A Demon's Rebirth

by SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan

Elfman desperately wished that Natsu had gone with them to confront The Beast in canon. This time, Elfman got his wish and Natsu joined them on that fateful mission. However, with Natsu there, just how will things change. One bad decision on Lisanna's part, led to Natsu changing in a way that no one could have ever seen coming.

5. Lock and Key

This is an extremely short chapter, since I only spent about ninety minutes to type it, but it is a special occasion…

HAHA! I bloody called it! I so saw this coming during the Battle of Fairy Tail arc.

MANGA SPOILER

I just knew it because strictly speaking, if it was only the dragons that were over 400 years old, Natsu and Gajeel would have still been able to get through the runes, or, would have had their dragon's forcibly split from them.

A little bit more of patting myself on the back and then I will get to the chapter.

The Eclipse Gates… you do not bring in something that can allow time travel, only to use it once. It was so obvious at the time, especially, when they even brought dragons through the gate.

Lastly, this fits in so nicely with what I have planned for A Jade Princess's Dragon.

If you are wondering though, for this story, I modified the truth slightly. You see, if Natsu travelled in time when he was, what, seven? Then he couldn't have been around for the other demons to recognise him. I had actually planned for this though, which is why this chapter will explain what happened and why the book of E.N.D. is not what controls Natsu's memories. Take note of the difference between E.N.D. and Natsu though, when I refer to memories.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Techniques

Chapter 5 – Lock and Key

'W-who are you?' Asked Mard Geer in shock.

'Hmm? You cradle my book around like your child and you don't even recognise me, Mard Geer. You disappoint me.' Said Natsu, still holding onto Sayla's form.

'Impossible! Master E.N.D. is still sealed within this book.' Denied Mard Geer.

'Do you even understand what that book is, Mard Geer?' Questioned Natsu, taking a glance to look over Sayla.

'Are you alright, Sayla?' Asked Natsu softly.

'Yes… Master E.N.D., I am alright.' Said Sayla tiredly, before relaxing into Natsu's grip.

'This is impossible. You must be trying to fool Mard Geer.' Continued Mard Geer in denial.

'That book, my book, is unique. While all of you were created by Zeref from magic, I am of flesh and blood, remade into an Etherious.' Said Natsu, surprising both Sayla and Mard Geer.

'How can this be?' Asked Mard Geer calmly, having regained himself.

'Do you forget the history that I have with Igneel? Igneel raised me and taught me his magic. I scoured the earth in my endeavours, only to find a guild created in my name. Quite arrogant, naming a guild, supposedly created by me, after yourself, Mard Geer Tartaros.' Scoffed Natsu, confusing Sayla.

'What do you mean Master E.N.D.? Didn't you create Tartaros?' Asked Sayla curiously.

'In a sense. Do either of you know why you were created?' Asked Natsu curiously.

'To return to Zeref?' Said Sayla questioningly.

Natsu noticed Zeref's calm expression.

'You know the truth, don't you, Mard Geer.' Said Natsu accusingly.

'To kill Zeref.' Said Mard Geer, surprising Sayla.

'Correct.' Confirmed Natsu, further surprising Sayla.

'But why?' Asked Sayla in confusion.

'Zeref, long ago, wanted to die, to end his contradictory curse. It has been far, far too long since then for me to know if this is still his wish, but even back then, as powerful as I was, I couldn't do it, or rather, I wouldn't, in the same way Igneel wouldn't kill me, when I started to rampage.' Said Natsu calmly.

'Why is that?' Asked Sayla.

'Because, we are family.' Said Natsu, surprising both Etherious.

'I told you, I was made of flesh and magic. That is because I was, or rather, am, Zeref's little brother and the reason he became immortal in the first place. In order to give me life, he cursed his own.' Continued Natsu.

'What do you mean, started to rampage?' Questioned Mard Geer.

'Did you ever wonder why the Celestial Spirits engage with you so?' Asked Natsu calmly, dodging the question momentarily.

'Mard Geer, does not know.' Said Mard Geer, with a hint of confusion.

'Hmm, I wouldn't expect you to, after all, there is a reason I have been absent for four hundred years, I was sent here from four hundred years ago, into the future. This was done using the Eclipse Gate, which can only be opened by Celestial Spirit magic, on both ends. The spirits are aware of E.N.D. and thus, try to stop you from bringing E.N.D. back.' Explained Natsu.

'How can this be? I have held the book of E.N.D. in my hand for the past four hundred years!' Shouted Mard Geer in frustration.

'Yes. In that book, you hold my power, but certainly not my soul, as in the case for all other Etherious. As I am of flesh and blood, my soul was always tied to my body. In my body, however, I still possessed my memories, yet they were sealed from me. My Curses however, were sealed into my book, as they are what caused me to rampage and needed to be split from me, in order for me to calm down. This however, had the side effect of causing me to regress in age, back to the body I possessed upon first becoming an Etherious, with no memories of what I had done, or the power I held.' Said Natsu calmly.

'B-but Master E.N.D. spoke with familiarity with me, how is this the case?' Questioned Sayla in confusion.

'Of course, because we had met previously, however, with the sealing of my memories, all memories of me were also sealed. Seeing me once again and feeling my presence, is what caused you to regain your memories, without ever knowing you had lost them. It is for this same reason, that only Mard Geer is able to comprehend knowledge of his true purpose because he held my book for so long, that it started to awaken his memories. All Etherious know what it means to truly return to Zeref, however, only Mard Geer can recognise it. This is because when Zeref created each and every one of you, knowledge of my being and Zeref's wish were imprinted into you. It is only by having both, that you can truly understand the purpose of the Etherious, purely because I refused to do what Zeref wanted of me.' Finished Natsu.

'So you mean to say, that the Etherious were created because you choose not to kill Zeref, which in turn, explains why only Mard Geer knows the true meaning of returning to Zeref, because Mard Geer held your book.' Said Mard Geer calmly.

'Yes, had I simply killed Zeref four hundred years ago, none of you would exist. It is for that reason, you were influenced by my book to create Tartaros. That book contains the imprinting of what it truly means to return to Zeref, but without my mind to control it, it can only give the command, not decide if it should be followed. Obviously, I refuse the command, but the book still emits the message.' Remarked Natsu.

'So what is this book then exactly?' Asked Mard Geer.

'That book, contains the mind I possessed when I rampaged. The knowledge of my curses and also the imprinting of the idea to kill Zeref, which I rejected.' Answered Natsu.

'So, is this book worthless to you then?' Questioned Mard Geer.

'No, while my body and mind were separated temporarily, they are inexplicably linked. That book holds some of my life in its hands, as your books do wholly for you. The only difference, is that I do not revert to the book, as you are all capable of. That book only contains part of me, whereas your books contain your entire being. Destroying that book… it may kill me, or may not. It holds a part of my soul, mind and powers, but I do not know for sure if it holds my life too. I would think so, as it was needed for me to have my soul placed back into my body so long ago… I just don't know how much remained inside the book, if any.' Answered Natsu.

'Then what of the Etherious? What of Tartaros? What is our goal now?' Asked Mard Geer.

'Hmm, and you call yourself the master of this guild. Tell me, Mard Geer, for what reason does a guild exist?' Questioned Natsu.

'It is a gathering of mages, or in our case, Etherious, who come together to carry out actions as a group.' Answered Mard Geer.

'Hmm, that is one way of looking at it I suppose.' Hummed Natsu.

'The true reason for a guild is to provide family and friends. My own brother wanted me to kill him and I was designed for that sole purpose. Why do you think that book would have you form a guild, if it was only imprinting the truth of returning to Zeref to you? It is because as I mentioned, part of me is in that book, how much I am unsure, but the point being, I loved Zeref, my brother, who gave me a second chance at life and I alone am capable of ending his life, but I did not want to. I only wanted to live, much as I wanted Zeref to live. However, as an Etherious and brother of Zeref Dragneel, a mage feared throughout the land now, how would I make friends? How would I find family? Who could possibly accommodate a person such as me?' Questioned Natsu.

'Etherious.' Muttered Sayla.

'I always did enjoy your intellect, Sayla.' Praised Natsu, causing Sayla to smile.

'Yes, the Etherious. The only people who could have possibly accepted me for who and what I truly am.' Confirmed Natsu.

'So what is Tartaros to do now?' Asked Mard Geer, with a sigh.

'Whatever it was that you intended to do from the start… while I don't like the idea of it, Zeref wanted to die… if that remains his wish, I would like for the Etherious to do so. I cannot begin to imagine how these past four hundred years have affected Zeref and while I still won't kill him… I can understand if he finally wants his rest. With my recent awakening, this is my third chance at life now in any case and I have at least been selfish enough at this point. I believe that if Zeref still wants it, he deserves his rest, after giving me multiple attempts to live my life.' Said Natsu sadly.

'What do you mean by that?' Asked Sayla in confusion.

'In the event that Zeref does die, somehow, so will the Etherious, including you and I.' Revealed Natsu.

'Yes, that is the case.' Confirmed Mard Geer.

There was silence for a minute, as Sayla processed this information.

'However, Master E.N.D., there is one thing I still want to know.' Said Sayla.

'Speak freely then, I will answer truthfully.' Said Natsu.

'Why did you rampage? What caused such an event?' Questioned Sayla.

'Much in the same way that overusing ones magic can warp a person, so too can overusing Curses. Curses utilise dark emotions for their power, but it comes at a price: absorbing part of these dark emotions with each usage. As E.N.D., I can use all Curses, however, I used them too much in my journeys, which caused my mind to snap under the strain. That is when both Zeref and Igneel sealed that part of me away into the book of E.N.D., to allow me to regain myself. As I mentioned previously though, this caused me to regress in age, while also causing me to lose my Curse powers. After that, my memories were sealed within my mind. In this way, my mind became the lock on my memories while the book was the key to unlocking them again, along with my Curses.' Answered Natsu.

'Why then do you have your memory now, but not your Curses?' Asked Sayla.

'That is simple. The way I regained my memories was not through my mind directly, but through a resonance of magic. I consumed an attack which contained demon particles, which unlocked what was locked within my body. As I said, my memories were sealed into my mind, but my Curses were sealed into the book. That is why I have my memories, but not my Curses now.' Explained Natsu.

'I see, in that case, do you want your book back?' Asked Mard Geer curiously.

'No. Not yet. I had tasked Sayla with locating it, as I had no idea where it was. It is safe here and I would prefer it remain so. Until I can figure out a method to prevent the absorption of ill intent, during usage of Curses… I should not open that book.' Explained Natsu.

'Why have none of us rampaged then?' Asked Sayla.

'That is because you are solely Etherious. Etherious are capable of handling all ill intent, however, with me not being pure Etherious, I cannot.' Answered Natsu.

'I see. Mard Geer will ensure this book is guarded with his life then.' Said Mard Geer firmly.

'Thank you Mard Geer, that is almost enough for me to forgive you for hurting Sayla.' Said Natsu, with a grin.

'Almost?' Questioned Mard Geer, before feeling a fist implant itself into his gut and a hand restrain him from flying back, by gripping his neck.

'Never forget Mard Geer. Etherious are not immortal. We were made to one day die and the thing about death… it is equal with all. One day, all of us will pass on, so do not… do not ever try and place yourself higher than others. Not your fellow Etherious. Not mages. No one. Remember this Mard Geer. Ask not for whom the bell tolls… it will toll for all of us in time. This is an inescapable truth of life…' Said Natsu firmly, before becoming sad towards the end.

'That is why Zeref was cursed… he couldn't accept this.' Finished Natsu, with a sigh, as he let go of Mard Geer.

'Master E.N.D., are you alright?' Asked Sayla tentatively, standing on her own two feet once again, Natsu having placed her down when he disciplined Mard Geer.

'*sigh* No, not at the moment. I have been forced to relive some of my most painful memories here today and I do not enjoy them. Your concern is appreciated though, Sayla, I just need some time to move past this all.' Said Natsu tiredly.

'In any case, I will leave you and Tartaros be for now, Mard Geer, but any information on Zeref's whereabouts, please have Sayla contact me and inform me of them. I need to have a conversation with that older brother of mine.' Said Natsu, getting a nod from both Etherious.

Natsu gave a nod of his own, before shooting up into the air and flying through the same hole he came through.

'Forgive me Sayla, it seems you were indeed telling the truth.' Said Mard Geer calmly.

'That is alright, we are all Etherious after all.' Said Sayla, getting a nod from Mard Geer.

"Yes, we are all equal I suppose. Isn't that what you said, Master E.N.D..." Thought Mard Geer calmly.

More spoilers now, but more for my stories, than actual canon.

Since it is all well and good to say I knew the truth about E.N.D. and the Dragon Slayers, once we actually know the truth, I'm just going to point out a few things I had in my stories.

In case it wasn't clear at this point, I keep a common thread of points between all my stories.

For instance, in A Third Chance, I had Igneel mention that after the Igneel/E.N.D. fight, most of E.N.D.'s consciousness was sealed away in the book of E.N.D., leaving E.N.D. without its memories and what do you know, I have that same thing happen here. For this one though, note that Igneel says E.N.D. had his memories sealed into the book and that E.N.D. didn't have his consciousness, as E.N.D. is the rampaging Etherious Natsu Dragneel I mentioned in this chapter. E.N.D. is the completed form of both mage Natsu and Etherious Natsu. Together they are E.N.D., but E.N.D. is also just the Etherious aspect.

Think of it like Piccolo and Kami. Both were part of the same being, but were split in two. In the event of reuniting, their minds combine, but they just go by the name Piccolo. Same thing here, more or less.

In The Beginning of the E.N.D., I make mention of the fact that E.N.D. and Natsu are of "two minds" one being the book and the other being Natsu. It also just so happens that Natsu merging with E.N.D. has not occurred yet, it has started and Natsu can use all his curses (did you notice he used the curses after he got the sword, fused with the book of E.N.D.?), but it hasn't finished yet…*hint* hint*

Don't even get me started on A Jade Princess's Dragon though, since the entire plot for the story is going to be full of Zeref and time travel.

That being said, I also link more mundane things together as well.

For instance, in Wheel of Fortune, I had Makarov mention Erza getting a fire nullifying armour (Flame Empress Armour) so Natsu would fight her and then in this story I have it be Natsu's favourite armour.

In this story, Natsu contemplates being able to breathe underwater… and in a few chapters of Memories of the Rain, can you guess what will happen?

While we are on the subject, I quickly crammed this chapter out after reading the manga, but there are still more Memories of the Rain chapters to come.

That being said, one thing I can't gloat about, is how Layla came into things. To be honest, even after the Eclipse Gate came into things, I never pieced together that Layla may have had some part to play in that, until a few chapters ago, when Brandish mentioned her to Lucy. I mean sure, I knew she died the same day the dragons disappeared, but I only thought that was for NaLu shipping convenience, to have them both have experience profound loss on the same day. Never saw Layla opening the Eclipse Gate though.

Well, can't know everything, right?

Although, with this, odds are really high of more Fairy Tail updates over the coming weeks, since this is pure gold right now. That being said, I still need to update a few other stories that have gone without updates for a while, so there will be that somewhere in between as well.

In any case, thanks for reading this short chapter, which was actually a quarter of notes. To be fair though, last chapter was really long… although, I'll make sure next chapter is longer.

Until then. (Or in a few days for Memories of the Rain, if you read that as well).
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.