ARISE

Natsu spoke in a low tone, his voice practically reverberating off the ground in a silent hum. He watched as the system input his words before the screen closed, leaving him in a deathly silence, other than the crackling of flames that fluttered around him.

"I won't use that skill just yet, I'd rather get home before then. Gotta rub this in strippers face hard," he rubbed his hands together with a mischievous weak grin, letting out a breath. "I have had my fair share with fire for one day, or... night? How much time has even passed?" Natsu shrugged away those surging thoughts, rubbing the back of his head with a groan. "No more damn thinking..."

His eyes glanced up towards the spectator lacrima with a big grin. "It's time to go home, but first..." his body turned towards the body of Draconis who laid motionless across the ground. A knight with so much strength, such ferocity in battle that even put Natsu on his toes. His skills in hand to hand, to swordsmanship, it was truly remarkable. Even in shadowed in darkness, his flames spoke true from his blade that hummed in need for a good fight. It wasn't a no brainer that Draconis truly wasn't evil, his heart just fell to darkness and it truly consumed him. Now... he could have a second chance to make things right, serve a new purpose in his lonely life.

"You don't deserve this fate Draconis."

Natsu slowly walked over towards the knight's corpse. "After that insane fight you gave me, you're not meant to die here, not in this broken world," he raised his hand out with a big smile on his face, his eyes glowing a bright crimson. "I ask you, Draconis The Blue Flame, leave this world, join me as an ally to stop the darkness of this world, and burn it all to ash. You can be free, free to be who you want to be, a knight, a normal being living its life, the choice is yours of what you do with your destiny. Become my demon as your Fire Monarch and let me lead you to an even greater path, free of darkness, free of pain," he slowly spoke, his hands glowing in a red aura, flames licking at his palms. "Let's change the world together."

Arise like a Phoenix from the ashes and be reborn. Demonize.

Natsu's flames reacted accordingly, jumping off his palms to devour Draconis's body, leaving no trace of his corpse left. The knights body twisted in agony, a low roar erupting from the dragon knight. He watched in awe as Draconis's clawed gauntlets twitched, his eyes shooting wide open. Slowly rising off the ground, the knight's body twisted and contorted, his jet black armor that melted away into crimson. Demonic horns protruded from his scaly hide as his skin became scarlet in color.

Draconis let out an ear screeching roar, making the very ground beneath Natsu's feet shake. Slowly rising off the ground, crimson flames erupting from his body, covering the knight in a small aura. His dragon helmet remained the same, only this time Fairy Tail mark shined proudly on the side in black. A black cape sprouted from his back, sending a gust of wind through Natsu's hair. He slowly turned towards Natsu with a look of shock, confusion, so much written in a creature he once thought couldn't feel a thing.

Natsu grinned ear to ear, shining his fangs as he waved towards the knight. "Yo Draconis, welcome back pal!"

Draconis glanced down at his clawed gauntlets that shined in scarlet, scanning his eyes over his entire look, raising a talon to feel a pair of horns that replaced his own. Crimson flames billowed around him like a strong aura. He slowly shook his head as he raised a familiar blade in his grasp, crimson becoming a bright blue. Natsu had to cover his eyes from the blinding light, before uncovering them to look at Draconis with a bright grin.

Draconis stood proudly, his sword planted in the ground between his feet as his gauntlets rested on the handle. Like a proud knight, Draconis stood strong, determined, strong willed in his pursuit. He truly was a dragon at heart, letting his flames course out of his body that shined against the black sky. The knight slowly turned towards Natsu, slowly kneeling down on one knee, bowing his head forward.

"W-woah! woah! No need for all that royal junk! We're friends pal," Natsu kneeled down, raising his hand out towards the dragon knight with a warm smile. "We are not servant and master, we are friends, comrades, brothers in arms. When we leave this place, you can choose your own path or come back to Fairy Tail, a choice left to you."

"So what do you say, Draconis?" Natsu asked with a toothy grin. "Will you come back to Fairy Tail and burn away the darknes?"

Draconis raised his head, looking down at his hand. All his life he's never known kindness in his life. The only things he ever followed were orders of a higher power, following through with utter conviction to what he thought was right. He was a proud dragon knight, someone that never stopped trying to grow stronger, until... darkness had claimed him. From then on he was known as The Shadow Flame, flames that purely radiated darkness at it's truest form. It was sick... it was evil, but it left the knight drunk in power. But the hand in front of him proved without a shadow of a doubt.

Strength wasn't everything, there was beauty in everything, even in darkness. A lesson he desperately wanted to learn from his... friend.

Draconis slowly raised his claw gauntlet, grasping Natsu's firmly, standing up off the ground with a rumble of his throat, nodding his head.

"Great choice buddy!" Natsu yawned, covering his mouth as he stretched out his limbs with a satisfying pop.

"Now, let's go home."

Natsu and Draconis appeared right outside the outskirts of Magnolia. The slayer crushed his teleportation stone to help their safe return. Natsu took in a deep breath, loving the fresh cool air of an open night. His lungs greatly thanked the cool air, the aching of heat slowly becoming a numbing pain.

"Welcome to my home, Draconis. This is Magnolia, a place of peace, prosperity. A peace I will maintain for as long as I possibly can."

Draconis stared out Into the open fields, watching as the wind blew through many types of flowers he couldn't recognize. Only that their color shined brightly over the moon's light that stood proudly in the sky. He had only know wide rocky mountains, molten lava that set its course through mother nature, burning away the beauty he so desperately craved to see. The knight leaned down to pick a flower in his grasp, grasping the small plant tenderly, analyzing every green leaf that sprouted from its stem.

"Your flames don't only bring destruction, Draconis. Regardless of what you were told. Fire has many properties that not even many know about, except for mages like myself who have an eternal grasp on their flames," Natsu said, lifting his palms that sparked with flames, only this time there was a wild combination in the palm of his hand. Crimson flames swirled around orange, blue laid in the center as lightning sparked around the ball with such a destructive force it made Draconis take a step back. "Fire can create, it can destroy, it can save, it can help, it can bring peace to this beautiful world. I'm told to leave the world in ashes, bathe in my own destruction, I say screw that. You choose what you do with your Fire Draconis, it's yours to wield, always remember that."

The knight stared in awe as Natsu flicked his palm, watching as the multitude of flames dissapeared into the open air. Natsu turned around, resting his hands behind his head. "You can enjoy mother nature more if you'd like. I trust you won't harm these people. Enjoy the beauty of this world, if I need you I will summon you to my side. For now..." Natsu let out a deep yawn with a tired grumble. "I need some damn sleep and a knight's thighs are calling my name. So... see ya!"

Draconis watched as his master left, leaving the knight alone in his own thoughts. He turned around to see a large oak tree, towering over him with a multitude of colored leaves that blew gently in the wind. He walked over to sit down in a cross legged position, resting his head against the trunk. He lifted his palm, a small spark of blue flames resting in the palm of his hand. Could Natsu's lesson really work? Could his flames do more than destroy... could he.. really make a difference?

Underneath that draconic helmet, he smiled.

Worth a try.

Natsu's body dragged across the cobblestone streets, blinking away the sleep that threatened to take him. His body ached in places he never thought imaginable. At least for the most part, his job change quest was a complete success, with some minor moments that made the slayer question if he'd even make it out of there alive. But... some part of him knew the system wouldn't allow that. He was a valuable asset, something the system couldn't afford to lose.

He could feel it, the world bending, changing around him at a rapid pace. The system, monsters, portals or gates whichever you preferred for a title. The fight was only just beginning, but at least for once this time. He wouldn't be alone in his endeavors. Draconis was strong, stronger than him in so many ways. But that's not why he turned him into a demon. That knight deserved peace of mind, a second chance to live in the beauty of this world without fear, without conflicting of his own ideals.

His thoughts lingered on his new title as he passed by many shops that were in the process of being repaired. It made him smile, knowing no matter what happened in this town, whether it be a giant mechanical dragon, a rival guild, demons... Zeref and Acnologia. This town stood proud and strong against all evil, and always bounced back no matter how severe the tragedy to be committed. But as a Fairy Tail mage they all made a vow to protect this town, their home with their very lives. A promise they intended on keeping.

Fire Monarch, a title of great power that Natsu knew he wielded in the palm of his hands. The crimson flames that danced around his body, practically melting his skin like was in the bowels of hell it's self. It was... stronger than Igneel's flames, twice as much. But what was to come with this title? He remembered the words the system spoke, speaking of that he would leave the world in ashes, burning corpses at his feet. Natsu could feel it ever since he was resurrected for his purpose in this world. Darkness was taking its hold on his heart, his mind, changing, twisting it in its own sick twisted ideals.

The monsters he's killed, the people he's killed. He couldn't stand here and preach that he was apart of the light any longer. Darkness was his new path in this world, but it didn't have to be filled with evil intention. Like Hades had said light started in darkness, darkness was it's original creator. It didn't excuse his behavior, this constant craving, this need to grow stronger by every passing day. His younger self would be jumping in joy for an opportunity like this, but he knew better. With power came pain, loneliness, sadness.

For once in his life he truly felt alone, even if Erza was next to him every step of the way. This was his mission, his goal to achieve. He didn't want his friends, his family to follow down this same broken path with him. Natsu wanted to see them smile, be happy, enjoy the life he struggles to maintain. But even if the world was on his shoulders, he would carry that burden proudly for the rest of his life.

A sigh escaped his lips, rubbing his face in exhaustion as he reached the front doors of his guild, his home. Hopefully... one day he could stop, hang up his wizard life and live a long, happy, beautiful life with Erza. A wish he so desperately craved. For now...

There was more work to be done.

Natsu pushed open the guild doors with a small grunt of effort, stumbling inside with a small pant. "God... can't even push the damn door open."

He raised his head to be met with his family who stood all in group in front of him, Erza lining the front. Most had frowns, even some that were lost in their own thoughts. He knew what they pre telled. They saw him use that power, that... evil power to turn Draconis into a demon. They had questions, but he didn't have answers.

Erza slowly walked up to him, a smile curving across her beautiful face. A look he so desperately missed from his time gone. Her arms wrapped tightly around him, pulling the tired slayer to rest in between her chest. Natsu lazily slung his arms around her waist, burying himself into the soft pillows below his head. That sweet strawberry scent she radiated filled his nose to the brim, releasing a content sigh.

"I was so worried about you..."

"I know.. I'm sorry you had to see that. But.." Natsu raised his head to split his cheeks into a bright toothy grin. "But you and everyone's support kept me going. I could feel it in my mark. You were cheering the loudest out of all of them."

"Of course I was," Erza spoke softly, combing her fingers through his pink locks with a warm smile. "I told you I'd be there to support you through this. I don't want you to walk this path alone, nor think you have to bear the weight of the entire world on your shoulders. For now..." she cupped his grimy, dirty cheeks without a care, planting her lips against his own.

Natsu melted against her embrace, nearly losing his balance then and there. They pulled away with warm smiles on their faces, a slight color to both of their cheeks as they rested their heads against one another.

"I love you..."

"I love you too, Natsu."

Happy flew over to the couple, planting his head face first into the slayer's chest, nearly knocking his father off his feet.

"Natsu..." The feline let out whimpers, clutching dearly to his father with everything he had. He wasn't letting go, never again, he wasn't losing Natsu, NEVER again.

Natsu looked down at his son with a weak smile, resting his palm ontop of his head. "Hey buddy.. sorry it took me so long."

Erza could see the droop in his eyes with a small giggle. "Come, you need rest Natsu. Happy can come along too," she held out her hand, which Natsu happily took in his own, holding his son with the other against his chest.

He turned towards the others with a small frown. "I know you have questions and I will answer them. But not now, not yet. But... I'll have a new member to introduce to you all tomorrow. Love you all.. goodnight.." Natsu waved towards his family with a weak smile, turning on his heel to walk out of the guild doors with his small family in tow.

Makarov let out a deep sigh, rubbing the wrinkles in his brow. "That boy..." the old man grumbled which elicited a giggle from Mira who was standing next to him.

"Don't worry too much master," Mira smiled, watching the happily family leave the guild with blushes on their faces, heads rested on one another with tightly held hands. "As long as Natsu has that family right there, no darkness could hope to reach him. Erza is his light in the darkness. I'm truly happy for them."

"As am I," Makrove hummed in agreement, taking a sip of his ale with a warm smile. "Natsu deserves this more than anybody."

The barmaid nodded in agreement, rubbing her eyes with a small yawn. "Yeah.. he does."

"Go home Mira, I'll close up shop tonight. it's been a long day for us all. You deserve to rest," he placed a hand on her shoulder with a kind, fatherly smile. "I'm not asking either."

Crossing her arms in a small pout over her chest, she let out a small sigh, a smile making it's way across her features. "Okay, you win this time old man. I am quite tired. See you tomorrow then master."

"Have a goodnight Mira, same to you everyone!" The master called out to all his children who responded in kind.

"Goodnight master!"

Makarov watched as his children left, some leaving with lovers on their arms with bright, warm smiles. It warmed his heart to see his children growing up in front of his very eyes, the same brats he raised years ago, now full grown adults with their own lives, their own futures, their own paths in life. Eventually the next generation will take their place, repeating the cycle over and over again, but he knew one grim thought. He couldn't live forever, no matter how much he wished. His body was tired, exhausted from years of guild master work, the stress that had nearly killed him multiple times.

For now, there was more work to be done, another battle he and everyone had to prepare for.

Taking a hold of the spectator lacrima that captured everything they witnessed, he slowly crept up the steps to his main office, closing the door behind him with a small click. Slowly crossing around his desk, he took a seat in his swivel chair, scooching it up to rest the lacrima on his desk, resting his fingers on the bottom of his chin in pensive thought.

His memories played over the events of Natsu's battles. It made him proud to know the slayer was growing so much more stronger than he ever hoped, surpassing Erza, hell maybe even Guildharts... maybe. It surprised the old man for Natsu to even use a blade in combat, but it looked like he had been using swords his whole life, training, perfecting his craft with every swing. But.. maybe it was the system Natsu spoke of, a being of unknown origin that had it's claws dug deep into Natsu.

Yes Natsu had his own freewill to do what he wants, but when the system demanded something, he was to follow the order without argument or else punishment would be dished out.

His fight with Draconis shook the old man to his core. A monster that had the power to compete with even Natsu was purely terrifying. These beasts of another world were much stronger than their own. The destruction that could follow if they ever made their way into this world... it would be indescribable. They've only gotten a taste of these portals, that he knew for sure. And for some reason Natsu was in the middle of it all, for what purpose he couldn't figure out.

The crimson flames Natsu possessed, that sprouted from the earth's core to swallow him whole. He could feel the power of them, the destruction that now rested inside Natsu. But what had him most concerned was what happened after.

ARISE

The word alone sent shivers down the old man's spine. It was spoken in such a cold tone that he refused to believe it came from Natsu's mouth. But what disturbed him most is when Natsu used a magic he knew no origin of and turned the knight he fought to death with into a walking demon. It felt like Zeref had latched it's self onto Natsu, committing atrocities he never considered.

Fire monarch, a title the slayer spoke. A title that held power, destruction in it's name. He had full faith and trust in Natsu, but he would be lying that he was afraid of the implications to Come with this title.

The magic council had reached out, demanding Natsu be brought in for questioning. Apparently whispers of his heroics reached their ears, implying Natsu was the one behind these... monsters that now roamed the lands of Fiore, slaughtering innocents without ryme or reason. He scoffed at the mere thought. Typical of them to pin the blame on anyone else, except their own corrupted, broken system that has been infiltrated, destroyed by demons of Zeref, ending the lives of so many innocent people.

But... if he wanted to maintain the sancity and safety of his guild, he wouldn't disobey. Leaning back in his chair, he watched as Natsu turned Draconis into a demon in front of his very own eyes with that same bright toothy grin he always came to love. But there was more behind those eyes the old man couldn't hope to reach, or pry open the secrets they held within.

Another sigh escaped his lips with a deep frown, resting his head back on his chair.

"Natsu... where do you go from here? When is your journey going to end?"

Makarov closed his eyes, resting the palm of his hands in his lap with a small frown.

"I only hope you know what you're doing boy."

Natsu Dragneel

Level: 46

STR: 110

AGIL: 50

VIT: 84

SENS: 40

INT: 40

Draconis is going to become a big part of this story, essentially a new character. A character I intend to work out slowly but shortly. With Natsu's help he can now experience the beauty of the world he's never known. A true Fairy Tail moment.

A comment was said about me missing out on calling him a demon monarch. While that title could've worked, it didn't truly fit in my opinion. I did my research on Fire Monarch, and the title best fit. Hope that explains it.

Glitner, I'm happy you enjoyed the last chapter. Your feedback has been immensely helpful! So thank you for that, truly. It's what I needed desperately before I ruined this story.

Next time, Draconis meets Fairy Tail. The magic council demands answers from Natsu.

As always I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you all in the next one. Later :)

Side note: 71 favorites and 81 follows! You guys are truly awesome. Thank you for giving me reason to be an entertainer, and make a story for your own enjoyment. Besides this story, if you are interested. Check out The Only Thing I Have Left, really sad story fair warning. But again, thank you for the love guys, means a hell of a lot to me.

Small Edits: Added Natsu's stats.