphere went wide eyed at the idea.
"I've never even heard of that spell. Precht only taught me Fairy Law, though he did say that there were two other spells."
The short elderly man commented. As he was the one that read the notebook and learned about Fairy Sphere Natsu explained exactly what it did and how it worked.
"While no time has passed for you guys it's been seven years for us."
"Bullshit."
Gray commented, not believing what he had just heard. Before anyone could blink Natsu buried a fist in the mans gut.
"No cursing in front of Michiko."
At that point they finally noticed the girl that was sitting on his shoulders. Onyx eyes and brown colored hair where the only clues they had to realize it really was Michiko. Since she was no longer a baby, they had to accept that time had passed.
"Since the ship was here with us, how did you guys get here?"
Gildarts spoke up, trying to bring everyone's attention back to slightly more important matters.
"Blue Pegasus has been keeping an eye on the area for us. Ichiya and the Trimens let us catch a ride on their magical bomber the Christina."
At that moment, Hibiki's voice cut through the air as the Christina's PA system kicked in.
"We've got an airship inbound. It looks like it belongs to Grimoire Heart!"
With that Cana sprang into action.
"Warren, get back to the Christina and have the Trimens help you get linked up with everyone, you're in charge of information. Jet, Droy, I want the two of you to search for wherever they decide to land. Natsu you know what to do."
As she spoke Cana took her daughter off Natsu's shoulders. Even though Michiko frowned at the fact she wasn't going to go with her father, the young girl didn't say anything. The moment she was off of his shoulder Natsu rolled his neck as he called out some of his fire. Shaping it into wings he took off into the air.
"What's ash-for-brains going to do like that?"
Gray asked, a bit miffed that everyone that was on Tenrou Island got left out. He was the only one that didn't realize Cana was the one giving out orders.
"He's going to slow them down so we have enough time to set up a counter attack."
Wendy answered as she took a step closer to Cana and Michiko. Even though the older brunette didn't say anything, Wendy knew her task was to stay close and help keep Michiko out of harms way. After all there was no way they wouldn't get dragged into the fighting. But she wouldn't let anything happen. Her pride as a member of Fairy Tail, and as a Dragon Slayer wouldn't let her fail in protecting the two.
S.R: Again, in case you guys didn't read my note up top. I didn't like how my original plan turned out. So I decided to off screen most of the talk and then do a time skip to this point. Anyway, until next time. See ya!
