This is a story that primarily follows Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia past the conclusion of the Tartaros arc. Written for nalu4emily & dragonballwish - Dragon Rage can also be found over on AO3/Archive of Our Own!

Dedicated to: Aspartame Boy, Angel, FairyTail96, Copperreign12, Nami4Life, Blue, snakeboy33, Chlo Grasset, SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan, Apple Yumi 94, mastercheif1229, Klogol, TaraPasty, TheJSmooth, CrazySly, DarlingDumping, MoonrainerTheNightRain, Mitskisfan, Fairy Tail-Fan, Kayesfaye, solbuitrago730, arata7kasuga, MPrime, and Candle. As well as all the guests who read this story. Thank you for your support as well!

Summary: Makarov Dreyar and Hisui E. Fiore find themselves in imminent danger! While Alvarez plots the execution of its two Ishgar hostages, Zeref plants a seed of doubt within his greatest creation. A revelation that soon changes everything Natsu has ever believed in. Armed with the power to save those in peril all that stands in the dragon slayer's way is the inevitable repercussions of his actions.

Chapter 16: Blue Peril

The eerie crimson sky, which was Tartaros' doing, lingered peacefully in place. That former sense of despair had been absolved. Even as those illuminant blue particles, the final remnants of his father, floated upwards and dispersed, Gray stood tall. A face void of any expression was cast within a shadow of doubt. Thoughts clouded with unanswered questions. Anger brewed from the knowledge of his family's fate. Ur had been indirectly killed by a demon and his own father... a demon's puppet. It was as if he condemned to watch those closest to him die.

"Goodbye, dad." The black-haired man whispered in a neutral voice. "I hope you're now able to rest in peace."

Nails dug into scraped palms, nearly drawing blood. He felt a cold wave wash over his very being. A tumultuous battle raged on inside him. Keyes had cursed his father. But without the necromancy curse, Gray would never have had the chance to meet the man he mirrored. He was torn between being grateful or being sorrowful.

"Keep your head held high, son." The tranquil apparition before him expressed. "I'm counting on you to finish my story."

A faint smirk slipped out. "Now you want to give me the details after you've already passed on?"

Silver's ghost reciprocated the smile. "I mastered ice devil slaying magic for one reason and one reason only. I knew it was the best chance humanity had at stopping them."

"Stopping who?"

"This magic's purpose was to kill E.N.D." The specter glowed. "A fire demon."

"What?" Gray turned around sharply, his instincts sensing the sudden frigidness. "You can't leave yet! I need to know more about this-"

"That's my legacy. One that now gets passed down to the next generation." The freezing temperatures lessened significantly. "When it ends is for you decide, Gray." Silver's guidance soon faded along with the last of his presence.

The ice-make user felt a slight tingle rush up his right arm. He hesitantly glanced down as if afraid to find out what the foreign sensation intended. Several black markings were now proudly displayed on his skin. The appearance resembled a tatoo and immediately Gray felt a power boost. Frost smothered the dry soil, encasing it beneath a layer of black ice. That hesitation quickly turned into confidence.

"So, I'm an ice demon slayer now?" Gray stated aloud, curiosity building by the second. Dark, malevolent eyes transitioned over to the departing sun. He envisioned a colossal-sized fiery beast studying him from within. "I won't let you down, dad. I promise... I'll kill E.N.D."

The march to Kingshill Castle was full of silence. Brandish hadn't been interested in talking and even if she was, Natsu didn't care to listen. His attention was focused towards learning about as much about Alakitasia as he could. In the case of Natsu, this was a familiar scene. Just a little over a month ago he'd been led through Crocus by the Royal Army following the liquefaction of Domus Flau. The only real difference was with them his hands had been in magic-nullifying cuffs. Fiore had feared his destruction. Even within the custody of one of the twelve Spriggans and her Alvarez Imperial Army Division, they allowed him to remain unconfined. That peculiar decision didn't quite make sense to him.

If Natsu's assumptions were correct, than Alvarez should've known who he was. Or, at the very least, what he was capable of. Shouldn't they be weary of him? He couldn't figure out why they would practically parade him to Zeref's fortress. Wasn't he was supposed to be their prisoner? Another thought that increased his confusion was the urgency for Wendy to join them. Brandish had specficially ordered the rest of their infiltration team to leave the island. If they followed her advice than none of the inhabitants on Caracole Island would be harmed. Erza was adamant on not backing down to the opposing force. But with innocent lives at stake, including Lucy's own, there wasn't much wiggle room with Alvarez. The shocking part was when Marin reminded his commander that the youngest dragon slayer was also to be summoned to Alvarez. Not just him. He remembered so clearly that moment where everything going in their favor turned south in a hurry.

The recently polished blade had flashed into existence. It crossed his path and postponed any further advancement he'd planned on making.

"Erza." Natsu's tone was soft, but serious.

"You must not be as bright as you are powerful if you think Fairy Tail would just willingly give away one of our members. Let alone three." The redheaded warrior spoke proudly as his friend stood her ground. "Let's not forget the fact that you also have our Guildmaster in your custody. You're holding him hostage without having the rightful authority to do so."

Brandish then stepped forward, and as she did so, chunks of rock below their feet became miniature pebbles. Vibrant green eyes gazed into Erza's dim brown, bored by the tough act. "Authority is what you want? I can either kill those disposable to me right where they stand or I can collect those whom his Majesty finds interest with and we can pretend the rest of your little band were never seen trespassing here. Your move, red."

Why are they giving us so much leeway E.N.D?

It is certainly odd. Perhaps Zeref informed his commanders you were not to be harmed?

Maybe... but what about Wendy? Why would Zeref want anything from her?

I'm... not entirely sure. His demonic side answered unevenly. But I reccommend keeping your friends close.

Always have. He rolled his eyes at that comment. Let me guess, you're gonna say something cheesy like 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer.'

I'm serious, Natsu! Now is not the time for games or jokes.

I'm not viewing this as a game... I know things aren't looking good right now, but surely-

Understand the stakes. We're in Zeref's grasp. Him wanting us or Lucy makes sense with what we already know... but what we don't know revolves around the involvement of your blue-haired friend. That's what has me concerned. What is it that you two share in common?

Quit speaking in riddles, E.N.D. You know I'm not good at them anyway. Just tell me what it is that has you so on edge.

You're both dragon slayers, Natsu.

Yep, we are. What about it?

He wants dragon slayers all of a sudden. What could Zeref be plotting that involves your specific kind?

Charred wooden floorboards creaked in anticipation as that shadow cast itself into the room. The immortal conqueror entered swiftly. Cabinet hinges squealed in protest upon its rickety doors being pried open.

"How much is left?" The Black Wizard pondered restlessly before his fingers located the object he desired. A glass vial of black liquid. His lips morphed into a frown and his black eyes softened after seeing what little remained. "I guess it's fitting for you to still cross my path, Ankhseram." Zeref spoke impassively. "Regardless this should be enough."

His quest successful, Zeref popped the vial's cap clean off and listened keenly to the cylinder that rolled around on the floor. The cap came to a grinding halt as Alvarez's leader crushed it underneath his boot. A grin emerged over his features. He crossed the vast space in seconds and stared at the stone wall with amusement. Dilated pupils followed the purple mist that expelled itself from within the wall. At the touch of his palm, the foundations of the laboratory shook violently. The once plain divider transformed into an astonishing sight. A passageway into the place of his dwelling.

Dim lights flickered into existance as he walked down the corridor and into the hidden chamber. A fond smile erupted for a brief moment. This place was one of the rare reminders that he had been mortal once. It shaped his achievements and his failures. Death had been cheated here and thus his life had been altered forever. Zeref stared absently into the empty pod.

"Etherious Natsu Dragneel." He spoke wittingly. "A gift meant for the little brother turned into a curse on the older."

His eyes widened at the result of the Sealing incantation. A boy no less than eight years old slept soundly within the still smoldering crater. The Fire Dragon King's flames, normally fierce and searing, seemed tempered to Zeref. Even as fire escaped its perimeter and raced towards the last of his family he didn't hold any fear. Instead of engulfing the child and reducing it to ashes, the flickering flame was directed away at the last second. Zeref gaped in shock.

"Natsu?"

The Black Wizard refused to peel his eyes away from the sight of his own blood. In fact, it was more like he couldn't because he couldn't believe what he saw. His brother was so young again! He was so... human. A stark contrast from the bloodthirsty machine he had evolved into overtime.

"Why did you save him?" Zeref eagerly implored. Nervous thoughts had entered his mind. He feared the creature might return for vengeance. Even as an immortal he was aware, at least as he was now, that he lacked the firepower needed to control the fiery brute. "You said you would lock him away! All you've done is delay the inevitable!"

"Humanity is so quick to sacrifice each other." Igneel huffed. "Although your demon has caused bloodshed to my own race, I believe I can save this child. If you will let me."

"How?" The black-haired man asked incredulously. "I revived him! Because of you he looks like the little brother I promised to take care of... but I know with time he'll return into the monster I never wanted him to become!"

"While you may not believe in it, I do." The scarred crimson dragon openly revealed. "This 'Natsu'", he nodded to himself testing the name, "can be redeemed. He already is one in nature with fire. All he needs now is the power to control it."

Zeref's eyes narrowed. Had he missed something crucial in those experiments? What did Igneel know that he didn't? "Are you saying that he never mastered his element?" He questioned seriously. The Fire Dragon King nodded once. "How can that be true? I've seen the fire he uses! No other creation of mine has the power he wields!"

"The demon has used his black fire wildly." Igneel confirmed for him. "For it knows not how to command it. It only knows how to release it. Black Wizard, desire has not caused all this destruction."

"Then what has?"

"An error in your judgement." Igneel released a low growl. "You have put fragments of your slain brother into an otherworldly creation that knows not generosity but savagery. Black magic that doesn't yield to what you want. That's why these arts are such a dangerous thing for your kind. You don't truly understand its limits."

"You're saying he's corrupted?" Zeref caught Igneel's neutral nod. "So, that means E.N.D was indeed truly made good! He can be fixed than, right?"

The only comfort for the desperate wizard was silence. A low rumbling was heard from deep within Igneel's throat as the Fire Dragon King pieced together what exactly he wanted to convey.

"While your heart was in the right place, your magic was not." The fire dragon conceded. "Whether you've realized it or not your powers, while remarkable, are tainted by the deities you have angered."

"I realize that-"

"No, I'm afraid you don't. I assume Natsu isn't the first demon you have tried to create?" Igneel theorized.

Zeref glanced down in shame. "He's not. In truth, I've worked on close to a dozen others before I finally decided it was time to restore his life."

"That explains his weakness and so I'm sorry, but there is no easy way to say this. Your existence is the reason Natsu became... that."

"What?"

"You're human. You may wield the power of death, but you do not control it. Only they do." Igneel looked up into the sky. "I see it now. That is your ultimate flaw, Zeref Dragneel."

The man in question was too stunned by those words to realize the dragon had called him by his actual name. How did even know his last name?! "I... I don't control it?"

"You have no way to." Igneel released a breath of fire into the sky. "Much like Natsu was unable to master fire under your teachings, you have no way to master death."

Zeref frowned. "But I've closed my feelings off. It's taken people, animals, life... things that meant the world to me!"

"What about Natsu?"

"What about him?" Frustrated hands balled into fists.

"You care deeply for this demon of yours right?"

Zeref gulped, suddenly fearing the outcome if he verbally spoke. Instead, the black-haired mage carefully shrugged.

"You do not have to try to fool the god of death, Zeref." Igneel mused. "It can't take Natsu."

That statement immediately widened those swirling black orbs. "It can't? How come? It has already taken everything else from me! How could my brother be the exception?"

For the first time since the encounter began, Zeref saw actual emotion appear over the dragon's distinct features. "The god of death can only take life."

"But Natsu..."

"Is the embodiment of fire. As I mentioned before, there is no easy way to say this... Zeref. Your brother is not truly alive. Only that demonic power inside is what made you believe he had life."

Igneel remained stone-faced as the young man dropped to his knees before him. That black-cloaked figure shook uncontrollably as that horrifying news set in. Another weight he now bore on his shoulder.

"Y-You're... wrong!" Zeref snapped as he rose up hastily and turned his back on the Fire Dragon King.

"I will not slay this innocent child for you." That voice caused his escape to come to a screeching halt. "Two options now lay ahead of you and I will leave the choice up to you since this is your problem: you can remain with your brother, but should he become the very thing he was before... I will vanquish him as I have the other beings who dared to challenge dragons."

Glossy black eyes blinked in astonishment.

"Or you can hand him off to me and my kind. Should you choose this path then I humbly promise that I will train him with the arts of dragon slayer magic. I will not stop until I've helped him master the element of fire. Your murdered brother will have his second chance. He'll be able to flourish with the life you are unable to provide."

Those dark spheres hardened as his lips formed into a neutral expression. Igneel had successfully given his brother a do-over in life. But now Igneel's prodigy had done nothing but become an obstacle in his plans. A thorn in his side that he was dangerously close to plucking before uprooting the issue all together.

"Giving you over to him was a mistake." Zeref grumbled. "A foolish decision that I somehow misinterpreted." He laughed under his breath. He had made serious errors when developing his strongest demon and those flaws were rapidly becoming clearer to him by the day.

He resented Anna Heartfilia. She had tried to forcefully take his brother away from him. He resented the former Fire Dragon King, Igneel. He too had tried to take Natsu away but Zeref caved to the world's wishes and gave him up to the fire dragon. They didn't care in the slighest for him though. He needed E.N.D in order to reach the peace he desired. But they needed his demon to ensure peace. They only cared about themselves and their futures. Not him. Was he not a soul that still deserved to be saved? Were they not viewed as equals?

"Rest assured that will be the last mistake I ever make."

He glanced momentarily at the vial in his hand, black liquid sloshed around erratically almost in excitement as if that darkened fluid knew what was about to happen. Zeref crossed the open space and soon he stood above a bubbling round structure. With a slip tip, that ominious liquid gushed out into the awaiting pot. The darkness below rapidly morphed into a face, or more part of a face. Vibrant blue eyes suddenly stared directly at him as a low snarl was heard all around the laboratory. Sharp teeth then glinted, promising excruciating pain should it manage to grab ahold of something. An innocent victim perhaps.

"Black Wizard." The voice rumbled.

"Are you ready?" Emperor Spriggan grinned eerily. "It's time, Acnologia. Take flight to Alvarez and on the day I execute the first of humanity, you can begin your extermination of the remaining dragons you seek."

The one positive in being captured by Zeref's army was that it saved him the trouble of having to actually reach Kingshill Castle on his own. Now he could get right to the beatdown as soon as his older brother showed his face.

Speak of the devil and you shall encounter it. E.N.D twistedly remarked. His words rang true though as Natsu, Wendy, and the shrunken version of Lucy could only gape in surprise at the shadowy structure that loomed above them on the hill. Natsu gulped as reality set in.

We're really in Alvarez now.

Yeah, you are kid. Now prepare yourself because we have no idea how this interaction will go.

Kingshill Castle fit the term ancient perfectly. Constructed by a cursed young man in his heyday, the fortress represented a gothic style that paralleled well with its ruler's imagination. Thick stone walls that had been scarred by past wars and an immortal's rage protected those who mattered. The fortification also kept those who were uninvited out. Magnificent spires pierced the blue sky and eventually became lost within the fog's embrace.

Wendy gasped in surprise next to him. Both their eyes had landed on the same spot, the entrance. Unlike a drawbridge, which is what he and his demon half had anticipated, a flimsy wooden walkway that stretched miles over a rampaging river appeared to be the only way in. At a closer glance, Natsu noticed several planks on the bridge were missing. Either that or they clearly were about to break loose under any pressure. Reading his mind, he sensed the bluenette lean into his shoulder.

"There is no way that's safe!" He pointed a finger at Brandish.

"You're right." She shrugged. "It's not. But that's the way Emperor Spriggan wants it to be." Her stern features morphed into an amused smile. "That's why this place is unescapable." Brandish's eyes twinkled with mirth. "His Majesty's own creation made the water below forever boiling. Should you fall in..." That grin widened. "You'd hear a sizzle before a scream."

Wendy was mortified and Natsu alarmed by the gruesome example.

We did this?!

Oops?

"No prisoner is dumb enough to even try to walk across those planks unless they have a death wish. Which in many cases, they do after experiencing the dungeons."

"Then how do you get your own forces get in?" Natsu asked.

"It's quite simple." Brandish spoke with a monotone voice. "We teleport inside."

One moment the captured Fairy Tail wizards were outside the infamous structure and the next, they were in the heart of it. The darkness that had encompassed them since they'd set out on foot from Caracole Island was replaced by a bright white which relentessly attacked Natsu's enhanced eyes. He heard a groan from beside him and saw Wendy barely standing as the teleportation's overwhelming side effects slowly subsided for her. That immense magic power that flowed all around the castle instantly was felt by both. The blue-haired dragon slayer cautiously stepped closer towards her brother figure.

Natsu barely had time to reach out and thank E.N.D for limiting his motion sickness before his sight fixed itself. A snarl escaped his throat instinctively. Brandish hadn't just warped them into a random hallway inside Kingshill Castle. She'd sent them straight to Emperor Spriggan himself!

"Zeref." The Fire Dragon King growled, unknowingly mimicking his late father from four hundred years in the past.

The black-haired immortal sat atop his throne, unmoving. His right hand was placed against his cheek as he stared at the two dragon slayers calcualting. He didn't even seem surprised to see them there. Natsu realized the man had known about their little plan all along. Who had exposed them? Could it have been Mest?

It wasn't him. I don't exactly know how, but Zeref just... he knew.

"Excellent work, Brandish. Thank you." He expressed his gratitude to her and her Imperial Division. "If you don't mind, bring Lucy to the floor and escort the two girls to the dungeons. I believe we have some... negotiations to attend to. Isn't that right, Natsu?"

Natsu remained silent and just stared impassively at Alvarez's leader.

"As you wish, Your Majesty." She submitted to the Black Wizard's request and without warning, the once shrunken Lucy Heartfilia grew back into her normal state.

Relief washed over Natsu seeing his best friend out of harms way, but he made sure to mask that brief comfort in order to not give Zeref any leverage. It took everything in his willpower to not snap and lay waste to his brother's throne room as his two guildmates were rapidly surrounded.

"Don't you touch them."

"Take them to the dungeons." Zeref reiterated his previous order. "Like I said too."

To Natsu's frustration, his friends were shoved roughly down an adjacent hallway before they went completely out of sight. Uncertainty ignited inside him. Their entire team was now separated!

"So, I guess you knew my plan all along." He muttered under his breath and braced himself for what was to come. Maybe he could still delay the inevitable.

"Of course." Zeref answered as if this rescue mission was already common knowledge. "You weren't the first from Fiore to attempt to undermine my nation. After Makarov, I anticipated it was only a matter of time until you and your friends attempted to enter my territory unnoticed."

"He didn't try to mess up anything with Alvarez." Natsu snarled, anger radiating in those now emotional orbs. "He was trying to prevent a war."

"Well," Zeref tapered off, amused by the pinkette's growing impatience, "I'm pleased to tell you he failed. I am going to wipe out Fairy Tail." The growl was the response he'd hoped for.

"You really think I'm gonna allow you to even have that chance?" The slayer sneered. "You're dead wrong, Zeref!"

"That's where you're mistaken. You see, I've made sure that this time no one will ever interfere again with my plans. Fairy Tail will be gone, and with it, nothing will be left to stand in my way. Once I have this last missing componenent... I will be the one to rule over this world and have the power to purge this world free of Acnologia." Zeref leaning in slightly added, "There's nothing you can do to stop me, Natsu. You're out of time."

"Like hell there isn't! I've given my all for this world's sake. My friends have! Mavis has! I'm sure you have at some point in your pathetic life! None of us did what we chose to do just so you could wake up one day and strive to destroy it!"

"Destroy is such an aggressive approach." Emperor Spriggan stood up from his throne. "I seek peace, Natsu. I want to purify this world."

"Purify it? What is there to purify?" He argued. "This world is fine just the way it is!"

"Maybe to you." Those dark eyes glimmered. "But not to me. Not to Ankhseram."

"What does he have to do with any of this?" Natsu questioned.

"Everything." The immortal disclosed. "My curse stems from the god of life and death. A curse brought upon me on the foundations to give you a second chance at life."

"Well, you shouldn't have been stupid than, Zeref! Maybe your life wouldn't be as worthless as it is now if you hadn't tampered with life. If you hadn't tampered with trying to bring a dead brother... me, back."

In the past, an accusation such as that, specifically from his own bloodline, would have dealt a major blow to the immortal's already fragile heart. But in the present age, that fragile heart was surrounded with steel and hardened by eteneral darkness. He mused at the implications.

"Everything I've created has been with my own mind. My own desires. My own abilities."

"So?"

"Something I am unable to do is truly love something." Zeref admitted. "More specifically, someone."

"Mavis." Natsu automatically whispered.

"Yes, her." He said rather fondly having picked up on the surprised whisper. "Since they were made with a similiar reflection of my own desires and feelings, all my demons share this abnormal trait."

"What are you going on about?" Natsu asked seriously. He sensed there was some hidden meaning laced between the cunning man's words.

"It is true that you and the rest of my demons are not directly effected by Ankhseram's curse. However, it would be unfair to mislead you and say that you are free from its consequences." Zeref appeared directly in front of the unsuspecting slayer. "That trait is genetically implanted in all of my creations for the sole purpose of giving me comfort. It's a type of consollation that helps me bear the weight of this world. Reminds me of the type of power I wield. How everything is right at my finger tips. A reminder that I can rule others just like Ankhseram rules me."

Fairy Tail's flame was unable to form a response as he stood in silence. Too many thoughts were beginning to ignite inside his pounding head.

"Not only can my demons not experience love, they are forbidden to." A twistled smile spread over his complacent face. "For if they do try and undergo life's sweetest reward, they will suffer the ultimate price."

Natsu's expression turned into horror as he realized what Zeref was saying. "So, you're saying that if we fall in love with someone, we'll die?"

Lucy.

"Oh, no," Zeref eerily chuckled. "It's far worse than that."

"How can anything be worse than death?"

"Love is a mystical art. Some dare say its the strongest magic out there. Many have attempted to seek out its essence in order to gain great power or prestigious glory."

"But love is..."

"Ever changing." Zeref interupted as he intentionally finished the dragon slayer's sentence for him. "The nature of love has no definite meaning or even a beginning. Look deep inside you, Natsu. What comes to mind when you think about love? Is it romance? Is it family bonds? Or is it something else?"

E.N.D, what is he getting at?

I... can't tell you.

Black eyes were now glowing red. Before Natsu sensed what was happening, his power was snuffed like a candle's flame as he fell fowards onto his knees. No matter how hard he tried to will his body to move, Zeref's control refused to yield.

"I-I... can't move."

The Book of E.N.D flashed into existence as Zeref's right arm tucked in the ancient tome.

"No, you can't." Zeref spoke whimsically. "Just like you can't experience true love. The moment you experience it, that which you love becomes permanently destroyed. Love was my ultimate undoing and so at the end of the day, the same will go for you."

"No."

"You have no say in your life anymore, Natsu." Emperor Spriggan stated indignantly. "Not since the moment you chose to stand against me instead of with me."

"You're wrong." Natsu muttered rebelliously. "That's not... no, no! That's not the truth!"

"It's not? Please do tell me then... did the once great Fire Dragon King Igneel not fall in battle against Acnologia? Did he not fall because he was fighting to protect that which was closest to him? An act of true love forged between a father's love for his son? An action which resulted in his death."

The dragon slayer was well aware his brother was intentionally pushing his buttons, trying to get a rise from him. In this sudden weakened state, as if the touch of the immortal's finger had drained all a majority of his energy, he could only glare at the black-haired man who returned to his throne.

"The only reason Lucy isn't dead is because you don't love her in the same way she loves you." He wore that twisted grin proudly. "As soon as you truly understand the power of love, I can assure you Natsu, she will fall like the rest. As did mother and fire. As did Igneel. As did Mavis once my harbored feelings for her materialized. That's the curse of being an Etherious. That's the curse of being a Dragneel. And that's why everything we value perishes in the end. That's why you are the E.N.D."

"That's not possible!" The pinkette expressed and revealed those sharp canines. A sign that he had still yet to enter his demon form like Zeref wanted. The man continued on without a moment's hesitation.

"It's an agony unlike any other. Not being able to experience love. A torture that consumes one's very soul and leaves nothing but a trail of darkness and despair amongst its path." The emperor paused, black eyes narrowing as he stared into the distance. He remembered that painful journey as he watched the blonde's head fall to the side. As her life expired. As she cheated the gods at their own game. As she cheated him out of eternal happiness.

"I've tried to find solace in other things, Natsu. I really have. Power, prosperity, knowledge, just to name a few. But none of that has enough endurance to outlast Acnologia's rapidly expanding force. He doesn't need an army like what I have. His army is himself. He is the one thing on this planet I am unable to control even at my current power. It's not enough to hold him back."

"We're fighting for the same cause!" Natsu pointed out, struggling to even look his brother in the eyes anymore. "We don't need to do this. You don't need to do this!"

"We have no choice. I already allied once with mortals and placed faith in others for a futile attempt to prevent the inevitable. You and your kind, the infamous dragon slayers, are the reason war broke out amongst humans and dragons. You are a part of the reason Anna's mission failed and why Acnologia is a threat. Your own magic arsenal caused your original death."

"None of that matters anymore. The past is the past. We're in the present." Natsu challenged, mustering enough strength to lift himself off his knees. That feat surprised Zeref slightly as his brows rose in fascination. "This world is my home. I don't care how dangerous you think Acnologia is. I know he's immune to magic, I know he's killed my dad, and I know he's laid waste to parts of this continent."

"So, you see my side then?" Zeref asked slightly hopeful. "You see what must be done?"

"No, because it's not necessary to wipe out everything you know over a measly chance to change what might have been! Even if you somehow accomplish your quest, there is no gurantee you'll even be able to stop Acnologia!"

Zeref glared. Those hopes had been set ablaze. The last of his faith in Natsu being destroyed all at the same. The dragon slayer was of no further use to him in his current state. He'd only be acceptable once his self control snapped. Another grin revealed itself, this one much more of malice.

"I can gurantee it, Natsu." The man sneered in his own wicked way as he warped right back in front of his paralzyed brother. He forcefully lifted drained slayer's head to look him in the eye. "Because if you want to believe you or any of your friends still have a future to look foward to, then you're going to be the one to face him. To defeat him. To eternally end him. Not me. It was always going to be you."

Pain flashed within those raging onyx orbs. Hurt, betrayal, and in a strange way... acceptance.

"Just like it's not my job to free you from your curse." Natsu shook his head with a sad laugh. "It's Mavis. I'm sure of it now. She's the one who'll stop you."

Emperor Spriggan's smile was genuine. He nodded once at that statement.

"Maybe she will. Maybe she won't. It is a shame though that you likely won't be around to find out."

The two brothers shared one last look. And then a black cloud suffocated Fairy Tail's ambitions.

The cellar was dark. And it reeked. But that was that to be expected for this was the dungeon of a feared empire. Water leaked out from underneath the thick stone walls forming small puddles only visible to the eye because of the faint torch light. That loose water crossed paths in the direction in which they walked and Wendy nearly tripped as the unexpected loss of traction took her by surprise. The soldiers remained close to its two prisoners, obviously having been told ahead of time by Brandish of their unpredictably and not to be underestimated magic abilities. Their close proximity unnerved her, especially as some of the younger soldiers ogled her like a piece of meat, but that was just something she'd have to endure for a few minutes. Considering they no longer had magic sealing cuffs on, she'd gladly deal with leering perverts than to be in a foreign military power with nullified magic. Alvarez definitely had its order in place. No wonder they were so feared. After what felt like walking for hours to Lucy, they finally came across an elaborate iron cage.

"You have fifteen minutes." The lead solider stated gruffly.

"What?" Lucy asked in confusion at the time constraint. Weren't these goons supposed to put them in the cell?

"Emperor Spriggan is allowing you and the little girl fifteen minutes to speak with his prisoners. After that you are to be brought back to the throne room for further questioning. Better hurry, you're now down to fourteen minutes and thirty seconds."

Lucy and Wendy hurriedly rushed inside, on blind faith that the two captives they were searching for would really be inside the cage. The sound of metal locking behind them barely pierced their ears as they both faltered in step and gasped at the sight. Chained to adjacent walls were an unconscious but wise old man and the sole heir to the Fiore kingdom. Both were extremely thin and clearly frail after weeks of being locked up. Their clothing was tattered, barely even recognizable, and Hisui was in a far worse state than Makarov. Her once elegant green hair was dirtied with soot and the bottom portion of her lip was bloody. Meanwhile Makarov's right eye was swollen after what looked like some type of physical punishment just a few days prior to their arrival. Lucy deduced his injuries likely came from the arrogant guards. For beating up an old man was beneath even someone as sick as Zeref. Neither important figure seemed to be spared from a tongue lashing or beating down here. This was Alvarez they were in after all.

"Wendy, try and wake up Master." Lucy whispered to the frightened blue-haired girl who slowly nodded and bolted in response. She was at his side in an instant, a little puff of wind having been left behind by her haste to reach him, as those petite hands began to try and heal his most serious wounds. Lucy hadn't even seen the full display yet.

The blonde, grateful to have Wendy and her healing powers with her, carefully knelt down before the Crown Princess of Fiore. Her heart ached at the sight. Just a few weeks ago this intelligent and beautiful woman had been craftily playing her hand into getting Natsu to see the blonde in a different light for once. Now, she had been craftily pulled from her home and tortured for no good reason but evilness. A frustrated sound erupted from her throat as her eyes began to scan the damage done to Hisui. Her already barely covered torso revealed a large welt that went straight across her stomach. These disgusting sinners had whipped a defenseless woman!

"Hisui." Lucy gently laid her fingers on the unconscious woman's shoulder. "Hisui, please wake up. It's me, Lucy."

Her lips parted slightly, revealing the barest hint of pink inside. Most of it was red from the blood that had dried whenever her lip had been bruised. Part of the skin was actually split. Hisui's eyes widened in horror.

"No-No, get away from me!" She struggled against her restraints as she mistook her friend for one of her captors. "I promise I'll be good!"

"Hisui!" Lucy leaned in closer, allowing the torch light to fully luminate her angry features. "It's Lucy Heartfilia. Your friend." She tried to smile, but it was pitiful due to the overwhelming emotions inside. She wanted to summon all nine of her Zodiacs and decimate this awful place.

"…Lucy?" Hisui whispered in shock, and relief. She groaned out of exhaustion. "Lucy. You're here. You're actually here."

"I am." The woman in question smiled again before she reached up and began to mess with the blue ribbon in her hair.

"W-What are you doing?" She asked weakly as she struggled to see whatever it was that Lucy was searching for.

A glint appeared in those brown irises. They might have been smart enough to take her key ring away, but they hadn't physically checked to see if they harbored any other personal possessions. She was so glad she'd made the decision to separate Natsu's gift from the rest of her Zodiac friends. Her hand lowered itself as she held a strange looking object before the imprisoned princess. It was a metallic red and almost looked like…

"Is that a-"

"A key? Yep, I'm busting you both out of here!"

"Irene, how far can your spell reach?" Zeref asked with interest. His eyes were very much calculating as he planned to enter the prison. It was only a matter of time now until Lucy sprung his trap and he would have Natsu under his control for good. That or his loose ends would slowly begin to be tied up as the corrupted dragon slayer and revived demon would certainly destroy each other.

She stood unwavering. "Your Majesty, my power knows no limits. Say what you desire and it will be carried out."

"Not now, Irene. Acnologia won't be arriving until tomorrow and I don't want to intrude on our guests too much. Nightfall will soon to be upon us and I want all three of them on Death Row by the time the moon is positioned at the center."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just say midnight, Your Majesty?"

Zeref chuckled. "You know me very well. I like my play on words. But yes, at midnight I want them in shackles. Natsu is… very bold and I can't afford him finding out about the surprise he'll be in for come the morning. That's why it's the safest to act tonight."

"And the girl?"

"Place her in Spriggan Tower. She is Acnologia's prey now. Wendy Marvell is of no further use to Alvarez."

"Understood." The scarlet-haired woman nodded.

"Oh, Irene?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"When Natsu fails to choose who is to die, which I'm positive he will, make sure Ajeel kills either the Guildmaster or the Princess first. He is not to kill Lucy yet. That is an order."

"It will be done."

"I'm serious, Irene." His black eyes were chilly. "If Ajeel screws up my plans I will kill him."

"Understood, Your Majesty. I will inform him of your harrowing request."

"Not a request." He shook his head to the side. "An order."

"Yes, Your Majesty. An order."

"Thank you." He emotionlessly thanked the one who was referred to as the Scarlet Despair as she vanished without a trace. That was a fitting name for an extremely wicked woman. Nonetheless a woman who had been misunderstood much during her lifetime. A woman who had been taken advantage of by this very world. "Make your move, Lucy. Defy me just like Anna did."

"How?" Hisui repeated for the third time.

"How, what? Come on, just say it already."

"Your key. It's... a spirit?"

"Nope!" Lucy denied seriously. "It's something odd for sure, but extremely useful in a situation such as this." She fueled a solid portion of her magic into the key and excitedly watched as it transformed into the intricate dagger she cherished closely to her heart. Natsu was saving them without even being here. That was just his style!

"A knife?" The green-eyed woman raised a bloody brow in surprise. Her eyes had significantly lit up now understanding the implications of how Lucy planned to free them.

"Give it a second." Sure enough, the dagger had grown in size until the blonde was now wielding a crimson broadsword. Seeing her friend holding a sword was so strange Hisui almost thought she was hallucinating. As if it was a blonde-haired Erza Scarlet standing in front of her instead of Lucy Heartfilia.

Hisui moved off the wall to allow Lucy a better angle to slice the chain. Within a matter of a few strikes, the chain exploded into a cloud of fiery sparks as the two women stared at each other in amazement. Even Wendy, who had successfully healed the wounds on Makarov which had concerned her the most, turned to look over her shoulder.

"Way to go, Lucy!" She cheered with a bright smile on her face. "I've got Master in better condition." The blonde watched in shock as she threw a limp arm around her neck and hauled the short man to his feet, making sure to support him. Lucy wasn't entirely sure how she had broken his chains but she assumed it must have been some type of miniature sky spell she knew.

"Great job too, Wendy." Lucy acknowledged the younger girl's determination and the sky dragon slayer beamed at the praise. "Now let's get out of here."

The original duo, now a group of four, slowly made their way to the locked door of the cage. Darkness was all around them as they had no torchlight since the guards were gone. They had to be fast though because Lucy was certain their fifteen minute grace period was almost up.

"What's the plan?" Hisui asked quietly, as she cautiously limped around the side of the cage to try and observe their surroundings.

"Working on one." She hurriedly announced to the antsy princess. Lucy couldn't fault her for it either. The woman had been locked in a cage for over a week and had been relentlessly tortured by these creeps. In a cryptic line of thinking, Lucy hoped all that had happened to her friend was just beatings and nothing more… explicitly physical. "Wendy, can you see?"

Wendy made a slight grunt instead of outright answering her. "It's best we talk quietly, Lucy. There are a lot of scents around and I can't tell if they are other prisoners or guards."

"Okay." She followed Wendy's advice and lowered her volume. "But can you see?"

"I can see a little. My eyesight isn't as strong as Natsu or Gajeel, but I think I can still lead our way out of here. I don't know what we're going to do though if we run back into that group who led us down here."

"Don't worry." Lucy smirked. "I'll handle it." She said confidently while holding her crimson broadsword firmly. She loved how despite its large look, the weapon only weighed half the size of what a blade typically should be. Just another factor that was on their side tonight. They had the element of surprise. "I'm going to cut through the door."

Her other two companions nodded, with Hisui observing Makarov's own injuries, as Lucy got to work. The steel door was much thicker than the chains that bound her friends and so Lucy eventually opted to cut out a small square in between the cell's bars. In hindsight she should have done that first but time was of the essence and she obviously wasn't exactly thinking straight. With one last stroke, the bar's support gave way and they had a passage way out of the cage.

Lucy was the first to go through, carefully maneuvering herself and the sword through to the other side, as she stood like a shield in case their captors returned early. Next was Hisui who the gang quickly figured out had a sprained ankle. It had thankfully lessened during her time in captivity but the pain wasn't entirely gone just yet. She gingerly stood up and helped Wendy get the unconscious Makarov through without any further injury. The sky dragon slayer was the final one to exit the cage and without a word she assumed the role of a conductor.

It was an eerie feeling, walking through the damp halls trying their best to not make a sound. Their footsteps were full of urgency and prayers to make it out undetected. The nearby sound of rats scurrying in the shadows added to the already unsettling atmosphere. She tried not too hard to think about that or the spider webs they definitely were eventually going to walk into.

"I wish we had Natsu." Lucy whispered.

"Me too." Wendy replied. "He'd be a lot more helpful with navigating this. Then again he might give us away instantly with how bright his fire can be." She quietly giggled under her breath. The younger dragon slayer hoped the pinkette was okay. All her expressed thoughts were along the lines of 'who knows what Zeref could be doing to him at this very moment.'

Their pace was significantly slowed as Makarov rode on the shoulders of them both. One tried to guide their way out while the other prepared for a battle that evidently might be coming their way any second. Hisui was the odd one out but that was because she was struggling to contain her whimpers of pain as she hobbled through the corridors behind them.

"You can do it, Hisui." Wendy spoke softly in encouragement for the Crown Princess. "I think we're almost there…" Her speech trailed off as her breathing became erratic and she completely stopped moving.

The sudden silence confused Lucy, who could see nothing and was entirely dependent on Wendy for guidance.

"What is it? Wendy, why did you stop moving?"

Lucy had to hold up Makarov even further on her shoulder as she could feel the little girl trembling next to her. Her grip on the old man slipping.

"Wendy? What's wrong?" Hisui called out from just a few feet behind them, and not knowing where exactly they were stationed, she walked right into the back of them. The contact sent them falling forwards as they fell into a heap of bodies. A wave of frost enveloped them at once. Their teeth began to chatter.

It wasn't the cold that made them literally freeze in horror, but the laugh that echoed from within the darkness. It was as if they were in some type of horror movie! Torches burst to life all around them and they found themselves surrounded by the Alvarez Empire. A lone figured blocked their exit out of the prison. They were the man who was laughing. The Emperor himself. His illuminated red eyes bore straight into Lucy's who barely noticed the sudden collar made entirely of ice that had encased itself around her throat.

"You really are a Heartfilia. So intelligent and yet so brash at the same time. Down to the very core."

When he awoke it wasn't to insults from Gray, reprimandings from Erza, or frets from Lucy. It was to the roaring sounds of a stadium's applause. His head was all foggy and he didn't even want to attempt to try and piece together what all had happened. He felt a tug at the back of his mind. Something was trying to get his attention but Natsu tuned it out and just stared simply at the sight before him. A dusty sand bowl. Three sets of white pillars. An early rising golden Sun. Wait, wasn't the Grand Magic Games supposed to be held in the afternoon and sometimes evening?

It was in that moment that Natsu realized he wasn't in the Games. Fairy Tail was nowhere to be seen. This wasn't a stadium. It was an arena. Those pillars weren't white. They were red.

"What's going on?" He yelled in confusion and finally that former tugging broke through to him.

Your friends are about to be killed.

What?!

E.N.D had not been lying this time. Chained to the three red pillars were each a comrade of his in some way. Makarov, the gentle old man who invited him to join Fairy Tail and looked after him like a father would a son, Hisui, the successor to King Toma back in Fiore and a dear friend to him, his guild, and… Lucy. His breathing stopped as his eyes widened in horror.

It was clear as day the former two mages were injured, but the latter was beyond that. She almost looked broken. The golden locks he loved seeing were almost as crimson as the key he had given to her as a present. That very same key which now lay mockingly just inches away from the restrained blonde. Instead of a singular blue ribbon, two black crosses, much similar to that green-haired chick on Alvarez' side, now held her hair up. Her right eye, while shut, sported a purple bruise. This nation had figurately given Lucy a black eye and physically so much more. His hands clenched in rage. Natsu was about to turn this entire country to ash.

As if on cue, he turned to his right and found that arrogant brother of his sitting smugly in his throne. Surrounded by his elite guard they supposedly called the Spriggan Twelve. Only eleven were present though Natsu quickly visualized.

"It's great to see you awake, Natsu. I was beginning to get a little worried you'd sleep through the spectacle I have for you."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world." The dragon slayer snarled as he kept his eyes set squarely on Zeref and nobody else. One look at any of the Spriggan directly and he's certain he would have killed them on the spot.

Control yourself! Don't give in.

Shut up.

I know this looks bad, but I assure you we can still save them!

I know we can. But this is my fight now. He put the emphasis on himself and not the demon. He's hurt my friends. Not yours.

Natsu, focus on the task at hand! You don't know what he wants-

I don't care!

"What is this?!" Natsu waved his hand about incredulously. "Are you seriously wanting to start a war with Fairy Tail? Because this right here, is how you do it."

Zeref gazed at his brother with a look of pure… pity. "Natsu, you already know my goals. A war with Fairy Tail was inevitable amongst of our two sides. Even you should have seen this coming. My war is with Mavis and, to a degree, you. Executing your Master and the two girls? It's just the fireworks to start my invasion. A gift to you if you will."

"Well, I don't accept it. Now let my friends go, Zeref." Natsu demanded as he stood directly in front of Alvarez's leader. The Spriggan around him had actually shifted to allow the dragon slayer space. That somewhat unnerved him.

"Or… what?" The man let the words hang loosely in the air as he taunted his brother into taking the bait.

"Or I'll make you." The slayer snarled as fire ignited in his eyes.

"If you attack me with my own nation watching," Zeref spread an arm out at the gathered citizens around the arena, "You would make yourself and your guild an enemy of Alvarez."

"Like I could care about that."

"You should." Zeref's straightened lips curved upward. "Because on record, not like it matters anyway once this world is shredded from existence, Fairy Tail would be the one who infiltrated my country and started this war."

"You sorry, little…"

"Which brings me to why you are here." He cut the growling dragon slayer off short of his insult. His serious personality did a one-eighty as he strangely laughed. "Hey Natsu, catch."

On instinct, Natsu caught the object that had been thrown at him. The next snappy comment had died in his throat. It was a golden key ring. A ring that had nine golden keys attached and five silver. It was Lucy's keys. Zeref had just willingly handed them over?!

Natsu.

"What are you implying?"

"Nothing. I just wouldn't wish an eternal imprisonment on any being. Not even greater ones that live amongst the stars."

The two locked eyes, neither Dragneel backing down as the implications were quite clear now.

"You're going to choose who lives and who dies today."

Zeref waited for the predictable denial. He saw the words began to form on the pink-haired man's lips before they were swallowed. There was a clear inner battle between Natsu Dragneel and Etherious Natsu Dragneel. Just like he wanted. He obscurely signaled to Irene and the scarlet woman nodded before disappearing from the platform. Now only ten Spriggan were present around their emperor.

"No." The dragon slayer advanced forward, even closer to Zeref. "I won't."

The widest grin ever formed on Emperor Spriggan's features.

"How unfortunate." He mused before raising his voice over the now buzzing crowd. "As you can see our esteemed and honored guest does not have the courage in him to make the decision. Therefore, as emperor of our great nation, I will make it for him. All three wizards before you today, although vastly different in both rank and magic power, are under scrutiny for the same violation. Makarov Dreyar, Hisui E. Fiore, and Lucy Heartfilia, as well as Wendy Marvell, have been caught for conspiracy against the Alvarez Empire."

Natsu's eyes widened as he listened to the man monotonously speak as if this twisted display of his bored him in some way.

"As a result of their crimes and my gracious brother unable to follow his own emperor's orders, all three shall be to put to death." He smiled cunningly. "The floor is yours, Ajeel."

"NO!" Natsu lunged for the immortal but was immediately frozen in a solid block of ice by Invel. Fire erupted from that cubed prison as shards of ice exploded in all directions. An enraged dragon walked out of the billowing smoke, eyes flashing between black and red.

Zeref's smirk widened to a full on smile as he looked at his greatest creation with pride.

"This is goodbye, Natsu. If you think you have the power to save your friends than go stop Ajeel before is too late."

Without any of the remaining Spriggan standing in his way, Natsu leaped off the ledge and flung himself right into the heart of the arena.

She awoke to find herself laying on a small bed with no sheets, no covers, not even a pillow. It was just a mattress that spelled nice, as if it was cleaned regularly just for some reason… didn't have any bed materials on it? She comprehended how her small figure had been nearly the perfect size for the bed as if it was there just for her. She stood up and walked around.

The room was, well a room. The floor was made entirely out of a smoothened stone and there was a singular window. It had no glass, so the breeze hit her at full force. Wendy was grateful for that as it helped calm her nerves. She missed Carla so much. The sky dragon slayer had never gone this long without seeing her little feline friend. She hoped the exceed was okay. Maybe she had finally opened up a little to Happys's advances while her and Natsu were gone.

Natsu!

That's right. She was in Alvarez. Wendy decided to take a seat once more on the foot of the bed as she tried to rack her brain. They had been captured while trying to escape the dungeons. Zeref had somehow knew of their plan all along and was literally waiting for them to walk right into his trap. How had she not seen it sooner? Her eyesight and smell wasn't as great as the other dragon slayers but, still…

"I'm a failure." Wendy mumbled to herself. "I let everyone down. I let my friends get recaptured and now I don't even know where they are. Or where I am for that matter!" She yelled frustratingly as she threw herself against the mattress. "Ow!" Wendy whined having forgotten it was just a bare mattress and had nothing of comfort on it.

After a few minutes of staring at the ceiling, which was made up by the same stone as the floor, the blue-haired girl slid off the bed and walked to the open window. Not really knowing what to expect, Wendy stood on the tips of her toes and observed her surroundings. She paled. There was nothing but trees around her. Everything was beginning to make sense. She was locked up in a tower that was in the middle of some random forest!

"You gotta be kidding me." She groaned, using slang learned from Natsu, as she assessed her situation. "How am I supposed to get back to the others now?"

A blue strand of hair fell into her eyes and she huffed in annoyance. She was grateful Alvarez had at least some sense of respect for their prisoners as their was a glass mirror inside her tower. It was the emptiest wall of all walls. Literally just a stone wall and a mirror.

"Well, I guess it's better than nothing." Wendy weighed the positives as she stood in front of the mirror and began to fix her hair. She hummed to herself, almost forgetting about her predicament, as she finally smoothed the lock out and it no longer blinded her. "There! All better."

She relished at the sight of herself. Her feminine qualities were really beginning to show by the day and her insecurities about herself when she was younger slowly had dispersed. Her head dipped down; a crimson streak glowed across her cheeks. Natsu was right. Maybe she should entertain the idea of approaching Romeo…

Wendy looked up once again at herself in the mirror and saw a reflection. The bluenette's heartbeat slowed as she went deathly still. A glowing red eye gazed through the open window, patterns of blue and black accompanying it.

A/N: Sorry this one took so long! I had some major writer's block for a while and then I began the transition of going into a university. But I'm very happy with how this one turned out and grateful for everyone's continued support whether you're reviewing, following, or favoriting the story!

If it wasn't already made clear from this chapter, Dragon Rage is beginning to head in that 'dark path' that I'm sure many of you have been waiting for since I first posted this story back in December of 2022. To quote one of my first ever reviewers, will Natsu become evil like Darth Vader? Let's just wait and see :)

Shameless Plug: Just Take It Off Already… is a miniature collection of events that I have been working on in my spare time to help creativity continue to flow for this story. That story follows Lucy and Natsu through funny moments as well as serious discussions. It also has allowed me to test different scenes, dialogue, and just overall prompts. It's a great testing zone if I'm being honest! Despite its original purpose the feedback on it has been very helpful and appreciated and I really feel like each chapter has its own unique touch to it. Feel free to check it out if you're interested either here on FanFiction or over on my AO3 account!

Up Next: Chapter 17 - Clipped Wings