S.R: Okay so, when I came up with this idea I was fully prepared to write out two extremely badass fights for Natsu and Gajeel that would lead to them learning their secondary elements. But my hands seem to have had different plans. Well, I like how it turned out, so it stays. Epic and badass fights will come later on I guess.


Gajeel groaned as he pulled himself off the ground. Because he was trying to be careful in how he handled the rest of the nest, it had been a good while since he and Natsu had first split up. The first Wyvern he'd defeated had been pretty weak compared to the rest of it's nest as he came to learn.

Most of the day had already passed, and rather than let them swarm him in a large group he'd picked them off when he had the chance. Counting his first encounter the Iron Dragon Slayer had only dealt with six of the eight Wyverns that made up the nest. It had gotten easier and easier each time, but he as he got closer to the place he figured the nest was staying at, and closer to the alpha who had be guarding said base he could tell there was still a clear difference. As if the alpha was far older and stronger than the rest of the nest. 'But that shouldn't be possible' Gajeel thought to himself when he realized the difference between the alpha and the rest of it's nest. Unlike Drakes who didn't really care about their nest mates, Wyvern's were picky in that they would only nest with others from the same age group.

A roar pulled him from his thoughts. When he spotted the approaching Wyvern, he gave a tired sigh.

"Dammit, this is getting to be exhausting."

He had been taking a rest to try and regain some of his stamina. While his magic was becoming more and more potent, and restoring itself after each kill, his physical capabilities weren't able to keep up. Rolling his neck, Gajeel glared at the Wyvern that landed a short distance away. But it did nothing, besides glare right back at him.

"Let's just get this fight over with so I can go back to resting up before I handle your alpha."

Gajeel stated as he activated his Iron Dragon's Scales to boost both his defense and offense. But the Wyvern didn't say anything. It didn't even growl or roar at him. The look in the Wyverns eyes was calm and collected though. So Gajeel took that as a provocation, that he was being given the first move.

"Don't regret letting me go first" Gajeel said before becoming a blur. Considering the feeling of his magic, and the way his body was built, the Wyvern had to smirk approvingly. Somehow proud that the Dragon Slayer was faster than expected. Gajeel had chosen to use a new spell he had made in a previous fight. With his magic changing his arms into a massive sledge hammer, he called out "Iron Dragon's Secret Art Karma Demon: Crushing Hammer!"

Swiping his arms horizontally he brought the head of the sledge hammer his arms had become into the side of the Wyvern with enough force to send it to the ground upon impact. They Wyvern couldn't even roar in pain as all the air in it's body had been knocked out by the attack.

Since he used a bit more power to make sure the fight would be over quickly, Gajeel wasn't surprised to see the Wyvern didn't even bother to stand back up. The look in it's eyes wasn't one of anger or contempt for defeating it, but instead it was a look of respect. Despite the fact the Wyvern never tried to speak, and wasn't going to speak to him at all it still respected the Iron Dragon Slayer.

The black haired man was going to sit down and rest, but then he felt the magical presence of the alpha beginning to move. For the first time since he started attacking the nest, the Alpha was finally responding.

Meanwhile With Natsu

"This has been far to suspicious."

The pink haired man whispered to himself as he crept into the large cave he'd found. Seven of the Wyverns were already defeated, and even though he should have stopped Natsu had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that pushed him forward without rest.

After a few moments of wondering through the dim tunnel it widened up into an absolutely massive cavern. In the center was the last Wyvern, the alpha of the nest he'd just killed. Compared to the others, it was far larger. The scales on it's body were not as vibrantly colored, and he could see several small scars littering it's scales.

"So the Slayer finally enters my domain."

The Wyvern spoke, the weathered and gruff tone, being another clue as to the fact the alpha was far older than the rest of the nest. It was enough to confuse Natsu severely. Especially since the other Wyverns didn't seem to want to talk like this one.

"What is going on? Why is an elder Wyvern like yourself part of a nest with all those young ones?"

"Well, I and several other Wyverns were given a job by the Dragons of the north. The young ones were ordered to accompany us as guards."

But the response Natsu was given wasn't expected, and it confused him even more. Especially since the Wyvern was being so open about it all.

"I see you are still confused. Since you are my task, allow me to explain. Far to the north in a land known as Guiltina are 5 dragons who are known as the Dragon Gods. They know of you Dragon Slayers, and have sent us to test you. The young ones were sent as a means of boosting your strength. Myself and the other alphas however… We are not to fight to the death like our 'nests' were. If you prove yourselves capable we are to grant you the ability to use our magic as a secondary magic."

"Why?"

That was all Natsu could think to ask. After all even if the explanation did make sense to him, he still needed to know why.

"The Dragon Gods fled from this land to avoid Acnologia, and while in hiding have grown strong enough to rival that foul beast. But rather than risk him growing even stronger after defeating one of them, they are staying out of the conflict. At least directly. Defeating Acnologia falls to you Dragon Slayers, and so the Dragon Gods are lending you their aid by using us to help you grow stronger. That is my understanding of things at least."

"So then why are you and this other nest stirring up trouble?"

Natsu questioned. It was a valid and important question to ask after hearing the story of why the Wyvern was even in Fiore, but if anyone from the guild were to hear it, they'd look at Natsu as if he'd grown a second head. Mostly because Natsu wasn't really 'smart' to them. Sure he was a genius with his magic and fighting, but other than that he was supposed to be dumber than a bag of rocks.

"Our conflict was just a means of drawing your attention."

"I see… But why would these 'Dragon Gods' send you all to your deaths? Why did the others obey that order?"

Natsu questioned, he still felt uneasy about the fact he had killed the other Wyvern's that made up the nest. Add on the fact they were sent to help him grow stronger by allowing him to kill them? He was completely and totally lost.

"Most of our kind would rather be slain by one of you Slayers than die to Acnologia. If it means giving someone else the power to stand up to him and the ability to ensure the future of our kind, we would gladly obey the Dragon Gods orders to sacrifice ourselves."

But Natsu shook his head.

"How can you just throw your life away like that!"

"Surely you've noticed. Dragon-kind don't have an average or even expected lifespan. So we never reach a 'peak' in power. We are constantly growing stronger until the moment we die. Yet there is still such a large difference between the different species that it takes centuries to be comparable to another. I'm already approaching 500 years old, yet I can only just manage a draw against a young freshly hatched Dragon. How old would I have to be to equal Acnologia in terms of power? I'd have to at least be a few hundred millennia to even approach that monster given just how many dragons he's slain and absorbed. Yet in that time he'd be growing stronger as well. It just isn't possible for one of us to ever equal him, so rather than cower and await the extinction of our kind we would rather lend our power to someone that could rival him in far less time than it would take for one of us."

Unable to counter Laveatil's reasoning Natsu remained silent. He didn't like the fact that the Wyverns had just given up, but he could understand it at least. Since he could see that Natsu wasn't going to push things further Laveatil spoke up again.

"Now, before we begin the test to see if you are worthy of using another element I must ask. Which slayer are you?"

Even though Natsu didn't agree with what the Wyvern was ordered to do he decided to hold off arguing and just go with the flow.

"I am Natsu Dragneel, son of Igneel the Fire Dragon King."

"So you are the Fire Dragon Slayer. I am Laveatil. Before being sent here from Guiltina I was known as the strongest Volcanivern. As my Fire magic would be useless to you, if you can pass my test I will grant you my Earth magic."

"I'm all fired up!"

Natsu responded, reluctance evident in his voice, though the Wyvern was pleased to notice there was a hint of eagerness to it as well. 'He might not like the method, but it seems he won't reject the power he'll receive.' The old Wyvern thought to himself.

Back With Gajeel

"That ain't a bad deal. Though I'm curious how those Dragon Gods know about us."

Gajeel commented to the Wyvern that had approached him. Unlike the others, before it had even landed on the ground it was talking to him. The first words from it's mouth were asking for him to allow it to explain what was going on. Then Gajeel was given the same speech Natsu had gotten. The Iron Dragon Slayer was just as confused as Natsu was after hearing about it all, but he would gladly take a reason to get stronger.

"The other alphas and I were not made aware of how they knew about you Dragon Slayers... Oh, where are my manners. I am Titori, a Titanium Wyvern."

"Gajeel Redfox, Iron Dragon Slayer."

"Normally I'd be insulted by the lack of respect, but I can tell you just want this to be over with already. Very well, Come test yourself against my might!"

Meanwhile

"I don't know what to do!"

Cana groaned at Mira, almost in tears. Michiko had been so tired when they left the guild, but after they got back to Natsu's home, the little one refused to go to sleep. Mira was being an extra set of hands for Cana since Natsu was out, but even together they couldn't come up with a solution. Michiko was getting extremely cranky since she wasn't going to sleep, but no matter what they tried the baby girl just wouldn't fall asleep.

"It's not safe to use Sleep magic no matter how weak on anyone younger than 5 years old, so we can't do that. We've both tried rocking her to sleep, I tried singing a lullaby, you tried humming one. I can't think of anything else to try."

Mira responded, just as confused and worn out as Cana. Both the Card mage and Take Over mage were exhausted. They'd been trying for hours and hours but nothing worked. But then Michiko who was flailing her arms about in her temper tantrum, managed to grab the scarf that was wrapped around Cana's neck. With a tug the little girl pulled the white scarf to herself.

The sound of her crying died down as she calmed herself while looking at the scarf in her hands. A tired yawn escaped her lips as she blinked rapidly. Having seen what just happened Cana and Mira looked at each other in slight frustration.

"She's a daddy's girl, so how could we not realize that all Michiko wanted was something to remind her of him since Natsu's not here right now."

Cana commented, getting an agreeing nod from Mira. With the solution being presented to them, the brunette carefully and gently wrapped Natsu's scarf around Michiko before slowly lowering herself into the rocking chair to hum a lullaby once more. When Michiko was finally asleep in her crib Cana and Mira both relaxed as the tension left their bodies.

"You should get some rest now Cana… After how the last couple days have been for you, you need it."

"I can't. I know what I said at the guild and I fully believe it, but… I can't go to sleep just yet. Not until I know he's back."

The white haired woman just smiled at her friend. Mira fully understood what Cana meant. The brunette was still worried. Not about Natsu returning home, but about the state he'd be in when he did. Not to mention the fact that just by looking at Cana's face, Mira knew the Card mage wanted to be there and be the first to tell Natsu "Welcome home."

"Okay then… I'm going to head home and get some sleep myself. If you need help, don't hesitate to let me know."

Back To Natsu

"Fire Dragon's Roar!"

Natsu used his roar to counter Laveatil's. They had been fighting fairly viciously, but neither of them were going for the kill move since it was supposed to be a test. So Natsu and Laveatil were both in far better shape than most people would be expecting, though they were still pretty roughed up.

Natsu's clothes were in tatters, and his hair was matted down by sweat. A couple bruises were visible on his arms from blocking Laveatil's tail, and there were dozens of small cuts covering his body. Laveatil wasn't in much better shape even though it wasn't possible to know that fact just by looking. But Natsu had crushed the bones in Laveatil's left arm, and broke a few of his ribs as well. There was blood falling from a few spots where Natsu's fists had gotten past Laveatil's scales. The Wyvern was down an eye after having it singed by a Fire Dragon's Wing Attack. Yet the two were smiling happily as they fought, laughter echoing through the cavern around them. They were clearly enjoying themselves. After ducking under Laveatil's tail, Natsus retaliated with another "Fire Dragon's Roar" but this time it was strong enough to lift the Wyvern off the ground a bit. Wincing in pain the old Wyvern decided that Natsu had proven more than capable.

"That's enough… You've passed my test. So I shall grant you the ability to use Earth Dragon Slayer magic like I promised."

Laveatil commented. 'Even with the knowledge that he is the Dragon Slayer that Igneel raised, he's far stronger than expected. I'm giving my all, yet I can see that he is still holding back. My power certainly won't be enough to put him on equal level with that foul beast Acnologia, but it should be enough to accelerate his continued growth.'

"So what kind of test was this? Did I just have to prove that I could fight at your level?"

"That is correct young slayer. Now, the method for which you are going to learn my Earth based Dragon magic is simple. We consume our elements to regain strength, but you Dragon Slayers have an additional ability that comes from the flexibility you human DNA gives you. If you eat enough of another element, you will gain the ability to wield it. So once I've built up a considerable amount of my magic I will fire a roar at you. When the pain sets in, ignore it as best you can and just keep eating."

Since he understood this would be a serious roar, Natsu set his stance and dug his feet in as he faced the old Wyvern. But what he didn't know was that Laveatil was going to use up every last bit of his power for this. Natsu would gain quite a bit of power from eating enough of the roar, enough so that he'd instantly go into Dragon Force thanks to the extreme power boost he'd get. But Laveatil was going to keep going beyond that. Since Natsu was so adamant against the idea of just throwing their lives away, he understood the young man would not agree to finish him off after gaining his new ability.

Pulling not just every last ounce of his magic out from his body, but even his soul, Laveatil readied his attack. By pouring his soul into the roar he was essentially making it a lacrima, to be absorbed similar to how Natsu's magic would react if he had dealt the killing blow to Laveatil. With his mind made up, and everything ready, the old Wyvern unleashed the largest and longest roar he'd ever given. It tore through the air as it traveled towards the pink haired Dragon Slayer.

"Let's do this!"

Natsu shouted to psyche himself up before opening his mouth as wide as possible. It didn't take long for him to feel the pain from eating a new element. But like Laveatil had told him to, Natsu pushed through the pain, stubbornly staying in place rather than collapsing to the ground like his body wanted him to.

'Holy hell this hurts!' He mentally screamed as the pain intensified. Natsu's knees began to buckle as his legs tried to give out on him. On the edge of passing out, Natsu gave his all to stay conscious and keep his mouth open to eat the earthen roar that Laveatil was spewing at him. When he thought he wouldn't be able to take it any longer his body started to fall forward, as his legs gave in completely. But then a surge of energy shot through his body, and he caught himself.

He could only vaguely see himself around the roar that he was funneling into his mouth. Normally when he entered Dragon Force his skin would turn crimson red as scales began to form, but this time a dusty burnt orange color was the color of his scales. As he noticed the new color of his scales, he suddenly felt his bones growing stronger and more dense, as if his body was taking on the strong and sturdy aspect of the ground he was eating. It was a really weird feeling, but he found that it didn't bother him all that much. At this point Natsu knew he'd be able to wield the Earth Dragon Slaying magic he'd just been gifted, so he was confused why Laveatil kept going.

'Maybe his roar is blocking his view enough that he can't tell I've entered Dragon Force.' The pink haired man thought to himself with a shrug. He wanted to call out and let the old Wyvern know he had succeeded, but he wasn't sure just how much damage he'd take if he stopped eating the attack and moved to get Laveatil's attention. Because he didn't want to risk getting too hurt to move he stayed silent and waited for the Wyvern to end it's breath attack.

A few minutes later the attack weakened enough for Natsu to be able to see everything clearly. It didn't completely stop, but it was far calmer. Enough so that he could see the straining details of Laveatil's face as he poured his power out into his roar. But his keen eyes also noticed that the Wyvern's eyes were far dimmer than they had been during the fight. Realizing what was happening Natsu charged forward through the roar, ignoring everything around him as he tried to force the Wyvern to stop killing itself to make him stronger.

'I truly couldn't have found a more worthy person for this power.' Laveatil thought to himself when he noticed Natsu was going to attempt to stop him from dying. But a satisfied smile came to his face. He knew it wouldn't matter. Natsu had absorbed enough of his essence already, so even if he stopped, the old Wyvern was going to die.

"Dammit you don't have to kill yourself for me to grow stronger!"

Natsu called out, frustration and sadness clear in his voice. But Laveatil was already falling, as the last bit of strength left his body. A pleased smile slowly stretched across the Wyvern's face as he gave his last words.

"My last moments were doing something I wanted to do. Don't cry for me, son of Igneel for we may meet again in another life."


S.R: I was originally going to give Natsu a second type of Fire magic, but I couldn't come up with a name that I liked for it, so I scrapped that idea and just gave him Earth Dragon Slaying magic. I mean it can combine pretty easily with his Fire Dragon Slaying magic as you'll see later on. Anyway I'll see you all next time!