Sitting in a small flower patch, Natsu smiled as he allowed Wendy to put a flower crown on his head. The girl seemed happy and pleased with it, so he didn't mind. Rouge was also doing his best on doing a flower crown but was struggling more so.

"Here, Rouge," Natsu said as he guided the disgruntled boy. "Do this, and —yes, there you go."

He honestly didn't mind doing this. It brought back memories of when he was a brat. He remembered how Mama had shown him and Zeref her secret place when she was a brat. Her secret place contained a batch of pretty flowers and a beautiful lake with a waterfall. It had been one of his fondest memories when Mama taught him and Zeref how to make a flower crown.

He briefly wondered what became of it after the….massacre.

Putting those grim thoughts to the side, he smiled as Rouge finished his piece with a smile.

"There you go." Natsu ruffled his hair, which the red-eyed brat didn't mind. Instead, he leaned into it.

Sting and Gajeel found their little activity boring, so they decided to take a nap underneath the shade. At least Natsu didn't need to put as much effort into keeping an eye on them.

Maybe he'll make them up for them by sparing or whatever.

Still, he found a sense of peace being around the brats. While yes, the circumstances of their adoption are complicated, they wouldn't have to suffer with the weight of the world anymore. He would take it off while the children went on and lived their lives to the fullest.

Just like their Dragon parents have wanted.

"Natsu-nii!"

"Yes, Wendy?"

The girl beamed at him, "What else can we do?"

Natsu hummed thoughtfully, "Well, I've already taught you how to draw and make flower crowns…do you want to hear a story?"

Both Rouge and Wendy perked up, the former having put his decent flower crown around his neck like the mane of a lion.

"Yes, please!" Natsu chuckled at their answer. He also noticed at the corner of his eye that Gajeel and Sting were also interested under the facade that they were sleeping. They were good, he supposes, but even they couldn't hide the slight increase of their heartbeat or the slightest twitches their bodies gave away. Natsu decided not to call out on it and instead let them be.

"Well, I suppose there is nothing wrong with telling some old stories. What type of story would you two like?"

"Can you say a story of a Dragon?" Rouge said, hope shining in his red eyes.

Natsu laughed when he noticed that Wendy also looked hopeful. Honestly, it was predictable. "Sure." He got himself comfortable as the two younger Dragon Slayers cheered and got as close as they could so they could hear.

"A long time ago, a Dragon stumbled among a beautiful human. It was love at first sight…."

Natsu smiled kindly as Rebecca spoke about her future beau. About a while back, her father managed to find a kind man to marry off her daughter. His name was Cyrus Sumunar, and he was five years older than her. His family is on the poorer side compared to her family but isn't overly struggling like the actual poor. According to Rebecca, her father originally wanted to marry her off to a much more wealthier suitor, who was old enough to be her grandfather. He thankfully turned him down when he saw how her ex-suitor only wanted her for her beauty and as a trophy wife.

Natsu had to respect Anna's estranged husband on that. While he never personally met the man, it was rather obvious he clearly cared for his daughter's well-being and happiness.

Rebecca met the gentleman yesterday, and Natsu could tell that she was already smitten with him. Natsu made plans to meet the man himself to see if what Rebecca told him was valid because it wasn't the first time humans hid their true selves through a charming persona they painted themselves.

However, all he did was hum at her polite gushing. "He sounds like a decent fellow. If it's true that he is on the poorer side, well, I suppose I could help if things get desperate."

Rebecca was flattered at her honorary uncle's generosity but kindly turned the offer down. She remembered briefly asking Natsu if he wouldn't mind calling him uncle. The Etherious was surprised but warmly allowed it under the condition she allowed her to call her his niece. Rebecca didn't decline.

"Thank you, uncle, but it's alright." she smiled gently, "But if there ever comes a time when we need the help, I will ponder on your offer."

Natsu had to chuckle. It seemed that the pride and stubbornness of the Heartfillia family were passed down to Anna's daughter. Well, he supposes it wouldn't be the Heartfillia family if they didn't inherit the traits.

The blond-haired woman then smiled a little mischievously at him, "What about you, uncle? Surely a fine maiden has caught your eye."

Natsu snorted and shook his head in amusement, "Nah. No pretty sophisticated female could take this Etherious." Natsu rolled his eyes when Rebecca giggled. "But I suppose the closest I had to a relationship was when Papa betrothed me to a family friend's daughter."

"Oh?" Rebecca looked at him, curious.

Natsu hummed, his face turning a little somber. "Her name was Amora. As I mentioned, she was the daughter of my father's friend. She was two years older than me and was fairly beautiful for her age, and she had quite the knowledge that rivaled that of Zeref."

"What happened to her?"

"She, like many of the villagers, didn't survive the massacre of the Dragons." He said solemnly, which made the blond-haired girl gasp.

"Oh, uncle." Rebecca said with sorrow and regret in her voice and eyes, "I am so sorry."

Natsu waved off her sympathy, "It's alright, Rebecca, there was nothing a human could do. Dragons did what they pleased, caring little of what occurred to the humans."

The woman nodded in solemn silence. She knew from tales, and her mother's experience, that once a Dragon does something, humans are hapless against them. She wanted to change the subject, but she was curious about her honorary uncle's former love life. "What kind of person was she? Did you love her?"

Natsu snorted, "Hah, If I loved her? I despised her." Rebecca recoiled at the unexpected answer. "We hated each other." He smiled in nostalgia, "We would scream at each other, saying how we would never marry people like us. She was a spoiled brat, while I was an utter moron. Our parents assured us that we would learn to love each other as we get older, but neither of us agreed." Natsu shifted as he thought back to the girl he was once betrothed, "We barely put up with each other, but we tolerated it because our parents were friends."

Natsu smiled in amusement at his honorary niece's bewildered expression. "I-I see…" She stuttered.

The pink-haired Etherious laughed, "Yes." He then sighed as he looked at the sky with a neutral expression. "I won't lie, while I am glad I will never have to tie my life with Amora, I can't say I wanted her dead."

Rebecca nodded. "I see…I apologize for bringing any…. bad memories."

Natsu huffed, "Child, I had said not to worry about it. Yes, what occurred in my past is something I prefer forgetting, but it simply isn't possible. It already happened. No point in dwelling on it."

"Have you ever thought of finding a new lover?" Rebecca asked, tilting her head a little. "Someone who would actually love?"

"Not really." He said with a shrug, "I am content being single. And even if I wasn't, it's better if I don't. If I do find someone and take them as my mate, then my time will be limited."

"What do you mean?"

"Dragons mate for life." Hummed Natsu, his posture relaxed. "Which means I will only have one chance to find my ideal partner. In addition to this, we'll be bounded until death." At her confused expression, he elaborated. "Which means, if one of us dies, the other will join them."

Rebecca let out a sharp breath.

"Exactly." He said gravely before dismissing it as if nothing had happened. "Maybe in the future, once I take care of Acnologia and my brother's curse, I can find someone and settle down. But at this point, I can not find any romance. Not when Earthland's very survival is on my shoulders."

"I-I see…" She stuttered.

The man smiled apologetically at her. "Nevermind about my love life. How about you tell me more about the young man you are to be wed to?"

Rebecca was more willing to change the subject, and Natsu, had his mind wander while listening to her. Despite what he said to Rebecca, he wondered what it would be like to be in love. He withheld a snort. It was better not to dwell on it.

As he said, he couldn't afford to find romance as long as Acnologia still lingers.

Natsu eyed his father with a sad look. The Dragon's illness had worsened, and the proud Dragon Fire King managed to hide it. Natsu was not fooled by it. His scales had certainly seen better days, and Igneel had been taking more naps than usual. His scent has turned rather sour, and it took a lot of energy and effort for Igneel to move around and hunt.

So much so that Natsu had insisted to Igneel that he would help the Dragon, so he doesn't move as much nor leave his cave. This way, he could conserve his energy. The Etherious couldn't help but to wonder, had he remained a moron of a brat, would he notice how unwell Igneel was?

He somehow doubted. There was little time left for this old Dragon.

Igneel snorted when Natsu said that to raise the somber mood, "I ain't old brat."

The Etherious snorted, happy to put aside his sadness for the time being. "Sure you aren't. It's not like you lived a thousand years before I was born."

The Fire Dragon laughed while Natsu smiled. Yes, Igneel is getting worse and doesn't have much time left, but the man will fondly remember these moments with his foster father, for there won't be another second chance.

It was time.

It was the depths of night when it occurred.

Natsu was already here with Igneel and his older brother. Both Natsu and Igneel came out of obligations, and Zeref was curious to see how his creation would react and if it were to succeed. Natsu trusted his brother, but his creations were left to be desired. The Etherious only hoped that nothing disastrous would occur just as the plans took motion.

All three of them didn't have to wait long for Anna to arrive. And not long after her arrival, The Dragons and their human children came in. Everyone was here and was now staring at the Eclipse Gates.

They have gotten an allegiance with the Royal family, who were willing to do this as a desperate plan to slay the Black Dragon, and Natsu knew that it would be a catastrophe if the kingdom of Fiore found out that they had ties with the Black Wizard. So to ensure nothing is to be leaked, the Royal family kept this from their staff and swore to secrecy.

Natsu knelt so as to be at the same height as the Dragon Slayers. "I know this is going to be a little scary, but remember, you will have Anna, and I will be waiting on the other side."

Wendy was the only one trembling out of all of them, "B-but…what about Grandeeny?"

"And the rest of our Dragons." Grunted Gajeel. Despite having a facade of being a gruff and aloof person, the pink-haired Etherious could tell that he was just as concerned. It amazes him that Metalicana had enough patience to raise the brat. Not to mention that he was willing to sacrifice a lot for his son's life.

Natsu sucked in a breath; there was no easy way to put it."Your…parents need to do something, which is why they won't come with you." He said. Instead, It wasn't technically a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth. The children knew they were going four hundred years in the future, but not why or why their parents weren't going with them. He had to reluctantly agree with his brother and the Dragons that the small brats were better off not knowing until they had crossed the gates. So he eyed them carefully for their reactions. "So, in the meantime, you will enter these gates, and I will substitute your parents with your training."

Wendy stopped trembling, but the poor girl looked sad at the mere thought of being separated from her beloved Dragon. The rest of the Dragon Slayers also seemed a little upset, though they managed to hide it well than the girl.

"Ok…" She said quietly.

Natsu smiled sadly at her and ruffled the bluenette's hair despite her small, weak protests. "I know this will be hard. But remember, I will be with you and guide you, alright?" When she nodded, he huffed, "Now, I suggest that all of you say your goodbyes to your parents. Because it is uncertain when you will see them again."

As the children did that, Anna appeared next to them. "I dread the day they discover the truth about their conditions."

Natsu hummed in agreement, "But it is better this way. We can't let them cling to false hope for too long." He eyed his friend, "I assume you said your goodbyes to your daughter and estranged husband?"

Anna nodded solemnly. "Yes. I parted terms with my husband and my daughter."

"Can you really do this, knowing that you will never see them again?"

She sucked in a breath, "I'll… manage."

It was easier to leave her husband, but her daughter, with whom she had some small form of connection? That was more difficult but manageable. It helped that she wasn't as connected to them as many speculated, but it did not ease the guilt.

Natsu smiled sadly at her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Worry not, Anna. I will ensure that your family does well in your place." He had grown fond of Anna's daughter; he'd be damned if something terrible happened to her and her family.

She smiled, "I know you will. I expect to hear from my descendant about you.." She gave him a somber frown, "But what about you and Igneel? From what you told me, he doesn't have much time left."

It was the Etherious' turn to suck in a breath. "I'll…manage…" He said. "Both myself and Igneel speculated that he would live another month after today. So I will do nothing else than to spend his final days with him. When he does…expire, I will allow myself to grieve before I move on with my hunt. My sources tell me they found two Dragons hiding in the mountains."

Anna simply nodded and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Natsu appreciated it with a small smile.

It was time.

The Dragons had put their part of the plan to fruition, and they used the Dragon Soul Technique to implant their souls inside their children. Natsu watched with silent awe as, in a binding light, the Dragons themselves turned into bright orbs of light. Each single one of them had their own color and entered their respective children. The children were left surprised that they suddenly disappeared and touched their chest where their parents had disappeared to before a flash of the Dragon's respected color flashed their eyes, and they returned to being oblivious.

Natsu was not sure if that was just a side effect or if the Dragons did that on purpose.

With that bit taken care of, all the children were close to Anna. They were a little uncertain about what to do now that their Dragons were missing.

Igneel watched with his son and Zeref as the gates opened. An intense light blinded nearly all the inhabitants, yet none dared to look away or shield their eyes. Natsu watched with full anticipation as Anna turned to look at him one last time.

"Natsu." She smiled at him, "I await for you on the other side with my descendant."

Natsu nodded, "I will be waiting."

With that, Anna and the four Dragon Slayers walked into the blinding light. Once they had disappeared, the Eclipse gate closed on its own with a heavy THUMP! With that, Natsu could breathe easily, knowing that the major part of the plan had been completed.

All that was left for the pink-haired Etherious to do was live these four hundred years and wait for Anna's descendant to open the gates.

With that bit done, Natsu and Igneel decided to go before anyone noticed their presence. Zeref also planned to leave, but not before catching his brother before he climbed the Fire Dragon's back.

"I believe this is yours."

Natsu eyed his brother in confusion, but it turned to realization just as the black-haired man pulled out a green crystal.

No. It wasn't a typical crystal. It was a lacrima. More specifically, a Dragon lacrima. He recognizes the scent of the very Dragon he had slain a while back. Natsu took it and examed it carefully. He could feel the power of the Dragon pulsing in his hand,

Just like a heart…

"The process was a success, as you could tell," Zeref said coolly, pulling Natsu out of his musings as the Etherious turned his attention to him. "The next time you achieve a heart, I can show you how to crystalize it. For no doubt, you plan to go on a Dragon hunt soon, and I am rather busy."

Natsu nodded eagerly. "Yes." He then turned somber, "But first, I am going to spend time with Igneel in his final days."

Zeref nodded in understanding, giving his little brother a small expression of sympathy. "Very well. I must take my leave before anyone sees me. But I will see you soon, Natsu."

"I bid you too farewell, brother."

As soon as they returned to Igneel's cave, the Fire Dragon went to sleep immediately, hoping to regain some energy and strength he lost during the whole procedure. Natsu rested next to his foster father's chest, and he could hear the somewhat steady breathing.

Igneel will be alright for now, but he was more focused on the green lacrima on his hand. By plunging this object inside his very being, he will gain the power of the Forest Dragon. Natsu eyed the lacrima with a narrowed expression as it pulsed in his hand.

He killed Foresta, and in return, he will gain her power. And it will be a continuous cycle until either the remaining Dragons are taken care of, or Acnologia has been put down. Either way, this will give him an advantage.

So without hesitation, he plunged the lacrima into his shoulder. He hissed as the crystalized magic pierced through his flesh and suddenly felt a sensation like no other. The lacrima was swallowed by his body, and he felt the magic start to flow in his body. The Forest magic mingles with his fire magic without complications.

It hurt.

It hurt like shit.

It took every bit of his well to pass out from the pain or even scream to alert Igneel. He bit his lip, accidentally causing it to bleed, but he was in too much pain to even process it. His body was writhing in pain, and there was nothing he could do about it.

And then, just as the pain came, it was gone.

Natsu was exhausted. His body ached, and his heartbeat, which had drastically increased, had begun to calm down. But still, Natsu could feel it pounding in his chest as he tried to get some oxygen inside his body. This process was one of many to come. Yet, despite the discomfort he had to confront, it was well worth it. For now, he had the power of a Forest Dragon. He was now a third-generation Dragon.

He was one step closer to reaching his end goal. That was his final thought before he let the sweet temptation of darkness take over.

"Forest Dragon Demolition Fist!"

A green aura covered Natsu's fist as he struck a bolder. The unfortunate rock shattered into a million pieces, and the Etherious eyed the damage with a neutral expression.

Then a smirk forms.

The lacrima of Foresta had bonded with him beautifully, and so far, there hasn't been anything that put his body in distress. So after resting for a couple of days, Natsu started working on his Forest magic. And so far, the results have been pleasing.

Igneel, having enough energy to watch his foster son train with his new magic, snorted. "Seems like that inferior magic is working for you."

Natsu leered at his father, "Ah, shut up, you bastard. He waved his remark in a dismissal, "You won't be complaining when I master this magic and take down the Black Dragon."

Igneel snorted, returning to his resting, which made Natsu hold back a frown. The Fire Dragon has been getting worse, to the point that their usual banter has decreased. Abandoning his training, the Etherious went to check on his foster figure.

Igneel rumbled softly at Natsu's touch on his withering scales. As much as the old Dragon, despite showing how weak and vulnerable he was, there was no point in hiding it. His scales, which were once a bright red to show his might, were nothing more than an ugly color as the magic seeped off him. His energy and stamina have decreased to the point that he barely has enough to even speak to the brat or eat whatever Natsu hunted.

As much as he despises admitting it, he will join his fallen comrades and the rest of the Fire Dragons in the afterlife in a matter of days. But at least he can die content, knowing that Natsu will take up his place as King of the Fire Dragons (despite the title being null and void as of now) and have a greater chance of taking down Acnologia.

Natsu eyed Igneel sadly, "There isn't much time left…." There was no point in beating around the bush.

Igneel snorted, "Obviously."

Natsu huffed as he hugged his snout. "Shut up, you bastard. You could at least show some form of sympathy."

"Not really my style."

Natsu snorted, "Of course not, you bastard."

Igneel sneezed, and Natsu fussed over him, in a restrained way, of course. He had a reputation to uphold, after all.

Mard Geer knelt down in front of his lord. As much as he wanted to spend more time with Igneel before his passing, Natsu knew he had to pay attention to the urgent news. So the Etherious returned to Tartaros' building and sat on his fire throne. He wore his armor, with Raknork strapped behind his back to look menacing. Black markings on his face as he glared, his hands clutching the skull on the armrest at the news he was given.

"So, they just disappeared? With no trace?"

The Etherious nodded at his lord, his face remaining looking down at Natsu's feet. "Yes, there was nothing we could do for them." Not that Mard Geer had any sympathy for the humans. They brought that among themselves. "When we discovered their…dark arts with lord Zeref's black magic, they were consumed by the consequences."

Natsu rubbed his head tiredly, trying to push down the upcoming migraine. He knew that there were Zeref fanatics out there, but for a village who worshiped his brother to disappear in some kind of artificial black hole?

It didn't take long before the people of Fiore, especially the newly formed Magic Council under the order of the royal family, put two and two together. He should be thankful that the mortals thought his brother was dead. He did not want to deal with the drama and consequences that would occur otherwise.

"Unfortunate, but we can't do anything about the dead." Natsu dismissed. "They brought it upon themselves by working with dark forces they did not understand." Mard Geer agreed. Natsu sighed in frustration, "Nevertheless, I trust that no more incidents are going around?"

Mard Geer shook his head. "Other than that incident, everything else remains peaceful. But we know that there is still insistence like this out there, and so I have ensured that our best elites track them down."

Natsu hummed thoughtfully, "Alright then." He then gave Mard Geer a look, "What of those traitors? I trust they had been taken care of."

There had been some of his brother's creations that went rogue against his brother's wishes. Not to mention some former members of Tartaros whom rebelled at his intentions to keep peace with humans. He had taken care of some of them, but plenty were still out there, causing mayhem.

"We tracked some of them down and sealed them in their books." The Etherious said right away, "They are ready for their execution by your hands. But unfortunately, there are still a couple of demons who are…missing."

"I see." Natsu frowned. It seemed he needed to hunt them down too. "Any news of Dragons?"

"None so far, but our best trackers are still looking for signs."

Natsu nodded, "Very well. Rise, Mard Geer." The Etherious did so, "Continue your findings." He narrowed his eyes, "And send me the traitors. I will deal with their execution right away."

"As you wish, lord E.N.D." Mard Geer bowed respectfully before leaving the dark throne room. The doors closed with a heavy thud, and Natsu glared at the blue fires surrounding his throne. He will ensure to punish those traitors.

He despises killing his own kind, but if they aren't willing to listen to reason, they must be eliminated before they cause more harm. Many Etherious found enjoyment in slaughtering humans, which brought a bad reputation to demons, natural demons, not those made by his brother, and worsened his brother's reputation. As their lord, Natsu will ensure their deaths are slow and agonizing.

There won't be any mercy from him.

Natsu watched with pride as Rebbeca was married off to her new husband. The ceremony had been small, with only family and friends invited. Natsu himself was invited by his honorary niece, and while he would be better off without a few looks he gained or the monkey suit he was forced to wear for this ceremony, he was damn proud of her.

And true to her word, Cyrus was a decent person. Despite his family's disdainful attitude, he was a great man. Without Rebecca's knowledge, he had one of his imps spy on the man, and he was confident that the man would treat her like the queen she was.

"So, you are my wife's… friend…."

Natsu raised an eyebrow and turned his attention to the man who came next to him. He was a decent-looking man, the wrinkles showing his aged face. He had black hair, which was beginning to grey.

"Richard Heartfillia, I assume?" He said, taking a sip of his wine.

He nodded courtly. "Natsu Dragneel, I assume?"

Natsu grunted in confirmation, "As an honor, it is to meet you," It really wasn't, "I doubt you came to speak to me out a pleasure."

Richard hummed, "I suppose Anna was right when you were rather smart." He glared at him, "I won't beat around the bush. I want answers."

Of course, he did. "About what?" He played dumb.

Richard gave him the stink eye but didn't take the bait, "What is your true connection with my wife and daughter?"

Natsu eyed him oddly, "And here I thought your wife told you I was a friend." Richard glared, but Natsu continued, unbothered, "But since you want some answers, all I can say is that I am some kind of guardian, if you will."

"A guardian, you say?"

"Yes." Natsu said stiffly, "While I am not overly fond of you, I will ensure everything in my power to keep your daughter and her descendants safe."

Richard hummed thoughtfully. "I see…"

"Before Anna's…" Natsu eyed the guest, noting that some of them were eavesdropping, "Unfortunate departer, she asked me to keep her daughter safe. Rebecca has grown fond of me just as I of her, and I promised I would protect her as her honorary uncle."

Richard said nothing and instead eyed his daughter, who was sitting next to her husband.

"Mr. Heartfillia," Natsu said, holding back a grimace. He hated being formal, but it was a necessary trait, as his brother had taught him. " I understand that you have the right to have distrust toward me, but all I ask is that you put your faith in me."

The aging man remained silent before finally speaking, "Very well. I only hope that I don't regret this."

"Oh, trust me, you won't."

"Uncle Natsu."

Natsu's neutral frown turned into a bright smile when Rebecca came, wearing a beautiful ceremonial dress. "Ah, Rebecca." He used his free hand to hug her, keeping his wine from spilling. "I am so proud of you. Your mother would be just as proud."

"Thank you, uncle." She smiled politely, smiling sadly.

"Now, you don't suppose you could introduce me to your new husband?"

She beamed and nodded. Natsu followed her niece while Richard eyed their departing forms. While the man had no reason to trust this supposed friend of his estranged wife, he had trust that this man could at least keep his daughter happy and safe.

He hoped as he eyed Natsu chat politely with his daughter's husband.

Igneel was tired of feeling weak. He was especially tired of Natsu wasting his time fussing over him. Almost an entire month was wasted on him when the brat could've used his time to train. The Fire Dragon barely had any energy to open his eyes or feed himself, and he spent most of his time sleeping, trying to regain some form of energy.

It sucked.

Natsu was currently training outside of his cave, no doubt wanting to be near him in case Igneel needed something. The sick Dragon watched with beady eyes as Natsu used both elements of Forest and Fire as a dual move.

As much as he found the plant-based magic worthless, he was proud of his son for how far he went. It was a shame that he would not be around to see the end result of his labors, especially when the Etherious confronts the Black Dragon.

Igneel frowns. He never really wanted to put Natsu in this situation. Not since he bonded with him in his bratty human self.

There was no way to avoid this, especially since the Etherious was going through the process of Dragonifaction. Since the last month, more scales started popping out, and draconic horns started to grow on his head. While Natsu seemed more accepting, it filled Igneel with remorse, as he couldn't stop his son from living a normal life as he hoped.

Well, if the brat was going to become a Dragon and he was going to die, he was going to do one last thing to push Natsu further. Grunting, Igneel used whatever little energy he had left to stand and walk out of the cave. It took a lot more effort than Igneel liked.

"Dual Dragon's-!"

"Natsu!"

Natsu jumps at Igneel's unexpected shout and turns around to see the sickly Dragon leave the cave, fumbling a little while doing so. The Etherious shot towards the Fire Dragon just as he lost all his energy and fell with an annoyed grunt.

"Igneel, you shouldn't leave your cave." Natsu scolded, checking the Dragon, "You aren't as healthy as you once were."

Igneel couldn't help but snort, "Just because I am near death's door doesn't mean you need to fuss over me, brat."

Natsu gave his foster father a look but sighed, "What do you want, Igneel? You didn't have to come out of your cave. I could've gone there myself.."

Igneel's expression turned a little somber. "Brat, I ain't going to sugarcoat it, but I can't live like this anymore. I hate it."

"You're dying." Natsu deadpanned, "Of course, you're not going to like it."

Igneel wanted to glare at him, but he barely had the will to speak. "Let me finish, brat. I can't live like this anymore, so I want you to kill me."

Natsu froze. Surely he heard wrong. Surely Igneel isn't telling his to—!"

"I can barely move, I sleep more than any Dragon needs, and I can't feed myself." He lists, confirming Natsu's fear. "So instead of leaving the rest of the days in misery, I want you to put an end to this by taking my life."

Natsu let out a sharp exhale as he processed what Igneel asked of him. "I-Igneel…" His expression turned sorrowful. He understood that his foster father's progress was worsening by the minute, to the point where he was uncomfortable. But for him to hear Igneel asking him to end his life…

"Natsu, listen to me brat." Igneel said, "I'm going to die either way, so there is no point stalling any further. You're wasting your time taking care of me when you should spend your time preparing yourself to face Acnologia."

Natsu held back the stings of tears at the older Dragon's request. He refused to cry, not while the Fire Dragon insisted he kills him. But despite it all, Natsu remained strong, "I-..." The Etherious sucked in a breath. "I don't want to do this… I can't just-"

"Natsu." Igneel cut in, quieting the Etherious, "I am proud of how far you've come. And while I would've preferred not to put you in this position, there is nothing I can do. So all I ask is that you do this old Dragon a final wish."

"You aren't that old, Igneel." Natsu cracked a joke, with the Fire Dragon snorting.

"Maybe not, but you get my point," Igneel said, Natsu giving him a somber expression. The Etherious hugged the Dragon's snout, knowing that he would never do this again. "I am proud to call you my son, brat, and I know you can put an end to Acnologia."

Natsu tightened his hold, "I swear I will kill the Dragon for you."

Igneel raised an eyebrow, "I want you to kill Acnologia because of how much of a threat he is, not because of revenge, boy. That will only cause problems." Natsu said nothing, which made Igneel hold back a sigh. "But before you kill me, I have one final wish."

Natsu let go of his hug and looked at the Fire Dragon, "What do you want?" If Igneel had one final wish, then he would complete it. Igneel mustered all the energy he had and looked Natsu in the eye, which made the pink-haired Etherious swallow thickly.

Natsu, for the first time in a year, stayed in Igneel's cave alone. He sobbed and grieved until he fell asleep hours later.

Zeref had been alone, resting on a hill, when he saw his brother making his way toward him. He sat up and was concerned when he saw a solemn look on his expression. He also noted that Natsu wrapped himself in the cloak he made out of Igneel's feathers.

It didn't take long for him to realize what had occurred, and he copied Natsu's look. He didn't do anything and nodded at him, "I take it Igneel's time has passed."

Natsu let out an exhale, "I wish…." His confusion made the Etherious elaborate, "H-he…." He swallowed thickly, "He asked me to k-kill him."

"Natsu…"

Zeref now understood. He knew that it would hit Natsu hard when the Dragon passed, especially since the Fire Dragon was the closest thing to a father after their biological father passed. Though if Igneel asked his brother to speed up the process.

It took every ounce of his will not to hug his brother in the form of comfort. Not unless he wanted to activate his curse and risk killing Natsu.

"I…see…"

Despite the apparent grief in his eyes, Natsu remained strong, "That was not all."

"Oh?"

Natsu let out a shaky breath and pulled out an object that was underneath his cloak. Zeref's eyes went wide when he saw what it was. It was a Dragon heart. And it wasn't just a Dragon heart. Just seeing Natsu clutch it as though it was the only thing keeping him alive, it was obvious what this was.

It was Igneel's heart.

"Take my heart. Turn it into a lacrima and absorb it. Take my magic, and turn it into your own to strengthen your fire magic. This will ensure victory over the abomination that ruined all.

Igneel's words echoed into his mind as he held a red lacrima. A Fire Dragon's lacrima. Ignee's lacrima. It was warm in his hands that reminded him of the days when Igneel's fire burned all. He could practically feel it pulse in his hand as he solemnly stared into it.

Igneel was gone, but the old Dragon made sure that he would always be within his son. Natsu tsked, unable to stop a small smile from growing on his face, a few tears falling loose, "Even if I tried, you never once left my side."

The lacrima pulsed in his hand, almost as if it was in agreement with his statement. Natsu chuckled, clutching the lacrima close to his heart. He could practically feel Igneel's very being.

Putting his hood on and hiding the lacrima from view, he continued his way toward a village near a mountain in the icy terrains of the kingdom of Fiore. His agents had told him that there were two Dragons in separate mountains. So after he parted ways with his brother and taught him how to crystalize a Dragon's heart, he continued with his mission. Afterward, his big brother left, claiming he had work to be done.

It was obvious an ice or snow Dragon resided in that mountain, but the question is if they were human-friendly or not remained a question. Natsu highly doubted they were former, though. The mountain was decently far, and for a human, it would be a four-day walk to reach the mountain and perhaps a week to climb the mountain if a human was suicidal (or stupid) enough to do so.

It will take him a couple of hours to get there.

But before Natsu could go with his mission, he would need to absorb Igneel's lacrima. This meant booking in an inn for a couple of days while training under these cold conditions to get a better control of his fire magic that would double in power.

This was going to be a pain.

Literally.

Hope you enjoy and come support me in Pa_treon; Pa_treons have early access to the next chapter.