(Edited 28/02/24)

(Edited 14/03/24)

I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.

The Precipice Of Apocalypse

***POTD***

After a rather pleasant night, Natsu found himself snoozing comfortably for the first time in ages. He'd spent all night snuggling with his, now official, girlfriend, and refused to get out of bed until she did, content to doze with her in his arms.

Unfortunately for Natsu, this peaceful bliss was not to last, as he suddenly sank through his mattress, reappearing high atop the tallest peak of the Kaarth Mountains. Instantly Requipping his clothes, he scrambled to his feet, shocked to see Illyandra standing across from him, a furious expression on her face.

"Illy… What the Hell was that for!?"

"You little bastard," Illyandra snarled, slowly advancing toward him as she flared her monstrous power. "How dare you even begin to suggest such a suicidal thing!?"

"W-What are you talking about," Natsu snapped back, as the enraged Queen reached his position, grabbing him by the collar, as the pair butt heads. "What's this all about!?"

"Gildarts told me everything, and I won't allow it!"

"Allow what," Natsu snapped back, thoroughly confused. "Gildarts spoke to you about two things, didn't he!? Which one are you talking about!?"

"Felix, you idiotic lizard," Illyandra snapped, shaking him like a rag-doll. "Felix's current location is deep within enemy territory; you'll be killed for sure! I won't allow either you or Gildarts to go, no matter what!"

"Come on Illy, Felix is unfinished business," Natsu growled back. "Business that you should have dealt with YEARS ago! Gildarts would've told you exactly why we're going to go, and you're not going to change anyone's mind by having one of your hissy fits!"

"You little ungrateful bastard! How dare you speak to me that way when you know full well you don't have the strength to back it up," Illyandra growled, tossing him to the ground. "No one is going to deal with Felix, and that's final!"

"The Hell we aren't going! Felix is half the reason Gildarts and I even returned to Scarlione in the first place, to find out the fate of our friend," Natsu roared in response. "Imagine our surprise when we arrived, only to find out that you did absolutely NOTHING in nearly a decade!?"

"That's not-!"

"Stop using Alvarez as an excuse Illy, I know how your Magic works," Natsu snapped, cutting her off. "You could have gotten Felix back years ago by yourself, but you chose not to!"

"That's not true-!"

"No, you don't get to argue with me on this, not again! Felix has suffered enough, Illy, don't you understand? For all we know, Felix could be holed up deep inside some cave, chattering away to himself, eating himself to survive!? And, even if that's not the case, he's still suffering from a madness induced by one of the worst beings to grace Earthland!"

"I-I …"

Natsu paused mid-rant, as Illyandra began to tear up, immediately feeling bad for yelling at her, as the usually composed Queen dropped to her knees, sniffling.

"I can't lose anyone else… I can't…"

At Illyandra's words, Natsu couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath. He knew that she'd lost a lot of people before their time. The war had taken much, and it was clear she was struggling to come to terms with the inevitability of what was to come for her nation.

"Illy," Natsu muttered in reply, as he knelt down beside her, gently pulling her in for a hug.

The Queen whimpered, wrapping her arms around him, burying her face into the crook of his neck, shuddering slightly as she felt herself struggle to maintain her composure.

"I thought I lost you years ago… Then I lost Serenity and Frollo when the capital fell…"

"I know… I know…"

"You mean so much to be, Natsu… All of you do. Our bond, all that we endured and shared…"

"All of it is irreplaceable," Natsu whispered, gripping her tighter. "But Illy, you know you can't shield us from what's coming."

"…"

"That's why, after we've dealt with the Felix situation, we're leaving Scarlione."

"…I know."

"This isn't a choice we're making lightly, but the fact is, we'll all be killed if we stay."

"I know," Illyandra sniffled. "I know, and it hurts!"

"We will find Felix, Illy, and we'll do what we must for our dear friend. After that, we'll run, so that we can grow stronger to face the coming threat of Alvarez."

"Its hard for me to accept this… I just want things to go back to how they once were…"

"I know, but its simply not going to happen Illy. Thousands on the Scarlione side are dying by the day in a war Scarlione simply no longer has a chance to win. Alvarez is simply far too strong to defeat in a conventional war."

"I wish I could leave with you, to join you all in seeing another day… But you all know of my position, and why I cannot leave Scarlione…"

"I know Illy, we all do. If we could take you with us, we would in a microsecond."

"I know, you're all lovely people," Illyandra replied sadly. "Are you truly committed to dealing with Felix?"

"I am. Its time our friend be treated with the respect he was afforded so long ago," Natsu replied firmly, as he helped the Queen to her feet.

"I-I understand. I apologize for my outburst, but-."

"You don't have to apologize, Illy. You're one of the most important people in my life, and no matter what, you'll never push me away."

"Thank you… Truly, thank you Natsu, for everything you've ever done for my country and I. And, thank you for not simply disappearing, and for actually making sure I was aware of your plans. I think it would be for the best if you took your friends with you on this task, along with Solomon as a guide?"

"Gildarts and I had planned on doing this alone, but if you would prefer it that way, then that's what we'll do."

"I think its for the best. Should Felix be saved, Solomon can bring him back. Should he be … well … He can ensure a proper burial."

Natsu nodded silently, as the Queen pulled him in for one final hug, before she began to sink into the ground.

"I'll gather your friends and Solomon, and have them wait at the entrance," Illyandra said, as Natsu shot her a curt nod in response, the Queen leaving him to his thoughts.

Deciding to sit atop the mountain for the next half an hour, Natsu took the time to contemplate the journey ahead, and how it was finally time to close a long and arduous chapter that had defined much of his life up until that point.

"Don't worry Felix, we'll find you…"

With that, Natsu quickly began descending the mountain, now resolved to do what he had to in order to either save, or free his friend, from a fate worse than death.

***POTD***

Several hours later, a small group had departed from the base with zero fanfare. In fact, almost no one even knew that the group had departed at all, save for one, teary eyed Queen.

The group were currently crossing through some marshland. Natsu had Wendy sitting atop his shoulders, as they trudged through the muck, keeping Magic use to a minimum. As they progressed, Solomon, who had been silent up until that point, finally decided to speak.

"Natsu, I must confess, I fully agree with what both yourself and Gildarts are choosing to do," the older man began, as both Natsu and Gildarts shot him appreciative nods in return. "Illyandra has lost sight of the truth, and it only worsens with each passing day."

"What do you mean Solomon," Natsu asked, clearly not understanding his statement.

"Illyandra was once known as a wise ruler, always knowing the limits of everything, both great and small. However, she has fallen blind to the limits of her people, and their will to fight against what has now become the inevitable."

"But you know as well as I do, that she doesn't really have a lot of choice, right," Natsu asked in turn, with Solomon humming in understanding.

"You speak true. There are many secrets in this land, many that the Alvarez Empire seek."

"Like the Scarlian Elder Glade…"

"Precisely," Solomon nodded, as Erza chimed in to ask the obvious question in the minds of those not part of their group.

"What's the Scarlian Elder Glade?"

"Oh yeah, you wouldn't know, would you," Natsu hummed in response. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you all the truth."

"Not yet," Solomon replied, shaking his head. "Not until after you are all outside of Scarlione, just in case…"

"Ah, right," Natsu nodded, immediately catching on to what the older Mage meant. "Sorry, guess you'll have to wait to find out."

"We'll hold you to that Natsu," Elise replied, as the group continued pressing on through the marsh.

After several hours, they finally reached the other side, and stopped for a short break. Once they had cleaned themselves up as best they could, Solomon gathered everyone around as they ate.

"Right then, its time to inform all of you as to what we're dealing with. Do you all see those mountains in the distance," the older man asked, with everyone nodding instantly. "Felix is holed up at the peak of the central one, a small army of what appear to be bandits at his disposal."

"Bandits? Seriously?"

"I'm afraid so. For you see, there was something we never told you about Felix's condition," Solomon continued, as both Natsu and Gildarts tensed, shocked that they hadn't been informed. "We didn't want word getting out, but it appears that Felix believes that he is Achnologia."

"…"

"…"

"WHAT," both Natsu and Gildarts cried out simultaneously.

"How the Hell did that happen!?"

"No I'm afraid it's the truth. Peering into Achnologia's mind allowed him to view the Dragon's life in a brief moment, from what we managed to gather. This, however, came at a heavy price, it seems."

"What price," Natsu asked slowly, as the older Mage pondered how to best explain it.

"To put it simply, when his mind saw Achnologia's in that instant, his own memories and personality were twisted … or corrupted. In their place rose Achnologia, the Dragon King in Human form," Solomon began, clearly struggling to even explain the utterly bizarre issue. "I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, because quite frankly, I've never seen anything like it before, nor has anyone else. Regardless, he seems to be under the impression that he's Achnologia, and somehow, he's become fully Human."

"That's …"

"What the fuck!?"

"From what Illyandra and I have managed to discover, he's currently searching for whoever it was that bound him into a Human form."

The group was utterly speechless, with Solomon merely nodding in complete understanding, knowing full well that this was far from normal.

"The mind of a telepath is a sensitive one, as evidenced by Felix's condition. We aren't even sure if he's able to be cured, but our hope is that this strange Achnologia personality will one day recede deep into his mind. Though, seven years on, and it's clear that hasn't happened yet," Solomon sighed.

"So, if he's beyond help, then why not confine him somewhere," Erza asked, as Solomon shook his head.

"We did. However, he managed to escape, all thanks to his memories of Achnologia. Natsu, I know I should have mentioned this earlier, but he can use Dragon Slaying Magic…"

"He can what," Natsu asked slowly. "What element is he using?"

"We don't know? We only know that it's destructive in nature, though it didn't look like the element we've seen Achnologia using."

"Destructive Dragon Slaying Magic could be just about anything… Though, at least now I know what to expect," Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "Pretty much all Dragon Slaying Magic is deadly, even if it's something simple. So, you'd all better be on guard."

"Speaking of that, we should definitely keep moving," Solomon chimed in, as he took point once more. "There is a route to get around the vast majority of the bandits, but I don't think we'll reach the base of the mountain before the sun sets."

"So, we're finding somewhere to set up camp then," Elise asked, with Solomon nodding in reply.

"You thinking we should camp in Lanstar Forest," Gildarts asked curiously. "Less carnivorous dangers for us to deal with?"

"But there is the chance of Alvarez forces ambushing us within the forest as well, since they are still laying siege to Lanstar City," Solomon replied thoughtfully. "Still, you might be correct Gildarts…"

"I say we go for it," Natsu chimed in. "It's the safer of the two options we have, since taking the main road could have us running into an Alvarez Legion."

"A fair point Natsu. Very well, we shall traverse Lanstar Forest to reach the mountains."

"We've still got about an hour before we reach the forest's edge, so we'd better get moving," Gildarts said, as the group moved out once more.

***POTD***

Around an hour and a half later, the group arrived at the edge of what Solomon indicated was Lanstar Forest. The trees were thick, their branches heavy with leaves, and the creatures plentiful.

"Welcome to Lanstar Forest, home of some of the more bizarre forest critters you'll find in Scarlione," Solomon said, as Elise looked at him with a confused gaze.

"Does it beat a squirrel that had teeth that could slice through steel like butter?"

"Oh, I forgot about the Dark Flan you lot killed earlier," Solomon chuckled in reply. "My apologies. I don't think you'll find anything quite so mutated here. The various creatures should be all natural. Ah, speak of the Devils…"

Everyone stopped to look at what Solomon was pointing at, with Erza, Elise and Wendy's jaw dropping. Natsu meanwhile, simply chuckled, having recalled his own initial reaction to the creature.

"The Dual Senche Tiger," Natsu chimed in, as the girls continued to marvel at the oddity. "One head is carnivorous, and the other herbivorous."

"Um, excuse me Mister Solomon? Why is one head carnivorous, and the other herbivorous," Wendy asked curiously, as the dual headed tiger looked at them briefly, before returning to the plant it was eating.

"Well, that is a question that researchers have been trying to find out for many decades. But from what has been discovered, the Dual Senche has two brains, and they are always fighting for dominance. The carnivore half is more in line with a regular tiger, and will always surface when the Dual Senche is in danger, or starving to death. The other half normally surfaces if there isn't an immediate concern for food, or there isn't any considerable danger."

"So really, only one head is in control at any given time, right," Erza asked curiously, as she looked at the Senche with amusement.

"Yes. We don't know what would happen if one of its heads were to be damaged, or what would happen if one was born with a disability, since there is a ban on animal experimentation in the Scarlione Empire since Queen Illyandra V banned it."

The group nodded in response, soaking up the history lesson, as they continued to make their way through the forest. Eventually, Solomon raised his right hand, indicating for everyone to freeze, as the ground around them began to shake violently.

"Everyone, just stand still for a moment," Solomon said, as a hole the size of a house appeared in front of them.

From the hole, a massive mole emerged. The creature was easily as large as a train carriage, but it had a rather adorable look to it as it wiped the dirt off its face.

"Whoa!? That's huge," Elise gasped in shock. "What is it!?"

"This creature is known as an Excavator Mole, and they are quite an interesting species. They prefer living in isolation, and can pick up even the slightest vibration for miles. Basically, it detected us before we even entered the forest."

"Is it going to try and eat us," Elise asked, as Solomon shook his head.

"No. This particular mole is a herbivore, though there is a bigger variant called the Royal Excavator Mole that is omnivorous. I'd say that this one just came to see what we are doing here."

The mole looked down at the group and sniffed them a few times, before looking over at Natsu who was holding a large lettuce he'd pulled from his Requip Space. The mole made a rumbling squeaking noise, gently taking the offered lettuce with its razor-sharp claws, and popping it into its mouth.

The creature squeaked again, before turning around and hopping back into its tunnel, seemingly continuing on its way.

"You know, those moles have tunnels all over the region, and are usually responsible for a lot of pitfalls," Solomon informed the girls, who all hummed, clearly interested in the creatures.

"Hey Gildarts, you remember when you fell into one of those pitfalls," Natsu asked with an amused smirk, before copping a smack over the back of the head.

"Shut up! We'd only just gotten here, and had no idea what to expect!"

"You guys should've seen his face," Natsu continued, struggling to stifle his laughter. "He was screaming about being eaten by the ground and everything!"

Gildarts grumbled in response, as the group had a laugh at his expense, before moving on once again. After ten minutes of silence, Elise decided to ask the question that was on the minds of all three girls.

"Hey Solomon? Is there anything that's actually dangerous in this forest," Elise asked curiously. "Like I'm not talking just regular dangerous, but something like super dangerous?"

"This forest happens to be home to several powerful creatures. One I can think of off the top of my head would be the Ochu, a massive plant that guards sections of the forest. They are known to viciously assault anyone who wanders into the deepest parts of Lanstar Forest, especially anyone brave enough to try and reach the heart of the forest."

"Wow…"

"They can be a pretty tough fight, even if you know Fire Magic," Natsu chimed in. "I fought one once, and it was able to counter my fire with water-based attacks."

"They aren't something to be too concerned over," Gildarts added quickly. "As long as you don't stray into their territory, they won't hurt you."

The girls nodded slowly as the group moved on once again, as the sun slowly began to set over Lanstar Forest.

***POTD***

Once the skies had grown dim, Solomon finally brought the group to a halt, as they began to set up camp for the night in a small clearing. Natsu and Elise were volunteered to go hunt for some food, since they were the most skilled at it outside of Gildarts and Solomon.

"Please tell me you actually have some idea of what's edible in these woods?"

"Anything can be edible if you believe hard enough Elise, even a Flan," Natsu smirked, garnering only a blank stare in response. "Oh, lighten up!"

"That's actually gross to imagine Natsu, I'd rather starve!"

"You say that now," Natsu smirked. "One day, you might find yourself in a situation where you might need to eat something gross?"

"Now you're sounding like Mother," Elise scoffed. "I swear, you're so old sometimes."

"Heh. Well, I am technically older than you now," Natsu joked in reply, before sniffing the air. "You smell that?"

"Yeah… What is it?"

"Why spoil the surprise," the Dragon Slayer whispered, as he motioned for her to follow him, the duo coming to the edge of a small glade. "A Bolt Stag…"

Elise was shocked to see a deer that had lightning bolt shaped antlers, as constant sparks of electricity surged between them. Looking to Natsu, she could see he was pondering how best to approach the creature.

"Elise, can you create a bow, or something else long ranged? These things can move at the speed of lightning."

Elise nodded silently in response, and used her Magic to create a bow with several arrows. Drawing back on the bow, she let loose a volley of arrows which, to her surprise, were instantly blasted into atoms as three bolts of lightning struck them.

"Yeah… I figured that'd happen," Natsu sighed, as the stag disappeared in a bolt of lightning. "They seem to be able to manipulate lightning similar to the way Laxus does, though I doubt that they would be able to replicate it in combat. Oh well, guess we should find something else."

The two continued to stroll through the woods for a while, until Natsu's nose once again picked up a scent.

"Okay… There seems to be several scents up ahead, so let's see if we can't bag whatever they are?"

Sneaking through the woods, the duo eventually came across a nearby stream. Pausing, the duo both blinked, looking to one another, before back to what they had found.

"Giant … chickens," Elise muttered. "Seriously?"

"Honestly, I've never seen these before, and I've never heard mention of them? Giant chickens seem rather tame for a forest that contains things like element manipulators and two headed tigers, doesn't it?"

As the duo looked at the chickens with confusion, they realized that there was a faint aura around them.

"What do you suppose that is?"

"No idea? Maybe that is what's making them so big," Natsu mused. "Though why it would be doing that over literally anything else is beyond me? Regardless, we should get closer and figure out what's going on here, eh?"

The pair made their way over to the comically large chickens, and were surprised to find that the chickens were the least abnormal thing in the area.

"Are you seeing this Natsu," Elise murmured, as they stood in front of another peculiar sight.

"Yeah. This tree, its upside down…Why the Hell is it upside down? More importantly, how is it remaining in the air like that?"

"Look Natsu, there's weird stuff all over the place!? It's not just the trees and those chickens," Elise called out, as she motioned for him to look past the weird tree. "Look, everything is out of place!"

"This doesn't seem real… Big things are small, and small things are big. Down is up, and left is somewhere in between… This doesn't make any sense?"

"Oh dear. It seems that my spell still has its flaws," an older, feminine voice sighed, prompting Natsu to freeze in place. "Back to the drawing board I suppose?"

Stepping out from behind one of the comically enlarged chickens, was an extremely tall, voluptuous woman who stood at a whopping thirteen feet tall, with long scarlet hair that was done in a single long braid down her back that nearly reached her ankles.

To the surprise of both Mages, she was only wearing a risqué black colored bikini, the top barely covering her voluptuous breasts, and the bottoms clearly a size too small. She was also wearing a pair of scarlet tinted sunglasses, and a pair of matching black sandals.

"Tell me, are introductions truly in order," the woman smirked, lowering her sunglasses to stare at the pair, shooting them both a seductive smirk, her brown eyes sparkling in amusement.

"Elise… I want you to go back to the others, right now."

"But Natsu-!"

"Go Elise," Natsu hissed, as he looked back toward the older woman across from them. "She's not here for you…"

"You might want to listen to Natsu, young God Slayer? Besides, I think your friends will need all the help they can get…"

"What have you done?"

"Done? I haven't done anything," the woman smirked, clearly amused. "The one acting is my subordinate who your little God Slayer friend failed to finish off."

A large explosion could be heard in the distance, with Natsu and Elise's attention snapping toward its direction.

"Go on Elise, they'll need your help," Natsu muttered, as the God Slayer was torn.

"Damn it," Elise growled, as she started sprinting off in the direction of the explosion. "You'd better not die Natsu!"

Natsu watched Elise go, before turning his attention back to the all too familiar woman, who appeared to be more and more amused by the second.

"How many years has it been since we last me, Natsu Dragneel," the woman purred, as she slowly strode toward him, her hips swaying seductively as she ran a finger under his chin, lifting his gaze up to meet her own. "You've grown…"

"Why are you dressed like that," Natsu asked, eliciting an amused giggle from the older woman.

"Why? Is it giving you… naughty thoughts?"

"I don't need to fantasize about scantily clad women, actually," Natsu sniffed in response. "I won't deny you are beautiful, but I'm not going to be affected by it if that was what your intention was?"

"Oh my, you're a real man," the woman giggled, patting his cheek like he were a child. "For the record, I'm dressed like this because up until five minutes ago, I was on a sabbatical. However, the Emperor demanded I immediately come to Scarlione and look into the ones who defeated Dimaria. So, here I am!"

"And you didn't even have time to change?"

"I'm a results first kind of woman," the older woman replied as she stepped back from him slightly. "You know that all too well, don't you?"

"Of course I do … Irene."

One Of The Twenty Four Arms Of Alvarez

First Shield Of The Alvarez Empire

Commander Of Irene Squad

One Of The Arms Of Emperor Spriggan

The Scarlet Despair

Irene Belserion

"Indeed you do know, little Dragon," Irene smirked. "Being as important as I am, its vital that I achieve my objectives in the quickest, most efficient ways possible."

"Oh? And just what would your objective be now?"

"Well, why don't we find out together," Irene purred, offering him her hand. "Let's go on a little trip together, you and I?"

"And leave my friends behind? No way," Natsu growled, eliciting little more than an amused giggle from the Spriggan.

"Honestly, that's the best part about people like you," Irene smirked. "You always believe that you have a say in the matter, when in reality, you'll be a good boy and do exactly as I say."

In the time it took to blink, Natsu suddenly found himself in an entirely different location with Irene. Shocked, he looked around, noticing he was high up in the mountains, visible explosions down below where his allies were currently located.

"You… Wait, you moved me toward my objective," Natsu asked, clearly confused. "Why?"

"You were looking for Felix, right? The Telepath Mage that was once part of your little group almost a decade ago?"

"And just how do you know that!?"

"I know many things Natsu. I also know about what happened all those years ago with the Dragon King Achnologia, and the Fate of your party from Scarlione. I know everything about what you and your group have done, and your failures."

"What's your point?"

"Your largest failure is one that concerns the Emperor," Irene continued. "Your failure amuses the Emperor, but he would also see you fix your mistake, before it becomes a problem Alvarez must fix in your stead."

"What are you talking about," Natsu snapped, as Irene slowly floated over toward a nearby rock, a sunbed manifesting as she laid down on it like she were at the beach. "What the Hell are you doing!?"

"Me? Nothing. This has nothing to do with me, aside from an observational role," Irene replied casually. "Its on you to fix your mistakes."

"Mistakes? But I haven't done anything!? I've done nothing!"

"Nothing is a funny word, isn't it," a new voice cut in, slicing through the tension like a knife, as Natsu slowly looked over his shoulder. "Nothing. You and the others did a whole lot of nothing, didn't you?"

Slowly turning around, Natsu was frozen in place as he came face to face with a man from his past he honestly never thought he'd see again. Or, at least, what remained of him.

The man's Human form was almost completely gone. His hair had been replaced with green flames, his eyes now a matching bright green coloration to match. His body had several holes in it, several blades sticking out of his back, along with the left side of his face having rotten off, exposing his skull, the right side covered by a black mask of sorts.

"Felix," Natsu muttered, almost in disbelief. "Felix, is that you!?"

A Former Member Of The Old Crew

The Greatest Telepath In Scarlione

Leader Of The Cult Of The Black Dragon

The Lost Member Of The Crew

Felix Stomnen

"You seem surprised to see me," the heavily damaged man replied, the skeletal half of his face forming a twisted grin.

"F-Felix … What the Hell happened to you!?"

"Nothing … Well, that's a lie I suppose? You lot abandoned me, so I suppose that might be a thing. NOW! Please, by all means, do continue wallowing in your denial and stupidity since its rather delicious to watch!"

"What," Natsu muttered. "You're still mad-?"

"MAD!? I'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S MAD! The price of a new coat around these parts, since they cost so damn much…"

"Felix …"

"We're all mad Natsu, but I've just ascended to the next level. You were once mighty Natsu, a madman who had the potential to reign like no other ruler had before! But then you went back to Fiore and became … that! It's so blegh!"

"You're completely insane!"

"Insane is just another word for enlightened Natsu, and that's what Achnologia did for me! His ultimate gift showed me the truth of our world, and how utterly pointless it truly is!"

"You look like a walking corpse Felix," Natsu sighed, stepping forward as he cracked his knuckles. "You've had people damage your mind and body beyond repair, Felix. So, the best thing I can give you… is a quick death."

"Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you Natsu," Felix snarled, as his movements started becoming more erratic. "Get rid of me, and go back to your perfect little life! Its time for you to face enlightenment! HIS WILL BE DONE!"

The flames on Felix began to rage, quickly devouring his entire body. Natsu could only look on in shock, his former allies screams giving way to a deep, dark voice that roared upon its emergence.

"Look at it Natsu … Gaze upon the glorious gift Achnologia has bestowed upon me! Revere me, for I … am … APOCALYPSE INCARNATE!"

The entire area burst into green and black flames with the roaring sound increasing in its intensity, as he watched Felix's form begin to grow larger.

"Do you see now Natsu? All you ever have done, or will do, is for naught. You are not a hero, savior or champion… Instead, you are just a failure who runs from his past, to hide from his true self," a dark, grating voice grumbled as a monstrous pressure settled over the mountains.

"What on Earthland…"

"From life comes pain, sadness, anger and sorrow, and finally, death. Natsu Dragneel, you are among the living, and are to be judged. As a Harbinger of the Apocalypse, I find you guilty, the punishment, conversion!"

Looking at the form of the Harbinger, all Natsu could see was charred black Armor with green coursing through it like veins. Flames burned viciously from where his eyes should have been, and from his shoulders and gauntlets. The man was a knight of darkness, one that Natsu could feel Achnologia's power emanating from.

"Do you wonder what Felix has become Natsu? The man is no more, for he is now an agent of Achnologia. Peering into a mind such as his caused much more than madness, for it branded him. And from that brand, he became what you see before you, one of Achnologia's Four Harbingers of the Apocalypse," Irene spoke aloud, as the Harbinger seemed to be adjusting to its new form.

One Of The Four Harbingers Of The Apocalypse

One Of The Great Calamities Of Earthland

SSSSS Rank Dark Mage

The Aspect Of Starvation

Harbinger Famine

"Prepare for conversion, Natsu Dragneel," Famine's voice rumbled, as Natsu felt its power bear down upon him. "Your form will serve well as another vessel for the Harbingers…"

"Go back to Hell you monster," Natsu roared, as he charged the Harbinger with determination in his eyes.

"That look … That look offends the chaos … It will be extinguished," the Harbinger muttered in reply, as he easily countered Natsu's initial punch, and sent him flying into the nearby mountainside.

Natsu barely had the time to blink, before the Harbinger was upon him, appearing as if he'd reached him in one single step.

"You feel pain … You feel frustration … You feel anger… These feelings will be eliminated once the conversion is complete."

"Sorry, but I don't plan on becoming a mindless drone today," Natsu snapped in response, taking a deep breath. "Fire Dragon King's Destabilizing Roar!"

Natsu hit the Harbinger directly with the attack, watching as it was engulfed by the flames and Crash Magic. To Natsu's shock, however, the Harbinger's flame covered gauntlet emerged through his roar, and grabbed him by the throat, lifting him into the air.

"Resistance is futile … He will not be denied … Lord Achnologia's will be done… Submit, and bow before the true King."

"The only King I respect is my Father, Igneel! The rest can go to Hell," Natsu snarled, as the grip on his throat tightened.

"His will be done … The Apocalypse begun … The world … UNDONE!"

'The world undone… what the Hell does that even mean,' Natsu pondered internally, even as he felt the overwhelming grip from the Harbinger crushing his neck with ease.

"This is it, his will be done," the Harbinger mumbled, as Natsu felt his windpipe being crushed, his vision beginning to go all spotty.

"I don't …. Erza …. Sorry but … This is it for me," Natsu gasped out, as his eyes closed, and everything went black.

***POTD***

Or, that was what Natsu had thought, as he regained his ability to see. Only now, he was somewhere else entirely, surrounded by magma and numerous active volcanoes. The area looked like a complete wasteland, as the Dragon Slayer shakily rose to his feet.

"Is this … Hell?"

"Wow, you're actually so fucking hopeless, I'm almost embarrassed," a voice replied mockingly, as Natsu turned around to face what appeared to be an exact replica of himself. "Hey chump!"

"What the Hell," Natsu muttered, as he stepped closer to the copy of himself. "What kind of Magic is this? Who the Hell are you!?"

"I think the better question is, who are YOU instead," the copy smirked in reply, only for a loud rumbling voice to cut into the conversation.

"Stop screwing around with him, we don't have time for this!"

Natsu froze upon hearing the voice, his eyes immediately watering, as he felt the ground shake in an all too familiar way. Slowly, the Dragon Slayer turned around, immediately being forced to look up at a two-thousand-foot-tall dark red colored Dragon.

"It can't be… Is that really you, Father!?"

One Of The Last Surviving Dragons

The Adoptive Father Of Natsu

The Fire Dragon Monarch

Igneel

"Its been a long time Natsu," Igneel replied, as the massive Dragon laid down before him. "I know you must have a lot of questions, but I'm afraid we just don't have the time. So, shut up and listen to what I've got to say, or you're going to die for a second time."

Natsu immediately closed his mouth, such was his respect for Igneel, as the Fire Dragon Monarch sighed, as he prepared to begin explaining everything to his thoroughly confused, adopted Son.