SailorStar9: We now continue with Chapter 160 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny and my OCs.

Chapter 160: Alvarez Empire Arc: Dragon Seed

"Anna said Dragon Slayer magic was created by someone called Irene." Wendy appeared from the mist.

"Quit acting shocked inside your own mind." Gajeel chided.

"It's not far now, Natsu." Wendy assured.

"Wendy, Gajeel?" Natsu found himself alone after a while. "Where'd you go?"

"A Dragon Seed." Igneel appeared behind him. "That is what is inside your body. It is a scourge that all Dragon Slayers bear. They grow over time and eventually transform a person into a dragon. I prevented yours from growing, however. The seed inside you should be incapable of growing."

"But now it can because you left my body?" Natsu guessed.

"No, that is not the cause." Igneel corrected. "There is another seed inside you; a Demon Seed, I suppose you can call it. It is proof that you are E.N.D. Your two seeds are on the verge of merging as one. That is what is happening inside your body right now."

"And that''s what's gonna kill me?" Natsu muttered.

"Yes, you are going to die." Igneel confirmed. "Your Dragon Seed and Demon Seed are combining into one. Your life as a 'person' will be over."

"There's still so much I want to do, too." Natsu sighed. "Plus, I still gonna defeat Zeref and Acnologia. Ow!" he whined when Igneel leveled a punch to the side of his head.

"I'm not done talking yet." Igneel scolded. "I stated that you'll die as a result of your two seed combining. Do don't let them combine. Choose one of them."

"Choose, how?" Natsu wondered.

"Think hard and ask yourself what you are." Igneel advised. "A dragon or a demon. It looks like you've found your answer, Natsu." he noticed his adopted son's expression.

"Actually, I'm neither of them." Natsu declared. "I'm human. I'm Natsu Dragoneel."

"Impressive." Igneel nodded, the two seeds within Natsu dissolved into nothingness. "You actually found the right answer, after all. The power of a demon gave you new life and you were raised by a dragon. Nevertheless, you are human. It is that inner struggle that enlarged both seeds. Now, you can move forward on your own two feet."

"Yeah." Natsu agreed and his mind's journey ended.

Back in the shelter...

"Natsu." Happy nuzzled his partner affectionately after Natsu awoke abruptly.

"You dummy." the naked Lucy hugged the Dragon Slayer. "Don't ever worry me like that again."

"How are you feeling?" Porlyusica entered the room.

"I'm all better now." Natsu grinned. "I feel refreshed. Wait, where are Gray and Erza? I don't remember much, but I think I did something bad to them."

"Gray's in the next room." Happy supplied. "I think Erza is fighting right now."

"What the...?" Natsu gawked when the ground started shining red as Irene's 'Universe One' spell was reversed due to Erza winning her fight.

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.