Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is the property of Hiro Mashima. I do not own it.

Chapter 1

A large group of girls walk down the campus of the Mildian Magic Academy. At the head of the group is a girl with scarlet red hair wearing a simple white robe. This girl is Erza Belserion, daughter of King Rung and Queen Irene.

"Hey, Princess Erza, what do you think about that guy, Achnologia?" one of the girls asks her.

"I don't know much about him. My mom says that he's really strong though. Maybe stronger than her."

The group of girls began whispering among themselves saying, "No way, wasn't she the first Dragon Slayer ever?"

Erza caught that question but chose not to answer. She knows why Achnologia is stronger. When she was born, her mother stepped away from the war to focus on her family life. This caused her growth as a dragon slayer to fall by the wayside. Now that Erza is independent though, Irene is participating in the war and developing her magical capabilities further.

One of the professors at the Academy turns a corner and approaches Erza. She is a woman with blonde hair that she ties up in a ponytail. Erza recognizes her as Anna Heartfilia, one of her favorite professors.

Erza greets the professor with a good morning.

"And good morning to you, Erza." Anna replies, "May I speak with you in private?"

The girls around Erza begin to gossip saying that Erza is in trouble, or that she failed a test. Anna simply chuckles at the gossiping girl and assures Erza that she is not in trouble. With that, Erza and Anna walk off to the older woman's office.

"What did you want to speak to me about?" Erza asks as they take their seats.

A grim expression forms on Anna's face, "I just received news from Dragnof. I wanted to let you know personally before word gets out."

Erza became anxious, "What happened?"

"Apparently your mother, Queen Irene, was placed on lock-down."

"What!" Erza shouts at the professor. She slams her hands on the table and shoots up from her seat. She wears a frantic expression.

"I'm sure you are aware that Achnologia is causing a stir among the people."

"What does that have to do with my mother?"

"I'm getting to that. Achnologia is undergoing something we are calling dragonification. His actions had become much more erratic and he's been observed to attack friend or foe alike. If the reports are true, your mother has also begun to undergo dragonification."

"Wait, what's dragonification?"

"It's something the Academy defines as the process of transforming into a dragon."

Erza sits down in her seat and stares with wide eyes at Anna, "Is there any way to save her?"

Anna's expression tells Erza everything she needs to know, though she still tells her, "No, this is an entirely new phenomenon. We aren't even sure what causes it."

"But, why place her on lock-down?"

"I don't know. I can only assume it's to keep her in check, so as to not hurt anyone."

"So," Erza pauses for a moment, "What should I do?"

"I do not think there is anything you can do." Anna leans forward and grabs Erza's hands in her own, looking the distraught girl in the eyes.

"There has to be something!"

Anna let go of Erza and closes her eyes for a moment and thinks. Although she isn't sure, there is someone she thinks may be able to help.

"I don't want to give you false hope."

"Anything!"

"I'm sure you have heard of the Arcmage Zeref?"

"Yeah, who hasn't heard of him. Do you think he can help?"

Anna shrugs as she says, "I don't know, but Zeref was the most brilliant mind to ever come out of the Mildian Magic Academy. He even helped your mother develop dragon slayer magic. If anyone can figure this out, it's him."

"Where can I find him."

"That's the thing, I don't know of his current whereabouts, but I know someone who may. His name is Natsu, he's Zeref's little brother."

"And you know where Natsu is?"

Anna smiles at Erza, conveying that she does indeed know where Natsu is. The whole conversation leading up to this has been disappointing for Anna. She doesn't like not being able to answer her student's questions. Finally being able to help the girl like this, brings a smile to her face.

"I do but getting to him will be a little difficult."

"I'm up for any challenge." Determination flares in Erza's eyes.

"He lives about a week's travel from the Academy in a remote forest. I should warn you though, he is a dragon slayer."

"Has he undergone dragonification?"

Anna shakes her head no, "Not that I am aware of. He is still training under his teacher, Igneel."

"Either way, I will find him." Erza stands up and turns to leave the office, "I'll save her, no matter what."

Erza begins to leave the office, but Anna stops her, "Hun, you don't know where he is."

Erza stops in her tracks and faces Anna with an embarrassed smile, "You wouldn't happen to have a map would you?"

Anna giggles and replies, "I actually have to head out there to check up on him. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning, so why don't you join me?"

Erza salutes the older woman, "Yes, Ma'am."

Thank you for reading. I plan to update this story on a weekly basis.

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