The story could also revolve around how the guild members' relationships change. For instance, Happy might not be as cheerful without Natsu around. And the guild as a whole might become more united in trying to find a replacement for Natsu or trying to figure out how to move forward without him. They could start to explore different parts of the magical world to find new allies or magic that can help them in their battles.
One reason could be that the author wants to create an alternate universe where Natsu has a different path. Maybe in this fanfiction, he has a prior commitment to another guild or group that prevents him from joining Fairy Tail.
In this fanfiction, the story might take a darker turn. Natsu is like the heart and soul of Fairy Tail in many ways. Without him, there could be a sense of gloom in the guild. However, this could also be a catalyst for change. Characters like Wendy could step up more. She might start to explore and master her dragon slayer magic in ways she hadn't before. And the relationships between the characters would shift, perhaps becoming more complex as they deal with the absence of Natsu.
One possible storyline could be Natsu founding Fairy Tail after a great battle where he realizes the need for a guild that stands for true friendship and strength. He then gathers like - minded mages and builds the guild from the ground up.
It could be that in this particular fanfiction, the writer has a different vision for Lucy's character development. Perhaps they think she can grow more independently outside of Fairy Tail. There might also be some plot twists that prevent her from joining, like she has a prior obligation to another group or person that conflicts with joining Fairy Tail.
One possible storyline could be that Natsu is wrongly accused of a crime within the Fairy Tail guild. Maybe some false evidence is planted against him, leading the guild members to turn their backs on him. Another could be that a powerful enemy manipulates the guild into believing Natsu is a threat, so they betray him. It might also be that there's a misunderstanding about Natsu's powers or intentions, causing the betrayal.
Perhaps a plotline where an outside force tries to manipulate Natsu and Zeref against each other while they are in Fairy Tail. This could lead to a lot of internal conflict within the guild as members take sides. But in the end, through the power of friendship and the values of Fairy Tail, they see through the ruse and become stronger together, uniting the guild even more firmly.
One possible storyline could be that the OC tries to find Natsu after he leaves Fairy Tail. The OC might have a special bond with Natsu and be determined to bring him back. They could go on a journey where they face various challenges and meet new characters along the way. Another idea is that the OC is actually the reason Natsu leaves Fairy Tail in the first place. Maybe there was a misunderstanding or a conflict between them that led to his departure, and the story could be about how they resolve it.
In some fanfictions, Natsu could be framed by a dark guild as a traitor to Fairy Tail. The dark guild spreads false rumors and evidence, causing Fairy Tail to turn against him. Natsu then has to prove his innocence while also taking on the dark guild that started it all. This would lead to a lot of internal conflict within Fairy Tail and also intense battles between Natsu and the dark guild members.
Well, without more context, 'her' could be any number of characters. It might be a new character created for the fanfiction. Natsu might want her to join Fairy Tail because he sees potential in her magic abilities. Fairy Tail is all about accepting people with different powers and making them part of the family.
If Natsu and Zeref join Fairy Tail in fanfiction, it would change the dynamic of the guild completely. The other members would have mixed reactions. Some might be distrustful of Zeref due to his past actions. However, as time passes, they could see the good in him. Natsu and Zeref together could attract a lot of attention from outside forces. Enemies might target Fairy Tail more because of their combined power. But also, they could inspire the guild to become even stronger, with everyone striving to keep up with their new powerful comrades.