Sorry for the delay regarding this week's update, I have a test this Monday and I've been studying for it, so I forgot to update this yesterday, my bad. On a more positive note, my one week break for the semester is coming up this month. It's the last week of the month though, so it will be a little bit longer, but I'll be able to get more chapters done during that time, even with me needing to go to the doctor and dentist in the same week.
Also, with the end of Bleach, I'm going to try and get a few chapters for my Bleach stories up sometime this month, which will probably be during my break, so look forward to that.
That's all for now, enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 2 – An Anchor
After the mess with Phantom Lord had been dealt with, the Council finally intervened and sought to investigate the matter. After a lengthy and very boring interrogation, Fairy Tail was cleared of all wrong doing.
'About time.' Groaned Natsu, who was especially annoyed with the thorough interrogation he got, for beating Jose.
Of course, Natsu's transformation didn't help him any either. While he could retract the wings, he couldn't change the black marks on his right side, nor the dragon scales on his left. It made simple tasks rather interesting, losing an extra finger, but Natsu had to admit, the claws looked really cool.
"Not like the others think that." Thought Natsu sourly.
While no one was outright fearful of Natsu, they were careful not to approach him, being understandably alarmed at the changes the Dragon Slayer had undergone. Natsu expected Mira, of all people, to understand things, but it seemed Natsu's claws reminded her of her own and with that, bad memories of Lisanna and her past. Sure, the barmaid didn't vilify Natsu in any way, she was still just as polite and kind as ever, but it felt a bit more forced to Natsu.
'Natsu, what are you lazing around for? Get to work.' Said Erza.
Natsu gave a small mental sigh at that. Erza on the other hand acted as though nothing had happened at all. It also didn't help that with all the construction going on, Natsu hadn't had time to tell her exactly what happened to her. She continued to keep her right gauntlet off, but wrote off the burning pain she felt every time she wore it, as an injury… ignoring the rather noticeable, red dragon skull tattoo on her hand.
'Oi, Flame Brain, stop goofing off.' Jabbed Gray.
Gray was also largely unmoved by Natsu's changed form. To him, if Natsu grew horns, claws and wings, it didn't change that fact that he was still Flame Brain. Natsu could appreciate that.
'Speak for yourself, you're only carrying a single plank.' Scoffed Natsu, before grabbing eight, four in each hand, resting them on his shoulders.
'Oh yeah.' Said Gray, before grabbing two dozen planks and hefting them on his back, only for them to suddenly fall on top of him, when he was momentarily distracted.
'Nice try, Ice Princess. Want a hand?' Teased Natsu.
'Nah, I'd rather a claw.' Scoffed Gray, standing up.
Natsu gave a dry chuckle at that. Gray really didn't care about Natsu's change in appearance, he only added more material, to his insults for the Fire Dragon Slayer.
'I'm getting hungry though.' Muttered Natsu.
'Yeah, me too, now that you mention it.' Said Gray, only for a wrapped lunch to appear in his hands.
'What the hell, a boxed lunch? Where did this come from?' Asked Gray in shock.
Natsu gave it a quick sniff.
'Hmm, I'd say from someone over there.' Said Natsu, pointing behind a few wooden fixtures, only for a startled yelp to be heard.
'Whatever, I can't eat it. It could be poisoned or something.' Said Gray.
'Hmm, let me see it.' Said Natsu, taking the box from Gray and opening it up.
'Whoa, it looks good… hmm.' Said Natsu exuberantly, before humming in thought.
'What is…' Started Gray, only to find a chunk of food shoved into his mouth.
Gray coughed and spluttered, unknowingly swallowing most of the food as well.
'What the hell was that for?' Asked Gray angrily.
'How was it?' Asked Natsu.
'Huh?' Questioned Gray, this time in confusion.
'How'd it taste?' Asked Natsu again.
'It was… good I guess.' Said Gray, eliciting a squeal from a hidden onlooker.
'Okay then.' Said Natsu, before shovelling the rest into his mouth.
'Ah, you're right, that was good.' Said Natsu, patting his stomach in happiness.
'Why'd you force me to try some?' Asked Gray.
'To check if it was poisoned of course.' Laughed Natsu.
'Oi! I'm not your lab rat, you stupid pyro!' Growled Gray.
'Yeah, yeah. It wasn't poisoned anyway, so next time you can just eat it, instead of getting all suspicious. Not that I'm complaining if you don't want it next time either. It was really good.' Said Natsu lazily.
'Natsu, have you seen Lucy?' Asked Loke, approaching the two.
'Hmm, well, she did get roughed up pretty badly, so I'd say she's at home… and no I haven't seen her.' Said Natsu, answering Loke's follow up question before he could ask it.
'Could you give these to her?' Requested Loke, offering Lucy's Celestial Spirit keys to her.
'Uh, why don't you do it yourself?' Asked Natsu nervously.
'You know me and Celestial Spirit mages.' Said Loke.
'Yeah, but this'd be a good chance for you to deal with your problems you know, haha.' Laughed Natsu awkwardly.
'Please Natsu, I'm not feeling too well.' Said Loke.
'Yeah, you're looking really pale.' Commented Happy, floating over to the mage.
'*sigh* Sure, here.' Said Natsu, outstretching his right hand for the keys.
Loke dropped the keys into Natsu's hand, only for Natsu to quickly drop them.
'Are you okay Natsu?' Asked Loki curiously, eyeing Natsu strangely.
'Whoops, my hand slipped.' Said Natsu, with a nervous laugh, before picking up the keys with his left hand.
Unbeknownst to the others, Natsu had flinched when the keys had made contact with his skin, causing him to involuntarily recoil.
"Note to self, anything to do with Celestial magic, needs to be handled with my left hand only." Thought Natsu.
'Well, might as well go give them to her now. Gray, let's go.' Said Natsu.
'Huh, why me?' Asked Gray.
'Hey, what are you two doing over there, get back to work?' Demanded Erza.
'Run!' Shouted Natsu, leaving Gray and Happy eating his dust for a minute, as he exploded away.
'Hey, wait for us!' Shouted Happy, quickly flying after Natsu, with Gray choosing to follow the pair quickly, to avoid Erza's wrath.
-line break-
'So, you came with us anyway?' Asked Gray.
'Of course, I'm worried about Lucy too.' Commented Erza, as Natsu and Happy searched through the house.
'I hope this doesn't become a cliché scenario where she is in the shower…' Muttered Gray.
'Nope, not here.' Said Natsu, head popping out of the bathroom.
'You're pretty quick to check the shower!' Exclaimed Gray.
'Relax, didn't the three of us bathe together at one point.' Said Natsu, waving off Gray's concern.
'Yeah, but that wasn't with Lucy.' Pointed out Gray.
'Does it matter?' Queried Natsu.
Gray was about to respond, only for Happy to cry out, as a mountain of letters landed on him. Happy started to read through the letters, only for Natsu to notice something. Walking over to what looked like a note, Natsu made to grab it with his left hand, only for Erza to do the same with her right. Erza pulled her hand back as she felt a jolt, where Natsu had inadvertently touched her. Natsu looked at Erza for a moment blankly, seeing her examine her right hand.
'Natsu, did you just do this to me?' Asked Erza, gesturing to her right hand, causing Natsu to gawk.
'You're only noticing it now?' Exclaimed Natsu in shock.
'What? What is it? How long has it been there for? Explain. Now.' Demanded Erza.
'Er, sure… but maybe not right now.' Said Natsu evasively.
'Why not?' Asked Erza authoritatively.
'Well, from the looks of things, we have a problem.' Said Natsu.
'What is it?' Asked Gray.
Natsu raised the note he and Erza had both reached for, before showing it to the group.
'Looks like Lucy is going home.' Said Natsu.
-line break-
As it turned out, Lucy had gone home, only to finally properly leave behind her old life and make sure her father knew not to try another stunt, like what he pulled with Phantom Lord, ever again. The group found Lucy, as she stood at a tombstone, where she explained the truth of the matter.
'I must say though, Lucy, the village your home is in is beautiful.' Commented Erza.
'Village? This entire area is our home, all the way to those mountains over there.' Said Lucy in confusion.
Erza and Gray, along with Happy, looked shocked at Lucy's casual admittance of her wealth, while Natsu looked puzzled.
'What on earth do you need all that space for? You don't seem like the type to go out for really long jogs, no offense Lucy.' Asked Natsu.
'Yeah… there is a lot of empty space… but that's why it's so much more fun at Fairy Tail, where everyone is together.' Said Lucy, initially sad, before perking up, as she thought about her guild.
'Well said.' Said Erza, before the group made to head back to Fairy Tail.
As the group boarded the train, now that the tension of Lucy possibly leaving Fairy Tail had faded, the group noticed something.
'Natsu, how are you riding the train and not feeling sick?' Asked Happy.
'Yeah, what a surprise…' Commented Natsu noncommittally.
'Natsu, you've been acting strange recently. Explain.' Demanded Erza.
'*sigh* I will, just not now.' Said Natsu, looking at the redhead with a piteous expression.
'Natsu, is something wrong?' Asked Erza again, this time more softly.
'I'll… I'll tell you about it later, okay?' Relented Natsu.
'Very well. I'll hold you to that.' Said Erza, satisfied with the knowledge that Natsu would explain his weird behaviour in time.
'Speaking of holding things though, catch Lucy.' Said Natsu, throwing something to Lucy.
'My keys! You found them!' Cheered Lucy.
'Loke actually. He wanted us to give them to you, so he's the one you'd have to thank.' Explained Natsu.
'Thanks, I'll make sure to do that.' Said Lucy happily.
-line break-
'My fellow Etherious, it seems something amazing has occurred recently.' Commented a man, with long dark hair.
'What is it, master?' Asked a woman, with green hair.
'It seems Master E.N.D. has awoken.' Answered the man.
'Oh, how much is something like this worth? How much? How much?' Commented a very round looking creature, with a single large eye.
'Wait, what do you mean he's awoken? What was the point of that whole Face plan we were working on to revive him with?' Asked a muscular, blond haired man.
'It seems I was mistaken. Mard Geer doesn't make mistakes often, but it seems Master E.N.D. was fully capable of coming back to us any time he wanted to.' Confessed Mard Geer, the long black haired man, who had been the one to gather the others.
'What do you need with us then?' Asked a large, dark pink behemoth.
'I would like for the Nine Demon Gates to go out and find Master E.N.D. as we have no idea where he is right now. He may be lost, or disoriented and it is our duty to help remind him of himself, so we can achieve our goal.' Explained Mard Geer.
A rather good looking man, who looked slightly out of place in his heavily armoured suit, merely watched the proceedings with a bored expression.
'That includes you too, Silver.' Said Mard Geer, addressing the man directly.
The man gave a small grunt, before nodding and turned to leave. Once he had left, the eight in the room looked to Mard Geer.
'If Master E.N.D. has been revived, why are we keeping that experiment around still?' Asked the green haired woman.
'Experiments are interesting after all. Besides, what better way to ascertain if Master E.N.D. has truly returned, than by giving him a little test?' Answered Mard Geer.
'Is it wise to test Master E.N.D.?' Asked a rather busty woman, wearing a revealing kimono.
'Of course. If we wish to return to Zeref, Master E.N.D. must be at his full power. That is why we will still make preparations for Face. If magic is gone, Master E.N.D. will surely grow stronger.' Explained Mard Geer, earning a nod from the others, before they too left.
"Soon. Soon, we will accomplish that which you seek." Thought Mard Geer.
-line break-
The group had finally arrived at Fairy Tail and disembarked from the train.
'Well, I'm beat, I'll see you all tomorrow.' Said Natsu, preparing to dash off.
'Natsu! Where are you going, weren't you going to explain what's been causing you to act strangely recently?' Asked Erza expectantly.
'Oh… that… tomorrow. See you later!' Said Natsu, before running off.
'I'm starting to get the feeling that he is avoiding something.' Muttered Erza.
'Really, what made you think that?' Commented Gray sarcastically.
'Hmm? Are you saying you haven't noticed anything?' Asked Erza curiously.
'No, I was… never mind. Flame Brain has always been weird to me anyway. It's good that you're back Lucy, later.' Said Gray, before walking off.
'Yes, it is good that you are back, Lucy.' Added Erza.
'Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow, Erza.' Said Lucy, before leaving as well.
Erza waved the blond off, before noticing there was still someone there with her.
'Happy, shouldn't you have gone off with Natsu?' Asked Erza.
'*pfft* Shouldn't you have gone with him as well?' Asked Happy teasingly, holding his laughter in, as his cheeks puffed out.
'What do you mean?' Asked Erza.
'Nothing. See you tomorrow.' Sang Happy merrily, before flying off.
'Odd… it feels like I'm missing something.' Commented Erza, before heading to Fairy Hills.
-line break-
The next day at the guild was greeted with excitement by many, as they could finally take jobs again.
'So Lucy, were your spirits angry with you for losing your keys?' Asked Mira pleasantly, having been conversing with the blond for the past minute or so.
'Ha… angry… just thinking about it makes my butt hurt.' Whined Lucy.
Mira gave a small laugh at this, feeling sympathy for the blond.
'Want me to cool it off?' Asked Gray, holding a hand out, with ice magic wafting around it.
'Don't pretend to be a gentleman. That's sexual harassment!' Grumbled Lucy.
'Lucy, let me see your red butt?' Asked Happy cheekily.
'That is obvious sexual harassment!' Shouted Lucy.
There was a pause after that for a moment, before Happy noticed something odd.
'Natsu? Why aren't you saying anything?' Asked Happy, flying over to his father figure.
'Hmm, oh. Lucy's butt. Yeah, might as well take Gray up on his offer. He could just make you some ice for it.' Said Natsu distractedly.
'That's… not that strange of a suggestion actually.' Exclaimed Lucy initially, before calming down.
'Natsu, what's wrong?' Asked Happy.
'Huh?' Asked Natsu, only for a table to slam into him, shattering on contact and knocking him over slightly.
'Wha-What was that?' Asked Natsu, shaking his head slightly, looking very confused.
'Talk about stupidly strong.' Muttered Lucy, as Natsu tried to figure out why a table had slammed into him.
'You dare say that!' Shouted Erza, grabbing Natsu's attention.
'Hmm, I'll say it again then. This guild doesn't need weaklings.' Said Laxus Dreyar, an S-Class mage of Fairy Tail and the sole grandson of Makarov Dreyar.
'You bastard.' Said Erza venomously.
'To be looked down upon by a guild like Phantom Lord… how embarrassing. I couldn't face anyone.' Said Laxus, before turning to Team Shadow Gear and harshly insulting them.
'Laxus, this matter is closed. There was no talk of blame from the start. You didn't participate in the fight and you don't need to add oil to the fire. Master said that.' Said Mira.
'Of course it doesn't have anything to do with me… but if I was there, I wouldn't get beaten up horribly.' Said Laxus, stunning Erza.
'What did you say?' Asked Natsu coldly.
'Hmm, what's the matter Natsu? Has all your loud nonsensical shouting made you go deaf?' Mocked Laxus.
Natsu calmly walked over to Laxus, giving off an aura that caused everyone around him to back away silently.
'I heard you… but it sounded like you were saying something unreasonable. I mean, can a person who was too much of a coward to even fight with Phantom Lord, really say what they would have done. You talk a lot Laxus, but recently, it seems like you never back it up.' Said Natsu coldly.
'What's this? Natsu, do you really think you're strong enough to taunt me like that. As I seem to recall, you can't even touch me and the last time I even bothered to entertain you in a fight, you lost in an instant.' Jeered Laxus.
'Maybe, but that was then. This is now.' Said Natsu calmly.
'I'll admit it, it was surprising to hear that you beat Jose, but don't go thinking you're top dog around here. If I was there, I would have beaten Jose twice as fast. Which is more than I can say about Titania. Queen of the Fairies? That's fitting I suppose. You make a good queen of all these weaklings, considering you couldn't even touch Jose. What kind of a pathetic mage are you?' Asked Laxus, only to feel himself lifted off the ground, an instant later.
'Don't you dare badmouth Erza in front of me!' Roared Natsu.
'What's wrong, can't accept the truth. Titania is a weakling, just like the rest of this guild.' Said Laxus, before trying to break free from Natsu's grip, only to find himself incapable of doing so.
'So you're calling someone who took a head on attack from a Jupiter Canon, with their body, weak? Someone who even after that, fought and defeated, the strongest of the Element Four, Aria. Someone who even after all that, fought with Jose, a Guild Master and Wizard Saint, someone even Gramps dealt with seriously, long enough for help to arrive. You think that's weak?' Asked Natsu.
'Of course. That's nothing special at all.' Smirked Laxus, enjoying riling Natsu up.
'Then where the hell were you, you little brat!' Growled Natsu.
'Brat? Maybe you should check yourself first, before calling me a brat, Natsu. I'm more than half a decade your senior and leagues above you in magic.' Taunted Laxus.
'Is that why I'm still holding you up in the air like this?' Asked Natsu, with a vicious grin.
'If you really want me to get serious here Natsu, you might end up in the hospital like those three weaklings over there.' Warned Laxus mockingly, only for his face to erupt in pain after that.
The guild looked on in shock, as Natsu head-butted Laxus, hard enough to draw blood.
'Get serious then. I won't let someone spit on Erza's efforts like that. She protected the guild when no one else could and I especially don't want to hear it coming, from someone too good to help their family. Keep it up Laxus and I'll destroy you.' Snarled Natsu, before throwing Laxus away.
The blond haired mage quickly regained himself, before touching his nose and feeling the blood that had been drawn.
'Do you think you can get away with that, Natsu?' Roared Laxus.
Natsu looked at Laxus with stern eyes.
'Just try something and you'll see exactly how I beat Jose.' Said Natsu, a dark purple aura beginning to waft off his form.
'Natsu! That's enough! No matter what Laxus says, he is still a member of Fairy Tail. I won't tolerate the two of you fighting like this.' Said Erza sternly.
'Fine.' Said Natsu, letting his aura dissipate.
'Ha, you're just a lowly dog Natsu, listening to a pretentious, red-haired, bitch.' Jeered Laxus.
Natsu's eyes widened at this, before flames burst off his form, causing those who hadn't already stepped back a sufficient distance, to back away even further. Natsu roared before punching his left fist forward in a flash, launching a fist shaped blast of dark red fire at Laxus, who only had time to widen his eyes, before the attack reached him and exploded.
As the dust cleared, Laxus was revealed and looked very annoyed. His cloak was gone, reduced to tatters and his shirt was singed.
'Natsu… are you trying to make me angry?' Growled Laxus.
'Shut up Laxus! One more word out of you and I'll crush you!' Snarled Natsu.
'Natsu, stop it.' Said Erza calmly.
Natsu glanced at Erza for a moment, looking at her in annoyance. The knight matched his gaze, until Natsu's flames simmered down.
'Fine… for now.' Said Natsu, before turning back to Laxus.
'Next time though… we're fighting for real. I don't care if you're S-Class, Gramps grandson, a Fairy Tail mage like me, or anything else. Next time, we fight seriously and when I beat you, you're going to have to eat your words.' Hissed Natsu, before storming off.
'To think, I actually thought you were a man for a minute, but it seems you're still just a boy. Listening to that weakling, of all people, even when she couldn't come close to doing what you somehow managed to.' Scoffed Laxus, before walking off.
Natsu didn't move as Laxus spoke, waiting for him to walk off, before glancing back over his shoulder, revealing his right eye looking just as cold as it had, when Jose tried his sneak attack on him.
Natsu turned his head away, before walking off in the opposite direction Laxus had taken.
'I'm getting to the bottom of this. When I come back though, what do you say to taking a job together with Natsu, Gray, Lucy? Since Eisenwald, it seems we keep gathering together like a little team. With Happy, we make five.' Said Erza, getting a cheer from Lucy and a frozen look from Gray.
'That sounds great!' Cheered Lucy.
'Excellent, then we can go on a job just as soon as I sort out whatever is bothering Natsu.' Said Erza, before leaving.
'I didn't even agree to this…' Muttered Gray.
'I'm more interested in what's happening between Erza and Natsu. First they kissed and now all of this. It's just like a romantic story where the dashing knight stands up for the fair maiden.' Said Mira, getting shocked looks from the rest of the guild, who hadn't heard about Erza and Natsu kissing.
'But Erza's the knight and Natsu's a dragon and there is no fair maiden.' Said Happy.
'Well, I suppose not literally, but it's the same thought.' Said Mira.
'I don't know… oh and they kissed twice actually.' Said Happy, before flying off.
'Really? Well this is even more serious than I thought then.' Said Mira thoughtfully, even as the rest of the guild was rendered catatonic by Happy's words.
'I still want to know what possessed Flame Brain to do that… Erza's terrifying.' Commented Gray.
'Maybe you just can't see what Natsu sees in her. I guess you just need to meet the right person.' Commented Mira.
'I dunno.' Said Gray unconvincingly.
'Ohhh, don't tell me you've already met a certain someone too.' Teased Mira.
'As if.' Huffed Gray.
'It's Lucy, isn't it?' Asked Mira.
'What? No way!' Said Gray.
A loud squeal was heard at that, but no one could place where it had come from.
'Gray, that's rude.' Chided Mira.
'Whatever, I don't have to stay here and let you play matchmaker… besides, are you really the right person to be talking about what either Natsu or I think.' Said Gray slightly coldly, causing the barmaid to flinch slightly.
'I guess you're right.' Said Mira, with a smile, but it was painfully obvious to Gray that it was forced.
'Sorry, I didn't mean that… well, actually, I did a little… forget it, none of my business.' Said Gray, before walking off.
'Mira, what's wrong?' Asked Lucy in confusion.
'Oh nothing Lucy, just something in the past is all, nothing for you to worry about.' Said Mira pleasantly.
-line break-
'Natsu, explain what's gotten into you these past few days!' Demanded Erza, having caught up to Natsu, as he stopped to rest at the lake he and Gray fought at in the past.
Natsu turned a sour glare on Erza, causing her to sit down beside him.
'Please tell me what's wrong Natsu, you haven't been acting like yourself.' Said Erza more softly.
Natsu sighed at this, before softening his expression and looking out at the small stream.
'Erza, did you forget everything I told you after you defeated Aria?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'No, I recall everything. Why do you ask?' Asked Erza.
'Ok, well just to clarify, what did you understand from what happened in there?' Asked Natsu.
'You needed my support to unlock your true power. Isn't that it?' Asked Erza expectantly.
Uncharacteristically, Natsu raised his right hand to his forehead and rubbed it in exasperation.
'OK, it seems there is a lot that you didn't understand about what happened.' Said Natsu, only for Erza to look at him suspiciously.
'What do you mean by that, Natsu?' Queried Erza.
'Okay, let's start with my power boost first then. So you understand at least, that I always had that power inside me, right?' Asked Natsu, getting a nod from Erza.
'Well, the reason I couldn't use all of it, was because I needed to do something, more specifically, I needed someone to help me bring it out and control it.' Said Natsu.
'So that person was me?' Questioned Erza, getting a nod from Natsu.
'Yeah. Which leads to the mark on your hand.' Said Natsu, pointing to Erza's right hand.
'Yes, what is this?' Asked Erza.
'Ok, so firstly, have you noticed that it hurts to cover the mark?' Asked Natsu.
'Hmm, so that's why I had to requip my gauntlet away.' Muttered Erza.
'Yeah, unfortunately, you're going to have to keep it uncovered forever.' Said Natsu nervously.
'Why is that?' Asked Erza curiously.
'Well, it'll probably make more sense when I explain the third thing.' Said Natsu.
'The third thing?' Questioned Erza.
'The reason for the mark and my power boost. So, we both know I have hidden power, right?' Started Natsu, getting a nod from Erza, prompting him to continue.
'Well, it was actually two hidden powers. One was the full extent, of a branch of Dragon Slaying magic, one that only works because of that mark. I mean, other Dragon Slayers, like Gajeel for instance, have different ways of activating it, I do too, but in order for me to use my second hidden power, I needed the Dragon Slayer magic boost to be permanent.' Continued Natsu.
'What is this second power then?' Asked Erza in interest.
'…Yeah, I should probably explain that as well, especially if it's to you.' Said Natsu, drawing a puzzled look from Natsu.
'Especially if it's me?' Muttered Erza in confusion.
'Well, you know how Mira can use Satan Soul to take over demons and stuff.' Said Natsu, getting a nod from Erza.
'Well… I'm technically a demon as well as a Dragon Slayer.' Said Natsu.
Erza blinked a few times at this, before scrutinising Natsu.
'Is that why you suddenly have claws and horns?' Asked Erza.
'Well actually, that is my new dragon related powers. The black markings are the things to do with my demon powers. That being said, the horns were impacted by my demon powers, which is why they are black.' Answered Natsu.
'Okay. So you have demon and dragon powers, what does that have to do with the mark?' Asked Erza.
'Before I get to that… are you sure about just accepting that I'm a demon?' Questioned Natsu hesitantly.
'Demon, dragon, it doesn't matter, you are a member of Fairy Tail and still Natsu Dragneel.' Said Erza calmly, getting Natsu to exhale in relief.
'That makes things so much easier then.' Whispered Natsu, not realising Erza had heard him.
'What's easier?' Asked Erza.
'Oh, uh you heard that, makes sense.' Said Natsu sheepishly, confusing Erza.
'Okay, to wrap things up, I needed the full extent of that particular type of Dragon Slaying power, to control my demonic powers. To do that though, I needed an anchor. The way it would work, is the anchor would help balance my dragon powers and keep them stable enough, to control my demon powers. At the same time, the anchor would get a few benefits, like resistance to both Dragon Slaying and demonic powers, but not immunity. They'd also get a few passive traits from both, like increased durability and improved senses.' Explained Natsu.
'I see, but this still doesn't explain this.' Pointed out Erza, gesturing to her hand.
'Ah, well, I'd need to mark the anchor permanently, to serve as a link between us. That's why I have the same mark here.' Said Natsu, exposing his right pectoral to Erza, showing the same mark on his chest, that she had on her hand.
'So… I'm your anchor then?' Asked Erza curiously.
'Yep.' Said Natsu happily.
'I see… what exactly is an anchor then? What purpose do I serve?' Asked Erza curiously.
'Er… you know what marriage is, right Erza?' Asked Natsu nervously.
'Of course, but what does that have to do with anything?' Asked Erza.
There was a long pause between the two, as Natsu waited for Erza to connect the dots, only to sigh as she continued to look at him expectantly.
'That mark is like a ring. It signifies marriage among a Dragon Slayer and his mate.' Said Natsu, wincing slightly, as he said the words and closed his eyes.
Natsu counted to three, waiting for the reaction to come, only to hear nothing, causing him to open his eyes.
Erza had a glazed look in her eyes and seemed to be staring off into the distance.
'Eh, Erza… you okay?' Asked Natsu tentatively.
Erza didn't respond, starting to worry Natsu.
Natsu waved his hand in front of the knight's face, only for her to show no reaction. Giving her a slight nudge on the forehead, Natsu was alarmed, when Erza simply toppled over, as though she weighed nothing.
'Ah! I broke Erza!' Exclaimed Natsu in shock.
