Okay so aside from just reading Fairy Tail fanfics to get myself back into the flow of things, I've also been re-reading a few story arcs. Originally I had intended to set this at a point on the Fairy Tail timeline and then weave back and forth between my fan-made arcs and the canon arcs. But after fleshing things out like I have, I've decided to do something different. If you're reading this and wondering why I'm even explaining this, it's quite simple. This is my way of warning you that I'm about to flip things around and make a complete mess of the timeline. I only intend to write a couple canon arcs as it is, so thinking about how I can rearrange things is actually quite helpful in regards to planning out the rest of the story.

Really this is all just to say, I have a rough idea of the rest of the story, I just need to work out a few things (Most of which will be done as I go), and write it down. In other words, this story will not go unfinished. It will eventually end. I will not abandon it, so even if three years from now it's still incomplete, know that it will one day be done. With that said, let's get back to it.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail. I do not own these characters. I do not own this story idea, at least not entirely. Then again, someone else may have had the same ideas I did. Eh, how about I don't own anything in this story. Is that a good enough disclaimer?

Chapter 16.

Truths Unveiled and Mating Marks

In a dimly lit room, a dark haired man sat silent, mind racing thanks to the report he'd just received. He wasn't sure what he thought about it. After all he had been told that Natsu Dragneel had suffered a blackout of some sort and used a dangerous power that was able to erase one of his demons from existence, such that even their book was destroyed so they couldn't be revived.

Had his younger brother broken the seal that had been placed on him? If so, did he also regain his memories? Or had he merely cracked the seal and the power was temporarily released as a self-defense method?

"I wonder…" He spoke out loud. Though as his voice trailed off, his mind raced on. 'He is a member of Fairy Tail. It's a bit ironic, but really that works out in my favor. Perhaps Mavis can help me find my answers.'

As he thought about the woman that had captured his heart, Zeref stood from his seat and vanished from the room in a writhing mass of shadows.

-XXxxXxXxxXX-

"You've gotten old Makarov."

Fairy Tail's guild master jumped in his seat as he heard the voice. It was one he hadn't heard in a long time. One he hadn't expected to ever hear again. Of course he also jumped because he thought he was alone, as no one had opened his office door for the past half an hour, and that was only because Mira had brought him lunch as he was so busy with paperwork he hadn't gone down into the guild hall proper as he normally would.

"F-first master!"

The blonde figure giggled at him as she smiled brightly. Of course her smile didn't last long.

"We need to talk."

Having heard a similar tone from Gildarts many times after something big had happened on one of his quests, Makarov could only sigh. Letting out a quick pulse of silver magic, he soundproofed the room so no one could listen in, though only a Fairy Tail member would hear Mavis' voice.

"How much of what happened when he fought off the three members of Tartaros, does Natsu Dragneel remember?"

Not expecting her to talk about Natsu, the third master of Fairy Tail was shocked briefly before resettling himself.

"He remembers killing one of his three attackers with an exceedingly dangerous magic."

"Does he know what that magic is?"

Sighing Makarov nodded.

"I haven't let on to him yet, but I can tell when he's lying. He knows what the magic is, certainly. But it doesn't do what he told me it would."

"If he can recall that magic, then does he remember why it was sealed?"

The young blonde figure questioned. Given the intensity of her expression, Makarov wasn't certain he wanted to know why it seemed so important to Mavis. But he answered with what he knew.

"I suspect he does, but he didn't mention it to me. I know he has to keep secrets and follow certain traditions and protocols as a dragon slayer, so I'm not surprised he didn't confide in me. He did say he had a thought as to why he was targeted specifically, but he wanted to verify something with his grandmother first."

Having spent many nights speaking with her love, Zeref, Mavis recognized the name of his and Natsu's maternal grandmother. As she had never heard anything about a Moon Dragon, nor had Zeref had any luck finding her, the two of them had thought she had perished.

"He's met with Selene?!"

Surprised by just how shocked Mavis seemed to be, not to mention the fact she seemed to know of the dragoness, Makarov frowned.

"I feel like we either need to put this conversation on hold and bring in a few more people, or you start at the beginning and I fill in the blank spots with what I know."

Mavis nodded, her blonde hair swaying behind her at the motion.

"It's a long story. It's also fairly private and involves several secrets that could and would cause mass chaos if the public where to find out. But I know I can trust you."

"If it's that bad then we probably need more security than just a soundproofing ward. Perhaps we can prevail on Natsu or Selene to provide a more secure location."

Makarov offered when Mavis' figure stood up from the seat she'd taken.

"Excellent suggestion. I'll just hide myself and float along behind you for now. Once you explain about me, I'll reveal myself and we can start."

Nodding at her words, Makarov pulled down the soundproofing spell he cast before walking out of his office and down the steps into the guild hall.

"Mira, I'm going out for a bit. It's likely that I'll need a drink when I get back."

He warned, knowing the silver haired barmaid would have something ready for him when he returned. Leaving the guild he followed the town streets until he came to the forest. At that point he followed the instructions Natsu and Cana had given him for getting to their new home.

When the building came into sight, he couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming image in front of him. Sitting side by side on the porch swing was Natsu and Cana. He had one arm around her, and the other was holding a book. Meanwhile, Cana was leaning into Natsu, with Koharu nestled in her lap. The little girl was reaching towards the book, waving a hand as if to turn the page, while her parents were grinning like loons.

He was so taken with the sight that he almost didn't notice that Selene was seated in a rocking chair just off to their left.

"There's magic glinting behind you, Makarov. Just a heads up."

The female dragon commented as she glanced his way before returning to the book she was reading.

"Yes I know. There is a reason, and it will be explained. For now I need to speak with you and Natsu. I'm not sure of the exact nature of the information that will be shared, but I do know that it will cause mass chaos if it gets out."

Upon hearing that the guild master needed to speak with her lover and his grandmother, Cana sat up from her resting against Natsu.

"I can take Koharu while you talk."

But Natsu's arm was still around her, and he pulled her back towards him.

"No. As my mate, I refuse to keep secrets from you."

"If it's what I suspect, then it's a familial matter, and you should be present. Let's move inside and I'll set up a secrecy barrier."

Selene commented. Just on the edges of her senses she could feel something about the magic that just barely glittered behind Makarov that felt familiar, but it wasn't quite right.

Not even five minutes later they were all settled in the living room, hidden behind a barrier so powerful, that Fairy Tail's guild master couldn't help but wonder if there was anything that could break through it. Shaking his head, Makarov returned his focus to what brought him to the Fire Dragon Slayer in the first place.

"I have to give you a bit of a history lesson to explain the magic that Selene can see following me. So bear with me a moment."

He began, before taking a deep breath.

"As I'm sure you are aware, many years ago Fairy Tail was founded by a group of four people. The one chosen as the guild master was a young girl by the name of Mavis Vermillion. Part of what lead the four of them to found the guild in the first place was an adventure to recover an ancient treasure known as the Tenrou Jade. In recovering said artifact, they had to clash with a dark guild by the name of Blue Skull.

"One of the four was my father, Yuri Dreyar. During their fight with Blue Skull he was corrupted by the Tenrou Jade and magic used by Blue Skull's leader and became a giant skeletal dragon-like monster. In order to save him, Mavis cast a spell known as 'Law'."

Selene started at that. She knew about that spell and the repercussions of casting it without being prepared.

"She hadn't yet mastered the spell had she?"

Shaking his head no, Makarov continued his tale.

"She had not. Because of this, the price for using the spell without being truly prepared for it was to essentially freeze her body in time. Magically, mentally, and spiritually she could still age, but physically she could not. Now this wasn't really a problem, even when she grew into a young woman. She was quite powerful and when the situation called for it she could be ruthless, so very few people took issue with listening to a woman who didn't look a day over thirteen years old.

"It wasn't until the man that had taught her about Law, returned to the area that things began to change. Just like her, he hadn't aged a day since they had last met. They spent quite some time together, until an accident happened and Mavis fell into a comatose state. No one could do anything to help her, and after a time, her magic began to crystallize around her.

"Luckily she was capable of performing several different kinds of magics, including Thought Projection. Because of the fact her body was constantly generating magic, it was agreed that she would fake her death, and then use Thought Projection to keep a constant drain on her magic so as to prevent complications from a constant build of up magic. To make sure the drain was larger than the build up, she decided that her projected body would stay away from the guild, and she settled into the ruins of Tenrou Island.

"Until today, that projection has been on the guilds 'Sacred Isle' and the secret about her body has been kept by the guild master, and the guild master alone. I am only telling you about this because her projection came to me in my office earlier. I do not know why, but she needs to speak with you Natsu."

He turned towards the magical glow that only Selene could see, before pausing.

"How is it that you can see the magic about her anyway, Selene? Because they faked her death, there was an enchantment cast upon her so that only someone with a Fairy Tail guild mark can see and hear her."

"I can't see her, and I likely won't hear her. But I can see the enchantment itself. Even through whatever magics she's using to hid her projection until she can speak freely without startling people, I can see it."

At that point Mavis canceled the magic that was hiding her Thought Projection from the Fairy Tail members.

"Hello there."

"Before we get into why she wants to speak with you Natsu, could you tell me her answer to the question I'm about to ask?"

Selene wondered when she saw Natsu's eyes hone in on the spot where she could see the enchantment active. When her grandson nodded, She narrowed her eyes.

"Was the enchantment cast by Natsu's brother?"

Makarov was started to hear that Natsu had a sibling, and Mavis let out a sigh.

"It was cast by the man I fell in love with, yes."

When Natsu relayed her response, Selene rolled her eyes. The elderly wizard in the room was shocked to hear Mavis claim to be in love, while Natsu and Cana smiled as they understood that love was a powerful motivator.

"I'm going to assume he also put you up to checking in on Natsu. Since you'll likely see him before we do, tell my grandson that Natsu is in the process of getting some things made that will protect him from Ankhseram's curse so they can meet face to face."

"Based off the Moon Dragon's words, may I take it that you know about your past before Igneel began to raise you?"

Mavis wondered as she looked to Natsu.

"Yeah. Grandmother is correct that you'll likely see him before we do. Aside from what she said, would you slap him upside the head for me? I think my brother needs it. After all, from what I've learned, after he helped Igneel get the dragons to safety via time traveling to a time period where Acnologia wasn't active, he went a bit stir crazy and made some demons."

Mavis quirked an eyebrow at that.

"You want me to slap Zeref upside the head? Really?"

"I mean I'll be doing it anyway when I see him, but I get the feeling that he'll listen to you more than he will me. Besides it might knock some sense into him. Maybe he won't be so suicidal when he learns his family won't let Ankhseram's curse last."

Makarov had been stunned when he heard Mavis say the name of the darkest wizard in all of Earthland. But he was practically floored when he heard Natsu accuse the man of being suicidal.

"You think the Black Mage is suicidal!?"

Nodding, the pink haired man looked to the older man.

"Why else would he make such dangerous demons. I mean think about it. Lullaby was supposed to kill whoever heard it. Deliora was a powerhouse that likely would have needed me breaking your rule about not using lethal spells, if it weren't for the fact that it spent ten years being drained of it's life-force by the spell Gray's mentor had used to imprison it."

"Natsu isn't wrong. You see after he sent you off with Igneel, Zeref had an accident that whipped out an entire nation. It shook him up so much that he tried to kill himself but couldn't. He began experimenting and creating his demons in the hopes that one of them would have the ability to kill him. He told me as much himself when he finally confessed who he was."

Mavis offered, glad to see that Natsu wanted to help his brother even after all that had happened.

"So if I'm understanding what I've just heard, correctly… Natsu and Zeref, are brothers, something happened and Zeref was cursed, he sent Natsu away with Igneel, then became suicidal and became known as the most evil man in Earthland because his creations were too dangerous yet still unable to kill him?"

Makarov wondered, stunned and awed by what he had just learned. Selene took pity on him even as she nodded, and gave him the full story. When she was done, even the current guild master of Fairy Tail was wanting to help Zeref in some way.

"It's a shame the Gods have cut off all contact with Earthland. I would think that at least one of them would feel that Ankhseram's curse should be removed."

"Oh they do. But they cut off contact with Earthland because of Acnologia. In his rampage to kill and slaughter dragons, he also slayed a few minor Gods, gaining their power. In order to prevent existence itself from being destroyed with their deaths, they fled and sealed themselves away."

Selene retorted frowning as she recalled when she had learned that tidbit.

"Because of the fact we dragons are basically just living magic, there is no 'Dragon God'. The closest thing to a God among our kind is the Dragon King. When they left Earthland, every God gave their divine blessing and protection to the one that held that title, and found a way as to tie it to the title itself. It is their way of assisting in the defeat of Acnologia, as thanks to his transformation, only the Dragon King would have the power to end him, permanently. As it is, until Natsu grows strong enough to claim the title of Dragon King, I am the strongest dragon, and at best I would be fatally injured just to be able to knock Acnologia unconscious and it wouldn't be for very long."

Natsu and Cana had already known that, having read through the Tome of Kings that Igneel had left him. But it was a surprise to Makarov and Mavis. After a moment, Mavis shook her head.

"I see. Well, I can tell Zeref about our talk, but I suspect he'll want to talk face to face anyway."

"My anti-curse stuff should be done either tomorrow or the day after. But I don't think it would be a good idea to just rush off to talk with Zeref and not finish at least some of the training I've been doing lately. Not to mention I want Cana and Koharu with me so I can properly introduce my family when I go."

Makarov had expected Natsu to say something like that, so he nodded before turning to Mavis.

"I'm sure Zeref has things he needs to do anyway. So how about this. You relay our talk to him and tell him that in a month's time we'll be holding our S-class Trials. As you know, we normally host them on Tenrou Island. You and I can coordinate things to set up an opportunity for them to meet up during the exam."

"I'd like to meet up with my other grandson and check on him, but I can do that whenever, so long as I can get close enough to scent him. Not to mention I've been helping Natsu and Cana both with their training. So while you're on that island, I'll use that as some down time for myself, and catch up with Zeref at some other point."

Selene replied.

"Sounds good to me. So let me get back to Tenrou so I can tell Zeref about this" Mavis commented as she hopped up from her seat before turning to Makarov. "Oh, and before I go. Tell Warrod I said hello."

-XXxxXxXxxXX-

Later on that evening, as they climbed into bed, Cana rolled over to snuggle up to Natsu. As he was used to it, the pink haired man just wrapped his arms around her. What he wasn't used to though was when she continued moving so that she was on top of him.

"Cana?"

He asked before being kissed with a passion. When his mate pulled back, He was smiling dumbly, though still confused.

"Remember when you told me about giving a boost to your mate?"

Wide eyed, the Fire Dragon Slayer could only nod.

"Well, aside from joining in when you train with Selene, I've done some one on one training with her as well."

The reminder of the fact that she wanted to join his training because she felt useless when he was targeted by Tartaros had him shudder a bit.

"I'd say you didn't have to do that, but if it's something you wanted to do then I can only support you."

He told her with a tender smile.

"I know. But anyway, during our one on one sessions she and I talk. We talk quite a bit in fact."

"She's taken you on as her slayer hasn't she?"

The Cards mage chuckled at his muttering.

"Apparently having spent years in proximity to you, and the recent addition of Gajeel and Wendy, has made my magic more open to it. It's tough, and I've only just been able to accomplish the basics of the basics. But Selene and I hope that by the time you're ready for the Trial of Dragons, that I will have at least halfway mastered four or five spells."

"That would be amazing."

Natsu retorted, before leaning up to kiss Cana in happiness.

Both were smirking as their second kiss ended.

"I know. Seriously though. It was only this afternoon when she and I were working while you were training with my dad that I finally managed to do a Moon Dragon's Roar for the first time. Of course I only managed it once. But according to her, that was enough for me to be considered a slayer. In fact, I've already noticed my sense have sharpened a bit.

"Anyway Selene and I both want you to be able to speak with your brother, but we don't feel like your dragon scale accessories will be enough protection from his curse. So once she told me I could officially be considered a slayer now, she suggested that when you and I mate for the first time and you mark me as yours, I mark you as mine."

This time when Cana moved to kiss him, she didn't go for his lips. Instead she pressed her lips against his jaw and began trailing a few fluttery kisses along his jawline before moving onto his neck, where she proceeded to suck on his neck to make a hickey.

While she was doing that, Natsu ran through ideas in his mind as to why his grandmother would suggest such a thing. Then he remembered the difference between when a dragon slayer mates with another dragon slayer, versus when their mate is not a dragon slayer.

"She hopes that by doing so, the boost I get from our magics merging a bit will be enough of a buffer?"

"Mm-hm" the brunette agreed without pulling away from her task of giving him a hickey.

"Not that I mind, but why now?"

He questioned, before letting out a groan of arousal as her actions were really turning him on. Enough so that his hands were moving towards her hips without him even thinking about it. This time Cana did pull back from his neck to answer.

"Because I decided I couldn't wait any longer. I've wanted to jump you like this since you recovered from your fight with those demons. But I wanted you to be awake for it, and your training with my dad has been harsh enough that you'd normally be out like a light already."

"Ah" he said, grinning as he was starting to get in the mood himself. Noticing that his arousal was growing, Cana pulled her sleeping shirt off, revealing her bare chest.

"Now. Less talking more sexy time."

(A/N: I'm not very good at writing sexual scenes, when it comes to the act itself. Foreplay sure I can handle that. But for some reason I can't handle writing the actual sex content. So I'm just going to end the scene here.)

-XXxxXxXxxXX-

Sunlight creeping through the window at just the right angle was the first thing either of them noticed as they woke up. Slowly they untangled their limbs before getting up and stretching. It was as Cana turned to their wardrobe to grab some fresh clothes for the day that Natsu noticed something new, that the memories of their night came back to him.

Moving towards his mate, Natsu snaked his arms around. Leaning over her shoulder to kiss her cheek he gave her a light squeeze while mumbling "Mornin' love. You might want to find something to fully cover your back. Unless you want people asking about your new tattoo."

He hadn't expected that he could still place a magical mark while mating now that Cana was classed as a dragon slayer. After all, Igneel had said the mark was a symbol, created by pooling your magic in your lover so you could give them a boost of magic, which was only supposed to happen when your mate wasn't a slayer. With a fellow slayer, the pooled magic would partially merge, but there would be no other noticeable effect. tt-" The brunette started to wonder, before she remembered her actions the previous night and what they had lead to. It was as if she'd been given a shot of adrenaline as she fully woke up. Spinning in his arms, Cana kissed her lover.

"Well now. Is that because you're happy? Or were you wanting to go again?"

He smirked as she pulled back and rested her forehead against his.

"Don't tempt me. We're up a bit later than normal and I don't think we'd be able to finish before Koharu woke up."

That made Natsu laugh softly.

"Though now I'm curious. How did you mark me? I know you and Selene both explained why I'd have been marked before. But as a fellow slayer, though still in training, shouldn't our magics have merged instead?"

Now that he was awake, and actually able to notice it, the Fire Dragon Slayer did feel something had changed in regards to his magic.

"It did. I can feel something just slightly off about my magic now, but it feels like you."

"Huh. Well then. Step back and let me get a good look. You marked me, so maybe I marked you too?"

As it did make sense, Natsu did exactly as she asked. When she saw his back, Cana smirked, knowing she was right.

"We did. You've got a dragon on your back too. It actually looks pretty badass."

"Maybe we should ask grandmother about this. She might know why we marked each other as well as merged magics like we were supposed to."

Natsu suggested as he moved over to the dresser that kept his clothes (she used their wardrobe while he used their dresser as a way of keeping their causal everyday stuff organized. The closet held their formal wear).

"Well she likes to visit with Koharu, so I'm sure she'll be here at some point today."

His mate replied as the both grabbed their things and made their way to the bathroom, following their normal routine. Of course they were a bit more touchy-feely with each other now compared to before. But neither of them minded the change. To them it just felt natural.