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, Apple Yumi 94, mastercheif1229, Klogol, and TaraPasty.
No reviews from the last chapter. A little disappointing, but I think I've realized why. On the AO3 side where I update this story simultaneously, my readers there are a lot more vocal but are smaller in number. While here on FFN, the audience is much larger but reviewers are more scarce. Personally I read stories on this site for a little over 5 years and by that point had only left 2 (that's right) reviews, haha. So don't worry, I completely understand if reviewing stories just isn't your thing! Feedback does help me with writing the story in the way I want you all to be able to comprehend it. Enough rambling, hope you enjoy the chapter!
Dragon Rage is at 99 followers, just shy of 100! Thank you to everybody for your kind comments, favorites, and support. It means a lot and I really do appreciate it!
Summary: With Avatar's true intentions revealed, the city of Malba finds itself cast into total darkness! The war god known as Ikusatsunagi has placed the surrounding area under a fatal spell... and from the shadows an ancient being returns. Constructed entirely from black magic, the newcomer is the only one left remaining with the ability to fight back and save those in peril. However, what they are fighting for is not yet clear. Is this creature the noble hero that they appear? Or is this the beginning to what history books feared?
Chapter 11: Special Feelings
After encouraging one another on their prowess, the two closest females to the fire dragon slayer bound their original opponents and left them lying where they were defeated. In Jerome's case, he was unconscious with stars in his eyes. For Mary, she was ironically nauseated and imagined she was continuously whirling about from Wendy's roar.
The still humanoid exceed informed them that their other teammates were approaching. Gray, being flown in by Happy, landed gracefully after dropping himself out of the blue cat's paws. If he was surprised to see the two women come out the victors, than he didn't show it. What was astonishing, however was the blue-haired woman wrapped around his neck. She didn't seem to be letting go anytime soon either.
"Juvia?" Lucy asked upon noticing the two pair come into sight.
"Love rival, Gray-sama is all mine!" She expressed with a wide smile.
"I never said- oh, forget it." Lucy groaned in response not feeling up for her antics at this time. It was nice to see her friend was looking and feeling much more lively then the last time she had seen her. Wendy's magic was truly something. "How did your fight go, Gray?" She asked in hope that it'd change the subject.
"It went well." He smoothly answered and tried lessening the obsessed water mage's grip on him. "Briar was hardly any trouble."
"That witch got what she deserved for attempting to harm Gray-sama~" Juvia sang in an eerie tone.
"Right..." He chuckled lightly and turned to his companions. Say Wendy, when did you get here?"
"Just a few minutes ago." Wendy revealed before sporting a very Natsu-like grin. Happy noticed immediately and mirrored it. "Meet my newest partner!" She continued smiling as Gray observed the white-haired cat girl.
"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Gray and-"
"You're an ice-make wizard who likes to strip." Carla finished for him, having realized Wendy's intentions in advance, and going along with the bluenette's prank.
The black-haired man was floored and instantly toppled over as a little ghost floated out from his mouth.
"Oops! I'm so sorry, Gray!" Wendy shouted and Juvia hurriedly stuffed it back in for him. Relieved, and thankful to not be a part of the deceased, Gray laughed.
"You got me there. Nice to see you Carla." He greeted having soon worked out who the cat girl actually was. She nodded her head in reply and they continued with the reunion until the sky's colors dramatically changed.
No spoken words were needed as all five wizards were on alert and carefully examined the darkening sky. It was evident something had manipulated the sky... now the question was what caused it? Deranged laughter from way above caught their attention, but before they voice their concerns the ground was shaking.
"Hang on!" Gray called out as he summoned ice around their feet to lock them in place and help stabilize them. He did the same on himself and glanced up to see a giant spiral now present. It crackled threateningly with thunder and lashed out on the terrain with meteor sized lightning bolts.
"What is going on?!" Lucy questioned at the rapidly changing environment. Knowing they had to find shelter and find some fast, Gray used his maker magic abilities and carved a significant sized hole in the side of the cliff. But before he could finish it, the veil of darkness engulfed them.
"What is this?" Carla wondered aloud as she lost her footing, Gray's ice having been melted. No longer being supported and pinned down, they stumbled and were knocked over.
"Carla!" Wendy whimpered as she struggled in the battle against drowsiness. With heavy eyes they all reached out for the other, but they were to far apart to even connect. Feeling the aura of death around them, a chill even Gray couldn't resist shivering from, one by one their eyes closed.
The blonde's hand reached out, in the direction she knew her best friend was battling Avatar's leader. She didn't care anymore about whatever was causing the earth to rumble and whatever had just put her friends to sleep. It's grasp squeezed her tighter and tighter, threatening to burst her like a balloon, but she refused to go down without a fight. All Lucy wanted was just to know that he was okay.
"N-Natsu..." She whispered as her fingers curled up and her eyelids were forcefully shut.
Blood-red slits opened as he inhaled the ever changing atmosphere. Black fire formed around his chest and shoulders, appearing translucent but solid like actual armor, while a bright orange fiery blade accompanied it. He extended his claws inwards and outwards, getting a feel for his newly transformed digits.
"So, this is what the human realm looks like now." Natsu's other half spoke. The voice was much deeper than the normal slayer's. His flashing eyes shone brighter under the now darkened dome as the flaming sword danced eagerly. It had been so long since had been allowed to come out and play.
He felt like a little kid in a candy store who had so many opportunities to explore. Under that analogy his smirk only grew wider. The scent of death bombarded him left and right, almost like it was beckoning him to align with it. Perhaps in another time he would of gladly and gratefully followed it. But he had been locked away for an eternity. Death just wasn't the same friend it once was to him. The black mist fell upon him and he could see the tiny particles frustratingly failing to subdue him, unlike their success with all other life existing.
"Sorry little soldier." He mocked the war god from way below. "You're gonna have to try way harder to put me back out of commission. A little rain cloud just isn't gonna do it."
He watched in delight as Ikusatsunagi crushed several Avatar squadrons, just by simply stepping on them. Destruction always had been his favorite past time. In a sense, destroying valuables was his hobby. It was what he had been created and instructed to do. Curiosity got the best of him as he wanted to see how far this death spell could go. Before it could settle in and do the damage both him and the summoned monster craved, a different vision appeared in his eyes. Blonde hair, brown eyes, and a smile that was as captivating as the seal the crimson fire dragon caged him in with.
"Lucy." He said in a faint whisper before shaking his head. He momentarily suppressed the impulse for death and focused more on the current situation. He knew from experience that he was the only one that could give the pinkette's friends, and all the gathered cultists still alive, a chance to live. In all honesty, he could care less for any of the souls here. They would die either way one day. However, being helplessly trapped in the back of his own mind... he was conflicted.
For years he emerged and found his other half's eyes staring into those very same adorable ones he came to know like his own. When in control, Natsu Dragneel was full of happiness. Meanwhile he was frozen in time... and full of anger.
I was the greatest creation known to mankind.
He watched as his weaker self got himself tossed around like a ragdoll. Watched powerlessly as she was harassed and beaten right in front of him.
I was forced to do nothing.
The countless nights he would pop into appearance and open his eyes to see those familiar golden locks directly in his line of sight. For once, he found himself holding onto desires to cherish life instead of snuffing it.
I was forced to feel nothing.
The anger spread like a wildfire as a frenzied bolt of lightning struck him. Instead of being electrocuted it only sped up the inferno building within. It bounced off him like a lightning rod and he vaguely watched the bolt shoot horizontally into the side of the cliff.
I was forced to be nothing.
He would save Lucy, but then what? By no means did he want to return to dormancy. But the chances of that happening only increased once he took out the war god. He realized it was becoming more and more difficult to merge himself with his other conscience. Despite sharing the same body, they just weren't the same people. All these glorious powers and yet they had been concealed ever since that fateful day. A sinister smile settled in place as the magic circle around him radiated with dark energy.
Natsu isn't just a memory... he's split into a separate soul now. The one she harbors feelings for.
Ikusatsunagi's colossal sized sword cut down the final portion of Alok's followers as his attention turned to the city that awaited him. All these lives were open for the taking. His death spell would eventually fully consume them all and extinguish every single lifeforce present. Well, all but one.
Your downfall was believing you had the power over life and death. Believing you could take Lucy's future... with me in attendance!
The circle illuminated itself as all the energy targeted one spot. His frightening expression increased as he whispered the needed incantation to teleport. Surging skywards, the armored dragon slayer vanished.
Only to reappear - atop the war god's head. Yakuma's terrorizing battle god never even saw its demise coming. Lightning raced by in a swift manner while thunder boomed intimidatingly. Natsu raised his flaming weapon into the heavens, and in a dumbfounded showing, well if anyone had been present to see it that is, the fiery blade widened into a lengthy longsword.
"Go take your nap." He hissed and in a wide arc brought the enhanced weapon towards the deity's skull with tremendous force. Natsu's fire pierced through Ikusatsunagi's flesh like a hot knife cutting through butter. The war god released a pained grunt before the magical blade ran its course further and split him directly down the middle.
The sight was breathtaking as an enormous crack occurred in the Yakuma battle god. Snow started falling from the sky. Well, the substance looked like snow, but it was black.
It's raining ashes?
What happened next shocked Natsu's other half that was currently in control. Ikusatsunagi's figure began to shine brightly... and then it detonated!
Uh oh. This can't be good.
Just as he withdrew the fancy sword from the battle god's brains, a wave of darkness plunged into him as he was sent flying backwards. The force was so strong by the time he regained consciousness he somehow was high up in the clouds and freefalling.
It's been a while since I got to experience this.
Closing his eyes and focusing on what he wanted to happen, Natsu's other half encountered a new trait. Two shapes burst from his spine and he outstretched them to assist in gliding through the sky. With a smirk he looked back and identified his newest aerial surprise. Broad crimson wings expanded and he flapped them smoothly in the wind.
As he shot through clouds like a missile he returned to the area where the spiral had formed. The portal that summoned the Yakuma battle god had dissipated and left behind in its place was a mere funnel.
"Good riddance." He remarked and used his black fire to burn the remains to ash. "I guess that means I win." Cackles rang out as he remained floating in place.
He could feel the slayer beginning to come to and knew he had to land before that happened, lest he wanted to have a long explanation of who exactly they were. After comparing the pros and cons vigilantly a decision was quickly made that a reveal wasn't necessary in that moment. Reaching a hand out, and activating a source other than magic, he was left levitating with a feeling of relief. Although faint for the time being, thousands of hearts continued to beat beneath and he knew the plan was a success.
Natsu's mental companion was grateful that he was so high in the clouds. It prevented anybody from seeing the strange transformation that had taken place. With horns curled and fangs extended, his red glowing orbs shined menacingly within the still darkened sky. He detected the dark magic around him as it absorbed itself into his body. It fed him with power... and lots of it at that.
The sky steadily brightened back to it's normal state, one before the arrival of Ikusatsunagi was called upon. As he turned to make his dissent back to the earth, a brilliant flash of light nearly blinded him. The specter raised his arm to block out the aggravating distraction, but found his movements restricted. Within the illumination a particular shape was distinct. It was a certain being that had made the pink-haired dragon slayer who he was to this very day. The beast was loved by one and loathed by the other.
"You!" He roared out in fury and felt himself be pulled into a forgotten memory.
Making their way peacefully through the forest, a young man diverged down a path he had never taken. By doing so, he stumbled across a dragon that noticed him long before he ever noticed it.
"Hello."
"You didn't attack me." They spoke bewildered once they realized a real dragon was directly in front of them.
Amused by the odd open greeting, they chuckled boisterously. "Is that a problem?"
"No!" The black-haired man hurriedly stated. "It just surprised me is all. Normally your kind incinerates anything it finds."
The largely built dragon huffed. "Not all of our kind are like that. Just those who see humans as inferior beings."
He didn't dare mention that most dragons had been wiped out by a human who became corrupted with the very magic used to slay them. The dragon civil war had brought mankind into the fray and they paid dearly for it. With their lives. A two fronted conflict turned into a one-sided annihilation in the blink of an eye.
"You are friendly with my kind?"
"Of course! If not, you definitely would of been lunch by now. I appreciate human nature and enjoy meeting them. Also, I feel no threat from you. So, why would I have any reason to attack you?"
"You're not threatened by me? Not even in the slightest?"
The crimson creature narrowed its eyes. "What is your name, traveler?"
"Zeref. My name is Zeref." The mage waited to see if any recognition would show in the dragon's eyes, but none ever came.
"Well Zeref... I am the fire dragon king, Igneel."
Hearing the beast was considered a king, a new interest had sparked within him.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, King Igneel."
"You don't need to include the title. Just Igneel will do."
"Alright." He nodded as his idea began to spread more and more. "Igneel, I would like to ask you something."
"You have my attention."
"I know all dragons can breathe fire, but are you one of the great elders who have magical properties?" Zeref asked unsure as he never had encountered a real dragon before. All he had ever heard was stories of the terrifying mystical creatures. Igneel did not seem like the dragons reiterated in his study books from long ago, or the dragons that he vaguely recalled decimating his home.
Igneel immediately saw through the deliberate meaning of the question. The dragon sensed the man was hoping that he held the answer that could solve his problems.
"As the ruler of the fire dragons, the answer is yes, Zeref. I do have the properties that your kind calls magic."
Zeref's friendly smile brightened. "I must make a request, Igneel."
"What is it that you would like me to do?"
"I need help fixing a grave mistake that I have committed my horrible powers to."
"You're a wizard?"
"Yes! I am a cursed wizard!" Zeref revealed as he felt his black magic flaring. Igneel immediately was alarmed, but quietly observed the distressed man fighting back against himself.
"I recognize it. That ability of yours."
"You do?!" Zeref asked in shock after he prevailed.
"You have been cursed by Ankhseram."
"Yes... that is exactly right! I tried altering the outcome of life and death and therefore received the curse of immortality because of it!"
"I am sorry to hear that."
"Time and time again I have created monsters that I foolishly believed were powerful to destroy me."
"Monsters, you say?"
"They're demons I created in what I call my books. The Books of Zeref!"
Igneel's slitted eyes once more narrowed, but he allowed the man to continue on. He recalled shapeshifting creatures that struck down and terrorized dragons from his own family tree. But no one had known where these foul abominations had originated from.
"I have been wondering across these lands for the last several years... begging for death." That revelation stunned the crimson dragon into silence. "I created these demons one by one. Each creature had different powers that I trusted were strong enough to kill me. They all failed. From there, I spent all my devotion to configuring my ultimate demon."
"Ultimate demon?" Igneel spoke after once more finding his words.
"Precisely, Igneel. It was a being forged from the very essence of dark magic. Unlike other demons that I made which adopted an alternative to magic, that I call Curses, my greatest creation is also my greatest failure."
"How so?"
"I made them in the image of my family. In the body of my young brother, deceased from a dragon attack long ago."
The news of a dragon having killed the man's family hit the beast harder then it normally should have. Feeling obligated, the fire dragon king bowed his head down in apology for what transpired.
"I do not blame you. It was an unfortunate circumstance and one where I have still yet to figure out what happened and why."
"Nonetheless, I feel-"
"If you want to make amends... I implore you to eradicate the monster I have created. Where they are the pinnacle of my strength, that demon is also my utmost weakness. This is what I ask of you, Igneel... I need your help in destroying E.N.D."
Igneel rapidly sat up on his hind legs, confusing Zeref, as the fire dragon snarled.
"That monstrosity is your doing?! Tell me now!" He demanded wanting the truth. "It has slain countless of my brethren in cold blood!"
Now it was Zeref's turn to bow reverently before the enraged beast. His demon had consistently informed him of the relentless assaults it did on all types of feared brutes across the globe. As well as the chaos it created by razing villages and slaughtering innocent souls for what it deemed as fun.
"I apologize for what my actions have caused to your kin. I need your assistance, great Igneel. It is the only hope we have to stop him. He has gotten far more powerful then I originally intended and there is no physical way I can stop him." He pleaded in despair.
Igneel remained far away for a short time before answering the disturbed mage.
"I can seal your demon away."
"For how long?"
"Until my spirit travels on to the next life." The cursed man frowned for a split second before he remembered that the dragon king would most likely have a much longer life than the average being that walked the earth. For now, it would have to do. In the mean time, however he could start building a force strong enough to at least deadlock the demon should Igneel fall earlier than he was expected to.
"Thank you!" Zeref said appreciatively with his hands clasped in a prayer.
"When would you like for me to perform it?"
"I believe now would be best." Zeref nodded to himself and reached into his sash, bringing the powerful radiating tome into view. "E.N.D's Book."
Wasting no time, Zeref summoned the fire demon and Igneel encased it in a golden inferno.
"Fire Dragon King's Purgatory!"
An angry roar resounded within the sphere and a claw reached out, before a wide rang explosion took place directly in the center. As the smoke cleared and Zeref looked into the destructive crater, an interesting sight was before him. A lone and young pink-haired child lay unconscious, with a damaged book laying discarded at their feet.
"What?" E.N.D questioned in disbelief before becoming furious. "He betrayed me!"
Feeling a presence behind him, the angry demon turned forcefully and found himself directly facing the former king's scarred eye.
"You lost to your own son, dragon! Now that I'm back you can't possibly-"
"Natsu Dragneel is my son and direct heir, it was never you. Your own creator couldn't stand the very existence of you any longer." The demon heard Igneel mocking him and his control slipped.
His crimson eyes weakened as they returned to the normal onyx, single red-dot hue. Seeing the former king in his vision, he glared.
"NO!" They shouted defiantly and receded back to where they originated from. Natsu, having reemerged from his dormant state after seeing the sight of his deceased foster-father, smiled at the familiar dragon.
"Dad?"
He waited for him to speak, ignoring the sudden warning shouts from the phantom. He was already plummeting towards the earth before he even realized it. Natsu hollered in surprise, completely confused to what was happening, but knowing that they were now in trouble.
"Happy!" He shouted while trying to get a grip and recall his location.
Use your flames and change your angle to that of a bird!
As Natsu heeded the advice and summoned orange fire, his unnoticed wings retracted into his back and the curved horns subsided into small spikes within his pink hair. Unsure of what was going on, he screamed out in pain as it felt like he was being torn apart.
Focus!
He grit his teeth, and like a torpedo, fell from the sky long enough until he spotted the ground. Once he had his sights set on land, Natsu's flames slowed his momentum and he landed gracefully on the dismantled terrain. He scanned the area and absentmindedly ignored the defeated cultists around him.
What exactly did you do?
Pulverized that war god like I told you I would.
Furry paws impatiently slapped her cheeks.
"Come on, Lucy! I think the battle is over." Happy insisted as she opened her eyes and perceived they had been forcefully put to sleep. Following the blue exceed, Gray roused Wendy and Carla.
Heavy breathing alerted them to Alok's presence as the High Priest had also recently regained consciousness, although his slumber was from a brutal beatdown, not a vile spell.
"I-Impossible!" He stuttered. "How could this have happened? A god destroyed by a single mage?" Just as he finished that spoken thought, the commonly feared scarlet-haired woman entered and steadfastly approached him.
"It is over, Avatar." She stated and in a flash one of her steel blades was pointed directly at the cult leader's throat. "Surrender now and face the repercussions of your actions."
Alok laughed madly as if he found her threats humorous. "You may have won today Fairy Tail, but this is not the last of me! This isn't the last of Avatar-"
Before he could even finish that bold declaration, an armored fist crashed into the back of his head. The High Priest became even more dazed than he was prior to being assaulted.
"Shut up already." That raspy remark seemed to have come out of nowhere, because it practically did.
Erza and the rest of her former guildmates fell into silence as a massive force from the Magic Council stormed through Malba and into the battlefield.
"Arrest all of these scumbags!" Gajeel ordered as Pantherlily eliminated D-6 in one quick swoop while the rest of their division easily cornered the cowering cult members.
"LuLu!" Another voice shouted out, this one much more feminine and higher pitched, as another bluenette made themselves known on the scene. Dressed in a similar outfit to her two partners, her newest job position had been confirmed. Lucy's best friend really was apart of the Council!
"Levy!" Lucy cheered in excitement as the two ran up to one another and hugged greedily. "I've missed you!"
With the former Fairy Tail wizards busy reuniting with one another and making up for lost time, none of them saw the miniature pink frog costume until it was greeting them energetically. Under the peculiar clothing was another cat... but this one was not from their former guild.
"Frosch?" Gray asked in surprise at seeing the Sabertooth exceed. "What are you doing all the way out here, buddy? Is everything okay back home?" He asked in concern. The gathered friends quieted down after noticing the tension.
Lucy gasped as she remembered the ominous warning Natsu had told her before they infiltrated Avatar's base.
Gray was destined to kill Frosch... and that was the moment the shadow used to corrupt Rogue in the future timeline.
Her eyes widened once it dawned on her that her best friend had not been seen since disappearing during the battle to face off against Alok. If the cult leader was defeated... where was Natsu?
By this point Gajeel, Levy, and Pantherlily had finished rounding up their newest prisoners, those being any member associated with Avatar, excluding Gray.
"I'm sure you were able to tell we were able to successfully bring down Avatar's Purification Plan." Erza explained to the three Council generals. "Though I can't take the credit."
"I know who to thank." Gajeel responded as his thoughts went back to their entrance into Mikage Forest. Once they had found the base of operations for Avatar, not only had they been freely given a cult prisoner, but also the location of where the Purification Plan was scheduled to occur engraved into a block of ice.
"We never would of been able to find this place without your help Gray, so thank you." Pantherlily praised the black-haired ice wizard who simply lowered his head in acknowledgement.
"No problem, but I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused you guys."
"These are your friends?" Briar asked as she was led past him in a single file line, Jerome trailing closely.
"Yeah. These are my friends." He nodded along and waved goodbye. "So long."
While Gray chuckled at Jerome's fading glare and Briar's depressed expression, two more mages made it down the cliff and greeted them.
"Only you guys would decimate an entire army and a monster without even breaking a sweat." Sting smirked.
"Congrats on your win... NOW GIVE ME BACK FROSCH!" Rogue rampaged as if he were a parent worried about their child.
"Sorry about that!" Gray readily agreed with the unsettled dragon slayer and handed the exceed over to him. "There's no reason to get upset."
A very relieved Rogue clutched Frosch tightly against his chest as the cat was clearly confused. "I think so too!"
Unbeknownst to anyone else, Lucy felt Natsu's return and made an unnoticed exit. She strode away to the other side of the cliff and gasped. With clothes slightly tattered and a few new bruises here and there, overall her fire dragon had come out relatively unscathed.
Lucy caught Natsu's eye, wanting him to know that he had prevented Frosch's death. But the man seemed to already know and gave her a cheerful smile in response, nodding slightly in understanding. He walked over to the cliff edge overlooking the city and stood next to her. With all types of emotions, he lifted his head up and looked into the sky.
The red-dotted black eyes looked for a sign of Igneel, any sign, but as he lowered his line of sight in disappointment, he instead was surprised to find something else. It wasn't his foster-father that captured his attention, but rather the gleaming smile of a blonde-haired girl.
Warmth fell around him and a ghostly presence soothed his former anxiety. Natsu knew who was surrounding him and, for just a flicker of a moment, he was fully at peace. He enjoyed witnessing the avenged life of his future friend and closed his eyes thinking back to the promise he made to her. A promise to a beautiful and intellectual wizard whose fate had been stolen from her prematurely. A promise he forever intended to keep.
Please... protect the future.
"You know I always will, Luce." Natsu whispered and reopened his eyes at the same time soft lips pecked him on the side of his cheek.
"Thank you." Lucy stated from afar, having backed away with flushed cheeks of her own after the bold decision. She watched his reaction anxiously as he opened his mouth to reply, before his thoughts derailed and his mind shut down. Butterflies flew around rapidly in her chest, but it was all worth it once she noticed the increasingly flustered state of her best friend.
When they returned to Magnolia the next day, Lucy was left crestfallen. Not a single person she sent letters to had come back. In their defense, it was rather surprising since the guild had been disbanded for so long. Now Fairy Tail was suddenly restarting itself? It didn't help that the timing came with such short notice. She looked around and gaged her friends' expressions.
Natsu stood perplexed, as if he was unsure what to think in that moment. A tingle went down her spine and she wondered if her kiss was the leading factor. That idea caused her to blush and she quickly glanced in an opposite direction. Erza, Wendy, and Gray were the easiest ones to read as it was pretty clear they had a vague feeling something like this might happen. Levy sported a sad smile and nodded understandingly at Lucy, mouthing silently that they shouldn't give up hope. Gajeel was the strangest reaction as he threw a tantrum.
"What the hell? We gave up our jobs that paid a solid amount of jewels just to come back and the rest didn't even bother to show up?" His attention fell to Lucy who he gave a slight glare. "Bunny girl, where are they at? You better of not wasted our time and my career!"
"I don't know, Gajeel."
"Now, now, we've done our best up to this point." Erza broke in and intervened the mini interrogation before it got out of hand while Levy calmed down the iron dragon slayer. "We'll just have to give it a few more days and see what happens then. I'm sure they're on their way."
"Yeah, we all were on our own different adventures this year man. In no way is this Lucy's fault. If anything it should be Flamebrain's." Gray added amusingly and was then suffocated in a hug by the affectionate blue-haired girl directly next to him.
"You're so sweet!" She praised.
"G-Get off me..."
"Aye! When they do, we'll all be a big family again." Happy used his signature catchphrase and beliefs to lighten the mood. He squirmed from his imprisonment, although he would never call it that, as Wendy set him down on the ground. He ran over to his pal who was staring off into space. "What's on your mind?"
"Just... thinking." Natsu replied and couldn't resist the smirk that followed at his best friend's antics.
"Oh, no! Not again Natsu! Now you're really gonna hurt yourself this time!" Happy joked and subsequently avoided the flame attack that had been purposely sent off target anyways.
They had all caught up on each other stories and were amazed at how much every single one of their group had grown. It was remarkable how well they had adapted to a unforeseen closure of their home, and specifically in such a quick manner. Levy and Gajeel had explained a few of their missions they led for the Magic Council and Gray merely chuckled after finding out how disappointed Gajeel was that he wasn't be able to arrest him for being in Avatar.
"You got lucky frostbite!" He threatened unhesitatingly.
"Na, you know I carried you." Gray fired back as they started a classic brawl. Immediately, Lucy's mind went to Natsu and counted the seconds it would take before he would become involved... only he never did.
It's been a while since something like that happened and he turned it down?
Erza followed suit in that line of thinking as she began her own interrogation. "Normally I would be rather pleased you aren't goofing off with those hooligans, but you're Natsu. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM?"
That escalated rather fast and before the pinkette knew it, a steel blade was at his throat. Unbeknownst to them, he had been busy tuning his magic which helped conceal his unusual new features under some type of invisibility spell.
"Erza, wait! That's really Natsu! Release him!" Lucy chastised and the redhead followed those orders.
"S-Sorry, I'm just so used to your actions that-" Her embarrassed apology was cut off mid sentence.
"It's alright." Natsu shrugged. "I've been acting a little different since the end of the war anyways."
Instead of onyx eyes that once were full of pain an entire year ago, when Makarov disbanded the guild, Erza found herself peering into acceptance. The dragon slayer was maturing. Of course, this made her internally clap excitedly. An idea arose, but before it could be voiced, Natsu had moved away.
No longer having a sword threatening him, not like one of that nature could anyways he was sure his other half would proudly state, he found himself standing in front his best friend. The same best friend that had just caught him by surprise the day before. He had seen... other people do that before and wondered what exactly it meant. One of those 'other people' he had seen do it before was Alzack and Bisca. That played a major role in his current dilemma as he tried figuring out what Lucy was trying to say in that moment. Every time he tried reaching out to her about it she always turned away making it seem she wanted nothing to do with him.
Obviously, Natsu knew that couldn't be the case, and the stubborn dragon inside him was not going to lose this type of fight. It was important.
"Can we talk?" He whispered and his boisterous voice somehow came across as light as a feather.
"N-Now?" She meekly answered and was thrilled to see his smile and nod. "Not here."
Using the distraction of the brawl, Levy's futile attempts to stop it, and Erza's mental scolding to herself, they had begun to slip away out of sight. Well, they almost were home free. Unfortunately, Natsu was not the only dragon slayer with enhanced senses. Wendy's own led to her seeing them disappear in her peripheral vision and before they had gotten far she called out to them.
"Do you mind if I come with you?"
Her innocence felt like a love potion as both the mages stopped their advancements and slowly faced her. With a beckon of his hand, the bluenette imagined herself glowing as she joined her two closest friends on wherever it was they planned to go.
"Going somewhere?" A sword flew over their heads and stopped them in their tracks. That was rather alarming and it even brought out Natsu's other half in curiosity.
What is it with this woman and brandishing swords like their quills?
That's Erza for you.
"We were just going to grab something to eat." Lucy answered hoping it would satisfy her. Fortunately it did, but not in the way she intended.
"Wonderful! I read earlier that a new bakery had opened up in Crocus and wanted to go try it. Since I don't see us competing in the Games anytime soon and it'll be at least a few more days until any of them arrive, this feels like a splendid opportunity to go! One that is just too good to pass up!" She cheered with stars in her eyes. "Don't you agree?"
Before the other three knew it, they were off in a wagon to the Flower Blooming Capital. All for some strawberry cake. Natsu glared at her every chance he got whenever she had her back turned to him. How he managed to get roped into this trip he wasn't entirely sure, and now that he had to deal with his motion sickness, he was rightfully peeved. The one pleasant fact he found out is that he could still hold a conversation with his other half despite trying to not puke his guts out.
Now how am I supposed to talk to Lucy about this?
Being open and honest with her when you get the chance might do the trick.
That's real funny coming from you, Mr. Secret.
If I recall correctly you also have been keeping secrets from Lucy. Such as, oh yeah, my very existence. So, I think it's kind of fitting.
How is that in any way fitting?
Like I told you plenty of times already, I am you and you are me. In that case we both could be classified as Mr. Secret.
Gah! You are impossible!
Thank you. I aim to please.
The mocking from his newest 'friend' irritated him further, but he was brought out from his thoughts by the blue-haired girl leaning against his shoulder. She twitched periodically as her eyes glazed over. Wendy's groan from discomfort made everyone's own grow wide. It seemed the youngest slayer had at long last taken after her peers.
Poor Wendy.
You slayers are truly pathetic. You can fire off dragon designed spells like no tomorrow, but all of a sudden a little shaky movement and you're brought to your knees. Remind me when I ingeniously plot my takeover of the world to just put all those who oppose me on a conveyor belt.
Oh, shut up!
The cackling that followed made him slam his head against the side of the wagon as he unceremoniously fell into a blushing Lucy's lap.
Reaching Crocus was actually the hardest part, at least for the two dragon slayers, as once Erza entered the bakery she completely forgot of the visitors she had ordered to tag along with her. In no time at all, Natsu, Lucy, and Wendy had escaped the gauntlet known as Erza Scarlet and were happily walking alongside one another.
Wendy, having spotted something in an adjacent store, slowed her momentum as the the two best friends bumped shoulders accidentally.
"Whoops, sorry!" He apologized for the unintentional contact.
"No, that was my fault. I hadn't realized Wendy slowed her pace." Lucy countered as her smile continued to soak up the sun's rays. Without her knowing it, her friend was becoming more and more charmed as his onyx eyes reflected back into hers. The tiny gap of space between them only narrowed further and they both unconsciously leaned in.
"Hey Natsu, check this out-" Wendy brought their attention back to her before the little girl squeaked and covered her mouth, holding the necklace in her hands. "I'm sorry you two were having a moment!"
He waited for her inevitable denial about it, but this time Lucy remained silent. Her head tilted itself down and she focused her attention solely on her boots. The Celestial wizard remarked on how they both had come a long way from the original personalities they once proudly displayed.
Each of us have faced tragedy and found solace within the other.
Her nerves were a mess as she attempted to find the wording she was looking for. The blonde knew she wanted to go further with her friend, but she was unsure exactly how to bring it up. Lucy was unsure of his feelings toward her, and the last thing she wanted to do was push him in a direction that he may not want to go in the first place. She had tested the waters back in Malba, but everything after that was completely uncharted.
"Wendy, do you mind giving us some time to ourselves?" She heard him whisper to the younger slayer and her eyes widened.
The girl sparkled in delight as she eagerly nodded in understanding and skipped off back to the bakery, presumably to keep Erza busy once she broke free from her cake loving daydreams. Now alone with the person he wanted, and needed, to be with... he dragged her down a pathway. An unmoving overpass appeared and it was here that he decided the area was the perfect destination for just the two of them. The channel continued flowing steadily below and Natsu leaned against the bridge railing, a grin slowly widening.
What is he smiling about?
Lucy was fascinated after he suddenly outstretched his right hand and a small stone flew into his palm. Conscious of her eyes on him, he released the rock back to where it came from and sent ripples throughout the water from the impact.
"Something on your mind, Luce?" His approach was calm and gentle. He had an idea on what was troubling her, but thought it might be better if she revealed it to him willingly instead of forcing it out of her. The blonde went to brush him off, but steeled herself.
No, I won't run from this any longer!
"Yeah, I have plenty of things going on up here." She joked and tapped the side of her head.
"Like, what?"
"Whether or not our friends will return once they get the letters is one."
"And what else?" He spoke intriguingly.
"Where Master Makarov went. He's completely disappeared and Levy said that her quests to find any information surrounding him came up empty. Oh, and how Erza will react and handle the guild once she finds out that Levy has put her down as the seventh Guildmaster."
He hummed in agreement with her worries, but could tell she wasn't finished and continued to allow her to have the floor.
"But most of all, you... and me. Where do you see us at?"
That seemed to be what he was searching for and he tried hiding his enthusiasm with a neutral tone. "What do you mean?"
"What I'm asking is... how do you feel about me, Natsu?"
"How do I feel about you?" He repeated for clarification. She watched attentively as the gears in his brain worked their magic. His red-dotted eye glowed momentarily before dimming itself.
She found that strange, but intriguing, and placed it on the bookshelf that were her thoughts to ponder about it later. Lucy mused that if her own mind were a bookshelf than Levy's must be an entire library.
"You're my best friend. You've always been loyal to me and helped me even when I tried to lock myself away from the rest of the world. But something tells me that isn't what you meant. Am I right?"
"Yes, Natsu. What I'm trying to say is... are there any... lingering feelings you hold that involve me?"
He internally cursed himself for being uncertain about trivial things like these. Well, it was obviously important to Lucy and here he was gaping like a fish. It was crystal clear the beautiful woman standing in front of him harbored something for him. They held a connection that always was unwilling to be broke. He steered his sight away from her adorable chocolate spheres and leaned his arms back over the railing.
Be honest.
"I... I don't know." He admitted with a frustrated sigh as he gazed at the transparent water below. It was like being at the fountain again. Even with no words spoken he knew he had stirred her emotions - all for the wrong reasons. "I want to be honest with you Luce... but I just can't. Not because nothing is there, I just never have experienced this before and don't know what exactly it is that I feel."
"Elaborate." That was a term he had never heard of before, but by her expression, it must of meant she wanted him to continue speaking his thoughts further.
"My bond with you... it isn't like what I shared with Lisanna all those years ago." The slayer opened up his heart just a smidge. "She made me feel happy sure, but you Luce, whenever I'm with you... I feel alive."
There was more Natsu wanted to add to assist in the explanation, but his head was aching from the strain he put himself through. He knew she would be frustrated by his somewhat vague response, however instead a determined grin sat present across her lips as her eyes twinkled. He couldn't make out his feelings for her in that very instance, but she didn't need him to. What she needed though was help. For both of them.
"Let's go visit Hisui!"
After notifying Wendy that they were off to visit the Palace, Natsu and Lucy stood waiting at the gates. A few soldiers had hurried off to fetch Arcadios and to alert the Crown Princess. While Lucy pondered whether Hisui would be able to make time for them, Natsu thoroughly enjoyed intimidating a few guards who had mocked him on his most recent visit.
Who's the one laughing now?
Of all people, why am I not surprised that it's you that could let insignificant castle guards get to your head so easily.
Not this again...
With a sudden command from above, the gates separated as they were allowed passage through. Led to the main doors by a small group of royal soldiers, Arcadios pushed it open and beckoned them inside.
"Please come in. Your efforts have already reached His Majesty from the Council. They are very pleased that you were able to take down as strong of a dark guild as Avatar was considered."
Natsu lightly scoffed and they both entered into the Palace. "It wasn't just us. We had help from our friends obviously."
"That makes more sense. The number of members they rallied was believed to be in the thousands." The armored Knight theorized.
"Oh! Our old team is back together and Erza is going to be leading us for the time being too. Well, until we find Gramps that is." He added in afterthought.
"Congratulations."
"From what Levy told me, she believed the final estimate was just over two thousand. Unfortunately around two hundred of those lives were lost by the end of it all." Lucy passed along some vital information that she had learned.
"A terrible tragedy." Arcadios shook his head to the side. "One must know the consequences of their actions when going into battle."
"That wasn't a battle." Natsu shook his head to the side, feeling disgusted by the events he had seen transpire. "It was a manipulative massacre. That bastard in control used humans as bait... I saw him kill one of his own!"
Both Lucy and Arcadios were horrified to hear about such betrayal. For the blonde, it made entire sense now why her friend had gotten so furious right before she and the others had been put to sleep by the war god's spell. Before more frustration could leak out of the dragon slayer, the sight of the Fiore's Princess bottled any remaining anger up. Seeing her close friend and fellow Celestial mage much brighter then the last time she had spoken to her, Hisui embraced Lucy in a friendly manner. Rapid fire questions ensued going back and forth between the pair. Analyzing both men deliberately, they giggled before they announced that they would be having a talk with one another in private.
Natsu watched the two attractive women depart, leaving him alone with the Princess' sworn protector. Catching a glimpse of Arcadios' sword hilt that was attached to the side of his waist, he remembered something that had recently been on his mind.
"Arcadios, I wanted to personally ask you something."
"What is it?"
"Remember how I told you earlier that Erza plans to run things until we get Gramps back?"
"Yes, I recall you mentioning that Miss Scarlet would be acting as the guild master until Makarov's location is found." He nodded along, curious as to where this discussion was leading.
"Awesome. Ok so, during the battle with Avatar, something happened to Lucy."
Arcadios knew how much the Celestial wizard meant to the Crown Princess and so immediately became concerned. "What happened? Are either of them in any danger?"
"It's nothing bad." Natsu revealed after seeing the worry that had set in the Knight's eyes. "Back during our invasion of Tartaros, I found a key that I thought she could use."
"I assume this key failed to do as you hoped it would?"
"No... not exactly. It actually worked out way better then I thought it would. It even surprised me when it turned into a physical weapon. Lucy said that she went up against Avatar's own dueler and once she did so the dagger transformed into an actual sword."
"Remarkable." Arcadios stated. "Why is it you are telling me this though?"
"Well you see... it looks like Erza will be plenty busy getting our guild back into action, so... I know you're a pretty good swordsman yourself."
"Fiore has to have its army be elite. In order to protect His Majesty and the Princess."
"Yeah, I completely understand that. What I was trying to say is - it wouldn't be to difficult to possibly train Lucy, would it?"
Arcadios was stunned once the question reached the surface. It was now understandable why he gotten so serious at the start too. The blonde obviously was special to him and the Knight deduced that was the main reason the dragon slayer decided it was necessary to find the second best qualified teacher. To improve her skills in something that he was unfamiliar with.
"I will need to check with Hisui first, to make sure it's okay since I am the instructor for her saber lessons, but I gladly accept your proposal in training Miss Heartfilia."
Natsu's smile was the biggest he had seen it so far today. "Yes! Thanks Arcadios and don't you worry. Lucy will be thrilled!"
"Mind you, the Princess will have to agree-" But the dragon slayer was already out of earshot and long gone.
It was evening as dinner was in the process of being served. Once the two women's discussion ended, Hisui readily invited both Fairy Tail mages to join them later for dining that night. Natsu's stomach rumbled immediately after her invitation and all three of them lost themselves in laughter. Alas, their was little amusement while they actually ate as King Toma excused himself.
Lucy was confused by his actions, but decided on keeping her concerns to herself. Natsu, on the other hand, had no problems voicing his opinions.
"What's got your old man so agitated?"
Hisui eyed him a little reluctantly before conceding the truth. "Father is just on edge because some negotiations fell through with a bordering nation. They've sort of had a rocky past with Ishgar and the Council is worried about rising tensions between our two continents. A large hearing took place yesterday between many representatives on both sides."
"Who is this other nation?" Lucy asked while setting her fork down.
"They're a country located in the western part of Alakitasia." Arcadios answered and Natsu felt something stir inside him.
"Alakitasia?" She dwelled on the name. It was foreign to her, pun intended of course.
"Alakitasia is the continent they are stationed in. The country itself that the Council is feeling nervous about is actually considered an empire." Natsu smelled smoke and realized the fork he had clumsily held was slowly melting. He quickly covered up the burnt fraction with his fingers before any of them could notice.
"An empire?" Lucy tilted her head inquisitively. "I thought those had been universally agreed to be forbidden?"
"They were." Hisui acknowledged. "Until somehow one man supposedly turned an entire nation under his own command. The Council has received word that an army has been built over the past decade and it easily exceeds any current force we have here in Ishgar."
"What?! That can't be possible! What about the Four Gods of Ishgar?" The blonde questioned incredulously.
Hisui nodded once as she sported a look of fear.
"Princess." Arcadios spoke out in a low warning.
"I know, I know..." The green-haired woman waved him off. "I'm afraid I can't say anymore about the matter, Lucy."
"Can you at least tell us the country's name?" Natsu added his two cents.
"Alvarez." She whispered. "They go by the Alvarez Empire."
His heartbeat escalated and before he knew it he was hyperventilating.
W-What's happening?
"Natsu?" Lucy called out in concern. "You're shaking."
Without replying, he hurriedly stood up, leaving his plate of food unfinished for the first time ever, and walked out into the corresponding corridor. Straight away Lucy and Hisui pursued him and found the dragon slayer unconscious leaned up against the wall.
His eyes snapped open and he awoke in a very unfamiliar setting. The ceiling was a dark red and he lifted himself up to have a better view of his surroundings. Sitting in a swivel chair, a differently dressed royal figure smiled at him.
"You gave us quite a scare." Hisui mentioned as her eyes darted over to her balcony.
"Sorry about that."
"There's no need to apologize. I'm just glad you're alright." She expressed kindly.
"Where's Luce?" He asked and saw her point over to the opening that extended from her bedroom. It hadn't registered yet that he had awoken in another female's room, let alone a Princess' chamber!
"She was really terrified when we found you in your sudden state. Told me she just wanted to be alone for a little while... but I think she could use some company, Natsu."
He mumbled an appreciative thanks and slid out from under the covers, he had been in her own bed for heaven's sake, completely missing the triumphant grin that had formed on her face. Pushing past the draped curtains, he walked out onto the cold wooden surface and froze. Nightfall had long past as the moon was directly in the center of the sky. A new day was upon them and the stars shined bright... landing squarely on a lone figure peering outwards.
Approaching in a gingerly manner, Natsu waited for her to turn around once she noticed he was there. Before he had even reached her though she sensed his presence.
"Natsu? Thank goodness you're okay! You had me worried sick you dolt!"
The last thing he had been expecting was to be insulted.
Ouch.
He forced a smile and stood next to her, looking down into the darkness. He could barely make out the various forms of plants underneath them.
"You can be so hardheaded sometimes, you know that?"
Double ouch.
What happened to me back there?
My emotions spiraled out of control. Apologies in advance for anything I may of caused.
It's fine. Just give me a warning next time. I honestly thought I was dying.
I wouldn't let that happen anyways.
"Would you please tell me what happened back there?" She gazed at him with a slight pout.
"I think I had some panic attack or something." He once more altered the truth. "Probably had something to do with whatever Igneel did to me when he gave me his blessing." Lucy's pout disappeared, but she looked even more disappointed than before.
"Yeah..."
"I'm sorry, Lucy. I've been stupidly distancing myself out of fear about Rogue and his future self's prophecy." He felt her hand grasp his as she squeezed.
"It's okay. It means the world to me that you care so much my future... but you don't have to worry anymore. The prophecy was rewritten. You changed it, Natsu... never forget that."
He hated feeling so emotional recently, but he guessed it had to do with having his magic influenced. He was the last remaining fire dragon... and dragons always had a treasure to protect. Instead of a golden cup or secret source to finding eternity, his treasure was this intelligent woman who had a heart of gold. It was time for just the two of them, maybe Happy and Wendy if they were interested, to seek out on a new journey. This one revolving around his best friend's favorite Spirit that had been temporarily sacrificed.
"After this is all over..." Natsu began as he waved his arm out to the garden below. "You know, after Zeref and Acnologia are defeated for good."
She had leaned closer against him and allowed him to fully support her now. "You know what I think when it comes to you going after him, Natsu. Please... stay."
His voice stalled at the delicacy in her voice as they enjoyed each other's closeness.
"Once they're gone I think you and I should go on a new adventure." Natsu sensed her abrupt movement and hope he hadn't screwed up the wording. Lucy found herself staring directly into his red-dotted eye that shined from within the shadows. "We can go find Aquarius."
Words couldn't justify the joy she felt, only actions would. Acting on the feelings that had been locked away, she cupped his cheek and brought him closer, right to her lips. The connection was powerful and passionate as she pressed herself further against him. He was thankful for the railing being where it was otherwise they both would of definitely fallen off the suspended structure. Lucy's future had been saved and together they would rewrite what fate had written.
His other half watched fondly, pleased to see them finally advance on with their affections, but slightly dismayed it wasn't the slayer who had taken the initiative.
Leave it to Lucy to bring out the best in us.
He tuned out the spectacle as his thoughts became increasingly darker.
That demon slayer is becoming more of a threat and Alvarez has built up their army even further. If what that green-haired girl revealed is true... this won't be a walk in the park like I originally assumed. The stakes are much higher now and this could all backfire before the opportunity arises to strike down Acnologia or banish Zeref.
Preoccupied with other affairs, Natsu completely missed the wave of death that traveled through his veins or the sinister desires threatening to break free. On this night, during one of the happiest moments of his life, he had zero clue of the impending horrors that awaited. The greatest enemy of Fairy Tail would be neither the Black Wizard nor the Black Dragon.
The one that will reap destruction... is ourself.
With his arms wrapped around the waist of the woman he cherished the most, Natsu Dragneel was oblivious to the rest of the world around him. The passionate kiss ended when the need for air arose and after breaking away, gazed into the other's hopeful eyes. Oblivious to the truth that had been hidden from him. Her cheeks flamed up, after becoming conscious of how bold she had just been in, but his gleaming smile left her with no regrets. Oblivious to the orders he had been created for to fulfill.
The rejuvenated dragon slayer was overshadowed by the monster that cunningly loomed in the distance. A single thought ran through his mind and it had nothing to do with life or death. He was purely focused on the blonde-haired beauty who accompanied him... and the extraordinary feat they had accomplished.
I just kissed Lucy!
A/N: Wow. I mean, wow! This chapter had basically everything you could imagine. A total beatdown, friendly reunions, foreshadowed calamity, and romance! I was very pleased with this chapter overall and finally (at long last!) can focus on moving Dragon Rage in the direction I've been planning it to go in.
Natsu and Lucy! Woohoo they finally have made it here. I hope this doesn't seem "sudden" or anything, I've been hinting since the opening scene of DR what was to come. There will be a lot more explained next chapter, but action is just the started they needed!
E.N.D! I am having so much fun writing with this character. At this point it should be pretty obvious who E.N.D is, but in case you still don't know, it will be revealed in the next update. One area I've really enjoyed working with Zeref's strongest demon is that I am making a completely new identity for this being. A lot of stories I have read, they are a bloodthirsty malicious force (which is totally fair, and I've stayed true to that in different glimpses), but I think potential is here for so much more. A major twist was leaked somewhere in this chapter, you could view it as an Easter Egg or sneak peek. To those who realize what it is or what it hints toward, get ready!
I won't spoil anything, but I'm sure diehard FT fans or my very observant readers noticed a few changes that have already been implemented. This next chapter's name is quite literally tyranny. See you in the next one!
Up Next: Chapter 12 - Emperor Spriggan
