Chapter 62:

''Igneel?'' Emerald whispered.

''I see you found him'' Himmel whispered, his mouth hanging slightly in shock.

''You knew where Acnologia went?!'' Kindra yelled, the hood that matched her cobra-like head spreading around her neck as her snake-like tongue poked from her lips in anger.

''King Acnologia'' Acnologia said but was unpleasantly surprised when his comment stayed unnoticed, Sephtis looked at Himmel as angrily as Kindra did, but the cold-headed dragon king hiding it a lot better.

''We should've known what this meeting was about!'' The shadow dragon kind hissed trough clenched teeth.

Adalstienn nodded, his massive head moving toward Igneel and Acnologia who watched the raging queens and kings somewhat surprised by the mess.

''A return of a king should've been discussed with the rest of us!'' the iron dragon king, Demir yelled angrily rising to its full height that was barely any bigger than Himmel's.

''SILENCE!''

Acnologia's voice was enough on its own to silence the hall but the spike in his magic was a certain way to keep it that way.

''But he-'' Kindra looked at Acnologia, her mouth slightly open as she pointed with her tail at Himmel who by now looked close to jumping out of the window.

''He stayed silent on the matter as I requested him to stay! Until now even he didn't know that I will bring Igneel to the island!''

''You didn't know you'll bring Igneel to the island until seven hours ago'' Igneel let out a snicker ignoring the twitch in Acnologia's eye as the dragon king looked at the fire dragon. There was no reason for the fire dragon king to be nervous around the black dragon next to him. Why would he be? It was never even truly decided who of the two was stronger.

''That's not the point'' Acnologia hissed as he looked at the gathered kings and queens.

''And the return of fire dragon king Igneel is not why we have gathered today''

''It's not?'' Emerald sounded surprised and with a reason. What could've been more important?

''No'' Acnologia said before he released a heavy sigh. If Igneel's return wasn't the most important thing on this meeting then what on earth was?

''Himmel, if you will?''

The snowy-white dragon looked at the dragon of apocalypse clearly scandalized. 'Great. Put my head on the block!'

''I'm going to kill him'' Laxus muttered before he groaned, trying to sit up in the cart, careful not to pull any more breaks or any other polls that will send him on another hellish ride.

The lightning user, slightly green in face managed to pull himself in sitting position and looked around, trying to recognize the place he ended up in.

It was... a cave?

''Where on earth am I anyway? Is this underneath the arena?'' Laxus asked himself as he climbed out of the cart and looked to at the railways he drove on a few moments ago, his face turning green again just at the memory.

''I'll have to find another way out'' Laxus sighed as he looked in front of himself, the long corridor leading deeper into the cave.

''Since I'm here, might as well check it out''

Pushing his hands into the pockets of his pants, the dragon slayer moved trough the narrow corridors of the cave, thanking once again his enhanced senses that allowed him to see in the almost absolute darkness that surrounded him.

The dust fell from the ceiling as the ground shook for a second and Laxus glanced up. ''I guess the battle is getting quite intense up there. Too bad I'm not there to finish it... And I have Souleater to thank for that, idiot dragon''

Laxus ran a hand trough his hair, trying to get rid of the dust, and sighed looking over his shoulder for a second as he rounded the corner. ''I guess I could walk on the railings to get out if there's no other way''

The lightning mage turned back to look in front of himself and stopped dead in his tracks, almost falling over the edge of the small cliff. The lightning mage looked at the meter long fall and sighed before chuckling over the stupidity of his situation.

He looked up to inspect the cavern he almost fell in and took a step back in shock.

''Holy Mavis...!''

Mavis sneezed before rubbing her nose. 'Someone must be talking about me'

''You alright, First?'' Makarov asked from his spot next to her, the mug of beer in his hand as the two looked over celebrating Fairy Tail mages in the Honneybone inn. The night has fallen barely an hour ago and the Fourth day was finally finished.

''Yea'' the small blonde woman said with smile ''Someone's probably talking about me''

Makarov raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet. His thoughts returning to his previous dilemma. 'How will I pay for all this?'

The old master cringed as Gray jumped on the board placed on two barrels and yelled at the top of his lungs ''Barrel surfing!''

Needless to say, when the ice mage crashed into the wall he broke more that just one barrel.

''Today, despite everything, turned out to be pretty good'' Lucy said with a smile.

Levy nodded ''We're finally in the lead''

''Only by a point'' Gray pointed out as he plopped down next to the two girls, missing his shirt and pants but neither of the girls even saw the point of saying that out loud.

''A point is a point'' Mira said with a smile as Erza drove behind her on the barrels and crashed into the wall.

''Indeed it is'' Ultear said as she took a seat between Gray and Levi.

''It was quite a day, you have to admit'' Jellal said as he came with a glass filled with vodka in one hand. ''I seriously thought Natsu would blast us all with that roar'' Gray said with a laugh.

''Yea. We all did I believe'' Jellal laughed as well before looking around ''Where is he anyway?''

''I think he went to see how Wendy's doing'' Happy commented as he and Lisanna moved to the table.

''Carla's with him?'' Mira asked, slightly surprised Happy's not there if Carla was.

Happy nodded with a pout ''Yea... She said she wanted to be alone with Wendy for a bit. That was before Natsu went there though, so I guess her alone time was kinda interrupted''

''Speaking of Natsu and the fight...'' Erza said as she walked to them, straightening her skirt. ''Did anyone see Laxus?''

''Ah, that's right... We never found out where he disappeared off to'' Mira commented.

Himmel stopped talking, finishing the story of what was bound to happen in only a few days time.

''Why were we not informed of this before?'' Adalstienn asked after a moment of silence.

''You just heard what Himmel said'' Emerald said, the small dragon glaring at the stone dragon king twice her size. ''He didn't know that until yesterday''

''Correction'' Kindra hissed ''He knew that for four days, he arrived here yesterday and said what he knew to king then''

''Kindra, stay quiet'' Acnologia hissed at the water dragon queen who bowed her head slightly, angry at being talked down to like a damn hatchling but unable to voice it. Not daring to do so. No point in angering the already angry king.

''We don't have much time, true'' Acnologia said ''And Ragnarok is taking place in the human city, city humans call Crocus''

''What are we going to do?'' Adalstienn asked after a moment. There weren't many dragons who remembered the last Ragnarok. In the whole council only five kings in the council were old enough to remember that, six now that Igneel returned. He might be one of those six but that didn't mean he had any better idea of what to do than the others did.

Acnologia sighed heavily ''You? If everything goes how I planned, nothing''

The hall erupted in an uproar once again as everyone voice their opinion on the idea, obviously not liking it in the least.

''I forgot how loud these meetings are'' Igneel muttered to Acnologia who nodded in dismay, annoyed by the noise.

''AS I WAS SAYING!'' the dragons in the room quieted down again but the silence didn't return ''The new Ragnarok should take place in Crocus. A place filled with humans''

''So?'' Sephtis asked with a snort ''With all due respect, king Acnologia, but you don't struck me as human-loving type''

''Because I'm not'' Acnologia said shortly ''But in that town is a dragon I do not wish to see dead''

''Your son?'' Adalstienn questioned with raised eyebrow. Acnologia nodded after a second, watching the gathered dragons carefully, daring them to say something.

''Do not think I am doing this just because Dragon Prince is there'' Acnologia said ''I would go to Crocus if it was any other dragon. Humans thinned our numbers to mere 5% of what we used to be. There is barely enough dragons to fill this island and 400 years ago we filled the lands and seas bellow us''

The dragons nodded sadly, knowing their numbers all too well.

''Then what is your plan?'' Adalstienn continued in his deep voice ''As far as I know Ragnarok consists of dragons fighting dragons and not just dragons fighting humans''

Acnologia knew his plan but he did not know where the opposing dragons would come from.

''The spirits did not know that either. They just said that great darkness will fall on the human city'' Himmel answered instead '''Dragon king festival will raze the ground once more' was what the spirit of the dragon said''

''Dragon king festival? That's the name for Ragnarok I haven't heard in a while'' Kindra muttered.

''People on Ishgar refer to it as such if I'm not mistaken'' Emerald said, the earth dragon queen was younger than the water dragon beside her, never seeing Ragnarok taking place with her own eyes like Kindra had.

''Yes'' Igneel nodded to Emerald ''That is correct. I wouldn't be surprised if they were not even aware Ragnarok and Dragon king festival were one and the same''

''And the plan?'' Sephtis questioned as he looked at Acnologia, the shadow dragon focusing on the coming days, on the event he never witnessed yet knew full well what they were.

''Fire dragon king Igneel and I will go to Crocus and see how much humans are aware of the danger that looms over them''

Igneel nodded, confirming Acnologia's words ''We will contact Dragon Prince as well while we're among humans''

''Dragon Prince is in Crocus? I thought he resided in the town called Magnolia'' one of the dragons questioned.

''Yes, he does'' Igneel allowed ''But his magic signature is in Crocus. Some kind of wizard gathering is happening in the main city''

''Which means, even more tourists are in the city'' Adalstienn realized grimly.

Igneel nodded, unlike most dragons around him, the old red-scaled dragon was a human-lover, finding them fascinating more than threatening. ''And more people to die in the crossfire''

''Why only Igneel and you, king?'' Kindra asked with raised scaly eyebrow.

''That's a bit too obvious, Kindra. Seriously, who thought you manners?'' Demir said with a smirk.

Kindra bristled ''I wasn't talking to you, Demir''

''Igneel and I are going because we are the only ones capable of blending in with humans to the point we won't be recognized as anything but human''

Natsu sighed as he closed the doors behind himself after entering the infirmary. 'I spent almost as much time in this room as in my hotel room'

The dragon didn't bother turning on the lights in the room, having almost near-perfect night vision and there was more than enough light coming from the moon trough the window.

The dragon turned his eye to the figure lying on the bed closest to the window and the red eyes immediately caught the white exceed that was lying on the pillow near the bluehead. With a short moment of concentration, Natsu's hearing adjusted to the sounds fainter than what the human ear could hear and the sound of two heartbeats flowed to his ears. 'Both asleep?' He mused as he moved toward the bed without making a sound.

He pulled the chair from one corner of the room next to the bed and sat on it, resting his forehead on his interlocked fingers.

The dragon looked at his 'sister' but didn't move his head. There were still times he would look at her – look at them – and think he was imagining things. They have considered dead only a few months ago. And now... they are back just like that like they never left.

Natsu sighed. He failed them. He knew that much. He failed Wendy. She was always there for him but when was the last time he was there for her? His eyes hardened in resolve. Yes. The moment GMG were over the two of them are going to take a mission. Just the two of them. Like old times.

A small smile played on his lips at the thought, the dragon leaning back in the uncomfortable wooden chair, his eyes slowly closing.

Yes. He could sleep. He maybe failed them but they were here. As the dragon drifted off to sleep the sound of footsteps echoing on the marble tiles reached his ears. The sound no one else could here.

The party in Honneybone inn was interrupted by a rather loud sound as the doors opened and crashed into the wall.

The Fairy Tail mages quieted down to see who was at their doors and were surprised to see Laxus, panting as he leaned against the door frame.

''Laxus?'' Makarov asked as he hopped down from the bar. ''Where have you been?''

Laxus shook his head ''No time to talk. Where's Souleater?''

Makarov's frown deepened as a sense of dread traveled down his spine. What could be so urgent?

''He's in the infirmary with Wendy'' Mira said as she stepped forward. ''What's this about?''

Laxus nodded as he disappeared in the form of lightning, reappearing next to Gajeel and grabbed his elbow. The iron dragon slayer yelped in surprise as Laxus moved them out almost as quickly as he came.

Panther Lily glanced at Happy and the two spread their wings flying out.

''...Should we follow them, master?'' Lucy asked after a second.

Makarov blinked in surprise as he turned to Lucy ''Uh.. I guess not... Laxus knows what he's doing. If he needed us he would've asked us to come... I guess''

''I'll go make sure everything's alright'' Jellal volunteered as he disappeared using the meteor.

''With that said, I declare this meeting finished'' Acnologia finally said and the dragons moved out of the room, the conversation about the meeting almost instantly reaching the great hall beyond the double doors of the meeting room.

It didn't take long before only six dragons were left. Acnologia looked at the remaining dragons with a blank face, silently wondering why they stayed behind even though he had a pretty good idea.

''My king'' Adalstienn began as he looked at Acnologia who turned his eyes toward the huge stone dragon.

''Are you sure it's smart that only the two of you go? I don't want to question your decisions-''

''Yet you are doing just that'' Acnologia said shortly, raising his head to make himself look taller, spreading his wings slightly, obviously agitated by rudeness displayed on the other dragon's part.

Adalstienn nodded as he bowed his head ''I am aware of that and I deeply apologize for it but if Ragnarok is bound to happen so soon what can two dragons do to stop hundreds?''

''Three'' Igneel corrected and when all eyes turned towards him he explained ''Natsu is a dragon if I'm not mistaken''

Acnologia nodded as he turned back to Adalstienn ''And you forget who are the two dragons you are talking about''

''And I never said there would be hundreds of enemy's forces'' Himmel added from behind the stone dragon king who snorted.

''You haven't but do you even know who the enemy forces are?''

Himmel stayed quiet as Adelstienn turned back toward the two dragons. ''As I thought''

''We might not know where the enemy is but there won't be hundreds of dragons we would have to fight'' Acnologia said.

''What makes you so sure in that?'' Demir asked skeptically. The silver scales glinted in the light as hundreds of needle-like scales rose on his back and neck, giving the iron dragon king slightly hedgehog-like look.

''If there was a group of dragons as large as that do you truly believe we wouldn't notice them until now?'' Acnologia answered with a question of his own.

Kindra decided to voice her opinion ''So you are guessing their numbers on pure speculations?''

''Is there any other way?'' Himmel countered. Kindra rolled her eyes ''No. Still, you can't just waltz in the place filled with humans and expect everything will go according to plan''

Adelstienn shrugged ''The humans today are weak. There are only a few capable of even hurting us. And besides, they won't attack because, despite everything, they are not looking for another war with dragons. All in all, they are rather peaceful race from what I managed to deduce''

Igneel nodded in agreement along with Himmel while the other three merely rolled their eyes. Humans have always been a bit of a sore subject in the council which was almost equally divided between human lovers and haters.

''Speculation or clear observation aside, their numbers are probably not larger than a dozen'' Acnologia said. ''Anything larger than that would be noticed quite quickly, from humans or us''

''Why won't you tell us what you found? What could be so important-'' Wendy questioned as she glanced over her shoulder at the dragon prince who was still glaring daggers at the back of lightning user's head ''-that you woke up Natsu?'' she finished in a whisper.

Laxus didn't bother turning to look back, feeling Natsu's glare without much difficulty.

''It's a dragon slayer thing. Something I'm sure you all will want to see''

Gajeel scoffed, the iron dragon slayer walking few steps behind the blonde and bluehead, as he pointed with his thumb at the blue-haired man behind him that walked beside the dragon prince. ''If it's a dragon slayer thing what is he doing here?''

Jellal shrugged ''Since I was in infirmary I thought why not? And besides, would you really deal with grumpy dragon beside me on your own?''

''I'm not grumpy'' Natsu muttered as he crossed his arms over his chest ''Never heard of 'let the sleeping dragons lie'?''

''I thought it was 'dogs' not 'dragons'?'' Wendy asked, genuinely curious.

''That's beside the point''

''He's just grumpy'' Happy said keeping a blank face.

''If you want I can always punch a hole trough the wall with you''

''Wendy!'' Happy cried in mock terror that was true to be told not as much as acting as a real fear. ''Natsu's mean!''

''He's always mean'' Wendy said with a smirk as she patted the blue exceed ignoring betrayed look Natsu sent her way. She smiled inwardly as she looked at the dragon behind her again, taking Carla in her arms as Happy settled on her head. She noticed ever since they came back from Tenrou that Natsu was more open. 'More' being a strong word since only people that knew him well before and now would know the difference. A difference that was there nonetheless. Wendy liked to think that the small circle of people that saw that was expanding. The dragon slayers seemed to be more at ease around her brother since training trip.

''As much as I like good insults I am curious'' Natsu spoke drily ''I do hope that whatever you're going to show us is worth all this wasted time''

Laxus rolled his eyes as he pushed his hands deep into pants pockets ''Believe me, it is''

It was only a few more steps trough the dark corridors before the group of eight came to a halt, the small, meter high cliff ending the path and opening the narrow hallway into the huge cavern.

''We're here'' Laxus said in a whisper as he jumped down, allowing the rest to see the cavern.

Wendy stared at the floor, pure horror on her face before she jumped down, falling to her knees as she hit the sand bellow.

''This... this is a...'' Gajeel gulped as he jumped next to Wendy.

Natsu's red eyes widened at the sight before narrowing, a growl emitting from the back of his throat.

Jellal and exceeds stayed quiet, unsure what to say so decided not to say anything.

''Dragon's graveyard'' Natsu said as he jumped and walked past the two shocked dragon slayers.

''You don't think that... our parents are here?'' Wendy asked as she glanced at Gajeel, the group slowly following the dragon that walked silently around the skeletons.

''No, they're not... The skeletons are too old'' Gajeel said almost reluctantly as if trying to convince himself more than Wendy or anyone else.

''You're right about that one'' Natsu agreed as he knelt down next to one of the skeletons.

''Do you know anything about this?'' Jellal asked as he walked next to the Dragon Prince.

Natsu raised to his full height and glanced at Jellal ''No... Acnologia never mentioned anything of this sort''

Wendy's eyes were drawn away from the skeletons that surrounded her to the dragon beside her. 'Is this the reason Acnologia came in Carla's vision? Will he call him here after finding this? No... Natsu wouldn't do that. Not after what Acnologia did to us on Tenrou'

Carla looked up at Wendy, her thoughts moving along the same lines as Wendy's.

''So many... All these bones are dragon bones?'' Lily asked as he glanced up at Gajeel who nodded.

''What happened here?'' Jellal asked looking around in morbid awe. This, as sad as it was, was fascinating.

Wendy's eyes widened slightly as she looked at Natsu ''Milky Way!''

Natsu's eyes widened ''Of course!''

''What? What are you talking about?'' The blue-haired wizard asked as he looked at the two.

Laxus scratched his chin ''That technique Natsu showed you on our training trip? It can be applied to something like this?''

''Can you explain what you're talking about?'' Carla asked looking between dragon slayers as Wendy stepped forward, speaking ''Listen to the voices of dragons, connected to the river in the sky. I thought it was an attack type of magic... but maybe it's this''

Her eyes turned to Natsu as she gave him an irritated look ''You could've been a bit more specific when explaining this''

Natsu's lips twitched up in a cracked smirk ''Now, where's the fun in that?''

The small group stayed quiet before Gajeel chuckled ''Natsu and fun... Never thought I'd see those two connected''

''I still don't'' Laxus replied dryly.

The dragon prince shot the lightning mage the look ''Care to repeat that?''

Laxus looked away muttering ''Not if I don't have to''

''...So... Milky Way?'' Jellal asked shaking his head in amusement.

''Right'' Wendy nodded seriously.

''I'm still not clear on this'' Happy said shaking his head. Carla rolled her eyes ''You're never clear on anything''

Happy pouted ignoring the bark of laughter that escaped Lily next to him.

Wendy smiled at the cats before explaining further ''Milky Way might be a magic used to listen to the voices of the dragons who became souls''

She watched as the rest processed the information, Natsu nodding beside her knowingly, seeming satisfied she realized the true purpose.

''So if you manage to call the spirit we'll be able to know what happened'' Laxus concluded.

''And maybe something about Metalicana and Grandeeney'' Gajeel offered at which Wendy smiled and nodded. ''That would be nice''

''You lost'' master Jiemma stated as he gazed at the two dragon slayers kneeling before him.

Sting glanced at Rogue who had a wince fixed on his face, the pain still radiating from his crushed ribs evident even though the doctors wrapped them up nearly four hours ago.

''And that is unforgivable'' Jiemma glared at the two.

''I have no words to express how deeply sorry we are, sir'' Rogue said, barely managing to push the gasp out of his voice.

''He was far stronger than we thought he would be'' Sting said trough gritted teeth ''He was toying with us''

Jiemma's eyes narrowed dangerously ''And you toyed with Sabertooth's honor''

''We are-'' Sting quickly tried but never finished as Jiemma yelled ''Sorry?! 'Sorry' won't do any good now, boy! You are a disgrace! Failures!''

The angry master took a handful of Sting's shirt as he continued ''You call yourself a mage? A dragon slayer? I call you unworthy trash!''

With that, the tall master of Sabertooth spat in his face and slammed him into the floor.

Rogue looked at his partner, fury evident in his eyes even as his face remained neutral. The shadow user looked up at his master, ready to say something but before he could even open his mouth a foot connected with his stomach, just below the cracked ribs.

''Rogue'' Frosch whispered as she watched her friend curl on the ground, blood pooling out of his mouth.

''You have no right to speak, trash. You are even worse than your partner''

Sting jumped to his feet and moved to stand next to Rogue, helping him sit up.

''And what will you do now?'' Sting spat out suddenly, surprising the surrounding spectators.

''This will be good'' Orge chuckled on the sides getting an agreeing nod from Rufus who stood next to him.

Jiemma glowered at the blonde who continued, caught in the moment, his eyes blazing with fury ''Will you kick us out? Make us take off our clothes like Yukino had to?''

''I am starting to seriously consider it''

''Great! Why not?'' Sting growled and was pleasantly surprised when Rogue climbed up to his feet and spoke as well ''Kick us out, we dare you. Sabertooth was nothing before we came along!''

The master growled as he glared at the raven-haired teenager.

Sting nodded ''If we couldn't beat the Dragon Prince what hope do you have? Souleater has more sense than you do! He sees our worth!''

Jiemma's dark eyes didn't leave the two as the pressure in the room started rising.

''What are you saying, boy?'' the tall man growled dangerously.

''You think we would be lost without Sabertooth?'' Rogue spat the name ''Sabertooth is not the only guild in Fiore''

''Take off your clothes. You will feel the shame you brought on Sabertooth''

''Gladly'' Sting said trough gritted teeth as he took off his coat and threw it at Jiemma's feet.

''M-master... Surely we can work this out'' the small red-furred exceed spoke up as he walked to the towering man.

Jiemma eyed the cat with little more interest than the bug on the road ''What are you?''

''Lector'' Sting said in a warning tone, the idea of his little buddy so close to that idiot of a master, not a comforting one.

''Me...?'' Lector choked out ''I'm... I'm an Exceed... A member'' with that the little cat-like creature lifted his vest, showing a Sabertooth insignia on his back.

''Why is this animal bearing the sacred Sabertooth insignia?'' Jiemma glared at the gathered Sabertooth mages. When no one answered Jiemma's hand started glowing. ''If no one plans of getting rid of this pest I'll do so myself!''

There was an audible 'squash' and Jiemma looked down at his stomach, the purplish light around his hand disappearing. There was a hand pushed trough his stomach, up to its elbow, the owner of the hand, the blond dragon slayer glared as he jerked his hand out, spraying the tiles in blood.

Master of Sabertooth looked in disbelief at the gaping hole in his abdomen, sinking to his knees before his face met the cold floor.

''You made your last mistake, Jiemma'' Sting spat as he whipped his bloody hand in his jacket after picking it up from the floor where he threw it moments earlier ''You wanted to hurt Lector''

Sting turned to the stunned Sabertooth mages ''You have seen what I just did. Now I ask you; Will you stand behind me as your new master? Or will you turn away and run like cowards I know you are?''

The silence was only seconds long as one of the members started chanting ''Master Sting! Master Sting!'' the rest soon joining.

A grimace passed over Minerva's lips as she watched the scene before her. She couldn't care less her father was dead. But Sting? A master? Now that's something she would hardly expect.

''That should do it!'' Wendy said with a satisfied smile, looking at her work on the ground. The runes drawn in the sand with the stick circled around her for good meter in every direction and the complicated symbols took her quite some time to remember.

The blue-haired girl glanced at Natsu who nodded approvingly ''Good job, Wendy''

Her smile widened for a second as she looked in front of herself, the smile quickly replaced by a serious look as her eyebrow knitted together in concentration.

''Everyone, please stand back'' Wendy said as she knelt in the center of the drawn circle, the rest quietly moving few steps back.

''I call to thee, oh wandering souls of dragons,'' Wendy raised her hands in the air ''Accept my call to thee, MILKY WAY!''

The bright pillar of magic shot from the glowing circle, exploding on the stony ceiling.

''Wow'' Gajeel said quietly as he stared up.

''It's so pretty!'' Carla breathed out as Happy added ''Like stars!''

Laxus had his eyes away from the ceiling, drawn to the small wisp of light that circled around them, slowly growing larger.

''So you noticed'' Natsu said quietly beside him, watching the wisp with that annoyingly blank face Laxus had grown accustomed to over the past month he spent most of his time with the dragon.

''What is that?'' he asked instead.

''You'll see'' Natsu replied as his lips twitched up for a second.

There was a rumble around them and with a small shriek of terror Happy voiced what others were seeing ''The bones are moving!...Um... You sure this is safe, Wendy?''

''I'm searching for the souls of the dragons, the lingering thoughts here are very old... I don't know if there is enough to find the...! Found it!''

Wendy brought her hands down and clasped them together, the light exploding around her once again, illuminating the old cavern.

The sky dragon king looked at the stone path that reached the edge of the Floating Island, the clouds circling underneath. Igneel and Acnologia stood at the edge, looking at the clouds below and reading themselves for the several days long trip to Crocus.

''Make sure that everything is in order. We should be back in a week or two'' Acnologia said, turning his head from the sight below to the white dragon who straightened his back and approached the two, the three of them the only ones in the small clearing that was designed for sole purpose of landing, the moon shining over their heads the only light in the area.

''Do not worry, my king. With the return of king Igneel maybe I'm not your right hand anymore but I truly hope I am close second'' Himmel spoke.

Acnologia resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the sky dragon king. He was sometimes truly... ah, he didn't have the word for it.

''Yes, of course, king Himmel''

Igneel snickered beside them before spreading his wings, shaking them slightly to loosen them up.

''We should get going, wouldn't you agree, Acnologia?''

Acnologia nodded, spreading his feathery wings to follow Igneel as the fire dragon lifted from the ground and dived trough the clouds.

The wisp of light ballooned in size before warping on itself, the surrounding Fairy Tail mages watched the now glowing orb in wonder as it stretched in size.

''Is... Is that a soul?!'' Lily asked in shock as the orb disappeared, leaving the cavern in blinding darkness from the sudden loss of light. The dragon slayers, unbothered by the sudden disappearance of light watched in wonder and shock as two wings extended from the smoke.

''This is...!''

A huge head exited the smoke just as the rest of the group regained their vision, blurry from the darkness but still enough to see the glinting, razor sharp teeth only several feet away from them.

The momentary silence was broken by a roar that made most of gathered people's blood run cold.

The dragon rose his head and threw it backward letting a barking sound that the others quickly recognized as laughter.

''Seeing humans chicken out like this cracks me out every single time!'' The green scaled dragon scratched his chin as he eyed the humans before him, his eyes stopping on the pinkhead who stared coolly back at him.

''You're not afraid of me, bub?'' The green dragon with jagged scales questioned.

Natsu's lips twitched up slightly as he spoke, his voice making the Fairy Tail mages gathered around them take a second look at him ''Why would I be? You are nothing but spirit''

The green dragon also took another look at the dragon in human's skin before letting another bark of laughter ''Interesting little brat, aren't ya?''

''Depends on your point of view'' Natsu said with shrug.

The dragon chuckled before spreading his wings slightly, to make himself look bigger. Like that was needed. ''My name is Zirconis or the 'Jade Dragon'''

The now identified Zirconis looked around ''To awaken my soul from its slumber... That must be the work of a Sky dragon. Where are they?''

His eyes landed on Wendy who had her hands still clasped together in concentration. He lowered his head to the ground to get a better look and even as his snout came only mere two feet fro the blue-haired girl she didn't move.

''This little thing 's a Sky dragon slayer? Well good for ya, bub. To actually wake me up''

''What's going on?'' Jellal asked somewhat uncertainly as he watched the dragon observe Wendy somewhat amused.

''I think he's... I don't know'' Gajeel shook his head.

''Would you mind telling us what happened here?'' Natsu asked as he stepped closer.

''We called you here because we wanted to hear the truth of what happened here'' Lily added as he looked at the dragon who eyed them carefully.

''I have nothing to say to humans. Your species is too dumb to understand anyway. Leave''

''We're cats'' Happy chimed up.

''Exceeds'' Carla corrected but Happy just made a face ''Same thing''

''And not all of us are humans even if you ignore the cats here'' Natsu said coolly just before the black and red magic pooled out of him.

Fairy Tail mages looked at the pinkhead in surprise as they backed away, the huge cavern shaking under the sudden rise in magical pressure that left the group gasping for breath for a second as the sound of ripping flesh and bones echoed.

''You stand in the presence of the current Dragon Prince'' Natsu spoke in his dragon form, his red eyes looking at the gaping Zirconis.

''Ac... Acnologia?'' Zirconis said after a moment completely in shock. Natsu smiled sourly at the dragon, the smile looking rather mismatched on his scaled face.

''Not quite. My Father is the High King. I am just the prince. My name is Natsu Souleater''

''Hi-High King'' Zirconis choked out. ''Acnologia's a High King...?''

''Yes'' Natsu replied. ''Now... What happened?''

''Ah... I can't defy a direct order, now can I?... It was over 400 years ago from now... Back then, dragons were the kings of the world, freely soaring trough the skies, dominating the lands, crossing the seas... We led quite the prosperous lives, didn't we? Everything in the world belonged to the dragons''

Natsu nodded, knowing that much while the rest didn't move, waiting with quietly to hear what happened.

A cracked smirk spread over Zirconis' mouth ''Humans were nothing more than food for us''

The smirk disappeared, replaced by a fierce scowl ''However, a fool of a dragon appear, and protested against our rule. He spouted nonsensical things like creating a world where dragons 'live in harmony with humans'. Rubbish!'' Zirconis sneered.

''A civil war broke out between those that supported and those that opposed him. I battled as part of the opposition side. Humans should never have the same rights as we. We are stronger, smarter''

''If you were in the opposition, then...'' Carla gulped.

''I don't like humans. I hate them. Thinking all high and mighty of themselves yet not more significant than an ant. Though I don't mind having them for a meal'' he let out a chuckle.

''So you're talking with your food?'' Gajeel let out a snicker as Zirconis glared at him, muttering ''You're lucky I can't squash you right where you stand''

''What happened then? What happened during the war?'' Happy asked.

''We were stuck in a stalemate.'' Zirconis coughed as he looked away ''The battles between the dragons had already scarred and ripped apart several lands. That's when the pro-human side put their foolish plan into action'' his eyes turned to look at the humans gathered before him, glaring with all intensity he could manage. ''They gave the humans magic to slay dragons and had them enter the war''

''That's... That's how dragon slayer magic began?'' Gajeel asked in a quiet whisper, not daring to speak louder as the dragon continued, ignoring the iron dragon slayer ''The power of the dragon slayers made a significant change... The victory of the pro-human side would have been inevitable... If it wasn't for one small miscalculation... They had given the dragon slayers too much power. Those who wished for peace with the humans... were also slain by their hands.''

Jellal gulped quietly looking at the sickened faces of the two dragon slayers around him. He knew that those around him would never attack an ally but the dragon before him didn't.

''Amongst them... There was a man, who bathed in the blood of dragons''

At this Zirconis looked at Natsu, his voice almost shaking before it steeled again. ''He was the only human who didn't stand behind his kind. Standing beside dragons who were fighting against humans. It took him quite some time to gain our trust but we didn't regret it then... Not then. Bathing in the blood of his enemies and drinking it twisted the man's body. Breaking his bones and tearing his skin. But he continued to fight. Was it his thirst for blood or the wish for the world to stay as it was was anybody's guess. As the time passed the man's skin becae scales, his teeth fang until his form changed into that of a dragon. Something that could not be allowed''

''Abomination'' Zirconis said looking at Natsu ''Just as you are. A human turned into a noble creature''

''Dragons who once fought with him now tried to bring him down, afraid of his power. The dragons resting here were all slayed by that one 'man'. The man called himself the King of dragons, this was the war that gave birth to that monster, the self-proclaimed King. Hence, the Dragon king festival''

''He fought with you and you turned your back to him? Fools'' Natsu said as he eyed the dragon whose eyes grew wide. ''My Father isn't self-proclaimed king anymore. The number of dragons that are left on Earth is a mere shadow of what once flew over skies but they stand united. Human lovers and haters under one roof in Palace of Dovah''

''That's... that's impossible'' Zirconis said in shock. Part of his mind was shocked the numbers of his kind was reduced to the point where the rest managed to live in one place while the other part of his mind couldn't wrap around the fact that Human lovers and haters lived together. Just how horrible was the future?

Zirconis shook his head, in a desperate attempt to clear his mind before looking back at Natsu ''Is it any good?''

''What?'' Natsu cocked his head to the side in slight confusion, not understanding what the dragon was asking.

''Is there order with him in charge? Is he still bitter with his former kind?''

''There is order. There is peace. Bitter? I never really found out why but he despise humans above all else.'' Natsu released a humorless chuckle. ''He always hoped that dragons would spread over the lands again''

Zircornis nodded after a moment before nodding his head in something Natsu recognized as a small bow before turning to face the humans.

''I have said more than I thought I would. I bid you farewell now. Spread your wings'' the last part was said as he turned to Natsu who spoke even as the dragon disappeared in a flash of light ''And fly far''

The Dragon prince sighed as his body shifted, the skin and bones going trough the process he was well familiar with, the pain always present but more than bearable.

''That was... educating...'' Natsu concluded as he stood in his human body before Fairy Tail mages.

Wendy released a gasp as her hands fell down. ''Wendy?'' Carla ran to the girl ''Are you alright? You are still injured from your fight with Minerva. You shouldn't do this to yourself!''

Wendy smiled at the cat as she stood up, dusting her knees ''Don't worry Carla. I'm fine. Just a bit tired''

''Thank you, Wendy. You've done us a great service'' A pleasantly familiar cold hand clasped her shoulder. She looked up to see Natsu looking down at her, a small smirk playing on his lips. Something which could easily be considered a smile when he's in question.

''Will you call Acnologia?... I mean, we found out what happened here''

''...Yes... I believe I will still have to do that'' Natsu replied as his eyes turned to the spot where the Jade Dragon said. A sinking feeling made its way to Wendy's stomach.

''But I will do that after the games are finished. No need to do that sooner'' Natsu replied as he looked back at Wendy once again before stepping away from her.

''We won't turn into a dragon, right?... Natsu?'' Gajeel asked the dragon who shook his head ''As I said before, my father made sure I turn into one. Your dragonfication is practically impossible''

''But not completely?'' Jellal asked catching the way Natsu shaped his sentence. ''Nothing is sure as long as the time flows'' Natsu replied with a small smirk before his face fell blank, hearing the clanking of the metal boots against the stone only seconds before the sound reached the others.

End of chapter 62.

Not a very action-y chapter, I'll admit. But an important one nonetheless. Please tell me what you think of this. We are getting to some really important events and the lack of response is really starting to worry me.

Worry aside. Look at the date! It's 20th of July folks and that means yesterday was two years anniversary! Who would've thought that already two years have passed? I would've published it yesterday when the anniversary was but my router

Also, to all 'Professor Dragneel, at Hogwarts' fans I apologize for the long wait but you will have to deal with me for a while longer as I plan on finishing the GMG arc before moving on with that story.

At the moment this story counts 710 favs, 768 follows and 465 reviews. Thank you all for all reviews, favs and follows. Thank you all who are with me from the very beginning when I was inexperienced and when my grammar sucked (I hope it's getting better). Thank you all who joined later and I hope that all of you will stay until the end because I will give my best to finish this story but what is a story if no one reads it? Special thanks to two people who have inspired me to start writing and to join the site. Special thanks to Wolves Silver Wind and Shestheboss19.

Also, another point I would like to mention is that Wolves Silver Wind helped me work out some problems I had with the chapter. Big thanks to her. Remarkable writer and friend.

So, once again people please reviews and thanks for reading :).

P.s.

The Lost Master written by Iama2p

(Summary: Seven years after Ash's defeat in Sinnoh, the Champion Cynthia is ruthlessly crushed in a battle for the title of Pokémon Master. The new Champion refuses to release his name to the press, but his cold attitude soon shocks the Pokémon world as he begins to rebuild the Pokémon League.)