The battle with Tartaros and Acnologia was over. The dark guild of demons have been destroyed and the Black Dragon of Chaos had fled when the result of the battle was not at his favor.
Right now, Fairy Tail is triumphant in their victory but they are currently in a bit of a tense situation because of the fact that they have five large dragons at the backyard of their guild.
"t-to think that there come another day for us to see dragons…" Makarov spoke out as he and his guild looks upon Igneel and the other dragons who stand before them.
"Grandeeney! Grandeeney!" Wendy cries as she hugs her Dragon mother by the snout.
"Wendy, it's alright. I'm right here." Grandeeney consoles her daughter with a smile.
At another side there is Gajeel and Metalicana, both are just staring at each other
"you still have that nasty glare." The Iron Dragon spoke out to his son who has a large tick mark appearing on his head.
"that's what you say for the first time after so long!?" Gajeel shouted angrily.
While for the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth, their situation is a bit awkward a bit because the two are looking at their dragon parents who they had believed to have died by their own hands.
Lastly for Natsu who had returned to the guild with Ryujima as they got a ride with Igneel. Their situation is a bit jolly in a way because of how Haruka and Haruo are looking amazed to the Fire Dragon King.
"he's big~!" Haruka and Haruo squeals as the two just goes around and climb on Igneel. "Grandpa Igneel is big!"
"hahahaha! These two are alike with you when you were young, Natsu!" Igneel grins to the twins as he laughs to how they were going around on him.
"I guess so." Natsu nods with a small smile before he turns and smiles a bit more when Ikaruga came to his side while carrying Ikki in her arms, the little boy looking surprised and amazed at the dragons around him.
"welcome home." Ikaruga smiles to her husband as Natsu nods before both shares a quick kiss then turns to look at Ikki who is cooing while waving his little hands towards Igneel.
After some time of reunion between the Dragons and the Dragon Slayers, it was time for a serious matter to be brought up.
"just where you guys have been for this many years?" Gajeel asked first. "or rather, how you guys are all even here?"
"I remember killing you, Weisslogia." Sting stated, remembering how it was clear in his mind when he slayed his dragon father when he was young.
"same with me" Rogue added, the situation same with him.
"we didn't disappear nor did we die." Igneel stated as he begins his explanation. "all of us here were living inside of you Dragon Slayers ever since we disappeared on July 7th, X777. To be more accurate we used a secret technique that allowed us to lie dormant within your bodies."
"inside our bodies…" Gajeel spoke out before remembering the awful feeling that was arising in his chest during the battle with Tartaros. "must be from that time!"
"It was." Metalicana nodded. "we've awakened from our dormant slumbers when we sense the arrival of Acnologia. It was the time for our awakening to do our last task."
"but for what reason did you do such a thing?" Wendy asks all confused. "I mean, why did you seal yourself inside of us?"
"We did so for two reasons" Grandeeney replied while leaning her head down a bit. "the first was so you all would not turn into dragons as Acnologia did."
Her response got everyone besides a few to look in surprise.
"right…Zirconis-san once told us about that…" Wendy whispers, remembering the Jade Dragon's story about how Acnologia came to be.
"Hundreds of years ago during the Dragon Civil War, Acnologia was one of the first Dragon Slayers to ever exist. He initially fought for the side of coexistence between humans and dragons along with myself and the others, but soon he and his comrades became power-hungry." Igneel stated while telling the story of the past to the entire guild. "They then began ruthlessly killing dragons one after another. Soon Acnologia was corrupted by his own power and turned into the beast that threatens you today."
"A dragon civil war?" Rogue repeated.
"I had no idea." Sting said with surprise
"that is why we were inside you all." Igneel continues while crossing his arms on his chest. "we first entered into your bodies and become dormant to prevent you to become dragons, but when we left, we created defenses to prevent that from ever happening. Because that process is such a long one, we were unable to leave sooner. No matter how much we wanted to."
"then the other reason…" Natsu spoke out. "it was to fight against Acnologia, right?"
"indeed." Igneel nods. "we had planned to return once Acnologia revealed himself, to end the disaster that has plagued the world for almost 4 centuries."
"we first planned to defeat him together, but there was another threat that was creating havoc to your land." Grandeeney stated.
"Face.." Wendy whispers.
"we four released ourselves from inside your bodies and left to destroy Face with the assistance of Lingyue's Celestial Guardian Spirits." Metalicana stated. "we were lucky that we managed to destroy them all in time."
"so you guys were the reason why there was no more Face left standing.." Lucy spoke out while remembering a time when she and the others were retreating from Tartaros, the blonde checked on Face to make sure that it was deactivated, but she also found out that each one of the Magic Erasing bomb were all destroyed for some reason. "you guys destroyed Face to ensure that they can't ever be used again, right?"
The Dragons nodded to her as things were getting clear on how the day was saved.
"thanks to you all, our land has peace once again…" Makarov spoke with a smile as he soon bows his head. "we have no words to describe how thankful we are for your actions, o mighty dragons. Truly..thank you."
Everyone soon bowed their heads as they thanked Igneel and the other dragons for their actions in preventing a future without magic.
"it was only in your bravery and kindness was this chaos could've been averted." Igneel stated with a grin. "you stood up against the chaos that was coming. The gratitude is to you all."
"but I suppose that most of the gratitude is to Igneel, his son, and Lingyue's Celestial Spirits." Grandeeney chimed in as she and the other dragons look at the Fire Dragon King and then to his son. "it was only in their efforts and their might was Acnologia turned away."
"That is true." Metalicanna nods.
"the human who faced the chaos of the Black Dragon with nothing but his bravery and might." Weisslogia stated while Skiadrum nods.
"that is all great and nice, but we still have some questions." Sting stated with a hand raised. "I mean, I remember killing you, Weisslogia."
"So did I." Rogue nods as he looks at the Shadow Dragon; Skiadrum. "I watched you die with my own eyes."
Weisslogia merely smirked knowingly and tapped his claw against the side of his head
"We dragons have the ability to change human's memories however we see fit." Weisslogia replied in explanation. "we wanted to give you the memory as well the experience of killing a dragon since you are dragon slayers."
"we did so for you to gain Dragon Force." Skiadrum added in before looking at Igneel. "although this idea was heavily rejected by Igneel."
"Though that is not to say that we are actually alive…" Grandeeney whispers while frowning a bit.
"What do you mean, Grandeeney?" Wendy asks her mother.
"all five us…we are dead." Grandeeney revealed.
"What?!" Wendy gasps while looking in shock.
"Long ago Acnologia used a dragon slayer spell that expelled our souls from our bodies." Igneel stated while raising a claw to his chest. "That is another reason we laid dormant inside you, not just to prevent you from becoming dragons like Acnologia, but to extend our own lives as well."
"But now that we have left your bodies we cannot return" Grandeeney added in while closing her eyes. "we will soon fade away from this world." She opens her eyes and smiles a bit sadly to Wendy. "I hope you understand why we could not reveal ourselves sooner. We had to wait for the right moment to strike."
"But Grandeeney!" Wendy cries in tears as she runs and hugs her dragon mother's right leg. "I just found you! It's not fair! I don't want you to leave me again!"
"Wendy…" Grandeeney frowns as she too is saddened.
The other Dragon Slayers have the same thought as they had always wished to be with their Dragon parent but after knowing that they would disappear after their reunion; it was just heartbreaking.
"is Grandpa Igneel going to leave?" Haruka asks with a sad frown. "it isn't fair at all!"
"we just met him!" Haruo added in. "there's got to be a way for them to stay! There's got to be!"
The twins whined sadly as they felt sad to just depart with their dragon grandfather who they finally met for the first time in their lives.
"enough." Natsu stated as he place his hands on the top of his twin's head. "we cannot complain what is set in stone. We can only embrace it and move on." He smiles to the two. "I'm saddened as you two are, but that isn't something I should be doing now." He turns and grins a bit to Igneel. "right…dad?"
"yeah." Igneel nods with a grin. "we are sorry for leaving you all once again, but that is fate."
the morning sun started to rise from the far horizon while the Dragon's bodies started to glow in golden sparkles.
"We have much to tell you, but our time has come." Grandeeney spoke out as she nuzzles her snout close to Wendy. "it is time for us to depart."
"No!" Wendy refused. "Please don't leave me again, Grandeeney!" as she cries and complains that she didn't want her mother to leave, Gajeel came and place his hand on her head.
"We have to be strong. We can't send them off with sad looks on our faces." Gajeel stated as he ruffles her hair a bit. "right?"
Wendy looks at Gajeel with some tears in her eyes as she thought about it for a moment and nods.
"I will always watch over you, Wendy." Grandeeney spoke out as she nuzzles close to Wendy one more time. "always."
"okay!" Wendy cries as she hugs her mother one last time. "okay!"
Afterwards the Dragons spreads their wings and slowly begin to ascend to the sky where a golden light shines down upon them.
"Though there will be many more dangers that lies ahead of you, I know you'll make it through all of them just fine." Weisslogia spoke out while nodding. "There is no need for you to worry."
"There was once a time when humans and dragons were enemies!" Igneel spoke out "We fought and we hated one another viscously, but that is in the distant past!" he looks down at everyone below "Now, both your kind and mine have come together in friendship! The world is reaching the end of the age of dragons, soon the world will be left in the hands of you humans!"
The dragons soared higher into the sky, their bodies shining with the golden light.
"Four hundred years ago our two races formed a compact: The Magna Carta! Because of it, we will watch over you all forevermore!"
A tower of light rose from the ground and the dragons began fading away.
"Grandeeney!" Wendy cried out.
"I love you, Wendy!" The sky dragon smiled before disappearing.
"you still have that Nasty Glare." Metalicana said as he disappears.
"Are those really your last words?!" Gajeel yelled angrily before he grins and a tear falls from his right eye. "Dammit…"
"Thank you, Weisslogia." Sting spoke out with a smile
"Skiadrum." Rogue added.
The White Dragon and Shadow Dragon smiles to their son as they too disappeared into the light.
"The rest is up to you, Natsu." Igneel spoke with a smile while slowly disappearing. "I know you can overcome what fate has made for your future. I know it."
"yeah, I know." Natsu nods with a smile. "thanks for everything, dad."
Igneel nods before he fully disappears into the light that shines and could be seen by many in Magnolia; all captivated by it.
Everyone watch the light as it disappears with the rising morning sun far off the horizon.
Natsu looks at the sky for a moment before he looks down with his eyes closed.
"thank you for being my father, Igneel." Natsu whispers as he smiles a bit before he opens his eyes and looks at Ikaruga, his kids, and then all his friends. "everyone!"
Everyone turns to Natsu when he called out to them, the man merely raises his right arm up high as they all look confused for a moment before they all smiled, grin, and snickers then they did the same action as he did.
"VICTORY TO ALL!" Natsu roared out as everyone cheered in unison.
One week later.
Things in Magnolia has become peaceful once again as the threat of Tartaros and Acnologia has passed.
At Fairy Hills, Lucy is in her room as she is in the middle of writing a letter to her parents. A habit that she still does no matter how many years have passed. She sat by her study table while being in the accompany of her White Doggy Silver Spirit; Plue who is just eating a lollipop by his master's side.
"the battle is finally over and it was the most terrifying of them all. but thanks to Natsu and everyone's strengths. We managed to overcome it. although we had to make a good enough explanations for the people of Magnolia who saw the dragons, things are good in a way because of Laxus and the others got cured from the poisonous Anti-Ethernano Particles in their bodies, Minerva returned to her guild with Sting and Rogue, and lastly to how the Council is getting back up to its feet.."
Lucy then glances to the view outside from her window, the blonde immersing herself with the sight of her town that has been the same for many years. She sighs a bit with a smile before continuing to write her letter.
"there was a lot of rebuilding being done. But not at the guild, it was for the Council. It is going to be a harsh time for every mage guild in Fiore if there is no Council to organize things here and there. I've recently heard that there has been plans to rebuild it from scratch. There're rumors that the members of the Ten Wizard Saints are going to be the new Council, but I can't tell if that rumor is true or not."
The Blonde Celestial Spirit Mage stops for a moment and looks up while imagining the Council with the Ten Wizards governing it.
"that might be good…" Lucy whispers before frowning a bit when she thinks about the rules that the Council will implement under a new jurisdiction. "maybe…"
She recontinues her letter writing with a small smile.
"so much is still going to happen after everything that had happened. But I think most is going on for Natsu. He is by far the only person in the guild who had done so much to end the battle and bring the peace back."
Lucy soon frowns sadly as she remembers a few days ago back at the guild when Natsu revealed to everyone how his right arm is now a demonic arm that was the result of him overusing the power from Chitetsu as it made him nearly like the demons of Tartaros themselves. The blonde knowing that he is acting strong even with what is happening to his body as he is living a life of pain after his dragon father left the world.
'we made him do so much for us and yet we didn't do anything in return.' Lucy thought sadly before she continues writing her letter.
"Natsu has so much going in his life now, but I heard from Ikaruga-san that he is undergoing rehabilitation with Porlyusica-san and Ryujima-san who is helping him recovering from his reckless behavior. He's getting better over the passing days and that's something relieving for everyone to learn."
Lucy soon stops writing after hearing knockings from the door.
"it's open." Lucy called out as the door was opened and Levy came walking in. "ah, Levy-chan. What is it?"
"Lu-chan, Master called in everyone to come to the guild right now." Levy stated with a hand raised to the side. "he said that it's important and everyone needs to hear it."
"I see.." Lucy spoke out before nodding. "you go on ahead, I'll catch up in a minute."
"be sure to not be late." Levy replied before she walks out and closes the door.
Lucy then returns to her writing as she is going to be a bit more briefer to her letter.
"I think this is it for now, Mama, Papa. I got to go to the guild now. I'll tell you all more about after what Master plans to tell us at the guild. With love, Lucy."
Folding the letter and inserting it into an envelope, Lucy seals it with a wax and place it away before getting off her seat and prepping herself to leave for the guild.
Lucy picks up her Celestial Spirit Keys and attached it to her waist, she tied her hair into a ponytail before she left her room.
"I wonder what Master wants to say at the guild?" Lucy wonders out loud.
At Fairy Tail's Guild, nearly every member is gathered there as some are coming in after getting the announcement.
At one part of the guild, there is Gajeel who is laid across a bench and looks to be asleep.
"Hey, Gajeel. Wake up." Lily calls out to his partner. "we're going to hear an announcement from Master. Don't sleep or you'll miss it."
Gajeel snores before he wakes up when he gets a slap on the back by Levy.
"hey, wake up!" Levy exclaimed. "don't just laze off!"
"shut up, I was sleepy." Gajeel grumbles while scratching the back of his head. "i'm already awake."
"say that when you're not dozing back and forth." Lily stated with a sweatdrop from seeing how Gajeel sways side to side.
Gajeel yawns before he sat up straight and then leans forward against his table.
"I still need to become stronger." Gajeel spoke out with a serious gaze as Lily and Levy looks at him confused before they turn to each other, thinking that the other might know why he would say such a thing.
flashback
in the past, years ago. At the Council before it was destroyed. There is a trial held by the council members as the one in court is Gajeel himself who is a Phantom Lord member at the time.
"We meet again, Gajeel." Org said. "How many times have we seen you this month alone?"
"It has to be at least ten." Michello spoke up. "He's nothing but a juvenile delinquent. I say we just lock him up and throw away the key."
"this gonna take all day?" Gajeel asks with a smirk. "I got places to be."
"Why, you insolent-" Michello growls out.
"Enough, Michello." Org ordered. "Let's begin the trial."
The trial went just like the ones before it. Gajeel was found guilty of the claims against him and was forced to pay for the damages out of his own money.
"Damn, geezers." the disgruntled Iron Dragon Slayer kicked a rock down the steps of the hill the council building sat on. "They always gotta ruin my fun."
"Wait right there, Gajeel." A voice called out as Gajeel looked over his shoulder to see Elder Belno walking up to him.
"What do you want now?" Gajeel grumbles in annoyance as Belno is the one Council member who has been always the one to give extra warnings and lessons to the Iron Dragon Slayer when he did something bad. It's like a parent scolding their child for their wrongdoing and that's something irritating the mage,
"I'll tell you again." Belno began. "It would be better for you if you left Phantom Lord."
"Like I said last time, you can spare me the advice." Gajeel replied with a sneer. "You ain't the boss of me, lady."
"Phantom's actions as of late are growing more and more unruly." Belno spoke out sternly. "I have no idea what Jose thinks he's accomplishing, but if things don't calm down then we will be forced to-"
"Look, you old hag!" Gajeel interrupted. "I told you before that you're not the boss of me. You think you can just order a dragon slayer around like some dog?!"
"I will say it as many times as needed to penetrate that iron skull of yours." Belno retorted while pointing a finger at Gajeel's forehead. "Believe me I've seen hundreds of young men like you come and go. Chances are I will see a hundred more. No matter their outward appearance they were always the same sad, lonely, person on the inside. You do not have to follow that path."
"You're really starting to piss me off…" Gajeel grumbled.
"I'm not saying that you have to become an upstanding member of society." Belno spoke with a warry smile. "I just want you to find meaning in your life."
"meaning?" Gajeel raised an eyebrow before he laughs. "If that's all you want then I got plenty! Phantom is going to go to war with Fairy Tail soon! I'll find all the meaning in the world after I start wailing on some fairies! Especially when I take down that Salamander jerk!"
"is that so?" Belno sighs with a frown as she turns and walks away. "I truly hope that you find meaning in your life, Gajeel. Before it's too late."
"Are you deaf?! I already told you I found meaning!" Gajeel shouted while pointing a finger at the Council member. "Now leave me alone will ya?! Next time I might not be so nice!"
Belno stopped and thought about Gajeel's words. She looked over her shoulder at him. Flashing a warm smile that caught the dragon slayer off guard.
"You…you remind me so much of my late son. You even kind of look like him." Belno spoke before she leaves the area and Gajeel who seems stunned.
"What the hell was that about?" Gajeel turned around and walked down the steps with his hands in his pockets, and a light blush on his cheeks. "Weird old hag. Comparing me to some dead guy."
time moves on to the moment when Gajeel, Levy, and Lily arrives to Belno's home and finds the council woman to be deceased.
The Iron Dragon Slayer alone in the room with the deceased woman while Levy and Lily are talking to Makarov with their communication lacrima.
"Granny, you and I never had a chance to have a decent talk…." Gajeel whispers. "You wanted to help me find meaning in my life and I just kept blowing you off like a jackass. You looked out for me ever since I was a snot-nosed brat." Tears formed in the dragon slayer's eyes. "And I never found a way to pay you back for that! I'll find the bastards that did this to you and make them pay, no that's not right. I'll remember your words instead." He grips his fists tight as he is set on doing justice for the deceased woman. "And I'll do my best to live up to them. Just watch me!"
Flashback
'watch as I find the meaning to my life, granny.' Gajeel thought to himself as he forms a hard clenched fist.
Levy and Lily looks at Gajeel before they shrug their shoulders while smiling, knowing that Gajeel must be thinking of something good for him and the guild from how he had his own smile.
In time, the guild is filled with its members as they all face to the stage where there is Makarov standing before them all.
"thank you all for coming on such short notice." Makarov called out. "I have a special and important announcement for you all that regards the reconstruction of the Council and other news that needs to be addressed."
"if it's about new rules made by the guild, can we pass that?" Droy asked while scarfing down some popcorn.
"shush!" Jet hushes his friend.
"I believe you all heard the rumors that the Council is being rebuilt from the ground up as the Wizard Saints are going to be the center of its new foundation." Makarov stated as he placed a hand to his chest. "that also goes for me as I have been requested to help in the reform of the Council."
"would that mean Master is leaving the guild?" "no way! Master is our Master! No way he's going to the Council and all!" "but the Council is what keeps the order in Fiore, if it doesn't get up and running; what'll happen to our guild?" Everyone soon chattered to hear what Makarov had said as he literally just stated that he is possibly going to leave Fairy Tail to help the Council getting rebuilt.
"Master, did you accept the request?" Elfman asked Makarov while raising a fist. "I know it's important for the order of the world, but you're our Master!"
"Elf-niichan is right! We need you here!" Lisanna added in as everyone started to complain that Makarov should stay in the guild instead of leaving to help the Council.
"everyone, I understand what you're complaining." Makarov calls out as he raise a hand to make everyone go silent as he speaks. "be at ease, I had accepted their request on the condition that I would not be a part of the Council." He close his eyes and smiles a bit. "Fairy Tail is my Home after all. no way in a lifetime would I join the Council!"
Everyone started to smile in relief as they were glad to hear that Makarov is staying as their Master.
"but with how I will be helping the Council from time to time, I won't be present much at the guild." Makarov called out as he waves a hand to the side. "therefore, I had requested several people to be supervisors when I am away." The people he requested are none other than Erza, Mira, Macao, and Wakaba. "they will be in charge of the guild when I am away." He turns towards the crowd. "I expect you all to listen to their words, understand?"
"you all will listen to the rules very Strictly" Erza stated while her eyes shines once, making everyone in the guild shiver a bit.
"Erza and Mira are one thing, but Macao and Wakaba?" Alzack whispers with a sweatdrop and an awkward smile.
"that's going to be hard for them…" Bisca smiles while carrying Asuka in her arms.
"on another note, there is news to tell about Natsu." Makarov spoke out as he turns his attention on another matter. "from this point on, Natsu will be on leave from the guild."
"is it because of what happened that time, Master?" Levy asks, referring to the time Natsu revealed his right demonic arm.
"indeed." Makarov nods. "he is taking a leave to Lingyue for his recovery and rehabilitation, while going on his duties as Emperor of Lingyue. We won't be seeing him for a while."
Everyone chattered a bit as they accepted the fact that Natsu needs time to recover after the harsh battle days before.
"what about Ikaruga and the kids?" Max asked with a hand raised. "what about them?"
"Ikaruga and Ikki are going with Natsu, but Haruka and Haruo are staying behind as they asked to stay in the guild for they want to start working as mages." Makarov stated before he sighs and looks a bit tired. "it's hard to say no after how much they whined…"
The guild shared a bit of laughter as it is a usual thing for the twins to whine to Makarov who couldn't beat such a thing.
"therefore, Natsu had asked us to take care of them while he is on the path to recovery." Makarov stated before he pulls up a request paper. "he also asks to put up a request that is meant for everyone in the guild."
"a request?" Nab spoke out.
"it's probably about us taking care of the twins." Warren stated while pointing a finger out.
"no, it's about us being asked to become stronger." Makarov said as this got everyone's attention. "Natsu has asked us all to grow strong as there might be a time of chaos coming to us in the future."
"what does that mean?" Lucy asks confused.
"Natsu is a man who sometimes gets very paranoid that he thinks and sets up plans." Macao stated out to the group. "back when you guys were stuck in Tenroujima, he planned ahead for such a situation and become guild Master while doing his best to keep it up and running."
"You guys can't believe how he strategized everything from the day you guys were gone." Wakaba added in while smoking his cigar. "he planned it all to ensure that the guild is always there when you guys came back."
"that is why he asks of us to become stronger than we are today." Makarov spoke while holding up the request paper that says 'GET STRONG!' on the front. "he fears that there might come a day when Acnologia returns and he won't be able to fight that monster on his own. That is why." he raise his right hand and forms up a hard fist. "we must do our best to become stronger! To help the man who fought and protect us all with his very might!"
"that's damn obvious!" Gajeel exclaimed as everyone looks at the Iron Dragon Slayer coming forward to the stage a bit. "there's no way in hell that I'm letting Salamander be the number one in the guild forever!" he grins and punched a fist to an open palm. "mark my words, I'm going to become stronger than him!"
"same with me." Laxus spoke out as he made himself known by the bar with the Raijinshuu. "the guy protected us all and it's a debt that we got to pay." He looks down at his raised right hand. "he saved us so many times and we didn't do anything in return."
"it's time for us to pay him back." Evergreen nods with a smile.
"We all are going to become stronger!" Bickslow exclaimed with his tongue sticking out. his magic totems repeating his words. 'Stronger! Stronger!'
"we won't be who we are if we have such a debt with Natsu." Freed added in.
"everyone! Let's show Natsu how stronger we can become when he comes back!" Mira called out as she raises a fist up high. "let's show him that we can protect the guild, our home! Let's get stronger and repay him tenfold!"
"right!" everyone cheered in unison.
Lucy who is in the crowd, smiles to see everyone all pumped up as she too vowed to herself that she would become stronger as well.
"let me continue with a few more news…" Makarov stated as he continues to give more announcements about new things that the guild is going to go through.
"I feel like things are going to become busy…" Lucy whispers as Levy who is nearby nods.
The blonde Celestial spirit mage looks at Makarov who gives out that the guild should focus to grow strong while helping with the requests that might come filling the place. But she soon realized that there is a certain pair missing from the guild.
"hey, where's Gray and Juvia?" Lucy asks Levy as she didn't see the Ice Maker Wizard and the Water Wizard. "they're not here?"
"heard that Natsu asked Gray to come somewhere." Levy replied before she smiles a bit awkwardly when she imagines Juvia coming after Gray. "Juvia just went after him…"
"I see…" Lucy awkwardly chuckles before she turns a bit serious. "but where did Natsu asked him to go to?"
"I heard that he asked him to come to Isvan." Levy replied before she shrugs her shoulders. "other than that, I don't know why."
"hmmm…" Lucy hums a bit before she begins to ponder in her mind. "I wonder what reason Natsu asked Gray to go there for?"
at the north area of Isvan, Gray is found walking in the snow with Juvia following behind him. both or rather the Ice Maker Wizard was asked to come there by Natsu.
"just why he asked me to come here?" Gray asked as he looks around. "he said that there's someone important waiting on me here, but who?"
"Gray-sama, there" Juvia calls out as she pointed somewhere.
Gray looks at where she is pointing and soon made a surprised face when he sees Silver who is sitting on a snow covered stone rubble that is near a snow covered grave marker.
"Who is that person?" Juvia asks while Gray went straight for the man. "Gray-sama?"
Silver sat by the grave marker as he is alone in silence before he got the accompany of Gray who came and sits on a rock near the man.
"are you….are you the guy Natsu asked me to meet here?" Gray spoke out as he just looks down instead of looking at Silver who smiles a bit and nods his head. The Ice Maker Wizard went silent for a moment before he asks. "Why are you here?"
"i…I wanted to visit my old hometown." Silver replied as he looks at the grave market and sees the snow just falling off to reveal the writing of Mika Fullbuster and Gray Fullbuster. "I wanted to visit my beloved wife and my precious son….. Both are here with me right now"
Both now goes silent as they didn't talk until Silver straightened himself and looks at Gray.
"Mind you tell me about yourself?" Silver asks the Ice Maker Wizard who nods his head slowly. The Ice Devil Slayer smiles before he looks back to the grave marker. "I heard a lot about you, but if I hear it from you. I think I'll be able to know you better."
"it's going to be a long story." Gray spoke out as he looks to be shaking a bit. "you think you'll still be here to hear it all?"
"I got the chance, and I got the time." Silver replies with a nod before he smiles. "I think i'll get to hear a lot about you, Gray."
"then listen well cause I ain't going to repeat myself." Gray stated as he lifts his head a bit and looks at Silver with some tears welling up in his eyes. "and you better tell me your part of the story…Dad."
"yeah." Silver nods as he looks back to the grave marker. "I'm sure Mika will be so proud to see you all grown up, Gray."
Gray nods before he slowly begins to tell Silver about his life when he was a young boy in his own hometown that is Isvan.
While Gray is telling his life's story to Silver, Juvia stands a few feet away. The Water Mage looking confused to the situation, but she felt like she shouldn't bother them at all for some reason.
The day was gone as night came for Magnolia.
Things were calm and peaceful as usual but our attention is to the Sakura Cave where by the Eternal Sakura Tree is Natsu who is having a private conversation with Makarov. The two have the accompany of Kiara who is sleeping on top of Ash's head, the wyvern asleep with its mate and kids by their big nest.
Natsu had recovered his strength after the battle against Tartaros and Acnologia, he has bandages around his body that are slightly covered under his vest that is opened but has one sleeve that is long and covering his demonic right arm that is permanent in its black and spiked form.
"did you tell everyone about my departure, Master?" Natsu asks as he is sharing a cup of sake with the old man who nods while holding his cup near his face and having a solemn face. "I see." He nods and smiles a bit. "thanks for doing that one favor of mine."
"is this really what you wish to do, Natsu?" Makarov spoke out as his expression softens a bit while his eyes looks a bit sad. "if you take this path now…you will…"
"this is the path that I have chosen to walk upon." Natsu stated as he looks at his reflection in the clear water of his sake cup. "it's not a path many would dare take, but I will take it to ensure the safety of everyone I care and love." He smiles a bit and close his eyes. "it's possible that this path is my fate."
"still, you don't have to walk alone, right?" Makarov asked while looking at the Fire Dragon Slayer mage. "this path is dreadful and non forgiving. I'm certain that you won't come out alive at the end." He raise a hand forward. "Natsu, can you reconsider your choice? If we think about it more carefully.."
Natsu smiles a bit more before he shakes his head and slowly opens his eyes to look at the content of his sake cup.
"I have taken this path not only to protect those I care and love," Natsu spoke out as he looks up and smiles to Makarov. "I taken this path because I wish to do so as a father for my family." He close his eyes and looks down. "I'm sorry, but I can't step back now that I have chosen this path of mine."
Makarov looks at Natsu for a moment before he looks down with a sad frown and sighs a bit.
"as a father to your family, huh?" Makarov whispers as he closed his eyes for a moment while sighing once again before he open his eyes and looks at Natsu. "I understand." He nods once before leaning a bit forward. "but just know that If you ever need help…"
"I know the first guild I would send a request to." Natsu replied as he raise his sake cup with Makarov doing the same. "I promise, Gramps."
Natsu and Makarov soon downs their drink in one go before both placed their empty sake cups to the grass.
Afterwards, Natsu got off his seat as he looks down to see Kiara near him. the Pop Fox squealing as she climbs and jumps to get on the man's right shoulder.
"look after the two while I'm away, Kiara." Natsu asks the Pop Fox while scratching her chin a few times. "It'll be a while, but I know you can do it."
Kiara squeals with a nod before she nuzzles her head to Natsu's right cheek and then jumps off down to the grass.
Natsu smiles to his little furry friend before he turns and started to take a few steps towards the small river in the cave.
Makarov stands by the Eternal Sakura Tree as he and Kiara looks at Natsu who waves out his demonic right arm to the side as he stretched it out with his black demonic claws spread out and formed into a sword like motion.
Natsu took a deep breath and sighs before he looks tensed up as the Salamander raises his hand up and then swing it down like an axe. His action causing the air to get cut apart and reveal a swirling black portal that appears before him.
The portal sucks in and blows out air as the grass around Natsu dance and waves repeatedly.
Natsu looks at the portal for a moment before he turns and nods to Makarov who nods back.
Afterwards, the Fire Dragon Slayer walks into the portal that shrunk and disappears when he passed through it.
Makarov is now left in the cave with Kiara as the old small man frowns before he held his head up and then bows.
"Take care of yourself, Natsu." Makarov spoke out while Kiara squeals.
At Lingyue, within Tenko; the land beneath the Emperor Island.
The hidden oasis remains serene and peaceful as by the old edo mansion with the overgrown Sakura tree. By the front porch there is Yuuko who is playing a Koto that has its string plucked a few times by the human fox woman who is surrounded by many of her Pop Fox children.
While Yuko plays the Koto, near her is Ryujima with Ikaruga and Ikki. Some of the human fox woman's Pop Fox children are surrounding the group while a few were playing with the young child.
Ikaruga giggles from seeing how her father is making funny faces to Ikki who laughs and squeals in glee to see it. she smiles to hear her youngest child's laughter before she turns and smiles more when she sees a portal appearing and Natsu coming out.
Natsu arrives at Tenko as he walks straight to the Edo Mansion and comes to see the occupants in the area.
"seems that you have finished your tasks at Ishgar.." Ryujima spoke out in seeing his son in law while he gently passes Ikki back to Ikaruga. He gets off his seat and faces Natsu. "are there anything else that you still have to do?"
"nothing." Natsu replied while shaking his head. "I'm prepared for everything."
Ryujima looks at Natsu for a moment before he close his eyes and sighs then nods.
"remember that you will not have any contact with anyone while you train." Ryujima stated as he went and patted Natsu's shoulder a few times before he walks pass the young man. "speak what you want to speak before leaving."
"yes." Natsu nods to his father in law before he went and look to Ikaruga and Ikki. Both looking to the salmon haired mage who smiles as he begins to caress and stroke his youngest son's head. "Ikki, be good with Mama while Papa is away, alright? Can you promise me that?"
Ikki looks at his father before he smiles in glee to his loving action.
Natsu smiles back and then looks at Ikaruga who smiles to their child before turning to look at him.
"I promise you that I will return after everything is done." Natsu spoke out as he went and leans his forehead with Ikaruga's. "I'm sorry that I'm always away at such moments, causing you so much loneliness for so many years. But I promise that this will be the last time I will do such things to you. This will truly be the last time."
"I know." Ikaruga whispers with her eyes closed. "just promise me one thing." She opens her eyes and looks at Natsu who leans back a bit. The pink haired mother smiles lovingly as she went and gently caresses her husband's right cheek. "promise me that you'll be home safe and sound like always. Just promise me that one wish of mine."
"yeah…" Natsu replied as he gently takes her hand on his cheek and kisses the knuckles. "I promise that I will return to you and our children. I swear it on my heart."
Ikaruga smiles as she and Natsu shares a deep and passionate kiss that lasted a minute before both separated when they hears giggles from Ikki. They look at the child and sees him tugging his father's scarf.
Natsu chuckles with a smile as he takes off his scarf and wraps it around Ikki.
"how about you take care of it while Papa is away, Ikki?" Natsu asks his son. "this scarf is from grandpa Igneel. Take care of it for me, okay?"
Ikki babbles with a smile as he tugs and nibbles his father's scarf in reply.
Natsu chuckles to see his son's action as he stroke and caress his head several times before he leans back and moves away. The salmon haired mage stands up straight and looks at Yuuko who continues to play the Koto.
The Pop Fox human woman just plays the instrument with her eyes closed before she peeks an eye open to look at Natsu who she nods once to.
Natsu nods back with a smile before he turns and walks towards Ryujima who is standing a few feet away from the mansion. He stands beside his father in law and nods to him once.
Ryujima nods back before he looks at Yuuko who plays her Koto and stops for a moment to raise her right hand while her index and little finger raised while her ring and middle finger are bent and pushed forward together with the thumb in a Fox hand gesture.
"Kon Kon." Yuuko spoke out as she waves her right hand gently back and forth.
Small bells are heard from out of nowhere as they echoed while Natsu and Ryujima suddenly disappears in a flash.
"Pa~pa~" Ikki cooes out with a hand waved towards where his father was.
Ikaruga smiles and gently cradles Ikki closer into her arms, the mother nuzzles her nose with her son's cheek, getting him to giggle in glee in return.
At the Village of Ying and Yang that is located on a small island that is between Fire Island and Darkness Island. The place remains abandoned as all of its occupants have left to stay at the Emperor island as their new home.
In one are of the village, a small golden light appears as it shines and flashes once before Natsu with Ryujima appear from within it.
Natsu took a deep breath and sighs a bit as he started to look a bit serious.
"Kagura, are you here?" Natsu calls out loud and in a few seconds later, Kagura from Mermaid Heel appears as she came and stands before her. "have you prepared yourself?"
"yes!" Kagura nods before bowing. "I'm pleased to train in your guidance once again, Teacher!"
"alright, and don't call me teacher." Natsu stated before he looks at Ryujima. "your teacher will be Ryujima-san not me."
"yes, Teacher!" Kagura replies as Natsu sighs before he senses something that made him look up to the night sky.
"Seems that your uncle has arrived." Ryujima spoke out as he looks to the sky with his son in law.
"I'm thankful that he could leave his village upon my request." Natsu stated with a small smile as the place started to brighten up a bit from a source of light in the sky. "I wanted to train on my own, but I knew that I would need his guidance to become stronger."
The entire village started to brighten up as from the sky and descending with a majestic form is the Hell Fire Dragon and the Eternal Flame of the Giant Village; Atlas Flame.
"We meet once again, Son of Igneel." Atlas Flame spoke as he descends and lands at the village of Ying and Yang.
"I thank you for coming at my request, Uncle." Natsu stated before he nods and then bows. "truly, thankful."
"You wished to truly unleash the fire that is worthy to be called the essence of the Fire Dragon King; Igneel." Atlas Flame replied before he leans his head down a bit. "as my old friend's close acquaintance, I will give aid to you; his son." He shakes his head once and leans his head up. "No, even if you did not request it, I would give you the assistance that you need to repay the debt that I have after you revive my Fire upon the incident before. Think nothing of it, Natsu Daimou."
Natsu smiles and nods before he looks at Ryujima.
"I thank you again for accepting his selfish request of mine, Ryujima-san." Natsu stated as he looks down and bows his head to his father in law. "I know that I have been reckless in the past and cause many troubling matters when I wish to protect my friends and family, I thank you for letting me do so once again."
"just like what your uncle had spoken, think nothing of it." Ryujima replied while shaking his head once. The previous Emperor of Lingyue smiles to his son in law. "you wish to protect your homeland along with Lingyue where you were raised. For you who has such a grand wish, I will say nothing but aid you." He looks up to the night sky. "just promise me that you keep your promise with my daughter." He then looks back at Natsu. "if there is one thing I hate the most, it would be to see her cry of a lost loved one. Remember that."
"yes" Natsu nods before he turns and looks at Atlas Flame. "let us begin, Uncle."
"very well." Atlas Flame replied as he leans his head down towards Natsu who jumps and gets on the Hell Fire Dragon's head.
Atlas Flame spreads his flaming wings and flew into the air as the fire dragon soars the sky before he flies straight to the large crater which is the Makai no Iriguchi; the location where the Genju once resided.
"Teacher, do your best." Kagura spoke out before bowing a bit and then turn to face Ryujima who faces her. "Ryujima-san, I am prepared as well."
"I know." the previous Lingyue Emperor nods before he performs quick hand signs and made tree roots to arise around the two. "I intend to prepare you with every skill I have at my disposal. Learn them all well, Kagura Mikazuchi."
"yes!" Kagura nods before she wields her Archenemy into her grasp. the swordsman going into a drawing stance against Ryujima who wields a wooden sword that arises from the ground beside him.
Kagura faces Ryujima as both stood face to face and soon swings their weapon against each other. The Previous Emperor of Lingyue beginning his spar with the Mermaid Heel Swordswoman in training her.
While Ryujima trains Kagura, Atlas Flame trains Natsu in the Makai no Iriguchi that has its darkness lighted from the fire of the Hell Fire Dragon.
"The Fire of the Fire Dragon King is the Fire that burns all." Atlas Flame spoke out as his fire start to rage. "its essence is of life itself. The fire that burns is alike with the soul of the host whose will fuels its existence." The fire dragon's skeletal flaming eyes squinted a bit. "Strengthened your will, Son of Igneel! Turn your determination into your will that gives life your fire!"
"yeah…" Natsu spoke out as his entire body ignites in flames that burns pure yellowish red before it slowly becomes a crimson color. The Salamander's eyes glows red while the right side of his face gets covered in swirling black flame like markings while the left side has red reptilian scales spreading out. "I Know!"
Natsu's fire burns red as he roars and unleash more fire that grew with its heat and light. Unleashing his fire that spreads and engulfs the entire Makai no Iriguchi and erupts out of its crack above.
Somewhere at Ishgar, in the location of a cave that is dark, creepy, and eerie. There is only the echoing sound of a water droplet coming from the stalactites above the ceiling as there is utter silence.
Footsteps are soon heard as it sounded like whoever is in the cave is barefooted.
"This place will do." A dark voice spoke out as Sayla appears into the scene while carrying Chitetsu and the book of END in her hands. "darkness is truly a place for demons, don't you think so?"
Sayla stayed standing in silence as she remains so with her emotionless face. The lack of reply from his servant just made Chitetsu sigh.
"perhaps taking away her emotions had a negative impact to it, huh?" Chitetsu spoke while sighing once again. "oh well. I'll make do with whatever I have."
Chitetsu's blade turns black as it glows a dark aura that spreads and surrounds the Book of END that began to glow a purplish black light.
Sayla raises the two objects in her grasp as she lets them fly from her hands and into the air. Chitetsu moves around in the air as the cursed katana's blade moves and pointed at the book of END that has its pages open and flutter endlessly.
In just an instant of a passing second, Chitetsu flew as the cursed katana swing itself and cuts the Book of END into shreds that burns in black flames.
The pages and the very book of END burns in the fire before they all turn into ashes that gets absorbed into Chitetsu's dark blade that glows and shines in a black light.
Chitetsu's blade continues to glow in its dark light before it dims as the cursed katana's blade started to have reddish white tribal markings that spreads from its tip to its handle. Afterwards, the floating weapon turns its blade as it is now pointed straight towards Sayla whose body glows in a violet dark light as the demoness transforms into her dark demonic monstrous form.
ZWORSH!
In a split second, Chitetsu flew and thrusts its blade to pierce through Sayla's stomach, causing the demoness to cough out blood from her lips.
Chitetsu's dark tribal mark covered black blade glows before its color started to fade as the silver of its metal returns slowly.
Sayla remains motionless as Chitetsu remains impaled through her stomach which has crimson red tribal markings spreading out to her entire body.
"if you plan to become stronger, Natsu…."Chitetsu spoke out as the cursed katana pulls itself out from Sayla whose entire body up to her face is covered in the crimson red tribal markings that glow for a moment before disappearing but while leaving a crimson red dragon head tattoo on the demoness' stomach. The cursed weapon cackles as it floats near the demon. "you better learn how to control me when my full power is unleashed."
Sayla had something come up her stomach as it moves to her throat and she soon spits out a gem similar with the Golden Celestial Gem that Natsu has but this one is all black and has glowing violet rune like markings covering each sides.
Chitetsu continues to cackle before the cursed sword began laugh as it echoes into the cave loudly.
That's a wrap!
Bye bye