Chapter 63:
Arcadios looked at the Fairy tail mages gathered around him. He had to admit he was surprised when guards informed him they saw a group of mages entering the caverns but when he found out who the mages were his surprise all but disappeared. Souleater hadn't taken his eyes off of him since he walked towards them and saying that it didn't scare the shit out of him would be a bare-faced lie but he at least managed to hide it quite well if he could say so himself.
When he explained that he needed their celestial wizard the Dragon prince didn't so much as blink but the rest visibly tensed.
The holy knight knew quite well that if this guild wished to say 'no' it would be final to them and no amount of threats would help to accomplish anything other than getting his head cut off. Then again it certainly wouldn't work well for the guild's picture seeing as how killing a knight of his rank could very well end up with them being proclaimed dark.
And as Natsu's eyes bore holes into him he had a feeling that was the only reason the pinkhead was still willing to listen to him.
''Arcadios'' Natsu spoke, blank eyes moving to the white-haired girl behind the knight, ''Yukino. You say you need our celestial wizard but you did not say the exact reason – only that it would stop a tragedy. I don't feel overly inclined to even let you near someone from my guild since you have not felt talkative enough to share whatever it is you need Lucy for''
Jellal blinked as he looked at Natsu, an amused eyebrow raised 'My guild?'
Natsu either ignored or didn't notice Jellal but simply continued to stare at Arcadios who wondered how much he could actually explain to the dragon.
All things considered a wizard as strong as Souleater would certainly help with getting enough magic considering their time was almost out and they still needed more. A thought passed Arcadios mind and a smile stretched his lips. Yes, that could work. The group had, after all, every reason to want both dead.
''If we manage to accomplish what we are after we might be able to end both Zeref and Acnologia''
If it wasn't already so cold in the cavern Arcadios would've sworn the temperature dropped even more.
Fairy tail mages along with exceeds that stood behind the dragon tensed again, this time their eyes trained on Natsu who glared at Arcadios with such ferocity the knight had a feeling he would burst into flames.
''And why, pray tell, would I want to help you kill my father?'' Natsu's voice was icy, the edge of fury in it sending a shiver down Arcadios spine.
'That could've gone better' the knight concluded.
''Mr. Souleater'' Yukino spoke as she stepped forward, fighting down the pure panic that rose in her when Natsu turned his glare on her. ''I am begging you to listen to us. Please, we mean your father no harm. We believed you would've wished to see Acnologia perish so we thought-''
''You thought wrong'' Natsu cut her off.
''I see that now'' Yukino gulped. ''Acnologia doesn't have to die''
Arcadios nodded somewhat stupidly. Natsu did not look convinced. The knight chewed on his lower lip before he looked at the mages of Fairy tail again. ''Follow me''
He turned around and started walking but looked back after several steps when he realized no one moved from their spot.
''Why would we do something like that?'' Laxus decided to speak, the tall blonde crossing his arms over his chest.
Arcadios sighed. ''I will show you something we call Eclipse project''
The knight was mildly surprised when he saw the dragon go from downright hostile to completely still out of shock.
His companions noticed it as well and all gave him a strange look. ''Um... brother?'' Wendy poked Natsu with her finger but the dragon didn't move.
''Did... did you say Eclipse?'' Natsu allowed himself to be shocked. If Lilith was talking about this – and she without a doubt did – then these humans probably had no idea what they were dealing with. No demon or god would even consider warning him about anything humans did if it wasn't big, like really big.
''Yes'' Arcadios would've yelled in triumph if he wasn't afraid the mage would turn around and walk away.
''Lead the way'' the Dragon prince spoke softly as he started walking, his shocked guildmates few steps behind.
''Should we be worried?'' Gajeel idly wondered.
''I believe we should'' Phanter Lily mused, the exceed settled himself on iron dragon slayer's shoulder, watching the back of the knight and pink-haired dragon.
Wendy stood rooted to a spot for a good second longer than the rest, her eyes locked with Carla's.
'Could this have anything to do with my vision?' Carla wondered and she knew Wendy's thoughts were similar to hers.
''Did he tell you anything?'' Laxus looked at Jellal much to blue-haired man's surprise. ''He tells you a lot''
Jellal shrugged. ''He doesn't tell much to anyone''
''True... and with a reason''
The two blinked as they looked at Natsu who glanced at them over his shoulder and the two smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of their heads.
When Arcadios lead them to the palace it left the small group wondering just how important that project was.
''I advise you to start talking'' Natsu spoke, looking at the knight with sharp eyes
Arcadios bit the inside of his cheek before he spoke ''Of course... Well, I should probably start from the beginning. The Grand Magic Games were made as a camouflage to obtain a great amount of magic power from various wizards''
''So basically you've been stealing magic from every wizard that participated in this competition?'' Gajeel drawled ''That's just rude''
''Maybe'' Arcadios agreed ''But it was necessary. Eclipse, the door that can change the world. A great amount of magic is needed to build them. Almost impossible to gather in regular methods. That's why we are doing this – taking the magic from wizards – but it's still not enough''
Arcadios led them in another room where Eclipse project stood.
The door – if it could even be called that – towered above them reaching the ceiling of the room which was no small feat. They were heavily decorated and the amount of magic rolling off of it in waves was breathtaking.
'' 'When the sun and the moon intersect... open the door with 12 keys' '' Arcadios sounded like he was reciting which he probably was.
''If you open the door, you will be able to...'' he paused whatever for dramatic effect or something else was lost on the gathered mages. ''.. to travel back 400 years and defeat Zeref before he became immortal – that is the Eclipse project''
The silence was deafening as five wizards and three exceeds stared at Arcadios like he grew a second head. He couldn't blame them, to be honest.
''No''
Arcadios blinked, all eyes turning to Souleater who was staring at the door with utter disgust.
''What?''
''You heard me'' Natsu snapped. ''Even if this really works – if – you would be messing with time. You can't mess with time''
Jellal's eyes widened. The conversation he, Mira and Ultear had with Dragon prince coming back to him.
'Shit'
''We would save thousands'' Arcadois countered ''All the lives Zeref and his demons claimed. This might be our only chance to kill the bastard''
''Zeref is one of the few unchangeable facts in time'' Natsu tried to reason ''If Zeref ceased to exist in this time the changes would be unimaginable. You can't go back and kill someone who changed the world to this extent''
''You won't help us?'' Yukino sounded disappointed.
Natsu turned towards her and she took a step back when he glared at her. ''No, foolish girl. I won't help you... In fact'' the way he looked at the door put both Arcadios and Yukino on guard. ''I will- ''
What exactly was he planning to do was left unsaid when a group of knights rushed in the room. ''Stop right where you are!'' one of the knights screamed, spear in his hands pointed at the shocked mages.
Three dragon slayers raised their hands to show they were not a threat and the exceeds soon followed. Natsu, on the other hand, continued to stand where he was, hands in the pockets of his pants.
''The kingdom's army?!'' Gajeel stared at the soldiers that surrounded them as quickly as possible. Arcadios stared at them, cursing under his breath.
''B-but...'' Wendy looked around horrified ''Mr. Arcadios let us in.. We didn't do anything wrong''
''If I had to guess Arcadios is the one that did quite a bit'' Natsu spoke softly.
A short man stepped towards them, the knights moving to make the path for the richly clad human.
''Indeed'' the man said with a nod.
''Minister of the defense, what is the meaning of this?!'' Arcadios tried to feign.
The short man glared at Arcadios. ''I am outraged that I even need to explain myself. Spreading national top secret to outsiders. Are you a fool?''
''They are not outsiders!'' Arcadios hissed. ''They will play an important role in this plan and you know it!''
''What I know is my business and my business only'' minister said, lifting his chin. ''This matter is far above what you are allowed to do. You can not decide this on your own''
''You are just trying to stop me! You were against this project from the start''
''And for a good reason''
Arcadios glared at Natsu. ''Stay out of this''
''You dragged me into it yourself'' Natsu replied with a sneer.
''Listen to that boy! He is obviously smarter than you'll ever be!'' minister screamed at Arcadios. ''Changing history! Do you have any idea how dangerous that might be?!''
''I'm arresting you for treason against the country, Arcadios! Yukino and that girl Heartfillia as well!''
''What?'' Gajeel glared at the man. ''I can understand arresting him but arresting Lucy?! What the hell, man?!''
''Stay back, wizard'' minister spoke as several knights around him lowered their spears and pointed them at the iron dragon slayer.
Gajeel was ready to cast a spell when a cold hand placed itself on his shoulder. The iron user was ready to hit the person that dared to stop him but stopped half way through the punch when red eyes stared back.
''Don't use magic here'' Natsu said firmly, his eyes moving to the minister ''It could be dangerous, am I right?''
Minister stared at Nastu for a moment, unnerved by the wizard in front of him.
''Yes'' he finally answered. ''Leave in peace and we will even escort you to your inn''
''We're not leaving until you give up your foolish idea of arresting Lucy. She has done nothing wrong'' Jellal stated finally.
''Mr. Fernandes'' the minister addressed him. ''I still remember your case. You are lucky you are not placed in lowest levels of prison so I advise you to leave before the case is reopened''
Jellal's eyes widened as he tensed, taking a step back. Laxus snarled at that ''Are you threatening us?''
''Mr. Dreyar'' minister turned towards him. ''I am not threatening you. I am simply stating what I am capable of doing if you choose to resist''
''Then hear me out'' Natsu said as he walked to the minister. ''Because I will also state what I will do should you choose to move against our guild. I am quite capable of razing this town to the ground and no amount of mages and weapons you possess could stop a raging dragon. Not to mention what would my father do if you actually do manage to harm me in any way''
Minister's eyes widened as did the eyes that surrounded the dragon. ''You... you wouldn't dare''
''Do you really want to test that?'' Natsu questioned mildly.
The tense silence that followed lasted for a long minute before minister finally spoke. ''Get Yukino and Arcadios. Miss Heartfilia is not needed. Eclipse can not be activated by her alone anyway''
The surrounding knights said nothing and took the two, ignoring the noise Arcadios made as he continued to scream at them.
''I will not forget this, Mr. Souleater'' the minister glared at the dragon
''I hope you won't. I don't like to repeat myself'' Natsu replied as he turned around and started walking towards the exit, rest of Fairy tail mages soon following.
Wendy kept her eyes on Arcadios and Yukino as knights dragged them away. ''We should help them'' she finally stated, making the group stop just in front of castle's gate.
''Help who exactly?'' Natsu turned to look at her. ''Arcadios has only himself to blame''
Wendy glared at the pinkhead. ''Oh, shut it!''
Laxus snickered along with Gajeel while Jellal had his eyes wide in amused surprise.
Natsu blinked as he looked at the short girl.
''If not Arcadios then Yukino at least. She didn't do anything wrong. She was just trying to help'' Wendy stated.
''I... Are you serious?'' Makarov looked at his children that stood before him and he could very well see they were but still... changing history? That seemed a bit far-fetched even for them.
''We are'' Jellal nodded his head. ''We wouldn't be talking to you about this if we weren't''
''Yes... Of course'' Makarov sighed. ''Alright... Is that all you know about it?''
No one commented on the fact Makarov's eyes were fixed on the dragon prince.
''Mostly'' Natsu answered.
''Master'' Wendy stepped forward. ''We were wondering if you would allow us to go and rescue Yukino out of prison. They have no right to hold her there and she might be able to tell us more about Eclipse since someone decided to keep his mouth shut''
The young girl glared with all her might at her brother who only stared back, unimpressed.
Makarov glanced at Natsu and sighed. 'Handful. All of them'
''Master, if I may interject'' Erza stepped forward. She, along with Mavis, Mira, Ultear, Lucy and Grey heard the story. Annie and Arthur, despite the fact they shouldn't have heard it, were found moments ago pressed against the door of the room.
The redhead didn't wait before she continued ''While I agree that Yukino could help us in a way to give us information I don't think it's a good idea. Going against his majesty in the middle of GMG might be dangerous. At best we'll get disqualified''
''Erza speaks correct'' Mavis nodded.
''First?'' Makarov turned to the small blonde.
''If we go out of our way to save Yukino there is 60% chance we will fail. Even if we do save her without major incident there is 80% chance she won't have any useful information'' Mavis said seriously.
Makarov nodded but Wendy looked ready to protest. ''Wendy. While I'm sure Yukino is a very nice girl and all we don't really have a valid reason to risk everything just to save her'' Grey said.
Wendy hung her head but didn't back down. ''Alright'' she said ''But what if they use her to open the door?''
She knew she was playing dirty but by the way Natsu tensed she also knew she was getting somewhere.
''You said it yourself'' Lucy decided to speak ''They can't open them without me'' the blonde bit the inside of her cheek as she looked at Natsu. ''Thanks for that by the way''
Natsu shrugged but didn't say anything. 'They can, in fact' Natsu growled before he could stop himself attracting quite a bit more attention than he wanted at a moment.
'What are you talking about?'
''Natsu... You okay?'' Jellal walked to the pinkhead who continued to glare at the ground. Happy looked at the dragon and a sly grin spread over his face when the dragon didn't respond and the blue exceed in a great show of bravery... or stupidity landed on dragon's head.
'Opening Eclipse is possible without both Celestial mages. They only need great amount of magic power and twelve keys'
Natsu blinked before he looked up, grabbing the blue exceed by its tail. Happy yelped in fright, his eyes widening when he realized Dragon prince did not let his tail go. ''How many golden keys Yukino has?''
''Um... Two, I think.. Why?'' Lucy looked at the dragon carefully.
'If they get Lucy's they'll have all twelve' It sounded almost gleeful.
''Where are your keys, Lucy?'' Natsu looked at the confused girl. The blonde reached for the keys on her belt only to find them missing. ''Oh... I must've left them in the room while I was taking the shower''
Natsu's eye twitched and before anyone could react the hole opened in the ground beneath him and the dragon disappeared dragging Happy who disappeared with a cry for help and Lucy after he grabbed her wrist and pulled her with them.
Carla shook her head. ''Idiot''
Phanter Lily nodded in agreement staring at the spot where Natsu stood.
''What was that about?'' Ultear decided to speak first.
''He's acting strange'' Mira agreed.
''That's Natsu'' Grey shrugged. ''Natsu acts strange''
''Any idea where he might've gone off to?'' Erza asked, her eyes trained on the spot Natsu stood moments ago.
''Since he pulled Lucy with him probably to her room'' Wendy spoke with a hand on her chin.
''Should we go there as well?'' Mira asked somewhat worriedly.
Ultear smirked ''Afraid he'll replace you with a hot young blonde?''
A murderous look settled in Mira's eyes as she jumped at the time mage and the two crashed into the floor.
''Care to repeat that?'' Mira asked as she glared at the time mage. ''Are you saying that I'm old?! You're two months older than me!''
''That's what upset you?'' Grey sweat-dropped.
''Well it's not like Natsu would really replace them'' Wendy shrugged.
''What... was that all about?'' Lucy asked once she stopped hanging over her window throwing up. When she didn't receive an answer she looked around the room she shared with Erza and Juvia and found that Natsu was nowhere in the room but the light in the bathroom was turned on.
She sighed and turned around only to step on Happy who moaned on a floor.
''Uh.. Sorry, Happy'' she apologized as she bent down and picked the blue exceed.
''I'll live'' Happy muttered as the two went towards the bathroom. ''But you could watch where you're going. You're heavy!''
Lucy promptly released the exceed in her arms who fell on the floor with a startled yelp while the blonde continued walking towards the bathroom. ''Damn cat''
Natsu's head poked out of the bathroom, his face as blank as ever. ''I don't want to make you panic but your keys are not inside''
Lucy blinked before she stormed into the bathroom, her jaw falling down in shock when she looked at the shelf below mirror where she left her keys.
''B-but... I left them right there!'' Lucy said as she walked to the mirror.
Natsu sniffed the air, his head cocking to the side not unlike that of a dog while the dragon listened to the sounds around them. ''No one is close, so who ever took the keys left some time ago. That being said... They need to put less perfume'' he scrunched his nose. ''A female''
''Yukino?'' Lucy asked in shock. She spoke few words with the Celestial stellar mage from Sabertooth a few days ago and the girl was truly sweet. She couldn't believe she would steal her keys.
''No'' Natsu shook his head. ''From what I managed to see nothing's broken so they had the key'' the pinkhead looked at her for a moment. ''What?''
''You did lock your apartment, right?''
''Of course!''
Natsu shrugged ''Just checking''
'I know where are her keys~' Voice singsonged in his head and it took all Natsu's willpower not to growl in annoyance.
'Where, pray tell?'
'I don't think I will' It said mockingly. 'Unless you allow me to move that body of yours. It would make my job quite a bit easier'
'And why would I make your job easier?'
''Umm, Natsu?'' Lucy looked at the dragon that stared in front of himself with a blank face, a small frown on his face.
Natsu blinked, his concentration returning to Lucy. He cleared his throat in order to break the silence that settled between them when he didn't answer for too long.
''Yes?'' he finally said.
''You kinda spaced out'' Happy replied, the small exceed flying in front of his face. ''What were you thinking about?''
''Nothing'' the dragon deadpanned. ''We should get back to master and First and tell them what happened''
Lucy nodded, her eyes back on the place she left her keys. ''They will try to activate Eclipse now, won't they?''
Natsu nodded. ''Yes. They never needed two mages. They need only one but they needed all twelve keys which they now have''
''I'm such an idiot'' Lucy stomped her foot against the floor, a frustrated sound leaving her lips.
Natsu stayed quiet, unsure what exactly to say to that because 'Yes, you are' didn't seem quite appropriate.
Crocus was, without a doubt, just as beautiful at night as it was during the day so it was no real surprise the streets were crowded in the early evening after the sun went down.
Mages from all around Fiore along with regular people were gathered in the Blooming Capital during this time of year and no person could look too strange and that was exactly what particular duo was grateful for as much as they hated the overly crowded streets.
One was a red-haired man, slightly taller than his companion. His shoulder-length hair spiky and loose, resting on a black coat which was the only thing covering his upper body since the man missed the shirt. Red, knee-length pants with golden trim hung around his waist and black sandals cowered his feet. His tanned skin was stretched over well-formed muscles, the lean body cowered in quite a number of scars.
The man beside him stood barely an inch shorter than his friend. Long white hair reached to his lower back, wild and untamed. Black coat hung on his bare shoulders similar to his friends but his skin darker, blue markings covered his arms and face. Black baggy pants were tucked in gray boots, silver sash warped around his waist.
Redhead scratched his chin, fingers tracing the neat goatee. ''So this is Crocus?''
''That's what was written above the gates'' white-haired one replied, his piercing blue eyes glancing at his companion. ''I don't like this crowd''
''Who does?'' Redhead shrugged. ''You think we'll find him here?''
''From what I managed to gather my son is in this town'' white-haired replied with a sniff. ''Bastard didn't bother to tell me himself''
''I don't really see the problem''
''Of course, you don't, Igneel. You're not the one that needs to prepare a meeting every year only for your own son to not show up''
''I don't have a son, Acnologia'' Igneel grinned, gold eyes turning to look at the dragon king in human form beside him.
''And you're damn lucky'' Acnologia grumbled earning a chuckle from Igneel.
''So... where should we head to? I can't really smell much in this crowd'' Igneel continued, his hands finding their way in his pants pockets.
Acnologia looked around. ''I haven't been properly in a human city since I became dragon so... Tallest building available?''
''Properly?'' Igneel raised an eyebrow ''What's that supposed to mean?''
Acnologia stayed quiet after that, his face turning perfectly blank.
''Acnologia...?'' Igneel sighed in exasperation. ''Idiot''
The fire dragon king soon yelped in surprise when Acnologia elbowed him in ribs. ''Show some respect'' Anologia grumbled ''You're talking to your king''
''King my ass'' Igneel evaded the next hit, a grin on his face showing the sharp canines.
''Wouldn't the tallest building be the castle of their king?'' Igneel returned to the previous topic. ''Natsu might be prince of dragons but he is no prince of theirs''
Acnologia shrugged. ''What do you suggest we do then, oh, wise one?'' his voice dripped with sarcasm as he gave Igneel a dry look.
''No need for flattery, my loyal subject'' Igneel replied with a grin, tipping his chin up in a joke.
''I would suggest you stop with lousy jokes or I just might rip your head off''
''Like you would do something like that'' Igneel's grin didn't disappear even when Acnologia's glare intensified. ''But seriously now. You said Natsu's in Grand Magic Games – whatever that was – and that would be in some kind of arena, wouldn't it?''
Acnologia nodded for a moment. ''So we're looking for an arena and not the tallest building in the city?''
''Something like that'' Igneel agreed. ''Or we could always ask around and see if humans around here knows where he is''
Acnologia glanced at Igneel, eyebrow raised. ''To ask humans for help? Me?''
Igneel rolled his eyes at that. ''Prick'' the fire dragon scoffed.
''Idiot'' Acnologia bit back. The two continued on in silence for a while before Igneel suddenly stopped two girls that walked past them.
''Hey, ladies'' he said, a smirk on his face that widened when the girls blushed. Acnologia stared at them for a moment before he sent the fire dragon a glare.
''You wouldn't mind helping us for a moment?'' Igneel continued completely ignoring his High king.
''Sure thing'' one of the girls replied after a moment, a smile on her face as well. ''Two hunks like you sure deserve any help we could give you''
Acnologia blinked at the girl before he turned to Igneel who grinned.
''You see, we're looking for someone'' Igneel began. ''Heard of Natsu...?'' he glanced at Acnologia who supplied ''Souleater''
''Have you heard of Natsu Souleater?'' Igneel repeated his grin turning into a small frown when the two girls looked at them with wide eyes.
''As if Natsu Souleater – a freaking dragon of Fairy tail'' one asked.
''Dragon. Nothing freakish about him'' Igneel replied confused at their reaction.
Acnologia sighed while the girls looked ready to faint. ''Inform my friend and me where he is and you just might leave in one piece'' Acnologia informed them.
The girls yelped, answering in union ''Honneybone inn!'' before sprinting off.
Igneel frowned. ''That was uncalled for''
Acnologia gave him a dry look before he continued walking towards the general direction the girls pointed at.
''Hunks?'' the high king muttered shaking his head in disbelief.
Once they got directions finding the Honneybone inn was surprisingly easy and the level of noise coming from the inside helped quite a bit when they asked another man who answered with ''Search for the loudest place''
''Think he'll be happy to see you?'' Igneel asked when they reached the doors. Acnologia shrugged. ''Ask me if I care''
''And Fairy tail in general? You did blast them to oblivion for seven years''
Acnologia looked at Igneel. ''How do you know about that?''
''Just because I was away from you doesn't mean I was away from society'' Igneel replied with a smirk. Acnologia sighed before he stepped forward and opened the doors.
The High king looked at the scene before him with a blank look, hiding the shocked expression with practiced ease. Was his son in this guild?
The chairs that flew along with people in it were anything but a fancy sight to see. He was expecting something a bit more... controlled.
''This looks like a party'' Igneel peaked over his shoulder. ''Yes. It does'' Acnologia replied dryly as the two stepped forward, unnoticed by the mages around them.
''Can you see him?'' Igneel asked looking around for pink hair. His eyes stopped on one but he quickly realized that he was looking at a girl so his eyes continued their search.
''No. He is close, though. The scent is strong'' Acnologia said quietly.
A mage ran past them, accidentally bumping into Igneel. ''Sorry, man'' the dark-haired teen said quickly but stopped before he could get too far when he realized he did not recognize him.
''Umm... And you are...?''
Igneel smiled. ''A friend of the Dragon prince. Heard he should be around here somewhere''
Teen stared at them with wide eyes for a moment before he swallowed and looked around. ''He's in the back with master'' his eyes traveled to Acnologia. ''But if you don't mind I'll call him here and you wait outside''
Igneel blinked for a moment before nodding as two dragons stepped outside.
''Now that's rude'' Igneel muttered, his golden eyes on the teen who ran to wherever the master was.
''I always told you humans have no manners what so ever. Rude as a whole, that kind'' Acnologia scoffed.
''You were once human'' Igneel pointed out earning a growl from his king. ''Worst years of my life'' Acnologia grounded out. A sound of footsteps rushed towards them and a small man, barely reaching Acnologia's hip stepped outside and it took Acnologia only a moment to recognize the man despite seeing him only once.
''Makarov'' Acnologia said after a moment.
Makarov's frown deepened, his eyes looking from him to Igneel. A moment later the idiot of his son stepped out stopping dead in his tracks when he saw the two.
''Natsu... You know these two?'' dark-haired teen from before asked, looking at pinkhead before turning back to the two strangers.
Natsu stayed silent, his eyes moving from Acnologia to Igneel, disbelief flashing in red orbs. His eyes finally settled on Acnologia and the Dragon prince bowed his head in a small gesture that both humans at his side noticed and while Grey stayed puzzled a sinking revelation appeared in Makarov's mind.
''No way...'' Makarov whispered, his fist clenching.
''Master... what is going on?'' Ultear stepped out and looked at the three dragons, noting the awkward silence between them while Jellal and Mira walked behind her.
''I am surprised to see you here'' Natsu finally managed. ''I imagine you're quite angry since I missed yearly gathering but I couldn't postpone the happenings here''
Group stared at the Dragon prince in surprise but it only took those who were on Tenrou a moment to realize who stood in front of them. ''Should we be worried?'' Grey asked uncertainly.
''I already am'' Mira admitted.
''Who's the other one?'' Ultear whispered not really expecting the answer to come from the red-haired man beside Acnologia.
''Little human, before you stands Igneel – fire dragon king and Acnologia's here right hand since last week''
''I am sure you understand why we're not thrilled with you being here'' Makarov glared at Acnologia who nodded. ''I have a few ideas''
''Why are you here?'' Natsu asked, his voice blank but the impatience clear.
Igneel frowned before he spoke in mock hurt. ''Not even a 'hello' for your favorite fire dragon? I'm deeply hurt''
''Hello'' Natsu deadpanned, red eyes meeting golden for a moment before he looked at Acnologia again.
Igneel's eye twitched and an amused smirk lifted Acnologia's lips for a moment.
''Now if you don't mind me repeating the question – why are you here?'' Natsu looked at the two.
''We would like to discuss this in private'' Acnologia spoke after a moment and Natsu nodded immediately. ''Of course''
''Wait! You can't just go away like that!'' Mira protested angrily.
''And why not?'' Acnologia gazed at her.
The tense silence lasted only a second longer when Wendy stepped outside, Gajeel and Laxus behind her. ''Natsu?'' she spoke softly.
''Yes, Wendy?'' Natsu looked at small dragon slayer. She was white as a sheet when her eyes settled on Acnologia.
''I would recognize that smell anywhere'' Gajeel sneered. ''Where are your wings, bastard?''
Acnologia scoffed. ''I would watch my tongue if I were you, human. I can still kill you before you could blink''
''You won't kill anyone, Father'' Natsu said, the Dragon prince stepping in front of Acnologia, blocking his view of the iron dragon slayer. ''Especially not those I trained''
''You trained them?'' Acnologia raised an eyebrow. ''Either you've done a very poor job or they are really crappy students''
''Hey!'' Laxus shouted angrily.
''I have trained them for only a few weeks but they are by no means crappy''
Jellal blinked, his eyes on Gajeel who stood next to him. ''Did he just gave you a compliment?''
''That being said'' Natsu continued quickly. ''We will leave somewhere where we can be alone. I have a few questions of my own that need to be answered'' he pointedly looked at Igneel.
''Agreed'' Acnologia said as he straightened his back. Natsu walked closer and Acnologia's hand grasped his shoulder before the two disappeared into Chaotic void this time opened by Acnologia.
Igneel blinked when they disappeared before shaking his head. ''Bastard'' he muttered stopping when he realized everyone was staring at him. ''Well... Nice meeting you all...''
The fire dragon king smiled awkwardly before he gave a half-wave and disappeared in a swirl of flames.
''You think there is some cool way of disappearing like that using the iron?'' Gajeel wondered out loud when dragons left.
Makarov shook his head and entered back in the inn. The information Natsu and Lucy shared with them and disappearance of her keys were something to be worried about and the arrival of Acnologia did not help them at all.
Wendy stared at empty street another moment longer, barely noticing when Carla landed on her head. ''Do you think that what you saw in your vision will really happen?''
Carla sighed. ''Everything I saw and heard so far leads to that''
''So Acnologia will die?''
''Most likely''
''Did you say just Acnologia will die?'' Carla and Wendy tensed, slowly turning around to face Jellal who stared at the two with wide eyes. ''We thought...''
''That you were alone?'' Jellal asked, eyes narrowing. ''You were but I went to see if everything was alright with you since you two stayed behind''
''Look... Jellal...'' Wendy bit her lower lip.
''You were lying to Natsu'' it wasn't a question.
''...No...'' Wendy twisted her fingers. ''I just didn't tell him the whole truth''
''Wendy...'' Jellal shook his head. ''Who else knows about this?''
The girl stayed quiet for a while and when Jellal was about to lose any semblance of patience he had left she answered. ''Full story know only master and Porlyusica though I believe master told First as well''
''Of course'' Jellal shook his head before he turned on his heel and stomped off towards master who settled himself on the bar.
Wendy, once again left alone outside, choked before a sob escaped her lips and she ran to catch the blue-haired wizard grabbing his wrist.
''Please let me explain'' she sobbed out.
Jellal looked at her, anger quickly changing into sadness. ''Why didn't you tell Natsu?''
Natsu stared at his father. The two stood on the roof of one of the many buildings in Crocus, a not so busy street below the house.
He might hide the fact he was shocked quite well but that did not change it. Seeing his father in human's body was something he thought he would never see. The scent was his but getting used to a figure that was not towering over him but actually an inch or two shorter will take some time getting used to.
Two stayed silent until fire burst beside Acnologia and Igneel appeared.
''I guess we have some explaining to do'' Igneel grinned, scratching the back of his head.
''You could start with answering why are you here'' Natsu offered.
Acnologia sighed. ''I asked him to come''
''I can see that. I doubt he would be here if you didn't'' Natsu shot back.
Igneel shook his head. ''You, kid, are worse than I remember''
Natsu looked at Igneel. ''And the meaning behind that?''
''Forget it''
''I don't think I can. Were you referring to my skills?''
''No'' Igneel shook his head. ''Nevermind that. The reason Acnologia went to find me was because...'' he took a deep breath. ''Ragnarok will start soon... Like any-day-now soon''
Natsu tensed, clenching his jaw while his eyes fixed on the two, wide in surprise. ''Ragnarok...? You mean... Dragon king festival?''
Igneel and Acnologia stared at him. ''You... know about it?'' Acnologia finally asked.
Natsu nodded, reluctantly as it was. ''Wendy – the sky dragon slayer of our guild – used Milky Way to speak with a spirit of a dragon that resided on the graveyard underneath arena''
''Maybe one of the spirits Himmel spoke to'' Igneel mused turning to Acnologia who nodded absently. ''How long do you know about that?'' the dragon king's eyes narrowed as he looked at Natsu.
Natsu blinked at the accusing tone. ''Since a few hours ago. I was going to tell you what will happen as soon as I got the chance''
Acnologia stayed tense for another moment before relaxing slightly.
''Will Himmel and others be here?'' Natsu asked. ''...Once it starts?'' he added after a moment.
''They shouldn't be'' Acnologia said. ''I told them to stay on the Island. Two of us along with you are more than enough for a dozen or so dragons''
Natsu stared at High king for a while before he spoke again. ''I hope you don't mind me asking but I will not ask your permission. How do you know how many there will be?''
Igneel snickered at Acnologia's rather obvious annoyance. ''A guess, really'' Igneel replied instead of Acnologia. ''There couldn't be a group of dragons bigger than that without us noticing''
Dragon prince nodded in agreement. ''That sounds right''
''So... Is there a plan I should be aware of?'' Natsu asked his eyes on Igneel who sat on the narrow roof and crossed his legs, Acnologia following suit.
''There is'' Acnologia allowed. ''But not a well-planned plan'' he grimaced at the unfortunate choice of words. ''We are not sure what we are dealing with or who our enemies are and that's leaving us with extremely limited number of things we can do''
Natsu nodded in agreement before he crunched beside the two just as a couple passed on the street below.
''I will patrol the area tonight while Igneel and you stay inside of town'' Acnologia instructed.
''And if someone attacks?''
''You attack as well''
''Kill?''
''Why are you asking stupid questions, Natsu?''
''I apologize'' Natsu looked back at the street.
''Your magic is hidden. Why?'' Dragon prince asked after a moment of silence stretched too long.
''We are trying to stay unnoticed'' Igneel stated. ''If we let our magic flow freely we would definitely be noticed''
It was quite logical, really. Another stupid question.
Acnologia stood suddenly. ''I'll take my leave now. Keep your eyes open''
Natsu nodded before he bowed his head, a barely visible nod of his head but the most he gave anyone. Igneel gave a half wave as Acnologia jumped from the roof into a nearby ally and disappeared in the dark.
Igneel looked at young dragon beside him with a grin which Natsu returned with a small twitch of his lips into a smile before it fell down.
''It's good to see you, uncle'' Natsu said after a moment.
Igneel's grin widened. ''It's good to see you too, kid. I see you still hold onto that scarf I gave you''
Natsu nodded, fingering the edge of the scarf around his neck absently. ''It would be incredibly rude on my part to throw away a gift''
''He asked you not to tell him?'' Jellal repeated after Wendy who nodded slowly.
''And what is his oh, so brilliant reason?'' Jellal hissed through gritted teeth.
Wendy twisted her fingers in a show of uneasiness that tied the knot in her throat. ''He wants him dead''
Jellal's eyes widened in shock. He was one of the few people in Fairy tail who weren't very familiar with Makarov and for him, Mira was the master of Fairy tail. The old man was a great man and powerful wizard, that went without a doubt but he never really managed to earn his trust nor did Makarov earned his.
''And if Natsu warns him Acnologia might not come'' Jellal nodded in realization.
Wendy nodded. ''Yes. But you have to understand... What Acnologia did to us is horrible. He took seven years of our life away from us.. Away from you''
Jellal rubbed his temple. ''I can understand you being angry.. but to not say something like that to Natsu... That... That's just wrong. I'm sorry but I can't just not tell him that''
Wendy's eyes widened in horror. ''No!'' she yelled then clamped her hands over her mouth. ''I'm sorry... I didn't mean to yell. You can't tell him. If you tell him I lied to him he will hate me!''
''You should've thought of it before'' Jellal stated.
Wendy stared at blue-haired mage in shock but Carla was just furious. ''How dare you?!'' the small cat screamed. ''She was only doing what she thought was best! What master told her to do! You can't blame her for staying silent!''
''Carla...'' Wendy whispered before she turned to Jellal, locking her eyes with his. ''I'm sorry Jellal. I truly am. But I have to ask you to stay silent. I will tell him what happened myself''
Jellal looked skeptical and stared at the young girl before him for a long moment before finally nodding.
''Alright. But you have to tell him tonight'' Jellal concluded.
Wendy gave him a tiny smile which Jellal returned. ''Now, let's go back inside and wait for him to come back. Don't think I won't be watching you''
Wendy bowed low. ''Thank you, Jellal. Thank you''
Jellal waved his hands through the air. ''You don't have to thank me. I should apologize though. It's not just your fault and I blamed you for it''
Wendy shook her head. ''No. Apologies are not necessary''
Jellal smiled at her and turned around. ''You wanna eat something? We could – ''
Jellal stopped mid-sentence when a tiny hand touched the back of his head, the bluish glow coming from the tips of Wendy's fingers.
''Wendy?'' Carla gasped when Wendy pulled her head back, white line retreating back with her fingers before the small dragon slayer waved her fingers through the air and the thread disappeared.
Jellal's eyes glazed over and ex-dark mage stared blankly in front of himself.
''What did you do?!'' Carla hissed at the girl whose cheeks were stained with the tears that now flew freely.
Wendy shook her head. ''I didn't want to do that... I promised I would never use it on a friend''
''What did you do?'' Carla repeated.
''Natsu thought me that on the training trip'' Wendy explained. ''Dragon slayer secret art: Silver theft''
Carla blinked, not understanding.
''I stole his memories of this conversation. He will never remember it'' Wendy stated.
End of chapter 63.
I don't really have much to say other than I'm sorry for the long wait. Hope you all like it. For all those who asked I'm not dead (obviously) and I'm not abandoning my stories. If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them.
Please review and thanks for reading :)