A/N Hello everyone and welcome back to another chapter of The Slayer's Companion. I'm honestly surprised by how many people who have read this story so far. When reading through everything again, I realized that I got the date wrong. The date is supposed to be X375, not X675. So yeah, sorry. Also, thank you to AkumanNisshoku and Snow4k for reviewing. Also, to answer AkumaNisshoku's question about the OCs, I have the prompts for them and an idea of what element they will use. However, I don't have what they look like and their abilities. That's what I need. The prompts will appear at the end of the story. Anyways, enjoy the story.

~Line Break~

X375 – Woods

When the two had reached the cave, Natsu started to feel drowsy. So Skyle decided to place him on a bed. He smiled at the boy then turned over to the large dragon that was curiously looking at him. Skyle's smile then turned into a small frown as he said,

"I'm guessing you still have questions for me?" Igneel smirked (can dragons even smirk?).

"Your clever boy. I don't have that many questions but there is one thing that I want to know. Why did you choose Natsu? Why someone like him if there are thousands of others who are stronger than him? After all, you are the strongest one. The first companion. The Fallen Angel."

"It's been a while since I heard that alias. Never really liked it honestly." He paused for a moment before continuing. "After Irene died, she never left me a dying wish so I was sent back to my realm where I was supposed to pick another slayer. Sure, there are literally thousands of other slayers that I could have picked, some who could burn the world to the ground with their strength alone. Yet I didn't."

Igneel frowned at the young man for a moment. He was kind of afraid of how this young man could have an influence on his son. Before he could repeat his question, Skyle continued,

"I didn't choose anyone else because of what I saw in his heart. While regular humans may see hearts as organs that keeps the human body alive, slayer companions like me are able to see deeper meaning inside of the heart. In Natsu, I see darkness, darkness that could kill. Darkness that may rule the world. But at the same time, I see a glimmer of light. A light that could bring hope and end the world of this nightmare. That's why my trial for him was for him to form a powerful bond." He then looked over to Natsu's sleeping body, "He's a splitting image of his father. When he and his parents were being attcacked by dragons, his father had a vision. The horrors that he saw still haunts him, even in death. Before he could truly die, he had asked me to find Natsu in the future and lead him down the correct path. And so here I am. Both doing my job and fulfilling one of my previous slayer's dying will."

Igneel understood and believed Skyle as he saw no lies within his words. However, one thing still confused him. "Wait, if you were Natsu's father's slayer companion, how were you also Irene's slayer companion?" Igneel asked.

Skyle turned over to Igneel with a sad smile. "Unlike most of the companions, I have the ability to form a bond with multiple people. I at that time, was connected to four people. Natsu's father, Irene Belserion (I hope I spelled that correctly), Acnologia Caos (Chaos in Spanish for anyone who is wondering) and Anna Heartphillia."

Before he could continue, Igneel said, "But that's impossible! Anna isn't a slayer. There is no way for a slayer companion to create a bond with someone who isn't a slayer."

Skyle just smiled. "That's one of the advantages of being the strongest companion in existence. However, a minor effect is that our bond can't be as powerful as one with a slayer and if the slayer isn't alive while the human is alive, I can't form a physical form in the world. I can only talk to them telepathically. Anyways, Acnologia eventually became a dragon, severing our bond since companions can't form a bond with beings that aren't human. Natsu's father died during that dragon attack and my connection with Irene just disappeared one day. So, I can only assume that she had died as well, considering how her husband was treating her when her dragonification started." Skyle paused for a moment. Then he asked, "Is there anything else you wish to know?"

While Igneel was shocked about everything that Skyle had said, he was able to hide his shock. He then simply asked the question he was dreading from the very beginning. "When will you start to train Natsu? After all, we both know the fighting style between a companion and a slayer." Skyle put on an emotionless face again while saying,

"I'll start training him in about a year or so. It is best for the two of us to gain a strong affinity. Until then, I'll just stay here, get to know the two of you more while building my bond with Natsu. Will that be okay with you?"

Igneel simply smirked and thought, 'This will be interesting. Hope these years go by well enough.'

~Line Break~

X376 – Woods

Saying the year went by really well would be an understatement. Not only did Skyle manage to create a powerful affinity with Natsu, he was able to actually teach the boy to actually use his brain. Even though the boy still made idiotic decisions that would make you face palm yourself, he was able to learn how to read, write, and make the correct decisions (though that doesn't happen a lot). During this year, Igneel was able to accelerate his by a mountain ton. Natsu now was able to destroy boulders five times his size with his bare hands. Not only that but he could destroy mountains within 2-10 punches. Then one day, Skyle decided to approach Natsu and teach him the main part about companion fighting.

"Natsu. It is time that you learnt to fight with me alongside you."

Natsu was confused. Didn't he fight alongside Skyle half the time? "What do you mean? Don't we spar all the time?" Natsu asked. Skyle simply face palmed at this. He then said,

"Didn't you listen to me when I taught you about the fundamentals of companion fighting?" He simply sighed then continued. "Okay, I'll explain from the beginning but first sit down. This will take a while."

As the two sat down on the surprisingly warm floor, Skyle started to explain everything from the start. "As you know, every companion has weapons that they can use. Just like this one." He then proceeded to summon the Bond of Flame (okay, I will be completely honest, the blades that Skyle uses are Keyblades from Kingdom Hearts except for his ice, lightning and earth blades. So, because of this, I'm just gonna be lazy and describe the blades once then call them by their names in the future when referencing them.) "But there is a reason why each companion has their own blade/weapon. It is because of a certain fighting style. In this style, the companion gives the slayer his or her weapon, and the slayer wields the weapon. However, there is an additional variable to this. Extra strength is added to weapon if the companion and the slayer have a strong affinity and trust for each other. That's why I haven't started training you yet. But now, I believe it is time the two of us can finally start."

Natsu, amazed about the fact that such a fighting style existed, immediately agreed. Skyle then proceeded to give Natsu his blade. Which fell to the ground within a few seconds because of the sheer weight. Skyle sighed as he said,

"This is going to be a looong year."

~Line Break~

July 7th, X377 – On the way to the eclipse gate

While sitting on Igneel's back, Skyle started to think about what happened in the past year. He had taught Natsu how to wield his blade. The two of them were able to improve their affinity and trust of each other, making both of them even more powerful than before. And now, here they were, Natsu lying on Skyle's lap as they were flying towards the eclipse gate. When they reached the gate, Skyle saw two familiar faces. One dark haired man and a blonde woman. He simply smiled as he started to walk over to them. He then called out,

"It's good to see you again, Anna. Zeref."

The two looked over and saw the face of an old friend. They both smiled while Anna said,

"It's good to see you again as well Skyle."

Zeref on the other hand, only gave Skyle a handshake. Though if you looked carefully, you could see a faint smile on his face. Skyle smiled again then asked,

"So now we just wait for the other four?"

Zeref nodded. Skyle then continued, "I still don't see this as a good idea. You already messed with the balance with life and death Zeref. Is it okay now to mess time as well? As for you Anna, I'm surprised your even agreeing to this. After all, you were Acnologia's mate. Are you really willing to send mere children into the future so that they can kill him?"

Anna let out a sad frown as she said, "No, I would have liked to avoid this as well. But for the safety of the world in the future, this is for the best."

Skyle simply nodded. A few moments later, four roars could be heard. The trio looked over and saw the other dragons with their children.

The first dragon he saw was a white feathery dragon that resembled the clouds in the sky. The dragon also had sky blue eyes that resemble… well, the sky. Something noticeable is that the dragon had feminine features to it, meaning that it was a female (not trying to be sexist. srry). This dragon, is Grandeeny. On her back was a young bluenette in a small yellow and blue striped dress. This little girl, is Wendy Marvell. The second dragon he saw was a dark grey dragon that was entirely made of metal. The dragon also had razor sharp teeth that could destroy anything in a single bite. This dragon, is Metalicana. On his back was a boy around Natsu's age with long wild hair. The most noticeable thing about the boy was that he had metal piercings throughout his face. This young boy, is Gajeel Redfox. The third dragon that appeared was a pure white dragon like Grandeeny. However, gold eyes and had a more menacing look compared to Grandeeny. This dragon, is Wessilogia. On back was what seemed like a younger and blonde Natsu. This, is Sting Eucliffe. The last dragon is the opposite of the previously mentioned white dragon. His scales were the same color of an abyss with crimson red eyes whish seem to resemble hell's flame. This dragon, is Skiadrum. On his back resembled a younger version of Gajeel but without the ridiculously crazy hair and piercings. This boy, is Rogue Cheney.

Skyle smiled at the sight while saying,

"So, these are the five slayers that will defeat Acnologia. I still think we should have chosen people who aren't children."

Wessilogia grunted as he said, "We didn't have time to teach the adults. We all know that the adults are aware of the date so if we were to bring them through the gate, they will know something is wrong. We must not let them know of our plan."

"Okay, I see that but I still see flaws in the plan. But what can I do anymore. I'll just leave you to it."

Zeref then decided to speak. "Okay then, now that we are here, it is time for us to commence. Anna, will you do the honors."

Anna nodded as she took out the twelve keys of the zodiac. She then proceeded to shout out a spell. Open: Twelve Zodiac.

As the door opened the dragons started to say their goodbyes to their children.

"Goodbye Wendy, I hope to meet you again in the future."

"Take care brat."

"Don't get cocky Sting."

"Make sure you don't let your darkness take over."

"I will see you soon Natsu."

And so, the dragons went inside the slayers and they sent the five children through the gate. Before Skyle started walking, Zeref called out to him,

"Protect Natsu for me will you. I need him to end my life next time we meet."

Skyle smiled and said, "I already made that promise to your father twenty years ago. And so, I will say the same thing to you as I said to him. I will protect him. From now to the ends of the earth."

And he walked through the gate.

~Line Break~

A/N And that's it for this chapter of A Slayer's Companion. With that note, thank you again for everyone who have read this so far. Now here are the prompts and what is necessary for each companion.

Wendy's Companion: Gender: F, Elements: Water, Air/Sky, and Light, When they appear + what their trial is: During her fight against Chelia. An act of bravery or when she stands up to protect the people she loves.

Gajeels's Companion: Gender: M, Elements: Iron and Your Choice, When they appear + what their trial is: When protecting Levy on Tenrou. An act of kindness or protecting his mate.

Sting's Companion: Gender: M, Elements: Light and Your Choice (Can't be Darkness), When they appear + what their trial is: During the GMG with his fight against Natsu and Gajeel. His trial happened before the games so you can be creative.

Rouge's Companion: Gender: M, Elements: Darkness and Your Choice (Can't be Light), When they appear + what their trial is: During the GMG with his fight against Natsu and Gajeel. His trial happened before the games so you can be creative.

Those are the prompts. Everything that isn't stated (attitude, clothing, hair, etc) can all be your choice. Also, all companions will need a weapon as well so do choose. I will choose the ones winner a chapter or two before they appear. Meaning, the next companion to appear will be Gajeel's in a dozen or so chapters. Anyways, thanks for reading, R&R and criticism is welcomed. See you all in the next chapter.