This is a story that primarily follows Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia past the conclusion of the Tartaros arc. Written for nalu4emily & dragonballwish - Dragon Rage can also be found over on AO3/Archive of Our Own!

Dedicated to: Aspartame Boy, Angel, FairyTail96, Copperreign12, Nami4Life, Blue, snakeboy33, Chlo Grasset, SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan, and Apple Yumi 94.

FairyTail96 - Glad to hear you enjoyed the key addition and I definitely plan to add a few more down the road! I was hoping I did the song lyrics right and that you all could read it like a song, so that's great to know as well! I read stories all the time where Natsu has little to no common sense, and although he does have clueless moments and act dumb, by the end of Tartaros I feel like it's more fair to let his character traits grow. He's seen death and experienced it, he's lost his remaining family and is suffering from abandonment as well as being concerned about the dark power that is trying to take him over. Thank you for pointing this out too, I have tried to make him smarter while keeping his "classic Natsu" style. Hopefully I can keep on delivering in that regard!

FairyTail Fun Time - As of now, Natsu's strength level is basically the same as where he was at the start of the Avatar arc. He's gotten a lot stronger then he was during Tartaros and has the secret power up Igneel gifted him. However, his level will skyrocket in a little bit after a certain event. I agree with you, for everything he's done up to this point and the amount of magic power he wields, he really was kind of shunned out!

snakeboy33 - I understand what you mean and appreciate your insight! I remember a few years back I came across a story that basically turned Happy into a blue colored Pantherlily, haha. Personally, I feel like Happy works better as a support character to either Natsu or Lucy and that is my reasoning for why I've kept him that way. However, your comment has got the ball rolling in my mind to maybe give Happy some sort of change, so who knows what I might try with him if I act on it. Welcome to the story by the way and thank you!
-P.S. In this chapter and the next I did indeed try something with him :)

Chlo Grasset - Hi! Despite being on FanFiction for almost five and a half years, you are my first non-English reviewer! I apologize if I misinterpreted anything (considering I put your comment into a translator!) Thank you so much for your kind words and I enjoy the NaLu moments too! I feel like each one I've added in these first seven chapters have fit perfectly in with the story and don't feel "out of place" or anything along the lines of that. Pleased to see you are enjoying it!

Nami4Life - That's awesome to hear, I've really had fun writing and taking this story to new heights. Wait no more, hope you enjoy this one!

SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan - Welcome to the story! Appreciate what you said, that means a lot! This chapter definitely helps emerge Lucy's confidence as she walks the thin line between her past and present self. I think you'll enjoy it!

Apple Yumi 94 - Thanks for the review! I've enjoyed developing the story so far and glad to see you like it too. Let me know what you think of this one since this is where Chapters 1-7's development really leaves its mark!

Thank you to everybody for your kind comments, favorites, and support. It means a lot and I really do appreciate it! Also very thrilled to see Dragon Rage reach 50 favorites, that is an incredible milestone so thank you so much! Alright I'm done rambling I swear. Without further ado, let's go!


Summary: Continuing with their plan for Fairy Tail's revival, Natsu and his companions stumble into a village that endlessly rains. Questions emerge upon arrival and after learning about the past year for two of their former guildmates, they journey outward seeking answers. Recalling an event from the past and the destruction that was brought with it, the newly appointed fire dragon king races against time as he aims to prevent an ominous warning from becoming reality.

Chapter 8: Rush

Leaving early in the morning had been a splendid idea for the new group of five. The sun had just begun to rise and it was clear skies all the way. Reaching the top of the mountain peak, they saw dark clouds and thunderstorms forming around them. At least it had been fair weather, until now.

"Well... here we are!" Lucy announced, rubbing the back of her neck after seeing her friends' confused expressions. "There is a little village down the mountain that is hidden from an outsider's view and always covered in rain."

"Oh, that explains it!" Wendy nodded tilting her head with Carla on her shoulder. Next to her, Natsu continued to look blankly at the space below before shrugging.

Always raining?

"Why would anyone want to live here?" Happy asked the blonde while he also sat on his fellow dragon slayer's shoulder and munched on a fish happily.

"Who knows? Some things just happen." She replied and began leading their trek down the side of the mountain.

"Do you know everyone's locations?" Carla asked from her perch after seeing the Celestial mage scanning her notes and map thoroughly. Lucy heard the question clearly, even as the sky began to drench them, and frowned.

"Not exactly, no." She revealed as they finished down the last steep. Making sure to put the items back in her bag so they weren't completely ruined before she could fully use them, Lucy continued her explanation. "I know where most are, but some I have no clue. My hope is that future members we find will have run into them sometime and maybe could help give us an idea to where they might possibly be. I have already sent out letters though to the ones that I know are still nearby."

"Sounds like a well thought-out plan!" Wendy smiled while Carla hummed in agreement. She noticed the pinkette in front narrowing his eyes. "Natsu? Is something wrong?"

"I assume you've figured out who's here?" Lucy asked glancing off to the side as she examined abandoned homes they were passing by.

"Yep! Caught her scent the moment we made it down the mountain." Natsu smiled as he pointed to the house at the far end of the path. "She's right over there."

The other four followed his finger and sure enough he had been right. Sitting upon a flat boulder, that had been carved down into a bench, was the very reason for all this harsh weather. Her hat covered most of her long blue hair and completely shielded her facial expression. The gloomy sight was easily recognizable for her former friends. The rain woman had become depressed once more. Sensing powerful auras approaching, her soft dark blue eyes went wide as she slightly rose up off the rock.

Natsu ran a little bit ahead of the others as he waved to the bluenette and called out to her in greeting. "Hey, Juvia! How ya been?"

Her eyes began to sparkle as the heartbroken atmosphere and inclement weather lessened. The fire dragon slayer's cheery voice was altered into a casual greeting as she visualized the man of her dreams returning to her.

"Gray..." Juvia whispered as she ran to the awaiting spiky black-haired ice wizard. "You've come back to me!" She shouted in happiness as she lunged forward to wrap herself around his arms. Before she could however, a hand halted her movements and held her back from reaching him.

"Easy now. I'm not that stupid popsicle, nor would I ever want to be." He chuckled as he removed his hand and stood before the water mage. "Nice to see you all fired up!"

Her fantasies came crashing down around her as she realized who actually had stumbled into the village. Pink, blonde, and blue hair darker than her own. Natsu smirked while Lucy winked and Wendy waved out from behind him.

"That was quite the energetic welcome!"

"It's good to see you again Juvia!"

"Aye!" Happy chirped while Carla joined him in the air since the rain had lightened up.

The water wizard began to tear up after seeing friends from her past. Natsu's bright smile vanished though once she lost her balance and suddenly fainted, catching her before she hit the ground. "What the heck just happened?! Juvia!"

"Quick, Natsu! We need to get her in doors!" Wendy ordered as he nodded and carried the unconscious woman towards the house that had the strongest scent. Lucy and the two exceeds followed right in their tracks as Wendy opened the front door and Natsu hurriedly went through. He placed the under the weather water mage down in her bed and backed away, allowing the younger dragon slayer to begin her work and time for him to think.

With hands glowing, Wendy gently applied her healing aura onto the light-haired bluenette. She quickly frowned after noticing the unusually high temperature. "She's burning up."

"That's to be expected. She did spend so much time in the rain, after all." Carla mentioned from next to her partner. Lucy and Happy watched closely behind hoping the best for their friend. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the room, Natsu stood with his arms crossed as his narrowed eyes pierced through the glass window.

Feeling the lack of her usual boisterous best friend, Lucy turned and observed his odd reservedness. "Natsu, is everything okay?" She asked while walking up next to him. He glanced over at her for a second before looking away and frowning. "Whatever is bothering you... you know you can tell me, right?" Lucy questioned hoping it would get through to him. Thankfully, it did.

"I know... it's just I don't get it." The fire mage revealed as his eyes returned to the window before them.

"Get what?"

"Why Juvia is alone?" He stated as he turned his back to the glass. "Wendy I know you smell it too." Natsu suddenly spoke and caught his little sister figure's full attention.

"Hmm?"

"Gray's scent is all over this place. So, why is he not here?"

A struggling cough brought them back into the present world as all five hurriedly rushed to the sick mage's aid.

"Are you okay?" Lucy asked worriedly while Wendy's hands lit up once more as she helped soothe Juvia's fits.

A few seconds passed as her complications seized and the water wizard laid her head back down on the pillow. "Thank you Wendy." Her soft voice whispered appreciatively.

"You're welcome. Take your time Juvia we aren't in any hurry." Wendy responded with a smile.

"It's great to see you again Juvia!" Happy shouted with a grin as Carla added her own greeting.

"You all as well." Suddenly, her dark blue eyes landed on the conflicted pinkette as she forced a smile. "Gray was here with me."

"What happened?" Natsu questioned, moving himself onto a vacant stool the gang had pulled up earlier and sitting right by her bedside next to Wendy. His closeness didn't faze her as she could tell the dragon slayer was only worried for both her and his rival.

"After the guild closed, we began training with one another. Well, more like I followed him wherever he went... but that's besides the point. One day, many months back, we ended up here and decided to stay. The village had long been deserted and he and I helped restore most of whatever had damaged it in the first place. Day after day we trained and expanded our magic power..."

"You actually stayed with one another?" Wendy asked interestedly.

"Oh yes! We ate together, trained and carried out jobs together... and even slept together! Just us two!"

"That's enough we get it!" Lucy yelled while the younger blue-haired slayer's face became flustered.

"It was the happiest days of my life... until something began to change. Something was bothering my beloved."

"What was it Juvia?" Natsu questioned attentively.

"One sunny afternoon I found him... and he looked different."

"Different, how?" Lucy wondered aloud as she sat between the two slayers.

"He had these strange markings up and down his body. At first they were small, but as the days went on... they went from the side of his head and neck, all the way down his arm and waist. It was only on his right side too..."

"Did you say strange markings?" He asked wanting clarification to which she nodded. He tuned out the rest of the world as a shiver went down his spine. As if something from the shadows was looming... preparing to strike.

"Yeah... after that moment Gray insisted on leaving the village by himself. Then half a year ago he left and never came back." Juvia concluded before she broke down in tears and sobbed into her hands.


Natsu no longer sat by the side of the rain woman's bed, instead he recognized the familiar marble flooring and intricate designs along the roof and walls. The nightmares from the past had found him at last. He was back in Mercurius and reliving the original rescue mission. The one they went on to break Lucy out of the kingdom's prison during the Games.

This time it felt different though. Instead of seeing his friends, it was just him and Lucy. A ghost-like Lucy at that. One that seemed to be slowly dispersing piece by piece, second by second.

"What is this!" Natsu shouted in slight confusion and immediately felt a presence behind him.

"This is destiny."

Rotating his body, his flame engulfed fist sped out only to hit empty air. The echo of laughter felt like a drum that was being beaten on over and over again. A snarl escaped his throat as the shadowy voice materialized into a figure that had been burned into his memory forever. "Rogue..."

"You can't change fate, Natsu Dragneel." The white and black-haired dragon slayer declared.

"Oh yeah? I did it once before, who are you to say I can't do it again!" He challenged.

"She died." Rogue smirked as his shadowy hand formed the very same dark energy blade that drove itself through the celestial spirit's chest, inevitably killing her. Natsu shut his eyes in order to hold his anger back as he growled defiantly.

"That wasn't my Lucy."

"But it was, don't you see? The girl that was slain was her very self, but from the future. Now she has no future self to protect her... and better yet she has no one to protect her from me!"

"Luce doesn't need someone from the future! As long as I'm around I will keep her safe!"

"You did a wonderful job with that the last time..." The corrupted slayer remarked rather smugly.

"I won't fail twice." Wisps of fire escaped his lips as his eyes narrowed. "How are you even here?"

"Took you that long, huh?" Rogue smiled showing off his sharp teeth. "I'm not. This is your subconscious we're in. You seem to have forgotten something very important I explained to you right after you brought Motherglare down."

Everything was piecing itself together at those very words. He knew something crucial was missing, and it finally had revealed itself to him. It wasn't a coincidence that Gray all of a sudden had disappeared and left Juvia behind.

"So, do you remember the warning I gave you last year?" The shadow questioned curiously.

How could I forget about that? Has an entire year really already passed by that fast? I guess so since the new Games were just a few days ago... but he's wrong!

"That won't happen! Gray would never do such a thing!"

"Is that so? You've caught my interest now so tell me, how far does your trust in Gray Fullbuster go?"

"He's my friend and has always had my back. I'd trust him with my life."

"Then you better find him Natsu Dragneel. Find him and protect Frosch's life... or your Lucy Heartfilia will lose her own and die at my hands this time."

In a flash, following a sinister grin from Rogue, both future figures vanished leaving the troubled fire dragon king behind. However before he too departed, a soft sweet voice whispered into his ear. A statement that was between a mixture of desperation and hope.

"Please... protect the future."


The hallways were illuminated by the fires resting atop each respective torch. Thick walls supported the main structure and the tight confinements caused the area to look like a maze, or maybe more like a prison. Sure enough there was a prison, but this place was not it. Shadows clung to whatever the light could not touch as a massive table waited patiently in the center. Seated in identical chairs, a meeting worth a thousand words and a plan worth a thousand lives, commenced.

"The Oración Seis, Grimoire Heart, and Tartaros. The three most powerful allies of the Balam Alliance have fallen. The era of dark guilds is over... which now means this is the beginning of Avatar!" The high priest, and masked man known as Alok, announced confidently. "What we pray for is a world ruled by the Dark Lord Zeref! The time has come. We must purify all the world who oppose our demonic sovereign... all we do we do for Zeref!"

"All we do, we do for Zeref." The Avatar cultists Jerome, Mary, Briar, Abel, D-6, and Gômon each repeated before looking over at the far end of the table. Dressed in a dark blue coat, his equally dark glove covered hand rest upon the sleek table casually. Jagged spiky tattoos were featured on the right side of his body as they ran parallel, right up to his eye and stopped just short above his brow. Cold black eyes opened as he smoothly spoke.

"All we do... we do for Zeref." He smirked.


Returning to reality, Natsu's eyes went wide. He hurriedly stood up, flipping the stool backwards and sending it crashing against the wooden floor.

"Natsu?!" All his companions spoke simultaneously as he backed away and rushed for the door.

"What's the deal with you all of a sudden?" Lucy added as she followed him outside. The rain had picked up since Juvia's sudden outburst as thunder crackled nearby.

"You're staying put." The pinkette finally answered as he began loading various things onto the pack animal that had been stationed down the road.

"Huh?" She responded in confusion and then became annoyed at his secrecy. "So, are you going tell me or not?"

"I'm off to Sabertooth."

"Why are you going all the way over there?"

"If what was told me to me last year is true... I have to prevent it from happening." His determination shone through his eyes that landed soley on her. Despite his confidence, she sensed he was keeping something from her.

"I'm going with you."

"No." His head shook to the side as he finished loading the animal up with supplies.

"Dammit Natsu! I'm not asking for your permission in this." She exclaimed as she grabbed his arm and pulled him backwards. The mud below caused her to slip and they both lost their footing on the slick surface. Natsu went down first and was quickly followed by Lucy as they both hit the earth. She heard him growl in annoyance.

"Nice one."

"I didn't mean to!" Lucy explained with equal annoyance above him. "It wasn't like I was trying to throw us into a chocolate fountain." She grumbled as the mud covered her top now and soaked the rest of her clothing.

"Or were you?" He asked teasingly before raising up and grinning. "Anyways, I'm off to see Sting and his little gang."

"I said I'm coming with you." She spoke eagerly.

"Nope, you're staying right here." Natsu's grin withdrew itself as he kept his voice firm. "Whatever lead I'm going on here is dangerous and-"

"I can take care of my self Natsu!" The blonde Celestial mage interrupted him as she pointed her finger into his chest. "I'm not as weak as I was a year ago! I've become stronger... so I don't care if it's dangerous! I just want to go with you and I will!"

You're not leaving... not this time.

"Luce, I never meant that you were weak-" The dragon slayer was once more cut off as she continued her mini tirade.

"I understand things have changed between us! You may not trust me anymore for whatever reason it is, but I still want to help you wherever I can! I promise you I can hold my own." His mouth opened to respond, but her glare quickly made him close up. "I'm the one who's been the map this entire way, if you want to go to Sabertooth because you think it can lead us to Gray... then let's go."

Her muddy hand reached out for his as he gently took it. He was beginning to fully see the year of heartbreak he had done to his best friend and partner, the very issues Hisui had warned him about.

"Alright, yeah..." He finally managed out a response after being continuously silenced. Natsu heard a light giggle and saw the blonde looking down at her current state.

"Before we go though, I need to clean up." She eyed him carefully, almost taunting him to try and leave without her this time, as she began making her way back into the house. Once she reached the porch and grabbed the handle, she froze after hearing his transformed voice echo through the storm.

"I do trust you Luce, I just don't know how much I trust myself."


The cult known as Avatar had gathered amongst one another as Jerome stated the news. "We've received reports that the Council may have already learned about the Purification Plan. The problem, however is not with the Council... but how exactly they found out."

Eerie silence followed as the members looked at one another curiously. Everyone seemed to make the connection all at once.

"What you're trying to say is that they have a spy in our ranks." A new voice continued on while leaning against the wall. "You want to point the finger at me, right?"

"He does have a point." Mary shrugged with sparkles in her eyes. "You did come from what was once considered the greatest guild after all."

Jerome glared at the cocky smirk the ice-demon slayer was sporting. "We've done our research on you Gray Fullbuster. You have quite the interesting history."

"I do, huh?" He continued smiling.

"Not only was your entire family wiped out by Deliora, a demon from the Book of Zeref, but our Dark Lord was also involved in both the deaths of your master and her daughter."

"If you've been that suspicious of him, why wait to bring it up until now?" Briar defended.

"Gray has willingly served alongside of us for over half a year." The armored D-6 added in support.

"That is true, however you still have no reason to revere Zeref." The man added within his interrogation.

"Sounds like your research fell short, dark sword Jerome." Gray said while closing his eyes. "Master Ur's daughter is still alive for one."

Taking the bait, Jerome stepped forward right in his face as he curiously examined his fellow cultist. "So, what brought you to our cause?"

"Back off him bushy." Briar warned before seeing Gray wave his hand uncaringly.

"It's cool Briar. This just gives me the perfect chance to explain myself." His finger extended outward as shadows hid half of his face from view. "I joined you, because I'm after the book of E.N.D. That a good enough reason for ya?"

Jerome, Mary, and Abel stood shocked while Briar and D-6 carefully watched on next to them.

Leaning forward, he closed his eyes once more as his voice became gravely. "That's all I want. No matter what I have to do or who I have to go through to get it... it will be mine!"

Briar followed his motions in amazement as she noticed how much darker the former light mage had truly become.

Such darkness in his heart.

"Yeah you're right Jerome. I used to be in a guild, so what? It's gone now and I found my true calling here. Now listen closely... all I want is that damn book so I can kill E.N.D." He forced himself off the wall, making the sword wielder back up, and began walking away.

"I-" Jerome began before Gray's casual statement reached them all.

"I'm sure as hell going to make it happen, so if you can get me there... I'm with ya."


"Goodluck you three!" Wendy waved alongside Carla. "We'll take care of everything here and get Juvia to be good as new!"

"Sounds great! We'll bring Gray back in no time." Natsu gave a thumbs up to the little girl before grabbing the reins. "All set you guys?"

"Yup, to Sabertooth we go!" Lucy nodded.

"Aye sir, time for some more adventure!" Happy laughed. Before giving the animal the order to embark, Natsu called out to Wendy.

"Tell Juvia I promise her that I'll find him. We're going to get everyone back together and when we do... Fairy Tail will be reborn."

The sky dragon slayer smiled brightly before she and Carla went back in doors. The storm carried on as Natsu snapped the reins and set off for the rocky terrains of Gazania. As they passed through various hills and forests, only one thought ran about in his mind.

I'll find you Gray. I'll make sure Frosch doesn't die.


The trip was much faster on a pack animal then on foot, for obvious reasons, as the trio were flying down the mountain at high speeds. Lucy looked over to her right and could see the colossal sized purple and white guild hall from miles away.

"Looks like we're almost there!" Happy mentioned while Lucy tapped on the dragon slayer's shoulder causing him to turn his head back to her.

"What's up?"

"What makes you so sure Sabertooth will have anything on Gray?" She asked in wonder.

"Can't talk about it." His response was short as a flash of hurt formed across her face before she bonked him on the back of his head with her fist.

"What's with all the secrecy lately, Natsu? I thought we were a team, so why are you keeping me in the dark and trying to cast me out!"

Mumbling curses in frustration, the pinkette shocked her as he fully turned around in the saddle and faced her directly.

"Listen to me okay? I trust Gray, he's our friend. Until we know exactly what is going on though we're going to have to stop trusting him."

"That doesn't make any sense! Whatever, okay fine, just turn back around before you crash us!" Her worries were taken away as she watched light streaks of fire appear next to the pack animal which seemed to be keeping it in a straight line with no veering.

When could he do that?

"New trick." Natsu's signature smile was on full display as his eyes met hers. His hands found hers as she caught her breath sharply. He leaned in as his tone dropped substantially. "Look Luce... I'm sorry for all the secrets recently."

Her surprised expression softened at his words as she smiled encouragingly. "I already told you I understand you've changed and things aren't the same-"

"No, that's not it at all." His forceful denial again took her back by surprise. "Something from the previous year has me on edge. All I want is to just to make sure the outcome doesn't happen." Again the Celestial mage could tell he was keeping information from her.

"What happens Natsu?"

Instead of responding right away, he instead looked to the side and away from her as he tried figuring out what exactly he should say. Glancing up at his exceed, who had been in flight mode for the last half hour, he nodded at his buddy.

"I know it's unfair of me, but I can't tell you right now." He let go of her hands and expected to be slapped, but rather felt himself be pulled in closer against her. "Lucy?"

"Whenever you feel the moment is right... I'll be right here waiting." She whispered before letting go and allowing him to turn back around. Natsu felt his friend lean her head against his spine and wrap her arms back around his waist as he released a sigh he didn't realize he had been holding.

His own hands gripped the reins once more while he dispersed the summoned flames from beside the pack animal that they were riding upon. He had so many different thoughts raging on inside of him. Concerns for the future, Lucy's future. A doubt had begun to stir within, something he had been trying to block out since his conscience encounter with Rogue. Now, Natsu found himself struggling to stay confident. Fear had crept its way in. Was his friend and rival still mentally there? All he could see was that shadowy dagger slipping past his fingers...

The fire dragon slayer's head dipped down, his spiky pink hair concealing his face, as his emotions bubbled ominously. He would protect his two partners with everything he had, no harm would befall them on his watch. If something did happen, there would be hell to pay.

It doesn't matter whether we find Gray as a friend or foe, I made a promise and it's one I intend to keep. I will protect the future!


"Wait, Natsu!" Lucy hollered at his departing figure while pointing at the prestigious building opposite of them. "Sabertooth is that way!"

"We're not going to the guild." Natsu calmy responded.

"What? I thought you said we were going to... isn't that the reason we came all the way out here?!"

"Yeah! What's the plan anyways?" Happy backed the blonde, actually taking her side for once.

"I never said anything about entering the place weirdo." He chuckled after seeing the blank look on each of their faces. "The one I need to see is up ahead."

"They are?" Lucy asked after she and the exceed caught up to him. "Who is it?"

Her question was immediately answered as they rounded a corner and saw three familiar faces walking just a little ways in front of them.

"Oh! That's who you needed to see... but why?"

After catching sight of Rogue, Minerva, and Frosch, Lucy was flabbergasted as Natsu sprinted over and rushed off with his fellow dragon slayer in a chokehold.

"Be back in a second!"


"Why the hell did you kidnap me Natsu!" A recovered Rogue spat out in annoyance after being dragged to a secluded part of Gazania. He was slightly unnerved by the eagerness in his friend's eyes, but ignored it. "So, are you going tell me or not?"

"I just needed to make sure you and Frosch were good." The fire wizard answered before noticing a piece of parchment sticking out of his sash-like belt. "What's that?"

The black-haired shadow dragon glanced down to see what the pinkette was referring too. He saw the job request that he and his two partners were headed out on and pulled it out. "Oh, this? It's the mission we were about to undertake... before you kidnapped me!"

Natsu ignored the remark as he instead snatched the job flyer out of the man's hands and quickly examined the details.

"Hey! I never said you could-"

"Destroy Avatar..." Natsu read aloud while holding the poster tightly.

This must be it.

"Yeah we're going to wipe out a clan of-" Rogue's speech was once more shot down as he saw his friend in front of him grinning dangerously.

"I'm gonna take this one for you." His phrasing left zero room for argument as he turned his back to the the Sabertooth member. Of course, Rogue was none too pleased to see somebody stealing his work.

"Are you insane? That's literally my job! Besides you aren't even in a guild anymore!."

Rogue's victorious smirk vanished as Natsu spun back around while folding the flyer up and stashed it inside his coat. "Course I am! I'm a part of Fairy Tail!"

"It disbanded Natsu." He pointed out matter-of-factly.

"Nope, we're coming back whether you like it or not!" Seeing no further opposition, Natsu went on. "Listen, the bounty is all yours. I just want to make sure this 'Avatar' is destroyed."

"We're just as strong as you are, we can do it ourselves!" Rogue fired back, but nearly gasped at the sudden rising temperature. Onyx eyes held him in place as he battled to stand his ground.

"Trust me Rogue. Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be." His voice had lost its friendly nature and the shadow user felt himself co-existing with something else entirely. It was almost like a foreign presence had entered as he slowly nodded in confirmation.

"S-Sure."

The heat eased down and whatever power had surged momentarily returned to dormancy. He tried returning the fire dragon slayer's smile, but found himself with only the ability to put on a straight face.

"Thank you." Natsu said appreciatively, and Rogue could tell it was genuine. He was unsure of the man's motives and had been questioning this entire confrontation since the beginning, but nonetheless would listen to his wishes and respect it. "Whatever you do, you and Frosch are not to leave the city until I return."

"Any specific reason?"

"It's better you don't know." His sharp hearing picked up the adamant whisper and could only wonder what the future held for him and his exceed.


Minerva and Lucy, who had been openly chatting about the past year and making up for lost time as new friends, noticed the pinkette approaching. Happy and Frosch also had been talking with one another and were aware of the dragon slayers returning. Well, one that is.

"Let's go Lucy!" Natsu sped by the two women, grabbing the blonde's wrist and pulling her away from the black-haired spatial magic user.

"W-Wait we're leaving now?" She cried out after having her conversation cut short.

"Yup!" His cheeky grin was present as Happy bid farewell to Frosch and joined them above.

"What about Rogue? Natsu... what did you do to him!" He dodged the anticipated smack to his head as he continued dragging her with him.

"Relax, he's fine." Natsu explained before turning to his side and shouting out to the shadow dragon's partner. "Minerva, make sure those two don't leave town!"

He watched as the woman in question nodded and with a triumphant grin, turned back to his exhausted companion. Happy was failing to suppress his amusement as they slowed to a stop to let their friend catch her breath.

"Everything alright, Luce?" Natsu spoke with light mirth blended into the question as he once more avoided her angry tantrum.

"Y-You suck!" She pouted.


He knew it was still day considering the sun had been directly in the center of the sky when they had arrived. Despite this, the job location for this Avatar quest happened to be in the area known as Mikage Forest. The forest was filled with massive trees and the leaves shielded the interior parts from the sky. The group of three walked nearby one another, led by Natsu, as he used his fire to light the way.

"This forest gives me the creeps..." Lucy whispered and heard Happy use his catchphrase to agree with her.

"Right there with ya." Natsu grinned while checking above them, scanning the area all around with what little space they had to work with. Not only did the trees completely block out the light from above, but it also captured much of the free soil left untouched. Numerous logs and branches littered the pathway as they proceeded on through the forest.

"So, what is this Avatar thing we're going to be destroying?" Happy curiously wondered.

"Good question. No idea." Natsu rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand.

I guess we're going in blind.

Luckily for both of them, Lucy had the knowledge they needed.

"Avatar is a black magic cult." She revealed while stepping over a fallen log. "They basically placed themselves on the pedestal of dark guilds and have led them ever since we defeated Tartaros."

"You've gotta be kidding me..." Natsu groaned after learning about the new information.

"I wish I was, but it's the truth. Even worse Natsu, they're completely devoted to Zeref."

Lucy sensed his anger at the mention of that singular name. Of course, she couldn't blame him in the slightest. Zeref had caused havoc for them and their guild the past two years. It seemed as if it would never end until the Black Wizard himself could be dealt with.

"I'm not sure if he has anything actually to do with them, but he's the primary reason for their existence."

"So... these clowns are just Zeref followers? This should be easy then!" Natsu's mood brightened at the thought of decimating dark mages and anyone associated with that murderous psychopath.

"I have one question though Natsu." Lucy's tone almost became a whisper as she forced out what she had been wanting to ask since they set out for Sabertooth originally. "Why would you think Gray would end up at a place like this?"

His happy demeanor instantly deflated as she saw the flame in his hand flicker momentarily. His signature grin had been overtaken by a frown and to her dismay, the guarded dragon, as she had come to name it, returned in its place.

"Natsu?"

The fire swirling about snuffed itself as Natsu pushed all three of them towards the ground. A ruffling sound was heard in the distance, voices conspiring with one another. Once they faded into the building that would soon be before them, he rose up and helped Lucy back to her feet.

"I'll tell you what's going on, Luce." He finally gave into her past pleas. "I'm pretty sure this is where the Rogue from the future began his journey down the wrong path... and it all happened the moment Gray killed Frosch."

Her eyes widened in horror at the revelation. One of her first friends from the guild, besides Natsu and Happy themselves, was now possibly an enemy? Now possibly killing others?!

"You heard Juvia mention those black markings. When we fought Mard Geer he had them then too. I'm not for certain, but I think the way he got his demon slaying magic might of involved him being completely taken over by one."

Natsu advanced forward as he continued scouting the land before them. The massive structure built from chiseled stone spelled doom and he wondered for which side. Lucy's crestfallen expression didn't go unnoticed by him as he glanced over to Happy for advice. Unfortunately, the blue exceed was shell-shocked after learning the news about Gray and had been unresponsive since then.

"Why did you wait so long to tell me?" She at last managed as they met each other's eyes, one searching for answers while the other searched for an escape route.

For the first time since the night he departed to go off and train for an entire year, Lucy faced the fear that consumed her cherished fire dragon. His battle-scarred cheek was evidence of his inner demons and the final meeting with his foster-father would always be present upon his face. On the opposite side, Natsu guiltily accepted future Rogue's truthful statement.

"You died Lucy. He killed you." He did not need to clarify who exactly he was referring too, the blonde was well aware of the man who ruthlessly slaughtered her future self. She tried closing the gap between them, but watched in dismay as he stepped back and kept himself out of her reach.

"I'm here, Natsu."

"I know... but this is something I can't fail! It could destroy everything we fought so hard for after the Games."

"Stop saying 'I', Natsu Dragneel." Her voice was firm as she set her hand against her hip. "We're a team, remember? Me, you, and Happy. We look out for one another! You don't always have to go into these battles all alone you know."

"Aye!" Happy chirped next to them once he fought off the aftereffect of Gray's new potential values and loyalties.

"You're right... I need to stop trying to do everything on my own." He plopped himself down on a log as he forced his emotions to stay in check.

"That's one place to start." She giggled and sat down next to him. "I know you've trained a ton Natsu, but I can hold my own too. You don't have to always worry about me." He watched her carefully pull out the crimson chrome key and hold it before him. "You gave this to me as a gift Natsu and I know you're just concerned for my wellbeing after what happened with future Rogue."

"That's not all-"

"But I need you to trust me Natsu. The only way we're both going to get better is if we lean on each other and provide support."

Her words were powerful as the light slowly returned within his dark eyes. She thought they looked like sparkling crystals as he stood up with a renewed grin across his face.

"Don't worry Luce. We prevented his dragon invasion... I know we can prevent his darkness too." They stepped out of the forest and into the open clearing. A collapsed bridge was all that separated them from the battered church. "Now find us a way in there!"

"Right! I think I know just who to call!" Lucy mirrored his grin as she pulled out a very familiar key. Before opening the gate, she heard the dragon slayer say one more thing. It was a faint whisper, but the close proximity helped her pick it up clearly. Something that would change everything they ever knew going forward.

"Is his darkness the same as mine?"


The armored man and pink-haired girl rushed into the church once they returned from their scouting mission. Briar, Jerome and Abel quickly joined them and all of their eyes were fixed on the west.

"The magic council could be arriving within the next day." D-6 stated while Mary nodded dramatically behind him.

"It shall not matter." Jerome's tone was sharp. "His Eminence already stated that the Purification Plan will go through no matter what. We should be expecting to move out rather soon... quite possibly later today."

"I get to go play later today?" Abel questioned before giggling to himself. "Yay, I get to go play!"

"Have you seen Gômon or Gray?" Jerome asked the white-haired cultist next to him who nonchalantly answered.

"Icy boy is cooling down after you got him all worked up and Gômon is down in his element."

"When is he not..." He sweatdropped.

Without warning, the walls began spewing out dust as the earth shook. A crash was heard from below as all the present Avatar members quickly turned their attention to the sound.

"Sounds like we may have some early company." Jerome grinned menacingly as they began following one another down the steps and into the basement below.


Virgo's drilling ability was remarkable as she snuck them right into the bottom floor of the church... unfortunately their timing could not have been any worse.

"Infiltration complete." She whispered as her head popped out of the hole. Nearly mesmerized by all the equipment, or toys in her eyes, she almost missed the shocked face of the bald man standing at the door. "Uh oh, Princess."

Her warning fell on deaf ears, as the trio climbed out of the tunnel and instantly found themselves facing something unexpected. A literal person.

"What crappy luck." Happy laughed into his paw as the man snapped out of his trance and immediately became alarmed.

"Intruders?! How dare you come here!" He shouted.

"Hey~" Another voice entered the fray as Natsu's eyes trailed up and spotted a small child sitting above them. He was holding an item that they were all to familiar with.

"Mr. Cursey!" Happy and Lucy cried out fearfully and shook in fear. It was safe to say they were experiencing some painful memories on Tenrou Island.

"So you've already played with Mr. Cursey? That sounds like fun! He is the best present I've ever gotten."

"Hey freak. How you'd get that doll thing anyways?" Natsu asked uncaringly, biding time for him to assess the situation.

"It was given to me after the wreckage of Grimoire Heart. This little guy's power is so awesome it's scary!" Abel clarified as he jumped down from the vents and stood awaiting his play time.

"Oh yeah?" Natsu's neutral face turned into a smirk. "I think I know something more scary." Within one heart beat, the dragon slayer crossed the distance between them and buried the little guy brutally into the dirt. "Me."

Now that the doll was out of commission, he could stop worrying about his friends and focus on the other man in the room with them. His dark eyes found the baldly sputtering muted curses in anger as his entire being shook.

"Bring me Gray or get out of my face."

"Abel! You'll pay for hurting him like that you fool!" Gômon yelled. "You won't leave here alive! This room is my domain and you foolishly fell right into it!"

"Actually we dug into it." Happy joked and was silenced by a flying hatchet. "Ah!"

Various objects were flung at the three mages and Celestial Spirit as Natsu was forced to dodge and weave in order to not be skewered. He nearly was when the lunatic flung an iron maiden at him, but he literally burned a cylinder sized hole right through it. Remembering his new fire abilities, the dragon slayer formed a wall full of flames and watched it incinerate anything that Gômon was stupid enough to throw at it.

Unfortunately for the cultist, and fortunately for them, he threw every wooden and metal item in vicinity right at the fiery wall. He cried out after realizing more than a third of his devices were destroyed instantly.

"You're amazing Natsu!" Happy cheered while Lucy and Virgo nodded quietly behind him. They were too stunned at his power and brains to notice the shadow behind them.

The flame wall vanished and Natsu delivered a strike to Gômon's tattooed forehead before he shouted over to the exceed. "Happy, above!"

The cat didn't need anything more as he summoned his wings and grabbed ahold of the two maids by their collars. In the nick of time too as D-6 jumped down and the singular red eye on his mask glowed and released a blast that fired itself into the floor. Smoke erupted from the crater as Happy helped them avoid disaster.

"That was your only shot!" Natsu roared as he rushed the armored dark mage and forced a devastating roundhouse kick into his chest. The speed and fire that followed threw D-6 hard into the ceiling before he crashed back down onto the cobble unconscious.

"So strong..." Virgo muttered after making sure she and Lucy were in the clear. "Thank you little guy." She gave Happy a pet on the head who smiled.

"Aye, just helping where I can!"

"Great job lil buddy!" Natsu gave his friend a thumbs up and a wink in appreciation. He cracked his fingers as he looked over at the door. "Let's get a move on so we can go find our friend. This place reeks of him."

"How could we be defeated so easily? We're the top wizards of Avatar..." Gômon grumbled as the pain continued to register in his skull.

"N-Natsu." Lucy's voice reached him in an instant as his narrowed eyes widened once he saw the blonde holding her stomach. Her eyes twitched and her figure trembled as her speech stuttered. "I-I don't feel so good..."

"Princess!"

"Lucy!"

Both pinkettes called out as Virgo watched her master fall to her knees in pain.

"What's the matter?" Natsu asked while he stayed put in case anyone else came through the door.

"I-I don't know... my stomach just started hurting really bad all of a sudden." Lucy tried explaining the best she could while bearing the pain. Virgo bent down to help the Celestial wizard, but found herself suddenly wrapped up in chains as she was sent tumbling to the ground.

"V-Virgo!" Lucy shouted once the chains began glowing to which Celestial Spirit had her gate forcefully shut. "No!"

Another new face Natsu didn't recognize had entered the room, this time a girl with diamond-shaped eyes. She appeared in the corner almost out of nowhere and was giggling to herself. "Now's your chance!"

Her words were clearly a signal, one that just barely got deciphered by Natsu, due to all the abrupt confusion. He felt a sudden chill behind him and immediately turned, forming a shield of fire with his forearms. The frost blade descended upon him and sliced through the hastily summoned fire. Natsu was forced to evade and bail to the side or risk losing an arm, but he wasn't able to move quick enough. The tip of the sword slashed his right wrist and he choked back a cry of a pain. Shards of ice stuck into the wound as he fell onto one knee.

Raising his head once more, his fears were confirmed as the man before him was the friend they were looking for... but it was evident his views had changed.

"Gray?" Fiery onyx eyes met ones colder than his own.

"Natsu."


A/N: We're back! This one was one of those transition chapters for the most part that leads us into a key area of Dragon Rage. I think this chapter went pretty well considering all the different environments and pieces it held. Incase you hadn't already figured it out, this is the part of DR where things are going to begin to drastically change!

Natsu is slowly falling into the hands of the darkness circling him and Lucy is becoming more and more independent in her own right. Each character is becoming a little and a lot OOC depending on how you look at it, but for the sake of this story it must be done. Hopefully the changes have felt natural and not too forced, but we all will view it differently of course, haha. I have enjoyed building up each of their strengths... now come the dilemmas!

I've kept the notion about them wanting to find Gray and bring him back for the guild, but I've also placed more on the line this time. The actions of future Rogue are a major plotline that, in my opinion, gets entirely overlooked in the final season of Fairy Tail. Bummer I know, but things happen. Hopefully you like this added incentive as I feel it gives Natsu a "purpose" to protect Lucy even more.

I would like to ask my readers all one thing though, what did you think of my representation between Natsu and Rogue's inner demons? Did any of you catch how Rogue's evil counterpart is more arrogant and confident while his normal self is somewhat timid and accepting? Likewise, Natsu is caring and easy going but his darker self is more demanding. This side by side I did for them is probably my favorite part of this entire chapter, hopefully it was worth it!

Apologies for the disappearance, the new semester came out swinging and it took me some time to find time to write. Work has already begun on the next chapter though and it's definitely a contender for one of my favorites thus far! Natsu and Gray's encounter is going to be a little different than how canon went... as well as the aftermath! Hope you're excited, because this next one is gonna be something!

Up Next: Chapter 9 - Awaken