Hi everyone just want to let you all know that this Friday I am moving states so this will be the only chapter I upload this week. I know all of you are currently full hype mode engaged but obviously I have things that need to be sorted plus I won't have internet to upload for a little bit.
So I guess this classifies as a small hiatus but the day I get net you'll see an upload from me I'll see if I can make it 3 or 4 chapters to make up for the absence but we'll see.
Thanks for understanding this is my first big move so I'm pretty nervous but all should go well and you'll see my next upload in a week or two from the day this goes up!
Now on with the current chapter!
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
A Threat From The Past
/City Of Crocus Erza's POV/
Erza and Kagura had long since halted their fight after witnessing the first Dragon leave the plateau, both mages were now racing towards the action however they were stopped by Gajeel and Mira.
"Gajeel, Mira what the hell is going on," Erza shouted.
"The gate was opened Erza it was Zeref he's here in the city," Mira cried.
"That's not the worst part though we've got seven fucking full grown Dragons running around now tearing shit up left and right, and then there's the fact that Salamander's gone missing!"
"What happened to Natsu," Kagura asked since Erza was now muttering something about Natsu.
"He … he bought our other ally time to save the King and Princess from two of the Leichart 12 who are working for Zeref … Salamander is strong but I don't know if he could handle those monsters."
"The third one which we knew about was doing something at the Eclipse Gate and when I got there and was about to stop him Zeref arrived and released the Dragons."
"So Natsu could be anywhere in the city," Erza asked as the others looked at her and shrugged.
"If you ask me he's bound to be fighting a Dragon right now since the chumps that were chasing us disappeared right after the gate was opened."
"We need to meet up with the others and organize a defence … as much as I want to chase after Natsu there are countless civilians here who need to be taken somewhere safe."
The group looked up as they heard a deafening roar from a Dragon and it let loose hundreds of small scale like objects from its body.
"Get ready to fight … these things hurt," Gajeel grunted as he took off towards the sound of another ear piercing roar.
"Laxus should be alright to fight since he has experience … we should find Wendy and make sure she's alright," Mira said firmly as the three girls nodded and began running towards Wendy's last known location only for the entire road in front of them to be blocked by the scale like objects.
"I don't like the looks of this," Kagura muttered as she kept her sword at the ready.
The scale like objects began to morph into small Dragon like creatures the size of a common dog.
"Great," Erza sighed as she readied her own blade in a similar stance to Kagura's.
"Let's see just how durable these things are," Mira said as she changed into her Satan Soul – Sitri form.
"Oh yes how durable indeed …"
Between her hands Sitri formed a Sphere of Demonic magic and fired it enveloping everything in the street, once the attack died down everything was gone including the road which made her giggle.
"Oh yes tonight will be a fun night indeed … have fun you two I will find the young Dragon Slayer … wouldn't want Natsu to be angry at me now would I?"
"What the hell is she on about," Kagura asked as Erza shrugged.
"I think she wants to fight Natsu but thinks he won't if she doesn't help out … maybe, anyway we should get going and help out as best we can!"
Kagura nodded and the two powerful mages bolted down the street slicing any of the small Dragon like creatures that came at them.
/Wendy's POV/
"So you're a Dragon Slayer huh puny human?"
"Yes I was raised by Grandina the Sky Dragon Queen … what is your name?"
"Me … BAH you humans clearly don't know the importance of true history or else you wouldn't have asked such a question! I am Zirconis or as many used to call me The Jade Dragon back in the day … you said Grandina didn't you?"
"Yes I did Zirconis my name is Wendy Marvell and I'm a Sky Dragon Slayer trained by her."
"Hmm so they succeeded … are you strong?"
"Well people tell me I am but I'm nothing compared to Natsu …"
"And who is that, another Dragon Slayer?"
"Yes he's the son of Igneel the-."
"WHAAAT WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY THAT EARLIER!"
"I-I'm sorry Zirconis was it important!"
"Important, IMPORTANT! Do you even have any idea the power Igneel had if even a fraction of that rubbed off on his Slayer … what can he do?"
"Well he has access to the Fire Dragon King Mode … Dragon Force-."
"Nope I'm out this is way more than I signed up for … hold on a moment I can … feel his power nearby but its … Igneel's and … no it couldn't be …?"
"What is it Zirconis?"
"Not my place to say tiny human though if you are curious enough you could always fight me for the information … I refuse to fight the son of Igneel but I'll fight you, what do you say to that?"
"You expect someone like me to beat a powerful Dragon like you?"
"Well isn't that what you are, you know a Dragon Slayer … it's in the title brat if anyone of these pathetic humans has a chance of beating me it's one of you lot."
"There are plenty of people stronger than me you know …"
"You really are soft you know that … Grandina certainly found a child similar to her own qualities that's for sure."
"Do you know where Grandina is?"
"Nope … then again what they did was their own business not mine so even if I did know I wouldn't tell, now then are you going to challenge me or not?"
"What happens if I lose?"
"Well I would've thought it'd be obvious runt … lose the battle and you lose your life isn't really that hard to figure out now is it?"
"Well I doubt that the other Dragons are as nice as you are so I suppose fighting you would be the best thing I could do considering you took time out of your day to speak to me."
"Don't think that me speaking to you means that I'm nice runt, the only good human is one that's been slightly seasoned after roasting in my flames. I speak to you because you are a Dragon Slayer which warrants you as one of us."
"So Natsu keeps telling me …"
"Perhaps he knows the secret as to why … from what I can feel that one's power does flare up like a Dragons does every now and then however something else is behind it, does it aid the power or hinder it … who knows. I'll give you this bit of information for free before we fight runt … the Fire Dragon King knows more than he lets on …"
Wendy looked at Zirconis confused before being forced to jump out of the way of his approaching claw.
"Ah right we have to fight now …"
"You have speed but do you have the power to back it up I wonder?"
Wendy sighed as pink scales began to grow on her and her hair began to stand up and turn pink all the while Zirconis had a toothy grin.
"Ahh … there it is, so you can use it as well. Perhaps this little walk through time might not be so boring after all …"
Zirconis took another swipe at Wendy who was gone in a second and landed a blow on his face knocking his head into a building.
"GAHAHAHA OH YES THAT'S THE WAY SHOW ME A GOOD FIGHT," Zirconis roared as he licked his lips.
"Sky Dragon Queen's Gale Storm Barrage!"
Throwing several punches in front of Zirconis the Jade Dragon was pushed back down the street wincing slightly before letting loose a powerful Emerald coloured roar which Wendy was narrowly able to dodge.
"Not bad for a Dragon Slayer but nothing close to him …"
Zirconis was brought out of his musings as Wendy appeared above him and he felt the wind rising to meet her.
"Sky Dragon Queen's Gale Force Iron Fist!"
Punching Zirconis in the head the Dragon's head hit the ground creating a large impact crater as the Dragon roared and quickly took flight.
"Not bad I really felt that one … let's see how you do in the Dragon's real domain though runt!"
Zirconis rushed forward letting loose a mighty roar as Wendy rushed forward to meet him, waiting until the last second she bounced using the air to avoid ending up in his mouth and surrounded her left arm in magic.
"Sky Dragon Queen's Crashing Gale Force Piercing Claw!"
Managing to get the claw under Zirconis' scale she used the momentum of the wind behind her to propel herself forward and drag the attack along his face as the Dragon roared in pain.
"Argh my damn face you nearly got my eye," Zirconis roared as blood poured from the wound down onto the streets below.
"You told me to fight so I am."
"Yes well … perhaps I misjudged just how powerful you really were given your … timid appearance I will not do so again …"
Zirconis let loose a roar as Wendy bounced off the air to dodge and began making her way towards the Dragon, Zirconis kept the roar up dragging it along destroying entire city blocks as he tried to hit Wendy but failed.
Ceasing the roar Zirconis summoned six magic circles around his wings and a barrage of emerald light began to rain down on Wendy who was now ducking and weaving between them all the while edging closer to Zirconis.
"You little brat … I am the great Zirconis I will not be humiliated like this!"
Arching his neck back Wendy could tell he was preparing another roar however she took note of the magic circle in front of his mouth this time.
'This one will be way more powerful than the others …'
With Wendy still dodging the attacks and Zirconis powering up a roar Wendy didn't see much of a way out but she wouldn't give up, pushing towards Zirconis Wendy began to power up an attack in her hands.
"Too late brat … I WIN, Jade Dragon's Cleansing Emeraldine Roa-!"
Zirconis was milliseconds from firing his attack when he felt a powerful blow hit him in the neck causing his attack to fire into the air and miss its target completely.
"HOW!"
"Well now little one you certainly were doing quite well … about as well as could be expected anyway …"
"MIRA … or is it Sitri?"
"Sitri right now but we can talk about it later … the big guy is mad at us."
"Pathetic humans I'll kill you all," Zirconis roared as he rushed the pair.
/Natsu's POV/
"So are you going to answer or not?"
Natsu looked down at the eye of the Fire Dragon he was currently on before swallowing the flames in his mouth.
"Why?"
"Igneel is my dear friend and the Fire Dragon King … the way you were standing and the magic you use feels just like his."
"Oh … well yeah Igneel was the one who taught me everything I know he's like a Dad I guess."
"Then I shall not fight you since you are the son of my dear friend … perhaps you would allow me to offer my aid to you?"
"Hey if you wanna help then I've got no problems with that Uncle," Natsu said with a grin as the Dragon did his best impression of a blush.
"U-Uncle well I uh … ahem! I am Atlas Flame the Dragon who embodies the most powerful flames of hell, or a Hellfire Dragon as your kind would call it."
"Oh man that sounds so cool no wonder these flames tasted so good and were full of power!"
"Continue to consume my power son of Igneel it will increase your chances of combating the others by a pretty big margin."
"So what's the deal with you guys anyway … why are you all here?"
"We were summoned here from the past through that gate up there by a man named Zeref, we were told kill and destroy everything in sight for as long as we could and above all else defend the gate."
"Well I'm guessing that if I destroy the gate it'll send you all back … right?"
"It's possible however it won't be easy the others will converge on the gate the moment they sense your approach … we were warned beforehand about you though Zeref conveniently left out who you were exactly."
"So what's the plan then Uncle we need to get near the gate but we've got Dragons in the way if we try?"
"See that Dragon flying high in the sky up there … that's Motherglare, remove her to remove all the smaller fodder running around. Once she is out of the way there will be no distractions to remove the other Slayers and mages from fighting the other Dragons which should keep them occupied enough to destroy the gate."
"Alright so me and you versus Motherglare I'm liking those odds!"
"Keep consuming my fire son of Igneel each mouthful is adding year's worth of power to your body and you'll need every last bit of it to kill one of them!"
"Understood Uncle," Natsu said as he began to consume the flames Atlas Flame was putting out at a rapid pace with his magic power constantly rising with each mouthful just as Atlas said.
/Natsu's Mindscape/
"Atlas … why are you doing this?"
"You should know Igneel … this is the future after all."
"Are you sure this is a good idea though, your life isn't something that can be replaced as easily?"
"Igneel … I'm already beyond screwed when I go back so why not die giving your son a gift eh?"
"Are you trying to make me feel bad."
"No … but you told us of the two seeds and how it will effect him later on, both halves must be equal in power if he wants to survive you know that. And you also know that you don't have enough power to do it yourself as you are now."
"That's different I have to save it for that damned Achnologia if he ever comes around for the killing blow against Natsu!"
"Won't do much good if he dies from the merger though now will it?"
"I suppose not … and you are dead in this time anyway."
"Exactly so let me do this old friend … he seems like a decent human anyway so I trust him with this power"
Igneel just let out a puff of smoke from his nostrils as he looked at the floating ball of flame in front of him.
"You'll have to teach him how to use it Igneel I heard of your promise … now maybe this will give you the motivation to do so hmm?"
"I was going to anyway but he's been spending next to no time with his chosen mate how is that fair!"
"It is as you said before being sealed in the boy Igneel … sacrifices for the greater good."
"Alright fine I'll talk to him about it!"
"That is all I ask … time to use the last of my power so I'll see you in the next life my friend!"
Igneel just nodded as the ball of flame went out as the Dragon looked out at the mindscape and noticed that the usual molten lava and fire was now acting like a raging inferno.
"You are one lucky bastard Natsu …"
/Outside The Mindscape/
Twenty minutes had passed since Natsu began consuming the flames of the Dragon and all that was left was the real body of Atlas flame which looked kind of like the top of a volcano.
"Is that enough Uncle?"
"Yes … that will do … just fine," Atlas Flame said weakly as he dropped to the ground knocking Natsu off.
"What's wrong?"
"Those flames … aren't ordinary flames … they were the essence of my own life … and power. I spoke with Igneel … and told him to … teach you what you need to know on how to use it … better …"
"Wait why would you do that we could've taken the Dragons together!"
"No … you needed my power … I may not be the strongest Dragon but … strong enough to fight Igneel is strong enough for me. My power … combined with your own … will be sufficient enough to defeat a Dragon … do not misuse this gift … and fight well just as I would," Atlas Flame said as his body began to crumble into dust from turning brittle.
"Igneel … why?"
"I asked the same thing … he said that he would die if he returned anyway so why not die doing something he felt like doing. I know that you found him rather nice Natsu but Atlas was a Dragon of action which is what you need to be, find Motherglare and beat her!"
Natsu looked down at the pile of ash in front of him as a lone tear went down his cheek.
"I'll always cherish this gift you gave me Uncle, we may not have known each other for long but I'll make sure your trust wasn't misplaced! Igneel what will happen when I start using my magic?"
"In simple terms you will be as powerful as a Dragon … combine that with your already impressive power and we're looking at your power being on the level of that Irene woman I'd say hmm … yes she was a Dragon too so that's my best comparison."
"Natsu nodded as he looked up at the sky slowly entering the Dragon Force however now he was completely covered in red scales from head to toe and flames seemed to burn brightly from his forearms and just below his eyes.
"I'll make good use of this gift … just watch Uncle, Igneel!"
Natsu shot off towards the sky and Motherglare immediately noticed him and roared at him telling him not to approach, Natsu's mind however was in hunter mode and he knew exactly what needed to be done.
"Hellfire Dragon Monarch's Destabilizing Demolition Fist!"
Striking Motherglare in the side the Dragon roared in pain as the attack dealt serious damage to her breaking her scales and fracturing her ribs.
"What are you human!"
"What am I … I'm pissed off that's what!"
Motherglare let loose a roar however Natsu was able to dodge the hit before coming around and landing a powerful blow to the Dragons face.
"How does a human possess this much power!"
"Atlas Flame gave his life to give me this power … I will push you all back where you belong!"
"That traitorous underling of Igneel I should have known he always was soft!"
"He was a better Dragon than you are Motherglare and trust me I've met quite a few to make that statement!"
"Do you honestly think you can beat me human I am a Queen Dragon my power far eclipses Atlas Flame's!"
"Yeah well my father was Igneel and if he were here he'd laugh at you since you're nothing but a sorry excuse of a Queen Dragon!"
Motherglare roared and took a swipe at Natsu who blocked the attack with both his hands before angling his fingers like a blade and coating them with fire.
"Hellfire Dragon Monarch's Destabilizing Piercing Claw!"
Natsu went right through Motherglare's foot and continued to until his arm was submerged up to his shoulder before pulling it out ensuring he moved the attack as much as possible for maximum damage.
Motherglare roared in pain as she tried to bite Natsu only for him to kick her in the nose stopping her and getting some distance.
"If I get rid of you then your spawn will disappear!"
"You think it's that easy to get rid of a Queen pathetic human!"
"Natsu she's bluffing Motherglare isn't really that strong her power lies in her ability to make others do her bidding for her that's why she's been up here the whole time," Igneel said as Natsu grinned.
"Right then I'll have to show her what happens to liars huh ..."
"I'm right behind you Natsu kick her sorry ass!"
"You're really into this aren't you …?"
"I am a Dragon Natsu and your fighting another one it gets my blood going to see and feel a good fight!"
"Heh I'll keep that in mind," Natsu said as he rushed forward and hit Motherglare in the face with another Piercing Claw which went through her cheek shattering some teeth.
"How are you able to pierce my scales," Motherglare roared as she recoiled in pain.
"Igneel's fire burns as hot as hot as any … combine that with the flames of hell Uncle gave me and you've got a flame that could burn through just about anything!"
"And the Crash Magic …"
"Yeah but she doesn't need to know that right?"
Natsu grinned but was shocked out of it as Mavis appeared next to him and tried to hit him repeatedly but failed since she was ethereal.
"You idiot how come you keep purposely getting into bigger and bigger messes I literally thought you died earlier and now you're fighting a Dragon are you serious Natsu Dragneel!"
"Um … Mavis are you … ok?"
"No I am not ok I'm dead but I've had like three heart attacks today and they're all your fault Natsu!"
"You know you're trying to be mad but … you just look adorable I'm sorry," Natsu said with a grin as he turned to face Motherglare who was currently nursing her wounds.
"Alright we'll talk later but for now what are you doing?"
"If I kill this one then all the fodder running around down below will die with her so that's my goal."
"Can you do it, can you kill a Dragon?"
"I'll do what I have to Mavis it's no different from killing a human."
"Except not every human is walking around with magic power that rivals the culmination of some cities now are they?"
"Well I do so what's your counter to that?"
"If you don't stop being a jerk then I'll get really mad!"
"Do it then you look adorable like Wendy when she's mad."
"You are so lucky I'm not physically here or else I'd beat you up!"
"Would you though your Mavis basically the living embodiment of a Fairy?"
"Who was the strongest Guild Master Fairy Tail ever had you know …"
"True … alright I'll concede that one but could we debate this crap later I need to take out Motherglare so no more people die to the fodder down there?"
"Fine … I wanted to ask though how are you channelling so much power, the moment I sensed it I thought you'd begun using E.N.D again?"
"I was given power … from a friend, talk about it later," Natsu said as he rushed forward at Motherglare who was still occupied licking her wounds and punched her in the face once again.
"Leave me alone you stupid human!"
"Sorry but you've got to die here Motherglare," Natsu said as said Dragon roared and began to try and slash him with no effect as Natsu easily dodged thanks to his size.
"Stay still you vermin!"
"Now why would I do that," Natsu said cheekily as he kicked her in the chin before escaping from the area she was clawing at and jumped on her back.
"Get off me human this instant!"
"No I don't think so," Natsu said as some of the scale creatures began to emerge on her back. "Really are these the best you have?"
Natsu began destroying each of the scale beasts that Motherglare sent at him whilst said Dragon began to descend to the ground before flipping upside down thinking that it would be enough to shake him.
"You Dragons and your overconfidence," Natsu said as he stuck a Piercing Blade into her back to keep himself from falling off as Motherglare lost focus and ran into a large cathedral, the building collapsing on top of the two.
"I will destroy you human!"
"Sorry not gonna happen," Natsu said before being thrown off Motherglare and being sent flying through several buildings knocking them down in the process.
"Natsu stop fooling around and go for the throat like I always taught you!"
"Fine if I have to," Natsu sighed as he began to run at high speed towards the Dragon that was currently getting up out of the rubble. "Hellfire Dragon Monarch's DestabilizingPiercing Claw!"
In a flash faster than Motherglare could see Natsu had slit her throat as her scales seemed to almost melt on contact, blood began to spray all over the Dragon Slayer as Motherglare tried to roar but failed until she died.
Natsu wiped the blood off of his eyes as he looked around and couldn't see any water to clean any more of it off.
"Eugh gross I'm soaked in this shit."
"No one said killing a Dragon would be pretty Natsu," Igneel said as Natsu groaned.
"I mean I know I should've expected it but … eugh."
"Well turning up to face the other Dragons looking like that should get the point across that this isn't a game for them anymore, go destroy that gate brat!"
"Yeah yeah," Natsu sighed as he took flight and began to gain altitude only to grit his teeth in frustration.
"Well I suppose that was always a possibility too," Igneel sighed as he agreed with his son's annoyance at the situation.
Hovering in front of the plateau were the remaining Dragons who were all looking in Motherglare's direction almost expecting her to appear at any moment.
"Well suppose we should get this over with," Natsu sighed as he flew out to hover opposite them allowing his magical power to run free.
The five Dragons took one look at him and roared as Natsu surrounded himself in his flames which made him identifiable to the people on the ground.
"How did you kill Motherglare human," a rock like Dragon asked as Natsu quickly responded.
"I slit her throat with my power and she bled to death … as you can probably see and smell no doubt."
"This one is a true Slayer not like the others even Atlas Flame is gone I assume he was consumed by the Slayer," another Dragon said as many of the people began to listen in on the conversation.
"You are two Dragons down and I have plenty of power left if you value your lives you will let me destroy that gate!"
"We cannot human even if we wanted to the Black Mage's magic prevents us from doing so."
"So I will have no choice but to fight you all?"
"That is correct Dragon Slayer … before we do battle we would like to say that by slaying Motherglare and Atlas Flame you have earned our respect, what is your name and who taught you your magic?"
"I am Natsu Dragneel the son of the Fire Dragon King Igneel," Natsu replied as the Dragons looked at each other surprised before nodding.
"I am Levia the Ocean Dragon."
"I am Scissor Runner the Light Dragon."
"I am Gaia the Earth Dragon."
"I am Yamizou the Dark Dragon."
"And I'm Zirconis the Jade Dragon."
Natsu nodded at each of them as they introduced themselves to him before all of them landed on the plateau.
"Before we fight Dragon Slayer we want to ask something … is Achnologia still alive in this time," Zirconis asked as Natsu flew closer so that they could see him better.
"Yes … I have encountered him many times and each time he's brought nothing but destruction and chaos."
"Then it must not have been enacted yet," Levia said softly.
"Without Dragons or Dragon Slayers of a high enough calibre I suppose it was to be expected," Yamizou said as the others nodded in agreement.
"The fact that Achnologia hasn't shown up here means only one thing … we were consumed by him in the past," Scissor Runner said.
"Man what a shit way to go out huh," Gaia added.
"This Slayer before us … he's as strong as we are, do you think he'd stand a chance?"
"As he is now Zirconis not really remember Achnologia could tear through ten of us at once without any real effort one guy with our strength won't cut it … not without help," Levia said as the others turned to him.
"You aren't suggesting what I think your suggesting are you Levia?"
"Shut up Gaia you hate Achnologia as much as I do so giving someone the tools to kill him is good enough revenge for me, you sense our graves near here don't you all we have to do is have him past a little test before we go through with it!"
"Well he has to fight us anyway so we might as well give him a prize if he wins," Scissor Runner said as Natsu looked confused.
"What are you all on about I know about how sacred Dragon Burial Sites are why would you allow me to go to one unless … ohh."
"This is only if you win Dragon Slayer keep that in mind though if you fail then you die so I guess it doesn't really matter if we say that or not. The point is we have knowledge and knowledge leads to power, power that can lead to that bastards defeat," Zirconis said with a smirk.
"So you all have a means to beat Achnologia?"
"Yeah we do its just … it wasn't an option in the past, beat us and come to the place we tell you to and you'll find out more alright brat!"
"You sound like Igneel now Zirconis he calls me brat a lot."
Zirconis just huffed as the Dragons took flight and went over to Natsu.
"Hop on this fight needs to be away from the eyes and ears of the humans … you know why."
"Secrets that must stay with Dragonkind … well that sounds promising," Natsu said as he stood atop Yamizou's head and the five Dragons plus Natsu flew away from Crocus.
"You do realize that anyone else could destroy the gate while we're gone?"
"Not likely that things made of sterner stuff, not one of the humans or other Slayers be they God or Dragon had enough raw power behind them to break that thing," Yamizou said as they flew off into the night.
/Crocus Erza's POV/
"Why does Natsu always have to do things like this," Erza cried as Elise and Kagura held the distraught Requip mage for support.
"They did say he killed two of them that's more than anyone else here Erza I mean this is Natsu we're talking about he has a good chance of winning," Elise said trying to cheer her up.
"But it's always got to be him Elise every single time he's always forced to put his life on the line against impossible odds!"
"All we can do Erza is have faith in Natsu and let our thoughts be with him, that young man has been through ordeals that would tear regular men to pieces yet he's risen up and spat on them with a smile and shown the world he's better than that," Makarov said as he walked over.
"Erza I know what Natsu means to you but right now you need to just believe in him, besides Wendy is still unconscious and Mira might need your help you know how much she means to Natsu," Elise said as Erza nodded.
"I'm sorry for breaking down a little it's just … with all these big foes I feel so helpless."
"I'm pretty sure you aren't helpless if you single handedly mow down over 500 of those beasts Erza … Natsu is just on a different level than most of us," Kagura said as many nodded in agreement.
Erza couldn't help but stifle a small laugh as everyone began moving to tend to the wounded, looking up at the sky Erza sighed.
"You'd better not die on me Natsu or else I'll find my way to wherever you end up and kick your sorry but back here myself."
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter since I won't be posting the next chapter for a bit I'm just going to explain exactly what happened to Natsu in case I didn't do a good job explaining it.
By consuming Atlas Flame himself Natsu's fire has now become far more powerful, this power can only be really accessed in the Dragon Force since he is harnessing the full power of a Dragon hence why he is using the Monarch version with ease since he has the power to do so now.
I hope you are all starting to see where I'm going with his powers and how each subsequent power boost pulls him further and further away from human and into something more … something neither Dragon nor Demon though I'm not telling what.
A question I expect to read is why isn't Natsu using E.N.D since its shown to be so powerful and the simple answer is that he can't because the magic is Etherious based not based on his regular magic which is where his Dragon Arts derive their power so think of it like how Mira in the main series was able to punch Zirconis and piss him off but it did next to no damage.
E.N.D is frighteningly powerful however following the lore of the series only a Dragon Slayer can bring down a Dragon and that's exactly what happened this chapter, Atlas got consumed and Motherglare got her throat slit and bled to death no other magic besides Dragon Slayers or obviously higher Gods and Devils could do such a feat.
Alright now since I'm going on a mini hiatus I'll still have my phone so if you do have a question about the story just PM me I do check them regularly happy to answer questions as long as they aren't spoilery stuff (obviously) and with that I'll see you all real soon!
Oh and apologies for leaving the story on this part hehe.