S.R: I've said it before, but just to be safe I'll say it again. The 'Dragon Gods' are not going to be like they are in the manga. It may be a bit annoying to hear it being said again, but I'd rather have it forced into your heads than forget to mention it and have people complain. Speaking of which.
Side note: FireDrakes, no it isn't a bit early for them to be brought in. Considering the plans I have in place and things I intend to change this is really the best place to bring them into play.
Anyway here you guys go.
Last Time
"Personally I've only met Mercphobia. But thanks to Telepathy I've talked with Aldoron and the last of the Dragon Gods. I saved him specifically for last because you are connected to him."
Nephele commented as she neared the end of her explanations.
"How so?"
Tilting her head, Nephele took a moment to respond.
"You see, the last of the Dragon Gods is the Fire Dragon God. His name is Ignia and like you, he is a child of Igneel."
This Time
Natsu was shocked. He had grown up with Igneel, yet his adoptive father never mentioned anything about any other dragon, let alone his child Ignia. Wendy was also shocked by the revelation. Nephele could see that it was going to take the two slayers a moment to absorb the new information. Unsure of how to feel now that he knew about Ignia, Natsu looked to the Wyvern in front of him, wondering if she had anything else to add before he bombarded her with questions. Able to see that he was giving her a chance to say more, Nephele continued to talk about the Fire Dragon God.
"Ignia is… Well from the telepathic communications we've had he tends to be rather blunt and too the point, so I don't expect you'll have to wait much to learn whatever it is he wishes to talk with you about. I've heard about what he looks like when he takes human form, so I can tell you what to look out for while you wait for him to come to you."
Because of how she shifted the topic back towards the meeting with the two Dragon Gods, Natsu realized she was trying to move things along. He also had the sudden thought that some of the questions he had would be better for Ignia to answer. So with a small nod of his head he spoke.
"Please. I'd like to be able to tell the others to bring him to me if he tries to find me at the guild."
"Ignia, when he takes his human form is rather tall for a human. I'm not exactly sure, but I think I recall his height being described as roughly six and a half feet tall, with a body build similar to you, young Fire Dragon Slayer. But his hair is dark orange, and aside from bangs that frame his face his hair is spiky like yours. Since he is naturally warm, he'll likely be without a shirt so you'll be able to see a tattoo in the shape of a sun on his chest, and a tribal like series of tattoos on his left arm."
"Should be easy to recognize him then… How about the other Dragon God that is coming to meet with me?"
Natsu responded after a few minutes. The time was solely so he could commit the description to memory.
"The other one is Selene, the Moon Dragon God. But that is all I know. As I said when I mentioned her previously, the only thing we know about her is her power. Likely she'll ignore anyone and everyone and just walk right up to you, at least that's what Mercphobia said is going to happen."
"I see..."
Natsu muttered with a frown. He wasn't sure how to explain it to the rest of the guild, so he could only hope that when she arrived things wouldn't become chaotic.
"I know you have more questions, but I doubt that I could answer all of them. Besides, I've been holding out for far too long. The pain from having part of my soul ripped out… I can't push it aside and ignore it for any longer. No matter what I will not live another hour, so please… Please let me end things on my own terms."
Nephele begged. The two dragon slayers could hear the strain in her voice. They could feel the sincerity in her words. The pink haired man looked towards his blue haired companion. His eyes telling her that he could do it if she wasn't ready. But Wendy resolutely stepped forward. As she did, Natsu pulled the sleeping form of Carla out of Wendy's arms to hold so as to keep the white exceed safe.
"If it will help bring you peace, I'll take everything you have."
She commented, as the pale whitish blue Wyvern smiled gratefully.
"I forgot to ask your full name young Sky Dragon Slayer."
"I am Wendy Marvell, daughter of the Sky Dragon Grandeeney."
A smile came to Nephele's face at Wendy's words, as she gave a respectful nod.
"I see… Thank you, Wendy Marvell, the Sky Dragon Slayer. Thank you for allowing me to die at peace."
With her final words said the Wyvern took a deep breath, pooling all of her remaining power, and the last remnants of her soul together. When she unleashed her attack, it came out as a loud and forceful cry.
Opening her mouth and absorbing the attack as best she could Wendy stood strong in the middle of Nephele's roar.
"That's it Wendy. Stay strong. Even when it becomes painful, you have to keep going."
Natsu yelled out over the sound of Nephele's roar. While it was sound advice, Natsu wasn't trying to tell her how to gain a new element, it was meant as a cheer. It was affirming that Wendy was doing great, positive reinforcement in other words. Something he used to have to do often for the shy and timid girl. Though as she'd grown older some of that timidity had faded, Natsu still had to give her positive reinforcement occasionally.
Due to being a Dragon Slayer Wendy did hear Natsu's words. Happy and Carla who were put to sleep by magic so as to rest, wouldn't have been able to hear him if they were still awake. If there had been anyone else in the cavern they wouldn't have been able to either. That was how loud Nephele's roar was.
As he watched Wendy beginning to enter Dragon Force due to the massive influx of power she was receiving the pink haired man couldn't help but smile proudly. The Sky Dragon Slayer still had a lot of growing to do, but he knew she was taking steps in the right direction. Resolutely standing by her words, she took everything Nephele was throwing at her magic wise.
The strain from what she was doing was visible however. Her form was quivering as her muscles struggled to keep her body up. Recalling when he'd been in the same position back when he gained his Earth magic, Natsu started to move. Then he recalled after a few minutes of being in Dragon Force while his body acclimatized to the new magic the pain vanished and he started to recover. Even though Gajeel hadn't said anything about it when Natsu asked how it felt to gain a new power, the pink haired man was certain it was normal. So he stopped himself from stepping in.
Hours Later
Natsu and Wendy could just see Magnolia at the edge of their vision. Granted that didn't mean much considering how keen their eye sight was.
"I'm okay."
Wendy responded to Natsu's prodding for the umpteenth time. After Carla and Happy were woken up to help the two Dragon Slayers back down the mountain Natsu started questioning Wendy about how she was. Even though she followed through with her decision, he knew it could still shake her afterwords. Guilt at being the one to finish off Nephele. Shame over not trying to find a peaceful solution that didn't end with the nest of Wyverns dead, even when they were dying anyway. There were so many different emotions that could be tearing her apart that he had to make sure she was alright.
When she heard the story Carla joined in on the pestering. Not before ripping into Natsu for letting things happen that way. Though that lead to an argument. After all Wendy had turned 16 not long before. So Natsu did argue that letting Wendy make the decision was the least they could do. She was still young and inexperienced but Wendy couldn't be treated like a child forever.
"Are you sure?"
Carla questioned after hearing Wendy saying she was fine. She had to bite her tongue not to call Wendy 'Child' like she normally would. While she was unhappy with the whole situation, she knew that Natsu was right. Especially as she realized her constant fretting and coddling of Wendy may have contributed to the reason she was shy and timid.
"Yes Carla. I'm sure."
"It's okay if you aren't. You can tell us. We won't be mad."
"Sure I'm sad that things went the way they did, but it was the best possible choice. I don't regret it. So trust me. I'm okay."
Wendy responded, starting to feel a bit tired of the question being asked repeatedly.
Since her answer hadn't changed, and she hadn't snapped or gone completely quiet and sullen as they returned to Magnolia Natsu was inclined to believe her. Though he was planning to ask some of the others to help keep an eye on Wendy for a bit.
"Alright then. Take a few days to see just how much power you got from Nephele, maybe try figuring out exactly what your new element is. But take it slow, and take it easy. It might take a few days for you to get used to the new level of power before you can even start learning about your new element. So don't push yourself just yet."
The pink haired man said in a gentle yet strong tone. Having experienced gaining a secondary element, Natsu was offering as much advice as he could to the younger Dragon Slayer. At that point however the two Dragon Slayers were close enough that they could hear everything going on in town. Strangely there was one voice that stood out, yet neither of them could figure out why.
"You hear it too, right Natsu?"
Wendy questioned as they both tilted their heads in thought as they tried to listen closer.
"I know, I know that I took a risk but I figured this would be my only chance to talk to him before the council tries to send him after me."
'Why does that voice sound so familiar?' Natsu asked himself mentally as they approached Magnolia.
"It sounds like it's coming from your place Natsu."
Wendy said. Which was true. Given the time of day, Cana and Michiko were already back at home making dinner. The guild was still open of course, but because they had a family to raise Natsu and Cana left the last few hours before closing to Mira, Macao and Laxus when he was around.
So whoever it was had been studying Natsu's routines while he was helping Cana through the last few months of her pregnancy. He didn't know how to feel about that. If the person was an enemy, then he really wasn't happy that they could get inside his house. But the voice didn't sound threatening, and it did mention that the council is going to get involved. So he didn't think it was a dangerous situation just yet.
"I'll handle it Wendy. Head back to your dorm in Fairy Hills and take the night to relax. Happy, I want you to head to the guild. Find Mira, and Laxus if he's still in town and tell them I want to talk later."
Wendy was going to say she was S-class just like Laxus and Mira so it wouldn't be fair to tell them and not her. But then she realized he was accounting for her listening in due to her enhanced hearing. Laxus would have to be told because despite being a Dragon Slayer as well, he was a second gen slayer, so unless he trained them up like they did growing up, Laxus's senses wouldn't be as sharp.
So she nodded, Carla in tow as the blue haired Dragon Slayer returned to her dorm. Happy gave a quick 'Aye sir!' in response to Natsu's order before flying off.
Rapidly making his way home, Natsu gave a sigh of relief to see nothing had happened. There was no damage or anything to indicate a fight, which meant Cana and Michiko were alright. Of course he could sense that Cana was ready to use her magic if need be, but the other person didn't seem to be concerned. From what he could sense of the stranger they were calm and collected, likely trying to keep things peaceful so as not to risk upsetting someone.
Just in case something was wrong however Natsu did announce his return as he walked through the front door.
"I'm home!"
A bolt of purple and brown was all he saw before his daughter Michiko was clinging to his leg in a hug.
"Daddy!"
Paying close attention to her voice, Natsu noticed it was just filled with excitement to see him. So he figured that he could take things a little easier. But then Cana's voice called to him from the kitchen.
"We have a guest dear."
She stressed the word guest, possibly as a hint to be on guard even though her voice also sounded calm.
As he rounded the corner however Natsu realized the real reason. His wife was warning him not to be on guard, but that he was going to be surprised. Walking into the kitchen with Michiko still clinging to his leg Natsu was face to face with Jellal.
Because he didn't want to do anything rash, Natsu quickly recovered from the shock he felt at seeing the blue haired man. But his eyes narrowed and he went into a protective mindset as he growled out.
"What brings you here Jellal?"
Holding up his hands in surrender the blue haired man quickly responded.
"I know you've got every right to be angry with me, especially given our history. But please hear me out."
Since Jellal didn't seem to mean any harm Natsu let out a sigh. Knowing that he'd tell her all about the talk later, Cana stood up and walked towards him. Gently prying Michiko from his legs she gestured towards the door to the backyard.
"I'm almost done with dinner. So why don't Michiko and I set the table while you two go talk outside."
Knowing she was trying to help make it so Natsu didn't have to worry as much if things went south, he nodded thankfully at his wife.
"Alright. Let's step outside Jellal."
As they exited Natsu's home, both men gained a serious expression on their faces.
"I know we haven't seen each other since you let me escape from the rune knights for Erza's sake. By the way, thanks for that. I know I have no right to say it, but she was one of my dearest friends, and I'm glad to see that Fairy Tail did it's best to keep her happy."
But Natsu didn't respond. After the day he had with Wendy, the pink haired man wanted nothing more than to send Jellal away and spend the rest of the night with his wife and daughter not thinking about anything.
"I've been wondering through Earthland since then. Mostly in Bosco to avoid the council. But in these last few years I've decided. You gave me a chance to redeem myself and I'm trying. Right now I'm just one person, but I have plans to form an independent guild. It'll focus on fighting dark guilds."
A small smile came to Natsu's face. He may not like Jellal, but he really was happy that the man was trying to atone.
"I came here to let you know, because to be honest, without more members, Fiore is the only country I can effectively fight against the dark guilds. Bosco is too corrupt to handle without a guild the size of Fairy Tail after all."
Unable to stay silent any longer Natsu finally spoke up.
"That's great and all, but why are you telling me this?"
A frown came to Jellal's face at that.
"I am still wanted by the council. When they get word that I'm active in Fiore again, they'll likely task the Wizard Saints with coming after me. Speaking of, I heard you got invited to the saints. Congrats."
Natsu understood what Jellal was trying to do. The blue haired man was hoping that Natsu wouldn't try to bring him in like the other saints would. He was trying to redeem himself, and if Natsu was honest Fiore needed him too. After fighting Jellal twice, he knew the man was strong. He definitely earned his spot as a Wizard Saint before it was revoked. With all the dark guilds in Fiore, Jellal's strength was a much needed assent to keep the country safe.
"Alright then. I'm pretty close with Jura, so I'll let him know that I heard through the grapevine that you had made a guild dedicated to fighting dark guilds to atone. He'll back off as well so you should get a bit more breathing room."
The pink haired man said with a smile. A matching one came to Jellal's face at those words.
"Thank you."
"Fiore needs all the help it can get to deal with the dark guilds anymore. Besides, now that I've seen you're trying to make up for your past, I'm willing to look passed our history and support you if you need it."
'Not to mention, if the council is focused on him they won't question my two absurdly strong guests when the Dragon Gods arrive.' He thought to himself as well.
"What's the name of your soon to be made guild?"
Natsu suddenly remembered to ask.
"I think I'll call it Crime Sorcière."
Two Months Later: Magic Council Meeting Room
"That bastard, ignoring our summons!"
One council member raged as they noticed that there was a missing person. Over the course of the last two months the council had been hosting regular meetings with the Wizard Saints to discuss and deal with Jellal and his newly formed 'Crime Sorcière'. Because he was still a wanted man, they didn't care about the fact the guild was independent. They treated it as if it were a dark guild, and several of them were frustrated at the lack of progress towards bringing him in. Of course these meetings were only with the 5th seat and lower, as the Ishgar Four were only brought in on national security and safety level threats.
"His wife is due to give birth any day now, cut the man some slack."
Jura retorted to the magic council member that was frustrated at the lack of one Natsu Dragneel at the meeting. Of course he also neglected to mention that he and Natsu would only actively move against Jellal in a public setting. Having met the man on the run a few times since his return to Fiore was announced to the saints, Jura was on the same page as Natsu.
Jellal was a much needed fighter to help deal with the dark guilds. Letting the council enforce their 'justice' on the man would help no one in the end. So Jura and Natsu both secretly offered their aide when Jellal needed it.
"Saint Jura is correct. Saint Dragneel had already informed us that he will not be active for us as a Wizard Saint, nor for his guild as an S-class member. Not until a few months have passed."
Another council member spoke up in defense of the missing man. Having already known that the raging council member gave a sigh.
"Yes, yes we all know that. We've known that for a while now. I'm just frustrated since our intel says Jellal is going to be active in the area around Magnolia soon."
Jura had to fake a cough to hide the smile that came to his face at those words. He knew it was because Jellal had managed to get Natsu to not only forgive him, but come to see him as a friend. So Jellal was going to be congratulating the pink haired man on the birth of his children. Of course Jura also planned to be in the area to do the same.
Meanwhile
Because Cana and Natsu both wanted to stay close to the guild, they had decided to use the guilds infirmary when Cana was ready to give birth. They trusted Porlyusica and Wendy to be able to get her through the labor.
Of course another reason was because the members of Fairy Tail were far more active now than before, there were less brawls destroying the guild so they had more money. Which meant the entire guild hall was improved upon. In fact Natsu would almost bet that their infirmary was better equipped than Magnolia's hospital. So after making sure Cana was alright the pink haired man strolled towards the open window.
"You know the council is going to have a field day when they hear you were here during a time I told them I wouldn't be active as a mage at all."
He spoke, not even bothering to look at the man hiding on the nearby tree branch.
"I'll be heading towards Dawn City to deal with some Dark Guilds. But I had to stop by. It's not every day that your friend's children are born."
"Yeah yeah. Seriously though I need you to move soon. I'm expecting some guests for things related to Dragon Slayer stuff. They're supposed to be ridiculously strong. If the council is focused on you they won't ask me about my guests."
Even though he said it, Natsu knew that one of the two Dragon Gods that he was expecting was already in Magnolia. He couldn't sense anything dragon like at all, but there was a new magic signature that he could feel and it made him sweat.
'I'm glad they won't draw Acnologia since he doesn't bother unless it's a dragon. But seriously how in the hell are they so strong?' He thought to himself.
"That explains that monstrously powerful presence I feel. I know you're expecting them but still. With that level of power… Be careful Natsu."
Jellal commented.
"I will. Thanks for coming by."
The pink haired man stated as he withdrew from the window.
"Are you going to them?"
Cana asked as Natsu backed away from the window. She knew all about Natsu's upcoming meeting with the two Dragon Gods, and all about Jellal as well, which was why she wasn't surprised to hear the short talk he had with the blue haired man.
"Nah. I was told that they'd be coming straight to me anyway. I don't want to leave you in the dark on anything so if they want to talk they can do it here."
Of course she and Natsu were the only two in the room at the moment. But Wendy and Porlyusica had already been told about it. Wendy because she was there with Natsu when he found out about the meeting, and Porlyusica because they felt they could trust the elderly pink haired woman with the information.
"Oh."
She wasn't sure what to say. On one hand Cana was happy that Natsu trusted her enough to hear whatever dragon related buisness he and the Dragon Gods would be talking about. But on the other, she didn't think the setting or the time was right. After all Natsu should be focused on his soon to be born children.
"I'm going to go get something to eat, do you want anything?"
Natsu asked as he picked up Cana's hand and kissed it before moving towards the door to head back into the main hall of the guild.
"I'm fine for now. But I'll call if I want or need anything."
She responded as the door opened up and Porlyusica came in again. Because they didn't know exactly when Cana would go into labor, Porlyusica chose to stay at the guild so she'd be nearby and ready to move when it finally happened. Though that didn't stop her from grumbling about it. But neither Natsu nor Cana minded as they knew it wouldn't stop the woman from helping.
A smile came to Natsu face as he approached the bar. Kinana was serving people from the bar and Mira was the one carrying orders to the tables, but they had some help. Trotting along beside Mira, carrying a plate of food towards Laki was Michiko.
"Where'd you guys get the cute helper?"
Natsu joked with Kinana. Chuckling at him the purple haired girl answered.
"She was tired of playing with the doll house that Laki and Reedus made for her, so she asked if she could help Mira. It was so adorable."
"Yeah I know my daughter is a cutie."
After that Natsu placed a food order before finding a comfy spot at a table close to the door. When Michiko noticed him she pleaded with Mira to let her be the one to bring him his food. Which the guild chuckled at when they noticed.
"Here you go daddy!"
She said as she reached up on her tiptoe's to place his plate on the table. Before she could run back to help Mira Natsu laughed.
"This wasn't just for me you know. It's lunch time so come eat."
Since it was about lunch time, he figured it would be a good idea for Michiko to eat as well. Plus he did want to have a talk with her. Michiko was a smart girl, but he wanted to make sure she understood what was going on.
"You know how you'll be a big sister soon?"
Eagerly nodding her head as she drank the juice that Mira brought after seeing Natsu had gotten some of the food for Michiko as well, the little brunette couldn't have done a better job showing how excited she was.
"I just want you to know, we will have to spend a lot of time with them. Your siblings will need a lot of attention. But that doesn't mean we don't want you, or that we love you any less."
"I know daddy. Auntie Bisca and uncle Alzack told me. Babies need a lot of help."
Mentally thanking the two Natsu for their foresight on the matter, Natsu decided to just smile at his daughter. He was certain that she understood things were going to change, but knowing it was different from experiencing it. So even though she was okay with it, Natsu was planning to keep an eye on her.
At that point the door to the guild hall opened up. Since he had felt the presence getting closer, Natsu knew it was one of the Dragon Gods without even looking. But because he didn't know which one he tilted his head just enough to see them out of the corner of his eye.
Burnt orange colored hair. A red sun shaped tattoo on his bared chest and tribal markings on his arm. Loose fitting pants with a fur lining, and a golden cross shaped pendant hanging from a golden chain around his neck. Without a doubt Natsu was looking at the human form of Ignia.
"Hey Michiko, want to meet another uncle of yours?"
S.R: I'm not going to say anything. I don't want to risk spoiling the next few chapters. So I will see you all later.
