The Change

Now on to the disclaimer

Anna: Another thing before we go, Grassfire101 doesn't have any rights over Fairy tail or its characters

Zeref: All rights belong to Hiro Mashima

Anna: Remember to Read, Review, and Comment

Zeref: Now get ready to sit back and read

Anna woke up on silk sheets and she immediately knew something was wrong. She hadn't felt comfort like this since she had left the manor to travel to the future to stop Acnologia. Anna opened her eyes and found herself staring up at the ceiling of her manor. The one where she used to live 400 years ago with her sisters and brother as she helped her family revolutionize the Zentopia Church as well as the Magic World. The last thing she remembered was being on the Pegasus, shoving Acnologia into the Space Between Time so this couldn't be real. At least that was what her mind was telling her.

She had no idea what happened when she sacrificed herself but she did remember sensing that some form of time magic was being used. Was it possible that she was sent back in time in hopes that she could alter the future? She hoped that was the case but she had no idea what day and year it was."

She had so much regret for all of her actions in the other time and if she had the chance, she planned to change the fates of this world. She regret the fact that Layla died opening up the Eclipse gate and that she abandoned the dragon slayers. She understood the fact that they managed to all eventually find a great place to stay but she really did need to help make a few changes. She honestly should have told all of their guild masters as well as Layla about Acnologia because they all could've worked together to find a solution to stop him. She should have helped the dragon slayers get stronger as well as learn new magic to help aid in stopping the dragon of the Apocalypse.

She got up and out of her bed to change out of her pajamas. She went into the bathroom to go and look into her mirror. She was much younger than she was in the future and her face was no longer filled with wrinkles that were the result of stressing about Acnologia. Her eyes were full of confidence that it used to radiate back in the past.

Anna picked up the ring of keys on the dresser next to her. There were twelve golden keys, the first thing her mind registered was that she had her spirits back. Her eyes widened and tears pooled in her eyes unable to believe what she was seeing.

Anna grabbed her keys and walked outside. The sun was shining and there were no traces of the war. The air smelled clean, no dust or fire or death in the air. She could even hear the sounds of people in the town and they sounded happy and safe. She was disappointed with her actions in the war between the two countries. All Anna did during all of the fighting was hide until all the fighting ceased and with the help of Ichiya saved Wendy and her friends. She should have done more in that war and actively helped stopped one of those Spriggans... but she didn't and because of that they lost one of the dragon slayers. It didn't help that after they went through the gate, she lost all of her Celestial Spirits and instead of learning new magic to help aid her, she spent all her time trying to figure out about the Space Between Time.

She needed answers for everything that happened and her best guess was to ask one of her faithful spirits. She poured a little energy through her key and summoned forth Leo, the Lion. Leo emerged from his gate and hugged her tightly.

"Lady Anna your alive," Leo muttered in disbelief. The last thing he remembered was the future and watching as Lucy was dying from the corruption of writing in the book of E.N.D.

"Leo its been a long time since I saw your face. Do you have any idea what happened? What seems like a few hours ago, I was in the future, trying to stop Acnologia and now I'm back in the past."

"I came to give you some answers. We don't know everything but we do have some information. Zeref did this. The King could feel his magic send your soul back and so he ensured that we would come with you until you send yourself and the dragon slayers to the future. He sent you, my master from the future and someone else back in time, merging the three of you with your younger bodies. However, there were a few anomalies as a results of traveling in time."

"Leo...do you think the Eclipse plan was worth it all in the end? I keep on questioning whether or not this was all worth it in the end. I went into the future and all it seemed to do was cause problem for the mages of that time."

"In the beginning it didn't feel like the Eclipse plan was really worth it... but if it wasn't for you bringing the dragon slayers to the future then I believe that the world could have been a darker place. Even though the dragon slayers cause a lot of needless destruction, they changed the world and helped rid of various evils. I can't count how many times Natsu helped stop various dark guilds and how Wendy grew up from a clumsy girl to a powerful dragon slayer that could easily take down dark guilds. All I am saying Anna, is that because of Eclipse and the dragon slayers, some of us celestial spirits found a loving master in the future," Leo explained.

"Leo, tell me about your future master, Lucy isn't it?" Anna could briefly remember when she reunited with Wendy and met Jellal that they were confused about her saying that she looked like their friend.

"Lucy, she was one of the best masters that I have ever had. I owe her my life, after she was able to plead with the Celestial Spirit King to spare my life." Leo, then began to tell Anna, all about Lucy and her friends. The two chuckled at the various tales that Leo told of Lucy.

"It is good to hear that Lucy was a good Celestial Spirit Wizard and it is remarkable to hear that she was able to use Star Dress. From what I observed in the future, it seemed that a lot of Celestial Wizards never really knew much about their magic aside from summoning spirits. Maybe, next time when I go back to the future, I could help revolutionize some of the way that people practice magic, as it seem that a lot of the advance techniques were lost in history. This way, more people will be ready to face Zeref and Acnologia, and hopefully this can prevent the Zentopia incident that wiped out most Celestial wizards," Anna stated.

"I think that is a great idea, Lady Anna. Let just hope that everything works out in the future and that we can change a few things from happening," Leo hoped. He really did hope that everything would work out and that perhaps Lucy and Anna could help change the world for better.

"Leo, do you know what day it is? I honestly have no idea what day or year that it is and I was wondering if you knew?" Ever since Anna returned to the past, she honestly lost sense of her time. She decided that she would later write down everything that she knew was going to happen in the future, so that she could help aid in the future. She just hoped that she would have a little time to spend with her family, before she head back to the future with the Dragon Slayers. She was already concerned about her old friend Irene who she heard was pregnant with a child at this point. She just hoped that everything would work out and that Irene would be able to rule her kingdom and her family would continue to prosper in the Zentopia Church.

"It seems that today is July 3 x398, which means that in a few day is the day that you and the dragon slayers head to the future. Anna, are you sure that you are ready for this?"

"Leo, I'm glad that you are concerned about me, but I have to do this. This time, I can actually maybe change the future for the better and I can actually put an end to Acnologia. I just hope that I can enjoy one last day with my family before everything changes for good."

A Few Days Later

Anna was currently waiting for Zeref and the Dragons to arrive with the Dragon Slayers to open the Eclipse Gate at Tenrou Island. She knew that performing the opening of the Eclipse Gate, would be magically draining but hopefully everything would work out in the future.

Anna stared up at the Eclipse Gate, as she thought of the sacrifice that she would have to make in order to travel forward in time. She would have to give up her spirits one more time and she knew that this would be the last time that she would ever hold them in her hands. However, she had hope that in the future, maybe things would be different for her and that she could see her spirits again.

"Hello Anna!" She turned her head to see Igneel and the other dragons all staring at her, with the dragon slayers. Tears began to stream down her face as she saw a young Wendy walk towards her to give her a hug.

"Hi Anna-sensei," Wendy greeted her, as she hugged the dragon slayer. She couldn't believe that she decided it was a good idea to let young kids try to find their place in a future that they didn't even belong to.

"Anna, if you don't mind, I would like to have a word with you before we begin the process," Igneel asked her. She then walked over to Igneel, who she could see was still injured a little from his fight with Igneel.

"Igneel, what did you want to talk to me about," Anna asked. She could feel the magic of the island, aiding in concealing their presence, but she knew that it wouldn't last for long.

"I just wanted to ask if you could do a favor for me, when you all get to the future."

"What would you like me to do for you then," Anna asked, not at all remembering Igneel asking her to do him a favor.

"I was wondering, if you could head to Guiltena, to find my son Ignia and tell him that I was sorry for leaving him." She forgot all about the fact that Igneel actually had a son and that his wife fled to Guiltena during the Dragon King Festival to stay safe. This could be a great help for them, if they could get the help of Igneel real son, then maybe they could actually take down Acnologia.

"I promise that I'll find him and explain to him, what happened." Igneel then pressed his claw on the necklace that Anna wore, and it glowed a bright red. She knew that he did this, so when she did find Ignia, he would know that she was considered a friend of his father.

"Anna are you ready," Zeref asked her as she stared at the Dark Mage. A part of her was furious with the cursed mage as she knew that he caused a lot of unneeded bloodshed. She however understood, that he was simply doing all of that to rid himself of the curse that Ankhselam had inflicted on him. She looked to see Zeref, standing impatiently as he held a book in his hand. She knew that they had to hurry in hopes that Acnologia, wouldn't be able to sense the Dragons and the Dragon Slayers magic.

"I'm ready Zeref," Anna told him as she began to summon forth her magic. She knew that they had to hurry up and begin the dragon soul technique which meant that she would need to hurry up and begin opening the gates, shortly afterward.

As the party moved toward their destination a roar was heard off in the distance. The dragon slayers gathered closer to their parents shaking in fear. They all knew it was a dragon's roar and it was a direct challenge to Igneel.

"Everyone, move quickly to the gate." Igneel ordered to the group.

Acnologia had found them, based on the roar he would be on top of them in less than an hour.

Luckily Eclipse Gate was close to the camp. Anna could not wait for the eclipse of the moon to be complete, she needed to start the process now. Not wasting any time, Anna took out her keys throwing them into the air, each key magically floated to an individual lock which surrounded the frame of the gate.

Once each key nestled into place she commanded her spirits to unlock the massive gate, however without the power of the eclipse the process was slow. Zeref acted quickly handing the Tenrou Jade to Anna, the orbs magic instantaneously melded with her Celestial magic. With the jade in hand, Anna's power expanded allowing a greater flow.

Finally, after several tense minutes, a loud click was heard, the gate had unlocked. This allowed the spirits to withdrawn from the gate lock, returning to Anna's side to protect their master.

However, Anna commanded her spirits to return to the Celestial Realm, she needed to focus all her magic for this next part. Leo and Aquarius refused staying on their own power, along with Gemini, who transformed into her.

Her next move had everyone in awe, as she summoned from the very depths of her magic, pure raw power directed at the massive gate doors. Beads of sweat rolled down the Celestial mages face; the dress she wore began to glow, gaining intensity as her magic level increased. Her magic pooled at her solar plexus, Anna crafted the raw power into large magic hands which pulled at the gate.

The gates were over half way open, and the dark mage found himself captivated with Anna's ability to harness her magic's raw power. He couldn't help but to stop and admire the striking beauty, a shimmering goddess before him.

Everyone was jarred back to reality as another roar was heard, this time the island shook from the intensity, they were out of time.

If they could just hold out for another five minutes, she would also have the power of the eclipse. It was the longest five minutes of her life but as the moon turned black the gates gave way to Anna's demands.

The Celestial mage struggled to breathe, she was exhausted. Anna turned to instruct the dragons to start passing through, but their attention was turned to the night sky. What she saw streak across the black sky engulfed her in fear.

She knew what the eerie blue glow was; they were out of time, Acnologia had found them. This wasn't supposed to happen, they were supposed to escape shortly before Acnologia arrived.

"Skiadrum, Weisslogia, please take your dragon slayers and enter the gate, now." Anna commanded.

"No, we need to stay and help..."

"And do what… fight? If you stay you both will die, stop wasting time… get moving and enter the gate!" Anna screamed out, "Move it!"

The dragons did not question the Celestial Wizard any further, the pair giving a nod of respect before moving inside the gate. Zeref watched in anticipation, his plan was slowly coming to life. Even as the black dragon was bearing down on them at a great speed, the dark mage filled with hope for the future.

Zeref looked over at the remaining three dragons, then back to the Celestial mage.

"Anna, we need to separate, we have to try and draw Acnologia away from the dragons and the gate."

"No! Acnologia knows our scent he will not be fooled by such a simple ruse," Igneel warned.

"Can you create another temporary barrier like before?"

Shaking his head Zeref replied, "it would take too long, and this close to the gate it would be dangerous for everyone in the area. We can't take that chance."

Anna looked over her shoulder, taking a peak at the gate, the two dragons were finally gone.

"Grandeeney take Wendy and go now. Metalicana you and Gajeel are next, please keep moving we are out of time. Don't look back, I will cover you."

The air dragon did not hesitate moving forward, Anna felt a pull on her magic as the dragon entered. She was so consumed with the arrival of Acnologia, she didn't realize each time something passed through the gate it was consuming a part of the magic she supplied to open it.

With the dragon's enormous size and vast magic capacity, each pass through the gate was draining Anna's magic. At this pace she wouldn't be able to hold the gate open much longer, she needed to get the remaining party into the gate quickly.

Anna guarded the gate for Grandeeney and Wendy to take their turn. Leo took a position on the ground away from the gate and started launching light bombs at Acnologia. Aquarius took a position floating towards Acnologia and started launched waves of water at him.

A static charge began to build around the island, it was a menacing form of magic, it made Anna's hairs stand on end. She looked to the night sky just in time to see a blue beam explode in the dark.

Metalicana and Gajeel had just made it safely through the gate. If the future only had four champions, so be it. Now was a time for retribution.

All the battles, lives lost, sacrifices made, all because of this abomination of a dragon. Anna allowed her rage to boil unchecked, she had lost too much over the years to war and this cursed dragon. Her parents, friends, and now her comrades were dead, gone, from this world. Innocence once again paid the price; all she had sacrificed was eliminated with one dragon's roar.

She was getting fed up with Acnologia taking everything away from her, and she refused to allow him to stop her from going through the gate.

How many more lives would be taken as payment, to teach Zeref the cost of his actions. If he had to continue to pay the price for his sin, then all would feel his wrath.

The dark mage turned to peer into the eyes of the Celestial mage, the soft loving brown was gone; all that remained was pure cold hate, laced with a desire for vengeance. Anna had lost everything because of him, he could tell she was not about to back down, she was out to annihilate the dragon that took her family. He knew in that moment Anna welcomed death if it would help her destroy Acnologia.

Zeref grabbed Anna's hand, he thrived in this level of pain, hate, and he craved for the need to destroy. He allowed his darkness to come forth, if she was willing to dance with death, he knew he could help her, he felt he owed this to the goddess of light.

He tightened his grip, as she linked her fingers with his, accepting his offer, "together, then let us call on heaven and hell, to crush Acnologia."

Anna's grin was that of pure evil, the beacon of light was gone, all that remained was vengeance. A beautiful wraith shining through the fire and destruction, hell bent on exacting her own level of pain onto her enemy. Her mere presence caused Zeref to shutter, this darkness it didn't look right drawn upon her angelic face.

Deep within Anna didn't believe a unison raid would stop the black dragon, it would cause some damage that would have to be enough, as it would most likely be her end.

Anna could feel Zeref starting his spell, it was cold, like death, where hers had spark and the warmth of her dragon. She called forth everything she had, focusing her pain into a savage, uncontrolled raw strength.

"Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens…"

"Anna, we must complete the raid now, it will give Igneel time to grab Natsu to safety. And hopefully enough of a distraction to get Igneel and Natsu through the gate."

Zeref pulled at Anna's hand, she simply nodded in approval. They mages watched as Igneel dropped from the sky into the abyss below.

Once Igneel was out of sight, Zeref and Anna unleashed the eighty-eight heavenly bodies upon the black dragon. Instead of the bright shining heavenly stars, the orbs glowed with a menacing black endless void. The heavens of darkness assaulted Acnologia. The dragon screamed in pain has his body burned from the multiple blasts, it was so different from the last time the Celestial mage had used this spell on him. This level of power, how was she able to grow this much in only eight years' time?

Zeref released Anna's hand, he could tell she was rapidly reaching her limits. Once he saw Natsu was safe, he turned back to Anna.

"Please, I need you to get Igneel and Natsu through the gate, now."

Anna said nothing her eyes told Zeref she understood. The dark mage took off running in the direction where Acnologia fell.

Igneel rose up moving toward the gate with Natsu in hand, securing him from trying to escape. Anna then walked into the gate with them, worrying about the fate of the future.

The light from the gate engulfed them. Once inside a strange warmth lulled over them, pulling Natsu and Anna into a deep sleep.

Gemini felt their magic pull again, Igneel, Natsu and their master were now safely inside the Eclipse gate. They needed to close the gate quickly. They could not take the chance of Acnologia figuring things out and trying to gain access, to chase after the dragons. They were still transformed as their master, and they had to play their cards right so Zeref would assume that Anna died, against Acnologia.

Luck was on their side as the gate had locked the eclipse in place allowing them to pull on the celestial events power. They honed in Anna's remaining magic, adding in the energy of the moon's eclipse, along with the Tenrou Jade. They screamed out to the heavens begging for whatever magic they would give to them, anything that would help them close the gates, protecting their family. They refused to fail, not now, not when they were so close.

The Zodiac felt their master's desperation; Leo along with any other who had their own magic came forth to help their fellow spirit in shutting the gate, it was Anna final plea. The combined effort was working, the gate was nearly closed when Acnologia had realized he had been tricked.

Denied the death of the dragon king, his offspring, even the other dragons were gone. Their scents no longer littered the island, it was as if they all vanish. He knew it had to be the doing of the Celestial mage, she had found a way to lock them away, protecting their spirits.

As if confirming his theory, there in front of the massive gates, stood Anna, who scowled at Acnologia, letting the dragon know his place as a lesser being, she was the Celestial Queen and would defy him to the very end.

Again, Acnologia found himself pause under her glare, Igneel's words haunted him.

"Anna will never lose to the likes of you.'"

Author Notes

This chapter was originally going to be a two parter with Anna summoning forth the Celestial Spirit King and all 12 Spirits but I felt that it would have been a little too long. I might still rewrite this chapter, but let me know how you feel about this chapter.