35

Erza, Elise and Gray, waited patiently for Natsu's return. Roubaul had informed the three Fairy Tail Mages about the deal he had made with Natsu, and to say they were shocked, would be an understatement.

They were in agreement that they should wait until Natsu got back from Terminus before Roubaul would dispel the Illusion he'd kept up for Wendy. They knew it would help her having another Dragon Slayer there, since she seemed to like Natsu quite a lot.

Though they were surprised by Roubaul's story, they couldn't hate the man. He'd most certainly paid his dues, standing vigil over the dead city for so long, as well as looking after Wendy.

The group were waiting out the front of the Cait Shelter Guild, when suddenly, a small line appeared to slice through the air before them. The line soon split open, forming a Galaxy Blue void in space that Natsu strolled out from.

"Hey guys, your favorite troublemaker is back," Natsu grinned, as he found himself tackled to the ground by Erza, Elise and Wendy. "Oof! One at a time guys, damn!"

"You seriously worried us Natsu," Elise replied, hugging him for another few moments, before being the first to get off of him. "You seriously are crazy for facing down Ravus alongside Mother, but that was some damn fine craziness!"

"Don't praise him for being reckless Elise," Erza snapped, refusing to let go of him. "You'll be the death of me, you stupid man!"

"In my defense, I literally had to do what I did."

"I know," Erza sighed, finally getting off of him. "I honestly don't really know what to say, other than I'm glad you're okay, because you're actually right."

"I'm always right," Natsu grinned cheekily, before looking down at Wendy, who was still hugging him. "And what have we here? A fierce Dragoness clinging to me!?"

"I'm glad you're okay Natsu," Wendy sniffed, her face pressed firmly into his chest, as she took in his scent. "You and Eliza saved me…"

"I know little one, I know," Natsu sighed, gently petting her head as he looked up at Gray, his smirk returning. "Come on man, where's the hug?"

"Piss off Natsu," Gray grinned as he finally stepped forward. "No hug, but I'll give you respect for what you did. I can't think of anyone better who could have merged with Eliza to take that bastard down."

"Did someone mention my illustrious name?"

Everyone's attention immediately snapped toward the portal, as Eliza casually strode out of it, looking quite proud of herself.

"M-Mother!?"

"Hello dear! I don't believe we've had the chance to meet like this before, have we?"

"Mother," Elise cried, as she leapt up into the waiting arms of Eliza, the two nearly identical women hugging it out.

As they were hugging, everyone was startled as the head of Xicor popped through the portal, with Wendy nearly fainting on the spot.

"Is this a bad time to pop in?"

"Natsu… Am I losing my mind, or is that a literal Dragon," Erza asked bluntly, eliciting an amused chuckle from him.

"Yeah, it is. This is Xicor, God of Dragons," Natsu replied proudly. "Xicor, this is Erza, the one I told you about that I made the Armor for."

"Ah yes, I see. Hello Human, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Uh hi… Sorry if I make this seem awkward, but you're the first Dragon I've ever met," Erza replied awkwardly, eliciting an amused rumbling chuckle from the Dragon.

"Its quite alright. We don't exactly make ourselves known to the world, so I can't fault you for not know how you should act around me. However, Natsu tells me that the news I have for him to tell you won't be to your liking, so you might end up disliking me…"

"What is it…?"

"I have given him the task of training under another Dragon," Xicor replied plainly, as Erza looked at the Dragon in shock.

"So, he's going off by himself then," Erza asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"To meet with his new teacher, he will need to be alone, yes. From what I've heard about him disappearing for training though, this won't be anywhere near the time he was gone for you."

"So, how long will he be gone for?"

"Hmm. Well, I would say at the most six months. You see, because he is already an exemplary Dragon Slayer, his ability to pick up on new Slayer techniques should be quick."

"And then he can come back right after?"

"Of course, this is merely a chance for him to grow stronger and help better combat the threats you all seem to face. Once Natsu has mastered his new element, he should be far stronger than what he was before."

Erza turned toward Natsu, a sad yet understanding smile on her face, as she stepped right up toward him.

"You usually always disappear without telling me… But at least this time, you considered my feelings before you went off. Natsu, you should go off to train, and I'll work on mastering all the base techniques that the Armor you gave me has to offer."

"Erza dear, that wouldn't be much training at all, now would it," Eliza chimed in, as she approached the pair, with Elise in tow.

"Yeah Erza! Mother just finished telling me about something that will work out great!"

"The plan is Erza, that whilst Natsu is away training, I will be personally training both you, and Elise."

"Wait… You're going to train BOTH of us!? Why?

"Well, it was originally at Natsu's request. But then, as I thought about it, you and Elise are the perfect sparring partners. You see, thanks to Natsu's speech with the Tribunal, I'm being allowed to enter the mortal realms for short periods of time."

"Really? That's great! It's nice to know that Natsu wasn't just screwing around up there," Erza replied as she nudged him in the side playfully,

"Oh, this speech he gave Erza was superb! Once we all meet up again after the training, Natsu can tell you all about it."

"Come on Eliza, it really wasn't that good..."

"Nonsense Natsu, it was a fine speech! Anyway, we must be getting back, so I'll see you lot back at the Fairy Tail once Makarov gives the all clear!"

"Right. Thanks again Eliza, and I'll see you round Xicor," Natsu called out as he waved toward the Dragon.

"Goodbye Natsu! And remember, don't forget the location," the Dragon God replied cheerfully, as he pulled his head back through the portal, with Eliza departing moments afterward.

"So, we're all going off to train for real this time," Erza said quietly, as the group finally settled down.

"Yeah. But I'm still confused about one thing," Natsu replied, as he looked over toward Wendy, before looking toward the form of Roubaul, who remained near the door to Cait Shelter's Guild Hall.

"What's going on," Wendy asked curiously, noticing Natsu's eyes move from herself, over to Roubaul. "Natsu?"

"Its time we discussed something with you, Wendy," Natsu sighed, as the group started walking toward Roubaul, who seemed to realize that it was finally time to end things.

"Master? What's going on?"

"Oh Wendy, you've been such a delight to have here all these years," Roubaul sighed tiredly. "But its time you learned the truth about not just me, but Cait Shelter itself…"

"The truth…? What are you talking about Master?"

"The truth is … that Cait Shelter, along with everyone in it … is not real. None of this is real, Wendy," Roubaul replied gently, waiting for the young Dragon Slayer to react.

"What are you saying Master," Wendy asked slowly. "What do you mean none of Cait Shelter is real? You're here… Everyone is-?"

Wendy's voice died in her throat, as the entire Guild Hall became transparent. Slowly, she stepped toward Roubaul, her eyes flickering slightly, in a manner only Natsu noticed, as he silently stepped closer, ready to react.

"What is this… I've lived here for years Master, spoken to the people here every day, slept in my bed and done my chores," the Sky Dragon Slayer muttered, as a sudden breeze rolled through, though again, only Natsu realized what was happening.

"You see Wendy, I am but a spirit, using the last vestiges of my Magical Power to maintain the illusion of the Guild. Yes Wendy, even I'm not entirely real," Roubaul continued, as his own form became transparent, shocking the Sky Dragon Slayer further. "You see, I was only here to ensure Nirvana would be stopped, and have been for the last two thousand years. Now I grow weary, and yearn for my rest, free from the troubles of this world now that Natsu and your new friends have put an end to Nirvana…"

"Master… What are you saying Master," Wendy cried, as a stronger gust of wind flared up around them. "Are you saying that-that I'm going to be all alone again!?"

"Wendy, you aren't alone… Behind you, are people who wish to be your friend, if you would only let them? Wendy, go with them, and become the type of Human you always told me you wanted to be. Become the type of person that spreads kindness throughout this world..."

Roubaul slowly began to fade, as Wendy began to cry, her Cait Shelter Guild Mark disappearing along with him.

"I can't believe this is happening… First Grandina... and now you…"

"Loss is a valuable part of life Wendy… It might hurt now, but many years down the line, you'll realize that the experience has made you stronger as a person…"

"No," Wendy sobbed, tear spilling from her eyes as she clenched her fists tightly. "No…I-I won't-!"

"What the," Gray muttered, as Natsu silently motioned for everyone to step back, as Wendy's palms began to bleed.

"I-I won't … I won't be … alone … again-AAAAAAARGH!"

To the complete shock of Erza, Elise and Gray, Wendy's Magical Power exploded as she screamed to the skies, tears streaming down her cheeks as a pillar of raw Magical Power emerged around her form. The trio were pushed back, but noticed Natsu marching right into it, as Roubaul looked on sadly.

'So, this is the real Wendy,' Natsu thought to himself, as his Wizard Saint Ring scanned her, whilst he carefully made his way toward her. 'So, this is Wendy Marvell…'

Wendy Marvell (???) – 85,592 MPI

Pushing into the pillar of Magical Energy around her, Natsu stood before the girl, who was clearly in great distress. Curiously, her eyes had shifted a light pink color, though he couldn't even begin to guess as to why.

Without a word, Natsu knelt down, and wrapped his arms around the young girl, pulling her close to him in a crushing hug. She continued to scream for a moment, before seeming to abruptly stop, panting slightly.

"N-Natsu…"

"Its alright Wendy, you aren't alone, because I'll take you with me, back to Fairy Tail," the older Dragon Slayer whispered, as he felt Wendy's arms shakily shift at her sides.

"B-But … How can I trust that you won't leave me … like Grandina … and Master Roubaul," Wendy asked shakily, as her strange pink eyes met Natsu's own, only for her to elicit a gasp as she stared into Natsu's draconian ones from his Dragon Force."

"Because … I know what its like, and I would never willingly leave you, Wendy. I promise you on the blood of my Father, Igneel!"

Wendy gasped, taken aback by the seriousness of Natsu's statement, knowing full well what an oath like that meant to a Dragon. Slowly, her arms shakily reached around his broad shoulders, as she hugged him back.

"You will be alright Wendy," Roubaul's voice echoed, as his form slowly faded away. "I'll be watching you … always …"

Wendy sniffed, continuing to hug Natsu, as the explosive power she was generating ceased entirely, and her eyes returned to normal. Once she was back in view of the others, they were shocked to see Natsu covered in scratches.

"What the hell happened," Gray gasped, pointing at Natsu's scratched up form.

"Oh my goodness," Wendy gasped. "I-I'm so sorry!"

"Don't worry about these," Natsu grinned, as he placed a hand on top of her head, before pressing their foreheads together gently. "They were for a good cause, little one."

Erza seemed to realize what Natsu meant, as she slowly moved over to join them. Kneeling down, she placed a hand on Wendy's shoulder, before placing another on Natsu's own.

"So, what do you say Wendy? Want to come back to Fairy Tail with us?"

"Y-Yes Miss Erza," Wendy sniffed. "If you'll all have me…?"

"Why the heck is she so damn adorable," Elise groaned, eliciting an amused chuckle from Gray, as the pair approached as well.

"It's a kid thing I guess?"

"We should get moving," Natsu chuckled in response. "Gramps is probably already throwing a fit over what's happened."

"I agree. The Master will want to know the outcome of this, and we need to have Wendy brought into the Guild," Erza nodded firmly.

"That bastard Lahar said he's going to report Natsu as missing, so we need to deal with that too on the way back," Elise added, eliciting a groan from Natsu.

"Seriously? Whatever, let's just stop in at the nearest Rune Knight Branch and get it over with. Those assholes in the Council will practically interrogate me for what happened here," Natsu whined, as the group all separated, and started walking off into the forest.

"Um…Natsu?"

"What is it Wendy?"

"I'm tired," Wendy sighed. "Can you carry me?"

Without hesitation, Natsu picked up the small Dragon Slayer, and placed her onto his shoulders, surprising the girl, who immediately blushed in embarrassment.

"What's the matter?"

"I-I didn't think you'd do th-this!?"

"Oh? I suppose I'll just carry you the normal way then," Natsu smirked, knowing full well she actually liked riding on his shoulders.

"N-No! I mean…I'll ride on your shoulders, since its obviously the way you wanted to carry me…"

"She's way too adorable," Elise gushed, her nose starting to bleed, prompting Gray to burst out laughing, as Erza took up her place at Natsu's side, taking his free had into her own.

"You did good Natsu, despite how chaotic it was…"

"Thanks Erza," Natsu replied, shooting her a genuine, tired smile. "I appreciate it."

***POTD***

"So, do you have a reason for accompanying me back to my shrine Eliza, or are we just enjoying each other's company that much?"

"Well Xicor, whilst your company is rather enjoyable, I wanted to ask you something?"

"Hmm is that so? Would this have anything to do about me not informing Natsu about the whereabouts of Igneel?"

"Yes, it is exactly about that. I know that you know where not only Igneel, but all the Dragons, currently are! Why not just inform Natsu about the Dragons fate?"

"Because there are forces moving behind the scenes, Eliza. Igneel and the others played their part, in addition to the Zeref brat. Achnologia would immediately hunt down the Dragon Slayers, should he ever suspect the truth of what we have done to them..."

"Let me guess," Eliza sighed. "Igneel told you not to tell him? Didn't he?"

"Yes, he did. I was speaking to both of them when Natsu first arrived, and Igneel wished to remain missing in the mind of Natsu, until the time was right."

"Hmm, you Dragons and your secrets… I won't say anything to Natsu, but let me ask you one other thing? The Dragon that you're sending him to… How did they survive the supposed genocide brought about by Achnologia?"

"Eliza, you don't give my race enough credit? Many Dragons survived Achnologia's rampage. This one just so happens to be a good friend of Igneel's, though might be a bit tough on Natsu because of it…"

"Natsu will be fine, I have no doubt about that. In any event, I should be getting back to it. Oh, and Xicor, the bill for the destroyed floor is outside," Eliza said with a smirk, as she vanished on the spot.

"Hmph, as if I'd pay for that nonsense," Xicor grumbled, as he burnt the bill to ashes.

***POTD***

The group had finally arrived back in Magnolia, as Wendy began to ask questions about every single aspect of the town. Natsu's mind was elsewhere, however, as he thought about the Dragon that was going to be training him soon.

"So Erza, where's the Guild Hall?"

"Well Wendy, if you look up on that hill over there, you can see our Guild's emblem," Erza replied kindly, as she pointed in the direction of the Fairy Tail Guild Hall.

"Wow! That huge building is your Guild Hall!? That's amazing!"

"Well, we are the best Guild in Fiore, so we need the best-looking Guild Hall around, right," Natsu replied with an amused grin, as he headed off towards the edge of Magnolia.

"Where are you going Natsu? We have to show Wendy around the Guild Hall, as well as introduce her to Master Makarov?"

"Sorry guys, I've gotta go see Gildarts," Natsu replied, with everyone except Wendy understanding immediately that it was important. "I'll meet you all at the Guild Hall later, okay?"

"You better Natsu," Erza sighed, as Natsu disappeared.

"Erza? Who's Gildarts?"

"Well, that's an interesting question Wendy," Erza replied thoughtfully. "Gildarts is Natsu's teacher, I suppose? Although, I'd say they have a sort of Father and Son vibe to them as well..."

"Wow… If he taught someone like Natsu, then he must be ridiculously strong…?"

"Strong doesn't even begin to cover it. Gildarts is so strong, he literally can't control his power," Gray chimed in, as he started walking towards the Guild Hall.

"Well, according to Gildarts, Natsu is somewhere around his level? What that means we don't really know though> You'll get to meet him soon I'm sure, since the Master banned him from taking anything above an SS Class Quest."

"Really? Why did he get banned from taking higher quests?"

Erza sighed as she began walking towards the Guild Hall with the others, taking Wendy's hand as they went.

"That, Wendy, is a long story..."

***POTD***

"Oi, Gildarts? You home?"

Natsu strolled around to the front door of Gildarts' small house, not sensing the Crash Mage around. Shrugging, he walked up to the front door, and knocked several times. The door swung open almost immediately, and to his surprise, it was someone other than Gildarts answering it.

"Natsu?"

"Ur," Natsu gasped, taking a step back in surprise. "You're back!?"

"Natsu Dragneel," Ur smirked, as she strolled out to poke his chest. "Or, is it Saint Dragneel now?"

"You heard about it?"

"Of course I heard, Bathory told me," Ur replied with an amused smirk. "Gotta say, I'm surprised you accepted?"

"Gramps suggested I should, plus I get a salary," Natsu shrugged in reply, eliciting an amused shake of the head from the Ice Make Mage.

"It'd take a lot for me to accept becoming a Wizard Saint, not that they still don't try…"

"Same here," Gildarts chimed in, lazily walking out and bumping fists with Natsu. "So, heard you fucked up the Oracion Seis?"

Pretty sure Jura did more work than I did?"

"He fought thousands of low to mid-tier Dark Mages," Ur replied with a shake of her head. "You fought one of the Three Lords of the Bharam Alliance. Big difference…"

"That aside, its not why I'm here," Natsu sighed, moving to gloss over the whole mess. "Listen, I need your advice Gildarts, and you too Ur, since you're a girl-."

"Aww! He's having girl problems," Ur cooed, pinching his cheek as Gildarts openly laughed, eliciting a scowl from the Dragon Slayer.

"Its not like that! She's like fourteen…I think," Natsu snapped back. "Her name is Wendy, and we brought her back to join Fairy Tail after the whole Oracion Seis thing. She's a Dragon Slayer, like Gajeel and I are."

"Really? What's the problem," Gildarts asked, as Natsu tapped his Wizard Saint Ring, which promptly put out a miniature projection.

"Watch this," Natsu muttered, as he replayed the moment Wendy seemed to snap, along with providing the two Grand Wizards with her MPI reading.

The moment Wendy snapped, Gildarts and Ur immediately stopped joking around, frowns marring their features, before being replaced by shock at her MPI reading.

"This is…"

"Unreal," Ur murmured, as dark thoughts plagued her mind about a similar situation she'd encountered like this long ago.

"She's got potential," Natsu stated bluntly. "She can't really control this power well…but the potential for greatness is there within her, waiting to be tapped?"

"What are you thinking," Gildarts asked curiously, as they all moved and sat down under a nearby tree. "I can tell you've got something cooking in that big brain of yours Natsu?"

"She's a Dragon Slayer, just like I am," Natsu began, looking out over Magnolia. "I think…I think…"

"Hold on," Ur muttered, eyes widening ever so slightly. "Are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"

"She's shy, timid, and fears abandonment. But she showed me that she can be brave, kind, and strong when she needs to be," Natsu replied slowly, as both Gildarts and Ur shared a look.

"Are you certain about this," Gildarts asked firmly. "This isn't something you can half-ass Natsu?"

"Something within me tells me that this is the right course of action," Natsu replied, as he looked at his hands briefly. "It feels like I need to do this…? I'm gonna make the offer to her, see what she thinks?"

"I suppose that out of anyone, you are the most logical choice to offer this to her," Ur noted. "The perv here worked out pretty well for you, but only because you were much rougher and more eager to grow stronger to fight."

"Even so, I'm still going to offer it to Wendy," Natsu replied firmly. "I'll ask her if she's open to me training her to better control her Dragon Slayer powers. Gajeel can help whenever I'm unavailable for whatever reason…"

"Gajeel? Seriously Natsu?"

"What? He's not all that bad, he just looks mean. He's a big old softie underneath all that metal on his face," Natsu joked, before returning to a more serious demeanor. "But really, I fear the consequences if someone doesn't teach Wendy how to control her abilities…"

"That's … Actually, that's also a fair point," Ur conceded. "From the footage you showed us, she snapped almost as soon as that Roubaul guy said he was leaving her. If she lost control at an inopportune moment…"

"So, you're really going to do this then?"

"I am. After I'm done here, I'm letting gramps know that I'm taking Wendy on a six-month training trip," Natsu nodded sternly. "It's a bit of a long story, but basically, I've been given the opportunity to train with another Dragon…"

***POTD***

Whilst Natsu spoke in depth with Ur and Gildarts regarding what had happened during the Oracion Seis Incident, Erza, Elise, and Gray, brought Wendy to the Guild Hall. Naturally, after being accepted into the Guild and receiving her Guild Mark, a large party was thrown in her honor.

As the Guild partied, Erza, Elise, Gray, and Wendy, discussed the plan Natsu had proposed before they had returned to Magnolia.

"So, the brat plans on going off to train again, eh? I suppose it's understandable, since it's not every day you get to see a Dragon, let alone get offered to be taught by one?"

"Yes, I agree Master. Although, I don't like the fact he's taking Wendy with him," Erza replied quietly, as she looked over to the young Dragon Slayer, who was being completely doted on by Mirajane. "She seemed excited once Natsu asked her to go with him, but I'm worried…"

"Erza, if they really were raised by Dragons, then they would know better than we would about these things, wouldn't they? In this case, I'd bet on Natsu's judgement on the matter."

"As long as you're sure Master, but I still don't like it," the Requip Mage sighed, shaking her head. "So, I take it that you approve of us all going off to train?"

"Of course Erza! Between the shortened training time the two of you had on Kryden, and this whole debacle with the Oracion Seis, I'd be surprised if growing stronger wasn't on your minds!"

"Thank you, Master," Erza replied with a gentle smile, as the doors to the Guild Hall swung open.

Natsu walked in first, with Ur in tow behind him. The two immediately made their way over to the small group, with Natsu taking a seat next to Makarov.

"You all filled in gramps, I'm assuming?"

"Oh yes, they filled me in alright boy. A Unison Pact, Natsu? Honestly, that sounds like something you would do…"

"Well, it was that, or get killed? So, I chose the former," Natsu replied with a small smirk, as the old man shook his head.

"Not to interrupt, but I want to tell Gray something," Ur cut in, as Gray almost turned pale.

"W-What did I do now?"

"Nothing. I know you've probably been wondering what you'll be doing while everyone else is off training Gray? Well, I've got the perfect answer for you," Ur smirked as an arrow made of ice formed above Ur's head, pointing down directly at her. "There's a lot more I didn't get to teach you, so now's a good time to get stuck in and show you some more about the true power of Maker Magic!"

"Wait, there's more?"

"Is there more he asks," Ur scoffed. "Of course there's more Gray! Honestly, is your imagination that small?"

"So, now that everyone's sorted for training, all that's left is to get going," Natsu smirked as he looked over to Wendy, who was still in Mira's arms. "I'd better grab Wendy and go, before Mira decides to keep her all to herself…"

"Right, I'll see you in six months," Erza replied, moving to block his path as she looked up at him, their bodies almost touching as she placed her hands on her hips. "And it better be six months Natsu, or I WILL track you down…"

"Six months Erza, I promise," Natsu replied softly, as he took her hand into his own. "Trust me…"

Erza sighed, but relented, and moved out of Natsu's way, as he made his way over to Wendy. Everyone watched as he somehow swapped Wendy out with a body pillow he'd pulled out of nowhere, quickly bolting through the exit as Mira quickly noticed the dastardly deception.

"He's such a strange young man sometimes," Makarov chuckled, as he shook his head. "Still, I wouldn't have him any other way…"

Everyone else laughed in agreement, as they watched Mira chase after them, laughing all the while.

***POTD***

Three days later, Natsu and Wendy were in the mountain range that Xicor had projected to him, searching for the cave that held this mysterious Dragon. As they walked, Wendy seemed to become a little more confident, and finally decided to ask something.

"Are you sure that this is where we're meant to be going Natsu?"

"Yeah. The cave Xicor showed me is here… somewhere?"

"Maybe we should take a break? We've been up and down these mountains all day?"

"Hmm… Well, it is starting to get dark, so I guess we should find something to eat? Jump on my back Wendy, we're taking the scenic route!"

"Scenic route," Wendy asked with a confused look, as Natsu picked her up, and she held onto him tightly.

"Hold on," Natsu grinned, as he leapt off of the side of the mountain.

Wendy screamed, clearly not having expected Natsu to do something so reckless, as Natsu openly laughed. With practiced ease, he manifested the wings from his Dragon Force form, and glided to the ground.

"Ahh… Man, that never gets old," Natsu smiled, as his wings vanished. "You okay Wendy?"

Wendy was as stiff as a board, eliciting a small chuckle from the Fire Dragon Slayer. Gently petting her head, he pried her out of his arms, and placed her on the ground.

"We're gonna have to get you used to that I guess? Though I'm surprised that actually scared you, since you're the Sky Dragon Slayer and all?"

"Well, the only time I was ever in the air was when Grandina let me fly on her back," Wendy replied shakily, before suddenly glaring at him. "Also, she didn't just randomly jump off of mountains!"

"Well, by the time we're done training, you should hopefully be used to stuff like that." Natsu replied casually, finding her momentary outburst amusing.

"Do you really think that I can do stuff like that Natsu?"

"Of course you can Wendy, you're a Dragon Slayer! As long as you're willing to put in the work, I promise you that I'll help you get there!"

"Will I be able to be as strong as you, so that I'm not just a liability to everyone?"

"A liability? Wendy, why do you think you're a liability? Everyone has things that they're good at, and things that they're not. A good example is your Healing Magic, actually. There's no way my Magic could be as effective as yours is."

"I never really thought of it like that before… But I still need to get stronger!"

Natsu smiled as he gave her a pat on the head.

"Well, that attitude is a good start. You'll be well on your way to being-."

Natsu and Wendy heard an ear-piercing shriek to the left of them, both looking at each other and nodding, as they ran toward the direction of the scream.

Arriving at the edge of what once seemed to be a small village, Natsu and Wendy couldn't believe what they were seeing.

"There's almost nothing left but scorched earth… What happened here," Natsu muttered, as the two slowly began to walk into the ruins of the village.

"Who would do something like this," Wendy asked shakily, as she began sniffing the air.

"You smell that, Wendy?"

"Yeah… It smells strange? Actually, it sort of smells like…."

"It's not a Dragon, Wendy, but you're not far off. There are heaps of these back in the Scarlione Empire," Natsu replied, as he looked around with a stern expression. "We've got a Drake running around…"

"A Drake? Is that related to a Dragon?"

"Yeah, they're distant Cousins, but they're just as dangerous to Humans. We'd better be careful going forward."

"Do you think the person who screamed is okay?"

Natsu stayed silent as he scanned the area, until he noticed movement within a mill on the edge of the town that seemed mostly unaffected.

"If there's anyone still alive here, they'd be in there," Natsu replied, as he pointed toward the mill.

The two made their way over to the mill and entered cautiously, with Natsu naturally taking the lead.

"Hello? Anyone there," Natsu called out, as a small section of the floor lifted upward, revealing several families.

"Oh, thank the Gods that someone else made it out alive," a man cried in relief.

"Hang on dear, they don't look familiar," the woman next to him whispered in reply.

"Hang on a minute …. Well I'll be darned, it's a bloody Wizard Saint!? Just look at his coat," a third person cried out, as the people in the cellar began to scramble out and crowd the two.

"Listen, we don't have much time, alright!? That Drake could come back any minute to finish the job," Natsu cut in sharply, as the villagers quickly fell silent.

"Apologies my Lord, we meant no disrespect."

"It's alright ma'am. After what you've all been through, its understandable. My names is Natsu Dragneel, and this here is Wendy. Can you give us an idea of what kind of Drake we're dealing with here?"

The villagers muttered amongst themselves for several moments, before one man spoke up.

"The beast was nothing by the likes we've ever seen before, Sir! It flew down from the North, and let out a roar, before it let out this strange green mist from its mouth! The next thing we knew, the entire village just exploded!?"

"A green mist you said? Did it do anything else after it stopped using the mist?"

"No Sir, it just flew up above the village and waited for the smoke to die down, before it … started ... picking us off…"

Natsu scratched his head pondering what the villager had told him. As he pondered the Drake, Wendy tugged on his sleeve, before asking a question.

"Do you have any idea what that mist was, Natsu?"

"Well, I have one idea? But if I'm right, then this just got a lot worse… The green mist sounds like a form of combustible gas," Natsu explained, which surprised Wendy. "But the problem is, the gas would have needed a catalyst to be set off? Do any of you know if anyone was using fire when the Drake sprayed the mist?"

"No one I know was using any fire, Sir? During the day it gets mighty hot here, so we don't usually need it…"

"I see. Well then, I'm gonna go find this Drake and deal with it. For the next few days, keep alert, in case the Drake comes back."

"Will do Sir, and thank you for the help! If there's anything we can do-?"

"It's fine, no need to thank me. Besides, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't help out? Right?"

Natsu and Wendy quickly left before the villagers could ask any more questions, and made their way up a hill on the outskirts of town.

"Natsu? How tough are Drakes?"

"Hmm? Well, I doubt this one will be anywhere near as tough as the Scarlione variety? But I'd say it'd still be probably S Class Level, at the least."

"In the mill back there, when they said there wasn't any fire going in the village, you started to tense up a bit? Do you think there might be more?"

Natsu looked at Wendy with a small smile, before ruffling her hair affectionately.

"You don't miss a thing, do you Wendy? I like that. But yeah, I think there might be another one? Drakes usually aren't alone, so maybe this one is with its mate? Regardless, this makes our job harder..."

"Wait… You're actually taking me with you," Wendy asked, clearly confused.

"Of course I am, why wouldn't I?"

"Well, wouldn't I just get in the way?"

"Actually Wendy, because you're a Dragon Slayer, it's quite the opposite. See, Drakes are vulnerable to our Magic the same way Dragons are. So, you're actually one of the best people I could have with me," Natsu grinned, before petting her head again. "Besides, you need to have more confidence in yourself! Once you have confidence, you'll start to power ahead strength wise."

Wendy looked at Natsu and nodded with a small smile, as they turned their attention in the direction the villagers said the Drake had gone.

"Thanks for believing in me Natsu… So, should we start the search by heading North?"

"Yeah. Though, there's probably heaps of caves they can hide in out there, so we'll need to move fast before we lose the scent."

"Right," Wendy nodded stiffly, as they began to run North towards the mountains ahead.

***POTD***

The ground trembled as a large creature began to stir. The animals nearby began to flee, as a low rumble echoed throughout a certain cave high in the mountains.

"It seems he's finally arrived… And, he's brought another? Ah, the one Grandina spoke of? Oh, what's this? Drakes in my mountains? Now that is quite the scandal, isn't it? Perhaps I should remove them? Then again, this could be the perfect opportunity to see what these two can do… Perhaps I shall refrain from dealing with the Drakes ... for now?

The rumbling lessened slightly, as the large creature yawned, still in a drowsy state.

"I've been asleep for far too long… I do hope Igneel's hatchling shows real promise, or I'll be quite disappointed."

"He will exceed your every expectation…"

The large creature's head shot up sharply, their breath quickening as their glowing, deep purple eyes, darted around the cave.

"Couldn't allow me to talk bad about you chosen for one moment, could you … Igneel?"

Despite the rather annoyed tone, the large creature's maw curled into the closest approximation of a grin as one of its species could muster. Yawning again, it rested its head back onto its foreclaws, sighing deeply as its mind surveyed the mountain range it called home.

"Perhaps this might actually be promising… if only just," the large creature mumbled, flapping its massive wings once, before its eyes slowly drooped shut once again. "Just…"