Chapter 22:
**Two days later**
Fairy Tail guild had a reputation of being loud and obnoxious but for the last two day they that reputation seemed to be false.
Makarov heard quickly of the events that took place in the hotel his brats had been in – the attack at the casino and the fact Etherion was fired not even a day later, less than ten miles away seemed too much of a coincidence.
Despite lacking the proof the Fairy Tail mages were there Makarov knew them well enough to know that they always managed to get into trouble, though not on this scale. Yajima was kind enough to inform him of what he knew, his old friend probably even broke some of the laws by telling him all that but Makarov was grateful beyond words.
Whatever Jellal planned to do once Zeref was revived was beyond anyone's comprehension because the man had serious control issues and Zeref didn't seem like someone you could boss around. It was a good thing Tower of Heaven was demolished but Makarov prayed to whichever god would listen that his children have not perished with the devil's tower.
Makarov frowned at his mug, beer in it still intact even after half an hour of sitting there.
''I'm sure they are okay'' Mira told him though she was obviously worried as well. ''Natsu's with them after all''
Makarov smiled at the girl. She had so much faith in that boy – for a good reason all things considered – and she obviously fancied him. He was far less obvious and it was only thanks to years of observation that Makarov even knew Natsu felt the same for the girl.
''For some reason that concerns me too,'' Makarov mumbled after a moment, having no doubt the boy could do more than enough damage on his own.
''What was that?'' Mira asked sweetly, humor in her voice but a steel edge to the question.
''Oh, nothing'' Makarov shrugged.
The silence didn't last long as the doors of the newly built guild opened with a bang. The people of their concerns walking in but not easing their worries for long when their eyes fell on Gray, or more specifically dragon slayer he was carrying.
Mira ran towards them, jumping over the bar ignoring the fact she was wearing a dress. No one was looking at her anyway.
''What happened?'' Mira asked quickly, her eyes on obviously unconscious Natsu who resembled a mummy more than a living man. The only parts of his skin visible beneath white bandages were the left side of his face and his legs from knees to toes.
''We'll explain everything later but we need to get him in a proper bed'' Erza pointed at Natsu who didn't so much as twitch. Makarov looked at the teen carefully, his face, despite being mostly hidden, between the bandages and the other half pushed in Gray's neck, was actually rather peaceful.
''Of course'' Makarov moved aside letting Gray and the rest pass him before he followed, Mira beside him. ''How did you manage to get him on Gray's back?''
The small group gave a nervous chuckle as Wendy scratched her cheek, looking over her shoulder at them before she replied, a slight blush on her cheeks. ''I maybe... sort of.. drugged him''
A surprised laugh escaped Mira's throat, her worry lessening at the relaxed faces of the mages around her. ''You drugged him?''
''Well we tried to convince him that Gray had to carry him but he would hear none of that'' Carla told them while Gray grunted in agreement. ''I'm pretty sure he would've knocked my teeth in if he was capable of standing straight when I told him that''
''What do you mean by that?'' Makarov frowned. ''Is he alright?''
''He will be'' Wendy smiled sadly. ''He hit his head pretty hard''
''What about you start from beginning?'' Makarov gave a tired sigh, feeling the oncoming headache, fingers massaging his temples while Gray lowered Natsu on the bad in the infirmary.
The story was surprisingly short, no one feeling overly inclined in giving too much detail until Erza gave her story of how she even knew Jellal and the rest of mages from the tower before she moved to the fight she witnessed, going, despite Wendy's sharp look, in great detail – which meant his other form was also mentioned. Makarov looked greatly troubled by it while Mira just stared at the scarlet-haired girl in frozen shock.
''Then what happened to Natsu? He won'' Mira managed to ask after the silence became almost unbearable.
''By the time the fight was over Etherion trapped in the crystal became too unstable. We didn't have enough time to get far enough and Natsu had barely any magic left at that point so he couldn't use 'Chaotic void' either'' Wendy told them, eyes on the floor. ''Natsu managed to stop it in the end but...'' Wendy fell silent but Makarov pressed. ''Natsu stopped Etherion?'' he sounded almost alarmed. ''On his own?'' or in denial.
''Yes'' Happy nodded, a frown on his face as he tried to explain. The explanation the rest of them had come up with while Natsu was unconscious not exactly clear to him. ''He fused with Etherion...'' he gave Carla a questioning look and when she nodded he continued, more confidently. ''For a short time, enough to direct the blast up in the sky instead of around the tower''
''Idiotic brat... He could've died'' Makarov muttered, bitter taste in his mouth, his eyes on Natsu. Erza's revelation he killed Jellal and that it wasn't by far the first was nothing new to him. He and Natsu had long talks about it and by the end, Makarov knew that if Natsu deemed it necessary Natsu would kill without a second thought. He didn't support it but the boy was beyond the age where things like that could be removed out of his lifestyle and nature. He was beyond Makarov's help in that matter when he arrived in the guild seven years ago and despite Acnologia's absence, the bloodlust did not diminish.
''He did'' Erza spoke. Makarov and Mira looked at her, a thunderous look on their faces. ''He wasn't breathing for a few minutes and when he woke up he was surprised he wasn't dead. He was mumbling something about hell and heaven on the way to the guild. He... he saw something''
Makarov looked positively green now, eyes back on Natsu. The boy had a hard life and if he died... Makarov would feel responsible despite himself.
''If... If he fused with Etherion than how... how is he still here?'' Mira had to ask.
Gray gave an awkward shrug. ''We have no idea. We just know one minute we thought he perished the other he was falling from the sky, landing on the rock with his head and snapping his spine. If it wasn't for Wendy he would be paralyzed from neck down''
''Fool'' Mira muttered hand carefully touching the bandages warped around his fingers.
''Idiot'' Wendy agreed easily.
''So he's alright now?'' Makarov asked again, eyes on Wendy who nodded hesitantly. ''As I said, he will be. He still has a pretty bad brain concussion''
Makarov gave a thoughtful 'hm' but stayed silent.
Silence warped around the group, verging on awkward before Gray clapped his hands, maybe too loudly because several of the people jumped at the sudden noise.
''How about we take a look around the guild?'' he asked with a grin. ''I see it's finished''
Lucy blinked, grinning as well soon after. ''I think I saw a pool while we were entering''
''A pool?'' Erza asked as well, perking at the idea. Makarov smiled, nodding. ''A nice touch, don't you think?''
''The first one there picks the next job!'' Happy spread his wings and shot from the room, closely followed by the rest.
Makarov shook his head in amusement, eyes moving to Wendy and Mira, still sitting next to the bed.
''Not going?'' he asked with a fond smile.
''I'll have enough time to check the pool when Natsu wakes up'' Wendy replied receiving a nod from the master. ''I'll keep her some company'' Mira chimed in.
''Make sure to eat something'' Makarov said with a chuckle, walking out of the room and closing the doors of the infirmary behind him.
**Infirmary – A few hours later**
Mira balanced a small silver tray in one hand, a jug of smoking black liquid in the other while opening the doors of the infirmary with her elbow, years of working as a waitress making the task ridiculously easy.
Wendy looked up from her chair next to Natsu's bad, half asleep. Seeing the jug the small girl laughed. ''Don't you think you overdid it?''
Mira blinked in question before looking at the jug filled to the brim with coffee. ''Eh...'' Mir shrugged, setting the tray with an empty cup, an ounce of milk and loaf of bread. ''He likes coffee and we can always drink the rest''
Wendy giggled, pulling herself up in the chair to sit more comfortably.
''Has he moved at all since Gray put him here?'' Mira asked, sitting on the empty chair on the other side of the bed.
''No, not much'' Wendy shrugged. ''He doesn't move much... if he's not dreaming''
Mira bit her lip, the memory of the morning she woke in his hut playing back. ''Hard to believe he can make most of the guild quiver with one glare when he's asleep'' Wendy looked at Natsu who scrunched his nose.
''I know'' Mira gushed. ''He's so cute''
The usually collected girl blinked, her eyes wide before her face went as red as Erza's hair. Wendy looked at Mira in a small amount of disbelief before a grin split her face, laughter bubbling from her throat.
''Wendy!'' Mira chastised the girl with a whine, embarrassed.
''I'm sorry'' Wendy apologized but the grin on her face showed she had not meant it in the least. Mira huffed playfully, folding her arms. They stayed like that for a moment, Mira with her arms folded and Wendy with a stupid grin on her face before both laughed together, the dragon slayer in the bed between them merely scrunching his nose again.
''Say... Wendy?''
''Hm?''
''I've done some reading lately. You know... some of the books about dragons we have in the library... and well I read that when they find a... mate it's different than with humans..'' Mira scratched her blushing cheek, eyes stubbornly on Natsu, avoiding Wendy's knowing eyes and ignoring the way the girl wiggled her eyebrows.
''True''
''Does it apply to dragon slayers as well?''
''Mhm'' Wendy nodded. ''You know, you and Natsu should totally hook up''
Mira turned to the girl, her mouth falling open.
''What? Don't give me that look. You obviously fancy him''
''I'm not that obvious!''
''You are'' Wendy deadpanned, giving the older teen a dry look that would make Natsu proud.
Mira sighed in defeat.
''But don't feel too down'' Wendy added cheekily. ''He's crazy about you too''
''He is?'' Mira asked hopefully, groaning a moment later. ''I really am obvious''
''I told you''
Mira chuckled. ''You did''
The two sat in silence for a while after that, each lost in their own thoughts. Mira's head sneaked under Natsu's unusually warm palm, her thumb making circles on the white bandages a second later.
Wendy was staring at Natsu but her eyes passed trough, obviously thinking about something a great distance away.
''Say... about dragon mates... can you explain that to me?'' Mira broke the silence, cheeks flushed again, eyes still on Natsu.
Wendy blinked, her eyes focused on Mira once again, a smile on her little lips.
''Of course. I'll tell you what Grandeeny told me. You know the term of 'blue blood'? Right, well while it's only a figure of speech among humans there is actually a difference in dragons of royal status. It can be obtained through different means – birth, conquest or by proving yourself (a very rare form – only twice in history, Grandeeny said). It can also be lost by conquest as well but that's not the important part. Having 'blue blood' or how dragons say it lotkiin, roughly translated that would be 'highborn', gives you certain privileges. From strength to size, speed... it varies from dragon to dragon. It also... how to say it... changes your... ugh.. genes? Let's go with that. Grandeeny said 'liin' but I'm not sure how to translate it to make sense. In any case, a prince or a king would be capable or rather it would have to have two mates''
Mira blinked, trying to process what Wendy just said. ''So...?''
''To say it bluntly Natsu will have two wives''
''Oh...'' Mira grimaced, then frowned, glared at Natsu before sighing in defeat. Wendy raised her eyebrow, waiting patiently for the girl to sort her emotions.
''Well I can't say I'm thrilled about it but I guess I'll have to get used to the idea'' Mira grimaced once again, like the idea itself was painful.
Wendy wiggled her eyebrows at her again making Mira huff.
With a giggle, Wendy continued ''But be careful. If dragon's rejected by his chosen one or loses the chosen one he will be thrown into deep despair, losing one's mind was recorded more than once''
Mira bit her inner cheek, eyes once again on Natsu. Her sudden desire to wake him up made her think she imagined the moan escaping his lips. When Wendy practically jumped out of her chair and onto the bed Mira decided that in fact, she did not imagine it.
Natsu's eyes reminded stubbornly shut as his nose twitched, lips slightly parted as he took in a deep, although ragged breath that soon turned into a caught. His back curled and he turned on his side, fist almost pushed in his mouth as he tried to stop the sudden coughing fit.
''Shit'' he finally rasped, one eye that was not hidden by bandages opening to look at the world around, barely stopping himself from jerking away when Wendy's face came into view only several inches from his own.
Wendy watched him carefully as he blinked, trying to decide why was everything so blurry. He placed his face carefully blank while he tried to turn on his back, lifting on his elbows despite Wendy's tries to push him back down.
''We're back in the guild'' Natsu stated, going tense once his eye landed on Mira who was staring at him with open happiness. 'Not that I mind but why is Mira here?'
''Yea...'' Wendy said before she hesitated. ''Gray carried you here''
Natsu's visible eyebrow twitched, narrowed eyes turning to Wendy. ''I believe I said 'no' when you asked first ten times'' he gave a hiss. ''Humiliating''
Mira smiled sympathetically at him. ''Ah, don't worry. It's not that bad''
Wendy agreed eagerly with a nod. Natsu scowled, the memory from the both and his dazed state leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. ''I take it my head's screwed back on straight'' he muttered. His slurred speech from back then making him grimace.
''You doubt my skills?'' Wendy folded her arms, giving him a challenging look.
''Considering you drugged me in order to drag me here, yes''
Wendy blushed in frustration. ''It was necessary when you were a stubborn oaf''
''Oaf?'' Natsu snorted.
Wendy gave a frustrated huff before sly grin stretched her lips, her voice going slightly deeper while she gave him a meaningful look ''Yu herd m'!''
Mira blinked in surprise while Natsu's whole body gave a collective twitch.
''Not funny, Wendy'' Natsu muttered but Wendy only laughed. ''I find it hilarious!''
Mira gave a chuckle, finding the whole situation amusing despite not sure what exactly happened.
''I'll go tell the others you're awake'' she told the dragon prince who turned to look at her, nodding after a moment. Mira smiled brightly and rushed out.
Wendy watched as Mira walked out before she turned back to Natsu only to find him still staring at her. Her smile dropped as she looked at her lap. ''I'm sorry Natsu. I didn't plan to make fun of you... I was just trying to cheer you up''
''I know'' the warmth in his voice made Wendy's head snap up to look at him, eyes wide before the smile returned to her face, a small smirk stretching his own lips. His smirk turned into a small confused frown as he fingered the bandages around his eye right eye.
''Any reason for this to be here?'' Natsu asked after a moment of tracing the edges of the white cloth, feeling the jagged edges of the scales beneath.
Wendy shook her head. ''No, not really. I was not sure if you wanted others to see so I warped all of the affected places''
Natsu nodded after a moment, pulling at the bandages with a jerk, making them loose before he unwarped them, the gash that decorated his scalp two days ago was gone and even the hair was back from what he could tell by feeling around with his fingers.
''I healed the gash and regrown the hair once my magic was restored. Your skull was pretty badly fractured, almost split in half. You still have brain concussion since I didn't dare push my magic there''
Natsu nodded in understanding, feeling the effects of the said brain concussion though thankfully far dimmer than they were on the boat.
''Well since I'm going to tell the guild soon enough anyway'' Natsu muttered as he unwarped the uncomfortable white cloth that hugged his torso and arms, moving to legs and making quick work of it all once he unwarped the claws on his fingers. Wendy watched in silent sorrow, knowing the amount of affected area had tripled in the last week. ''Could you fetch me a shirt?''
Wendy nodded and pulled grey T-shirt out of the closet in one end of the room. Natsu pulled it over his head, ignoring the fact the shirt was made for someone Elfman's size as the sleeves that should be short reached his elbows.
No sooner then he pulled the shirt on the doors opened again, Makarov and Mira walking in, closely followed by team Erza.
Natus's face visibly darkened at the sight of them, Erza in particular and he made no move to hide it, something that surprised both Makarov and Mira.
But it was not the glare that truly rooted them to their place but the mismatched eyes that sent it along with clawed hands resting in the man's lap.
Mira swallowed, the last time she saw the black scales they barely cowered his arms.
Erza looked away, the sight of the black scales reminding her too much of Jellal's blood.
''Look at me Erza. Look and gawk at the monster in a cage. Stare while there are people to hold my leash'' Natsu's voice was stripped of any emotion but venom dripped in his words, heavy and thick.
''Natsu?!'' Wendy looked at him horrified. Natsu didn't look at her, his eyes trained on Erza who went red – from embarrassment or anger he didn't know nor did he care.
''What are you talking about?'' Makarov addressed him but Natsu didn't answer, not right away. ''You decided to leave that part out?'' Natsu cocked his head to the side. ''You decided to leave the part where you called me a monster for saving your sorry asses? How very noble of you Titania''
''Natsu, she certainly didn't mean it like that'' Lucy forced a weak smile on her face.
''Do you agree with her? You think I'm a monster?''
''What?! No!''
''And yet you are disgusted by just thinking about me''
''I.. I'm not!''
''Liar''
''Natsu, what is wrong with you?'' Makarov spoke louder, feeling more than a little put out by the conversation between people who should believe in one another without a second thought. Fairy Tail was a family.
''Ask Titania'' Natsu deadpanned. ''She seems to know quite a bit about me''
''You killed him!'' Erza snapped and Natsu snorted – anger, not embarrassment, anger.
''And I enjoyed it!''
''You don't mean that!'' she gasped.
''A monster speaks what he thinks. People are the ones that think lying will make things better''
''You despicable – ''
''Erza!'' Gray spoke this time turning to the girl. ''Snap out of it! He killed him. Get over it. Your bitching is not helping''
The air hissed as the blade was pulled. ''On whose side are you on?!'' Erza demanded. ''Fairy Tail mages are not killers!''
''And yet you're holding a blade to my throat!''
''That's enough!'' Makarov bellowed, his chest heaving up and down. Anger and anguish stealing the air from his lungs. ''I have no idea what happened on that stinking boat or that cursed tower but I will not watch you fight!''
''He started it!'' Erza pointed a stubborn finger at Natsu.
A growl ripped from Natsu's lips, deep and loud. His magic spike for a second before he could push it back down.
''Erza, don't you think you said enough?'' Mira hissed at the girl who froze. ''Don't you?''
Erza's face scrunched before she scurried away, rushing out of the room. The silence that followed her leave was almost deafening and Wendy could swear she heard a needle drop.
''You can leave as well'' Natsu broke the silence. ''I'll tell you about this – '' he gestured at himself, obviously talking about dragonification before he gestured towards them '' – once you stop spinning''
Makarov gave a confused blink before a knowing grunt as he turned around and walked out, Lucy and Gray not far behind. Mira stood in the doorway, unsure if she should step out or step in. She wanted to stay but she didn't want to pry nor seem pushy. In the end, she gave a tiny smile to the male dragon slayer and walked away, feeling stupid for doing it even as she walked away. Wendy looked at Natsu from her spot next to his bed.
''Do you want me to leave as well?'' she asked carefully.
Natsu gave her a tired smirk. ''You should get some rest''
Wendy pursed her lips but nodded. ''Okay'' she agreed reluctantly. ''But I'll be back'' she gave him a stern face, glad to see his eyes spark with amusement.
She turned and marched out of the room, closing the door behind herself. It wasn't a second later when her head poked back in a sheepish grin on her face. ''Mira left you some coffee on the nightstand''
Natsu waited for almost a minute once Wendy left before he turned to the cooling black liquid in the jug. He knew the coffee was there, the smell of Mira's coffee unmistakable.
With a small smirk, he reached for the jug and poured the coffee into the empty cup, mixing the milk a moment later before taking a sip.
It wasn't smoking hot but he didn't care much about the temperature of it anyway, Mira's coffee was Mira's coffee. He had no idea how she did it but it was always amazing.
He took another sip, relaxing slightly through the bitter taste in his mouth did not leave and it had nothing to do with the coffee in his hands.
**Several days later**
Mira and Wendy practically camped first two days in the infirmary until Natsu threatened to leave if they wouldn't. It took some arguing, fighting and useless begging on girls' part but they finally caved in and left to sleep in their own bed.
Not many people visited the infirmary after the two girls left with a cloud over their head but Lucy and Gray poked their heads with the cats once or twice and Lucy delivered a card from Juvia that made Natsu's eyebrows rise. Erza didn't come back and he did not complain.
Staying in the guild at night when no one else was there was strange at first, considering the fact he was never in the infirmary before only reinforced that.
The first night he could not sleep and decided to walk through the new guild hall, somewhat unpleasantly surprised that everyone could go on the second floor now.
The entrance hall, filled with wooden furniture was similar to that of the old guild but a lot larger, the mission board got bigger as well and still filled from top to bottom with paper.
After almost hour of walking around, he had to sit down despite his best intentions to stay on his feet but it would seem his head was still not completely healed as his vision swam. He was only thankful he managed to drag himself back to the bed before Mira and Wendy walked in.
Natsu blinked, focusing on the present. He sat on the steps that led to the stage, another new addition the hall. A cup of steaming Mira-coffee firmly clasped in his hands.
Jet and Droy glanced at him as they walked by, probably trying to get a better look without being too obvious.
'Good luck with that' Natsu's face reminded impassive though he inwardly snorted. A grey hoodie cowered his upper body, the hood up hiding his scaled face and a pair of black leather gloves hiding his hands. If he didn't move the fingers too much claws wouldn't pierce them.
''Kira'' a gruff voice accompanied by the smell of burnt iron reached him. Natsu looked up, careful to keep his face in shadow. It was a good thing he didn't raise his head too high to look at the face of a dragon slayer he nearly killed almost a month ago.
''Hiding in the shadows?'' Gajeel continued, his eyes searching Natsu's hidden face curiously despite his best efforts to seem uninterested.
''What are you doing here?'' Natsu asked instead, eyes narrowing, dragon eye reflecting the light as he shifted, making Gajeel blink in shock as the red eye glared at him for a brief second.
Gajeel raised his hands in mock-surrender. ''I'm a part of your guild, Kira. No need to be so hostile''
''Stop calling me that'' Natsu said somewhat distantly, his eyes on the black Fairy Tail mark on Gajeel's shoulder.
''What?'' Gajeel frowned.
''Kira'' Natsu muttered. ''I never liked the moniker but it sort of stuck few years ago and people are using it ever since''
Gajeel gave his weird wheezing chuckle, getting another glare sent his way through this one went unnoticed.
''Why are you here? You were a Phantom Lord mage not a month ago''
Gajeel swallowed, looking away with a frown. ''The old man found me and asked me to come – said Fairy Tail is a great place to start over''
''Fairy Tail is overrated'' Natsu spoke, his tone barely above a whisper but despite the growing noise around them, he heard the dragon salyer clearly so he did the only logical thing any mage would. ''You just spat on your guild?'' he turned to Natsu, bewildered.
Natsu gave him a dry look, not bothered it wasn't noticed. ''They say this place is family. It is, for the most part, but be careful – a killer cannot be a part of it''
Gajeel fell silent. He wasn't stupid. Natsu's moniker was Kira and somewhat less famous Soulless Fairy. Kira meant killer. Even if some people didn't believe it anyone who met the man knew it was true.
''I killed as well'' Gajeel confessed after a moment. ''Mateallicana would probably be quite angry with me''
''Your father is Metalicana?''
''Is?'' Gajeel questioned, suddenly startled. ''You mean he's still alive?''
''Of course'' Natsu nodded.
''You know where he is?''
''No''
''But you met him?''
''On the meetings'' Natsu nodded again, seeing no harm in saying that to a fellow dragon slayer. ''One of the finest generals. Some claimed he could be the king of iron dragons if he wanted to''
Gajeel gave another chuckle. ''He complained about those meetings all the time. He claimed they were boring as hell and the worst part he had to leave me alone. I never agreed about the 'worst' part. It was awesome to be on my own and do what I want''
Natsu's lips twitched up for a second. ''He wasn't joking. Those things are boring''
''Wait, are you saying you were there? On the Floating island?''
''Your father never mentioned a human child?''
Gajeel stared at Natsu long and hard before his eyes widened slightly, narrowing a moment later and a surprised laugh passed his lips at the end. ''He did. Never thought it would be someone my age. Or that I would meet them''
''I told you I was Acnologia's son'' Natsu replied after a moment.
Gajeel scratched his cheek looking away again. ''You got to give me a break. Who would believe something like that?''
''I did'' Wendy chimed in as she walked to the two, eyeing Gajeel carefully. Gajeel raised his eyebrow at the girl, challenging her to ask. She didn't have to, she already asked Mira after seeing Gajeel and Juvia walking around the hall.
''Quite a number of people did'' Mira agreed.
''But not all'' Natsu had to admit. ''Some people needed some... convincing''
''I'm not sure everyone would agree with that choice of word'' Carla remarked from her place in Wendy's hands.
The silence followed, not awkward one, the people lost in thoughts before Mira turned to Natsu, a hand on her hips. ''Master asked if you're ready''
Natsu lifted his head, this time letting more light to show his face, ignoring the sharp intake of breath coming from Gajeel before he nodded tentatively. He stood up, his back stiff but it was barely noticeable under the hooded shirt. It wasn't anything new after all, to walk with back tense and his steps careful. He was no stranger to being uncomfortable. The reaction to this story could very well mean whatever he would stay in Fairy Tail or walk away – leave a part of his life and start anew – it wouldn't be something he wasn't familiar with.
His eyes flickered to Mira. It wouldn't be easy but he would manage.
Looking away, tearing his thoughts from Mira and moving them to the more pressing matter. How to tell the guild he might be very well capable and more importantly willing to kill them in a matter of weeks if not days.
He felt incredibly stupid and utterly foolish as he sat in the middle of the strange wooden stage, the whole guild standing or sitting in front of him. They left the lights on thankfully. He would probably stand up and walk away (not run away – Natsu did not run away from things) if they focused a stage light on him. The people before him talked in not so hushed voices, talking about him as if he wasn't even there.
And that was unacceptable. Natsu gave a low hiss despite his best efforts, squeezing the cup of Mira's coffee he held in his hands. He couldn't explain it even if someone asked him but he could the more scales cowered the body the more he could feel. In a weird kind of the way the emotions of the people around him one moment became so clear he could practically see them, their words louder to the point they ponded inside his head and then the next moment everything returned to normal, leaving him to feel deaf and blind for a second before he composed himself. In a room as crowded as this, where a hundred faces watched carefully his every move the voices were one second muted, the other deafening giving him a headache on par with that left by Chaotic void.
As particular member shouted something in one of those 'all-is-too-loud' moments Natsu lost his patience and the cup exploded in his hand. He could've shouted and screamed at them to be silent but this seemed to be an even better way of silencing them. Good.
''Now that you are all quiet –'' Natsu managed in a low hiss without truly attempting to let his annoyance show. ''– I can start''
''And do not interrupt me'' Natsu continued cooly leveling a glare at the crowd and held it for a moment, taking great satisfaction in their cowed faces.
''Is that clear?''
''AYE SIR!''
Natsu's face twitched in that 'I-would-smile-if-I-could-fashion'. With that, he looked at them one more time before speaking again. ''You expect me to explain dragonification to you and quite truthfully I would not bother with it if it wasn't a rather obvious process'' with that he reached for the hood and lowered it, the gasps echoing in his head for a moment.
Ignoring the gaping faces, he continued, carefully keeping his own blank. ''For you to understand it a bit of my life with Acnologia needs to be retold...''
Natsu stopped to think where he should start, some of the earliest memories were not for public's ear.
**Flashback**
-Year X771-
Panting and gripping the bleeding wound managed to become a daily norm in less than two months Acnologia took the young dragon slayer to be. The child sat underneath an old oak, not far from the Cave, his large black eyes fixed on the bleeding knuckles, the oak behind him stained with his blood but not even the bark was damaged.
A shadow passed above him, too fast to be a cloud passing over the sun and the child jumped to his feet, scared out of his mind as the towering figure of the dragon landed, raising a layer of dust and sending dry leaves and branches flying across the small spot voided of trees in the otherwise dense forest.
''Who told you you can rest, you ungrateful brat?!''
''I – I'm sorry, Lord Acnologia!'' The child glared at his bare feet, scratched and bruised from walking on the rough terrain and hitting rocks and trees with them constantly. Tears welled in his eyes, not out of pain but fear.
Acnologia's great blue eyes narrowed even further. ''Stand straight and hold your head high, brat. You're supposed to be a prince! Act like one''
Natsu tensed his back, trying to keep them as straight as a four-year-old could.
''Look at me''
Natsu swallowed and looked up, biting his lower lip until it turned white, black eyes wide and frightful.
''Wipe that stupid expression of your face''
The four-year-old released his lip, eyes still wide as few tears leaked down the dusty cheeks.
Acnologia snorted and shook one of his front paws, a giant creature Natsu did not recognize slid down the claws, leaving thick traces of blood as it splashed against the forest floor, drops of red liquid spraying Natsu's feet.
Natsu knew what that meat meant. Dinner. His stomach growled and the boy, despite his best intentions let another tear loose, his embarrassment only making the things worse.
''Despicable'' Acnologia growled and clamped its massive jaws on the animal's head and upper front of the body, ripping half of it with one bite.
Natsu swallowed again. By Acnologia's stained teeth he could guess this was only his latest catch, the meal almost over for him.
Acnologia's eye rolled to him, the massive eyeball almost as big as the toddler.
''Come here''
Natsu took a step forward hesitantly and uncertainty, Acnologia's hiss that followed making his feet move faster as he moved to the dragon.
''Eat''
''Now?'' Natsu looked at the dragon amazed. Ever since the dragon took him they had not shared a meal, not once. The child always watched the dragon eat and ate only if something was left after Acnologia.
''Yes, now'' Acnologia bit back, the dragon obviously annoyed though the reason not clear to the child.
Natsu took another tentative step forward eyeing the raw meat. Acnologia usually threw it in the fire since the child was not capable of chewing the raw meat but this time the dragon made no move to do it.
Uncertainly Natsu managed to tear a small part of the meat from the bone as thick as his head and bite down on the meat, almost gagging at the taste but the child stuffed it down his throat. Acnologia glanced at him from the corner of his eyes as the dragon settled on the edge of the treeline, curling slightly before lowering his head.
Natsu gave a weak smile that quickly disappeared when all Acnologia did was glare and huff in return.
**Flashback – End**
Natsu blinked and looked around the guild, realizing he spaced out. No, that was not the story to start this.
The dragon slayer sighed, rubbing his scaled side of the face before opening his mouth, closing them again a moment later. Where to start? So many stories but all of them seemed too personal.
Why was he doing this again?
Natsu shook his head. Concentrate.
''So... I guess it really all started when I was around five, almost six maybe...''
**Flashback**
-Year X772-
Natsu bit his bleeding fingers, sucking at the blood. Cooper taste in his mouth and scent of the red liquid so close to his nose he almost couldn't smell the scent of the dead demon before him. The gold horns of the Balzak – as the demon introduced himself – was twice as long as he was, the one eye on its forehead staring lifelessly right at him.
The face of the demon was surprisingly human-like but the demon was the size of some of Nature dragons he has met. Emerald was probably smaller than this thing was.
But despite its great size, it was not overly strong. Defeated and killed by five-year-old testified to that.
Where human eyes should've been on the demon were long and raw stitches, it's mouth – if fully open literally reached from it's wolf-like ear to the other.
Natsu grimaced as he shifted, sprained ankle and shattered wrist giving a painful throb.
Acnologia landed behind the boy a moment later giving him a look. ''Better than last time''
Natsu grinned despite himself, knowing he would be scolded for it later. That was as good as saying he was proud of the boy.
''If you continue down this path you might be ready''
Despite the dragon muttering it in uncharacteristically soft tone, Natsu heard it clearly.
''Ready for what?''
''To live or die''
Natsu frowned. That didn't make much sense. Actually, that made no sense at all.
''What are you talking about, Acnologia?''
Acnologia gave him a short look. ''What did I tell you about questions?''
Natsu's face fell, shoulders sagging slightly. ''Don't ask stupid questions''
''And what kind of questions are those?''
''All of mine so far''
''At least you can remember one thing right''
''Sorry''
-Year X773-
The day started like any other. Waking with the sun was a routine but in winter months when the sun showed its face later that meant waking before the sun.
Running through the dense forest was part of that routine, jumping over branches and ducking under trees knocked by some storm or the other. Winter was not the time of year Natsu preferred. Acnologia was more grumpy than usual and his usual bathing spot in a lake was frozen which meant carrying it back to the Cave and warming it there.
By the time routine was finished and the part of the day where Acnologia should come and scream his head off at him was getting pretty close.
That was the reason Natsu did not jump in shock as a dead elk dropped from the sky, it's body pierced by the giant claws of his father who dropped his catch before the boy.
Acnologia landed a moment later with a huff and as always Natsu turned to his father rather than attacking the meat like his stomach wanted to. A low bow and a quick ''Good morning'' was spoken to the dragon who looked at his 'son'.
After another moment of silence, Natsu looked up, barely suppressing a gasp at the gash running from Acnologia's jaw to the shoulder blade, the gash deep and still bleeding.
That was the first time Natsu saw his father's blood and it rocked his world as silly as that sounded. How could it not? Would you not be surprised if you saw a god bleed?
Natsu was not stupid – he knew Acnologia was not a god (a demon would be more accurate if anything) – but after years of watching the dragon come and go and few times even witnessing a fight Acnologia did not gain a scratch.
''Eat'' Acnologia spoke in his usual nonosense voice when he was either annoyed or angry – and that meant Natsu obediently moved to the elk. The human child pulled a small pocket knife he got himself in one of the villages he visited and peeled the brownish white fur of the elk with practiced ease before moving to the meat beneath, the meat a lot easier to eat raw after growing canines.
As Natsu kept his meal, his eyes were fixed on Acnologia who gagged looking like he was going to throw up. Another gag made Natsu tense before his eyes widened and with a final gag a gold and silver box the size of Acnologia's paw fell out, mixed with blood and spit.
''Disgusting thing'' Acnologia muttered disdainfully, glaring at the box before directing the glare at the child that still stared at him with open bewilderment. ''Are you done with your meal?''
Natsu blinked, somewhat surprised Acnologia spoke to him after what the boy just witnessed. ''Um.. yes''
''Than stand up and get your but over here''
Natsu nodded hastily, hurriedly walking to Acnologia and the chest that was maybe even bigger than him.
''Do you remember what I told you last autumn?''
Natsu looked at the dragon king, dry look on his features. ''Sure I do. I think about it every day''
The sarcasm was not lost on the great dragon and the king soon sent the child flying in the treeline with a swing of his tail.
''Don't patronize me, brat!'' Acnologia glared at the child that emerged from the treeline, rubbing the back of his head.
''Sorry'' Natsu mumbled, annoyed. ''That was uncalled for'' he added with a sniff.
Acnologia gave him a dry look of his own, half-lidded look fixed on Natsu for a moment before the king sighed and continued.
''You are ready'' Acnologia said leadingly while Natsu only stared at him, blinking owlishly. He was six years old, how was he supposed to know what that meant?
''For... what?'' Natsu cocked his head, gesturing with his hands to continue.
''After you defeated Balzak I told you that if you continue down this path you will be ready'' the king spoke slowly to him, like he was speaking to a particularly dumb hatchling.
A flash of realization passed over Natsu's eyes and the boy gave a tentative nod. ''Ready to live or die''
''Exactly''
''And the chest?''
''You'll see soon enough. Natsu –''
Natsu tensed, knowing something serious was about to be discussed the moment Acnologia chose to call him by name rather than 'brat'.
''You are a fine dragon slayer – a true dragon slayer and you have to remember that. Dragon slayers cannot be considered complete nor true without the blood of a dragon staining their hands. You are a fine killer as well. Killing the villagers and bandits in such number is a success not many can brag about''
Natsu swallowed. That was not something he would ever brag about. The horror on the faces of those people was simply too great, but it had to be done. Acnologia said they were bad people, worse than scum. If he believed anyone then it was his Father.
''Tonight is the full moon'' Acnologia continued and I bit his lip. ''Full moon is used for the dark magic''
''Indeed... Climb in my paw. We need to get going if we want to be there on time''
Natsu frowned. There on time? It was barely morning. The moon wouldn't come out for at least seven more hours despite the fact the winter was almost at its peak. He didn't question despite his curiosity and climbed in the paw of the dragon.
''This might drive you crazy''
It probably had, in retrospective.
''I don't care''
I didn't, at the time.
**Flashback – End**
Natsu stopped talking so abruptly his sentence didn't seem finished. The guild still watched him, eyes wide and curious. Natsu resisted the urge to bite his lower lip and sighed.
''Where did you go?'' Lucy asked carefully when the silence stretched for almost a minute.
Natsu blinked and looked at the blonde mage. ''He took me to Lurioa''
Gajeel took a sharp intake of breath, sounding almost like someone burned him. Levy glanced at him, ''You know what that means?''
Gajeel's eyes were wide as he stared at the dragon slayer sitting on the stage. ''You.. He... How did you get there?! Mortals shouldn't be able to see the place!''
Natsu's eyes trawled to Gajeel who was now standing on his feet, looking between horrified and awed. If such combination was even possible in that moment.
''Father is not a mortal'' Natsu reminded Gajeel in a matter of fact voice he used on people who said stupid things. It had its usual effect as Gajeel's face lightly flushed. ''Either way, you two were very much alive. It should not be possible''
The guild broke in whispers and Natsu's headache skyrocketed. He gave a soft moan, unheard by others and grasped his head. ''I assure you we were there''
At Gajeel's slightly lost and panicked face Natsu could clearly see despite the older dragon slayer wanted to hide it, the pink haired dragon slayer smirked, amused. ''And don't worry, both my Father and I are very much alive. It is possible to enter Lurioa if you know where it is and Zeref was kind enough to take my Father there almost four hundred years ago''
The guild tensed and Makarov paled considerably.
''That being said I myself have never met the man... if he could even be called that''
Gajeel plopped back down in his chair and massaged his neck, suddenly looking tired.
''What is 'Lurioa'?'' Macao demanded, cowing slightly when Natsu's mismatched eyes stopped on him.
It was, however, Gajeel that answered instead of Natsu. ''It's dragonic. Roughly translated-'' Gajeel swallowed and looked nervously at Natsu who only stared back. ''-Hell''
''Well I prefer Demon's nest'' Natsu explained with a shrug, sounding almost like he was talking about the weather. ''Hell is deeper than Lurioa and besides Ausul is what you will hear more often dragons use to talk about Hell''
''While transplantation is helpful some more information wouldn't hurt'' Makarov spoke solemnly, weariness creeping on him.
''It's a place Zeref used to create his demons. Connection between underworld and mortal plane is strongest in it – thus the reason living can enter under special circumstances''
''What were you doing in Lurioa?'' Wendy decided to speak, her little face scrunched in worry and skin paler by the minute. She was familiar with the concept of it, Grandeeney explained the basic but the sky dragon was never really comfortable to speak about it.
Natsu winced. How to start with that?
**Flashback**
It truly did take them almost six hours to reach the place, why they didn't use Chaotic void was lost on young dragon slayer but he did not dare to ask, not when his concentration was on the chest in Acnologia's other paw. It was not visible in any shape or form but he could feel it, hatred and anger rolling in thick tendrils down the sides of the chest, polluting the clean air of the skies.
Acnologia didn't warn the dragon slayer before he suddenly stopped beating his wings and plummeted down towards the surface. Natsu blinked, biting back a scream as the dark and barren forest covered in fog became closer by each second.
Acnologia glanced at Natsu as the child grips it's claw and gave a short chuckle of amusement. ''Cowered'' unlike most times the insult was directed at him this time Acnologia seemed too amused to truly mean it. Natsu knew that much but it still made him bristle. ''You could've warned me!''
Natsu knew his voice was heard despite the strong winds that carried it away almost too quickly for his own ears to hear it.
Only a few moments before they crashed in the three line, Acnologia opened his massive jaws and fired a weak ball of Chaos energy, leveling trees and creating a small landing spot more than big enough for him to land comfortably.
Acnologia's feet touched the blackened ground, sparks and tendrils of black and blue energy still dancing over the ground.
''Where are we?'' Nastu grumbled as he jumped down and looked at the sky, he knew the moon has appeared an hour or so ago but the sun has just started to set. Despite his knowledge, he couldn't see any of it, the fog at the bottom of the forest so thick he couldn't see Acnologia's head as the dragon king raised it up.
''In a forest'' Acnologia deadpanned. Natsu sighed. ''I can see that much. Why are we here – wherever here might be'' The place sent shivers down his spine and he felt.. no, he knew someone was watching them. His eyes glanced around but the trees were tall and forest dark despite the lack of leaves.
Acnologia's head penetrated the fog right next to Natsu who looked at the massive jaw, not even feet away from him. ''We are standing in a plane between life and underworld, the gates of Lurioa are close''
Natsu tensed, his body suddenly sent a shiver down his spine. ''How close?''
Acnologia's nostrils flared. ''In this plane, you can find them where you need them''
Acnologia's blue eyes rolled to the side, his look so intense Natsu couldn't help but follow it. The child's eyes widened as he took a step back, almost falling as his legs refused to move in a way his brain screamed. Every fiber of his being was screaming at him to run as the sight of golden doors he knew were not there before appeared.
The doors were heavily decorated but the motives were not nice. Horrors of torture and demons of ugliest kind goggled at him, two large skeletons in the center of the doors, their hands joined and chains, some thick as Acnologia's tail and others as small as Natsu's fingers kept the doors locked.
''Pick up your spine from the floor and move'' Acnologia grumbled and walked towards the doors. Before Natsu could ask how exactly were they supposed to enter the chains squealed and rattled, untying and disintegrating with each step Acnologia took.
By the time Acnologia reached the doors, skeletons have unlinked their hands and the doors swung open revealing unnatural darkness that almost seemed to suck out the little light that penetrated the fog. Natsu swallowed and followed close beside Acnologia, the massive gate large enough for his Father to pass through without even lowering his head.
As doors started closing Natsu cast one last glance at the outside forest, this time spotting a pair of red eyes looking at them through the fog.
The doors closed with not so quiet slam and Natsu had to blink several times to adjust his vision. Natsu couldn't place where exactly they were or even how to describe it. The floor looked like that of a cave, uneven and rocky but columns of black marble raised from it, connecting the floor to the ceiling too high for Natsu to see. The only other wall he could see was that on the opposite side, another door, similar to those outside but black in color. At least he thought they were black – they could be pink for all he could see in the dimly lit room, lit by a source he was yet to place.
Natsu shuddered despite himself, the energy of the place unnerving to say the least and the eyes blinking from the darkness at them did not help. The water dripped somewhere in the distance the sound sounding unnaturally loud as it echoed around and whispers he could not understand or distinguish from one voice to another filled the large chamber.
''Father?'' Natsu asked carefully, his eyes moving to Acnologia who stood calm and collected an always but the king was betrayed by his tightly closed jaw. He did not like this place either.
''Be quiet'' Acnologia admonished. ''They will come if they hear you''
''They?''
''I said be quiet''
Natsu swallowed and fallowed Acnologia as the dragon moved to the doors on the other side of the wall.
A cackle mixed in with the whispers, followed by giggles, high and maddening.
''A human'' One whisper giggled. ''Human?'' Another asked. ''With dragonking, he goes!'' The third voice wailed.
''What is that, Father?'' Natsu couldn't help but ask. Acnologia glanced down at him. ''Whisperers. They can't touch you''
Natsu swallowed again, looking around, fluorescent eyes of all shapes, sizes, and colors blinked at him, laughing and cackling.
''Remember us he does! Flattered we are!'' Whisperers crowned.
''Come'' Acnologia hissed and moved towards the doors faster. The doors, just like the last opening before him and closing just as his tail passed.
The new room looked more like a hallway, wide just enough for Acnologia to walk comfortably but the ceiling was still too high to be noticed. Torches decorated the walls, the blue flames licking only the torches directly above them, turning on when they neared and extinguishing in a puff of smoke as they passed.
Dust fell from above and Natsu looked up, dismayed to see more eyes looking at him from above though this were all white and blank.
''These are blind'' Acnologia whispered to him. ''They can not see you, just be quiet''
Few cackled from above, a beat of wings echoing through the room.
Another door came into view, these much less decorated, only a winged snake craved in the stone. Acnologia neared the doors and these reminded closed for a moment longer before the snake blinked and slithered to one side of the doors, hissing as Acnologia passed.
This room was by far the smallest Natsu has seen in here though it was not small in any way of the word. The floor was covered in marble tails, walls heavily decorated with frescoes of all colors and sized, melting and bending together, all characters on the pictured turned towards the center of the ceiling where a hole stood, night sky shining from above and full moon almost directly above it.
The waiting characters on the pictures didn't move from their position but their eyes watched as Natsu moved with Acnologia, following the two. A drop of water fell on the floor beside Natsu and the pink-haired child needed a moment to realize the pictures were crying, the very souls of sinners used to paint the frescoes.
The middle of the room was occupied by altar made out of some black sleek rock or crystal Natsu couldn't recognize.
''Why are we here?'' Natsu asked carefully, eyes tearing away from the bloody chains hanging at the sides of the black altar. Acnologia didn't turn his head to look at him. The dragon king put the chest he was holding gently down and lowered his body to the floor, his grotesque size making him bent his neck when standing straight in the room, enormous for Natsu but slightly too small to fit dragon king completely.
''For a ceremony'' Acnologia spoke finally. ''Ceremony?'' Natsu's eyebrows scrunched together. ''Should I be worried?''
Acnologia chuckled dryly ''You aren't already?''
Natsu gave his father a blank stare. ''That helps''
''Lay down'' Acnologia commanded making Natsu tense. ''Lay down where?''
Acnologia rolled his eyes and sent a glare towards Natsu who bit his lips. ''Yes, I know, stupid question''
Acnologia nodded in agreement but still pointed with his tail at the altar.
''What is going to happen to me?''
''You will become stronger. I believe I already told you that''
''In exchange for what?''
Acnologia paused. ''Sanity, soul, heart. Take your pick''
Natsu stopped his stride to the altar, his eyes wide as he looked at his father, who stared back. The biggest problem Natsu found was the fact the dragon king didn't look all that calm. Well to most he would but Natsu spent enough time to pick out the signs.
''Lay down before I put you there myself. You said you will do it. There is no turning back now''
Natsu swallowed and hurried to the altar, cursing his weakness. Here he was, questioning his Father. Idiot. If his Father deemed him ready than he was ready and no amount of pain or whatever was waiting for him would take that away.
''What is in that chest?'' Natsu asked as he neared the altar, one hand resting on the black stone, surprisingly cold.
''Heart of a dragon, cursed because of his actions and bathed in demon's blood''
Natsu blinked, his eyes on the chest. ''Cool'' he sounded far from enthusiastic but didn't object nor pause as he lied down on the cold stone, chains previously dangling freely around rattled and raised from the floor, sneaking around his torso, hand, and feet like snakes.
''Father?'' Natsu glanced at Acnologia who still lied in his spot. The dragon king had a decency to yawn.
''Do not worry. The chains will keep you on the altar. I have been through this. You should worry about them the least''
''You've been through this?''
''A long time ago''
Natsu would probably speak again if the chains didn't suddenly jerk, tying him to the table so strongly he could not move an inch, the end of the chains, sharp and not unlike the end of a spear turned around and pierced his palm and feet.
The first scream of that night ripped trough Natsu's throat.
''You will gain new form tonight, Natsu. You will case to be just human. Your heart will be replaced by that of a demonized dragon. You have to understand it will hurt. It will hurt like nothing you felt before''
Acnologia opened the chest, the heart of a dragon black and much to Natsu's horror still beating, red lines glowing softly around the heart. It was almost as big as Natsu himself and it left the sweating child wonder how was it going to fit inside him. The answer was presented to him as the red lines started pulsing, a screech, so full of hate and terror filling the room as the heart shrank to a size of Natsu's fist. The heart didn't look human in neither color nor shape, too many veins protruded from it, the color too dark, almost black.
Acnologia raised to his feet, the heart floating in front of him. The small monstrosity still beating and red lines still pulsing.
The screeching got louder as the heart neared its new owner and Natsu did not remember when he started screaming. Acnologia raised his head to look at the circular hole in the roof, moon right above it, before he brought his head back down, a roar released from his massive throat.
The cavern shook, the trapped souls screeching and crying as Acnologia's claw pierced Natsu's chest.
The little boy screamed, his magic circling around him chaotically, one moment bursting out the next shrinking back, moving in circles, one moment towards the moon, the next shrinking away from it.
Once the heart started lowering down the blood flowing down the black stone turned darker, the black magic swirled and circled the heart.
The pain like no other cursed through his veins, feeling like someone was pouring molten lava through them as one by one, slowly, painfully slowly connected to the heart that was still beating strong.
Acnologia lied down in the Cave, his head resting on his feet while his eyes lied on the child several feet away, a child sleeping there for the last two weeks.
What went through dragon's head was anyone's guess, passive look he kept on his face gave nothing away but when a groan ripped from Natsu's throat a clear look of relief passed his face for a brief second.
''About time you woke up'' Acnologia grumbled and pulled himself on his feet while Natsu struggled to open his eyes, sleep still calling him.
''Ugh...'' Natsu mumbled and rolled from his back to his stomach, wincing as the wound still present on his chest throbbed painfully. ''Wha... Where are we?''
''In the cave. For the last two weeks. I had to call Himmel to check up on you''
Natsu blinked, black eyes lazily looking around. ''Himmel was here?''
''Two days ago''
''Huh''
The two stayed silent for a while Natsu pulled himself in sitting position, inspecting his chest warped in bandages, the question of how that got there considering the dragon looking at him was far too large to warp it himself crossed his mind but the child was too tired to truly care.
A smirk stretched Natsu's lips. ''So I'm still alive and mostly sane by the looks of it''
Acnologia snorted. ''It appears you are''
Year X774.
The young dragon slayer spent his year shifting, changing and learning how to control his new form. His strength grew frighteningly in the short span and by the end of the year, three dead dragons lied behind him. Earth dragon queen Gea was among those three, the old queen long since overstayed her welcome in the court with her ever-present complaints and sick cough. Cré was more than old enough to take place of his much-despised aunt anyway. All things considered, it was a wonder no one challenged the ancient earth queen before and Natsu was not even looking for her spot in the Council – something he gained soon after proving he was more than capable of fighting like a dragon and defeating one of noble rank.
Gaining a seat in the Council, a seat of a prince of Choas dragons no less was a tremendous honor, because no human had ever been invited to step on the Floating island, much less enter the Palace of Dovah.
Naturally not all agreed, some still probably don't but the fact Natsu was not completely human did sway several of that opinion to his side. Enough to vote his joining.
Over the years Natsu spent with Acnologia the child failed his father more than once. Every failure was punished and after joining the Council the severity of those punishments only grew.
Acnologia reasoned with his son that it was a necessity, necessary evil to make him strong and more importantly ready for the harsh world.
It was easy to agree when you know nothing else and the child always strives to please the parent. Whatever discipline method Acnologia chose, be it physical or mental Natsu bowed his head and endured. He deserved it after all.
Year X776.
Failing to kill fire dragon general Atlas Flame was one of the biggest and most humiliating loses of the short life pink-haired dragon slayer had. Acnologia was understandably furious and the king leaped into the air and killed the general himself in a spree of anger – something which resulted with Fire dragon king Igneel point blank refusing to stay on the same island as Acnologia and leaving the Floating island. The two fire dragons were a great loss – one his Father refused to acknowledge.
The dragon king made his anger known by sending his son on a killing spree to the point he had to kill someone every single day.
**End of flashback**
''You can imagine the next year was far from joyous for me as Acnologia decided it was time to leave'' Natsu drawled. ''And there is no need nor do I want to speak of my life after that''
''And dragonification... You haven't explained anything yet if I'm not mistaken'' Makarov spoke after the silence became unbearable.
Natsu frowned slightly, mismatched eyes turning to look at his old master. ''I have explained nothing, you say? Were you here while I talked to you about my trip to hell?''
Makarov nodded reluctantly. ''I was here but...''
''It will not affect the ultimate result, not completely but it will speed the dragonification''
''Which is..? I mean we got the pretty good idea after seeing... this'' Gray gestured vaguely to Natsu who raised the scaly eyebrow in something almost akin to amusement. ''But that can't be it.. You can't be turning into a dragon''
The guild stayed deadly silent. It was a thought that crossed everyone's mind but no one said it out loud, much less confirm it.
''How much are you familiar with the Poem of the lost?'' Natsu asked instead, the complete off-topic question making everyone take a double take. Levy bit her lip before she spoke, her voice quiet as she spoke carefully.
''The truth is this,
every monster
you have met
or will ever meet,
was once a human being
with a soul
that was as soft
and light
as silk.
Someone stole
that silk from their soul
and turned them
into this.
So when you see
a monster next,
always remember this,
do not fear
the thing before you.
Fear the thing
that created it
instead.''
The whispers filled the guild, Levy's face turning bright red when Gajeel sent impressed look her way.
Natsu also gave a small, barely noticeable smile though it was far more grim than amused. ''It's a poem written many ages ago by first dragon slayers describing their anger once they realized what happened to one who overused his dragon slaying magic. Acnologia was quite smug when he heard there was a poem written because of him, gods forbid he found just how many there were''
Gajeel paled. ''Wait... are you saying.. Acnologia was once human?''
Natsu nodded. ''Well, yes''
''And we can turn into dragon's as well? That's what dragonification is, isn't it? A dragon slayer turns into a dragon'' Gajeel asked anxiously.
''In a way yes but the chances of you overusing your magic is almost impossible. For a dragon slayer to turn into a dragon some special measures must be taken – the heart Acnologia put in me for example'' Natsu explained.
''So it's not just that demon form Acnologia pushed onto you'' it wasn't a question Mira spoke as she gritted her teeth. ''You will turn into a dragon because of what he did''
''Yes'' Natsu agreed.
''And what then?'' Makarov asked, his worried gaze. ''What will happen when you turn into a... dragon?''
Natsu stayed silent for a moment before he spoke again, his voice somewhat silent. ''I don't know''
Natsu sat on the windowsill, a book he found in guild's library in his hands, his nose in it but his thoughts far from the words as he turned the pages. He would be lying if he said he didn't feel like he said too much. He knew he said too much.
The door's of guild's infirmary opened and the scent of ice and snow hit his nose.
''Natsu...''
''Gray'' Natsu said evenly, turning another page of the thick book.
''I was wondering...'' Gray started, closing the doors and walking to the bed closest to the window.
''When we were on the boat-'' Natsu tensed but still kept his eyes on the book. That boat trip was one he wanted to forget. Oh, the humiliation. ''-Wendy told us your magic was pumping your blood and now you said you don't have your heart...''
Natsu nodded. ''Indeed'' he allowed and turned another page. ''Even though I don't have a heart my blood is still running through my veins. My magic is acting as my heart in this body''
''So if you run out of magic...'' Gray grimaced.
''I die'' Natsu bobbed his head again. Gray looked at Natsu, his mouth half opened as if the ice mage wanted to say something else.
''Could you... could you show me your true form?''
Natsu looked up and this time Gray tensed as he got a clear view of the scaled face.
''No'' Natsu said and closed the book. ''It would speed the process and I don't really feel comfortable showing it to anyone who I don't plan to kill soon after''
''But Erza-''
''Saw it because I was careless'' Natsu cut him off, his voice even but a hint of anger was present. ''I made a mistake by showing it to her''
''She's just confused. She didn't mean those things she said''
''She said them''
''But she didn't mean that''
''It makes little difference to me''
''You're stubborn''
''You're stupid''
Gray frowned. ''You're being mean without any reason''
''I can be mean all I want''
''Because you're grumpy?''
''Exactly''
''Did you just make a joke?''
Natsu stayed silent and opened the book in his lap. Gray chuckled. ''You're not that bad''
Natsu looked back up, somewhat startled. ''Wha... What do you mean?''
''You're a good guy''
It was Gray's turn to be surprised as Natsu smirked, a light chuckle passing his parted lips. ''I'm not one of the good guys, Gray''
Gray stayed silent for a moment before he stood up and turned to the doors, casting one last glance at pink-haired dragon slayer. ''You saved us back there in the tower. No matter what others say you're a good guy. You're... a friend''
End of chapter 22.
Rewritten
The poem was not written by me. I found it online so it's not owned by me. Please review and thanks for reading :)