Just a few things before we get started.

Lordlexx – I agree I've gotten into this nasty habit of doing this … a lot to emphasise a pause when really something like a comma would suffice and I do agree I should stop since I'm not using it correctly not really sure how I started doing that so I'll be trying not to do it as much.

As for the harem thing I know at this point it may seem weird to say this but this is the first fanfic that I've done that has actually gone more than five chapters aside from the sequel to this so I have zero experience writing for a harem in fact many could argue I don't do much with Erza which is kind of true but it's supposed to be that way where Natsu does want a calm life but can't because life simply refuses to let him be.

The thing about Seilah becoming his servant was done because she will be going with Natsu when he heads off to clear his mind and find himself again, Natsu might seem fine again but in reality he is actually struggling to come to terms with the absolute ruthlessness he showed earlier which is far from the norm. He can kill heaps of people yes but never does he find enjoyment in it and now he's trying to find a way to come to terms with what he's done all the while searching for something which is spoilery.

As for Gajeel and Levy I mean look out of all the actual canon Fairy Tail ships I actually find myself believing in that one and that it could legitimately work and yeah Gajeel and Levy are a thing but the thing is in this story they are side characters so I don't really have much to prove to you that they are slowly becoming a thing but keep in mind what The Darkness said several chapters ago that Fairy Tail will become divided and look at what's happened upon the revelation that Natsu is E.N.D it's split on how to view him now.

I don't consider it spoilery that Gajeel x Levy is a thing in this it's just right now it's not going down although in the future chapters well that's another story.

The Rayvenwolves – Yeah I know exactly which Dante you mean a good idea indeed but I ask you this among the ranks of the Devils Triumvirate where would you rank him exactly considering beings like Natsu, Kurama and Sosuke Aizen sit at the Arch Demon tier I'm tossing between Greater Demon and Demon but somehow see him at the Arch Demon tier simply because he simply doesn't give a shit what rank of Demon he mouths off to and the fact that he usually follows through with his trash talking when provoked but could I justify making him an Arch Demon … give me your thoughts.

You know I like this idea it's actually really fun feel free to request anytime as long as the fic is going and its subsequent sequels the Gods and Devils will be popping in and out all the time.

Anyway I've droned on for way too long sorry!

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

Journey To Find Oneself

/Cube Crash Site/

The small team of Fairies and Seilah watched the Cube burst into flames as the many labs and other combustible rooms set off a chain reaction that slowly began to destroy the Cube subsequently shattering the earth which began to absorb the wreck.

"To think we were on that thing a few moments ago," Elise sighed as she turned to face her friends before looking at Natsu who was gazing at the ruins with a faraway look.

"You all did really well you know," Natsu said as his crimson eyes rolled over the group.

"But we couldn't beat Mard Geer," Erza sighed as Natsu placed a hand behind her head and touched her forehead with his own.

"Hey don't doubt your own strength had you all not fought beforehand you would have smashed Mard Geer no problems."

"You're just saying that to make us feel better," Erza pouted as Natsu shook his head.

"Erza I know you have that armor Eliza gave you stashed away for a rainy day and Elise I know you can tap into the Gods Aura when it counts, Mira you have Yuki-Onna and I know Gajeel and Laxus were being held back by the poison I pulled from their systems right after we got here."

Do you really think we could take down someone like Mard Geer," Elise asked as Natsu nodded.

"Natsu my Take Overs want to ask you something they say it's important," Mira said as Natsu nodded.

"They wish to serve me as all Demon kind should, I will grant that request Mira and grant you a gift as well," Natsu said as he tapped her forehead and the same symbol appeared on Mira's head before vanishing.

"What was the gift Natsu it has all my Take Overs very excited?"

"You'll find out in time Mira you aren't yet ready to use it, Elise how did you end up so injured?"

"Ah I didn't explain it properly you see Keyes had this guy called Silver with him who we couldn't beat unless we killed Keyes but Keyes only had one part of his body that could be physically harmed so I held him down so he could not escape whilst Mira and Seilah pulled of a Unison Raid and you can see the results."

"You know I had a pretty big argument with Eliza about you being responsible enough to handle things without me what's she gonna say once she finds out you were in this state?"

"Why did you have to argue with mother?"

"Because I believed you all had everything under control but Eliza refused to accept that you were all strong enough to hold your own, in some respects she was right since you all were worn down from fighting the Demon Gates but at full strength you guys would've won."

"I hate to be the one to ruin the mood but what exactly are we going to do now," Mira asked as Natsu's face hardened.

"You will all return to Fairy Tail I have things I need to do before I can return you know got to sort myself out and deal with Xicor."

"So you're disappearing again," Erza sighed as Natsu's gaze softened.

"Erza the world knows I'm E.N.D now do you really think I'll be accepted in society like I was before?"

"Well who cares what people think of you Natsu you've never cared before!"

"It's not about the fact that people think of me a certain way it's the fact that I am a Demon and you all know what the view of any Demon especially ones tied to Zeref is. I don't plan on fading away from your lives but in order to keep you safe I have to go away for awhile."

"Master Natsu is right us Demons are almost always hunted with the sole exception being you Mirajane because you are a human who has Demonic transformations but as you know even that brings hate. Once the initial shock wears off there will be mages hunting for Natsu and they won't hesitate to do whatever they have to in order to kill him even if it means hold one of you hostage, could you live with yourselves knowing that he died saving your lives when he could have simply disappeared from the public eye and let things die down," Seilah said as the girls all turned away.

"But it's ok Erza because I have one way to promise you that I'm coming back, please forgive me for not doing this the normal way but I'm not really in a good state of mind right now," Natsu said as the same small blue box appeared in his room to which all the girls eyes instantly locked onto and Erza took a step back.

"Natsu is this-!"

"You know what it is Erza and it will be my promise to you that I will return, Erza Scarlett I know I am not a man but to me you are the world and I cannot hold this off any longer. Upon my return Erza will you marry me," Natsu asked as he opened the box to reveal a ring made of pure diamond with a Ruby sitting at the top surrounded by smaller ones. The diamond ring was actually in the shape of a Dragon that was chasing its tail and the Ruby's seemed to glow causing the diamond to adopt a reddish hue.

Everyone was stunned even Mira who would normally be squealing at this point, Erza just looked at Natsu to the ring and back to Natsu again before walking up and kissing him passionately.

After a good thirty seconds they broke apart for air.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment," she said with tears in her eyes as Natsu pulled her in for a hug.

"I guess I had this fear that you might not want to because we're always being separated by stuff, or perhaps I was just scared you'd say no."

"You might be a Devil now or whatever and one of the strongest, smartest and bravest people I know Natsu but you can still be really dense when it comes to matters of the heart."

"I suppose you'll just have to teach me when I return now won't you … my fiancé?"

At this point Mira finally rebooted and began squealing and hugging Erza with Elise limping over to her and giving her a hug as well.

"Keep your dress in your requip space Erza the wedding commences the moment we meet next I'll have my own suit ready."

"I will Natsu now don't go getting yourself killed or captured otherwise I will have to hunt you down," Erza said with a glare that made him freeze on the spot.

"Yes maam!"

Natsu then turned his attention to Seilah who was watching the events with curiosity.

"Now then I suppose I'll have to take you along with me then won't I?"

"Well I have nowhere else to go and given my appearance I doubt I can go live in some town," Seilah replied as Natsu nodded.

"Alright you can help me deal with a certain mess Xicor seems adamant to avoid dealing with," Natsu said as he snapped his fingers and opened a portal. "By the way when you return to Fairy Tail speak to Wendy for me I left her a lacrima with a message but it isn't really fair to her that she isn't up to date on things ok Erza?"

"When we get married Natsu can we officially adopt her?"

"Heh did you have to ask," Natsu said as he walked through the portal with Seilah close behind.

"I will ensure Master Natsu doesn't do anything stupid Mistress Erza," Seilah said with a bow before walking through the portal with it closing behind her.

"Man I'm so jealous Natsu can do that now," Elise groaned as she realized Natsu left them in the middle of nowhere with no town for miles and two unconscious Dragon Slayers. "I'll get you back for this one Natsu!"

/Terminus/

Natsu walked through the portal and was in front of the Council once more as his eyes scanned the area until he spotted Xicor trying and failing to make a stealthy exit.

"You know stealth really doesn't work when you're body is bigger than some mountains Xicor …"

At the jab many of the Gods snickered with the Dragon growling at him.

"What do you want now brat!"

"Well I need to do something to get my mind off what just happened and I just so happen to have a staff capable of destroying countries that you seem to not want anything to do with even though it falls under your jurisdiction so I'm gonna get some info out of you!"

"Just leave it be Natsu the damn staff isn't that important!"

"Isn't that important, this thing was made from the hatred the Dragons had of you I would think it pretty important when a weapon made out of spite for me was being waved around?"

"Gah fine come on then you won't shut up about it and I want to go have my nap we've been convened for three days already," Xicor growled as Natsu nodded with a grin as he and Seilah followed Xicor back to his temple as the old Dragon curled up.

"So Xicor what's the deal with Dragon Cry?"

"Well you've already seen its creation thanks to Felicity it being derived from the hatred of the Dragons who thought I had forsaken them when there was nothing that could have been done to save them. Dragon Cry is as you know a staff of frightening power that by all rights should not exist in fact I would go as far as to say its existence is by all the laws of logic and reason impossible."

"But its creation was made through the combined magic's of the Dragons who died I saw it take shape it's not that hard to believe," Natsu countered as Xicor shook his head.

"That's where you are wrong Natsu the staff was indeed made from them however not a single ounce of magic was used, in place of magic was nothing but pure hatred and rage which melded together creating a weapon that would by all accounts have no purpose. Tell me Natsu can you conceive a reason as to why out of all things they would have made they chose a staff?"

Natsu frowned as he began to realize what Xicor was getting at, the idea that the Dragons would create a weapon that would be wielded by humans in a land where almost none existed seemed strange to say the least.

"So you think there was another element at play but it wouldn't have been Zeref since from the date Felicity showed me that occurred two years prior to my old home being attacked and my … death."

"Indeed which is why my mind shifts to beings of a higher level, a lot of eyes were on that battle that day from both the Gods and Devils side, would it be so farfetched to suggest one of them had a hand in this affair?"

"The former Goddess of Chaos maybe she did have a hand in making Achnologia didn't she maybe she was looking for more ways to mess with things?"

"A likely suspect but it also brings further questions after all Achnologia is by far the ultimate being of Chaos what use would Dragon Cry be in comparison to him?"

"I don't know but don't you also find it odd that the staff was left in Draconia until I came along and just happened to stumble across it, the room it was in was full of human remains and Felicity told me that the humans had been wiped out which leads me to wonder if that statement is really true? Is it really crazy to think that humans either survived the Dragons or came to the continent at a later date?"

"Hmm an interesting hypothesis however all we have to go on is a room full of dusty old bones, Natsu return to Draconia and scour the land to see if there are any signs of life following the collapse of the Dragon Capital."

"Hold up you want me to scour an entire continent what the hell do you think I am!"

"The son of Igneel the Fire Dragon King and his successor which means technically this is your job anyway," Xicor said with a slight smirk as Natsu's eyes narrowed. "Alright fine how about this I'll sweeten the deal for you, scour the entire continent and I will teach you the Dragon Slaying Element that opposes your Demonic Dragon Slayer Magic how does that sound?"

"Well as far as offers go that's a pretty fair deal, fine I'll do this but you'd better keep up your end of this from what I saw this continent was massive."

"It's not even as big as Fiore you know imagine if it was as big as Ishgar or Alvarez?"

"Alright I get it I'm going," Natsu sighed as Xicor tapped him on the shoulder.

"One more thing before you head out could you go see Eliza she's … look she's at her home moping and won't shut up about her daughter and you and the lack of respect and all this other crap I couldn't care less about, we're old friends and I'm no good at this kind of thing so could you go deal with it please?"

"So you said Eliza of all people is moping, how could I say no to seeing this! Seilah come we're going to have a good laugh!"

"Is laughing at someone who is down always meant to be funny Master Natsu?"

"Er no, sorry I forgot you were unfamiliar with these emotions Seilah I'll explain it on the way."

"As you wish Master Natsu."

"Just call me Natsu Seilah I don't need the title."

"As you wish Master Natsu."

Natsu just sighed as he left Xicor's temple with Seilah in tow who was looking at him curiously wondering why he was grumbling to himself.

/Magnolia – Three Days Later/

It took the Natsu retrieval team three days to get back to Magnolia and they were now standing in front of the doors of the guild hall with varying expressions.

"I swear if one of them talks bad about Natsu …"

"It'll be alright Erza you know Natsu had other reasons to leave besides them," Mira said as the requip mage nodded slowly.

Before any of them had a chance to touch the doors one of them was thrust open and a blue blur smashed into Erza.

"Erza I can't smell Natsu with you where is he!"

The group looked at Wendy and sighed knowing that she clearly must already be upset and not wanting to break the news to her.

"Listen shrimp Salamander has some stuff he's got to sort out before he comes back," Gajeel said as her gaze hardened.

"Yeah he won't be back for some time," Laxus added.

"But he is safe Wendy and Tartaros has been annihilated," Elise said as she turned away from Wendy unable to meet her gaze.

"Natsu used his E.N.D powers to save me and had Eliza bring me back here; he was facing down an army of those Demons by himself. Is he not coming back because of that, because he had to save me?"

"Don't think for a second you were weak Wendy the ones that kidnapped you were two of the Demon Gates of Tartaros even we had trouble with most of them but you softened up the ones who took you nicely."

"But I wasn't strong enough and because of that Natsu, Natsu was gonna sacrifice himself for me! Its not good enough I'm too weak if it weren't for me he wouldn't have had to risk his life like that!"

Erza knelt down to Wendy and pressed her forehead to hers with a kind and loving smile.

"Wendy Natsu did what he did not because you were weak and needed to be protected but because he loves you very much and seeing the state you were in hurt him so much, you aren't weak Wendy it's just that Natsu has frighteningly strong enemies because of who he is which is why he has left us for awhile you know."

"But if I had beaten the two who took me Natsu would've been here and his secret being safe and the guild wouldn't hate him," Wendy sniffed as everyone tensed at the last part.

"Yes well the guild hating him is something none of us can fully comprehend given all he's done for it and its members but as for the rest Wendy knows that his secret would have come out eventually. If you had beaten the two then it's likely stronger ones would have come in their place if not the whole guild but it's pointless to dwell on such things."

"So is it really true that Natsu won't be back for a long time?"

"Yes but in the meantime you know what you can do to make his return a good one, become much stronger so that when he returns you can show him your strength and how far you've come."

Wendy sniffed and nodded as Erza pulled her into a hug.

"He's coming back Wendy I don't know what he said in that lacrima he gave you but he is coming back."

"He didn't sound so sure in his recording that's why I was so scared," Wendy said softly as she handed Erza the recording.

"We can go to my house to watch it since yours is destroyed right now Erza," Mira said as the group nodded and made their way to Mira's house and took seats in her living room placing the lacrima in the centre and Wendy activated it.

The lacrima shifted the entire area they were in and no longer were they in Mira's living room but a strange hellish landscape with Demons gawking at him and other people going about their business.

"Hey so I guess this things rolling, sorry about the location I'm in Tartaros right now just got made a Devil Arch Demon rank too so you know I'm not doing too bad all things considered."

"Ok so I suppose I should start at the beginning then Wendy because to be honest I've hidden quite a lot from you as well as the others which will probably get me a scolding or beating from Erza later but I digress, ever since Scarlione I found out that I am in fact a Demon Lord known as E.N.D yeah the fabled Demon said to be the bringer of the end times and all that crap."

"So why did I not tell you or Erza or anyone else who I was close to well to put it bluntly I was afraid, afraid of what reaction it might get out of all of you and so I chose to hide it and had no real intention of telling anyone if there was never any need to. Sadly gramps found out during the Grand Magic Games but at least he was fine with it although he was wary which was fine I kind of expected that from him."

"So you might be wondering why I'm not telling you this in person well again the answer is simple and that is I'm going to be going away and I can't promise you that I'll see you again, now don't start crying because I know that your strong enough not to and Lykyria would crush me under 2000x Gravity if she found out."

"To put it simply Wendy I have to go away because I am dangerous, I not only have powerful enemies that will come for my head but I have powers that I can scarcely comprehend at my fingertips now one of which allows me to open portals like the Gods do except they are a weird red colour instead of blue which is fine because red is way better anyway."

"Anyway I've been doing some training with the Archons and they have shown me just how powerful my new abilities are and have explained that not training in them could have dire consequences for those around me and I won't put you all in danger however there's more to why I'm not coming back right now."

"Before I arrived to find you nailed to the cross I'd been fighting this guild on the orders of the Magic Council that was led by a man named Geoffrey who was the founder of Phantom Lord and his family including Jose Porla who you can ask anyone in the guild about and they can give you the rundown on him but to put it simply Zeref did something to them and they all became one being and I've called it The Darkness."

"The Darkness is an entity that I wasn't able to defeat even with all my power, I tore his body to pieces with my claws and fangs leaving nothing but chunks of meat and bone only for his spirit to manifest and continue on like nothing happened."

"This being invaded my mind Wendy and began tormenting me about all the people I've lost over the years and when I saw you after going through that I snapped, what followed was me succumbing to my primal rage and becoming a being similar to Achnologia Dragon form and all however I simply could not stop killing and mutilating the foes before me I wanted endless combat and inside it hurt."

"My E.N.D powers combined with my Dragonblood and I unlocked a stage of the First Generation Slayer that we aren't meant to unlock, this next part I hope you have Gajeel with you for because he has a right to know this too."

"On the day we were abandoned by our Dragons in Age X777 our parents didn't just up and leave they were sealed within us by Zeref of all people, the reason behind it was to ensure none of us became Dragons in the same manner Achnologia did and become another menace to the world."

"You see I am an exception to this even though I have Igneel sealed within me I am also a Demon Lord and the two forces constantly clash with one another trying to merge as one which has granted me a new element known as the Demonic Dragon Slayer Magic."

"During my fight with Tartaros when I lost control I transformed into a Demonic Dragon and began to lay waste to everything in front of me, that was what our parents didn't want however I believe it is possible for me to master this ability given time."

"Now I want you to remember this that our Dragon parents will return when the time is right and to not try looking for them, I'm only telling you this because you have the right to closure about it alright."

"Alright the next topic I want to talk to you about is something that I want everyone who I trust to hear so stop the recording here unless you are with them …. Alright I'm assuming that everyone trustworthy is here."

"What I'm about to tell you is classified an SSS Class Secret since it involves not only Zeref but the creation of a Dark entity that has the power to cause absolute chaos across the world, during my mission for the Magic Council I fought a man named Geoffrey who was one of Jose's living ancestors and if any of you don't know who Jose Porla is just ask anyone who was around when I kicked his ass."

"Alright so basically this Geoffrey guy as well as Jose and many other relatives all started up a Dark Guild and had built a tower similar to the R System however its purpose was far more sinister, Zeref used it to combine all of them into one being who I have dubbed The Darkness and it is a being of terrifying power being able to manipulate the minds of both myself and Igneel into nothing but pure rage and hatred."

"I tore this being apart with my own claws and fangs only for it to reconstitute itself as a spirit of sorts which now operates at the beck and call of Zeref, under no circumstances should you go looking for this being and if it finds you for whatever reason I urge you not to believe a word it tells you like I initially did because if you do it will ensnare you in its mind manipulating power."

"If for some reason it has a physical body again then I urge you all to run except maybe Elise, I say this because that being was as strong as the God of Discord Ravus and had I not been wearing a specific set of armor Eliza had gifted me with that subconsciously allowed me to tap into her War God abilities I would probably be dead or have been forced to trade my mind for power to win."

"As I am now I stand a good chance against it being a Devil however I refuse to get cocky and assume that I could eliminate it, another problem would be that wherever The Darkness is Zeref won't be far behind and I don't have to tell you why I don't want you fighting him."

"The Darkness is a being I plan to investigate thoroughly while I'm away and I'll let you know what I've discovered if and when I get back once again I can't promise I'll be alive in a few years time."

"Before I go I just want to say to you Wendy that you aren't weak in fact for your age you are actually quite powerful, if I had a daughter I'd want her to be just like you hell I'd accept just having you as my daughter that'd be good enough. Train and become stronger Wendy the others will help you just whatever you do don't take the same path I did it's made me a man with countless enemies and the blood of millions on his hands."

"So yeah I guess I'll see you when I see you eh?"

Everyone was silent as they digested the information Natsu had given them when Gajeel stood up and began to walk to the door.

"Well looks like I've got some heavy duty trainin to do I'm gonna go see if the shrimp wants to come along."

"Yeah I'm not happy how easily that Mard Geer guy took me out I'm gonna meet up with the Thunder Legion and get some training in too," Laxus said as he also left.

"Well I've got to figure out what this gift Natsu gave me was he said I'd have to train to unlock it so any of you girls going to be training as well?"

Wendy, Erza and Elise looked at Mira with blank faces as Mira began giggling.

"Oh you three need to lighten up I know you'll be going to train so can I join you?"

"Of course you can Mira but we'll need to inform the Master first and give him the information about the upcoming threat of this Darkness creature and Zeref," Erza said as the rest nodded in agreement.

"Well what are we waiting for let's get going," Elise said as they all got up and bolted out of the house.

/Terminus/

"Eliza open the door it's been three days now," Natsu groaned as he and Seilah stood out the front of the War Goddess' home. "Come on this is just ridiculous she's a God isn't she?"

"Even Gods must have their bad days," Seilah said as Natsu sighed and nodded in agreement.

"Alright Eliza if you don't open this door I'm coming in by kicking your door in and I'm not paying for it to be fixed, one … two … thr-!"

Just as Natsu was about to kick the door in it opened and there was Eliza wrapped in a blanket who looked like she'd been crying.

"Just go away Natsu."

"No I won't Eliza I won't let you sit here and sulk like this because someone said something you don't agree with," Natsu said as he took her back inside and sat her down on the couch. "Now tell me Eliza you are the War Goddess aren't you?"

"Yes."

"You are a Divine being who trained a mortal to the best of her abilities and has also helped me out heaps of times showing me my flaws correct?"

"Yes but-!"

"Then tell me Eliza why you believe that I would not stand up to you and do the same when you are wrong then, tell me why I should sit there after all the encouragement you've given us and accept you calling them weak?"

Eliza remained silent as Natsu sighed and took a seat in an armchair across from her.

"Listen I didn't want to punch you ok but you hit me first and you simply weren't understanding the point I was trying to make, when we first met yes we were far weaker however it has been so long since that day and we've all been through so much you know I mean look at me I can stand as your equal now doesn't that tell you something about how much progress we've all made?"

"I just don't want all of you to die I-I've never been attached to mortals before Elise and without you being there to beat down the leader like normal you were up here talking about letting them handle it so I panicked."

"You are blinded by my strength Eliza to the point that you fail to recognize just how much the others have progressed as well, Elise has gotten to the point where if she goes all out she can devastate a countryside don't you think that's progress?"

"I know Natsu I just don't want to lose her or you or Erza or little Wendy you've all made such an impact on me that for you to suddenly go away I-I don't know what I'd do …"

"Listen I was very much the same Eliza until one day I realized that I can't always be there to save the day you know, Elise Erza and Wendy are all powerful in their own right even if they aren't able to fight against the strongest of beings. Sometimes in order to grow stronger you have to fight the strongest beings in order to see where you stand and strive to rise beyond that limit."

"Is that how you do it Natsu, how you seem to become stronger and stronger with every meeting?"

"Yes, I must always be stronger than I was yesterday so that I can protect the things that matter to me I've always lived by that especially after my 10 years away from Fairy Tail."

"And you believe the others are the same, that Elise is the same?"

"Personally I believe everyone has the same potential Eliza but you should know you've seen how far Elise has come hell she's getting the hang of Gods Aura you can't tell me that isn't a sign of strength and growth?"

"I suppose you are right it's been a long time since I've been told I was wrong, I apologise for attacking you earlier I was out of line."

"Like I said everyone has their bad days even a Goddess, so you want to go do something real fun that Xicor asked me to do?"

"And what would that be?"

"Exploring Draconia," Natsu said as Eliza adopted a thinking pose before nodding.

"I did take some time off so I don't see why not."

"Wait you can take time off like paid leave, isn't there like important War God stuff you have to be maintaining?"

"You don't seriously think I manage 100% of it by myself do you I have the War Class who need to learn the role it allows them to gain the experience."

"Oh ok, so how much time did you take off like a week?"

"Well close its more like an 'until further notice' type thing."

Natsu just sighed and shook his head as he stood up with Eliza's usual armor reappearing onto her.

"Well looks like I've got a pretty unique crew for this mission a God, a Devil and a Demon," Natsu said amused as he opened up a portal and the three went through with Natsu already feeling slightly better.

I hope you all enjoyed it and I'll see you in the next one.