(Edited 27/06/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
A Threat From The Past
***POTD***
The tremors had increased in severity by the time Natsu had reached the Eclipse Gate, the bright light now near blinding as he struggled to make out the shapes emerging through the gate.
"It's as I feared…"
"Was there any doubt," Natsu replied quietly as the light slowly began to fade.
"Smells… Interesting," a deep, menacing voice ground out, as several thundering footsteps drew his attention to the edge of the plateau overlooking the city.
"Dragons," Natsu whispered, paling rapidly as he eyed the beasts before him. "Seven…Dragons…"
"Where are we," one of the Dragons asked, flaring its wings as two more stepped forward to look down at the city.
"A joor settlement?"
"Such a strange scent this place bears?"
"Mu los amativ ahst tiid…"
Natsu remained as still as he could, as the six massive Dragons all discussed where they had just ended up. To his shock, a seventh emerged through the portal, one that even had Igneel let loose a rumbling sigh through their shared mindscape.
"Not good," Igneel murmured, as a massive dark green colored Dragon emerged from the Eclipse Gate.
Standing as the largest of the group, the green scaled Dragon bore a sinister smirk as he sniffed the air. His eye color was the same as his scales, a dark green color, as he licked his lips with a long purple tongue.
"Well now, it seems our fortunes just got a whole lot better," the green Dragon chuckled, looking toward the largest of the group. "Let us not waste precious Time and set about securing ourselves some fresh meat…"
"Igneel… Why does that one feel like-?"
"Because he is," came the immediate response from the Fire Dragon within him. "I know these Dragons, and all of them are bad news for the Humans within Crocus. None more so than the green one…"
Igneel was about to explain more, when another of the Dragons came into view, the words dying in his throat as he eyed the Dragon in sheer disbelief, before letting loose a mighty roar within Natsu's mind.
"Damn it Igneel," Natsu winced, though he had some inkling as to why his Father was currently roaring. "You know that one?"
"Oh yes, I know that one quite well indeed," came the curt reply, as the Dragons all began taking flight. "Natsu! I want you to chase after that one right now and get his attention!"
Natsu looked toward the Dragon in question. He was the fourth largest, and his body appeared to be made entirely out of raging fire rather than any kind of flesh. If one looked closely however, they would see a faint black form deep within the flame, hinting at the Dragon's body.
Wasting no more time, Natsu sprinted out from cover as the last Dragon took off, landing on his back as it dove down into the city. Before Natsu even had the chance to open his mouth, the Dragon flipped around, smashing his back into a wall.
"OOF-!"
"A Human that can stand upon my form!?"
Yeah, I can," Natsu growled, clawing his way up the Dragon's back. "Stop smashing into buildings so we can talk-!"
Going wholly ignored, Natsu growled as the fiery Dragon slammed through another building, only serving to anger the Dragon Slayer further, as he grabbed onto some of the Dragon's fiery body.
"Maybe this will get you to listen to me," Natsu huffed, beginning to eat the fire straight off of the Dragon's body, causing it to let out a roar of pain as it landed on one of the main roads.
"You damn gnat! How dare you try and eat me," the fiery Dragon snapped, rearing its head back as it looked over its shoulder at him. "Wait… Hold on, you're a Dragon Slayer?"
"What else did you think I was," Natsu huffed, ceasing to chow down on the Dragon as he gazed into the strange black void where its eyes were supposedly located. "Do you think anyone can just start eating fire?"
"No need to get so mouthy brat, I've barely been here five minutes," the Dragon huffed in response. "Judging by the fact that you're a Fire Dragon Slayer, and this is the far future, the Fire Monarch succeeded in his plan then?"
"You mean Igneel? I don't really know a lot about what his plan was, aside from the fact that it was to combat Achnologia."
"Igneel… So, you did succeed after all," the fiery Dragon mumbled to himself, as Natsu felt his body sag downward slightly, the flames lessening in their intensity.
"If you're wondering where Igneel is, he's somehow managed to seal himself inside me," Natsu continued, shocking the Dragon as he examined Natsu's form closer than before.
"So the Fire Monarch yet lives, and inside you no less!?"
"Yeah. He's the one who told me to come and try talking with you actually. I assume he knew you'd be reasonable?"
"Reasonable," the Dragon chuckled, shaking its head as it looked up to the sky. "Compared to the others, I suppose that's a rather apt way of viewing me. Well then, I suppose introductions are in order…"
A Dragon From A Bygone Era
A Son Of The Fire Dragon Clutch
Member Of The Anti Integrationist Clan
The Hellfire Dragon
Atlas Flame
"Atlas Flame, a Hellfire Dragon," Natsu repeated to himself before nodding stiffly. "I'm Natsu Dragneel, adopted Son of the Fire Dragon King Igneel."
"Yes, I can smell it now. The scent of his influence permeates from every pore boy," Atlas Flame hummed as Natsu leapt off of his back so they could stand eye to eye. "It seems I must make a choice on what to do now… Do I continue to follow orders? Or, should I aide you, the Son of my dear friend and Clutch Father, Igneel?"
Natsu could sense Igneel stirring within his mind, the aged Dragon not saying anything, but clearly curious as to what Atlas Flame would ultimately choose to do.
"Listen well boy, for I shall not repeat myself…"
***POTD***
Erza and Kagura had long since halted their battle after witnessing the bright lights erupting from the plateau of Castle Mercurius. After witnessing the first Dragon take flight, the pair decided to work together, and began making their way toward the plateau to try and find out what was going on.
"So Natsu knew Alvarez were planning something," Kagura asked as they sprinted down one of the main streets of Crocus. "If so, I can only surmise he's failed in whatever he planned on doing to stop them!?"
"That's putting it rather lightly," came Erza's rather dry response. "Hopefully either Natsu, Gajeel or Mira can tell us what the Hell is going on up there-?"
"Speak my name and I shall appear…"
Both girls skidded to a stop as a bloodied Sitri casually strolled out from a side alley, looking rather pleased with herself.
"Sitri," Erza gasped. "I hope that isn't your blood!?"
"It warms my quite literally blackened heart that you care for my well-being Erza, but I assure you that this blood is that of Alvarez filth," Sitri smiled as she strolled over to the pair. "I must admit, not even I saw the situation growing this dire. But Alvarez were certainly ready for us."
"What happened?"
"It appears that Team Highfather were actually Team Alvarez all along," Sitri snorted in response. "I had them pegged from day one as being suspicious. Regardless, two Leichart Commanders had captured King Toma and his Daughter, forcing a hastily made plan to rescue them. Natsu, naturally, decided to face the two Leichart Commanders himself."
"Whilst yourself and Gajeel faced the rest of them I presume," Kagura chimed in, eliciting a curt nod from the Demoness.
"Indeed. I know not what occurred once I faced my targets, only that they vanished after I dealt near mortal blows to them. By the time I began to double back to aide Natsu, the Dragons had emerged from the Eclipse Gate."
"This is insane," Erza muttered in reply. "Seven fully grown Dragons… Natsu's certainly more powerful than the rest of us put together… I don't know if he can take out seven Dragons though?"
"What makes things worse is that we likely can't help him either," Kagura added, a deep frown on her face as she bit the tip of her thumb, clearly in thought. "We need to rally our Guilds and organize a defense of the city; help evacuate the civilians who will be little more than food for them."
Erza was about to retort when a massive grey colored Dragon soared overheard, dropping hundreds of egg-shaped objects down upon the city as it let loose an earth-shaking roar. Over a dozen of the eggs smashed into the ground around them, quickly shuddering as multiple deep snarls echoed all around them.
"What manner of Magic is this…!?"
"That's no Magic Kagura," Erza hissed, as multiple scaled creatures massed all around the trio. "That Dragon just set loose dozens of Drakes into the city!"
"Do not lose heart Erza, for all they have is numbers," Sitri chimed in, aiming her right palm at the path ahead of them. "These are but hatchlings. To the average Mage, they are challenging. But to Mages the likes of yourselves…"
In an instant, Sitri fired a catastrophic wave of raw Dark Magic that obliterated everything down the main street, including the road. The newly hatched Drakes found themselves vaporized, as the others hissed and backed away from her in fear.
"I shall press on ahead. I'm rather concerned about poor Gajeel, as it was his job to guard the Eclipse Gate itself."
"Go to him Sitri, we'll be fine," Erza nodded firmly, looking toward Kagura who stiffly nodded in agreement.
"Take care," the Demoness smiled, vanishing in a burst of speed as both Erza and Kagura charged down the ruined path left behind in Sitri's wake.
"Come on Kagura, let's find the others!"
"Right," the S Class Mage replied sharply, as both girls raised their blades, cutting down two Drakes that foolishly lunged at them, as they charged off in the direction of Castle Mercurius.
***POTD***
As the seven Dragons tore through Crocus, Wendy and Sting found themselves surrounded by a horde of vicious Drake hatchlings. The two Dragon Slayers shared a look, before swiftly tearing through their rank and making a swift escape.
"What the heck is going on!?"
"These Drakes came from that Dragon that flew over the city," Wendy replied sharply, cutting down another Drake in their way. "We need to find the others-!"
"Sting!"
Both Dragon Slayers looked to the right to see Rogue emerge from the shadow of a Drake, impaling it through the chest as he made his way toward the pair. "Sting, are you alright!?"
"I'm fine Rogue… Both of us are."
Rogue looked between Sting and Wendy, the corner of his lips curling upward slightly, before another earth-shaking roar brought the trio back to reality.
"We need to move and find the others!"
"I agree. The three of us will be invaluable in combating this threat," Rogue nodded stiffly, as another deafening roar echoed all around them, followed swiftly by a large gust of wind.
"Did I just hear that correctly!? A trio of Humans believing themselves capable of facing a Dragon!? Fin Pahlok!"
The trio braced as a black scaled Dragon landed before them, skidding to a stop as it flared its sizeable wings before letting loose another earth-shaking roar. The three stood their ground, however, which only seemed to amuse the Dragon further.
"I smell the scent of Dragons upon the three of you," the Dragon huffed. "Dragon Slayers exist even this far into the future it seems?"
"Who the Hell are you, and why are you attacking Crocus," Sting snapped back in response as he coated his fists in pure white light.
"My reasons for being here are my own, foolish Dragon Slayer! However, as you are a Dragon Slayer, I shall afford you the courtesy of knowing who I am!"
A Dragon From A Bygone Era
A Son Of The Dark Dragon Clutch
Member Of The Anti Integrationist Clan
The Dark Dragon
Yamizou
"Honestly, I don't think it really matters what your damn name is! Do you seriously think we're just gonna let you show up and start attacking people, and get away with it!?"
"Not in the slightest," Rogue added darkly, as both Dragon Slayers began powering up into the Dragon Force. "We won't let you Dragons get away with it!"
"Wendy," Sting called out, as both Dragon Slayers stepped up to Yamizou, who regarded their actions with naught but amusement. "Go."
"But-!"
"We've got this bastard handled, so go find Natsu! Out of all the Dragon Slayers in Crocus right now, Natsu's the strongest!"
"Sting…"
"We'll hold this bastard off so you guys have one less Dragon to deal with," the White Dragon Slayer smirked, looking back toward Yamizou. "You ready Rogue!?"
"Always," the Shadow Dragon Slayer nodded stiffly in response, as Wendy took several hesitant steps backward, before darting off down a side street, beginning to make her way toward Mercurius.
"Peh! Three or two, it makes little difference! The strength of a thousand Jul will never be capable of matching the might of a single member of my kind!"
"You hear that Rogue? This guy reckons not even a thousand people could beat him!?"
"I didn't think Dragons could bear such arrogance? Then again, that would explain why their kind was wiped out in the end…"
Rogue was silenced by a deafening roar, courtesy of Yamizou, as the Dragon opened its maw, revealing a pitch-black sphere of darkness.
"Dark Dragon's Roar!"
As Yamizou fired his breath attack, the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth were forced to dodge, watching on as the entire main street behind them, along with every last thing in it, was blasted into dust.
Immediately moving to counter, the Twin Dragons rushed the Dark Dragon, who reared up on his hind legs and roared at the pair, swiping with dark coated claws, as the first battle between Dragon and Dragon Slayers began.
***POTD***
'Well, this definitely isn't what I expected,' Elise thought to herself as she smashed through a horde of Drakes that had been charging her position. 'The Hell are you doing Natsu!?'
Hearing a blood curdling scream from the next street over, Elise was on the move, crouching down as she shot right through the building blocking her path, tackling a Drake to the ground as it attempted to lunge at a helpless woman.
The Drake roared, attempting to snap at her arm, only for a brutal punch to the face to smash its head into the concrete. Following up, Elise grabbed one of the horns on its head and repeatedly slammed its face into the ground, the sound of its bones shattering as it whimpered in agony.
"Piece of shit," Elise huffed, giving its face one last slam before releasing the bloodied pulp that remained, certain it was dead as she turned to face the terrified group of people. "You all need to keep running, not gawking!"
This snapped the civilians out of their stupor as they fled in the opposite direction, leaving Elise alone in the street as she flicked some blood from her hands onto the damaged street. Looking up at the sky, she watched as two Dragons flew overhead, one releasing more of the strange looking eggs as the other fired a breath attack down on the city.
"And to think, most thought of them as nothing more than a myth… Heh."
Elise's gaze snapped down the end of the street as a third Dragon landed, rearing up on its hind legs as it flared its wings before a group of mortified Rune Knights, who desperately fired their Magical Staves at it.
"Damn it," the God Slayer hissed, clenching her fists as she activated her God's Aura, fully opening up her reserves as the ground beneath her shattered, the buildings crumbling away from naught but sheer Magical pressure.
Dropping down to all fours, Elise's body became coated in a mixture of Galaxy Blue and Pitch Black, her muscles fully tensed as the area around her began to shake.
"Here goes," Elise huffed, vanishing from sight as everything behind her was blasted apart.
In an instant, the Dragon that had been rearing up to strike at the Rune Knights paused, shifting its attention behind them, only to lurch back, roaring as Elise appeared, having struck the Dragon across the side of its face.
"Nii nis kos," the Dragon roared, as its massive form was pushed back, its head smashing into a nearby building. "Aan joor wo kod suleyk wah nos aan… Wait, I recognize that power…?"
The Dragon pried itself from the building it had collapsed into, snarling as it reared back up, watching as the Rune Knights fled without so much as a second thought. The Dragon's eyes noted the Human female, and her reaction to the actions of the weak Knights, before taking greater stock of her as a whole.
"I see… Aan joor wo kod fin suleyk do rah. A chosen little Godling child," the Dragon rumbled, its voice deep and feminine as it lowered its head to look closer at Elise. "Yes, there it is… Fin suleyk do kein."
Elise looked up at the nearly three-hundred-foot-tall Dragon, noting its rather alluring deep blue scales that shimmered amidst the raging fires that burned brightly around them. The Dragon bore matching deep blue eyes and an angular facial structure, with no horns, but instead strange, fin-like protrusions from both sides of its neck.
"Why are you Dragons attacking Crocus," Elise asked, steeling herself before the massive creature as it looked down on her as if she were little more than an ant. "Why are you slaughtering the people of this city!? What do you want!?"
"The Godling demands answers it should already well know," the Dragon replied, giggling softly to itself as the fins on its necks flapped lightly. "Though there are some of our kind who would denounce it, we Dragons are the superior species. Humans are not the first to walk the world called Earthland, but you were suitable prey upon your emergence regardless of that fact. Unlike other prey, however, you developed sentience, thus making you… more challenging prey."
"What…?"
"Humans exist to serve, to sate our hunger and amusement in equal measure. Some foolish Dragons believed otherwise in the past, and were summarily exiled for their folly," the Dragon smirked, lowering its gaze to meet Elise's own. "We are of the Anti-Integrationist faction, the dominant force of Dragon-kind who desire to see humanity subjugated into their rightful place beneath us!"
A Dragon From A Bygone Era
A Daughter Of The Ocean Dragon Clutch
Member Of The Anti Integration Clan
The Ocean Dragon
Levia
"I see," Elise hummed, shaking her head as she met Levia's gaze once more, eyes narrowed as she clenched her fists. "So, you're just a group of racists then? Or, I suppose speciest would be more apt? Either way, can't say I'm not disappointed since I expected a better reason that that…"
"It matters little what your opinion is, little Godling. The truth of the matter is that Dragon-kind are superior to Humanity. Words will not change such a wide divide…"
"No, they won't," Elise agreed, somewhat surprising the Dragon. "But my fists sure as Hell will!"
Gritting her teeth, Elise fully opened up her reserves once again, genuinely surprising Levia, as the God Slayer prepared to face down the Ocean Dragon with everything she had.
"I may not be a Dragon Slayer, but that doesn't mean I'm going to just stand by and let you do as you please to the people living here!"
Elise's form shifted as she entered her War God's Champion form, her hair becoming fully white as she donned the Ebony Armor bearing the symbol of the War God Class upon its breast, glowing a bright Galaxy Blue.
Levia responded in kind, roaring as the fins at the side of her neck flapped back and forth, seemingly drawing moisture from the very air itself as a sizeable torrent moved to encircle the Ocean Dragon's neck, its own power being released as it bared its fangs toward the defiant God Slayer.
Elise Faulkner (God's Aura + War God's Champion + Full Power) – 1.04 Billion MPI
Ocean Dragon Levia (Lack Of Seawater + Full Power) – 1.18 Billion MPI
Elise immediately prepared an attack, avoiding the near light-speed jets of water being rapidly fired in her direction. The attacks, despite only bearing a minimal amount of water, were so potent they were slicing through solid steel, as everything in the area found itself sliced apart.
'I'll have to be careful not to get hit by that,' Elise thought to herself as Levia started charging toward her. 'Mother, watch over me and bless my every strike…'
Steeling herself, she moved to meet Levia's advance head on, determined to hold back the Ocean Dragon at all costs.
She only hoped the others would come through this disaster unscathed.
***POTD***
Natsu stood before Atlas Flame, his head dipped slightly, eyes narrowed, as he pondered the Dragon's words. Internally, he could feel Igneel silently observing his reaction, the Fire Dragon Monarch refusing to shift his focus for even a moment.
"Igneel… Tell me, is he lying?"
"No."
"So you're telling me that I can actually do that?"
"You can, yes."
"…"
"The fact you didn't immediately rush into doing what he suggested is reassuring," the Fire Dragon Monarch continued. "But he speaks the truth of the consequences of doing such a thing."
"Atlas Flame…"
"You know this to be the only way, Son of Igneel. Powerful as I may be, I alone cannot turn the tide against six other Dragons. Even you, as powerful as you are, and with Igneel's direct backing, cannot hope to stand up to all of them."
"But if I accept what you're offering…"
"You fear the consequences that shall inevitably follow," Atlas Flame replied knowingly, nodding his shadowed face lightly. "It is good of you to view this in such a light, for the Dragon Slayers of my Time would have done so without so much as a second thought."
"Besides, its not like you've got much Human left in you anyway," Igneel chimed in, as Natsu felt something strange shift within him upon that particular detail. "What does it matter if you sacrifice more of it?"
"…It's a hard pill to swallow, knowing that I'm already far from Human. But to lose what little of it I have left, leaving me with only one percent of Human DNA…"
Multiple explosions shook the city, drawing Natsu and Atlas Flame's attention toward the Eclipse Gate, where the largest Dragon had opted to remain. The Dragon laughed as his underlings tore through Crocus, some battling, and others roaming free and causing chaos.
"We have little Time left, Son of Igneel. You must make your choice now, and make it quickly, lest all be lost."
"Atlas Flame?"
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you one last thing?"
"I suppose so…"
"Why? Why are you offering me this," Natsu asked quietly, as the Hellfire Dragon let out a low grumble, as if pondering the question for himself. "If you do this, not only will history change… but you'll die?"
"Why indeed… Yes, I dare say Lord Igneel no doubt wonders the same thing," Atlas Flame chuckled, as Natsu felt Igneel's presence shift slightly within his mind. "The answer is rather uninteresting, or perhaps just dull… Atonement."
"Atonement?"
"It's a rather complicated topic Natsu," Igneel sighed, the faintest inflection of sadness and disappointment in his tone.
"As Igneel likely taught you, all Dragons belong to a clutch. I am a Son of the Fire Clutch, as I told you. Igneel is the Fire Dragon Monarch, ruler of ALL Fire Dragons, and therefore, he's the one Dragon I should listen to above all others."
"I'm sensing a 'BUT' there…?"
"I-I betrayed him… Dragon-kind also has its politics, Son of Igneel, and ours was divided on the subject of integration with Humans. Some wanted to co-exist with them, and help combine our cultures together to form something greater. Others, however, were wholly against such integration, and wanted to instead subjugate and use the Humans as they saw fit."
"I take it Igneel was pro integration, then?"
"He was. In fact, he was one of the staunch supporters of the proponent for pro integration… Dragon Sage Belserion."
"Wait, what-!?"
"I'll explain who he is later Natsu," Igneel cut in, silencing his shocked response as Atlas Flame continued to explain himself.
"Many of our kind possess a superiority complex. We are descended from the first Dragons, their history so vital to the world as we know it I dare say you'll learn of them one day. Regardless, we believe ourselves to be better due to this focal point, and thus, many of our kind opposed integration."
"I take it you opposed it as well?"
"I, along with many others, defied our Monarch, siding instead with the leaders of the anti-integration movement. Those that were pro integration were exiled, banished from our home continent and onto this one, where we would supposedly be able to ignore their shameful actions."
"You didn't have any kind of war over it?"
"Though our kind heavily disagreed, none dared wage war against a fellow member of Dragonkind, Son of Igneel. Despite the faults of even the staunchest anti integration members, not even they would believe in spilling a fellow Dragon's blood."
"So, banishment then?"
"Indeed. Those who believed in Dragon Sage Belserion's desire to coexist with Humans left, and those who believed in subjugating them, remained behind. This was my betrayal. It has been a betrayal I've always questioned ever since Igneel and many of my fellow Fire Dragons departed our homeland long ago…"
"And you consider doing this as atonement for your decision all those years ago," Natsu sighed, placing his hands on his hips as he processed the information he'd just been given. "At the very least, I can understand why you'd want to do this. However, I have to ask again… Atlas Flame, are you CERTAIN you want me to do this? Once I start, it won't stop, and you'll die?"
"If it means I can atone for my crimes against my old friend and Monarch, Igneel, then so be it," Atlas Flame replied firmly, without even the slightest shred of hesitation. "Take my life, use it to forge a better future, just like Igneel wanted!"
"I-I promise I will, Atlas Flame," Natsu replied firmly, as he placed a hand upon the Dragon's fiery forehead. "I hope you find peace in the next life, Uncle."
The black spots that were Atlas Flame's eyes widened considerably at Natsu's words, as the Dragon Slayer physically grabbed onto his fiery forehead, dragging it toward his mouth. As he felt Natsu take the first bite, the Hellfire Dragon froze, the faintest whisper of a voice flowing through his mind like a breeze.
"You are forgiven, Kul do yol…"
Slowly, Atlas Flame closed his eyes. It had been many decades since he'd felt as light as he had, like all his sins had been uplifted at once, returning him to a time when life was simple and pure.
"…Yes, I see now. This was how it always needed to end…"
***POTD***
Wendy darted up the stairs leading to Castle Mercurius, several Drakes hot on her heels, hoping to find Natsu at the top. The Drakes, however, had other ideas, as they leapt at her, attempting to take bites out of her, only for her nimble form to narrowly evade their attacks each time.
After evading three more, she was almost at the top, only for two more Drakes to appear at the top, cutting her off.
"Guess I haven't got much of a choice," Wendy huffed, preparing to attack the Drakes before her, only for metal rods to pierce through the back of their heads, killing them instantly. "What-!?"
"Gihi! Seems like you need a little help!"
"Gajeel," Wendy gasped, as the Metal Dragon Slayer landed next to her, both his arms already morphed into blades as the Drakes came to a halt before them, snarling and chomping at the bit for even a bite of them.
"Kehahahaha! Well now, what do we have here…?"
Gajeel and Wendy felt the area shake violently at the booming voice, noting that the Drakes had gone deathly still. Then, out of nowhere, a massive green scaled Dragon head emerged from behind the wall next to the Drakes, a sinister smirk on its face as it licked its lips.
"Motherglare has outdone herself this time… Joor voth fin suleyk do Dovah! Not only that, the scent of Grandina and Metalicana is upon them too!"
The Dragon glared at the Drakes, who hastily fled back down the stairs, leaving Gajeel and Wendy alone with the head of the massive Dragon that slowly retracted around the corner. And then, before either of the pair could register what they'd just witnessed, the entire wall was blasted apart, revealing the Dragon in its full glory, along with the massive gate it guarded.
"Kehahahahahaha! Dragon Slayers eh!? That fool Belserion actually succeeded at something after all!"
Wendy and Gajeel slowly backed their way further up the stairs, as the Dragon slowly inched closer. The beast stood well over four hundred feet tall, towering over even the other Dragons that had accompanied it by a considerable margin, which only further served to unnerve them, as its toothy grin very nearly became all they could see as its head came within scant but a few meters from them.
"What fun! To think that we would end up here, upon the continent of Ishgar!? That fool Belserion and his traitorous ilk no doubt infested this land with your lot, didn't he!? No, that doesn't matter. All that matters is we have new sport to hunt!"
"Who the Hell are ya," Gajeel blurted out, as the Dragon merely laughed in their direction, rearing up on its hind legs before flopping down into a seated position, one that wasn't too dissimilar to that of a dog.
"Who am I, you ask? Pah! I highly doubt that you don't know who I am," the Dragon snorted, before its eyes suddenly narrowed, sniffing the air. "Wait… You're serious, aren't you? You don't know who I am?"
Both Gajeel and Wendy slowly shook their heads, hoping they hadn't offended the Dragon, who seemed more contemplative than mad about it.
"Very strange indeed… Well, nevertheless, I'm a Dragon of great importance and renown! You Humans will bow before me, demonstrate the proper respect due a regal figure such as myself!"
A Dragon From A Bygone Era
A Son Of The Jade Dragon Clutch
One Of The Leaders Of The Anti Integration Clan
The Jade Dragon Monarch
Zirconis
Both Gajeel and Wendy paled considerably, something that didn't go unnoticed by Zirconis, who smirked evilly down at the pair. His status was one that commanded immediate respect. It was a position all Dragon Slayers had been taught well by their Dragon parents, and one they knew wasn't just for show.
"A fuckin Dragon Monarch…"
"That can't be right…?"
"Kehahahahahahaha! Yes, I like that look! The fear, the hopelessness, it amuses me," Zirconis roared, laughing as his head slowly approached. "Still, there's something more about you two that doesn't quite smell right…"
Zirconis leaned in, inhaling deeply before immediately recoiling, a fierce snarl worming its way onto his face.
"Is that the scent of IGNEEL I DETECT," the Jade Dragon roared, smashing his left foreclaw down next to the pair, barring his teeth. "SPEAK!"
"Not a fan of Igneel huh? Well, there's another one of us who was raised by him," Gajeel replied, sweating slightly under the furious glare of the Dragon before them. "He's somewhere round the city…"
"Igneel raised a Human? Well now, isn't this a surprise…"
Zirconis immediately withdrew, roaring up to the sky as a Dragon that looked more like a rocky mountain flew near the Jade Dragon's position.
"Your command?"
"These Dragon Slayers say that Igneel has trained a Dragon Slayer, and that he's somewhere in this wretched Human hive! Spread the word Gaia! I want that Human brought before me this instant!"
"As you command, Lord Zirconis…"
A Dragon From A Bygone Era
A Son Of The Earth Dragon Clutch
A Member Of The Anti Integration Clan
The Earth Dragon
Gaia
The rocky Dragon flew off into the night sky, as Zirconis slowly turned back to face Gajeel and Wendy. The pair barely had time to react, as Jade crystals erupted around them, sealing their bodies from the waist down, pinning them in place.
"Those Pro Integrationist scum actually managed to succeed in teaching Humans to wield our arts… But to think that Igneel would have agreed to take on a student after the death of his firstborn at the hands of a Human… Oh yes, this is going to be an interesting meeting," Zirconis chuckled darkly, before meeting the nervous gaze of the two Dragon Slayers. "I'll keep the both of you here as … insurance, should Igneel's chosen fail to reveal himself soon. Kehahahahahaha!"
Both Wendy and Gajeel shared a worried glance, as another Dragon soared overhead, roaring as it fired a breath attack down on the city. They both knew that the situation was dire, but there was naught they could do but wait.
They only hoped Natsu could actually combat the Dragons, or all hope would be lost.
***POTD***
"I don't like this Igneel… Why did it have to be like this?"
As Natsu asked the question to the Fire Dragon Monarch within him, he held a sphere of raging flame within his right hand. The flame beat steadily, much like a heartbeat, as his gaze slowly traveled up to the mound of ash that lay before him.
"Atlas Flame was a Dragon who once held my favor due to his loyalty and strong sense of justice. None save for Atlas Flame himself could explain why he refused to ally with Humans… But this is his way of atoning for his perceived crimes, Natsu. It was his wish that his strength be used to do right by the world he believed he'd wronged."
"But Igneel, I'm literally devouring a Dragon… What we're doing here-No, what I'm doing… Is this something the Dragons of old used to do? Did Dragons from your Time devour one another to grow stronger?"
"I'll admit that what you're doing is often considered a moral taboo among Dragons. To devour a fellow Dragon, claiming their strength for your own… The process is considered truly primal, a relic by even our kind's own standards," Igneel explained slowly. "However, our kind thrive on devouring to enhance and grow stronger. As you and the other Slayers were taught from your youth, you can devour your element to enhance your own battle power. This was the more modern way we Dragons deigned to do things, to move away from devouring one another for greater strength."
"So, what you're saying is that Dragons and Dragon Slayers can eat things aside from their base element?"
"I am. Think back Natsu, remember when I taught you about not consuming raw Ethernano, and the consequences of doing so?"
"You said it would kill me…"
"And it would… in large quantities."
"Wait, are you serious? I could EAT raw Ethernano!?"
"In your case Natsu, you've become something more than just a Dragon Slayer. You are capable of wielding multiple elements, are a Hybrid of Demon, Human and Dragon DNA, and have also adjusted your Magical Core to wield other Magics as well. The simple fact is, you could eat raw Ethernano and survive the process quite easily, just as you could, theoretically… eat another being, and survive the process."
"When you say being…?"
"That includes other sentient beings, yes," Igneel replied slowly. "However, I couldn't even begin to imagine what would happen to you, were you to do so."
Natsu pondered the weight of what Igneel was telling him, as he looked down at the last remnants of the Dragon that was Atlas Flame in his hand. Here, he held the strength of a Hellfire Dragon in the palm of his hand, feeling its every pulse and the promised power within…
Yet, he found himself hesitating.
"Igneel… I-Is this how-?"
A city shaking roar echoed across Crocus, coming from the direction of Castle Mercurius, as several other Dragons fired their breath attacks at the city, likely killing hundreds in the process.
The chaos and destruction around him were enough to bring his thoughts back to the present situation, rather than doubtful thoughts and potential what ifs that threatened to break his resolve.
"Never mind. We can talk about this after everyone is safe," Natsu sighed, receiving no response from Igneel as the Dragon opted to silently observe what was to come.
Slowly, he brought the heart up to his mouth, devouring it in a single mouthful.
"Brace yourself," Igneel muttered quietly, as Natsu dropped to his knees, clutching his stomach, his eyes open as wide as they could go as he let out a blood curdling cry.
However, the longer he screamed, the deeper and more focused it became. Fire erupted from his body, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, as his eyes flickered between normal, and the more draconian ones of his Dragon Force.
Fully collapsing, he rolled onto his back and roared, seemingly in pain, as he clutched his stomach tightly. However, unlike his previous screams, this roar was loud. In fact, it was almost similar to the roar of a real Dragon.
Rolling onto his side, his teeth clenched as he curled up into a ball, Natsu panted heavily, sweating profusely. Deep red fire washed over his position, fire far greater than any he'd produced before, as he felt his insides quite literally twist and churn, as if punishing him for what he'd chosen to do.
"F-Fuck-!"
"It is done…"
Panting heavily as he lay on his side, the Dragon Slayer dared not move so much as an inch. The pain was still there, though it no longer seemed to be wracking his body like it had chosen to do mere moments ago.
"Never… I'm never doing that again man," Natsu coughed, his voice shaky as he rolled onto his front. "I hate everything you suggest…"
"There's a reason most wouldn't survive such a process," Igneel sighed, as Natsu shakily rose to his knees. "Regardless, the power of Atlas Flame is now combined with your own. As of this moment, it can no longer be disputed that you wield the strength of Dragons, Natsu."
Though he wanted to retort, he knew Igneel wasn't lying. Simply focusing on his Magical core, Natsu could feel the difference in his power, and it was quite exhilarating, to say the least.
"Unfortunately, there isn't time to train with your newfound strength," the Fire Dragon Monarch continued, snapping Natsu back to reality. "Atlas Flame has given you the tools you need to succeed. Its time for you to take the next step and embrace the title of Dragon Slayer…"
"You're right," Natsu coughed, spitting up some blood as he rose to his feet. "You're right old man. We can't just sit around, not when people need my help."
"Out of all the Dragons present, there's one in particular I think you need to target first," Igneel agreed, as Natsu felt the Dragon's focus shift to the skies. "Up there, you see that one?"
Looking closer, Natsu observed a massive Dragon that frequently fired out strange, egg-shaped projectiles at the city.
"That one will be your first target. Motherglare, the Brood Dragon Queen, and the second to the Dragon we saw at Castle Mercurius."
"You know her?"
"I know all the Dragons here Natsu. We were of one kind, once… But that isn't really important here. What matters is stopping Motherglare first, as those eggs she's releasing hatch into Drakes."
"Wait, seriously!? I didn't realize a Dragon could do that?"
"Motherglare is a Brood Dragon, basically they exist to mass produce Dragon-like creatures at a rapid pace. It is because of Dragons like her that creatures such as Wyverns, Drakes, Wyrms, Basilisks, Amphipteres, Hydras, and other such beasts exist even to this day. They are the spawn of Brood Dragons, who released them by the thousands using their Brood Dragon Magic."
"If that's the case, I can see why she needs to be stopped first," Natsu agreed, nodding slowly as he watched Motherglare fire another fifty eggs down at Crocus. "At the rate she's producing them, she could overrun Fiore in less than a few days."
"Then you know what you must do…"
"Yeah," Natsu nodded, clenching his fists as he slowly stepped forward, stopping before the ashes of what once was Atlas Flame. "I'll never forget what you've done for us, Uncle. We may not have known each other for long, but I'll make sure that your trust wasn't misplaced."
Giving the pile of ash one last respectful nod, Natsu stepped past it, as deep red fire exploded from his form, his form beginning to increase in both height and mass, as he opened up his Magical Core.
"Time to see if I really do have what it takes… to slay a Dragon!"