Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gildarts was not a young man. His 32 years spoke otherwise, but he had been in too many fights, making his body feel like it was over 100 years old. He often wondered how the Master was still up and kicking the way he was.

But he lowered himself into the seat across from the much older man non the less. Ivan could only be described as slithering into the seat. The absolute snake.

Even though he was the Master’s kid, Gildarts hated the guy. He was so self absorbed and always looking for a way to steal their money or power from someone.

If Gildarts could, he would punch the guy in the face. How he ended up with a woman long enough to end up with a kid was beyond the Crash mage.

“What's up?” Gildarts asked. He had been called back from a mission, not that he had made it very far. Just to the outskirts of town before Wakaba showed up to stop him.

“We have a situation.” Makorav stated coolly as he handed them a flier. “Human Trafficking of Mages. The council has sent this mission to us directly. It will be a massive undertaking.”

Gildarts looked over the job request and huffed as he handed it over to the other mage. He hated traffickers. Especially when dealing with mages.

He wasn't necessarily worried about himself. But younger mages, who held less magic abilities, were those who he worried about.

The kids Makorav took in. He saw those Strauss siblings who had shown up, none of them were in good shape. And Laxus….he was another story. Levy was a cutie and Gildarts feared the world she would grow up in.

“When do we leave?” Ivan asked. Gildarts skin crawled, this guy would probably encourage them.

He was still trying to prove his hunch that this guy was abusing Laxus. There was no way he could go to Makorav with nothing more than a hunch. Even Gildarts couldn't get away with that.

“I was hoping as soon as you both agreed to go.” Makorav stated. “I want the entire guild to mobilize.”

“What about the kids?” Gildarts asked.

“Porlyusica is on her way. She will be needed anyway.” Gildarts nodded and stood, the groan he felt not even 10 minutes ago, gone now that the need to save young mages from certain death.

“Let's get going then.”

______________________

Gildarts hated this part.

The waiting part always sucked.

But they had to gather a bit more information before they could send in the big guys. “We got some news.” Ivan said, rolling out a scroll. “The traffickers themselves are just a mass of people. Outnumbering us 10 to 1. Our big issue is that there is what they are calling a demon inside.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Gildarts scoffed.

“I'm not sure. But from what I have gathered, it spits fire and has massive wings.” Ivan replied.

“What do we even do about that?” Macaw asked grumpily. After all he was the only fire mage they had, and he wasn't immune to the element.

“If we must, put it down.” The Master said matter of factly as he stood to his full height. He looked to his son who nodded. “We move in. Gildarts, I want you to find this supposed demon.”

Gildarts huffed but nodded. He was about to be clearing quite a sizable chunk of the guild looking for this demon being.

So he cracked his neck and went to work. He promised he wouldn't tell Mira about this. That little girl was far enough gone already. She didn't need to know about this either.

It was tiring work and he wasn't alone. Much to his disgust Ivan stuck close to him. An order from the Master.

“The farther we go down, the hotter it's getting.” Ivan muttered.

“Don't tell me the big bad Ivan is scared of a demon.” Gildarts chuckled as he took out another door.

“Not so much the demon. Just what it represents.” Ivan replied.

Which for once, Gildarts did agree with the guy. Though he would never say that aloud.

Finally though they came to a huge steel door. It was definitely where the heat was coming from.

Gildarts reached out to open the door to find it locked. “Great.” he hissed.

The low rumble that echoed from the inside of the room made both men jolt and share a look.

“Should we really be opening that?” Ivan asked.

“One way to find out.” Gildarts replied. And if the demon happened to kill Ivan in the process, Gildarts didn't know anything.

With a bit of magic he set it on the lock destroying it easily and the door swung open inwardly.

The rumble turned into a full one growl.

“What the hell?” He muttered peering inside to see the source of the noise.

In the farthest corner from the room, with a collar wrapped around its neck and wrists and chains running to the ground and ceiling, was a crouched down kid. Except his hair line had two horns that reached no more than a few inches from his skull. The massive red and black wings that were flared out behind him revealing their massive wingspan. A tail with a line of very sharp looking spins flicked this way and that.

“Holy shit….” Ivan breathed.

I was a youngster. But what his magic was, or even if he was fully human, was lost on GIldarts.

“Go tell the Master.” Gildarts said. Not taking his eyes off the kid as the growl grew the longer they stood there.

“But-”

“Go.”

Ivan hesitated a second longer before bolting back up to where the others were. Hopefully the Master would have the sense to leave him to take care of this. Alone.

“I'm not going to hurt you.” Gildarts said quietly. And by the way the creature’s eyes flickered he knew he was understanding Gildarts.

A snarl ripped out of his tiny body and Gildarts almost took a step back.

Almost.

But he held his ground. Hoping that not moving back or forward would show something that would calm the being. Instead he sat down.

"It's OK. I'm not going to hurt you." He said. A deeper rumble ripped from the boy. He jolted forward but due to the chains couldn't move much farther than an inch.

The tail whipped angrily behind him. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. First he needed to see if the thing understood him.

“I need to know-” A low growl rose from the kids chest. “If you can understand me.” Gildarts said not raising his voice.

The kid stared at him with bared teeth. And man oh man, Gildarts did not want to be bit by those things. They looked nasty.

“What is your name?” A low rumble in reply. The kid even got lower, like he was about to attack Gildarts, not that he could do what with all the chains and such.

“My name is Gildarts. I'm from a Mage guild called Fairy Tail.” The growl rose and then cut off abruptly. The kid narrowed his eyes and the sound of sniffing made Gildarts tense up.

But as quickly as it stopped, the growling started up again.

What a set of lungs this kid had to continuously growl like that.

“We are here to rescue you.” The kid flexes his hands making a set of very sharp looking nails, claws, reveal themselves.

Damn this kid was a force to reckon with, even if he didn't have magic. But Ivan said the demon would have fire. Which meant a fire mage.

Gildarts considered his good fortune that the kid had not sent a wave of fire towards him.

“No one is going to hurt you again.” Gildarts started trying to be soothing.

This wasn't exactly his area of expertise after all.

That's when he heard footsteps.

Shit.

The kid rumbled louder.

“It's ok. It's all ok. They're with me. And if they're not, I'll take them out.” Gildarts explained but the kid didn't calm down. The sound of chains moving set him on edge as the kid tried to free himself.

“Stop!” Gildarts called, not letting his eyes move from the kid with the massive wings and a razor sharp tail.

The foot stepps slowed and he heard Macaw call down to him. “What's going on?”

“I'm fine! May have located the demon though!” Gildarts replied, holding out a hand to let the kid know he wasn't in any danger, but by the smashing noise of his tail hitting rock, he knew it wasn't working.

“Should we come down and help?” Macaw asked.

“No, no, I can handle this one. But if you could send down a healer with food and water….”

“Understood. Porlyusica showed up when there were reports of kids in some of the cells.” Gildarts frowned at that.

She really showed up for some kids? They must have been in pretty bad condition.

“Send her down.” Gildarts replied.

He got an agreement and then the footsteps retreated.

“See? No ones going to hurt you.” He offered.

The kid flared his wings and snapped his jaws.

The older mage wondered how long this kid could keep it up before exhaustion, whatever injuries he may or may not have, and lack of food knocked him out. Gildarts could sit here for hours if need be. Could he?

“I have a healer on her way. With food and water. I would like to unchain you.” Gildarts made a move to stand, but the kid thrashed in his binds.

The crash mage wasn't sure if he was trying to free himself or attack him. Could be a combo of both.

Gildarts sat back down with a huff before he heard a set of much smaller and slower footsteps coming their way.

Both of them stopped and listened. The kid was tense, only a small rumble echoed in his chest.

Gildarts didn't know who was coming towards them this time.

But there was an odd cant of steps as they moved slowly and closer to the room.

As they got louder, so did the kid. His wings and tail and what little movement he had others wise was going in every direction except for freedom.

He roared and for a second the steps paused, but then more hurried steps started to echo behind them and the smaller steps picked back up. More in a hurry this time.

Hush voices started to echo as well followed by another heavy bellow from the kid. Gildarts watched him and saw it was no longer anger that he saw but fear.

Should Gildarts be afraid as well? Shit.

Then a tiny hand reached out to hold the door frame and a little boy bandaged head to toe stood in the doorway. A red haired girl just a few inches taller helped keep him up. She was also covered in bandages.

They stopped and stared at Gildarts. But another roar ripped their attention away from the older mage.

The little boy pulled away from his companion and carefully skirted around Gildarts before losing strength and collapsing to his knees.

The girl rushed to his side and she helped him back up.

They stepped closer to the demon and Gildarts stood.

“Hey! Don't go near that thing!” Gildarts cried trying to protect the kids.

But the two just kept walking. Finally, they stopped in front of the demon boy and the boy collapsed again, this time his arms wrapped around the other's neck. The girl knelt down and wrapped her own arms around him as well. And the sound of crying filled the room.

“What do we have here?” He turned to see Porlyusica panting holding a small bag. She was probably the rushed footstep he had heard.

“Not sure. Who are they?” He asked.

“You know as much as I do.” She muttered.

Great. No information conserving the 3 kids that were holding each other crying.

The healer stepped forwards, a roar ripped through the room as the demon body whipped his tail out to drag the newcomers behind him the best he could. Blocking them with his wings.

“I'm a healer.” She said calmly.

The kid shook out his head and bared his teeth angrily.

But the girl moved and placed her hand on his shoulder. He whined at her and she gave him a soft smile and an even smaller nod.

He whined once more before his tail and wings sagged and crumbled around his body. His arms and legs gave out making him fall to the ground in a pained whimper.

The redhead kneeled and ran her fingers through the pink locks as the other boy went to his other side and followed suit.

“Do you have the keys, Mr?” The girl asked Gildarts.

“Uh, no. We never found any.” He replied with an apology.

“Gray?” She muttered looking at the other boy who nodded and he placed his hands out as an icy mist encircled them.

An ice key manifested and the demon whined in such a pitiful way it made Gildarts never want kids if this was the world they were going to enter.

The boy, Gray, unlocked the collar before the magic ran out and his hands fell.

Gildarts was worried that without the keys or the kids' magic they would never free the demon, But apparently, that was all he needed.

The kid raised his head and nuzzled Gray for a second before his body started to grow. Red scales covered his skin and his neck elongated.

The cuffs snapped apart and in front of the two Fairy Tail Mages stood a dragon. No taller than Gildarts, but due to the boy's young age it made sense.

Once the cuffs were of the dragon fell back down into a fully human state. He was panting and shivering as he pawed his way into the other boy's lap.

The girl nudged the Gray boy, “I will carry him.”

But Gray was stubborn and pulled the, now Dragon, boy closer to himself. “I can do it.”

“No, you can't Gray.” She replied.

“I can carry him.” Gildarts pointed out but he suddenly faced to face with the tip of a sword she was holding.

“Touch him and that will be the last thing you do.” She snarled.

Gildarts raised his hands in surrender and stepped back.

“That wasn't nice.” Porlyusica pointed out.

“No one will ever touch him.” The girl hissed. “Never again.”

So Gildarts watched as Gray leaned on the girl, and the dragon boy rested on her back. He wondered what exactly she has gone through to be this strong.

The two were hesitant to allow Porlyusica to work on their friend once they got to the top side, but they obviously knew how much help he needed because finally, with watchful eyes they both let her work on him.

“What is his name?” She asked looking over the small frame of the pink-haired boy.

The girl hesitated, then spoke. “Natsu.” She paused and looked down at her hands. “I’m Erza.”

“Wi-will he is alright?” Gray asked, scared of his friend.

Though Gildarts didn't know why, half of the boy's injuries didn't make it to the surface, having healed themselves. The kid was also part of not all dragons. He was fine!

“He’s very underfed and will need to be on a strict diet for the next few weeks to take in water and food. And obviously, his bigger injuries are already healing on their own.” The healer went about showing the young boy who watched with fascination, “Otherwise, he will be fine. Some rest and a safe place to sleep will do him, and the two of you, a world of good.”

Gray nodded silently.

“Thank you,” Erza replied politely.

Gildarts wanted a moment before he spoke up. “Can he speak?”

Erza and Gray blinked up at him then traded a look.

“Natsu does know a language,” Erza replied quietly before looking back at him. “But it's not Fiorini.”

“He does know some Ivan.” Gray piped in. “It's closer to his native tongue so it was easier to teach him that.”

Erza nodded in agreement. “Our language is too different from his original so it's hard for him to understand it.”

“What does he speak?” Gildarts asked. He knew quite a few languages. He traveled too much not to.

But this question earned him a smack from the healer.

“Ow!” Gildarts hissed, more out of surprise than actual pain.

“He's a dragon.” She hissed at him like that answered his question.

“And!?” He replied pulling back from the old woman to rub his arm bitterly. She didn't need to smack him!

Porlyusica rolled her eyes. “He speaks Arabic. The language of the dragons.”

“Oh…” Ok, maybe he didn't know the language the kid could speak. “No one speaks that.”

“I dabble,” Erza replied, raising her hand.

“Ice picks some up.” Gray agreed with a shrug.

“It's a hard language to learn. It consists of grunts and growls. As well as movements and body language. It's set up for in-flight communications.” Porlyusica replied.

“You say that I should know everything about dragons,” Gildarts grumbled.

“You better start learning.” She grunted back.

“How are the younglings?” Makorav asked. Natsu was still out, though Gildarts didn't really blame him. Who knew how long he had been in that hell hole? Who knows how long it has been since he had a proper meaning? Proper rest? Not constantly tensed up ready to attack the next thing that walked through his door.

“Say hello to Erza and Gray,” Porlusica said questioning the two who were awake. Probably not going to sleep till Natsu woke up.

“Hello, children.” He greeted me kindly. Erza gave him an emotionless look. And Gray offered up a cool one, probably would have crossed his arms as well if one hand wasn't holding Natsu’s hand. “And who is this?”

They were all used to children coming to them in the worst times of their lives. None of them were really deterred by the lack of response from the two.

“Natsu. He is a dragon or at least part one.” Porlyusica replied.

“A dragon.” Makorave looked over at the sleeping boy with disbelief.

“He’s not a dragon!” Gray finally broke their silence. “He's a dragon slayer! It's part of his magic!”

Erza nodded in agreement.

Gildarts didn't think that made more sense. Dragon slayers were trained by dragons to slay other dragons. But dragons have not been seen or heard from in 400 years. There was no fucking way this kid was over 400 years.

Dragon or not.

But these were kids. So Gildarts just hummed.

“Well no matter, we still need to get you three back to the guild.” He replied, steering the conversation away from the topic.

“Guild?” Erza asked, confused. “What guild?”

The two had tensed up at the mention of a guild.

“We are from the Fairy Tail guild.” He replied easily. Gildarts figured someone told them. But he was just as fine telling them himself.

“Fairy Tail?” Gray whispered with semi-wide eyes. He looked at Erza.

“Prove it!” Erza suddenly demanded with a small stomp of the foot.

Gildarts looked at Porlyusica who shrugged.

“Go on.” She was on her stomach and Gildarts’ was on his arm. So he rolled his eyes and removed his sleeve to show the redhead.

Gray looked at it in wonderment but did not leave Natsu’s side.

Erza however stepped up and looked at it closer. Examining the mark of the guild they were all so proud to call home.

“Is that it?” Gray whispered, holding his breath as she looked it over. Then she gave a small nod.

“They're the real deal.” She replied as she went back to her spot next to Gray.

“Have you seen this before?” Porlyuisca asked as Gildarts fixed his clothes.

“Yes. Before….this.” She gestured to the mess around them. “I met a man who saved my life. He said to go to Fairy Tail. That was the mark he had.”

“What was his name?” She asked curiously.

“We called him Grandpa Rob,” Erza replied. “He….he didn't make it. But he saved a lot of people that day. Myself included.”

The healer had to take a moment so Gildarts stepped in.

“Well, would you all like to come to Fairy Tail?” He asked.

“I would,” Erza replied then looked to Gray, who nodded in agreement. “We will join you.”

“What about him?” The Master asked, looking down at Natsu.

“He will come. Natsu doesn't really like people.” Gray replied with a shrug. “But he likes us.”

“No. He likes me. He adores you.” Erza said gently pushing on his shoulder making her friend blush and look the other way.

“Sh-shut up.” He muttered.

Gildarts cracked a smile at that. They really were just kids who got into a bad situation.

“What kind of magic do the two of you possess?” Makorav asked as Porlyusica walked away to check on others. They would probably be moving out soon anyway.

“Ice makes magic,” Gray replied easily.

Erza shrugged. “Not really sure.”

“You have magic but you don't know what it is?” Markov questioned, concerned. It was concerning.

“Well, I didn't learn it anywhere like these two,” Erza replied, nodding to her friends as she rubbed her arm. “It's just sorta…happened. I can control weapons and such. And I can even do this…” She reached her hand out and a red magic circle appeared. She pulled out a sword.

“Requip magic. It's a good one. Not as rare as Ice make but still a powerful one.” Makorav replied kindly.

Erza gave a small smile at that.

Then Gray shoved her shoulder. “Do the other thing!”

Erza blushed but closed her eyes. Suddenly a light wrapped around her body and she was no longer in the slave cloths the traders had put her in. Instead, she was in an armor set. Nothing extravagant but enough to make her relax.

Gildarts was way more impressed by that. The weapons re-quip was impressive enough. But full body armor? In all his time he hasn't seen anything like that before.

Makorav seemed to be in the same boat. “Well, that has a different name.” He took her hand gently, and when she didn't pull away he smiled. “It's called the Knight. Very few people throughout history have been able to use it.”

The master looked to Gildarts. “It seems we have found 3 perfect new members for the guild.” He looked back at the kids. “Fairy Tail takes in those who have nowhere else to go. And oftentimes, have very strange and odd magic. We will help you get better.”

“All of us?” Erza whispered. They looked at Natsu.

“All of you,” Makarov replied easily. Though Gildarts wasn't so sure the old guy was ready for what Natsu actually was.

In the end, none of them were.

Gray smiled at that and wrapped his arms around Natsu’s chest.

“Easy!” Gildarts moved to pull the kid off but Natsu reached up and wrapped his arm around Gray’s back.

A throaty noise was heard and Gildarts saw Natsu’s eyes peak open.

Erza chuckled and pulled away from the old man. “Ready for another adventure Dragon Breath?”

Natsu’s lips peeled back in a sharp grin.

Chapter Text

No one was really ready for what the three were capable of.

Erza was a force to reckon with once she got comfortable. Once her eye was functioning again. Once she got a few more weapons in her wheelhouse.

Gray would grow with his magic. And the entire guild was excited about what the boy would one day accomplish. After all, the only thing holding him back was himself.

They all thought the traumas the 2 had gone through would be the most difficult to overcome. What with Erza being enslaved only to get free and be enslaved again? And Gray watching everyone he loved die in front of him.

The guild though could handle trauma in spades. They had all gone through their own share of it after all.

But it was Natsu who had the most trouble with everything. Not that anyone who knew about his dragon abilities thought it would be easy.

Natsu’s first day hadn't been easy, but in the grand scheme of things, it was the easiest day for the next few years.

Natsu hid behind Gray when they first entered the guild, with a mask and ear muffs on.

Porlyusica had made it very clear that Natsu’s senses were very strong and thus needed to be dulled quite a bit as he got used to living around people.

Gray spoke in quiet growls to Natsu explaining the best he could with his own limited ability to Natsu what was going on.

“And this is where everyone gathers to get jobs,” Master explained to Erza and Gray who tried his best to explain to Natsu what the massive board with papers on it meant.

Gray paused in his growls for a second. “Do we know the tone for jobs yet?” Gray asked Erza.

Erza paused and shook her head. “I don't think so.”

Natsu looked between the two of them. The Master could tell his mind was racing a mile a minute as he watched them.

The little dragon boy then glanced to the guild Master, he glanced back to Gray, before stepping away for the first time since he awoke.

He stepped towards the Master a bit sheepishly and removed his mask. Wincing a bit he sniffed the board papers.

He hissed and put the mask back on. Then ran back to Gray and growled at the papers to the point his horns peaked out a little bit.

He growled at Gray glaring at the paper.

Gray blinked at him and hummed. He gave a growl and Natsu settled down but didn't stop glaring at the papers.

“The papers smell like the people they came from,” Gray explained as he smoothed over Natsu’s hair, soothing away the tiny pricks of horns easing them back into the boy's skin. “I explained to him that in order to pay for things we must take them.”

Natsu gave a throaty clicking noise and Gray ruffled his hair.

Gray spoke to Ivan and Natsu glared at him before what the Master could only relate to as a miracle, Natsu spoke back with words.

“His Ivan is still very incomplete, but I am trying to get him to use it more than Dravic to help him translate to Fiorien,” Gray explained.

“Aw. Well, I'm sure I have a few people who would be able to help you with that.” Master replied calmly.

Gray gave thanks.

“I don't know how well that would go through. So far Gray is the only one he really listens to.” Erza replied with a snort. The two grew solid as darkness passed over their faces.

But Natsu whimpered and nudged Gray’s hand, pulling them out of whatever memory they were having.

Gray smiled down at him and growled something.

“Dad? What the heck is wrong with that kid?” Makorav looked over to see Ivan standing there with Laxus. The younger one was glaring at Natsu.

“Nothing for you to worry about,” Ivan muttered.

But Natsu reacted with absolute aggression.

He put himself between his friends Laxus and Ivan. He was on all fours angry growls rumbled deep within his body as everything on his body stood up.

It gained the attention of the entire guild when Natsu’s wings sprung free and his tail whipped out. His horns easily removed the ear covers and he ripped the mask from his face with clawed hands, revealing sharp fangs.

He snarled at the two and forced Erza and Gray to back away with his tail.

“What the hell!?” Laxus shrieked. He was still young and looked to his father. But Ivan just glared down at Natsu before pushing his son towards him.

“Go on. Test your power.” Makorav narrowed his eyes at that.

Laxus gapped at his father but his focus very quickly went back to Natsu when a roar echoed through the room.

“Ivan. Pull Laxus back.” Makorav said sternly.

“No,” Ivan replied. “It's time to see if everything paid off.”

Laxus looked fearfully at Natsu as the rest of the guild got back behind turned tables.

“Ivan,” Makorav warned again. “We have talked about this.”

Ivan just pushed his son closer.

It was only due to Laxus's extensive training that he was able to pull back from a snapping pair of razor-sharp teeth.

Natsu snarled at him louder now. Fire rippled across his body ending in tiny flames on the joints of his wings and the end of his tail.

Gray and Erza were pulled back but the brothers were demanding to be let free, to calm Natsu down.

Laxus swallowed heavily but finally stood firm and electricity ran through the room.

Natsu shook his head when he was zapped a bit but soon red scales covered his body and he started to grow.

Still nothing more than a child himself, Laxus gapped at the dragon that stood in front of him as did the rest of the guild.

Natsu’s scarf fluttered to the ground as he lunged at Laxus.

The lighting mage yelped but let out a bolt as he punched the dragon's snout.

Natsu glared and whirled and smacked Laxus with his tail, Laxus grabbed it and just held on as Natsu spun around before flinging him against a table.

The dragon started to walk towards the fallen blond, smoke coming from his nose and mouth.

“Natsu!” Suddenly Gray was in front of the dragon clutching the scarf to his chest.

Laxus was groaning as he got up clutching his ribs. Lighting danced across his skin.

“No!” Gray said, looking at the much older boy. He looked back at Natsu. “Calm down.”

Gray held out his hand as his mother made the scarf very visible.

Natsu snorted ashy smoke into the air. He bellowed at Laxus who sent out more electricity in reply.

“Natsu!!” Gray waved the scarf.

The dragon growled again but closed his wings and the fire went out. He lowered his head to Gray’s open palm.

“That's it,” Gray muttered, rubbing his hands along Natsu’s scales.

“Stupid boy.” Ivan slammed his foot into Laxus's ribs. Exactly where Natsu had hit him.

Laxus grunted and fell again. “Dad?”

“Worthless!” Ivan slammed his foot into Laxus's back.

Natsu’s eyes flicked to Gray and then to Ivan as the guild was frozen in shock at the events that were taking place in front of them.

Gray dropped his hand and stepped away. “Get him.”

Natsu raised to his full height and bellowed again before snaking his way to where Ivan was beating his son. The dragon picked Ivan up in his teeth and removed him from Laxus before pushing his way out of the guild.

Natsu then dropped the older one down. He roared in his face.

“Oh, you don't scare me. You're nothing more than a child!” Ivan snarled in reply.

The dragon stepped forwards and slammed his clawed paw into Ivan putting him on the ground before taking a deep inhale.

“Stop!” The dragon bellowed out fire into the air before snapping his head to the Master.

Despite the language barrier, Natsu snorted and pulled back before shifting and smacking Ivan with his tail as he shook himself out.

“Ivan, despite being my son, you have mistreated one of the guild members. I banish you from Fairy Tail.” Makorav said firmly.

Ivan bloody from where Natsu’s teeth had dug into his skin and where Natsu’s claws had dug into his chest.

Natsu walked to where Gray stood and preened under his attention.

“Father!” Ivan cried.

Markov looked away as he removed Ivans guild mark. “If you come here again, I will have no choice but to terminate you.”

He then turned and went back into the guild. He found Natsu had moved to where Laxus was now sitting in a chair. A healer looked him over as someone else ran to get Porlyusica.

“Natsu,” Makorav spoke slowly.

The dragon boy looked at him before looking at Laxus. Everyone was on edge as he crept closer to the older mage. Laxus even tensed with a wince as Natsu got closer.

The blonde looked down at him trying to pull away from his seat, but Natsu just let out throat gurgles.

Laxus looked to his grandfather who didn't know.

“He says, you fought well. Know it wasn't your fault.” Gray replied.

“Those were words?” Laxus asked wearily looking down at the kid who could turn into a dragon.

“Dravic. Language of the Dragons.” Gray replied.

Natsu made a low swooping motion with his head before sniffing Laxus, he hissed agitatedly but didn't attack.

“Natsu doesn't like how you smell,” Erza explained. “Something about your magic he doesn't like. He was simply protecting us, and your father pushed you into a fight.”

Laxus hesitated. “My magic….”

“Natsu would like to apologize. He didn't know how bad your situation was.” Gray explained further.

Natsu shook out his head and looked at Laxus with curious slit eyes.

“He can try. I can't understand a word he’s saying.” Makorav didn't blame his grandson. But he was glad Natsu wasn't out right attacking anymore. Though there was still something that had triggered Natsu, and he was going to figure out what exactly that was.

Gray knelt down to Natsu’s level and gave a firm growl before nodding towards Laxus.

Natsu blinked then jumped at Laxus.

“Holy-!” Laxus cried out. Only to suddenly be light on fire. “Shit!”

“Calm down,” Gray said standing up.

“I'm on fucking fire!” Laxus cried out trying to remove Natsu from his lap.

“He’s healing you,” Erza replied, rolling her eyes.

Laxus was about to throw Natsu off him when he felt an almost purring rumble on his chest. He looked down to see Natsu curled up on his lap, so cat-like. And the redhead was right, he didn't feel like he was burning.

He could feel his injuries dissipating. He felt warm. And for the first time in a long time, he felt…safe.

Tears pricked Laxus' eyes. He felt cared for, something his own father had never given him. Something he hadn't had since he was a kid. The sudden safety he felt was so overwhelming that he could stop the tears from running down his cheeks.

Natsu looked up at him and snaked around to lick at his cheeks. Probably nothing more than a gesture of kindness.

But Laxus hesitantly wrapped his arms around the dragon boy. And wept.

The fire ended up putting itself out once his injuries were healed fully. Once it did, Natsu squirmed in his lap and removed himself from Laxus' grip. Not aware of how much Laxus needed that.

He went to Gray chirping and smiling as the Ice mage smiled and told him how he did such a good job.

“Told you,” Erza smirked at him.

“Whatever, redhead.” Laxus hissed as he whipped away his tears.

She looked to Natsu and then back at him and with a roll of the eyes she spoke, “It's Erza Scarlet you lighting freak. And that's Gray Fullbuster. And the guy who just healed is Natsu Dragneel.”

Laxus rolled his eyes as he stood. “Whatever.” And walked away. No longer needing medical attention he was going to go back to his home.

He heard soft growling and turned to look behind him. Natsu was crouching behind him.

“What?” Laxus asked. Though he still wasn't sure the kid understood him. He was starting to get the feeling this kid understood more than he was letting on.

Natsu slowly stood and reached out a tiny hand. Laxus eyed it and decided to humor the kid.

He reached his own out, and Natsu grabbed his much larger wrist. Laxus rolled his eyes and took the much smaller one into his hand.

Then there was a dragon making full eye contact with him. And he was no longer holding a kid's hand but a dragon's clawed one. Natsu snorted a puff of smoke into Laxus' face and the lighting user sneezed.

And just like that Natsu shifted back and was running back to Gray leaving Laxus to try and regain fresh air in his lungs.

“We don't know what that means either!” Erza called from where she stood next to Gray. “But as far as we can tell, Natsu just marked you as family.”

Laxus snorted and waved as he walked away.

But he wasn't totally against that. Family huh? Maybe the old man's torture wasnt that bad if it ment having a family with a dragon.

Chapter Text

Natsu had become the stable in Magnolia, everyone in town knew the dragon boy. All shops had even gotten little books to help Natsu learn their language the. They all adored him.

Gray and Erza, despite harsh backgrounds as the rest of the guild learned, quickly adapted to the guild as well. They got along with t of the kids and went toe to toe with any of the adults when challenged.

None of them had received their guild marks yet, but no one in the guild thought that they would walk out any time soon.

Natsu had even learned a few words which was nice for others who didn't speak Dravic, which was pretty much everyone.

Laxus, though still a grouch, would come back every mission with a gift for Natsu.

“Here.” Laxus said as he walked by tossing Natsu a small bag.

The dragon boy jumped up to catch it. Everyone knew Gray was Natsu’s favorite person and would often be found laying on or sleeping in Gray’s lap. But the lighting user had gained a notable spot in the boy's life.

“Thanks!” Natsu chirped. His accent was still heavy and harsh sounding,but the word continuingrstandable now.

“Whatever.” Laxus said continue to the table he had claimed as his own.

“Why don't you get anyone else a gift?” Cana asked bitterly as she stomped up to him.

“Fuck off.” pushing the girl away, though it was definitely gentle.

“You always get Natsu something, what about the rest of us?” She demanded with a small stomp of the foot.

“She’s right. Why don't you get anyone but Natsu anything?” Erza asked though with far more amusement and a smirk on her face.

Laxus rolled his eyes.

“Shiny!” Natsu chirped as he held up a bright red shiny rock.

“That's why.” Laxus replied, rolling his eyes.

“Gray!” Natsu held up the rock beautiful to look at and he smiled.

“Yes, it's very pretty. Whee are you going to put that one?”

Natsu hummed, and looked at it very seriously. Then he shrugged and placed it inside his scarf before scurrying off Gray's lap and to Laxus.

“Thanks!” He said and went about the traditional trade of jumping on the elder lap.

“I'm not injured.” Laxus gruffed out and picked the smaller up and placed him on the ground. But Natsu scurried right back up and grabbed Laxus' other hand.

Natsu then lit their hands on fire and Laxus huffed. “Stubborn fool.”

“You bring him a treasure. He's going to heal you.” Gray replied, resting his chin on his open palm.

Lazus rolled his eyes but let the little dragon do as he wanted to.

“Master! Master!” They looked over to see Lisanna running in. “It's Mira!”

Makorav nodded and motioned for the older members to follow him.

Natsu was done healing Laxus and went back to Gray, never leaving the ice mage for too long. He looked over to where everyone was going an, gave Gray a questioning gurgle.

“I'm not sure.” Gray replied.

“Let's go find out.” Erza said standing.

“Careful.” Laxus warned.

“What is it?” Gray asked.

“A demon.”

Gray and Erza both stiffened and looked to Natsu who was still,enraptured with his new shiny stone.

“Let's go.” Erza stated flatly.

Gray wasn't far behind her. And after a small tap on the head, Natsu was running after them as well.

They found all the adults had gathered around a small shop. They were keeping the townspeople away but could hear the murmurs of demon talk.

Erza, Gray and Natsu pushed through the crowd to find the Master sitting next to a girl in a cloak. Lisanna stood worried nearby as did Elfman.

“Is that Mira?” Gray asked quietly. They had only heard a few things about the girl since they came to Fairy Tail a few months ago. But had never met her.

“I think so?” Erza replied just as quietly.

“What's going on?” Gray asked as he looked up to an adult.

“Nothing for you kids to worry about.” The member replied.

Gray looked at Natsu who was looking over his rock.

“Natsu?” The dragon looked up to him instantly. “I think someone needs help.”

Natsu blinked at him, processing the words before tilting his head and asking, “Who?”

Gray gestured to where Mira was clutching her head.

Natsu looked at the girl and where the Master was trying to calm her down.

The dragon boy placed his shiny rock in Gray’s hand and kept towards her.

“Natsu please go back to the guild.” The Master said quietly.

Natsu paid him no mind as he peeked under the hood. He gave a quite gurgling rumble.

Theder the hood cried out and tried to hide herself more. But he spotted the horns.

He gave a happy yip and reached her hood. The sudden action allowed him to pull it off before getting yelled at.

She gave a cry out and scrambled to pull her hood back up, but in her scramble Natsu grabbed her hands and gave a happy chirp.

She looked at him and found he had horns coming from his hairline. He smiled at her and rolled his shoulders as two wings suddenly manifested and a tail whipped out frohind him.

“Same.” He said, pointing to his own horns.

Mira stared at him with wide eyes. “Wha-?”

“Dragon!” Natsu bragged proudly. Then I looked at her in expectation.

Mira hesitated and pulled away, pulling her hood back up. “Demon.”

Natsu frowned and looked to the Master. He didn't know that word. Probably for the best, the master tho,ght considering how they had found him.

“Natsu.” Gray spoke quietly. The dragon looked at him. “Remember all the names they used to call you?”

Natsu growled but nodded.

“She is called the same.” Gray replied.

Natsu snarled at that.

He looked at Mira and could smell the tears. So he shook out his body as he shifted, startling everyone enough to pull away. The crowd that had formed stepped back to make room for the Fairies Dragon.

He moved his head next to Mira and gently picked her up. Then place her on his back as Gray scrambled up. Erza stayed on the ground, as Natsu isn't big enough to fly with more than 2 people yet.

She screeched as he snapped his wings open and took off into the sky.

Mira clung to anything and everything, but Gray painted her hand gently before placing it on a scale in front of her.

“You won't fall!” He called over the wind as Natsu’s wings moved rhythmically beside them. “Watch!” Gray grinned and leaned to the right side, effectively falling from Natsu’s back.

Mira screamed but Natsu easily swooped under the Ice Mage, who landed perfectly on the dragon's head. He gave her a wave and smile.

Mira gave a small wave back.

As they climbed higher into the sky the town below them started to disappear. And it was cold, but Natsu’s natural body heat mixed with the fire that was on the joints of his wings allowed for the cousually not as noticeable as it might have been normally.

Mira didn't know how long they flew but soon she smiled and started enjoying herself. It was wonderful flying!

She thought about a demon she had taken over and how it had wings. Maybe she could use them?

She concentrated her magic on remembering what they looked like and suddenly they were there!

Knowing Natsu would watch her, she jumped from his back and tried to use the new limbs. Natsu flew around her as she struggled. He didn't swoop in to catch her, but knowing he was there helped her calm enough to focus on trying to fly on her own.

Without the fear she was able to move her new wings, though clumsily, enough to stay near Natsu and Gray would fly updraft. Natsu’s own wing strokes offer enough up draft to keep her in the air. he laughed as she discovered how to gain her own height in the air.

It was amazing! No longer did she have to worry about people calling her a monster. Not while she was flying with a dragon.

She held her magic as long as she could but soon it gave out and Natsu easily caught her on his back. Gray had made his way down Natsu’s neck at some point and helped her resituate.

“Better?” he asked over the wind. Natsu was moving back to the Guild but slowly. Gliding through the air currents.

She nodded to the younger one. “Thank you!” She called back.

They landed and she missed being in the air. She had felt so free up there.

Gray poked at the spot where her horns were with a smile. “And look at that, they're all gone.”

Mira’s hands flew to her head and found he was right. Her demon look was now gone!

“Forever?” She asked, tears pricking at her eyes.

“I don't know.” Gray shook his head. “But you did pretty well with those wings.”

They got off Natsu and the Dragon pranced around them,using Gray’s chest.

“He’s very attached to you.” Mira replied looking u, at the dragon who had helped her.

“Yes, he is.” Gray replied, rubbing behind Natsu’s horn's.

“I..” Mira looked away.

“I don't know why.” Gray replied not looking at her, there was a frown on his face. “We…we were forced to fight each other.”

Mira blinked at him. No one knew what had happened to the three of them with the traffickers.

“But he refused to fight me. And any time anyone tried to take me away from him, Natsu would attack them. He didn't know who I was, and neither of us spoke the same language. I was…I was scared of him, at first.” Gray muttered as Natsu purred under Gray’s hands, oblivious to what he was saying.

“You don't have to tell me…” Mira replied.

“It's fine.” Gray shook his head. “When they found out how attached Natsu was to me, they would use me as a weapon against him. If they didn't like something he did they beat me in front of him. No one knew he could speak any language, but he understood that. When they got Erza, the bond wasn't as strong but it was still there. They kept us separate but we were always set up as a set in the auctions. And due to how rare the three of us were, we went pretty high up in sales.”

Mira looked over the dragon's side and saw the scars that had been cut into his scales.

“Our parents died. A demon. It's how we discovered our magic.” Mira muttered. “I was able to absorb the demon, but it was too late for our parents. Unfortunately, the town turned on us when I took on the looks of the demon.”

Gray looked at her. “You haven't been able to get rid of it since?”

She shook her head. “I didn't know how to remove the leftovers. And people called me a demon and monster and kicked us out of our hometown. The Master found us and took us in.”

“They used to call Natsu a Demon,” Gray replied. “It's why he felt the need to help you.”

“I'm glad he did,” Mira replied, stroking the dragon's scales. They were warm and so pleasant to touch.

“Mira!” She looked around the dragon to see her brother and sister running towards her with the rest of the Guild.

“Lisanna! Elfman!” The three siblings collided and hugged.

Erza walked over to Gray and Natsu and handed the scarf to Gray. “We need to find a way to keep this thing with him.”

Gray chuckled and nodded. “I'm sure there's something.”

“Ready to go home big guy?” Erza asked looking up at her friend.

Natsu growled and lowered down enough for them to climb on. And took off not caring about how they left the group of people below them. Natsu had done his job. Helping another person in the guild.

Chapter Text

Natsu hummed as made his way towards the town in front of the forest. Gray was on a mission right now and Natsu had to stay behind due to his lack of communication.

He was getting better but the Master wasn't sure Natsu would be the best to go on a mission just yet. Gray and Erza had agreed.

But Gray would only be gone till tomorrow night, and Erza was at the apartment. They needed money to get a house of their own after all. Natsu knew that.

He thanked his head on a tree and huffed. As he sat down, something fell next to him.

Natsu looked over to see a blue and white egg.

He sniffed it and remembered what Igneel had told him about dragon eggs.

He grinned and carried it all the way back home. “Erza!” He called out rushing to the kitchen.

Sometimes she was cooking. Today happened to be one of those days.

“What's that?” She asked, eyeing the egg.

“Dragon egg! Igneel told me!” Natsu chirped happily.

She shook her head but was smiling. “I don't know if it's a dragon, but eggs need to stay warm. Why not bring it to your nest? Keep it warm and I will bring you dinner.”

Natsu grinned and ran to Gray's room. To the cave of pillows and blankets, no one but Gray was ever allowed to enter. Not even Erza.

He curled around the end and let his body heat expand a bit. He hoped it was another dragon. Another friend!

He loved flying with Mira, and she was getting much better at controlling her wings. But he missed flying with his father.

He was saddened by that. He didn't know where his father was. And he had yet to hear anything about dragons.

“Natsu?” He looked out to see Erza standing there holding two plates. “Mind if I eat with you?”

He nodded and she sat just outside the cave handing him his plate. “Where's Igneel?”

Erza stopped eating. “I don't know.” She muttered.

He looked down at his food. Tears welled up in his eyes. “Why did he leave?” He asked no one in particular.

“Oh, Natsu…” She held out her arms for him to crawl into her lab. And he did. He needed that contact and without Gray, Erza was the next best.

“I miss him!” He wailed into her chest. He wanted his dad back. Why did he leave!?

She just rubbed his back. Having no answers for him, was really all she could do. She looked over to the egg that he had found. She couldn't tell what it would be but if it helps Natsu then she would let him keep it.

Soon he cried himself to sleep despite not eating. So she placed him next to the egg and dropped the blanket that covered the entrance to his cave.

Erza picked up their plates quietly and left Natsu and Gray’s room.

Then she went to her own room and quietly shut the door. Picking up one of her own plushies she curled up on her bed and cried.

With your own past mixed with Natsu’s pleading for his father, it was hard not to.

Gray arrived back at his shared apartment earlier than he thought he was going to. It was just past midnight when he unlocked their front door and kicked off his shoes before arranging them next to Erza’s ankle boots and Natsu’s well-worn sandals.

He would probably need a new pair soon as they were the only shoes he even considered wearing.

Gray locked up and dropped his bag on the couch to deal with in the morning.

The kitchen light was still on and he went about shutting it off but found dinner had not been cleaned up so quietly he put away the leftovers and cleaned the dishes. If Erza didn't clean up then she was either really tired or something had happened with Natsu.

The ice mage shut off the light and first went to check on Erza, he would have Natsu crawl into bed later anyway.

He peeked into her room and found Erza hunched over one of her large animal plushies. He could tell she had been crying so he walked over to her and gently shook her shoulder. Even half asleep he could get her changed and into bed without much issue.

She groaned before turning to face him. “Gray?”

“Hey, let's get you to bed properly.” He replied with a small smile.

“Your back early…” She muttered as he helped her up and found her PJs.

“We can talk about it in the morning.” Gray mused as he pulled back her sheets. He turned to help her to bed when he found himself enveloped by her arms.

“I don't know what to do.” She cried into his shoulder. Though quietly as to not wake the dragon slayer in the next room.

“Erza?”

“How can I help people when I can't even help myself? Or you? Or Natsu?” She hugged him tighter.

Gray hugged her back. “We are still young, can't even go on real missions yet and Natsu doesn't even have his guild mark yet. We don't need to know.”

What had brought this on? Erza was normally pretty strong and Natsu would let Gray know if she had been crying, he could smell her tears.

As if reading his thoughts, Erza said, “He asked about Igneel again…”

Aw. That answers that.

“We will find Igneel. And then our debt to Natsu will be repaid.” He muttered. But it wasn't something he liked to think about.

“You think he will leave?” Erza asked, pulling back and looking at him.

Gray shrugged. “I don't know. But we will hold onto everything till we know.”

Erza didn't get to speak again when the door creaked open and Natsu stood there one hand holding a blanket that was dragging on the ground, the other rubbing his eye.

“Gray?” He asked, confused and clearly still half asleep.

“Hey, Natsu. I'm back early.” Gray greeted me.

Natsu nodded slowly. Then walked in and grabbed both their hands dragging them back to his cave with a few pillows and blankets on the ground just outside of it.

“Sleep.” He grumbled crawling back into his cave next to…

“Is that an egg?” Gray gapped.

“Morning. Sleep now.” Erza said getting comfy in the spot Natsu had already prepared for her.

Gray shook his head and stripped with the ease of the years of practice he had, and crawled in next to Natsu and the egg. Erza was just outside the cave and soon the three were asleep.

Chapter Text

Turns out the egg was not in fact a dragon. But Natsu was more than happy with naming the little blue cat and keeping him close.

“Happy!” Natsu yelped as he ran alongside where the young cat flew. Gray and Erza sat on the banks of the river watching the two play.

“Wait up Natsu!” The little cat called back, not strong enough yet to keep up with the slayer.

“So I guess we have a cat now.” Gray chuckled, leaning back on his hands.

“I suppose we do,” Erza replied with her own smile.

“Hello, Erza, Gray.” They looked behind them to see Master Makorav walking up to them.

“Hello, Master.” They both greeted as the old man sat next to Gray.

“They seem happy.” He said looking over to where Natsu had just faked a fall when Happy jumped on him.

“Yes,” Gray replied, nodding.

“You can go play with him, you know,” Erza replied amused.

Gray puffed out his chest. “I'm too old to be playing like that.”

Erza chuckled. But then Natsu called for the Ice mage.

“Gray come play!” This caused Erza to burst out a laugh when Gray got up. He sent her a glare but went to play with the dragon slayer nonetheless.

“His language skills are getting better,” Makorav said looking over Natsu and Gray not to play wrestling. Happy cheered Natsu on until he saw Gray was winning and quickly switched sides much to Natsu’s disapproval.

“Yes. It helps that Happy is also learning to talk and they are on the same level. It's no longer just Natsu.” Erza replied with a nod.

“Do you think he is ready to go on missions?” Makroave asked and Erza stared at him.

“Are you sure?” It had always been a concern about how Natsu would handle going on missions. He was alright in Magnolia as everyone knew him but new environments were difficult for him as he was still adjusting to sounds and smells as well as human customs.

“I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't ready for the backlash it will invite. I have already informed the council and though they are not happy, having Natsu out doing missions will probably be good for him.”

Erza had overheard some of the Council talks. They didn't want a dragon doing missions. As they didn't know what kind of chaos that would create. They weren't sure what would happen to the major population if and when Natsu went full dragon.

And despite being a dragon slayer it was the fact that he could shift that made everyone uneasy about the situation. A Fairy’s Dragon is what they called him.

And as he was the only one Natsu was completely a mystery. Other guilds had called it an unfair advantage but since the guilds were strictly banned from fighting amongst each other that was quickly dismissed. It held no plausible reasoning for an argument.

Fairy Tail just happened to get a Dragon slayer with such powerful magic that he could shift between dragon and human forms. There was nothing wrong with that, but it still made a lot of people uneasy. Calming Fairy Tail now had far too many powerful members despite half of the mages they were complaining about being no older than 12 years old.

“I don't think he is ready for the world. But the world isn't ready for him either.” She replied solemnly. “He still has issues with Gray being gone too long. Porlyusica said that will go down as Natsu figures himself….but I don't know why Natsu is so attached to Gray in the first place.”

“We wouldn’t make Natsu do anything he doesn't want. Mavis only knows how much that doesn't work.” Makorav replied, shaking his head. And it was true. If Natsu didn't want to do something he wasn't going to do it.

“Laxus is back!” Natsu suddenly chirped out and Happy fell into his hair as he ran up the slop. Erza and the Master looked behind them to see the blonde standing there looking bored.

But they coil both tell it was a mask.

Natsu collided with the older male and climbed up to his shoulders. “Happy and I was playing with Gray! And Gray’s sculptures are lasting longer! And my roar is getting so much bigger!”

Laxus rolled his eyes as he plucked the smaller from his shoulder. “Stop being so loud.”

Natus pouted as he was placed on the ground.

But Laxus pulled a small wrapped item from his pocket and handed it over.

“Now go back to playing or whatever,” Laxus said, turning and walking away. “And show me that roar later. I'm going to get something to eat.”

Natsu grinned and chirped out his agreement before running to Gray who had now sat back down next to Erza, his new gift.

“Look what Laxus got me!” Natsu said, holding out a blue and gold shiny rock.

“That's really cool,” Gray said, looking it over.

“I can't wait to get my own treasures!” Natsu said, squirming in the grass before flopping back. Happy sits on his chest and places the new rock into his small sack on his back. “Laxus brings such cool ones!”

“One day you will get your own,” Gray replied.

“Natsu, the Master, and I were just talking about that actually,” Erza replied. “He thinks you're ready.”

Natsu sat up suddenly and Happy fell into his lap with an oof. “Really!?”

“Your language has gotten much better. And you're adapting to the world around you.” Makorav agreed.

“We can go on missions together now,” Gray said, looking at Natsu with pride.

“Yes!” Natsu fist pumped, something he had picked up from boys around the town. Not something any of them would ever encourage but Natsu seemed to like doing it.

Natsu was so excited on the way back to the guild and no one was willing to try and calm him down. He had after all watched both Gray and Erza get their guild marks. He had seen Lisanna, Elfaman, and Mira get there. Along with Levy and Cana who had joined after him.

Laxus was sitting in the S-class mage seats when Natsu sprang wings and hovered in front of him.

“Natsu gets back on the ground.” Laxus scoffed but Natsu just grinned.

“I got my mark today!” Natsu said proudly.

“Oh is that right?” Laxus looked down at the Master who nodded. “About frigging time runt.” Laxus gently pushed Natsu’s chest and the dragon slayer hissed but went back to his spot next to Gray.

Everyone but Natsu knew that Laxus was proud of the younger. But unless you had been there the day Natsu had first met Laxus, it was a weather a mystery.

“I don't get why Laxus puts up with Natsu,” Cana muttered into her drink as Natsu picked out his color.

“I don't think anyone really understands it. They just are.” Gray replied.

And it was true, no one really understood why Laxus had accepted Natsu so easily and why the younger had clung just as much. But here they were.

“Wait!” Natsu suddenly cried out just as the stamp was about to be put on his arm, he pulled back fearfully.

“What's wrong?” Gray asked. Worried it was bringing up some bad memories.

“Will it show when I turn into a dragon?!” Natsu asked fearfully.

“I don't know,” Gray replied hesitantly. “Do you want it to?”

Natsu nodded so hard Gray felt the whiplash in his own neck.

“Well how about I enchant the mark so it changes colors so that it can be seen,” Makorav suggested.

“You can do that?” Natsu asked.

“It shouldn't be that hard.”

“Ok!” Natsu thrust his arm back out and the red Fairy Tail mark shone brightly on his shoulder. “Wow,” Natsu muttered looking over it with wonder.

“Ok now let me just…” The Master placed his hand on it and muttered a few words before it glowed. “That should do it.”

Natsu ran outside. Shifting fully had been banned pretty soon after the first time.

Gray and Erza followed after him to find that the red mark was now a deep black showing on the tough scales.

Natsu looked at it happily before shifting back. “It worked!”

_______________________

It was Laxus who went with Natsu and Gray on his first mission. None of the other adults could handle the dragon boy as Laxus could.

But Laxus and Gray discovered something very quickly and both regressed agreeing to come. Though Laxus get motion sickness as well, it was nowhere near what Natsu was suffering on the two-hour train ride.

Gray placed a cool hand on his forehead trying to soothe the sickness.

“Why does my stomach hurt so much?” Natsu whimpered. Happy sat ready with a pail just in case.

“You seem to have motion sickness,” Gray replied. “There's nothing we can do about it.”

“Why can't I fly?” Natsu asked pitifully.

Gray and Laxus started to think maybe they should.

“You would use too much energy and then wouldn't be able to do your mission if you did,
” Laxus replied. “You don't want to give Fairy Tail a bad reputation do you?”

Natsu went to shake his head but groaned and buried his face into Gray’s lap.

“Just sleep. We will be there soon.”

Chapter Text

Gildarts made his way back into Magnolia. He was excited after 2 years to see the guild again. To see the kids he had saved.

So if there was a bit more pep in his step when he saw the guild come into view, you couldn't really blame him.

Gildarts stepped into the guild and the first thing he saw was Natsu fighting with Gray. Erza sitting at the bar eating what looked like cake with a blue cat. Laxus was leaning over the second-floor banister.

The rest of the guild was cheering one or the other of the boys on.

And Gildarts just grinned.

“Oh, Natsu!” Gildarts called dragging the dragon boy's attention to himself. Gray held back as did Erza, neither had gotten as close to Gildarts as Natsu had.

Natsu ran to him and jumped at his chest, making the older man grunted.

“Gildarts!” Natsu cried out happily.

“Hey, buddy. Did you protect the guild while I was gone?” Gildarts asked with a smile.

“Ya! I found happiness! And got my guild mark!” Natsu was excited to tell the older people all about the last 2 years.

“Happy?” He looked over to Erza who gestured to the cat. Ok, a blue cat named Happy. Checked out. "And you guild mark! That's wonderful!"

Natsu grinned. He hugged the older man one more time before demanding to be put down. He then ran to Gray.

Gildarts smiled at that. Natsu was forever attached to the ice mage, even two years later.

He walked over to where the Master was sitting and ordered a drink.

“I worry about it,” Makorav said his eyes lazily watching where Natsu was rapidly talking Gray’s ear off.

“And why is that?” Gildarts asked, thanking the bartender and sipping his own drink.

“I don't know why he is so fond of Gray. Dragons are known to hord, what happens when Gray gets older? Dates? What's to move out of their shared apartment? Go for longer solo missions?” The Master ruffeld the side of his head and groaned.

“I'm sure they will be fine.” Gildarts musses glancing at the two. “How have things been outside of our little dragon?”

“Fine, I suppose. I…..located Gajeel.” Gildarts raised an eyebrow at that.

“Does our own knowledge?” Makorav shook his head.

“No. The Phantom Lord got their hands on him before I could make a proper offer.”

Gildarts hummed. “Does he have the same abilities?”

“Doubtful. I haven't heard anything and Jose isn't exactly known to keep secrets like that. He would have bragged all the way to the high heavens.” He shook his head. “No, it seems we really have one of a kind.

Gildarts sighed and swirled his glass. “After everything with our own little spitfire, I don't know if I want another one. One is just fine by me.”

“I just fear for Gajeel’s mental well-being. Phantom Lord isn't exactly known to be the most friendly Guild out there. And I fear that they might actually abuse his magic.” Makarov shook his head. “But there's nothing I can do. Not anymore.”

The S-class mage looked to the boys again, now they were leaning over Levy’s shoulder. Natsu was enraptured by whatever story she was reading, while Gray feared a false air of uncaring.

“Well let's hope he never becomes an issue for us,” Gildarts replied.

“I can almost guarantee he will be. I just don't know when.” He replied coolly.

“Well, all we can do is wait then. Till then let them have their moments. No reason to brush their bubbles when they're still young.”

“We are the ones repairing those bubbles, not bursting them.”

“True. Let's now make it any worse for them then.”

“Gildarts?” He looked over to see one of the little girls, Cana if he remembered right.

“Yes?” She was going to grow up to be beautiful, he could just tell. He didn't know much about her, not that he knew a whole lot about any of the other kids, outside of Laxus. He knew how Erza, Gray, and Natsu all came to the guild but none of them shared the before or during too much of anyone.

Cana hesitated looking like she was about to say something then looked away. “Was your mission good?”

He got the feeling that was not what she had wanted to ask in the first place, but he would go with it.

“It was fine. A little bit of a hiccup in the middle but nothing this old guy couldn't take care of by himself.” He grinned at her and she nodded, toeing her foot into the ground. “That reminds me!”

She perked up, as he ruffled through his bag. “I got you something.”

He shuffled through it. He had seen it while in a small village and the little brunet had instantly come to mind. He may not know her all that well but he could remember how much she loved her cards.

He pulled out a metal card holder with one single tiger's eye stone embedded in the leather lid that held cards inside the metal casing. There was a loop to go on a belt and soft inline to protect cards whether magic-based or not.

“Here,” he said, handing it to her.

Her eyes went wide as she held it gingerly. Looking absolutely mystified as she looked it over.

“It's wonderful!” She cried out, opening the leather top and peering inside.

“Now your cards have a safe home.” He said ruffling her hair. Giddily she hugged him in thanks and then ran off to show her new case off to the others.

“That was nice of you.” The master said with a small smile.

Gildarts shrugged. “If I see something that reminds me of one of the little brats I pick it up.”

Makarov chuckled. “Well be careful, Laxus already takes quite a yell whenever he brings something home for Natsu.”

“He does?” Gildarts was dumbfounded by that. He glanced up to where the younger S-Class mage was drinking and leaning on the banister watching with bored eyes over his guild mates.

“Every single time he leaves, without fail he brings Natsu back,” Makorav replied.

Gildarts caught Laxus' eye and the lighting user scoffed and moved away like he had been caught doing something wrong. Gildarts chuckled at that.

“Well, I am going to head out. Get some R and R.” He stood and finished off his drink.

“When are you heading back out?”

“Not sure. Two days from now?” Gildarts replied with a shrug.

“Fantasia is coming up. Three days' time. Think about it. This year Natsu, Gray, and Erza get to join in.”

He laughed. “The Ice Prince, The Red Knight, and the Fire Dragon. I think I might stick around for that.”

Chapter Text

Natsu grumbled as he got off the train. He hated trains. And unfortunately had gotten used to using them due to Erza and Gray.

“Perk up Natsu!” Happy chirped from next to him.

“You don't get motion sickness,” Natsu grumbled back.

“Aye!” Happy grinned and Natsu glared at him. “But we are here to check the rumors about the Salamander!”

Natsu huffed but nodded. He didn't want to leave without Gray or Erza but they had both been on missions so he decided to come here on his own.

If it was nothing then he would just go home empty-handed. If Igneel was here he would bring back his father.

“We are flying home,” Natsu grumbled.

Happy patted his leg as they walked. “If you say so.”

They walked through the harbor town looking for any signs that Igneel or any other dragon was nearby.

“Salamander!” That caught Natsu’s attention and he looked over to see a group of people. But he couldn't scent Igneel….maybe another dragon then?

He huffed and walked over to the crowd, pushing his way through the mood of girls. This was ridiculous, what dragon would put itself into this position?

When he broke through he saw a dumb-looking guy handing out autographs.

“Who the hell are you?” Natsu huffed out drawing the mob's attention as well as the blueberry-looking fellow.

“Excuse you!” The girls all yelled at him.

“I am Salamander of course!” The man said joyfully reminding Natsu of a certain mage from Blue Pegasus.

“Well ya look dumb.” Natsu huffed out and turned around. The fans or whatever around him didn't like that .

“Lady’s! Ladies! Calm down! I'm sure he meant nothing by it~!” The crowd shifted. Ugh. “Here I have an autograph. And I'm having a party on my Yat! Why don't you join us~!”

“Uh, no thanks,” Natsu muttered, tossing the signature away as he walked.

Empty-handed it was then.

“Hey!” He turned to see a blonde girl running toward him.

“You're not one of those crazy fans are you?” Happy asked, peeking out from behind Natus’s leg.

“What? No. You broke the spell he had everyone under. I just wanted to thank you.” She said, waving off Happy’s concerns.

“Oh…cool,” Natsu said about turning away again.

“Can I treat you two to dinner?” She asked. “As a show of my thanks?”

Natsu didn't need to be asked twice and readily agreed. And it would all stay down because he was flying back home!

“My name’s Lucy, by the way.” She introduced herself as they ate.

“I'm Happy and this is Natsu.” Happy told her around a mouth full of fish.

She went on to explain magic guilds and how the guy was using magic rings to lure girls in.

Natsu stopped paying attention halfway through.

They gave her their thanks before they parted ways.

Then he heard someone say Fairy Tail and that stupid fake Salamander in the same sentence.

“Natsu?” Happy asked.

“Let's go.” Happy quickly grabbed Natsu’s shirt and they flew to the yat. Natsu wasn't allowed to use his wings unless he had to. With Happy around, he could still fly, so there wasn't really any use to breaking the rule.

Crashing into the boat was the easy part. Standing on the boat was the hard part.

Then suddenly out of nowhere, they were on land again. Natsu grinned and looked at the guys who had been beating on him.

“My turn.” Natsu snarled back and lit the fire. Easily taking them out one by one. He tore off his overcoat that Gray had made him buy and then proceed to wear. Which was the funniest thing coming from a guy who couldn't keep his own shirt on.

By the time Natsu was done he knew he was going to get yelled at as he looked over the harbor.

“Well shit.” He muttered.

“Natsu!” He heard Happy call him next to that blonde girl who fed him earlier. The one who wanted to join Fairy Tail.

He grinned and raced to grab her hand. “Let's go!”

“Where!?” She cried out as the army chased them.

“You said you wanted to join Fairy Tail right!?” Natsu called back. It took her a few seconds but she laughed and agreed.

They made it to the forest before Natsu had them stop.

“We are so far from the train station!” Lucy whined when she realized how far they were going to have to walk.

“I'm not taking one of those death machines.” Natsu huffed and took off his scarf.

“Are you planning on walking all the way back to your guild!?” Lucy yelped.

“Nah, I was going to fly” he grinned but then Happy pulled on his leg.

“Probably best to take the train. You know how Gray and Erza get when people don't know your magic.” Happy said matter of factly.

He thought about the last time he shifted in front of people who didn't know he could and how angry everyone had been.

“Ugh! Fine! Let's go! The next town is about two miles from here.” He gripped putting his scarf back on. “Freaking death machines I swear.”

“Two miles?” Lucy whined.

“You wanted to join Fairy Tail right?” Natsu asked, drawing her attention.

“Ya?” She was clearly concerned about the question, of why Natsu didn't know.

“Well, you're going to have to do a lot of walking on missions. Might as well get used to it.” Natsu replied, pulling on his bag and starting the walk towards the next town.

Happy summoned his wings and flew to lay on Natsu’s bag.

“I guess you're right.” She muttered and followed him. “At least let me buy a new outfit in the next town. I wasn't really going to change before we left.”

“If you want. If it means putting off going on the death machine, it works for me.” Natsu replied flippantly. “Plus I should probably call the Guild.

Gotta warn the Master. And let him know he didn't go dragon. Always a good call to make. And he hasn't gotten Erza and Gray a gift yet. It would be a good stop all around.

Lucy was busy buying a new outfit while Natsu looked through the shops, nothing really drawing his attention till he spotted a small dagger and a necklace.

“Perfect.” He whispered and purchased both. Placing them gently in his bag.

Then he found somewhere to use a communication lacrima.

He waited for Mira to pick him up.

“Hello?” Natsu sheepishly waved. “Hello, Natsu! Did that rumor pan out for you?”

“Nah, just some idiot using the name,” Natsu replied. “I'm just calling to let you know I may have gone a bit overboard on this one though. They were using the Fairy Tail name and….” He hesitated but he sighed. “They were slave traders.”

Mira gasped but nodded. “Alright. I’ll let the Master know the situation.”

“Thanks, Mira.” He was about to hang up when he remembered Gray and Erza had been on jobs when he left. “Are Gray and Erza back yet?”

“Gray showed up this morning and Erza hasn't come in yet. You're not planning on flying in are you?” She asked seriously.

Natsu pouted and crossed his arms. “Not anymore. I may have picked up a new guild member.”

“Oh, how wonderful! I'm sure everyone would be happy to meet a new person.” Mira clapped her hands together happily. Then pointed at her end of the lacrima. “Do not be shifting around them!”

“Why do you think I’m not flying!?” Natsu huffed back. “We are taking a train from the town over.”

Mira sighed. “Alright. Good. I will see you when you get back.”

“Thanks, Mira.” He shut off the com and left to go find Lucy and Happy.

They were waiting for him at the death machine station.

“What took you so long?” Lucy asked. She looked far more comfortable.

“Just had to make a quick call. No biggie.” Natsu waved her off. “Let's get this over with.”

They boarded the train and Lucy sat across from him. “So why do you call trains a death machine?”

“You'll find out really soon.” Happy said, patting her leg.

Natsu was ok until the train started moving. Then he had to pull down the window and lean out of it.

“I hate….trains.” He moaned out.

“Holy-!” Lucy screeched trying to get bags and such but Happy stopped her.

“Don't worry about it. Natsu just gets really bad motion sickness.” The cat explained.

____________________

Natsu decided to stop at a food stall before heading to the guild.

“Yami!” Natsu called, slumping into a seat, Happy hopped up behind him and Lucy uneasily dropped herself into the seat across the table.

“Natsu!” The shop owner ran all the way to their table and plowed into him. Hugging him half to death.

“Easy Yami, just got off the death machine.” He said gently, patting her on the arm.

“Oh! You poor thing! You must be starving!” Yami pouted.

“Ya…” Natsu replied with a light laugh.

“Then the usual it is! And a fish for Happy!” Yami cheered. “And you miss?”

“Oh umm….” Lucy quickly looked over the menu. “Garden salad is fine.”

“Coming right up!” Yammi called retreating back into the kitchen.

“You come here often?” Lucy asked, looking around.

Natsu shrugged. “Good food. And always free. Been coming here since I joined the guild.”

“You eat for free here?” Lucy gasped.

“Natsu eats at almost all the restaurants for free or major discounts.” Happy pipped in.

“How did you manage that one?” Lucy asked, gapping at the dragon slayer.

Natsu hummed. “Long story. Not worth talking about.” He replied, waving her off.

Sometime later their meals came out. Yami hugged Natsu then Happy telling them not to be strangers, then went to tend to other customers.

“Wow, this is good,” Lucy admitted.

“Told ya,” Natsu replied with smug pride.

They finished eating and Natsu left the only payment he ever left in town. A nice shiny rock. Yami liked the purple ones so that's what he set down.

“What's that about?” Lucy asked, eyeing the stone.

Natsu shrugged and walked out. He didn't wait for Lucy, but Happy was sitting in his bag without hesitation.

“Wait up!” Lucy called running after him. “Why did you leave the rock?”

“Why do you leave money?” Natsu asked.

“Because it's payment.” Natsu gave her the same look.

He scented Gray and could feel the calming effect the ice mage had on him. Natsu loved Gray.

Gray was his mate after all.

So if he sped up a little bit, no one had to know why.

“I'm back!” He called as he kicked open the guild door.

He spotted Gray sitting at the bar counter and made a beeline for him. He wrapped his arms around the ice mage’s back and took a deep breath, inhaling that familiar icey pine smell that was so unique to Gray Fullbuster.

“Hey, flame breath,” Gray said, chuckling as he reached back and ruffled pink locks.

Natsu didn't talk for a moment, just sending happy growls through his chest.

“No Igneel then?” Gray asked. Natsu shook his head despite its location between Gray’s shoulder blades. “I'm sorry. You will find him someday.”

“I know.” Natsu finally replied. “I found someone else though.” Natsu pulled back, allowing Gray to turn around to see Lucy who was taking in the guild as a whole.

Gray stood and walked up to her. “Natsu said he brought you in.”

Gray offered her a hand and she went red. “Gray! Your shirt!” Canna called from the end of the bar as someone tossed him a shirt.

“When did that happen!?” He yelped, pulling on the shirt.

Natsu laughed next to him and Gray tossed him a bitter glare. “Shut up flame brain.”

“Make me a popsicle!” Natsu snarked back.

“Take it outside boys!” Cana called with a catcall.

“Gray Fullbuster.” Gray tried again as he looked at the girl after sending Cana another death glare.

“Lucy Heartfillia.” She said, shaking his hand. “Is that normal?” She motioned to his clothes.

He chuckled. “Unfortunately, so.”

“Until Natsu gets a hold of him,” Levy smirked as she walked by with a pile of books.

“She’s got a point,” Natsu said. “Do you want to help Levy?”

“If you're offering.” She said and the dragon slayer grabbed a few off the top of her pile and helped her carry them to the library.

“So you want to join Fairy Tail?” Gray asked Lucy to the bar.

“I would love to!” Lucy said happily, clapping her hands together.

“We took the train.” Happy said sitting on the counter with a fish already in his paws, courtesy of Mira who brought over two drinks to Gray.

“Is that…on fire?” Lucy asked, pointing to the other drink.

“Hmm?” Gray eyed it and nodded. “Ya. It's for Natsu. So you took the train. Interesting.”

“Natsu called Mira before coming back.” Happy said.

“Good. The last thing we need is to get too much publication.” The ice mage sipped his drink.

“What are you talking about?” The blonde was curious.

“Oh…nothing for you to worry about just yet.” Gray waved her off.

“Does it have something to do with why Natsu plays with really shiny rocks?”

Gray smiled at her. “A little bit, ya. But you're going to be a part of Fairy Tail, it's just one of our worst kept secrets that's all.”

“Mira, I missed your fire chicken!” Natsu called as he grabbed his one-fire drink and took it back.

“You just ate….” Lucy deadpanned.

“Mr. Bottomless Pit will always want fire chicken.”

“Not true!” Natsu replied, setting his chin on his open palm. “Sometimes I want some ice cream.”

“Gross.” Cana chuckled from a few seats down.

“Keep it, age-appropriate boys,” Mira said, setting the meal down in front of Natsu. “I think Erza will be back tomorrow anyway.”

Natsu hummed and eyed Gray. “Guess I will be getting some ice cream later after all.”

“Shut up!” Cana credits chucking a mug at Natsu’s head as she died with laughter.

“Ummm what?” Lucy tried to understand what was going on.

“Don't worry about it,” Gray answered, shaking his head. “It's another one of those things, you don't need to worry about.”

Chapter Text

Lucy liked Fairy Tail. They were loud. They were chaotic. They were…Fairy Tail.

However, another question seemed to pique her interest the longer she lived in Magnolia.

She had heard about the Salamander of Fairy Tail who she knew was Natsu. There weren't any doubts about that one. And Titania Erza the Queen of the Fairies was also pretty self-explanatory. As was Gray’s Ice Prince title.

The one person she had yet to meet that this nickname could apply to and make full sense was a nickname she had only ever heard in Magnolia. It was never in any articles. No one knew about it in other towns.

So it made her wonder, maybe it was just a local? But the Fairy's Dragon did not apply to anyone she met.

Because when she asked people when they used the title, they smiled and said that Magnolia had a real-life Dragon to watch over the town and they were a Fairy Tail mage.

Lucy didn't know any real dragons in Fairy Tail. The closest was Natsu, but being a dragon slayer did not make you a dragon.

However, when the Phantom Lord attacked her she learned rather quickly that Gajeel was also a dragon slayer. And no one in Phantom Lord was called the Phantom's dragon or whatever. So it couldn't be Natsu, right?

Just wouldn't make sense.

Lucy huffed as she took another blow from Gajeel’s boot.

“All you Fairy are so pathetic.” Gajeel hissed in her ear as he lifted her head by her hair.

“Wait till they show up…..and kick your ass.” Lucy hissed back.

“Oh please, I can handle anything your pathetic guild sends my way.” He tossed her way when the floor suddenly smashed open.

“Gajeel!” There stood Natsu bloody, beaten, and pissed-looking.

“Looking who came to join us!” Gajeel bragged while Happy ran to join Lucy and untie her.

“You have done enough. And I'm going to kick your ass.” Natsu snarled angrily.

“Oh Salamander, I think you got this all wrong.” Gajeel sent a fist into Natsu’s gut.

Natsu returned the favor.

The fight went on, but Natsu was waning.

“What's wrong Salamander? Running low on steam?” Gajeel mocked.

“He needs fire.” Happy muttered.

“How are we going to get fire?” Lucy asked. Happy shrugged unknowingly.

They had to watch as Natsu got beat to hell before sliding out onto a ledge. Having to watch as the Guild was destroyed.

Lucy cried but then she felt something hard and unfamiliar under her leg. She looked down to see her new gold key.

“Open! Gate of the Horse! Sagittarius!” She called the spirit to their realm as she whipped away her tears.

The horseman saluted. “Hidy ho!”

“I'm sorry. I know we don't have a contract but can you make a fire?” She begged.

“Unfortunately not!” Sagittarius apologized.

“Ready to go down with your guild!?” Gajeel shouted as Natsu stood again.

“Shut up.” Natsu hissed angrily. Charging at the steel-covered dragon slayer.

“That won't work, remember!?” Gajeel slammed his elbows into Natsu’s back. The Iron Dragon slayer cackled as Natsu once more tried to get up.

“Natsu!” That drew the attention of everyone to the doorway. Gray stood panting and bloody.

“Who the fuck are you?” Gajeel snarled, turning his attention to the half-naked ice mage.

“Leave Gray!” Natsu called back trying to stand again.

Gajeel looked between the two and then got a sick look on his face. Suddenly, he was in front of the ice mage who picked him up by the neck.

“Look here Salamander, now I really have taken everything from you.” Gajeel’s grip tightened around Gray’s neck.

“Shit!” Natsu tried to get to the other slayer but couldn't function.

“He just needs fire!” Happy wailed.

That's when Sagitaruis told them he knew what to do and the far wall exploded into a mass of flames. Quickly consumed by Natsu.

“You think that will save him?” Gajeel cackled his grip loosening just enough for Gray to shout.

“Natsu! Shift!” Gray called before metal-coated fingers dug into his skin again.

Natsu froze. He gapped at Gray who gave him a nod.

“You're dead.” Natsu snarled at Gajeel.

And Lucy was suddenly snatched up by Happy. Sagittarius left at the same time.

“Happy!?” Lucy cried.

“If Natsu is shifting we won't fit in there anymore.” Happy said and then turned so they could look inside.

Natsu’s body grew as wings snapped from his back and a tail exploded from his lower back as red scaled fingers pulled his scarf from his neck and wrapped it around a horn that grew from his hairline.

He bellowed as his entire body grew into a Dragons.

Lucy screamed.

Natsu glared at Gajeel and shook out his long neck as his tail whipped around the room smashing walls as his wings took out the ceiling.

Gajeel gapped and dropped Gray.

“What the fuck….” Gajeel breathed coming face to face with a massive fire dragon.

Gray coughed as he once again was able to take in air. “Fairy Tail’s Worst kept secret.”

Natsu bellowed as fire ran along his scales. Smoke billowed from his nostrils. His claws dug into the floor.

And he stared Gajeel down. Tempting him to make a move.

“I'm…a Dragon Slayer.” Gajeel puffed up his chest. Only to be pinned to a wall by a clawed paw. Natsu’s snout got so close that it was hard to breathe through the smoke. Then he roared.

Gajeel went white.

“Natsu, don't kill him,” Gray said, stepping towards the dragon.

Natsu snarled at the other slayer before dropping him like a sack of potatoes.

Gajeel gapped at the dragon as Gray adjusted the scarf on his horn.

“You can't shift, can you?” Gray asked Horsley.

“No….I didn't know any slayer could.” Gajeel admitted but didn't move.

“Natsu’s one of a kind,” Gray said, leaning against the red-scaled body. “What happened to your dragon?”

“Left. 7 years ago.” Gajeel snorted out.

Natsu suddenly shrank again. “July 7, 777?” He asked as Gray caught his scarf when it flew off.

“Ya….” Gajeel eyed him.

“Igneel left the same day! Do you know where your dragon went?” Natsu asked.

“Fuck if I know. Metalicana just up and left one day.” Gajeel was acting tough about it, but Gray could tell it was a sore spot for the Iron Dragon slayer as well.

“Shit.” Natsu huffed.

“How come you can turn into a dragon?” Gajeel asked.

Natsu shrugged. “Don't know. Just can.”

The building shuttered around them. “Maybe you did a little too much.”

Natsu sheepishly looked away. “We should go before this place comes down.”

He shifted again and Gray was about to get on his back when he looked at Gajeel. “Come on.”

“I almost killed you.” Gajeel pointed out.

“And? I'm not cold-hearted enough to leave you here to die. Let's go.” Gray waved him on.

The other slayer hesitated but joined Gray on Natsu’s back.

The dragon took a few steps out of the Phantom Lords guild before taking the air. He hovered for a moment as Happy set Lucy who was still panicking in front of Gray, then sat himself down on Gray’s lap. He eyed Gajeel and Gray shrugged.

Natsu landed in front of the now fallen guild hall. Letting everyone off. He snorted more smoke into Gajeel’s face making his point very clear, before shifting back and taking his scarf from Gray.

“Well, that ends what I supposed,” Natsu muttered as everyone came up to them. Erza was quick to pull both boys into a hug.

“You stupid fools!” She yelled, smacking them both.

“You're a dragon…” Lucy had to sit down.

“The Fairy’s Dragon.” Someone called and cheers rang out.

Master Makorav made his way to where Gajeel stood out of the crowd. Beat to hell and looking like he just got mauled by a dragon, which he definitely had been.

“I'm leaving.” Gajeel huffed, turning on his heel.

“I got a better offer,” Makorav said solemnly. “I'm sorry.”

Gajeel blinked at him. “For what?”

“Jose got to you before I could. We were trying to find a good way to bring you to Fairy Tail. Years ago.” Makarov explained. “I didn't want someone taking control of your power and using it for evil. I was also concerned Jose would have an actuarial dragon-like Natsu under his control.”

“I can't turn into a frigging dragon.” Gajeel huffed bitterly.

“I know that now.” Makorav agreed. “But you still need work. And Fairy Tail is home to many who have nothing.”

Gajeel looked behind the small master to the rest of the guild. “I don't belong here. I…I hurt so many of your people.”

“And yet…..a dragon saved your life.”

Gajeel spotted Natsu, he was looking seriously at his fellow dragon slayer. Probably overhearing the whole thing. He gave a small nod.

“Your people would never accept me.” Gajeel finally said.

“Some will have an issue for some time. But no one here was accepted anywhere else. Think about it. I have a job for you when you come to a conclusion.” Makorave then walked away. He pulled Natsu down to his level and said something, even Gajeel couldn't make out.

Natsu looked serious then nodded and stood and made his way over to Gajeel.

“Let's go for a walk,” Natsu said, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Gajeel hesitated but when he felt a tiny stone hit his head he saw a grin on Natsu’s face.

Gajeel stood and followed the younger.

They walked through the town till they came to a small run-down-looking bar. Gajeel scoffed at it but Natsu went in without any issues.

“Tama!” Natsu called. “Are you still open?”

“Just working the fire now!” Came the reply as the two slayers sat at the bar stools.

“Best ramen in town,” Natsu said, reaching behind the bar and grabbing a menu. “Let me know if you need help!” Natsu called.

“Will do!” Came the reply.

“Order whatever. Though I don't think they have scrap yard soup.” Natsu said, chuckling.

“Shut up ya damned pyro,” Gajeel grumbled. But he looked through the menu. Everything sounded really good.

“Alright, gentlemen. What can I get you?” An old hunched-over man asked, stepping on a step stool.

“Chilly Ramen with extra pork belly!” Natsu yelled.

The old man chuckled. “Usually it is. And you?”

“Ummm….miso ramen works,” Gajeel replied.

“Be right out.” The old man stepped down.

“Fairy Tail does not search people out to join it.” Natsu started playing with his glass of water. “We…we find Fairy Tail when we need it the most. It calls out to those who truly need it with open arms. Because Fairy Tail is a constant question. Do Fairies really have tails? Which will forever be an adventure.”

“You're trying to recruit me.” Gajeel snorted, not looking at the pinkette.

“Nah. You wouldn't be here if Fairy Tail wasn't calling you.” Natsu replied.

“Nothing calls me.” Gajeel hissed. “Nothing wants me.”

“We do. You hurt Levy, Jet, Droy, Gray, and Lucy. But you didn't kill anyone. You were following orders. But at Fairy Tail, we don't get a lot of orders. We are ordered to live that adventure forever.” Natsu explained and went quiet as their ramen was placed in front of them.

Gajeel watched as he pulled out a palm-sized tiger's eye stone. It was so well shinned that Gajeel could see himself in it.

Then Natsu handed it to Tama.

Tama nodded and took the rock. Then I walked away.

Natsu ate quietly till he was done. “When you figure out if you want to go on a forever adventure, you know where we are.”

Then he walked to the door.

“Aren't you going to pay!?” Gajeel called. This guy was sticking him with the bill.

“I already did. You're covered as well.” Natsu said and left.

“The Fairy’s Dragon.” Gajeel looked over to see the old guy. He held up the rock. “A bit of the Dragons Treasure is enough payment.”

Chapter Text

Natsu was lounging on one of the benches in the guild.

Gray was reading a book while stroking his hair and Erza sat across the table enjoying her cake in peace.

Lucy was talking at the bar with Levy over a book.

Wendy played with Happy and Carla.

Laxus sat on the second floor, as Mira moved around the guild.

Gajeel lounges at his own table flipping through his own book.

Not one was really up to fight, surprisingly. And the mission's bored didn't refresh till tomorrow.

So it was pretty peaceful as far as Fairy Tail went.

Well until Natsu suddenly sat straight up. Gajeel jolted in his seat. Laxus actually fell from his seat and made his way to the second-floor banister. Wendy dropped whatever she was doing and her eyes were locked on the guild door.

“Natsu?” Gray asked, confused.

But the slayer didn't reply to him as he slid out of the seat and made his way to the guild doors. The other slayers moved around him. Even Laxus, though holding back, seemed pretty focused on the door.

The Fire Dragon Slayer pulled the doors open and there in the middle of the guild's doorway was a tall man with long fiery red hair. Several scares covered his face and arms.
slayer.

He wore gold chains and leather pants and a vest. The sandals on his feet matched Natsu's iconic ones.

The man looked down at Natsu and then a slow, easy smile grew on his face.

“Hello, Natsu.” The man said.

Natsu slammed into the man, hugging him and crying.

“Easy, breathe my little spitfire.” The man cooed as he petted Natsu’s hair. He looked at the other slayers and hummed. “Come on out, why don't you.”

Then a large white muzzle and dark metal one entered the doorway.

Wendy wailed as they ran to the white one. Gajeel was a bit slower but even he made his way to the other dragon.

No one in the guild knew what to do or say. But Gray walked up to Laxus.

The lighting user had an easy smile on his face. He looked over to Gray. “Go meet your Father in law.”

Gray’s head whiplashed to the man currently holding Natsu. “Igneel?” He breathed.

The red-haired man gave a slow, easy grin.

“Holy…”

Gray moved to the man as Natsu finally pulled away.

“Look how big you have gotten. I'm so proud of you, my son.” Igneel said looking down at Natsu who was whipping away his tears but was smiling.

“Your back.”

“For a little bit of time.” Igneel agreed. “But let's not think about that right now.”

Natsu hesitated but nodded. “Oh, Dad this is Gray.”

Igneel looked at Gray and hummed. “I know. I have been keeping a heavy watchful eye on you this entire time. I wasn't able to come back till now. But I never left your side.”

Fairy Tail was now wandering out to meet Wendy and Gajeel’s parent dragons as well.

“I'm sorry I couldn't help you when you needed me the most, my boy.” Igneel apologized. “If I could have pulled you from that horrible place I would have.”

Natsu shook his head. “I know.”

“Thank you, Gray Fullbuster, for watching over my son,” Igneel said offering the same hand gesture Gray had seen Natsu give others over the years.

Gray grabbed the dragon's wrist and they shook.

“It's nice to finally meet you.” Gray greeted.

Igneel hummed as he rubbed Natsu’s hair. “Well, now that greetings are over. Natsu, my little Spitfire, are you ready to go home? We have something to do.”

Natsu’s brow furrowed. “Go home?”

“Yes. That is why we are here. You and the other slayers have seen the world, now it is your time to come home. We don't have much time left.” Igneel replied.

A low rumble from Macallicana echoed, “Well not a long time for us.”

“For humans, it will be quite some time.” Grandena agreed with her melody-toned voice.

“What are you talking about?” Natsu asked. Confused like everyone else.

“It's time for you to take your rightful spot. So you think I just left without some sort of plan?” Igneel chuckled and shook his head. “No, my son, I needed to prepare for your return. Make sure that everything was in place for you to take control.”

“Take control of what?” Gray asked.

“Well, both of you as I can't take one part of a mated pair. But the Dragons need a king and thus you are to return.” Igneel explained. “But apparently we shall get two! And a magnificent knight! As well as a wonderful little healer!” Igneel cheered looking back at the large dragons.

“Knight?” Gajeel asked, looking at his parent dragon.

“Of course. Iron dragons have been serving as the human version of Knights to the dragon king for many a century.” Matalicanna replied with pride. “You have heavy claws to fill the little one.”

Gajeel looked to Natsu who looked just as confused as everyone felt.

“And you, my little Gale wind will take over my duties as the sacred healer,” Gardena said, looking at Wendy.

“And it looks like we even have a newcomer! I haven't seen a lighting dragon in so long! But to see a slayer is quite a spectacle. Real or not.” Igneel said looking over to Laxus who stiffened.

“I'm not going with you,” Laxus said slowly.

Igneel waved him off. “Of course, you will. Lighting dragons are simply more complex fire dragons.”

Laxus's jaw tightened. “I'm not leaving Fairy Tail.”

Igneel hummed. “In due time then.” He looked at his still stunned son. “Now are you ready to regain your place as my son? Heir to the throne?”

Natsu gaped at him. Confused. Here his father stood, asking him to come home. To join him in ruling over the dragons. To bring Gray as his proper mate. To have Gajeel as a knight. And Wendy is the lead healer.

He glanced at Fairy Tail behind him, no one was talking. Everyone was holding their breath. Even Erza seemed uncertain of what Natsu would choose.

But Natsu didn't know what he wanted.

Yes, he wanted to be with his father again. More than anything. But to leave Fairy Tail? To leave all his friends? To never come back?

To leave Erza? Lucy? Happy?

Natsu scented the Master and located him quickly. The old man was standing next to Mira. Looks proud and sad.

But he gave Natsu a small nod, giving Natsu the answer he didn't know he needed. But now he had it.

He looked back at his father.

“All…” Natsu gulped, unsure if he could go through with it. “All personal…..requests….go directly to the Master. Not the Mage.”

He stepped back with tears in his eyes. How long had it been since he had seen his father? How long had he searched for his father?

Natsu quickly shifted and took off.

He needed to breathe. Do not worry about anything. And though he knew his father could follow him without a problem, Natsu also knew he wouldn’t. Igneel had always known when Natsu needed some space to think.

And now he had too much to think about and not enough time to think about it.

Natsu flew till his wings felt like they were going to fall off. Then he flew some more till he came to a cave.

He shifted and fell to the ground, panting and trying to take in air after flying for so long.

“I didn't know there was another like myself.” Natsu was startled and sat up to see a man with darkened skin and blue-black hair. Blue markings covered his face and Natsu could only smell blood on his skin.

“Who are you!?” Natsu hissed, getting in a defensive position.

“Acnologia. The future king of the Dragons.” He said with a gross grin. “But you're a slayer. Who can shift.”

Natsu huffed, moving as far as the cave would allow him to be from this guy. He didn't like how he smelled. How he sounded.

“You little dragon, is quite something. You are not Dragnified and yet you have dragon form.” He stood and Natsu lowered his body. He was always better attacking up anyway.

“And?” Natsu growled deep within his chest.

“Just interesting. Maybe you can help me.” Achniclogia stood above him, easily towering over the younger male. “Or maybe, you can help me.”

“What exactly would I help you with?! You stink of dragon and human blood alike.” He snapped back.

“Taking control of the dragon world of course! We could rule and there would be no one who could stand against us! Not even the Death Wizard!” He grinned with sharp dangerous teeth that freaked Natsu out.

“And I say no?” He wasn't planning on joining his Father in ruling over the dragons, what made this guy think he could ask Natsu the same?

“Then I will kill you.” The dragon shrugged as his body grew into the black and blue scaled monster. Bigger than any dragon Natsu had ever seen before.

Natsu shifted quickly, only being a third of the stranger’s size. But that made him faster. He peeled back and even though his wings screamed at him to stop, Natsu kept pushing. He couldn't fight this guy.

Not yet. He wasn't strong enough, even Natsu knew that.

The strange dragon was hot on his tail, and Natsu sent a burst of flames to speed him up, though it didn't last long.

Natsu couldn't bring him back to his father and the other dragons. That would put Fairy Tail in danger. It would put Gray in danger.

His wings beat as fast as they could trying to at least put some distance between him and Achnologia, but it wasn't working. Despite his massive size, the large dragon moved faster than Natsu had originally thought.

Fear and adrenaline burst through every vein in his body and he forged on. Unable to stop. Unable to move forwards. But he knew where he was. He prayed the stranger didn't.

He took off like a bullet in a direction he knew a mountain was. The fog cover that had come to be while Natsu had been flying hid the rocky surface well.

But Natsu knew the timing, having practiced it far too many times.

At the last second, he shot up and heard the dangerous crunch of a dragon slamming into the rock.

Natsu didn't dare look back. That would slow him down. But he took off to Magnolia. At least to alter Igneel and the others. Maybe meet Achnologia halfway.

He heard a terrifying bellowing roar and pushed even harder.

Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!

His wings ready to fly off on their own, he spotted the Guild. The fog is breaking. He charged for where Igneel stood, probably talking to Matalicana.

He risked the glance behind him and saw Achnologia gaining on him.

Natsu roared for his father. Allowing the fear he had been feeling to echo in his voice.

Igneel snapped his head up to look at him. But Natsu skidded into the ground creating quite the crater from his crash landing. Too tired to land properly.

Igneel raced to his side, “Natsu?”

“Danger…” Natsu huffed out.

The bellowing roar from the dead dragon made Igneel go pale and look up to the sky. “Rest.” He said and took a step before he started shifting to his own dragon form.

Much bigger than Natsu’s.

Wendy was by his side in seconds.

“Natsu!?” She cried.

“Fine….” He rumbled. But now that he had backed up he needed to get to the fight.

He wobbled to his feet and his wings dropped. But he heaved them back up and looked at the tiny slayer. “Get…everyone….out.” He hissed.

Wendy had tears in her eyes, clearly understanding how bad of a situation this was without having all the information, then she took off.

Natsu wobbled out to join his father just as the Iron and Sky dragon did.

“Natsu, I think you're hanging around with the wrong crowd,” Matallicana grumbled.

“Wasn't on purpose.” He huffed out and Gandena offered him some supporting magic.

“Doesn't matter. We have a bigger problem on our hands now. Get him away from the human population.” Igneel commanded. Then sent out his own replying below before taking off.

“You don't have to come,” Matallicana said.

“Yes. I do.” Natsu huffed out and spread his wings once again and swore to himself he wouldn't fly for a whole month after this.

Igneel had already plowed into the death dragon, sending him flying into an open field away from the human population.

“I didn't know the runt was going to bring out my target.” Achnologia huffed as he got up. Rock and debris fell from his body as he did.

“Didn't know you were nearby,” Igneel growled back hovering above the other.

“Well old man, let's see who is stronger. You or me.”

“You're weak in all the wrong places,” Igneel argued back.

The death dragon roared and bolted to the sky. Hitting Igneel point blank. But as soon as he came into the sky the three other dragons hit him with their own razor attacks.

Natsu huffed, he knew it wouldn't have done nearly as much damage as he would have liked, but a hit was a hit in the end.

Acniclogia whirled around blindly and surged towards Natsu.

Natsu hissed and bellowed. His fire rippled through his body. And he charged at the older dragon. He wasn't running anymore.

He was Natsu Dragneel. Fire dragon slayer of Fairy Tail, and he didn't back down from the same enemy twice.

He slammed his body into the larger chest and wrapped his neck around to lock his jaws on Acniclogias, making the black dragon bellow in pain.

But Natsu didn't let go. Digging his claws into the dragon's soft underbelly and wrapping his tail around his front leg. Making it do the older could not tear him off without causing greater damage to himself.

Natsu held on. Gripping tighter as the others hit him with everything they had. And he held on for a good long time before the death dragon got a foot between himself and Natsu and pulled him away violently.

Blood splattered as Natsu slammed into the ground. He was so tired. He had already flown so much today and the fight was the hardest he had ever been a part of.

Nothing in Natsu’s body wanted to move, no matter how much he willed it. Willed it to get up and move so that he could rejoin the fight.

But he couldn't, his body simply wouldn't move. He slammed his eyes shut trying to get his magic to move. To at least send an attack to help.

“NATSU!” His eyes flew open and spotted Gray just inside the town limits with the entire Fairy Tail guild behind him. Cry’s to get up came from everyone just as Matallican crashed to the ground.

“Get up.” He blinked and saw Mavis standing there. “Your guild needs you.”

“I can't move,” Natsu replied, tears falling from his eyes as Grandena hit the ground.

“Then use your fellow guild mates' power.” She said, kneeling down beside his head. “Use the love and freedom Fairy Tail provides.”

Natsu blinked the tears from his eyes and looked at the others. All of them cheering him on. Then looked to where Igneel had ripped Technology's wing off, before being slammed into the ground by the now flightless death dragon.

He looked back to Mavis who touched his snot. “Go. The Fairy’s Dragon can finish this fight. Protect the guild.”

Natsu could feel his strength coming back. Not as quickly as he would have liked, but enough to get his feet back under him.

Dirt and rocks fell from his body as he staggered and urinated himself. He turned to where Igneel and Achnicologia were now duking it out on the ground. Igneel tries to gain air only to be pulled back down again.

Natsu staggered a few more steps before finding his feet then slowly he felt that power come back to him. The power of the bonds of Fairy Tail.

Natsu started to pick up speed before snapping his wings out and taking to the sky. He flew as high into the air as he could before taking a deep breath and slowly turning his body. Pointed straight at the Death Dragon.

Closing his wings into his body he became a bullet hurtling through the sky. His body is fighting with fire. Bellowing angrily as he raced towards the enemy.

Achnilogia didn't have time to move before Natsu slammed into him.

Natsu felt the power of Fairy Tail enrapture him as he reached his jaws around Achnologias throat once more and dug his fangs into the soft skin.

He bit deeper till he felt a crunch.

Then the limpness of the dragon under him.

Natsu staggered before falling unconscious just inches from the Dragon he had just killed.

Chapter Text

Gray watched with horror as Natsu broke the dragon's neck. The entire guild fell quiet as the black dragon fell limply to the ground Natsu staggered away before falling on his own.

The ice mage could hear fear-filled murmurs ring through the members of the guild but his only thought was to get to Natsu.

He took off and raced towards the dragon slayer, Gajeel and Wendy hot on his heels. The crack of electricity pulsed through the air as Laxus zipped past them.

“Natsu!” Gray cried, skidding to a halt next to the fallen dragon.

Blood covered his red scales. He hoped it was not his, but when he saw Wendy start healing near Natsu’s belly he knew not all of it was the Black Dragons.

“Where else is he hurt!?” Wendy demanded as Gajeel and Laxus looked Natsu over.

“I got a sliced wing joint!” Laxus called.

“I don't know what I got but it looks bad!” Gajeel replied from his spot at the base of Natsu’s neck.

“Gray!” Wendy snapped Gray out of his stubber. “Freeze the wounds! I need to heal this one first!”

Gray hesitated for only a second before running to Gajeel. The Iron Dragon slayer was right, it did look bad. Natsu was lucky he hadn't been decapitated.

Once covered in ice, Gray moved to where Laxus was. They worked quickly before the other dragons hobbled to their feet and made their way over.

Igneel got closer and it was only then that Gray realized how much bigger the older fire dragon was than Natsu.

He shifted and skidded into the dirt crater.

“How is he?” Igneel asked, looking at Wendy as she worked on the neck wound.

“I'm not sure yet,” Wendy muttered as Grandena got to work on other injuries. “I need to move him, but I also need him to shift.”

“He’s too hurt to shift right now. He will heal faster like this.” Her mother replied quickly.

Wendy nodded and focused on the neck injury.

“I didn't realize he got so badly injured,” Gray said, shaking his head.

“We all did,” Igneel said grimly revealing a bloody stump of an arm. “But that monster needed to be taken down.”

From the looks of it had already been healed. Though the blood still was very present on the skin.

“Will you be alright?” Gray asked worriedly. There wasn't anything to do about Natsu, not at the moment on his end anyway. But if Igneel died and Natsu wasn't able to say goodbye he would be devastated.

“I'll be fine. Grandena patched me up fairly quickly. Your little healer, she has great claws to follow, but by the work I have seen her do, the dragons will be in good hands.” Igneel said not unkindly.

“I don't think they will be going with you,” Gray replied, moving his hand over Natsu’s scaled snout. He was glad his mate passed out. By how long it was taking Wendy to heal the injury on his neck, Natsu probably would have been in a lot of pain.

Igneel hummed looking over his son. “I know.”

Gray blinked at his elder. “You do?”

Igneel nodded slowly. “Yes. The fact that they all hesitated was answer enough. I would still like to take Natsu for a little bit and spend some proper time with him again. But…..”

“What about ruling over the dragons?” Gray asked.

“Natsu has already done the impossible. Without him here Achnologia would have killed us. We are not as strong as we used to be. If Ignius has been here I would not have been concerned, but I am grateful to your guild.” Igneel gave Gray a kind smile.

Gray blushed and looked away. “Whose Ignius?” He asked quietly, though because he knew Natsu he knew Igneel heard him.

“Igneous would be my other son. There's a reason though that I prefer Natsu over him despite him being older.” Igneel sighed and shook his head. “That shit head needs to have a rock or two dropped on his head. Knock some sense into him for once.”

Gray smiled. “Natsu never mentioned a brother.”

“I imagine not. Natsu didn't know him. He doesn't know any of his blood or nonblood relatives.” Igneel stood and offered a hand to Gray. “Not that it matters in the end, Natsu has found a family all on his own and none of them are blood-related.”

It made Gray wonder, not for the first time, who Natsu was really related to.

“I would like to know,” Gray replied.

Igneel looked off into the setting sun as Metallicanna went about dragging the dead dragon's body away.

“There are things in this world that don't make sense. And one of them is Natsu.” Igneel replied looking back at Gray. “He was born of a relationship I had with human women. I was unaware of that till I found him. However, said the woman was also the mother of Zeref.”

“The dark wizard!?” Gray gapped.

“The one and the same.” Igneel nodded. “While Ignius is born of a relationship I had with another dragon, Natsu is part human and part dragon. It's why he can shift. Metalicana and Grandena had to search for a long time for their slayers to not become dignified as Acnicloga had been. But Natsu had no such problem. If you fear him during evil simply because he killed another dragon, don't. If it had been Gajeel or Wendy I would have been far more concerned. They don't have the same protection against going all evil dragon as Natsu does.”

Gray looked down at his mate. The things that he was learning were things Natsu didn't even know about himself.

“You will tell him all this right?” Gray glanced back up to the older dragon.

“I was going to, but then he left.” Igneel chuckled. “If he wants to hear it all I will tell him.”

Igneel looked to the sky. “But it looks like we once again have company.”

“Tell me we don't have to fight another dragon.” With Natsu out and no one in the guild able to really make much of a difference on any dragon, he didn't want to think about what could happen.

“Well, you're only half right.” Igneel shifted and gave a purring rumble, he was greeted with a distant matching one.

“Natsu, wake up.” Gray all but demand. He knew enough about Dragons to know that was a friendly call but Igneel was injured and Grandena and Matallicana were still heavily wicked from their previous fight.

He patted an open palm to the side of Natsu’s face trying to rouse the out cold dragon. Gray eyed the injuries and saw they were only in the final reaches of healing. He was hoping Natsu would wake soon.

He didn't know what was coming, but he knew Natsu would need to be awake for it.

He kept patting on the scales till he saw a twitch in Natsu’s eyes. A deep air was released making Gray wave away the ashy breath that came with it.

“He’s waking up!” Gray called to the others. Wendy was still standing on Natsu’s back. She had a bit more to do but gave him a thumbs up in acknowledgment.

“Easy….” Gray muttered as Natsu’s eyes blinked open. A rumble was heard and the dragon tried moving his head. “You had a pretty deep laceration on the back of your neck. Take it easy.”

Natsu grumbled but slowly lifted his head a foot off the ground. His slit pupils dilated on Gray.

“You did it. You killed him.” Gray replied. “Wendy is still healing your neck. Your going to-”

Natsu didn't wait for him to finish before pushing his massive legs under his body.

“Natsu-san!” Wendy called from the sudden movement.

“Natsu lay back down!” Gray called. Luckily Gajeel had gotten Wendy off before Natsu had fully risen.

The large Fire Dragon stood and shook himself out as he climbed out of the cavern of crushed earth his massive body had created.

The ice mage scrambled out after him.

“Natsu! Lay back down!” But his Mate ignored him as he made his way over to Igneel who was still watching the sky.

“I guess your choice is going to be greeted,” Igneel said slowly. Gray climbed under Natsu’s chest, allowing the smaller of the two fire dragons to tower over him, protectively.

Natsu hummed. And a dravic reply came out.

Igneel chuckled. “I suppose you have not translated well enough in this form,” Igneel replied. “Your brother. Ignius is on his way. Would you care to meet him?”

Natsu snarled and glared at his father. Gray could figure out what that meant well enough.

“Alright. We will be taking our leave then.” Igneel replied.

He stood and placed his wing around his son. Natsu nuzzled his own snout into Igneel’s neck.

“We will meet again,” Igneel whispered. “I will come to see you before it is my time to join past Dragons amongst the stars.”

Natsu rumbled.

Gray placed his hand on Natsu’s leg, offering the best comfort he could.

“I will return. You protect the humans of this town.” Igneel said, pulling back. Gray could tell there were tears in his eyes. “The Fairy’s Dragon. Natsu Salamander Dragneel. My son. We shall meet again. Whether it be in this life or the next.”

Igneel took a step back and Natsu reached his neck out to his father but didn't move his feet, whether because of Gray or because he knew he couldn’t actually follow.

“Be safe my son.” Igneel smiled then looked down at Gray. “Thank you, for protecting him all this time. And continue watching over him for me.”

Gray watched as Igneel nuzzled a bit of scale off and dropped it into Gray’s hands.

“A dragon's scale of the Dragon King. It holds great power. One day you will know the spell to use it properly.”

“How will I know?” Gray asked looking up from the red scale to his father-in-law.

“You will. There will come a day when you will notice yourself aging more quickly than Natsu despite the bound. It will be your choice.” Igneel replied with an almost sad smile.

He then snapped his wings open and took to the sky just as another fire dragon came into view. Grandena and Mattalicanna must have already said their goodbyes as they took to the skies.

The two stood there, long after the 4 dragons left their view. Long after Fairy Tail had gone back to the guild.

But then Natsu shrunk down and wrapped himself around Gray, and cried.

Chapter Text

Gray looked over to his mate. It had been many years since Igneel had left. And every so often word would come in that Natsu was needed amongst the other dragons and he would leave for a few weeks.

But he wasn't aging with the rest of them. Gray had already had to pluck a few silver strands from his hair. And he swore Erza was dyeing her hair. Lucy wasn't showing her age as much, but he had seen photos of her relatives, she would age much more gracefully than the rest of them.

But Natsu had only just stopped growing according to Wendy who had taken over as guild healer 2 years ago after Prolysuica passed away.

Gray had to say she was right, Natsu’s dragon self had only just filled out to be the same size if not a bit bigger than Igneel had been.

Gajeel had found a spell for the scale Igneel had given Gray. By accident.

A spell to allow the dragon magic from Igneel’s scale to mix with Gray’s own. To lengthen his life force to match Natsu’s. He wouldn't have the same shifting abilities but he would gain a bit of dragon slayer magic.

He wasn't worried about the life bit of the spell. He was worried about how his devil magic would interact with it. Or if it would change his own magic.

Gray didn't want to lose the last part of his own father nor did he want to lose his pure connection to Ur through his ice magic.

But he didn't want to be forced to leave Natsu either. And considering how long they had been together Gray feared it would actually kill Natsu to lose him.

“You should just talk to him,” Mira said, setting a mug down in front of him. Despite not asking for it, he took a swig. She knew his position, after all, she had taken over as Master when Makorav had passed away.

And after Laxus had tried to handle it for months and decided it wasn't his cup of tea. But Laxus and Erza held just as much power as Mira in the guild and were often asked to go to meetings in her place.

“I know.” He replied. “I just….”

“He won't say no.” She was one of the few to know about what he was going through. Erza understood but was too intense about everything. Gajeel and Wendy supported him telling him they would also be living longer so they would be right by his side no matter what.

Lucy and Loki had already made a deal that Loki’s key would forever stay with Fairy Tail even after her death, so he would always have Loki.

Gray sighed and finished his drink. Then he stood.

With a simple whistle, he walked out.

Natsu perked up and was by his side in seconds. Still, the hyperactive nut case he had been since day one. Though he had calmed down a lot since they were younger, due to his dragon side he wouldn't be feeling the effects of age in his body for quite a number of years.

They walked quietly back to their house, Natsu had torn down his own and rebuilt it bigger so that Gray could have some space if need be. As well as the training room Natsu had put in under the house.

They entered the house the same as always. Gray kicked off his shoes and lost his jacket along with his shirt. He had gotten better with his striping habit to the point where he only did it in the guild, in a fight, or at home.

Natsu kicked off his sandals and went to their room to change. He liked his billowy clothes but when they were at home he loved his shorts and hoodie. Both had extra room for when he felt the need to stretch his wings and tail without fully shifting.

Gray had a feeling they were going to be rebuilt in the near future so that Natsu’s full dragon size could fit comfortably in the living room.

The ice mage hummed and wanted for his mate to come out while he fixed tea and cookies.

“I think we should add more room,” Natsu said easily as he slid into the seat across from Gray who was dropping a few cubes of ice into his mug.

“Oh?” Gray wasn't all that concerned about it. He of course had already known it was going to come up.

“Ya….” Natsu mussed. “Maybe….a nursery?”

Gray stopped and looked at the dragon slayer who was not looking at him. “What?”

Natsu was quiet for another moment as he pushed his mug around not looking at Gray.

“The last time I went to see Igneel, there was….a baby dragon. Like me. Her parents died and Igneel is currently taking care of her. But Ignuis doesn't want her around at the moment. Baby dragons aren't exactly good for royal negotiations.” Natsu was expelled quietly.

“You want a kid?” Gray asked. He received a small nod. It wasn't something they had really talked about.

Gray always thought when presented with the idea he would have been against it. But instead, he was thinking about how it would work.

He reached out to grab Natsu’s. “I think that's a wonderful idea.”

Natsu looked at him and beamed. “Really?”

“Ya,” Gray agreed. He then cleared his throat. “I uh…wanted to talk to you about something as well.”

Natsu hummed, taking a sip of his drink with his empty hand.

“I think….I think I want to use the spell now.” Gray admitted

“You do?” Natsu asked with a bit of excitement in his tone.

“Ya, I'm just worried it will mess with my magic,” Gray replied, shaking his head.

“It won't. Igneel told me.” Natsu said proudly.

Gray hissed and pulled his hand away. “How long did you know that!?”

Natsu chuckled and shook his head. “Not long. I wanted it to be your choice and whatever worries you had I would try and answer. I didn't want to give you a push in the matter one way or the other.”

Gray glared at him for a moment before letting it go. “Well if we are getting a dragon kid I might as well be here for their entire life.”

Natsu grinned and leaned over to kiss Gray. “I'm glad they put me against you. And I'm glad they kept us together.”

“I am too.” Gray kissed him back. “Thank you for always being there, and being the Fairy’s Dragon.”