edited chapter 6
Natsu didn't have to travel too far to find Cobra. Fortunately, he doesn't smell Brain anywhere, which means he must have run away from him when he got the lacrima implanted in his body.
As he got closer, the stench of poison was in the air. This would be enough to put someone down for the count; this brought back memories of when Igneel taught him his magic.
A memory, in particular, was when he first learned his magic. Everything he touched was catching fire because he couldn't control the heat coming from him for the first few weeks.
So he can only assume he's having trouble controlling the poison that's taking root in his body, probably why he doesn't smell brain anywhere around here.
That's probably how that snake of his got its poison magic as Natsu sensed a bond between them when they fought the first time.
And as Igneel said one time, it's a type of linking magic that dragons and their slayers can only use. Natsu's thoughts went straight to Laxus when he cast the thunder palace spell. This also explains the strength of the body-link magic he cast with the thunder palace spell.
When Cobra came into view, he had his hands on his ears while trying to keep his nose plunged. That's when it hit him. Cobra was not only was getting used to his poison but also taking it all in at once.
In the old timeline, the enhanced sight, sense of smell, and hearing he was infamous for, man does Natsu have a lot of work ahead of him with Cobra.
Returning home to the guild with Ultear and the exceeds went out the window since Cobra can't control his poison yet. So it could be weeks before he and Cobra can return to the guild."
As he got closer, he got a good look at Cobra's state of dress, and he is wearing everyday jeans and shoes, a plain black T-shirt.
Rapped around his arm is the snake that is was always with him when he was a member of the Oracion Seis.
"Who's there."
"Relax, I'm not your enemy. I was traveling before I caught the scent of a fellow dragon slayer," Natsu said with a grin getting Cobra's attention.
"If your a dragon slayer, then proves it," Cobra said as he glared at the stranger before him.
"FIRE DRAGON IRON FIST" Natsu shouts. His hand becomes engulfed in his regular flames and shatters a nearby boulder proving his point.
"Well, that answers that another question how did you learn dragon slayer magic."
"I learned mine from an actual dragon, unlike you," Natsu said in a smug tone.
"What impossible they don't exist anymore."
"If you don't believe me take a whiff of me, and you'll get the smell of the dragon who trained me, unlike you."
Cobra did as he was told and took a whiff. The smell coming from Natsu was unlike anything he smelled. He smelled of volcanic ash and brimstones and something else.
He can't put his finger on, but a scent is coming off Natsu so faint it's something only a fellow dragon slayer can detect.
"And if you didn't notice we both have an aura coming off us as a result of our magic type, you won't notice now because you're still getting used to your magic, but in time it will be clear."
"So what happens now," Cobra said
"Well, you can come with me and join my guild where you can train alongside me and others, and by the way, I never got your name what it is and the names Natsu."
"The names Erik," Cobra said, revealing his real name.
"Erik, hun, well, nice to meet you. That reminds me since your a wizard, it's only a matter of time before you get a nickname like me," Natsu said
"What's your nickname then,"
"The nickname I earned is Salamander, but recently I've heard a new one in the works, but I don't know if it will stick, and I'm not saying," Natsu said
"When do we leave because I'm sure as hell am not going with the man who implanted the lacrima in me."
"Ok, but before we make it to the guild, you have to get control of the poison coming off. The only reason I'm still standing is that I'm using my magic to heat my body to burn it away before it can affect me."
"Any ideas on how to control it then."
"Well, if we had a lot of time, you could wait it out because your body doesn't know what to do with it, so it's expelling it, to gets rid of it for the time being. Then, slowly but surely, your body will get used to it. Then you can weld it as I do with my flames."
"So what's your plan since that could be a while," Cobra said.
"Well, there may be away. I'm not sure how long it will last before your body starts expelling poison at the current rate," Natsu said as he brought his hand up to his chin in a thinking manner.
"Don't leave me hanging?"
"Fine, one way to expel all of it; once would be easiest, but since you still getting used to it, it may take several expulsions to bring your poison down to tolerable levels to most," Natsu said
"So what did you have in mind," Cobra said
"Simple you put as much as you can in series of dragon roars,"
"Ok, I think I can do that. Where should I aim it then," Cobra said
"That way and don't hold back," Natsu said, pointing in the opposite direction of Ultear and the exceeds
"POISON DRAGON ROAR," Cobra said as massive of what can only be described as a red cloud of poison shot out of his mouth, barely reaching 20 feet in distance.
Like Natsu, though, it took several roars for the poison to come down to tolerable levels. Natsu took the opportunity to burn away the poison permeating the surrounding area.
With all the poison in the area gone, Natsu and Cobra headed to meet up with Ultear and the exceeds.
"So, what's the plan from here," Ultear said.
"Well, looks like you guy might have to go on ahead of us since Erik here needs help controlling the poison his magic is creating cause when I found him, the poison was all over the place as he was expelling what his body couldn't handle," Natsu said
"And how are we not being poisoned right now," Ultear said, glaring at Natsu, risking their safety since she and the exceed aren't immune to poison like Natsu and Cobra
"Simple, I had him expel all of the poison by letting off series of roars. You might have seen," he said, not feeling Ultear's gaze one bit on the outside. Internally it is a different story.
"Fine, will go on ahead and let the guild know you're helping out a novice mage," Ultear said, still giving the Glare.
"Fine by me, we should be back in two weeks, earliest a month max," Natsu said, and with that, Ultear and the exceed headed off back to the guild. Natsu went off with Erik to help get control over his poison.
Two weeks later
Over the last two weeks, Natsu has been training with Cobra to help him get used to the traits a dragon slayer gains and how to deal with their element when it comes to their magic type.
There currently walking back and about a day away because they're not going on those death traps as Natsu calls them. Of course, cobra can't blame him since the one flaw of their magic is motion sickness.
But not far behind them on a cliffside stands a man with long white hair and cloak with staff with a skull on the top of it watching overhead his name is brain leader of the Oracion Seis.
"Hmm, it looks like I have to find a replacement then. Good thing I ran across that devil slayer a while back," Brain said as he heads off to replace the false dragon slayer.
With Natsu
Natsu and Erik, or Cobra as he goes by now, because he earned that nickname from helping some farmer from bandit and used his poison to slow hinder them in the last two weeks.
He didn't kill them as that would make joining a guild even harder, and thanks to Natsu, he has learned to control the amount of poison he puts in his attack to have some fun during guild brawls.
And like you expect, Natsu is the only one he can afford to go all out against since he can burn away his poison. But, of course, it helps he's build up an immunity to his poison as well.
The Next Day
Natsu and Cobra are just entering Magnolia and heading straight to the guild. When they both hear the sound of running, they look to the side Natsu is tackled to the ground by his mate.
"Man, I'm gone for two weeks, and tackle me to the ground," Natsu said as he got up from the ground with Ultear not far behind him.
"Sorry, Natsu, we need your help NOW!" Ultear said as she grabbed Natsu by the hand and sprinted back to where she came.
She was going so fast Natsu flying all over the place like a kite in a wind storm, and not far behind was Cobra trying to keep pace with Ultear.
Ultear dragged him to the sparring area behind the guildhall, where Natsu showed a fraction of his power to the guild.
When Natsu finally got his bearings, he was met with the sight of Erza holding her sword up to Mystogan. The blade is dangerously close to cutting off his mask and revealing his natural face.
This wasn't too big of a surprise as Mystogan is a very secretive member of the guild, and only a handful of members know his face and voice.
Every time Mystogan was in the guild, whether Erza was there or not, he would only speak just loud enough for Master, Natsu, Ultear, and the exceeds to hear.
He saw this coming. Erza was and still is as nosy as ever, especially over the past few months.
She's been trying to pry as much info about Mystogan as possible. Mainly and why he only talks to a handful of members.
What he saw next made his blood boil as not far behind was Mira holding Wendy in an intimidating grasp with a wicked smile on her face. The grip was almost as if she was interrogated, and the look in her eyes confirmed his suspicion.
He looked back to Mystogan, and that's when it hit him. Erza nosiness had finally gotten the better of her, and she was determined to see Mystogan's face after her first few attempts failed.
Something else was off then it hit him. Mira had all his staff by her side, putting him at the mercy of Erza.
"Ultear, why hasn't master stepped in and stopped this" Natsu whispered.
"He's at a guild masters meet. She made her move now, especially after I told the guild you would be gone for at least three weeks," Ultear whispered back.
"Is that why you dragged me here?"
"Yes, I tried to stop them, but they got the drop on me by managing to separate me from my lacrima. Erza hid it in her requip space," Ultear said, a little sad to lose her precious lacrima Natsu bought for her.
"Why is Mira involved and holding Wendy hostage," Natsu said with a clear tone of rage in his voice.
"Remember Mystogan and Wendy joined the guild together, so there using her as means to break his silence. She's getting as stubborn as you and telling Mystogan to keep quiet," Ultear said, resulting in a slight chuckle from Natsu, but it didn't last long.
"Speak now, or I'll cut off that mask of yours," Erza said in a harsh voice bringing her sword closer to the bandana covering his face from the world.
Erza boldness didn't last long as her resolve to find out what is under mystogan's mask shattered like a wine glass hitting a tiled floor. The air temperature spike to unfathomable height.
Mira instantly let go of Wendy and tried to flee, but her leg refused to move. She's paralyzed from the overwhelming magical aura Natsu was giving off.
She quickly fell to her knees from the image of a massive fire dragon staring her down. He waited for her to move, so he can crush her like the insect she is compared to the mighty power of a dragon. For the first time in this and the old timeline, she was experiencing pure unadulterated fear.
As for Wendy, she quietly made her way and stood next to Ultear, trying her hardest to tough out the magic power coming off of Natsu right now.
She is still a dragon slayer, and the drive to get stronger in the face of adversity will forever be part of her.
Erza dropped her sword and turned to face Natsu, only to see the same image Mira was seeing. For the second time, Erza was experiencing the unmatched power of the emotion-fueled power of a Dragon.
Natsu stalked towards Erza. With each step taken, the ground beneath him cracks under the strain of the magic aura Natsu was giving off.
"Firstly, give back Ultear her Lacrima right now! to be honest, this isn't that surprising you would go this far. But using Wendy against him is low. So low I find it hard to believe that you are a fairy tail mage!" Natsu said in a deep, graveling voice.
He asked more like he demanded Erza gave Ultear back her lacrima.
"I didn't want to. I swear that was Mira's idea; I swear I would never do that," Erza said, struggling to form coherent words.
"Then why didn't you stop her then if you didn't want to," Natsu said, still maintaining the graveling voice.
"I-I-I," Erza struggled to say but suddenly fell asleep before Natsu.
At this, he let off his intimidating aura to see Mira asleep as well. With this, he looked straight to Mystogan, who had his staff the cause them to fall victim to his sleep magic.
"Mind explaining what is going on from your end, mainly with what happened with Wendy Mystogan," Natsu said as he went back to his usual go happy self.
"I was about to go on another job before Erza double-teamed me with Mira. Wendy tried to help but was captured by Mira Ultear tried to intervene by as she said Erza intercepted her lacrima," Mystogan said
"Erza told Mira to let Wendy go, and without thinking, I said Wen before she snapped back at me, wanting as you see what lies under my mask. As we know, she has a one-track mind when it comes to getting what she wants and forgot about Wendy till you intervene just now," Mystogan said
"Yep, that sounds like Erza, so wrapped up in getting answers, she forgets about details. Like Mira holding Wendy hostage to know more about you even when she knows it's none of her business," Natsu said as he let out a sigh.
"Well, we better get these two back inside. They will be asleep for another five minutes," Mystogan said
"I'll take Erza back inside Ultear mind taking Mira in," Natsu said
"I suppose I can do that," Ultear said, and like that, the group went back inside the guild. Erza and Mira were laid in the infirmary, waiting for the sleep spell to wear off.
"So when will Gramps be back from the guild master meeting," Natsu said to ultear
"He should be back later today," Ultear said
"Ok, then look like your gonna have to wait till the master gets here to give you your guild stamp, Cobra," Natsu said
"No problem, and why do you call the master gramps are you to related."
"No, I just see him as a grandpa to me since Igneel is my adopted father."
"So I take it that's the dragon who taught you your magic then."
"Yes, sir,"
Three hours later
What is happening right now? You see, Makarov is currently well ripping Erza and Mira a new one by using THAT as punishment.
Why, for one prying personal information out of a fellow guildmate when everyone has a right to privacy. Two using another guildmate as leverage to get said information, and three disarming a fellow guildmate for trying to intervene like what they did to Ultear.
This was an excellent experience for the blossoming female powerhouses to learn not to invade other people's privacy, especially if they're members of a guild like a fairy tail.
Makarov thanked Natsu for stepping in when he did since it was violating the privacy of Mystogan, primarily because of his connection to a specific mage from Erza past.
"With punishment out of the way, who is the young man you brought with you today Natsu," Makarov said, eyeing Erik.
"This is Erik or Cobra as he has been nicknamed, and he's a poison dragon slayer. He didn't learn his magic from a dragon me Gajeel and Wendy have," Natsu said with a wink. Getting a look of shock from Makarov for a second before going back to his usual demeanor.
"Will talk about this later, Natsu?" Makarov said as he went to get the guild stamp
Natsu only smirked at this getting a confused look from Cobra. Before long, Cubelios made her debut in the guild. This causes Makarov to glare at the snake without anyone noticing.
"Ok young man, where do you want it and what color."
"Uh, right pectoral, purple please," Cobra said as he pulled up his shirt. Like that, Cobra was a member of the fairy tail guild. Shortly after, a guild party is started after getting another member.
But the two slayers didn't enjoy it as Makarov dragged them back to his office to discuss some things that weren't revealed till after Lucy joined the guild.
Guild masters Office
"Ok, first off, how do you know about that" Gramps said with an uneasy tone.
"Hm, you forget I'm a dragon slayer, so it shouldn't be a surprise. I can sense one of our kind besides scent," Natsu said in a smug tone.
"Explain," Makarov said as there is still much about the dragon slayer that is unknown to someone as experienced as him.
"Simple beside the scent of a dragon which a dead give away if they learn it from a dragon. If you learn it from a Lacrima like Laxus and Cobra, here did. However, They don't have the scent, but they still give off an aura that only a dragon slayer can give off," Natsu said with a shit-eating grin.
"Who else knows about Laxus."
"Just me, Ultear, and Cobra, I didn't tell the other because, as you said. Everyone has a right to privacy," Natus said with a reassuring grin getting a sigh of relief from Makarov.
"Well, at least the circle is small for now."
"what's the difference between you and me besides how we learned our magic" Cobra said as he brought his hand up, rubbing the underside of cubelios head
"Well, the only difference between us is you won't get dragon force," Natsu said
"What" Cobra and Makarov said in unison.
"Dragon force, as what Igneel told me, it's the pinnacle of a dragon slayer's power in that form we're the human form of the dragon we are meant to slay."
"Than how come you can get it and not me," Cobra said
"Simple, I learned my magic from an actual dragon where you didn't."
"Mind explaining in further detail, please," Makarov said
"Find the reason stems from the first step in learning our magic from a dragon; you simply have to consume the essence of the element you wish to wield in my case from an actual dragon where you did it through a lacrima," Natsu said
"How does this explain you can wield Dragon force," Cobra said
"Well, it's hard to explain exactly how, but for me, Igneel manifested all his knowledge of dragon's fire in the form of well, a flame. The easiest way to think of it is a more primal flame gave me the ability to use dragon force," Natsu said.
"So, from what I understand, Erik took on a lesser version of dragon poison."
"Sure, " Natsu said, not knowing how to property answer resulting in Makarov and Cobra to floor themselves at Natsu's reply.
"Natsu, do me a favor and run out of my office and bring a blanket for me, please."
"No problem," Natsu said as he left Makarov's office.
"Erik, let me take a closer look at that snake of yours and what its name if you please," Makarov said as he held out his hand.
Cobra reluctantly did as he was asked and gave his guild master his snake. Not sure why he wanted to look at his friend, Makarov took a closer look at the snake, and his suspicions were correct. This snake was born a human.
Natsu returned with a folded-up blanket in his arms with a questioning look seeing Makarov holding Cubelios.
"Erik, there's something you need to know about your snake."
"What is it," Cobra said, slightly worried
"I'll show you right now," Makarov said as he placed Cubelios on the ground and put the blanket on top of it. Then, with a snap of his finger, something big began to form under the blanket.
Not long, a girl with purple hair poked her head out from under the blanket and rose, using the blanket to cover herself and locked eyes with Cobra.
Just like what happened with Gajeel and Levy, there was a light glimmer in their eyes only to be noticed by Natsu, and he was grinning internally at this little development.
Cobra was left speechless at this. His closest friend, a snake, was a human girl, not knowing what to do. He just stayed silent.
"Natsu, do me a favor and go a few of our female members to help out the young lady before us."
"Right away, gramps," Natsu said as he sprinted out the door.
"Hello there would you mind giving us your name please," Makarov said with a sincere smile.
"The names kinana, sir."
It was around this time Natsu returned with Ultear, Levy, and few other female members. So naturally, they were wondering why Natsu brought them here.
They got their answer at the girl's sight with purple hair cover in the blanket Natsu had with him earlier.
"I shouldn't have to explain why," Natsu said
The girls, as you aspect, ran and huddled around Kinana before sprinting with her out the door, no doubt to get her something better to wear than a blanket.
With the girls gone, Natsu and Makarov looked to Erik for some reaction, especially since his closest friend, he thought was a snake, turned out to be a human girl.
"You ok, Cobra," Natsu said
"Yeah, it's just a Little," Cobra manages to say but couldn't find the words to continue.
"Relax, she'll be fine besides her best friend in the same guild as her," Natus said, succeeding in bringing Cobra out of his stupor.
"I guess you have a point," Cobra left Makarov's office.
"The was quite the bold statement you made, Natsu. Care to enlighten Me," Makarov said with a grin of his own, having a good idea what Natsu meant.
"Hm, I'm not the only one who joined this guild with their mate."
Two hours later
Many can only assume that all the girls returned from a shopping spree to help the new family member fit right in.
Kinana attire was similar to what she wears in the old timeline, as she wore a simple green dress and sandals.
And since she was so young, she quickly made friends with most of the girls as far as age is concerned. She is the same age as Natsu Ultear and Cobra.
Even though she has no magic that didn't stop the guild from parting even longer during the party, Natsu made his way to Ultear's side.
"Thank you," Natsu said, sporting a small smile.
"No problem, I had fun with the other girls making sure Kinana was ready to have a normal life," Ultear leaned onto Natsu getting a smile out of the both of them.
"So have you thought of where to go on our date" Natsu whispered to Ultear.
"Hm, I have a place in mind, but that's my little secret," she whispered back.
"So when do you wanna go?"
"Tomorrow night at 7," Natsu grinned in response
The next day
Natsu is currently waiting outside the guild doors because Ultear said to meet her for their date, he promised.
And believe it or not, he dressed nicely for the occasion. He is wearing dark blue jeans and simple tennis shoes for his bottom half.
As for his top is wearing a black muscle shirt and what is only described as a mainly white long sleeve opened button-up shirt with a black and light brown plaid design on it.
And last but not least was the signature scarf he got from Igneel and who helped him pick these outfits was Igneel, believe it or not.
Who would've thought a Dragon knew anything about style when it comes to human culture? He would have to be among them for years without them knowing a good sense of style.
It's almost 7 O'clock waiting on Ultear, wondering when she'll be here, and since it was her idea, he is at her mercy for the night.
While waiting on Ultear, a small group of observers watched the young dragon slayer, who, you might ask, well, one of them has long scarlet colored hair and another with long white hair.
One with short white hair in a pink dress. The real reason she is there is that her brother is away on the job, so she is staying with her sister for the night.
Next to her is a boy older than her but younger than the scarlet knight. He has short black hair and struggling not to take his clothes off as that would blow their cover and invoke the wrath of the eldest Strauss and scarlet knight.
And last but not least is a tall, much older man with orange hair who's only there as extra muscle at the request of the scarlet knight. Just in case they have to stop the two there watch from engaging in what she sees as indecent activities.
Natsu was standing there waiting on Ultear. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait much longer, and from around the corner, Ultear has arrived.
Natsu was going to speak, but he lost his voice from the beautiful sight before him. Ultear was wearing a simple black dress that went well with her hair. It didn't over-sexualize or covered up too much. It was the right balance.
That's not all. She wore low heel black shoes and white stockings, and thanks to his heightened senses, he could catch the scent of lavender and vanilla. She is drop-dead gorgeous.
"Ready," Ultear said with a small smile.
"yes," Natsu manages to say, and he barely manages to swallow the lump in his voice.
Ultear is quick to latch onto Natsu's arm before heading off on their date with all that being said. Not far behind them, the small group of observers followed as well, making sure not to be noticed.
What was everyone's reaction to the Ultear's show of affection towards Natsu? Well, for the redhead, her stoic expression was like usual.
The eldest Strauss sibling couldn't help but be envious of Ultear, but this was foreign to her for a reason not yet known to her.
Her younger sister wasn't much better, but she knew why she had these feelings but knew nothing she could do. She tried to ask her older sister why Natsu and Ultear were so close but never answered.
Gray had a feeling of anger build up not because of romantic love. He sees her as a sister as she is the daughter of his late master and feels obligated to help however he can.
And what is Gildarts reaction, as you might expect? Is it of pride at the sight of their pinked haired dragon slayer growing up becoming a man. This brought back the nostalgia of his younger years and a certain someone from his past?
that's it for this chapter
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