(Edited 06/02/24)

(Edited 14/03/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

The King Of Dragons

***POTD***

In the time it took him to blink, Precht found himself back on his heavily damaged airship, the sound of blaring alarms alerting him to said damage, as well as the breaching of the Devil's Heart's secure chamber.

He slowly looked up from where he lay on the wooden floor, Zeref seated upon his throne, his long hair swept to one side, as a lone Crimson Red eye gazed down at him, a smirk upon the face of its bearer.

"Precht Gaebolg… Tell me, were you not utterly trounced by Mages the last time we met? Are you going to beg for my assistance once again?"

"Lord Zeref," Precht muttered, looking up at the young man with tired eyes. "I have walked the path of Magic, and discovered that you are the only one capable of helping me reach my goals…"

"Is that so? And, pray tell, why would I help you?"

"T-The advancement of Magic-."

Zeref chuckled, resting his face in his palm as the lone Crimson eye gazed at him through parted fingers.

"You think I am the key to advancing Magic? You really have fallen far, haven't you? At least Warrod kept to his strengths, despite his declining mental capacity."

"What…?"

"I am in no way responsible for the advancement of Magic upon Earthland, Precht," Zeref admitted, leaning back into the throne, amused at Precht's shocked expression.

"What!? B-But the annals, and the Books of Zeref-!?"

"Oh, those are mine, make no mistake about that Precht. However, all of those were mere preludes to my greatest contribution to the world…"

"Your… greatest contribution?"

"Yes. I am of course referring to the ultimate Demon," Zeref smirked, as all the color from Precht's face drained away, quickly putting the pieces together.

"It can't be…?"

"Events have played out exactly as I had hoped they would, and his awakening shall come quite soon," Zeref smirked, as the crystal above the throne flickered, before shooting out the projection of the shrouded figure. "Soon, the world's most feared Demon shall grace this world with his presence, and it will be the prelude… to the END."

"I warned you not to underestimate Dragneel, didn't I Precht," the figure chuckled as he took a drag from his cigarette, seemingly unbothered by Precht's predicament. "Still, you served your purpose, just like Zero did."

"My purpose…? What are you talking about!?"

"I would have thought it obvious by now," the figure replied, as the holographic form moved to stand to Zeref's right. "Your Excellency, it is good to see you once again."

Precht was rendered utterly speechless, which elicited naught but amusement from the men before him. Quickly thinking back to every encounter he'd had with the man; he soon began to realize the grave error in judgement he'd just made.

"No…"

Zeref cupped his face in his hands, leaning forward, before running both hands up his face and through his hair. Precht watched as Zeref's hair shifted, shortening to a more medium length, but retaining the shagginess.

Zeref's eyes slowly opened, as the figure smirked down at his utterly speechless form.

"I believe he has outlived his usefulness, your Excellency," the figure noted, as Zeref's eyes locked onto Precht's own…

One Crimson Red…One Galaxy Blue.

"Indeed he has," came the curt response, as Precht felt a crushing energy wave smash into his form, pinning him into place, as the Black Mage slowly rose to his feet and made his way toward the old man. "I'll be taking this…"

Precht cried out in pain as Zeref ripped out his Devil's Eye, the power leaving him as rapidly as he'd gained it when he'd first had it implanted into him long ago.

"No…NO-!"

Precht groaned, his body beginning to shrivel up, his organs failing, as the man was torn apart by the ravages of Time itself. Zeref and the figure watched without showing even the slightest shred of emotion until all that remained was the clothing upon his back.

"What a sad fool," the Black Wizard murmured, examining the eye curiously, before it vanished in the blink of an eye. "Still, like you said, he had usefulness."

"We are down to the final member of the Bharam Alliance your Excellency," the figure noted, as Zeref walked toward the large hole that had been blown in the side of the airship. "Would you have me continue with the current plan?"

"I would. However, I would have some adjustments made… In addition to your personal squad, I would have you bring Sword Four and Sword Twelve with you."

"Your will be done, your Excellency," the figure nodded. "But might I ask why you feel it necessary to assign them as well?"

"Take your own advice," Zeref smirked as he turned to face the projection. "Never underestimate Natsu Dragneel."

Turning back toward the hole, Zeref's eyes narrowed, as he noticed the faintest speck on the horizon.

"It appears it is time for me to take my leave of this place," Zeref sighed, looking back toward the projection one last time. "Remember, establish yourselves within the light."

"It shall be as you say, your Excellency," the projection replied firmly.

"Oh, and one more thing…"

"Yes, your grace?"

"Ensure Bluenote Stinger remains under your thumb in any capacity… He's quite useful."

Zeref opened up a portal and vanished, leaving the projection alone aboard the now derelict ship.

"It shall always be as you say … your grace."

The Lacrima began to flicker rapidly, as the projection began to distort, before it suddenly shattered violently, destroying the entire throne, leaving the airship entirely abandoned.

***POTD***

Elsewhere across Tenrou Island, Natsu slowly opened his eyes. His body felt heavy, no doubt from the battle damage he'd sustained during his fight against Precht. Sitting up, Natsu realized he wasn't in the place he'd passed out, and was now in the middle of the forest somewhere, propped up against one of the trees.

"Oh, you're finally awake," a soft, gentle voice noted from his immediate right, prompting him to nearly launch himself up the nearest tree as he entered a combat stance. "Oh! Sorry if I startled you there, I should have realised that you would still have been on edge, given all you've been through.

Relaxing slightly, Natsu nodded slowly as the girl strolled past him. He examined her closely, noting that she appeared quite young, around fourteen years of age. She had long flowing faded blonde hair, a white frilly dress that had pink and blue woven into the hem, and wore what appeared to be fairy wing adornments just above her ears.

"That's alright," the Dragon Slayer replied slowly, meeting her rather unique, pupil-less green eyes. "But who are you exactly, and where did you come from?"

"Me? I'm somewhat surprised you haven't guessed already," the girl giggled, skipping before him as she linked her hands behind her back, posing rather cutely. "I'm the First Master of Fairy Tail!"

One Of The Founders Of Fairy Tail

A Girl Considered To Be A True Fairy

The First Master Of The Fairy Tail Guild

The Great Tactician

Mavis Vermillion

"Mavis Vermillion," Natsu gasped, eliciting an amused giggle from the girl. "B-But that can't be true!? Mavis Vermillion founded the Guild well before even Makarov was born!? How can you possibly be here!?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you everything," Mavis replied, as a slight frown overcame her features for a brief moment. "My existence is supposed to be a secret, one that only the current Master of Fairy Tail is supposed to know about."

"Really? But then, why are you here Mavis? And more importantly… HOW are you here!?"

"Well, the latter question is rather easy to answer," Mavis replied, as she went to touch Natsu, only for her hand to go straight through him. "Nothing much living here anymore, as you can see."

"Wait… So, you're a ghost then? I've seen the undead, and things similar to them, but never a fully-fledged ghost? How are you here?"

"Like I said earlier, that's a secret only the Guild Master can know. What I can tell you, is that how I'm able to be here is something very important, and a top secret of the Guild."

"Well, if it's really that important, then I won't pry," Natsu replied, begrudgingly. "I suppose this isn't the first time I've run into some sort of secret like this. I promise I won't say anything, you are one of us after all."

"You know, I'm glad that Fairy Tail is still a place that treats its members like family," Mavis smiled in response as she gives Natsu an adorable curtsy. "You know, that was my goal when I first founded the Guild all those years ago? I wanted a place where everyone felt like family, and the Guild was their home."

"Yeah, well, it seems Precht didn't take too kindly to that idea, did he," Natsu replied with a shake of his head. "I don't get how he turned out like that when gramps told me he was a great Second Master?"

"Unfortunately, Precht embarked on a mission that couldn't be completed, no matter how hard he tried, or how long or far he traveled. Along the way, it seems his goal turned into something much darker, which ultimately led to his destruction…"

"Destruction? You know that Precht is dead?"

"Yes, I would say he definitely would be. The man you saw before you fell unconscious whisked him away, and he's surely been killed by him by now."

"That guy," Natsu muttered, as he looked down at Mavis. "He said that his name was Zeref, but is it true?"

"Yes, I'm afraid that it is was no mere jest. That was the man from which all Demons in Earthland trace their origin. He is the man with a power no one should possess… That man wields the power of both Gods and Devils…

"Wait … WHAT!? You can't be serious," Natsu replied in shock. "How can that even be possible!? Actually, hold on, how do you know about Gods and Devils anyway!?"

"We've had our dealings in the past Natsu, but it's a tale for another time. As for Zeref however, as he is now, he is a being who shouldn't theoretically exist."

"Yet he does," Natsu replied obviously. "The question is HOW does he exist?"

"That's the real question, isn't it? Zeref exists as he is Natsu, because he bears part of the soul of Ankhseram, a being which also never should have existed, or so the legends say. A being born naturally as half God, half Devil. He was an abomination, and both sides shunned his very existence, forcing him to wander the mortal realms aimlessly…"

"Wait… Don't the Devils and Gods hate each other," Natsu asked in response. "How could a being like Ahnkseram exist if that were the case?"

"That's just it though, isn't it Natsu? Something like that shouldn't have happened, yet it did. Only Zeref, who now possesses part of the soul of Ankhseram, would know the true answer behind how it truly happened. Well, aside from the Devils and Gods, who wouldn't tell you a thing, of course."

"So, he's essentially a higher being that shouldn't exist, right? So, if he is part God then what exactly can he do with that half of his power? All Gods have abilities based on what position they hold, right? So, what could he really do if he's nothing?"

"Hmm… What is a good way to explain it," Mavis mused, as she stopped walking and pondered the question. "How does one describe the act of turning something into nothing?"

"That'd be as good as destroying it, right," Natsu asked, as Mavis shook her head.

"No, because there are both Gods and Devils capable of wielding Destruction. They destroy as they must for the balance of their realms. I'm talking about taking something like that rock there, and simply erasing it, leaving nothing behind. No remote trace of its existence would remain, aside from the knowledge that at one time, it existed."

"How is that different from Destruction though? I could do that to a rock," Natsu asked, clearly confused, eliciting a sigh from the First Master.

"It's hard to explain what exactly Zeref is Natsu, because he is in essence a being that has the potential to erase everything, should he gain enough power, and he knows it. I suppose if you are really curious, talk to your God friend, and she might be willing to explain it better than I can? Remember, I've been here a long time, and my memory is a bit fuzzy in some areas."

"Sorry Mavis, this is a lot to take in," Natsu laughed awkwardly. "I'm sure it'll make sense a bit later?"

"Don't worry about it, I doubt we are even supposed to know this much about the topic of higher beings," Mavis replied, as the pair arrived in a small glade. "Now, tell me, what do you see around you?"

Natsu looked around, seeing nothing but the same foliage that covered the rest of Tenrou Island. That was, at least, until his eyes landed on a single weathered stone that jutted out of the earth, moss having partially grown over it.

"It looks like some sort of memorial," Natsu replied, as Mavis moved to stand between him, and the memorial.

"I suppose it is kind of a memorial, just not for something. Rather, it is for someone…"

"Oh, that's right! I forgot that your grave is supposed to be here," Natsu replied quickly, before returning to his more serious demeanor. "Not to be rude, but why are we here?"

"Because time is short, and I must give you something that will undoubtedly annihilate you all, should we not take certain steps to stop it."

"Is it Zeref," Natsu asked, his expression hardening, only for Mavis to shake her head.

"No, this danger is far worse," the First Master replied grimly. "I believe you've had several run ins with him before…?"

"Hold on… Did you just say whoever is coming is worse than a person who is some sort of half God, half Devil because of the soul of fucking Ahnkseram of all people!?"

"Black Dragon," Mavis replied immediately, freezing the Dragon Slayer in place.

"No," Natsu muttered, visibly beginning to shake. "You're talking about… Achnologia, aren't you?"

"I'm afraid so," the First Master replied grimly. "He likely sensed Zeref when he flared his power earlier. It is the first time Zeref has flared his power in almost three hundred years, and Achnologia seeks to devour him… So, he will come."

"What do I need to do," the Dragon Slayer asked firmly, eliciting a stiff nod from the First Master."

"Have you heard of the three ancient spells of Fairy Tail?"

"I know Fairy Law is one of them, but I didn't know there was three? What are the other two?"

"Well, the first one is a spell known as Fairy Glitter. It's the most destructive of the three spells, however, it can only be cast by those who possess all the qualities of a Fairy Tail Mage. You most certainly qualify for the spell, but that's not the one I'm giving you."

Natsu was surprised when Mavis said that the spell of pure destructive power wouldn't be the one they'd be using, but decided to trust her.

"The other spell is the ultimate defensive spell known as Fairy Sphere. Using this spell will transport the user, as well as their surrounding area, into a pocket dimension. Once active, they will slumber until the casters Magic runs out. The spell doesn't drain much Magic, despite what it does, so you'll be gone for a fair while. Unfortunately, it's either you use Fairy Sphere and vanish for a period of time, or face Achnologia…"

Natsu nodded in understanding. He knew full well that even if all of them were at full fighting strength, there was no chance they could stop that thing. Achnologia would rip them apart in seconds, and he wouldn't allow that.

"All right Mavis, give me the spell," Natsu replied firmly, eliciting a grim smile from the First Master.

"This spell requires that I put a mark on your body. It will be permanent, so tell me where you want it," Mavis replied, as Natsu thought about it for a moment, before taking off his Saints coat and pointing just under his Guild Mark.

Mavis nodded and transferred the spell. A circular runic tattoo appeared underneath the Guild Mark, as Natsu felt the knowledge of the spell rush into his mind, which confirmed the process was complete.

"Huh, that's interesting," Natsu mused, as he examined the tattoo. "The tail portion of the Guild Mark is wrapped around the center of the tattoo?"

"Really? Interesting, I never knew it did that… Anyway, that aside, you need to hurry back to your friends," Mavis replied with a swift shake of her head. "You have mere minutes Natsu, the Dragon is minutes from reaching the island!"

Natsu nodded stiffly, eyeing the tattoo one last time before giving a curt nod to the First Master, and vanishing.

Mavis smiled, knowing that no verbal gratitude needed to be exchanged now. It was obvious from his gaze, and the speed at which he moved, that he was eternally grateful for the opportunity he'd been given.

***POTD***

It had been several hours since the battle had concluded between Natsu and Precht. And, although many of the members of Fairy Tail were again conscious, no one dared stray far from the camp, fearful of a potential Grimoire Heart ambush.

The only people willing to do what they wanted were Gildarts, Makarov, Ur and her Daughter, who had Meredy close behind.

"I'll be heading back to the mainland with Ultear and Meredy, Master. I'm sure you understand," Ur said as Makarov nodded slowly.

"Do what you must Ur. After all, the tale that the two of you have suffered is most tragic indeed. Once I get back, I'll look into finding a way to pardon the two of you for your crimes," Makarov replied, as he motioned towards Ultear and Meredy.

"You are too kind, Saint Makarov… And once again, we apologize for what we've done," Ultear replied sincerely, as she bowed her head.

"Juvia and I are gonna go with them Master," Gray chimed in, as the Water Mage was practically glued to his side. "We've got a lot to talk about."

"I understand Gray," Makarov nodded in response. "Go and do what you all need to do, and I'll see you all in Magnolia."

Gray smiled as both he and Juvia took off after Ur, Ultear and Meredy, with the pair quickly disappearing into the forest, headed toward the shoreline.

"Its good to see everything there turned out alright," Makarov sighed tiredly. "Speaking of alright though, I wonder where Natsu might be?"

"Actually, I was wondering that myself Makarov? He used a colossal amount of Magical Power to fight Precht, I'm a bit worried about him…"

"I still cannot believe the boy became that strong," Makarov muttered in response, as he looked down at his damaged body. "How did he achieve such power…"

"Sorry old man, but like it or not, Natsu managed to match that last attack with his own," Laxus cut in, as he casually strolled into camp, shocking everyone present.

"Oh my goodness, its Laxus," Freed squealed, as both he and Bickslow rushed toward the former leader of the Thunder Legion.

"Yeah yeah, enough with the mush Freed," Laxus replied with a roll of his eyes. "Where's Evergreen?"

"Oh, she's helping Mira take care of Wendy," Freed replied quickly. "She's this new girl that-."

"Yeah, I know who she is," Laxus growled in response, surprising everyone as he looked rather angry. "Can't believe those scum would beat on a kid like that? Still, me and Natsu went to work on Precht for a bit, so hopefully that should make it up to her?"

"You fought Precht as well Laxus," Makarov asked, clearly shocked, as Laxus simply turned his head to avoid looking at his Grandfather.

"Yeah, well… I just had a bad feeling right, and I just so happened to be in the neighborhood anyway. So, I thought I'd just check out what was going on…"

"We're on an island you idiot! Do you seriously think I'm just gonna buy that excuse!? You shouldn't even by here boy, this is sacred ground-!"

Laxus just sat there as Makarov began to scold him over every little detail, before Gildarts sat down next to him. The man had a smug smirk on his face, and Laxus knew he was in for it now.

"Oi? Natsu told me you screwed up so bad that you got kicked out of the Guild? Can't even go away for one mission without you screwing up, huh," Gildarts teased.

"Shut up you dumb old man," Laxus scoffed, as everyone began to laugh at his expense.

"Laxus," Erza cut in, looking down at the Dragon Slayer with a firm gaze. "Do you know where Natsu it?"

"Dunno honestly. I checked the area he fell earlier, but there was just a big ass crater in his place," the blonde shrugged. "He did eat a lot of my lightning though, so he's probably just throwing up somewhere…

"Wait… WHAT!? What do you mean he at a lot of your lightning," Erza snapped in response.

"Makes perfect sense really Titania," Gajeel shrugged, joining the conversation. "Salamander probably needed an edge to smack down that old bastard, so Laxus topped him up, right?"

"Yeah. I chuckled him most of the Magic I had left," Laxus nodded, which only made Erza angrier.

"Why the hell would you do that Laxus!? Natsu could very well be out there dying right now!"

"Come on Erza, give me a break! We literally had no choice since Precht had his heart in this machine thing inside his airship," Laxus replied, matching Erza's glare. "Until it was destroyed, even our most powerful attacks wouldn't do shit. Hell, Natsu and I smashed the guy full force in the head with everything we had, and the old bastard just fell over and got right back up again! We literally had no choice, so I gave him some of my power so he could buy me time to destroy the heart."

"Well… it was still reckless," Erza huffed. "Surely there was another way?"

"Nope. We tried everything else we had in our arsenal, but it wasn't enough," Laxus replied easily. "Natsu, even as mad as he was, couldn't shrug off some of that old geezer's hits. The guy was nothing short of a monster, plain and simple."

"That sounds like Forbidden Magic to me," Makarov chimed in, as the others nodded. "I suppose you two did the best with what you had at the time. Though I'm still surprised that Natsu was able to compete with that last attack?"

"Hey, where's my praise Makarov!? I fought a strong guy too," Gildarts whined, as Makarov shook his head.

"You're Fairy Tail's Ace, that's your job! Natsu is a different matter entirely. In any event… Laxus, thank you for assisting us with Grimoire Heart. You didn't have to come here, but you did. I don't know your reasons, but I'll choose to believe they were noble."

"Laxus, while you're here, you may as well go see Mira. I'm sure she'd be happy to see you," Erza said as Laxus shrugged.

"Maybe…"

"That wasn't a suggestion," the Requip Mage added with a firm glare, eliciting a groan from the blonde.

"Alright already, I'll go! Just settle down," Laxus sighed, rising to his feet and walking over to the tent Erza had indicated. Looking inside, Laxus could only wince when he saw Wendy and her injuries, before the two girls spotted him.

"Oh my goodness!? Laxus," Mira squealed, as she ran over and hugged him, before backing off after noticing how shocked he looked, a slight blush on her face. "I can't believe you're here!? Are you hurt!?"

"Don't worry about me, the kid looks like she needs all the attention she can get," Laxus replied calmly, as he walked over and examined her wounds. "What kind of sick bastard could do something like this to a kid?"

"Erza killed the guy who inflicted the wounds," Mira replied, a slightly darker tone behind her words as she clenched her fists. "He got what he deserved…"

"Agreed. Natsu didn't really have the best chance to tell me what happened to her, so I was curious to see her for myself?"

"Well, the extent of the injuries to her arms were pretty severe… She'll have scarring all along her arms for sure," Mira replied, before pointing to her damaged stomach. "I'm not sure about how deep the gash along her stomach went, but it wasn't deep enough that it spilled her guts. We should at least be grateful for that."

"These Dark Guilds really don't have respect for Human life, do they? Natsu's gonna be pretty torn up when he sees her like this you know?"

"Well, she looks mildly better than she did when Cana brought her here," Mira replied gently, as she carefully covered Wendy with a blanket. "I hope Natsu isn't out there beating himself up over this?"

"I doubt it, he's strong. He'll feel guilty, but he won't let us see it unless his emotions spike. Kind like whatever he was doing today, actually. Anyway, I'm gonna go, since I can't look at the kid any more. Honestly, its ticking me off," Laxus said, as he walked outside the tent.

"Laxus, wait," Mira called out, as she went outside as well. "You're staying for awhile, right?"

"Well, I'm not part of the Guild anymore… And the old geezer doesn't seem like he wants me around…"

"He does want you around, but you know how stubborn he is Laxus! The two of you are more alike than you think, you know?"

"Mira… I'm my own person you know," Laxus sighed, as Mira shook her head.

"I wasn't comparing you to him, Laxus. All I was merely pointing out is that like him, you're stubborn. So, just go sit down next to him, even for no other reason than to annoy him. He'll cave eventually, just like you do."

"I don't cave," Laxus huffed, as Mira just looked at him knowingly. "All right, you made your point… I'm going."

"He doesn't hate you Laxus, none of us do. You made a mistake back then, but it looks like you've learnt from it and started becoming a better person. The old Laxus wouldn't have helped anyone other than himself, so I'd say you're on the right path."

Laxus simply put his hand in the air, waving to Mira in response, as he walked over and sat down next to Makarov. The two sat in awkward silence until Laxus spoke up.

"So … You bring any booze on this trip?"

"It all got destroyed when Grimoire attacked," Makarov replied bluntly, as the two looked at literally anything but each other.

"This is stupid," Laxus muttered, preparing to get up, before Makarov grabbed him by the collar before he could attempt to stand.

"Just shut up and enjoy the silence boy! It's not all about conversation!"

Laxus looked at the old man and sighed, as the others shook their heads and went about their own business. Right as it seemed like the pair were about to speak, Natsu sprinted out of the forest and toward their position, shocking everyone in the camp due to his bloodied form.

"Natsu! Where on Earthland have you been!? And what's with all that blood," Makarov asked, as everyone practically dog piled him, until Erza scared them away.

"Listen Erza, I know you want to chew me out, call me a reckless idiot, say that I should've relied on you guys, but there's no time for-!"

Natsu was promptly silenced as Erza kissed him on the lips, causing everyone feel rather awkward watching the brazen display.

"Alright… Now, what's the problem," Erza panted, as Natsu snapped out of his stunned state.

"Well, you see Erza, it's-."

The entire island shook violently, as an ear piercing roar could be heard in the distance. Natsu and Gildarts froze in place momentarily, their gazes immediately snapping toward one another.

"No… No, it can't be," Gildarts stuttered, shocking everyone to their core as a massive shadow slowly began to cover Tenrou Island. "Not him!"

"It's him Gildarts… He's what I came to warn you all about," Natsu replied, visibly shaking but trying his hardest to keep it together.

"Damn… What's got Salamander and the old guy spooked? Those two never get scared," Gajeel muttered, as several members nodded.

"Erza… Do you remember that story I told you about Scarlione? The story about the Dragon that drove Felix mad when he peered into its mind for a second!?"

"No... Surely it can't be-!?"

"It's him Erza… Achnologia's coming, and he'll kill us all if I don't act fast!"

"Did you just say Achnologia boy," Makarov spluttered, with Natsu nodded rapidly.

"Look, we don't have much time! Where is everybody!? Gray, Ur, Elfman, Wendy?" Natsu winced as he said Wendy's name, as Erza spoke up.

"Gray, Elfman, Ur, Cana and Juvia left early with Ultear and that pink haired girl Meredy," Erza replied quickly. "What's this all about!?"

"There's no time to explain this shit, I've got to cast this fucking spell right now or we're all fucking dead," Natsu thundered, as his Wizard Saint coat vanished to his Requip Space, revealing his battle-damaged form.

"Hold on Natsu… That marking there is from-?"

Natsu nodded, as Makarov's jaw dropped, immediately realizing exactly what Natsu was doing. Using his Giant Magic, he immediately grabbed the entire camp into the palm of his massive hand, as Natsu placed a hand on Makarov's knuckle.

"Here goes," Natsu shouted, as power exploded from his form, right as powerful wind gusts rocked the entire island, followed by another roar.

Looking upward, he saw it. The entity that had haunted his memories of Scarlione, of his time upon returning to Fiore. He watched as the largest Dragon on Earthland flared its four black tattered wings, slowing its movement as it began to turn around, giving Natsu, Makarov, and anyone not tightly compacted in Makarov's grasp, a good look at the entity.

This Dragon, unlike all others, stood at an absurd seven thousand feet tall, and was at least double that in length. Its body was covered in shiny black scales, an Aqua Blue glow running through markings across its body, the pulses working their way toward its rounded head, entering its Aqua Blue colored eye.

As it turned around to face them, its maw began to open, as a bright Aqua Blue sphere formed within its maw. A clear indicator that it was about to fire a breath attack directly at them.

A Terror Upon All Living Things

The Devourer Of Dragons

The Most Powerful Entity Upon Earthland

The Black Dragon Of The Apocalypse

SSSSS Rank Dark Mage

The Dragon King

Achnologia

"Hold on everyone," Natsu roared, as his entire body glowed in a bright golden light. "To protect the Guild, and to shelter them from harm at any cost… I invoke Fairy Sphere!"

Raising his hands to the skies, the entire island was instantly coated in a golden bubble which immediately shimmered. Achnologia fired a gargantuan breath attack, one that could dwarf Tenrou Island three times over, but found it hitting naught but the seafloor.

The Dragon snarled, circling the place he had fired, having sworn that the island had vanished prior to his attack. For five minutes, he merely circled, before snarling once again, and firing a low powered version of his breath attack at the space the island had once occupied.

"Also-ran," a gravelly voice boomed, before the Black Dragon roared, flying off into the distance, leaving behind nothing, except for a few stray boats…

Tenrou Island… was seemingly gone.

***POTD***

Natsu was stunned as he looked around the place he'd found himself, almost believing that he'd actually died.

Everyone around him had passed out, with their forms neatly laid out around the area, despite how Makarov had held them before he'd invoked Fairy Sphere. His eyes drooped slightly, and he shook his head, right as Mavis appeared in front of him once more.

"Well done Natsu, I knew you could do it," the First Guild Master smiled. "You've saved everyone from the worst evil in our world. Well done indeed!"

"Thanks Mavis," Natsu replied, still looking about the strange rainbow-like void he'd found himself in. "Where the Hell are we Mavis?"

"Hmm? I suppose it would be called a pocket dimension, if you know what that is? I created this spell based off of the first spell I learned, Fairy Law. Only those who know how to cast Fairy Sphere could get in here, and you're the only one."

"Mavis? You said earlier that this spell will last until my Magic runs out, right?"

"I did, yes," the First Master nodded. "Why?"

"Do you have any clue how long that will take for this spell to drain me?"

"I'm afraid not," the First Master shrugged in reply. "But, judging from what I saw earlier, it will at least be years for sure."

Natsu nodded slowly, as he began to walk around the island. He watched in awe, as it seemingly began to repair itself.

"Is this part of the spell too?"

"I believe it just restores that which was lost recently, though I'm not sure why? Perhaps that's the Magic's way of creating a safe environment?"

Natsu nodded as he reached the Tenrou Tree, and swiftly made his way to the its proverbial peak. Once he reached a nice spot, he laid down on the tallest branch, with Mavis doing the same on a similar branch.

"How can I repay you for giving us the chance to live?"

"Do you really want to know," Mavis asked in response, eliciting a nod from the Dragon Slayer. "Never let the true spirit of Fairy Tail die, no matter what the cost! Protect both it, and your friends, with your life…"

"That's not much of a request Mavis, I'd do that anyway," Natsu replied, which only seemed to amuse the First Master.

"I know, I've seen that. Now go to sleep Natsu, and you'll be able to return to Earthland soon."

"Will I ever see you again?"

"Oh, I think you will. But that is an adventure for another day. Sleep now, Natsu. When you wake, go forth into the future with that same fire I saw burning so brightly today."

Natsu slowly closed his eyes, allowing himself to succumb to the effects of Fairy Sphere in full, eventually falling unconscious. Mavis smiled as she watched over him, smiling as his Guild Mark slowly shifted a golden colour.

"Natsu Dragneel… It seems you may indeed be what we've all been waiting for after all?"

***POTD***

As she stood on the water where Tenrou had once been, Eliza couldn't help but nod in approval.

"For such a spell to be created by a mortal… As per usual, Earthland seems to be full of surprises," the War Goddess smiled, glad that everyone had made it out alright. "How unfortunate though, that the monster missed his intended target…"

Turning around, she was met with the gentle smile of Zeref, who stood on the water across from her.

"I did not interfere in the events as requested, Old God. It's common knowledge that where my power awakens beyond a certain degree, the Dragon King shall come to hunt me down. That was, as you all like to put it, a fixed point in Time, was it not?"

"It was, however, you still should not have returned here after the fact Zeref! The flow of Time has been disrupted enough as it is, and now events here are playing out alternate to how they were originally foretold! Besides, you place a great risk on appearing in this realm whilst Achnologia still walks free, and you know full well he intends to consume you for the piece of Ahnkseram's Soul you bear within you, don't you?"

"I'm fully aware of that, Eliza Faulkner, but you and I both know that I will not allow such a thing to happen. There is still much that needs to be done, and our versions of the perfect world, these things lie at the opposite end of the spectrum from one another..."

"Consuming all until there is nothing left, and rewriting Time itself to suit your own ends… Both paths lead to the ruin of the world as it stands now, Zeref, no matter how you look at it. Events play out for a reason, not just by mere chance! We were fortunate this lapse hasn't affected anything major, otherwise things could have been much worse!"

"But Old God, answer me this? If I am Human, a lesser being in the eyes of the mighty Gods of Terminus, how am I meddling? This matter relates to the affairs of my own kind, does it not? The rule all Old Gods and Devils adhere to does not apply to me, as I am the castaway from both sects, doomed to wander the realms in search of my own place."

"It counts as meddling because you are no longer a true Human but a Hybrid of both Devil and God. As it stands, your goals are becoming twisted and warped by Ankhseram's Soul. Tell me, do you even remember your true self? Do you remember your Human self before you consumed the soul?"

Zeref turned away as he gazed out onto the horizon, pondering her question for the moment, before chuckling softly.

"Does it really matter? Both Ankhseram and I have similar desires, do we not? We both desire to rewind the clock, and receive a chance to do things better. One hand helps the other, Old God… And Ahnkseram and I, we shall help each other."

"So, you do not deny it then? Ankhseram does still live after all this time, despite his form being fractured," Eliza asked, eliciting an amused nod from Zeref.

"Indeed. Achnologia is the largest obstacle to our plans," Zeref replied with a nod. "He is an obstacle that, given time, I will be able to overcome. And to us, Old God, we have all the time in the world to find our answer to the riddle of the Dragon King, do we not?"

"You know any plan you create is doomed to fail. Achnologia can consume literally anything, no matter the composition or element. The Dragons resisted his rise, and are reduced to no less than ten in this realm, down from over nine hundred thousand. You know that there is only one way to defeat him, and even that isn't full proof."

"Perhaps… But only time will tell," Zeref replied, as he clicked his fingers opening a portal. "Let the pieces lay where they fell, Old God. We shall resume this game soon…"

Walking through his portal, Eliza was left alone, as she pondered her discussion with the Black Mage, before looking back at the space Tenrou Island once occupied.

"I wonder what Fate has in store for them, once they return to Earthland," the War Goddess mused idly, before noticing a lone Magic Council ship that had miraculously avoided being destroyed by the Black Dragon.

Peering over at it, the War Goddess couldn't help but smirk cruelly, noticing two of the occupants of the ship. Though, her main focus was on an all too familiar annoyance in the life of her darling Daughter's life.

"Serves you right Lahar," Eliza smirked, her eyes zooming in on the Squad Captain's brutalized form. "I must find a suitable reward for Gildarts for that one… I've wanted to see that for the last decade…"

As Eliza continued to imagine Lahar being brutally tortured, another portal opened up behind her, as a fellow God stepped out.

"Eliza, you must return to Terminus! The war is picking up in earnest!"

"Come now Sinding, you are the God of Divine Stratagem, are you not? Surely you can make a battle plan without me?"

"Well, it's not that I can't… It's just that the Devils are on the march once more, and have several of their War related Devils heading the latest army…"

"So, your strategy is me," Eliza sighed, ultimately conceding to his request. "Very well, let us not tarry too long. By the time I'm done, the Magic binding this island should have ceased anyway…"

Walking toward the portal, Eliza looked over her shoulder for one last time, and smirked.

"I'll see you in time … Fairy Tail."