Sure enough, the next school day had arrived swiftly. It was also the last day for Izuku, and as he walked to school, one might think he'd be smiling at the prospect of graduating early. However, he was being quite nervous. He doesn't know if the documents had arrived, and if they did, there was always the chance one of the Aldera staff would hide them or destroy them to uphold their bias.

It was a worry he had for a while, really, and he even mailed the Ministry of Education via the site about his worry. They replied that they understood his concern and would send an official representative to hand him his documents and demand the needed signatures of his headmaster if need be. Ultimately, the law was moving in his favor, and legally, there was nothing the staff at Aldera could do. But when has legally stopped biased and stubborn people from doing anything rash and stupid?

"You worry too much, you know that?" Natsu stated from within his head. "Try to relax, would you? It's not like you're walking into a dragon's den!"

"You read my memories, right? You know what Aldera is like!" Izuku replied, and Natsu, to his merit, simply sighed, rubbing his head.

"You have a point. I will admit, the place is a crap pit! Still, you thought it: legally, they cannot do anything! And there is that representative or whatever that has to show up, right? Then surely you will be walking out of that place with your chin up in the end!"

"I don't know…"

"Besides, you can always just spit some fire on them!"

"Qurk usage in public places is illegal!" Izuku added quickly. "Especially dangerous quirks like the ability to control or produce fire in any shape or form! It is one of the oldest quirk laws!"

"You actually know such laws by heart?!" Natsu asked in surprise. "You have way too much study time! No wonder you are so noodly; you spend all your time working out your brain instead of your body!"

"I guess? S-still, there is nothing wrong with being smart!" Izuku countered, so focused on his talk with Natsu that he didn't take notice when he entered the grounds of Aldera High School. He was going on auto-pilot right now, with his body taking the route it has always taken when coming to Aldera. He was in early, as well, mostly to avoid Katsuki. "What about you? Could you have called yourself smart?"

"Does battle smarts count?" Natsu asked.

"Partially."

'Then partially, yes, I am smart! Smarter than you are, at least in that specific field!" Natsu replied with new-found confidence. "But I do guess I have to teach you now what I know…man, who knew this was going to be such a bothersome job?"

"At least I got my powers now…" Iuzku said with a hint of hope.

"Hmm? Are you Izuku Midoriya?" A man suddenly appeared in front of Izuku, wearing an official-looking black suit.

"Huh? Oh! Yes, that is me." Izuku replied to the man, confused as to who they were. They were waiting outside his class, and other students were whispering in the hallway.

"I am from the Ministry of Education. I am here to ensure your early graduation goes smoothly in light of your worrying email. While this is not a standard thing, seeing how we usually do not send people to personally ensure this process goes through, given your…situation and the history of this institute, it was agreed that it was needed." The man stated. "I just need to talk with the headmaster of this school to have him sign a few documents, then get a final signature from your homeroom teacher. After that, you are free to walk out of here as a graduate."

"Wait, don't I have to spend the day here?" Izuku asked, but the man seemed surprised.

"You wish to spend another day in this place?" His question really took Izuku aback. "I am not blind, son. Trust me, my daughter is Quirkless, or at least is a late bloomer. Still, there was already a scandal where her teacher tried to hide and protect her bullies from the law, even when they went too far and used their Quirks. My daughter is 8, mind you. That place was shut down, and the teacher in question had their license revoked. I, especially, do not condone such practices."

There was something there he was telling Izuku other than what was obvious. And even Natsu saw it. "Ah, shit! This place is going down!"

"What?" Izuku reacted to Natsu's words.

"Think about it! The guy here has to be investigating all the crap going down! Look at him! He is taking pleasure from this event because he knows he is about to stick it to some stuck-ups! I know the feeling! And this guy is feeling it!"

"You think the authorities were investigating Aldera? But then again…It isn't impossible. I am not the only target of bullies and quirk-based discrimination here, and it is possible the authorities took notice…Ok, I will go with them and confront the headmaster for their signature. All in all, there is nothing they can do."

"Keep that in mind, Izuku! Right now, the cards are in your hand! It's your time to play your cards and play them strong! So go on! I don't want us to waste time we can spend training on doubting everything!" Natsu's words seemed to encourage Izuku, who replied to the man before him.

"That is good to know, Sir, that you are not like others. Let's go the headmaster, then, and get their signature." Izuku told them.

"Lead the way." The man told him, and Izuku led them to the office of the headmaster. They had to go up a few flights of stairs but eventually arrived at the office, where Izuku was met with the man himself standing outside his office. His headmaster was a man in his 50s with white hair from age, likely stress, and sharp eyes. He narrowed his gaze in disgust upon seeing Izuku, but then his eyes widened in surprise seeing the man behind him.

"Midoriya, what are you doing here? Class is about to start, and you are wasting time?" The man questioned Izuku, trying to assert authority. However, their attempt was soon met with a quick counter.

"Excuse me, Sir, but Izuku doesn't need to attend any more classes at your institution." The man's words seemed to rub the headmaster wrong, but before he could protest, the man introduced himself. "I am Taiko Monoki from the Ministry of Education."

The headmaster paled hearing the man's name and where he was from, and he was swift to clear his throat. "Forgive me, Mister Monoki, I didn't realize you were from higher up. But why are you here, and what is your business with Midoriya?"

Taiko took out the papers from his suit, handing them over to the man. "If you wish for us to go inside your office to review those papers, then so be it. But all I need is your signature on these."

"What is this-? Early graduation?! Impossible!" The headmaster looked honestly shocked to see the documents. "Him?"

"Is it so hard to believe? Izuku here took special classes on our official online platform and obtained impressive results! As such, we decided to offer him an early graduation from his High School curriculum! You should be proud, Sir, that one of the students under your care has managed such a feat!" Taiko played it smart, that's for sure. However, the headmaster looked honestly conflicted.

"A-are you sure you didn't get the wrong kid?" The headmaster asked. "We have a student named Katsuki bakugou, whose grades are even better! Are you certain you didn't get the name-"

"Sir." Suddenly, the temperature in the room dropped, literally! The headmaster seemed to notice this, and he froze in place from the commanding presence put forth by Taiko. "There has been no mistake made. And this is certainly not related to Izuku's status as Quirkless. Why would it be? A Quirk has nothing to do with one's academics unless that is exactly what it does! I'd know; there are several intelligence-related Quirks out there, trust me on that!"

"Hold on, I never said it had anything to do with-"

"You tried to assume Izuku was someone else and tried to shift the achievements onto another student." Taiko pointed out. "One who, according to what we know, has a powerful explosion-based Quirk. I admit, Katsuki Bakugou is not a bad student, academically, but he pales in comparison to Izuku here."

At those words, the headmaster seemed to grow somewhat angry and frustrated. However, there was nothing they could do. "I-I see…I apologize for my words then." Those words were clearly forced, as if someone was trying to pull them from him with a pair of iron tongs. He then took out a pen. "Show me where to sign."

"Marvelous! Glad we got the questions out of the way! I am quite a busy man. Now, please sign here, here, and here. Oh! Please inform the rest of the staff as well so there are no issues later down the line. I'd hate to have to come back and make it clear Izuku is now to be treated as a graduate."

"R-right…" The man signed the papers without further complaint and then handed them back. "Here. Take them." Taiko took back the papers and then inspected them.

"Marvelous. We only need a signature from the homeroom teacher, and then we will be on our way. A good day to you, Sir." Taiko said, then urged Izuku to follow him downstairs again, back to his classroom, leaving the principal alone to return to his office.

Once inside, they sat down and slammed a fist into the office. "To hell with this! That Quirkless bastard actually got the Ministry of Education involved?! I got the email yesterday about his early graduation, but there was no way in hell I'd let that quirkless parasite eclipse our star students!"

He rubbed his face, trying to rack his brains for a way to stop Izuku's early graduation, but nothing came to mind. Anything he might want to try was a clear suicide! If he did anything now, it'd get back to the Ministry of Education and even further! If anyone learned what was going on in Aldera…

He'd not only lose his job but also his freedom.

"Excuse us, we are coming in!" Taiko entered the classroom just as the homeroom was underway. Izuku walked in behind them.

"Midoriya! What are you doing there? Why weren't you on time?" The homeroom teacher shouted, but Taiko was swift to intervene.

"My, how quick you are to assault your student verbally. Don't you see me standing here?" Taiko asked.

"And you are, Sir?" The homeroom teacher asked, eyeing them.

"Taiko Monoki, Ministry of Education." The teacher paled upon hearing him. "And I don't quite like your tone. Oh well, no matter. Here." Taiko slammed the papers on the teacher's desk. "Sign here, and we will go."

"W-what is this?"

"My early graduation," Izuku answered, but that seemed to cause an uproar in the classroom.

"Wait a second there!" The one who shouted was none other than Izuku's source of grief, Katsuki Bakugou. A relatively tall and well-built teen with spiky blonde hair that seemed as if it exploded and red eyes. "Why does Deku get to graduate early?!"

"Yeah, Katsuki is right! He is quirkless; he shouldn't have the right!" A big-nosed boy shouted, pointing at Izuku.

"Shut up!" Taiko shouted, making the student in question flinch. "I will demand your student file later…But to tell you all right now, whether a person is quirkless or not doesn't matter to us. Izuku completed advanced studies on our official online platform, and as such, we are rewarding him as he is entitled."

"Entitled?! As if! He cheated! He has to have!" Another chubby boy with wings said, backing up the big-nosed boy.

"Yeah! There is just no way! It's an impossibility!" Another boy with long fingers added, but at that point, the homeroom teacher seemed to have had enough.

"Shut up! All of you! No more!" He was scared, and rightfully so. Taiko seemed to have grown frustrated, but he was not showing it visibly. He just kept a plain, calm face and sighed. "Here!" The homeroom teacher signed the papers. "My signature is on the paper!"

"Great! Marvelous!" Taiko said, taking the documents and putting them away. He then took out a tube out of his jacket - he must have some kind of storage-type Quirk - and handed it to Izuku. "Here you go, Izuku."

Izuku opened the rube, revealing his graduation diploma inside. "Thank you, Sir!" Izuku bowed out of respect, then looked back at Taiko. "Does this mean-"

"You are free to go now. You needn't stay here a second longer! Shu now! Go!" Izuku got the memo and began sprinting out of Aldera, a large smile on his face. However, once he was gone, Taiko fixed his tie and turned back to the class, specifically at the three students who spoke out in protest of Izuku's graduation with his status as their justification. "Now, I guess I am now required to do a different kind of work."

The homeroom teacher gulped. "What kind, Sir?"

"Why, I think your students here are due some discipline! I am wholly authorized to punish students should they misbehave during my visit, meaning appointing anything from just an essay for punishment or suspensions!"

"Suspensions?!" The chubby one gasped. "Wait, we did nothing wrong!"

"Oh, like hell you didn't…" A chill ran down their spines. "Now then, how about two weeks of suspensions for you three and one week for Katsuki here?"

"What did I do?! I didn't say anything; I just asked a legitimate question!" Katsuki argued.

"You think I'm stupid? That derogatory nickname you called Izuku just now…This behavior is unfitting for future heroes, Katsuki Bakugou." Taiko then left the classroom, likely to inform the headmaster.

"Stupid, shitty Deku…" Katsuki growled. "I will get you for this."

"Man, that was cool as heck! That Taiko guy really put those guys on the spot and kept the heat going all the time!" Natsu said, praising the way Taiko handled the situation. "But man, those guys were being really mean! Like, what the heck, did douchebags raise them?"

"I agree that Mister Monoki was…He was cool. But that is just how people see me, Natsu. No one really believes the quirkless can do anything." Izuku replied. "But I am happy. I feel like a huge rock was taken off my chest."

"That's what becoming free from such a place would do to ya! Ha! Come on! Let's get back to your place, change, and then find ourselves a place to start training! We only have one year! There is no time to waste!"

"Wait, but where will we train?" Izuku asked.

"Huh? Wait, I thought you had an idea about that!" Natsu said, and slowly, both of them realized their issue right now. "Shit!"

"We…Didn't think things through." Izuku realized.

"Isn't there anywhere we can train? Like a forest or something!" Natsu asked, but Izuku was not so sure.

"It's not so easy. There are specialized gyms meant to be used by those who wish to be heroes, which provide special spaces for Quirk training, but I cannot attend. My official status is still that of quirkless, meaning they won't accept me. And we cannot train in the open due to laws preventing public quirk use." Izuku explained.

"So we are stuck? Bullshit! There has to be a way! Surely, there is a place so remote no one will think to look!"

"Wait! There might be a place worth checking out…Dagobah Municipal Beach Park! It's one hour from here!" Izuku remembered the place used to be beautiful, as his mother took him there some time back…But nowadays, he hears that thrash that washed ashore turns it into a real thrash dumb.

"You think it'd work?" Natsu asked.

"Worth checking it out?"

"This place stinks! Literally!" Natsu shouted in Izuku's mind as they arrived at the beach and saw the state of the place. "Look at this! We might get some weights for training, but there is no way you can get anything for your magic out of this!"

"Is it really that bad?" Izuku asked.

"Izuku! There is a literal flower growing outta the boot!" Ok, Nastu had a point.

"Then where do you suggest we go? I don't know any other place that would be suited for us to train!" Izuku countered, but then his nose picked something up. "What's that smell?"

"Looks like the sense of smell of us Dragon Slayers has set in! I smell it, too, now that you can. It smells familiar, and not in a good way." The fact Natsu was growing so serious out of the blue worried Izuku.

"Is it bad?" Izuku asked, worried.

"It could be nothing, just a coincidence. But if it really is who I think it is…Be prepared to run." Natsu's tone of voice was not only serious but sounded afraid as well. "He shouldn't be here…"

"Should I go toward the source of the smell? It is coming from that pile." Izuku pointed at a pile of junk.

"Slowly," Natsu instructed him, and Izuku approached the pile of junk with extreme caution. Once he was above it, the smell was so strong Natsu was almost sure it was the same. His teeth grit against one another, and his fists were so tight his veins were popping! He was frustrated because he couldn't fight from within Izuku.

Izuku moved the thrash away, and beneath it, a faint blue and black glow shined through. His eyes widened, the same as Natsu's, as he picked up what resembled some kind of large crystal shard. "Woah…What is this?" Izuku asked aloud, no longer talking to Natsu inside his head.

"It's magic! That I am sure of! But this smell…It's so fucking wrong."

"How come?" Izuku asked.

"Izuku, that thing…That shard of magic or whatever smells like Acnologia."

"Who's Acnologia?" Izuku asked.

"The worst damn menace my world ever knew. He was the one true Dragon King. From what I understand, he was once a Dragon Slayer, like me. But he fell to our magic's flaw. It turns us into dragons with use. My father and others altered my and other dragon slayers' bodies so that we wouldn't suffer that fate, but Acnologia had no such luck. He gave in to the power. And it drove him insane."

"We dragon slayers eat magic to replenish our own, but it must be the same element. Ancologia didn't have that issue. He was able to devour any magic he came into contact with, no matter what. His power and strength were on a whole different level…" Natsu's hand began shaking. "But I killed him. That is how I got here. In our final battle, I gave everything I had to defeat him! Even my life…"

"Holy…" Izuku gulped as he held the shard, but strangely, nothing was happening. "And…What do I do with this?"

"Honestly? I'd say to throw it into the ocean and forget it exists, but that is based on its connection to Acnologia. I don't know what it is specifically, but I am certain it is connected to him!" Natsu stated strongly, but then a voice was heard behind Izuku.

"It is a shard of magic he consumed over his life." Turning sharply, Artorigus stood there on a broken washing machine, looking at them. "Hello, Izuku. Natsu."

"What the-! Who's he, Natsu?" Izuku asked.

"The so-called God who sent me to you! Hey, what gives! Why are you here all of a sudden?" Natsu asked, and Artorigus was actually able to hear him.

"I am here just to answer your questions. That there is a shard from Acnologia. Something I call Shard of the Dragon King. It is magic from his body, a piece of it that took physical form." Artorigus explained. "It contains magic from your world, Natsu. And you could eat it to gain that magic."

"What?!" Izuku gasped.

"Hold on! Dragon slayers can only eat their element! I ate others, and my stomach ached like heck!" Natsu replied. "Are you telling us those shards can give us more power or something?"

"Indeed, and more…tell me, Natsu, if I were to make you choose the lives of all your friends and family or your principles, which one you choose? Enlighten me, Salamander, on which is more important to you: The ones you care about or your pride."

"What are you saying?"

"Consume those, and Izuku here could become like Acnologia. A dragon slayer of all magic." Artorigus' line didn't sit right with Natsu.,

"To hell with it! Like I'd allow him to become like that monster!"

"Heavens no! Trust me, that guy was a monster through and through. But was his power evil by design? Nothing more but a tool misused. Putting such power in the right hands could be beneficial to everyone. Tell me, Natsu, should you have had the chance to acquire such power, would you take it? To use it to protect those you care about."

"I…Of course, I'd take it."

"Natsu?" Izuku asked.

"You know I am right, Natsu. Power is not evil. The ones behind it are." Artorigus pointed out again.

"Ugh. It almost feels like you are trying to talk me into forgiving Acnologia or something." Natsu stated. "Look, I will admit. You have a point. But Izuku hasn't even started on his fire dragon slayer magic yet! Adding more magic to master on top could be too much for him! We only have one year!"

"I am aware, but as you said earlier, some magics are easier than others. Plus, I think you will find that one very, very familiar." Artorigus' words rang strongly with Natsu.

"You mean…it's Celestial magic? This shard has Celestial Magic?!"

"How about your student here feasts and finds out for himself?" Artorigus suggested, and Izuku gulped.

"Natsu? Do I really have to eat this?" Izuku asked his teacher, trying to get some answers.

"Yeah…Look, it's not that hard! I once ate something similar as well, just…Start licking it? Or do the same thing you did with the fire!" Natsu suggested, sounding unsure in his words.

"Alright…" Then Izuku took a deep breath, then exhaled, and opened his mouth. Almost immediately, the shard began to shrink as a wave of blue and black light went inside Izuku's mouth.

"Holy shit, you are really eating it! It's shrinking as well!"

"Fascinating," Artorigus said, watching as the shard in Izuku's hands grew smaller and smaller. Eventually, the shard was gone, but something seemed to have been inside of it. A small, golden key with the zodiac symbol for Capricorn. "And there is your first aid."

"That…it's an interesting taste. Huh?" Izuku took notice of the key in his hand. "Woah. Is this gold?"

"No way! That is one of Lucy's keys!"

"Lucy? You mentioned her before, right?" Izuku asked. "Is this hers?"

"Not technically. It is yours now." Artorigus pointed out. "Allow me to explain. Natsu, as you may or may not know, Celestial Magic is a summoner-type magic that makes use of Celestial Spirit Keys to summon spirits. That there, however, is one-of-a-kind in this world. It is a Golden Zodiac Spirit key for the Celestial Spirit, Capricorn."

"Hold on! Only one of those keys can exist! And Lucy has Capricorn's key already!" Natsu argued.

"Which is true, and she still does! That there is actually a key born of this world." Artorigus explained. "You see, Natsu, this world has its own set of those keys. But there is only one Capricorn! He will sense you summoning him and answer your call, should he be available. Granted, he might be busy with his other owner, Lucy Heartfillia."

"Wait! Could this mean…He could act as a messenger to carry messages between worlds?"

"A very good message, Natsu. But!" The air suddenly reverbed, pushing Izuku back and causing him an unexplained sense of vertigo. "I do not allow the worlds to interact so willy-nilly. It is one of the rules. Without my permission, two worlds cannot have contact between the two of them."

"Come on, man! I need to tell everyone I am at least alright!"

"Wait! Sorry, I just…I am lost here." Izuku interjected. "Natsu, you want to contact your friends and family from your world, right?"

"Yes!"

"And, you…Say it is not possible?"

"Not without my permission," Artorigus added.

"Couldn't you give Natsu the permission, then?" Izuku asked, but Artorigus merely smiled.

"Izuku, I never said I wasn't. I just pointed out the rules to him." Artorigus added, and Izuku felt a bit silly for asking. "But you are quite nice for asking on his behalf. Natsu?"

"Yes?"

"Listen. I will allow you to have contact with the people in your world. You guys have experience and know of parallel worlds already. They can understand, and you may speak with them! But there are conditions I must impose to ensure nothing gets out of control." Artorigus stated. "This rule exists to ensure two worlds do not go to war on another. In 90% of cases, two different civilizations cannot get along, hence why this rule exists! Normally, the existence of another world is a pretty serious thing to be kept under wraps."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, what are the conditions we must follow?" Natsu asks with impatience.

"I swear, you hot-head. But I digress. No use complaining about your lack of patience and respect." Artorigus stated, then continued, holding up a finger for each condition. "First, people from your world, Natsu, may know about this one and even interact with you via the Celestial Spirits, but the same cannot be said of people from this world. The two of you must keep the secret of magic and Natsu's world - of the existence of other worlds in general, as guarded as your lives. Because trust me, if it gets out, the consequences can be more than just dire."

"Alright, that sounds tricky but not specifically complicated," Izuku replied. "But, umm. Would it be alright if the people we reveal it to, if we fail to hide it or are forced to explain things, are trustworthy and agree also to keep the secret?"

"So long as you do not stretch it. I will be watching closely, and the moment I deem the secret to have been said to too many people, I WILL intervene, got it?"

"Crystal," Izuku replied and understood the condition. Essentially, if they tell the secret to someone from his world, that person must also be trusted to keep the secret. Not only that, but they must be careful about how many they reveal it to. "Anything else?"

"There is always something else," Artorigus replied.

"What is it?"

"Travel."

"You mean to say they can come here?!" Natsu gasped in shock.

"If they can develop the means to, then yes. I won't be bringing them over, mind you. Though, I do add that while they can come here, you are not allowed to travel to their world. Sorry, Izuku, I know you might be curious about Natsu's world, but I cannot allow you to go there."

"It's alright, I guess. I was not very curious about it, and I guess it is good to know I cannot go anyway." Izuku replied.

"Good. Now, I also need to explain some things. This world runs a high risk of waging war on yours, Natsu. If that happens, I have no doubts this world will be destroyed. Magic is superior to Quirks. Those conditions are set to avoid a potential war. Got it?" Izuku nodded his head, and Natsu did the same. "Good. Now, let me see…Anything else, anything else…Ah! Right! Those shards? Keep finding them. This world is not meant to wield magic, and those shards run the risk of ruining that."

"Hold on, since we got there, how did these get here in the first place?" Natsu asked, and to his credit, it was a legitimate question Artorigus saw no reason not to answer.

"Acnologia wielded a lot of power, Natsu. When you took him down, however, and I pulled you in, that magic followed you. All that power had to go somewhere, and it essentially followed you to this world. But although you would have been more than a suitable host, Izuku here isn't. At least, not for the entire power of the Dragon King himself!" Artorigus replied. "Each shard contains one type of magic. They also should contain lingering information on how to use the basic level of that magic."

Izuku suddenly gasped, looking at the key. "Now that you mention it, I know how to use the key!"

"See? However, not all magic is this easy. Some will require additional training. Now, gentlemen, I only dropped by to inform you of those things. I will be taking my leave." Artorigus stated. Then, suddenly, a powerful wind began blowing from the side, making Izuku shield his eyes. He closed them, and when he opened them again, Artorigus was gone.

"So…A deity?"

"Trust me, I met weirder," Natsu said. "But hey! At least we got something out of this dump, don't you agree?"

"I still don't think we got an answer to our issue. Where can we go train?"

"Oh…Right, that is still an issue. Hey! Maybe Capricorn can help us!"

"The spirit?!" Izuku gasped, almost dropping the key.

"Careful! You don't want to lose that key, trust me! Anyway, Capricorn is the best fighter in terms of raw hand-to-hand among all Celestial Spirits, from what I recall! He should be able to run you through the wringer and get you in shape in time for U.A!" Natsu stated. "He might also have the answer about our current issue."

"How could he? I mean, it isn't like he knows this world, right?" Izuku asked, but Natsu just shrugged.

"If we can summon him here, there is a slim chance he was here before. I am not sure."

They really were at a loss regarding what to do next, huh? Well, not really, but the issue was where to do it. They had to train, and time was precious. But finding a suitable training location was something else altogether. Izuku stared down at the key in his hands and thought well about his actions as well. He knows they should be training in using the fire magic, but Artorigus' words rung in his head.

So much power…Izuku honestly felt a bit afraid of the prospect of one day wielding so much power! However, he also recalled Artorigus' words. Power was a tool. The person behind it is the master using it. So much potential power…Izuku had to keep his wits about him. So much power can corrupt, and he needs to keep his head clear and focused.

He was to be a hero.

Not a monster.

And the journey there has now come to an important step, one locked behind a gate. A gate he can open. "Open! Gate of the Goat!" The key glowed brightly as the sound of a bell rang through the beach, and a giant gate appeared behind Izuku. From it, a figure leaped out, landing on the sand with grace and skill. He turned to Izuku, and the boy took in the looks of the being before him.

He was a tall humanoid goat. There was no other way to describe him; he was a literal goat! His body was covered in short, brownish-white fur, with longer tufts covering his lower face, resembling a goatee, and the back of his legs, which greatly resembled those of a goat, being slightly bent backward and ending in dark hooves. He had short, thin ears sitting on top of his head, with a distinctive, elongated oval form and horns that curve downwards and jut forwards from the side of his head.

From his lower back sprouts a mildly long tail ending in a dark tuft of fur, and his fingers sport long and dark nails highly reminiscent of claws, which was strange, seeing how goats had hooves.

His elongated face possesses marked cheekbones and a prominent, large nose; his eyes were hidden away by a pair of black, mirror-polished shades with the lenses fusing into a single one, possessing a hollowed part in order for them to rest on his nose. And Natsu was not lying. Despite his attire, which consisted of a formal twin-tail butler suit that covered his arms and legs, Izuku could tell he hid a considerable amount of muscle under his clothing.

"Dear me, what is this place? Such filth!" Capricorn commented, seeing his surroundings. His sight was then set on Izuku, seeing him with his key in his hands. "Young man, I will respectfully ask you how you came into possession of that key! From my knowledge, you shouldn't-" He suddenly stopped, looking around the area. "Wait a minute…This isn't the same world."

"Capricorn! Man, how happy am I to see your fur-covered face!" Natsu cheered, but Capricorn couldn't hear him.

"Umm. Excuse me, Sir?"

Capricorn turned to Izuku. "Hmm? Ah, where are my manners? My name is Capricorn, young man. And you are?"

"Izuku Midoriya, Sir," Izuku replied, introducing himself. "Forgive me, but I was the one to summon you."

"That much is obvious, but how? Lucy Heartfillia should possess my only key!"

"This is a different world, Sir. And, from my understanding, it is meant to have its own set of keys to summon you." Izuku replied, using information left by Artorigus.

"Dear me, what a messy situation!" Capricorn stated, seeing the issues with such an arrangement. "I am already under the sole employment of Lucy Heartfillia, and I cannot leave my master now! Not when she is in such a sorry state!"

"What? Did something happen to Lucy?! Tell me!"

"Natsu, calm down!" Izuku said aloud, which got Capricorn's attention.

"Where do you know that name?" Capricorn asked, forgetting his manners for a moment. "Young man, is there something else you wish to tell me?"

"Yes!" Izuku replied quickly. "The reason I was able to summon you, Capricorn, Sir, is thanks to Natsu Dragneel!"

"Impossible! Master Natsu is no more!" Capricorn argued.

"Breath fire, Izuku! Do it!'

Listening to Natsu, Izuku spat some fire. It was a weak stream, but Capricorn, upon seeing it, recognized it. He fixed his glasses and looked at Izuku once more. "That was Fire Dragon Slayer magic! But how?"

"Natsu is here, Sir! His soul…It is within my body. He is even speaking to me right now!" Izuku answered.

"Truly? This is not some cruel joke you are playing on me, young man?" Capricorn asked again. "No, I must be sure. I cannot just take your word for it! I know! Tell me, what is Mistress Lucy's hair color?"

"She's a blonde! Natural, too!" Natsu stated.

"Natural blonde!" Izuku answered, and Capricorn nodded.

"That is correct. Next, what is her passion?"

"Oh! I know that one as well! She always spoke about writing a novel or something!"

"Novelist?" Izuku replied without much confidence in his answer, given how Natsu himself didn't seem to know that for absolute certainty either. Lack of interest, that was all.

"That is correct, and I am not surprised the answer is a bit off. But that only reinforces the fact you might be telling the truth!" Capricorn stated. "Very well! Final question! What were the names of the other two members of the team Mistress Lucy was part of?"

"Erza Scarlet and Gray Fullbuster! I know those two well…"

"Erza Scarlet and Gray Fullbuster!" Izuku replied, and Capricorn nodded his head, then smiled.

"It is so good to know you are here, Master Natsu." Capricorn bowed. "Please, forgive my skepticism."

"It's cool."

"He says it's alright," Izuku said, relying on the message from Natsu to Capricorn.

"My, what a situation you have found yourself in this time. Still, Mistress Lucy will be absolutely over the moon to learn of this! Everyone will! Everyone was heartbroken when you perished to defeat that wretched dragon, and even now, they are all crying and mourning for you, Master Natsu. The news that you are alive will surely make their spirits rise to the sky and beyond!" Capricorn stated, but Natsu felt a sour taste form in his mouth.

"Izuku, tell him exactly what I am about to say."

"Right…Capricorn, Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Natsu wants to tell you something. And you might not like it." Izuku said, seeing Capricorn grow worried about what might be said. "You see, Natsu is not alive. He died, and according to the deity that put him in me, he is not coming back. If what he heard was right, his task was to teach me in order for me to fulfill my purpose. Then he will move on to the afterlife."

"Is this true? Oh, why must all things be too good to be true?" Capricorn seemed deeply saddened by such news. "So, I gather he is here but won't stay here, right? His time is limited."

"It is. We also got permission to communicate with those on the other side through you! So, if it helps, during the time Natsu has left, he can still communicate with everyone in the other world! Give them closure." Izuku added.

"I see. True, that is a thing which is more than possible. And I will tell them. Better yet, could you write letters? I don't want to forget anything!" Capricorn said, but then an issue presented itself in Izuku's mind, more like a question.

"Wait, how come you speak Japanese?" Izuku asked, and Capricorn was quick to answer.

"In order not to inconvenience our summoners, we Celestial Spirits innately translate any language we come into contact with! The moment you summoned me, your language revealed its secret to me." Capricorn asked. "But, I guess the others won't know it. So, you can dictate the contents of the letters, and I will write them using the language used on the other side."

"Right, that works. Well, what now?"

"Given how you summoned me, we must establish a contract! It is something you must do with all spirits, first and foremost, before any more summonings!" Capricorn stated fiercely. "Given the nature of this, however, I must state a condition that must be applied to all of your future zodiac summons: If we are in the service of Lucy Heartfillia and currently aiding her, we can reject the summon. This is up to change in time, but please understand that we prioritize her right now. I apologize if I seem disrespectful, stating such a condition for all zodiacs."

"No, it sounds fair," Izuku replied. "And if she is not using you, I can summon you whenever, right?"

"Indeed. If I am not servicing Mistress Lucy, I will dutifully answer your call, Master Izuku." Capricorn answered. "Is that an acceptable condition then?"

"Of course!" Izuku replied, with the spirit nodding. "Anything else?"

"Yes! I request you do not summon me abusively to be your servant! Despite my appearance and the nature of my brethren, we are proud living beings! We are not slaves! Upon the completion of my task, I should be free to return to the spirit world. Or, given how I am defeated in battle, the same story goes, as I will need to retreat and heal in the spirit world." Capricorn stated, and once again, it was an acceptable term.

"Anything else?" Izuku asked.

"Nothing else comes to mind. Now, Master Izuku, given my presence here, do you have a task for me?" Capricorn asked, and Izuku remembered their current issue.

"Yes! You see, Capricorn, Natsu, and I have an issue: In my world, training one's power is not easy. And I am afraid I cannot find any suitable place to train without getting in trouble with the law." Izuku stated his issue to the spirit, who seemed to consider it deeply. "We were wondering if you could provide us with aid in that regard, as well as aid in my training! We have only one year to get into shape and master fire dragon slayer magic to an acceptable degree, so-"

"Master Izuku, please, take it easy. I hear your request, and I find it more than acceptable." Capricorn stated. "A place to train…What can you tell me about the land we are on right now? This country, specifically."

"This is Japan, a nation founded and currently existing on an archipelago of islands to the east of the world," Izuku replied, and Capricorn seemed to have caught on to a detail.

"Islands, you say? And are all of them inhabited?"

"Pretty much, except…" The idea came to Izuku's mind. "That's right! There are islands further east that are not inhabited! However, they are deemed too small and too far from the mainland to colonize!"

"Meaning we can just hop on one such island and train there! That is a genius idea!"

"Indeed! That is certainly an option, although you will need to be self-sufficient in such a place! Still, I believe that can add a layer of difficulty much needed for you, considering the narrow time window we are working with." Capricorn stated. "As such, I believe choosing one such place is required. Also, I do advise you to prepare accordingly, Master Izuku."

"Right, there is also my mother, who I need to convince. But there is no way she'd agree to let me go to some uninhabited island by myself." Izuku stated his worry, and Capricorn had but one answer.

"Then you must lie to her," Capricorn stated.

"Is lying really such an easy answer to you guys?!" Izuku asked.

"It isn't. But given the situation, what choices do we have? You must lie to your mother, Master Izuku. There is no other way."

Izuku pondered those words deeply. He really wasn't comfortable lying to his mother like that. However, he knew it was required. There was no other way. He had to go to an island to train…That was extreme! But right now, extreme is what they require. "And what do you propose I do when I come back? She will figure out I lied sooner or later."

"You will have to deal with that issue when it comes, Master Izuku," Capricorn stated. "Now, what is your plan?"

"I can tell her I found a Quirk training center that agreed to train me. But also tell her it's overseas. She will worry, though, and demand I call each night. I can say it is in a remote location without service." Izuku began to piece the lie together. "I just don't know if I can do this; it's just very difficult for me to lie to my mother."

"Master Izuku, I can understand your conflict. However, right now, what you desire is very hard to achieve with the time we have on hand. One year is not usually enough time to learn magic and train one's body at the same time, but if we give it our all, then there is a chance." Capricorn said, trying to encourage Izuku.

"Capri is right! One year is really tight, and the more time we waste debating things, the more time we waste, which we cannot get back! Time we could use to train and get ready!" Natsu stated strongly. "We must do this as soon as possible!"

"Right…" Izuku replied, mauling over his thoughts. But truth be told, there was never any choice, was there? It was either he now chose between his mother and his dream, and as much as his mother wouldn't want him to take such extreme actions, he knew she'd blame herself endlessly for preventing him from achieving his dream. He won't let her blame herself and think she was dragging him down!

That, to him, was worse than having to lie to her.

"Alright. I'll do it. I will talk with her tomorrow morning, then see about choosing a suitable island to depart to." Izuku stated, with Capricorn offering him a kind smile.

"We can come here to depart! I think I might be able to employ the aid of another spirit to come and use this junk to construct us a vessel capable of sailing the sea before us." Capricorn stated, solving another potential issue.

"Alright! Everything is coming together! I am fired up now! Are you fired up, Izuku? Come on, feel the fire in your belly!"

"Natsu…" Izuku groaned.

"I must depart," Capricorn said. "However, summon me tomorrow, and I will come. I will also inform Mistress Lucy of this. Master Natsu, once again, I am glad to have found you, even if you won't be around for long."

"He says…It is good to see you, too, Capri. He also says to say hi to Loke for him. Who is Loke?" Izuku asked.

"Another spirit. Well, it's time to go. Later, Master Izuku." And with that, Capricorn vanished, leaving Izuku alone on the beach once again.

"Best get back to your home and rest, dude. Tomorrow is bound to be a full day." Natsu stated, and sure enough, Izuku made his way back home.

In Natsu's original world, however, within a dimly lit apartment in the death of night, a lone woman sat on her bed, knees buckled up to her…generous bosom. She had shoulder-length blonde hair and blonde eyes, along with a very voluptuous figure. Something she usually took pride in was her looks and appeal. She was Lucy Heartfilia. On her right hand, on the back of it, also sat the emblem of her guilt, pink in color.

And tonight, like for many nights since the battle against Acnologia, she was missing her friend. Another snore was heard in her apartment, coming from Natsu's friend, the blue cat Happy. He came to live with her after Natsu was no more, and out of everyone, he missed Natsu the most.

Figures, seeing how they knew one another their entire lives.

"Why…" Lucy asked as she felt tears pouring from her eyes. It has always been like this since the battle. Many people seem to have moved on somewhat, but she knew better. Everyone was still broken due to Natsu perishing. Many people acknowledged his sacrifice and role in defeating Acnologia.

He was promoted to S rank after the battle, and people will remember him as the hero who saved them all. But their guilt, Fairy Tail, won't ever be the same without him.

"How could you die…And leave me alone?" Lucy asked once again, burying her face into her knees. But then, a glow flashed in her room, making her look to see Capricorn there. "Oh! Capri, sorry I didn't see you there."

"Mistress Lucy, have you been crying again?" The spirit asked, taking out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

"I'm alright." She replied, but the spirit was not easy to fool.

"Mistress, grief is normal. You lost a very close friend. There is no shame in admitting you miss them, nor to cry for them." Capricorn said, trying to reassure her. "But, I think I have some news that might interest you."

"Is Aquarius trying to cheer me up with a message from the spirit world? If so, tell her I appreciate the thought, but I don't think I am in the mood." Lucy replied.

"Actually, I just got back from a most interesting summon."

"I see…So someone summoned you…Wait, what?!" Lucy jumped up, staring at Capricorn with wide eyes. Then she jumped out of bed, rushing to her drawer where she put her keys, seeing all of them there, including Capricorn's. "But your key is here!"

"I am well aware of the fact, Mistress," Capricorn replied. "But this is what makes this most curious."

"Capricorn, are you telling me someone was able to copy the Zodiac Keys?!"

"Goodness no, the Celestial Spirit King would blow a casket! No, this is something else, Mistress. A new set of keys have appeared in another world." Capricorn explained.

"Another world? Like Edollas?" She asked, receiving a nod from him. "You mean to say a Celestial Mage summoned you from another world?"

"Calling them as such is a stretch at the moment, Mistress, but essentially, yes, I was,"

"Why?" Lucy asked, and sure enough, this was the question Capricorn was waiting for.

"Well, their name is Izuku Midoriya. I do not know much about his world, but from what I gathered, he might be the only mage in it. Most curious was the magic he displayed, in addition to having my key." Capricorn said. "The boy was able to breathe fire right before my eyes!"

"Capri, breathing fire is a trick any fire mage worth their salt can do," Lucy commented. "I fail to see how this is important. An interesting development, sure, but I do not see how this is important enough that you summoned yourself and are now telling me."

"Why, because the fire was from Fire Dragon Slayer magic; why else?" Capricorn's statement was not lost on Lucy, whose eyes widened greatly at the mention of that magic. "I seem to have captured your attention, Mistress."

"How? Only Natsu would know how to use that magic, or maybe one of the other dragon slayers, but surely a random boy from a random world cannot just luck into knowing it! Capri, are you sure the magic they were using was dragon slayer magic, even?" Lucy asked, highly skeptical of everything her spirit was telling her right now.

"Mistress, you know I'd tell you no lies and wouldn't make such claims had I not been sure of it myself!" Capricorn added.

"So, a dragon slayer in another world…" Lucy said slowly. "And what did the two of you talk about? Did you set conditions?"

"I did, Mistress. He has been very accommodating of everything, and we came to a mutually beneficial contract." Capricorn answered. "But, Mistress, there is more you should know."

"What is it?"

"There was another one in his body. Another soul, with their own will." Capricorn began. "And this soul is the reason I decided to help the boy to the best of my capabilities. Mistress, know that I am not saying those words to harm you or to bring you, or anyone from Fairy Tail, further grief. I am sure of it, wholeheartedly, of what I saw and heard."

"Capri, you are worrying me. What was it that you saw?" Lucy asked.

"Ma'am, Izuku Midoriya currently shares his body with none other than our very own Salamander. Natsu Dragneel."

"WHAT?!" Lucy shouted at once, hearing those words. "Impossible! Natsu died! Everyone saw it! Everyone saw…The dragon slayers saw him collapse after defeating Acnologia." Lucy was shaking. "There is no way he is alive. They even examined his body, and they even ruled out resuscitation!"

"Mistress, I am not saying he is alive!" Capricorn pointed out. "Just that his soul was chosen to aid someone else. Master Natsu is not co-inhabiting Izuku's body forever, either. From what they told me, once his duty of teaching him is over, he will pass on."

"What? So…If what you are saying is true, then that means Natsu is still somewhere?" Lucy asked.

"Indeed. Within a body who has big dreams." Capricorn replied.

"But he won't be staying around forever? Isn't there a way to transfer his soul into another body? Surely, there is something we can do about it, right?" Capricorn shook his head.

"I am afraid not. I sensed the magic binding them. It is beyond anything I ever felt, even beyond Acnologia. Separating them is not possible, Mistress."

"This can't be…" Lucy said slowly. "I need to tell everyone! If they learn Natsu is still around, they will help!"

"Help with what?"

"Finding a way to this world!" Lucy pointed out. "Capri, I need to speak with Natsu before he goes! Please!"

"Mistress, crossing the boundaries of the world is no easy task! You know that." Capricorn stated. "There is no one that comes to mind when I consider this. No one in Fairy Tail has that kind of power just to open gates to other realms however they wish."

"Wrong…I do! I do this every day!" Lucy pointed out, and Capricorn realized what she was saying.

"Mistress, are you considering trying to create a spell to bind the two worlds using your Celestial magic? That's ludicrous! I doubt even your ancestor would be able to pull off such a task! This is not even talking about a specific spell, but a full-blown new magic! Mages spend decades creating something like this!" Capricorn told Lucy, but the girl was not listening.

"Then I best get a head start!" She said, and she was already going through her clothing.

"What are you doing? It is the middle of the night!" Lucy began to change.

"I am going to go to Erza and tell her what you just told me! They need to know there is still time to at least say goodbye!" Lucy said again, trying to get her shoes on.

"Mistress, please, for goodness sake, at least wait until morning! Master Natsu is not going to vanish overnight!" Capricorn managed to stop Lucy, grabbing the girl by her shoulders. "Please, just be calm. I won't stop you tomorrow, but please listen. I already agreed to be a messenger between him and you all. Letters, Mistress Lucy."

"Letters?" Lucy echoed. "Do you have one right now?"

"I don't, but I am sure Master Natsu will give me one to give you tomorrow when I am summoned by Master Izuku again."

"Izuku…What did he ask of you anyway?" Lucy asked out of curiosity.

"He has one year to train in order to prepare for something. We haven't gone into detail, but whatever it is, it matters a lot to him. One year, however, is a really narrow window of time to prepare him for it. From what I could see, his body was not strong, but I could tell his mind was sharp." Capricorn answered. "One year is a rough amount of time to work with, but not impossible."

"I see. Will you tell me more as you learn more?"

"Of course, Mistress. I wouldn't dare to keep you in the dark about this!" Capricorn answered. "But now, I must urge you to get some rest. Tomorrow, I can foresee a very full day for you, and you must preserve your beauty by having at least an eight-hour sleep."

Lucy smiled gently. "Alright, Capri. I guess you are right. I need to rest and be ready for tomorrow. I don't even know how everyone will react. Gray might blow a casket if he learns he is still alive." She began to slowly crawl back into bed, not bothering with her clothing anymore. "And Ezra might try to do what I just did…Try to create a gate to this other world…Master especially might break down the borders of worlds just to reach him again. To scold him for going off and dying…Everyone will be so excited to learn this…"

"They will, Mistress…Mistress?" Capri looked at Lucy, seeing her already fast asleep. He smiled softly, seeing this, and carefully drew the blanket over her body. "Rest well, Lucy. Tomorrow, we both have work to do."

And with that, Capricorn vanished back to the spirit realm, waiting for tomorrow when he will join Izuku on his quest.