Natsu has been living in the Alvarez empire for two months and he seemed to fit in with the 12 quite well. Of Course, some of them left to continue whatever they were doing before Zeref had called them to the empire now only six out of the 12 were present in the castle.
"Natsu. I-I need to tell you something." Zeref spoke Of course, God Serena spends his time challenging Natsu to a rematch calming that wasn't a real fight and he wanted to see who the stronger dragon slayer was Natsu would often refuse to say he did not need to prove himself or beat the man quickly mostly just to end the constant noise
"Umm, what's up?" Natsu asked he was sitting in the garden sketching something.
"I didn't know you could draw?" Zeref stated coming to sit next to his brother. As he looked a realistic drawing of birds in the garden
"Oh, nobody really knows I like to draw, Igneel always said it is a better way to calm myself other than setting things on fire. So yeah; I don't do it very often." Natsu sighed closing the book and setting it beside him.
"Well, I think you should do it more often. You are pretty good." He praised with a small somewhat forced smile on his face. Turns out not smiling for 400 years can make you a little rusty
"Zeref, what's wrong? I can tell when you are hiding something." Natsu spoke turning to face his brother knowing that he did not come to find him to talk about Natsu's art.
"Ok you caught me." he sighed slowly "I wanted to tell you when you first came to the castle but I kind of got distracted with having you here and well everything… and I was a little afraid of what you might do." He passed looking away from Natsu
"What is it?" Natsu pressed wondering what was making his brother so nervous.
"Well, it is about Fairy Tail… I thought you would want to know that they… they disbanded." Zeref tensed waiting for Natsu to explode but when he didn't hear anything come from his brother he turned to face him only to see Natsu was looking down with a sad expression on his face.
"Why are you telling me this?" Natsu asked after a minute of silence. Still looking at the ground
"Well, it is your guild… I was a little worried that you would overreact and runoff. I know if you want to go back you can; nothing is stopping you." Zeref stated sadly Natsu stood up and for a second Zeref actually thought that Natsu would leave.
"look at this," Natsu demanded Zeref looked up to where Natsu was pointing; it was his Fairy Tail emblem. Zeref looked confused was Natsu leaving or not? As if answering Zeref's unspoken question Natsu ran his hand over the mark making it disappear.
"Why?" He asked he knew Natsu loved that guild so why would he get rid of the one thing that still connected him to his second family.
"Because that is no longer my home, I want to show you that I am sticking with you and this is now my home, I have all my memories of Fairy Tail and now I am going to make some memories here in Alvarez with you and the 12." Natsu stated his voice not wavering Zeref smiled at his little brother glad that he was staying but he couldn't help a little wave of guilt at being the reason for Natsu to turn away his happiness. The next thing that happened was Natsu's strong arms wrapping around the dark wizard making him tense.
"I made you a promise that I will end your curse and you're my family; we have some 400 years of catching up to do so don't try and get rid of me that easily ok," Natsu whispered letting go of Zeref then grabbing his book and walking back into the castle leaving a very shocked Zeref sitting on the bench alone.
Later…
"I think I found a way to cure you!" Natsu shouted barging into Zeref's room and flicking on the lights… at 3am
"Na-Natsu what are you doing… this early in the morning?" Zeref asked after he had calmed down from the heart attack Natsu was trying to give him
"I told you I found a way to get rid of your curse!" Natsu smiled and jumped on Zeref bed waving some papers in his brother's face.
"but why couldn't you tell me at a more reasonable hour… what were you doing up anyway?" Zeref asked, rubbing his eyes. At that Natsu smile faltered
"I couldn't sleep…" Natsu whispered but Zeref still heard him
"Natsu you seem to be having a lot of trouble sleeping lately are you ok?" Zeref asked he felt a little guilty if his brother wasn't sleeping because of his research and concerned that it could be something more serious
"I'm fine don't you want to know what I found?" Natsu stated changing the subject now he was calmer still with the papers in his hands
"Natsu just tell me." Zeref sighed he was too tired for this as he shifted to a more comfortable sitting position on the bed.
"ok, your no fun…" Natsu gave a half pout "it's called Replenishing divine life, Amule-"
"Natsu I have heard of that and there aren't any around, pulse I don't think it would work." He sighed cutting off his brother and laying back down to go back to sleep
"your wrong, just listen ok; I guarantee you don't know everything…" Natsu paused "when the Replenishing divine Life, amulet is paired with the slayer dagger it can take away your curse and I wouldn't be bringing this up if I didn't have an idea where I could find these items." Natsu spoke proudly again waving the papers in his brother's face.
"Natsu I hate to break it to you but I have been trying to find a way out of this for 400 years and I can't believe that the answer was in my library and only took you two mouths to find." Zeref sighed his eyes closed "ouch!" Zeref yelped, opening his eyes, he was now on the floor as he looked up to see his brother sitting where he was moments before and had a frown on his face.
"For 400 years you were more concerned with resurrecting me and then keeping me out of the hands of the council and any other bad people who either wanted to kill me or use me. pulse a bunch of other stuff. I worked hard to find this information are you at least going to give it a chance?" Natsu asked he wasn't going to tell his brother about the other stuff the spell would need he didn't want to worry his older brother.
"fine… so what do we do?" Zeref spoke getting up off the floor and climbing backing into bad
"you do nothing I am going to track down these things and come back." Natsu explained and got off the bed to leave
"wait your leaving?" Zeref asked his eyes widening
"well not this second no but I will be leaving some time tomorrow." Natsu stated he saw the sad/ worried look in Zeref's eyes "I will be back of course I will be gone for probably a couple of months at most and also I was thinking of tracking down Acnologia while I was out."
"Acnologia?" now Zeref was even more worried
"yeah…" Natsu looked down "I promised Igneel that I would get strong enough to defeat that dragon and… and I would like to see if I could help end all the pain he has been in… he was a friend of ours and as far as my knowledge goes I think he doesn't know I am alive after we were all separated. Then a bunch of other crap happened." He grabbed the door handle and was about to leave again when Zeref jumped out of bed and grabbed his shoulder
"Natsu what are you planning on doing when you find him?" he asked "Acnologia has change a lot in the last 300ish years…"
"I know I have meet him a couple of times in this time…" Natsu paused and turned back to face his brother " I will try to bring him back and if the Acnologia we knew no longer exists I will put him to rest" Natsu spoke his voice full of determination and sadness
"just be careful ok…" Zeref whispered Natsu just smiled and bid his brother goodnight as he walked out into the dark halls. Zeref watched him disappear into the shadows he knew his brother could handle himself but he couldn't help but worry if he saw how far gone Acnologia was if Natsu could really go thought with killing that dragon slayer turned dragon and if he could would Natsu be the same… or would he turn in to the Demon everyone fears?
Natsu headed back to his room to see if he could get some sleep and pack. Walking in to his room for the first time in what seemed like forever, he sighed either looking at his still mostly empty room; night stand and desk had books and his notes scattered on their surface from all his classes Invel forced him to do as the prince. he had nothing on his walls except for a drawing he did of his fairy tail family and his scarf Igneel gave him which he found out pretty quickly that anytime he used his demonic power the scarf stung him a little, and started to turn black he figured Igneel enchanted against his demonic cures power. It was weird not wearing it anymore but he got used to it. On his dresser he had a picture of himself and Zeref that they had been taken after he had been in the castle for a couple of weeks. Zeref was still wearing his toga dress thing and you could tell he was trying to smile and then there was Natsu with a smile of his own and an arm wrapped around his brother shoulder. Laying down in his bed he forced his body to relaxed and drift off to sleep
The next morning Natsu woke to the sunlight coming in to his room and knocking on his door
"…come -come in" Natsu stammered his throat dry and he was still groggy from sleep the door open and in walked Zeref "Hey brother…" Natsu gave a small smile as he rubbed his eyes and yawned
"it looks like you had a good night sleep…" Zeref spoke
"yeah for once I got a good memory" Natsu spoke then looked down with a frown he hated that good memories were a rarity, the good times with his brother before… "so, what's up come to wish me luck?" Natsu asked changing the subject and filling the silence
"actually, about that Natsu…" Zeref spoke he shifted his stance and looked away from Natsu
Natsu sighed "Zeref we talked about this-"
"no, you talked I listened Natsu… look I have lived four hundred years with this curse and I think-"
"if you are going to say for me to kill you I already told you that won't happen… I am not going to kill my only living relative and there is nothing you can say that will change that." Natsu got up from the bed and walked over to his closet to pick out some clothes for the day
"so, you are still going to leave me again?" Natsu stopped for a second then tossed the clothes on the bed
"yeah… I am going to get rid of your curse remember…"
"Natsu be careful… this is pointless you can't do this…" Zeref spoke and Natsu paused again to look at his brother this wasn't the first time Natsu caught Zeref contradicting himself but for the last month or so in seem to becoming more frequent and that worried Natsu that his brother was falling prey to his curse and he couldn't help but feel that it was partially his fault just by being here.
"Zeref I am going. don't worry I will be back be for you know it" Natsu gave his best smile Zeref numbly nodded and turned to leave. Natsu sighed another side effect of the curse often times Zeref would forget what he was even speaking about or that he was often contradicting himself. Natsu quickly got dressed, grabbed his bag and started to head towards his window he stopped at his desk and looked at the picture of his team his second family and his brother then at his scarf… he shook his head before he could think about the thoughts wanting to come in to his mind and dove out the window.
Ishgar
Natsu was pleasantly surprised that his brothers 'motion pills' actually worked and for once he could enjoy the whole boat ride right to Ishgar he made a mental note that he had to thank his brother when he got back… and apologize for doubting his 'motion pills'. Stepping off the boat in Hargeon he took a deep breath and took in the port town's air and smells he still couldn't believe that it had already been a little over two months since he had been here.
He adjusted his pack an let himself melt in the crowd his hood up so no one would recognize him and took off to start his journey first stop will be the sorcerers library to find more information on where the Replenishing divine Life, amulet and the slayer dagger were located and possibly more information on how to break his brother curse. Looking up at the large spiral shaped building it brought back many memories of his time with Fairy Tail.
'this might be harder than I thought' Natsu frowned he couldn't avoid thinking about his past with fairy tail he came here for his brother he came here to study for once not to fight in this massive library. Shaking head again and slapping his cheeks he walked into the library
Time skip two days later
Natsu was on the road again when he was fighting in that library he didn't remember it being that large and that hard to find what he was looking for. He chuckled two full days without food or sleep searching that library for what he needed. what would Zeref say. And that's why he laughed he remembered when Zeref and he were younger and Zeref would do the exact same thing with his studies he remembered when how many times his older brother would fall asleep on his desk and Natsu had put a blanket over his shoulders so he wouldn't get cold; and then when Zeref woke up he would tell him to stop studying and play with him. He missed that the few happy memories from his childhood if you can call it a child hood that is…
That night
"you can't just use me like some tool!" Natsu shouted. he was in the Tartous guild hall it had been a least 200 years since his resurrection and now he looked about 17 years old. Natsu aged a lot slower now that he wasn't human. today was his birthday the Demons of Tartous through him a celebration either thou Natsu wanted to keep it on the down low because a cake that say you are now almost 300 years old (if you count his real birth not his resurrection) makes you feel well old.
his brother led him to his throne room for his 'birthday present' only for Zeref to tell him that he was going to take everything that made Natsu, Natsu.
"you are a tool, my greatest creation, for you are no longer human." Zeref spoke "your new name is END and your name will be my death." He spoke flatly trying to shielded himself from his own emotions and his brother rage
"so, you mean I'm just some heartless monster!? Are you telling me that I am no longer your bother and just a demon!?" Natsu shouted as the torches on the wall flickering dangerously with his rising anger.
"no, my dear brother you shall not be a monster until I need you to be one. for now, you will become mortal" Natsu started struggling again as he was bounded to his throne by his brothers magic he tried everything to escape… he was wondering why none of his demon had heard his shouting and came in to see what was going on but he figured his brother did something to them to. His brother walked closer to him and reached out for his forehead
"stop! don't…. those are my memories and you have no right to mess with them!" Natsu pleaded not noticing the brief pain that flashed in his brother's eyes before they went dark and cold again
"but I have every right you see you only live and breathe because of me you owe me your life" he spoke coldly and if Natsu wasn't panicking he probably would have caught on the quiver in his voice
"dammit don't Brother stop! Why are you doing this!" Natsu struggled trying to move his head out of his brothers reach but there was only so much he could do since the rest of his body was restrained "I don't want to forget I don't want to forget you!" Natsu pleaded Zeref hand finally finding Natsu forehead Natsu's body froze and relaxed as the spell worked on his own power and memories Natsu could feel himself getting younger as his power was stripped away he felt himself losing consciousness as his memories faded one by one.
"I'm sorry" was the last thing he heard before everything faded to black and his brother closing a book.
Natsu's POV
I woke with a start and breathing hard he held his head 'that… that was when he took my memories' I thought as I tried to get my breathing under control, my brother did it to get me to hate him to protect me… even then he was contradicting himself… was this why Zeref didn't want to tell me was he afraid I would be mad? I was a little upset I remembered feeling betrayed but now this feeling served only to fuel my determination to save my brother he had suffered enough for me. He gave me to Igneel which were the best times in my long life when I was ignorant to the world when I was innocent again, without the pain of constantly being hunted the constant death and destruction around him, without the guilt.
"and this is why I don't like to sleep anymore" I sighed. Noticing it was still night I got up there was no way I was going to get back to sleep. I hated getting my memories back but then again I like it so I could remembered everything I have done to my brother to my friends to the world I will remember it all and with every memory that came back I felt a little bit more whole, but with each memory it became harder to smile like I used to back at the guild every memory I got back I hated myself for how much those around me suffered and was angry at my brother for what he did but I was more angry at myself for being the reason it happened. I hated the memories as the Tartaros guild master the most, remembering all the crimes and lives I had taken not just as their master but as the demon they worshiped. Hated that now they were all gone because of my former guild… because of me. it hurt when I remembered the best of those demons when I thought of them as family only to betray them in the end. I hated who I used to be and how much that hurt my brother with not only my ignorance but my actions when I refused to see what my brother was going throw because of me.
"dammit!" I shouted I let my magic and cures explode around me to let out my frustrations and anger destroying the mountain around me When my power faded I looked at the destruction around me. Now even hatting myself because of my destructive power. then I felt pain in my arm a lot of it I fell to my knees and grabbed my arm as a black tattoo appeared in the shape of a dragon I screamed as the mountain next to the one I just destroyed also exploded an imagine of Igneel appeared in my head telling me these were his flames the flames of the fire dragon king. When the pain faded I looked down at the tattoo that was still pulsing with magic power as it glowed red I searched though my pack praying I had packed some first aid and let out a breath when I found some. I casted a spell on the bandages and quickly wrapped up my arm and when the power subsided I fell backward on my butting and relaxed.
"thanks dad but I could have used a little warning" I breathed looking up to the sky I will have to learn out to control the dragon king flames well I guess I will get some training on this trip as well. At least this help me forget about the memory I had earlier
The magic council a week later Normal POV
"An unusual amount of magic power had been detected in the mountain regain north of Fiore. An investigation is underway to determine the source but preliminary reports indicated that blast was strong enough to obliterate two mountain peaks" one of the council members reported to the room filled with Guild masters and the Wizard saints
"what more we have reason to believe this is only a small fraction of its full power… our biggest concern is that its power rivals that of Zeref." Another spoke, worried evident in his voice
"a troubling thought to say the least." Makarov muttered he was only there because he was still a wizard saint but didn't like the thought that this power detected could be somehow linked to whoever was after Lumen Histoire.
"that kind of power could spell the worlds destruction." Another council member shouted Makarov only half listening now as his mind went over the possibilities of who or what the source of power came from just inside their border.
"at any rate we cannot overlook it which is precisely why I have summoned the guild masters and the wizard saints; we need our best minds working together." The chairmen or the council spoke trying to get the conversation back on track as everyone were either starting to panic or shouting out ideas to find the monster responsible for the destruction
After the meeting 2 hours later…
"Collection of biggest minds and biggest blow hearts I say… listen do you think you can handle this?" Makarov spoke to Mest who was hiding in the shadows after the meeting had ended and Makarov explained the new situation.
"do you think this could do with whoever is after Lumen Histoire?" Mest asked as he was the only member in the guild that was in on the real reason Makarov disbanded the guild and the only one Makarov was trusting with this information.
"I am not sure but it could be a possibility. I want you to investigate the strange power and I will continue to search for people that know about Lumen Histoire and their plans for that power." And with that they went their separate ways not to see each other again for some time.
Back with Natsu a Month later
Finally he was here in The country of Joya, located north of Desierto and a crossed the sea from Fiore he had never been to this country and honestly he probably wouldn't be coming back to this small country he lost count of how many times since arriving in this country someone tried to rob him and every little town he past were filled with the poorest of the poor in rickety huts and way to skinny people he hated it and it also pissed him off when he would enter the bigger cities and saw how much better off they were. He didn't know if it was because he was now the prince of the Alvarez empire and all the Lessons Invel was drilling into his head, but he found himself thinking to the stability of the small country and what the government must be like to let so many of their people suffer. He was also more surprised that this country even had guilds granted more than half were dark guilds which wasn't as surprising.
In one of these small towns was the dark guild he was looking for. He stopped at a small city if you could call it a city at all it was pretty much deserted honestly it looked like an old western town from one of Lucy's books complete with tumbleweeds blowing a crossed the road.
Natsu walked into the town's only pub or at least that is what he thought it was and definitely what it smelled like. his nose crinkled as he resisted the urge to cover is nose and run in the other direction the smell of alcohol was worst then Cana 'best' drinking day mixed with the smell of blood and vomit.
"what can I get you?" the bartender called as Natsu sat down at the bar he was also aware of everyone's greedy and suspicious eyes on him.
"whiskey if you got any?" Natsu spoke the bartender looked at Natsu as if judging if Natsu was even old enough to drink then decided he didn't really care if he was or not and went to go get his drink.
"we don't get many of your kind here Stanger…" someone stated as they sat next to him, the bartender came back with his drink
"my kind?" Natsu asked as he took a sip of his drink he didn't drink often since it was pretty much impossible for him to get drunk because of his fire magic mixed with the taste and smell was enough for him to stand clear.
"rich" the man stated not noticing Natsu discomfort from the taste of the drink.
"what makes you think that?" Natsu asked still not turning to face the person who was talking to him. Despite his lazy and easy attuite he was on alert; none of these people posed much of a treat but he could feel all of them listening to his conversation and their piercing gazes on his back which was making him a little uncomfortable.
"haha are you kidding look at you with your fancy clothes and the way you walked in here told me enough" the man laughed Natsu frowned he never really care for money in fact he didn't have much money on him anyway. Ture he guessed his clothes stood out a little bit he never thought much about it.
"is that so…" Natsu stated the man slammed his hand on the counter
"cut the smug act brat! And tell me what you are doing here before I pund your face in for annoying me!" he shouted the bar went deadly silent which was saying something since it was quite before Natsu turned to face the guy with a board expression. the man was in is mid 30ies but looked to be in his 50ies with a scar a crossed his forehead and a stubble on his face and the smell of alcohol coming from his rotten teeth. "well?" he asked when Natsu didn't answer
Natsu eyes narrowed and he turned more in his set to look at the people around him before looking back to the one next to him
"I am looking for information on a dark guild in the area." Natsu stated the man burst out laughing and when he was done he grabbed Natsu's drink and drowned the glass slamming it back on the table in front of him
"you… you are looking for that guild. what do you have some kind of death wish!" he laughed again then he started to calm down the whole time Natsu did not look amused but didn't move or voice his annoyance
"they have something I want so do you have information or not." Natsu asked when the man was done laughing
"it will cost you pretty boy" the man sneered getting into Natsu's face he resisted to usage to pull back from the man's breath effecting his sensitive nose Natsu eyes narrowed further
"if this town is being hurt by that dark guild I can stop them if you want" Natsu stated knowing full well that is not what the man was referring to. If his laughing was anything to go by the rest of the bar started laughing as well the bar tender fill his drink again and Natsu reached for it but the man grabbed it again and drowned the glassed this man was starting to get on his nerves
"you stop that dark guild!" he spoke in between his laughing as everyone one else listening also busted out laughing. Natsu was annoyed now he flicked the man in the forehead and he went crashing into the opposite wall of the bar. The laughing stopped immediately and everyone started shocked at the unconscious man in the wall Natsu stood and everyone turned back to face Natsu
"I will not ask again do any of you have the information on the dark guild or do I need to force it out of you." Natsu hissed his dark eyes swept over everyone one by one
"that dark guild has been terrorizing this town for years we used to be a larger city but that guild dried up all or our resources and now we are town you see today." The bartender spoke not seeming all that effected my Natsu display of violence Natsu turned to face him he was cleaning a glass and had a blank expression on his face
"I can stop them for you if you want" Natsu Stated his voice becoming gentle again
There was a weak chuckle from somewhere else in the bar Natsu turned he eyes narrowing trying to find the source of the noise
"many have tried what can one man do?" one of them spoke quietly but Natsu still heard
"as I say before they have something I want so I can hit two birds with one stone so to speak if you tell me where this guild is?" Natsu stated
"is this something worth risking your life for?" the bartender asked
"yes it is." Natsu stated without hesitation even know he knew that it would be really hard for him to die now that he was a demon again. "so are you going to tell me or not." Natsu snapped facing the bartender again who sighed and told him where to find the dark guild Natsu thanked him putting a few bucks on the counter to pay for the drinks he didn't drink. And walked out of the bar ignoring the soft whispers of the men inside saying he was going to be killed.
In no time he had found himself at the edge of the forest in some bushed in front of the dark guild he was going to take out. The guild was in mansion that definitely seen better days, there was one road that lead up to the guild and forest sounded the clearing.
'ok well I got two options storm the place like I always do or try and sneak in.' he thought his recklessness got a lot of innocent people hurt and he couldn't risk the amulet being destroyed
"sneaking in it is." He sighed His eyes turned a deep shade of green and then he could see all the heat signatures of all the dark wizards. There were 15 guards posted on the roof and about 35 members inside. 'Ok about 50 wizards I need to take out doesn't seem too hard.' Natsu thought he ran across the open field to the dark guild jumping up the vertical wall to where the guards were posted without anyone noticing. He creped behind one of the guards punching him hard in the ribs knocking him out. Then he ran the length of the wall silently attacking all 15 guards before they could alert the ones inside. 'That was easy!' Natsu smiled as he looked at all the slumped over forms. He jumped down in front of the guild doors; he proceeded to blow them up shocking the people inside.
"Who are you?!" one of the guys shouted
"my name is not important you have something I want so if you would be so kind to tell me where it is I won't hurt you" Natsu smirked but the dark mages just got angry they charged Natsu not afraid of one man. Natsu sighed as he summoned a black and red demonic sword Natsu never has taken any sword fighting class or anything but for some reason feeling the sword in his hands he felt that he could fight with a sword and that is exactly what he did. With inhuman speed, he cut and slashed all the dark wizards that their blood spilling everywhere. Occasionally Natsu would use his fire magic and some of the curses he now knew how to use. After a couple of minutes, everyone in the dark guild was unconscious or dead. It had been a long time since Natsu had taken a life and still he did not feel sad or mortified at what he had done he did not feel anything, he didn't know if that had always been the case when he killed someone or if that was a new thing he frowned he didn't know if that was a good thing or not and he was a little afraid that he didn't feel anything. Was it because he was a demon again? Shaking his head, he saw the guild master trying to crawl way he walked over and gabbed the man tuning him so they could face each other the man screamed
"relaxed I'm not going to hurt you-"
"you already hurt me and you whipped out my whole guild …you monster!" He screamed in terror
"…right sorry about that really I guess I went a little over board and I am not in the best of moods" Natsu paused as he looked back at the terrified guild master after looking at the carnage he caused and ignoring the fact that he had been called a monster. "so, I promise not to kill you if you tell me where the Replenishing divine Life, amulet is"
"the what?!" he asked shaking
"the Replenishing divine Life, amulet it is an amulet with a crystal in the middle and etchings around the sides." Natsu explained the man thought for a second and nodded and showed Natsu where it was. In a huge room full of treasure and riches Natsu reached for the amulet then stopped as right next to it was a celestial spirit key and one he recognized the key of the water barer Aquarius. He grabbed it too without thinking
"thanks" Natsu spoke as he carefully packed the amulet in his pack and the key into his bag "I also don't suppose anyone in your guild has pure blood do you?" Natsu asked as the guild master tried to get away again was his still broken legs so he wasn't getting every far. Natsu sighed and grabbed the Guild master you gave a childish squeak
"please I gave you what you what please don't kill me!" he pleased and Natsu frowned
"I told you I wasn't going to I just asked a question… does anyone in your guild have pure blood?" Natsu asked again
"why- why would you want that… are you going to eat it?" he asked his eyes widening in horror
"what no that's gross." Natsu spoke "can you just answer the question?"
"no- no one here is pure." Natsu sighed he didn't think so he got up and walked out of the guild
"well that wasn't a challenge at all." He just sighed at least he got what he was looking for but he would hate having to hurt someone that didn't deserve it… he couldn't use his own blood because one he wasn't human and two in no way was he pure in any sense of the word for all the lives he had taken and pain he has caused were any indication. he calmly walked out of the guild and back down to the village to give them the good news that the guild has been dealt with. But when he got there what he saw were not the faces of happy people but faces of fear and sadness.
"You are now free from the dark guild, why are you sad," Natsu asked with confusion written all over his face.
"No one has ever gone up against that guild alone and come back alive much less without a scratch." One of the villagers stated. Natsu looked down at his body and noticed that the villager was right he did not have a single scratch just a few spots of blood that weren't his.
"We want you out of our town right away. We have no need for a monster like you!" shouted the same villager followed but nervous 'yeahs' and 'that's right'. Natsu has been called a monster before but never from the people he saved and for some reason, it hurt him he did not understand why. Wasn't this town in trouble didn't he take care of the guild that was giving them so much pain? Was it because he took some of the dark wizard's lives? Natsu did not say anything he just ran deep into the forest not stopping until it was late at night. Why did he even go back to the village it's not like they actually hired him or anything and how did the other villagers know he was taking out the guild?
Natsu stopped memories of his past dark empty faces telling him that he was nothing but a monster a killer… a demon flashed in is mind. He did not understand them he would never understand them he was not a human just a good for nothing demon, humans feared him hated him just for being different and it was the same in Fairy Tail he never really felt like he truly belonged there. He just smiles people saying that he was their friends but none of them would help when he was hurting, they would just say he's strong enough he can handle it himself. Every time he did something wrong he was punished by Erza. No, he was never really a part of the Fairy Tail family was he… just the protector the shield. But thinking of all this Natsu could not bring himself to hate them, no he still thought of them as his friends; he still would protect them with his life if he had to. He was Natsu Dragneel the protector the life of Fairy Tail, he was Zeref's little brother a demon… a monster. He laughed, now was he contradicting himself he was no longer with Fairy Tail he needed to stop thinking of them. Half of his mission was complete he had the Replenishing divine Life, amulet and the Slayer Dagger that he got from Fiore he even found Lucy's key which he had absolutely no idea why he grabbed it since he had no intention to see anyone from Fairy Tail if he could help it.
Taking out the gold key he just stared at it as memories of his life in Fairy Tail flash in his mind. 'I don't need the reminder.' Natsu thought in his mind he didn't lose his Fairy Tail memories so he didn't know why his brain felt the need to replay them in such detail. He tried to throw the key but be didn't let go of it. he sighed for some reason it just felt right to keep it. Natsu put the key back into his pocket took at deep breath to get rid of all the invading memories he started walking in a random direction hoping to reach a town soon so he could find out where he was.
The next day Natsu was on his way to now search for Acnologia which he knew was going to be easier said than done what he didn't expect was to run into Gildarts. He saw him first in a town he stumbled into which he quickly turned to retreat hoping Gildarts didn't see him but his luck sucked and he did and followed Natsu in to the forest
"Hey Natsu long time no see!" He spoke happily Natsu froze 'crap carp what should I do what should I do' Natsu started to panic 'wait he doesn't know I am in the Alvarez Empire he took a deep breath and turned to see Gildarts running after him
"hey old man what's up!" Natsu called to the Fairy Tail's ace trying to act like he would when he was still in the guild. when he caught up he put on his best smile and wave.
"What brings you here are you on a job?" he asked still smiling Natsu had traveled all night and a good potation of the day to get into the country of Desierto, a large region located east of Minstrel. Mostly because he had no intention of reliving memories yesterday.
"umm actually I just finish… sort of… job." Natsu spoke rubbing the back of his neck "what about you how is you century quest going?"
"oh man it is going great tell me how is the guild, how is my dear Cana… does she miss her daddy?" He laughed rubbing the back of his head with his good arm
"Last time I check she was doing ok…" Natsu spoke carefully Gildarts frowned then he noticed the crisp white bandages on his arm. And how Natsu seemed to be acting a little weird.
"Hey kid are you ok your acting a little strange and what's wrong with your arm were you injured?" he asked his smile gone and was replaced a worried expression a little surprised Natsu hadn't attacked him yet and he got a little more worried when he saw Natsu flinch and try to hide his arm
"oh- umm my arm it nothing really and I don't know what you're talking about old man." Natsu tried to play dumb Gildarts frowned deepened there was definitely something wrong on top of the way Natsu was acting he could hardly feel Natsu's magic and he wasn't wearing his scarf from his father. He looked carefully at Natsu to see if he can notice any more changes. He saw slight bags under his eyes and his clothes were different somewhat fancier then what Natsu normally would wear…then his eyes widened when he saw that his Fairy Tail Emblem was also gone
"Natsu… what happened where is your Fairy Tail emblem and your scarf?" he asked seriously he saw Natsu flinch again and look down at his feet
'crap what now?' Natsu thought as he started to mess with the hem of his shirt "you haven't heard?" Natsu started there was still a way he could get out of this without telling him about his brother, or about himself.
"heard what?" Gildarts asked his mind swirling with the possibilities of bad things that could have happened to the guild while he has been away was Cana alright what happened?
"the guild disbanded…"
"what that's imposable Master would never do that!" he shouted angry that he thought Natsu was Lying
"I wasn't there so I don't know his reasons for disbanding the guild." Natsu whispered but Gildarts still heard him.
"I still have my mark so that doesn't explain what happened to yours?" he almost snapped his magic was rising in his confusion and anger but much to his surprised Natsu didn't look scared or step back to distance himself of Gildarts magic. but he still wouldn't look him in the eyes "Natsu. What. Happened" he demanded clipping off every word.
"There was a war with the dark guild… Tarators… the battle whipped out Magnolia…" he spoke slowly pausing on the name of his old guild- he still didn't know how he felt about them he pushed those thoughts down for later when Gildarts started talking again.
"is Cana?..." he couldn't finish the sentence already thinking the worst
"no, no she's alive I mean she survived the battle and stuff but I haven't seen anyone from the guild in a while so…" Natsu stated quickly still looking away from Gildarts and running his hand thought his hair.
"and after…"
"I don't know I left right after the battle that was a little over three months ago" Natsu sighed
"Natsu-"
"what! What do you want" Natsu shouted his eyes snapping up angerly flashing red at the man he thought of as a second father after Igneel… disappeared when he was young; He saw the shocked expression on his face and his gaze dropped again "I don't want to talk about it ok Gildarts" Natsu voice dropped to a whisper "I can't talk about it…"
"you're no longer a member of Fairy Tail you left the guild after the war… that doesn't sound like you…" he spoke quietly he noticed Natsu eyes flashed red which was also new and concerning because in that splint second it didn't feel like Natsu was standing before him.
"Well a lot of things have changed" Natsu snapped looking Gildarts in the eyes in defiance and something darker that Gildarts didn't know what it was and he didn't like it. was this really Natsu. "so what if I am still a member of the guild or not Fairy Tail is no longer around… I left before gramps disbanded the guild and honestly I don't care that it happened…" Natsu hissed
Gildarts gaze hardened towards the pink haired man who also answered with the same dark expression towards is Mentor "are you going to be an enemy of Fairy Tail?" he asked
"that's a pretty interesting question there Gildarts… can't really be an enemy of something that no longer exists" Natsu stated with a slight chuckle hiding his surprised to the sudden question. 'where did that come from does he already not trust me?' Natsu thought
Gildarts magic pressure sky rocked but again Natsu didn't seem effected "don't joke around here Natsu I'm asking you this as a friend and a father I want to make sure if you don't intend making Fairy Tail your enemy… I don't know what happened but something seems darker with you…" Again Natsu seemed to flinch.
"I doubt everyone would let me go that easily once they found out" Natsu sighed sadness flashed in his eyes
"'found out' what did you do?" he asked Natsu looked way for a second and if Gildarts didn't know any better he would see pain in those dark eyes which just confused Gildarts even more. what was going what kind of trouble did Natsu get into?
"It doesn't matter it is better that you don't know they are no longer my friends I am no longer a Fairy Tail mage." Natsu spoke looking back at Gildarts with blank eyes which got Gildarts to take a step back in surprised as long as he had known Natsu not once did Natsu look so empty the light in his eyes had gone dark.
"of course, they're still be your friends Natsu what is going on I am sure they can help you with any petty reason…" Gildarts spoke once he got over his shock but as soon as the words came out of his mouth he regrated them.
"petty? there's a lot you don't know about me about my reasons for doing what I am doing and I can assure you it wasn't for a petty reason and as long as they don't get in my way and there's no reason for us to be enemies." Natsu hissed darkly. If Gildarts was shocked before he was appalled now. The man in front of him the one he saw as his own son he didn't recognize anymore he blinked a couple times as his tried to calm his magic so he didn't accidently hurt Natsu he needed to take him back to the guild find out what happened and see if he could fix whatever happened but when he came up with the idea he looked where Natsu was standing but he was gone.
Frantic he whipped his head around the forest looking for any sign of the pick haired wizard he even called out his name several times but he got no reply he must of searched for the rest of the day and well into the night he searched for hours and hours before he gave up if Natsu didn't want to be found he wouldn't be. But that didn't mean he would give up on trying to save Natsu from whatever he got himself into and once he found Natsu he would knock some sense in to him as many times as he needed to until Natsu was back to who his usual self, to the one he thought of as a son.
With Natsu
That sucked that really sucked Natsu ran way as fast as he could when Gildarts was distracted how did that spiral out of control so suddenly once the questions turned he tried to act evil like the demon he was supposed to be to scare Gildarts or something but even that failed what the hell was that! Natsu grabbed his head and pulled at his hair in frustration it felt like he probably just made things worse he ran the conversation over and over in his head wondering what he could have done or said differently but really nothing came to mind 'dammit, dammit I am sorry Gildarts I am sorry Fairy Tail but I can't… I need to save my brother and if that means I am an enemy of Fairy Tail so be it.
he had heard Gildarts calling out his name he could hear the desperation in his voice which made his heart hurt but he got up and kept running until he could no longer hear him he could no longer smell the man but even then he kept running until he couldn't run anymore he only stopped when he couldn't punch his body to run any more he was hungry and tired but he didn't want to sleep he couldn't deal with his past right now not after what just happened with Gildarts, so he ate and then walked into a town to find out where he was, he still had stuff to do he need to focus on finding Acnologia, and getting home to his brother.
Two and half months after he had left Alvarez Empire
Natsu found where Acnologia was hiding on an island that was untouched by mankind but one man could be found a muscular young man with long, dark blue colored hair, eyes have black circles around them. He also has light blue markings all over the body. He sat with his eyes closed until he felt another presence on his island.
he opened his eyes looking for the presence he felt when his gaze fell upon the unexpected visitor that suddenly emerged from the tree line, stopping right before him.
His eyes widened upon seeing none other than the son of the Fire Dragon King.
Acnologia didn't fail to note some changes about him that he didn't see at the time of the dragon's battle. Or maybe he just didn't notice as there were just fragments of certain moments when he was able to glance at the pink haired boy.
His eyes were calm, he no longer made any unnecessary movements he used to as far as Acnologia saw as if everything was perfectly already thought ahead in his mind. He held his ground proudly, like if he was facing someone he was determined to defeat.
It pissed Acnologia off… how calm the boy seemed. He growled. "What do you want here?! Came to avenge your pitiful father?" He could see the flash of hurt that appeared in those eyes, but it was gone the second he blinked, returning to the blank black eyes.
Acnologia started to sweat, this boy didn't say anything staring at Acnologia, something wasn't right he could feel the danger in the intense silence that was enveloping them.
"no, I am not here for revenge in fact I don't want to fight you at all if I can help it." The boy spoke The Dragon King's eyes narrowed in caution of the boy, as the wind blew past them, playing with their hair. Then he noticed something else that the wind brought him.
A certain smell.
The oh so familiar smell and ancient but that was impossible, he only knew of one human with the smell of the past. But this boy did not have the smell of death around him like the dark mage he knew from 300 years ago; this one smelled of fire. Acnologia started to get annoyed buy that boy who was just standing there, he moved into his fighting position and launched himself at the pink haired boy, who swiftly dodged by jumping above Acnologia, as if he expected the outburst, and gracefully landing behind him.
That calm expression on his face as Acnologia turned around annoyed him even more, and he prepared himself for another attack, this time with his magic. The boy kept dodging which just made Acnologia roar in fury
"aren't going to fight back!" he shouted throwing a punch at the kids face
"I told you I didn't want to fight" the boy shouted jumping back to get more distance between them
"then stand still so I can kill you!" Acnologia shouted as he swiped his hand to claw to rip the boy's throat out but the boy side stepped and kicked Acnologia in the abdomen getting some more distance between them.
"I wanted to ask you Acnologia to join me just like old times…" he called a small smile gracing his lips that made Acnologia pause His eyes widened. This kid wanted him to join him? He laughed he thought the dragon slayer was joking, however, his firm gaze told him otherwise. Suddenly, he seemed wary, and his stance got more defensive as he asked in a low threatening voice. when the second part hit his ears
"just like old times? What do you mean by that last time I saw you I killed your father right in front of you if I remember correctly" Acnologia smirked as he tried to get a more definite reaction an emotion that didn't disappear the moment it was felt. the boys eyes narrowed
"you don't remember me from before?" he asked a frown on his face Acnologia growled
"no… I don't know you and I honestly don't care all I live for is destruction and to destroy every dragon slayer in this world and one of them is you!" he shouted and changed into a dragon trying to snap the fire dragon slayer up be he jumped out of the way his teeth only grazing the mages leg.
"I wanted to talk but if you want a fight fine." Natsu grumbled
He hadn't expected the attack from the mage that had all but ran way but the attack had no power behind it he had almost laughed that he had is guard up for no reason but when the attack finished and he dropped his guard only freezing on the spot as he felt a fiery presence behind him.
Before he could turn around he felt something burn his back and hit him with such a force, he gritting his teeth in pain but did not cry out he tuned swiping his tail and glaring fiercely at his opponent who dodged with the same calm expression on his face and relaxed body poster which made Acnologia angry. He tried to stomp on the pesky human only for the dragon slayer to appear behind him again this time Acnologia was ready and took to the skies before the orange red flame could hit him
Acnologia spread his wings in advance and roared, heading towards the source of his annoyance, he took down the father so the son should be easy… oh how wrong he was
The magic presser from the boy began to increases to the point where the Dragon King had trouble staying in the air and had a little trouble breathing. He came back down to the earth to see instead of black eyes he saw red jewels of pure danger from the boy. He stared at the boy as fear, something he has not felt in a very long time crept into his being. He did not want to feel fear so he let his own anger blind him, and he realized now, that was the worst mistake he made that day.
Acnologia charged with all his power and strength at the mage in front of him. There is an instant there was a huge explosion from the counter attack and the dragon was sent flying backward fire burning the scales off. in the last second before he hit the ground, he managed to transform back into his human form and land on his legs safely. Still didn't help his pain much, his body was badly burnt, and each one of his movements hurt like crazy. He looked around wildly for the boy though the heavy smoke but he couldn't spot him which made him more nervous, then he spotted the mage's silhouette which he glared at the source for his suffering.
He wasn't about to give up though, not to such kid! He was the Dragon King; He will always be victorious! He would not lose to a kid he gave a breath attack cutting the smoke and aimed right at the human silhouette. He smirked thinking he finally got a hit in
"what were you trying to hit?" the dark demonic voice spoke next to him he turned eyes widening in horror for a real demon stood next to him the white of his eyes were now black and his irises was a bright red to the point they were glowing. two black horns sat on his head and red and black bat like wings were folded behind him with a matching tail the boy had black marking were on his exposed skin and pointed ears.
"who are you…?" Acnologia stammered as he backed up the killing intent and the heat we suffocating and he couldn't stop his body from shaking
"you still don't recognize me?" he spoke in a deep demonic voice
"stop jumping around the brush and just tell me who you are!" He shouted his frustration and anger
"Natsu Dragneel, the resurrected brother of Zeref Dragneel." He smiled at Acnologia fondly, but with his demonic appearance made the boy look menacing and psychotic then friendly "and as I told you before I did not want to fight I don't want to kill you." He spoke tuning back to his human form his smile not dropping.
"No that's impossible he died 300 years ago and he wasn't as coldhearted as you!" Acnologia snapped. the boy actually flinched the first real reaction in this whole fight and Acnologia took full advantage of it he turned back into a dragon and swung his tail full force into the fire mages chest he heard bones breaking as the boy was sent flying to the other side of the destroyed island, Dust and ash hid the boys crash landing still Acnologia didn't take his eyes off the cloud. When the cloud began to disappear the boy was standing up he didn't look injured.
Natsu's eyes changed back to their crimson color and before Acnologia could think to move a sharp pain entered his chest and it felt like he was burning from the inside out he cried out in pain and fell to the ground He lied there helplessly on waiting for his end
"are you so far gone that you can't see the truth that you only want death and destruction?" Natsu asked walking to Acnologia's prone form
"and what if it is? you are nothing but an imposter of someone long gone" Acnologia hissed angerly
"It is me Acnologia" the boy spoke almost pleading and tried to give him a reassuring smile
"Even if you were that boy then I would still kill him because he is the reason I am like this!" Acnologia screamed Natsu paused his eyes widening Acnologia attacked with a breath attack sending the demon back but sadly that still didn't seem to do much damage as the demon slowly got back to his feet smoke coming off his destroyed clothes "after the council took the two brothers' way I searched for them intent on rescuing them I stormed the council and all I found was blood so much blood I couldn't tell who's blood it was as it all mixed together. So I left thinking both brothers were dead I killed dragon and human alike to become stronger, stronger then anyone so the ones I loved weren't hurt but when they saw what I have become a monster they turned on me all of them did so I killed them too and the two that would have excepted me the two I lost that day well I found out that one of them survived the oldest and when I found him he said his brother was killed by a dragon then I became the dragon king not to avenge him no because I wanted to! this world took everything from me so I will destroy the world I will kill all the dragons and humans!" he shouted Natsu was silent listening to the dragons story he frowned yet another one that he hurt another one of his friends who's lives he destroyed
"Acnologia-" he tried to speak
"NO! I don't want your sympathy I don't want your pity and I don't want your LIES! If you are going to kill me then do it for I will never follow a 'copy' like you! I will kill you!" he roared again and charged Natsu in a desperate attempt to kill him he charged up all the magic he had left he had given up Natsu could tell he was in so much pain and rage that he would no longer see the truth nor would he listen to it frowning. he looked up at the massive amount of magic tarring up the ground as it raced toward. His demon appearance came back as he used one of his cursed the attack imploded burning away any trace of the attack but Acnologia was still racing towards him like he didn't notice his attack was gone. Natsu slipped past the raging human form of a dragon from afar it looked like Natsu barely touched the dragon's chest.
Acnologia gasped in pain and shock he expected to hit the ground but he was held up by strong warm arms he looked up to see the face of his killer one last time… 'are those tears?' was the last thing he thought as darkness claimed him.
Natsu laid the body carefully on the ground he was already unconscious as he bleeds out in a couple of minutes he would be dead
"Acnologia I don't know if you can hear me but let me get this off my chest I was angry at you for killing my father Igneel I wanted revenge but when I found my brother and started getting my memories back I… I remembered you… the adventures that we went on all the times we fought and bugged the carp out of each other… I remembered the person you used to be…" Natsu paused as he started at the still form of the once dragon king "Seeing people change isn't what hurts. What hurts is remembering who they used to be and for me I forgot who you used to be… if I had remembered you when you attacked Tenrou island do you think I could have brought you back from the darkness?" Natsu didn't get answer for the dragon was dead he sighed "part of me wishes I didn't remember what you used to be maybe then this would have been easier… rest it peace my friend you deserve it after all the pain I have caused you… you deserve to be at peace." And with that Natsu tuned the body to ash as silent tears fell. He spent the rest of the day making a grave for the dragon and resting his sore body. His injures healed fast he wished they wouldn't maybe then he could feel that the fight didn't end so fast maybe then he could feel… something.
The next day he headed back to Alvarez it was time to save his brother before he too was lost to the darkness. But when he got back Zeref was gone Invel told him he left on one of his many journeys to ease is wondering nature Natsu had frowned he hoped his brother got back soon. And since his brother was gone Invel stuck him will all the paper work he sighed then another month after his return Makarov chose that time to show up just his luck his horrible luck.
I hope you like this chapter let me know if you would like more flash back or even a little of Natsu running the country without Zeref there.
