A Dragon Of The COG(By thehappy)

I figured out why I couldn't copy from FF, I had to switch to the phone version since the computer version wouldn't let me copy stuff.

Platform: FF.net

Words: 967k

Rated M

Synopsis: Mira Erza and Natsu head out on their very first job as a team, but things go horribly wrong. Making Happy take a badly wounded Erza and Mira away from the battle, Natsu continues to fight on alone. This is a Gears/Fairy Tail crossover. This story contains action, fighting, swearing, gore sex and war. If this offends you you have been warned Natsux large harem

Chapter 1 - 8k Words

Year 780 Magnolia, Fiore

It was another typical day for the city of Magnolia. The sun was shining with a few clouds in the sky. Needless to say, a great day of peaceful tranquility. That is unless you're at Fairy Tail.

CRASH!

Here you'll see an older boy of about 14 years of age colliding with a table. "HEY! You'll pay for that Ice-Prick!" shouted the boy as he stood up and dusted off his white baggy pants. This boy was Natsu Dragneel the resident fire dragon slayer. "Time to kick your ass!" he shouted as he ran at his opponent with his fist cocked back covered in flames.

CRACK! The black-haired boy was not expecting an attack this quickly and boy, did he pay for it. The fire-fueled punch literally knocked the boy across the guild hall though the far wall and into the street where he laid there in fading consciousness. "Heh, that's what he gets for calling my hair pink the damn stripper" said Natsu. "Hmmm, what should i do now?" thought Natsu to himself as he turned around to head back to his table. Well that was the plan before he felt a cold stare from a certain scarlet-haired re-quip mage. This girl was no other than Erza Scarlet, one of the resident S class mages who at this very moment was giving off a deadly aura.

"Natsu! What have a told you about fighting in the guild hall?" asked Erza while still glaring at Natsu. "Sorry Erza" replied Natsu with a downcast look. As he looked at her though she could see a small look of defiance in his eyes.

"He still deserved it though! He called my hair pink when he knows its Salmon!" exclaimed Natsu. "Besides, you and Mira fight all the time. How is me and Gray fighting any different?" asked Natsu with a small glare of questioning defiance.

"Damn man be careful! or she'll punish you!" shouted a random guild member. "He's a real man for his words" shouted Elfman, the brother of Mira and Lissanna Strauss. "That guild member is correct you know" said Erza as she slowly stalked toward Natsu. "You do need to be punished." Before Natsu could blink, he was doubled over as Erza buried her first into his stomach causing him to cough up some spit before collapsing to the floor. "Hmmp! That'll teach him for fighting in my guild" exclaimed Erza with a small smirk. Justice and punishment had been delivered.

"Your Guild! Last time I checked it was still Makarov's guild hall tin can!" Shouted a white haired girl of about 14 years of age in a somewhat revealing gothic outfit. This was Mirajane Strauss leaning against the bar near her younger sister Lisanna and a small blue cat that was currently eating a fish on the bar counter. "Happy. Don't you care that Natsu was just knocked out?" Asked Lisanna with a little concern in her eyes. "Aye" replied Happy before going back to eating his fish. After all fish is very important to the small blue cat.

"Anyway Erza, where do you get off punishing Natsu like that? Only I can do that!" Yelled Mira while she glared at Erza. "Last time I checked he isn't yours, harlot!" shouted Erza in response as she quickly requiped a sword into her right hand. "Oh, you wanna go fire-crotch!" Shouted Mira as she charged up a demon blast in her hands. "Let's go she-bitch!" as Erza charged at Mira, thus kicking off another fight which quickly escalated into a guild-wide brawl. Hell, it was so awesome even Natsu woke up and immediately joined in.

Meanwhile upstairs in Makarov's office

The guild master of Fairy Tail was currently signing off on bills and going through the new quests that came in that day. While most were pretty standard stuff one of the S-class missions stood out. Picking up the parchment, he started to read as his eyes tracked across the display of letters.

Please Help!

2-3 S-class mages required!

A vicious monster has been attacking people in the woods near the city of Bayshore. Over a dozen people have died in horrible ways! A company of rune knights have been dispatched to the surrounding area, but no word has been heard in over a day. Please Help!

3,000,000 Jewel reward

"Hmmm, well the only 2 s-classes mages here are Erza and Mira... They fight like cats and dogs though" Mused Makarov to himself. Then with a flash of inspiration he thought... Natsu. "Yes, Natsu would be a good choice. He's strong for his age, its good experience, and most importantly he can keep Erza and Mira calm...somewhat calm." He muttered to himself. His thoughts were broken when he heard a bunch of crashes, yelling, and fighting coming from the main hall.

"Damn kids" Makarov muttered to himself as he stalked out of his office. "ALL RIGHT YOU BRATS KNOCK IT OFF!" Yelled Makarov as he stood on the upper floor. You could hear a pin drop as everyone froze where they were. Many guild members where knocked out or strewn across the floor. The only ones still standing were Erza, the three Strauss siblings, Cana, Gray, and Natsu. Everybody else was knocked out or struggling to stand up.

Sigh..."Can't go a single day..." thought the elder mage. "Everybody. Clean this mess up NOW!" shouted the short guild master as he glared down at his children. "Erza, Mira, Natsu come up to my office, I need to talk to you" commanded the short man as he looked at the three mages.

Re-stepping back into his office, he already knew the three were climbing the stairs. Especially the light insults Mira and Erza kept throwing at each other despite the end of the brawl.

"Master you wanted to talk with us?" Asked Erza as she walked into Makarov's office followed by the other two mages. "Yes Erza. I have a job for the three of you that just came in this morning" replied Makarov.

"You want me to work with her!" shouted both girls as the pointed at each other with anger and frustration.

"Yes" answered Makarov simply. "But don't worry Natsu is going with you two so it won't be that bad" he explained while looking at the three mages.

"What's the job, gramps" asked Natsu as he stood there between the two female mages.

"Here" replied Makarov as he handed the request to Natsu while the three mages huddled around to study the request. "As you can see, they need our help immediately. Do you all accept?" asked the guild master.

"Of course we do! We're Fairy Tail! We help those in need" exclaimed Natsu as the two girls nodded.

"Now Natsu, this is an S-Class quest so you WILL listen to Mira and Erza at all times. Do you understand? asked Makarov with a stern look at the pink-haired boy. Natsu gave a quick nod of agreement before the guild master continued. He could already tell the boy was excited by his body language brimming with energy.

"Good. Well your train leaves in one hour so you better get to the station or you'll miss it." he said before shooing the 3 mages from his office.

"Please be safe..." thought Makarov as he sat behind his desk looking at the closed door.

"Hey, you two we should have Lisanna take our picture before we leave. You know to commemorate our first job together" suggested Natsu as he looked at his two companions. "That should be fine, but I'm not standing next to Tin Can, got it?" replied Mira with a glare at Erza.

"Fine" replied Erza with a sigh as she looked over at Lisanna. "Lisanna could you take our picture please" asked the young woman to the youngest Strauss sibling as she went behind the bar to get her camera.

"Hey Happy, get in the picture! It's my first S-class quest!" said Natsu with a wide grin.

"Aye sir!" replied Happy before he flew over and landed on Natus's head who was standing between Erza and Mira.

"Ok, everybody smile!" exclaimed Lisanna with her camera.

Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!

"Ow my eyes!" shouted Natsu as he rubbed the spots from his eyes. "There! Now everybody has a copy" exclaimed Lisanna with a bright smile as she quickly handed out the photos to each member.

"Hey flame-brain!" Why are you going on an S-class quest?" Asked Gray as he marched up to Natsu with a scowl. "Well popsicle, I'm going with Erza and Mira. But if you begged I'm sure you can come with." said Natsu with a smirk.

"A mission with those two monsters! No way Im doing that!" Thought Gray as he looked at the two female mages in fear. "Uh,you know what I'm good." replied Gray with a quiver in his voice as he backed up a few steps.

"Natsu. We must get going if we want to catch the train." said Erza as she grabbed him by the scarf and dragged him out of the guild with Mira and Happy following them.

"So Manly!" shouted Elfman as the rest of the guild looked on in pity at the disappearing mages. "Stay safe Natsu" Gray thought to himself before walking out the guild to go train his magic.

On the train heading to Bayshore

"Ugh, I hate trains." said Natsu with a queasy voice as Erza looked at him in pity while Mira and Happy grinned at his misfortune.

"Having problems?" asked Mira in a sing song voice that was honestly...a little creepy. " Aye Natsu, your so lame!" giggled the little blue cat.

"Traitorous cat!" snapped Natsu before he turned green again. "How much longer Erza?" Natsu asked with a pleading voice as he slumped lower in the seat next to the red head.

"Just 10 more minutes Natsu. Here rest your head on my lap it might help" replied Erza with a small blush.

"Really? thanks Erza, you're the best!" exclaimed Natsu before resting his head down on the armor mages lap. Immediately, the male could feel his churning stomach feel a little better as the sickness settled.

This did not go un-noticed by Mira and happy. While Mira glared with jealous thoughts going through her head "Damn red-head that's my Natsu! Wait...my Natsu? where did that come from?" thought Mira has she slightly blushed. This also didn't go un-noticed by the flying blue cat.

"You both liiiiike him' said happy in a teasing tone.

What was that!?" both girls shouted at happy with scary glares at the small feline.

"Nothing!" shouted Happy in fear as he quickly took a fish and started eating in the corner away from the two scary girls.

The forest outside of Bayshore. Three hours later

"That mayor was no help at all. just find the Rune Knights to the west of the city he says" grumbled Mira as she walked alongside Natsu and Erza.

"Agreed. He was not very helpful at all" replied the knight with a small frown. "What I don't understand is where the military are? They should've been here?" The girl inquired as she continued talking. "Natsu, what do you think?" she asked

He was walking deep in thought, completely oblivious to the red head's question. "Natsu" she tried again. Still no response "Hmphh" she muttered before she grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. "Pay attention! I asked you a question!" shouted Erza at the dragon slayers face.

"Sorry Erza, but something doesn't feel right" replied Natsu as he quickly looked at his traveling companions.

"What do you mean?" Asked Mira as she looked at young man. "I mean it smells like blood, death...horror. It's making me uneasy" replied Natsu with a serious scowl on his face

Before they could continue walking any further, they heard screaming coming from up the road.

"No! Stay back! Stay Baacckk!" before a blood-curdling scream echoed through the woods.

With a look of horror etched across all their faces they all quickly ran up the road to the screaming before coming to a stop over the next rise in the road...it was a slaughter. Bodies were laying on the ground twisted, broken, blood leaking from massive wounds. Hell, some were missing arms, legs...it was the worst thing they've ever seen. Then they heard a small whimpering. The mages looked up the road to see a man held aloft by a large, pale monster above its head.

"Somebody help me please!" the rune knight shouted before a horrible tearing sound was heard. This beast...no. This abomination ripped the man in half right before their eyes. It easily stood seven to eight feet tall was covered in pallid gray skin that rippled power. Its body was covered in rippling muscle and scars. Thick legs supported the beast where it stood while the large hands dropped the remains with a sickening plop. That's when it turned toward them thus allowing the three mages to see a spinning vortex behind it.

That face was a nightmare of beady, evil yellow eyes and a row of teeth that resembled knives. Frankly speaking…this thing emitted carnage as that breech spun and crackled behind it's towering form.

The portal was crimson…a crackling aura of blood red and sparking yellows while the air surrounding the fissure became charged.

Thud. Thud.

The ground shook as the monster slowly approached them, sniffing the air like a bloodhound.

"Re-quip!"

Satan Soul!" both girls cried as they fired up their magic. Erza in her Heaven's wheel armor and Mira in her most powerful demon form. This spurred the monster into a run straight toward Scarlet as the large feet crushed the remains of deceased soldier.

It was surprisingly fast despite its towering mass.

With a mighty swing it clubbed her to the side sending her flying into a tree where she slid down as a cry escaped her lips. Erza struggled to stand but failed as she felt pain wrack her body. Glancing down, she saw a sight that made no sense. "Impossible, that monster cracked my armor in one hit" She whispered to herself as she shakily stood up. Gathering multiple swords around her, Erza spotted her enemy. The vile abomination was approaching Mira and Natsu who were both charging attacks. "I need to buy them time' she thought to herself before she screamed.

"Dance my blades!" Easily a dozen swords and knives flew and sliced through the air toward the vile beast before they collided against that gray hide rippling with muscle...it had no effect.

"Satan's Soul!" Shouted Mira as she fired a devastating attack at the monster from point blank range. "That should do it" she thought with a smirk as smoke clouded the battlefield.

With a roar the monster charged out of the smoke and hit Mira in the upper right shoulder with a monstrous blow. Mira flew across the field before hitting a tree with a sickening crunch as her body bounced. She cried in pain and agony, not even realizing it was her as her breathing became ragged.

"Ugh, what happened?" thought Mira as she looked around groggily before gasping in torment. She looked over at her right shoulder which throbbed in suffering. Trying to move it, the limb almost cried in throbbing torture as the bones inside scraped and shifted. "Oh yeah, that's definitely broken" shethoughtas ragged coughing escaped her lips.

"Uggh" Mira moaned as she stood up on shaky legs. Grasping her side with the available left hand, the young woman tried to comfort the fresh throbbing of several cracked ribs. "At least they aren't fully broken" she numbly thought as her breathing hitched. All this happened in the span of a couple of seconds.

"MIRA! ERZA!" shouted Natsu before he glared at the monster with fury in his eyes. "Eat this! FIRE DRAGONS ROAR!" bellowed Natsu as he launched his signature attack at the monster. Raging flames rushed across the clearing, the heat crackling as the male poured his magic forth.

Instead of brushing it off like Erza's and Mira's attacks from earlier, it screamed. The murderous beast screamed and bellowed in raging agony as flames spread across its skin causing it to crack and pop with newly formed blisters.

Erza and Mira saw this development and despite their wounds unleashed renewed attacks at this desolate foe. Skin burning and waving the massive arms in a howl of movement, the monster attacked anything it brushed against in homicidal fury.

"Satan's Soul: Extinction!" cried Mira as she put all her remaining magic into this final blast. Standing on unsteady feet as her legs wobbled, her left palm glowed before the surge of purple magic flowed across the field toward this snarling, burning nightmare.

"Circle Sword!" shouted Erza as she too put everything into her attack. The blades danced, reflecting the sunlight among the horror of broken bodies and the heavy taste of copper around her. Flowing outward in a flash of metal and razor edges, the swords flew from the red-head's position.

Both of their respective attacks hit the monster simultaneously as blades and purple magic splashed and cascaded across the tormented skin. Breathing heavily as the final blade disappeared into the billowing smoke, Scarlet felt relief as nothing moved from within.

"We had no choice but to go all out, this is the only way to hurt this monster. Natsu's flames are the only thing that hurt it. Both myself and Mira were useless against it" Thought Erza as she used a sword to keep herself from falling over. Glancing over at Mira, she found herself lightly smiling that her rival was alive and upright. Just because she thought Mirajane was a bitch didn't mean she wanted her to die or be horribly wounded.

"Hey! You two okay?" shouted Natsu from across the battlefield in a voice laced with concern. Happy fluttered nearby, his ears flat at the brief, but difficult fight.

"I'm good!" explained Mira as she shouted back from the tree she used as support. Leaning heavily as the scent of bark filled her nostrils, the young female gasped at another surge of wracking agony. "I do have a shoulder arm and some cracked ribs though!" she informed from where she stood. The voice of Erza Scarlet drew her gaze as the large cloud of smoke and magic continued to rise in the middle of the clearing.

"I too am wounded, but not as bad as Mira" replied Erza as the girl checked her armor. Still badly damaged, she would definitely have bruises later on. But without it…the blow would've been much worse.

"Thank Igneel! But now we beat that monster!" said Natsu with warmth in his heart. Stepping forward as his scarf fluttered, the pinkette headed toward Mira. "let's get goi-"

"ROOOOAR!"

It was a nightmare of hatred and death…brutal horror and rage upon soundwaves that cut the air. Looking on in a stupefied shock as the smoke cleared from their attack, the youngsters gulped in dread as the last tendrils of dust and ash cleared.

The towering beast had multiple swords sticking out of its body, the blades pointing inwards as the hilts made the creature resemble a porcupine. The left arm was missing in a twist of sinew, blood and muscle dripping down in a flow as the nearby grass lapped up the crimson. Horrible burns covered the face and body while the grey skin slowly healed and cooled. Squinting,yellow eyes brimming with hatred, the neck supporting that vile face filled with nightmarish teeth slowly turned…and settled on Erza.

It had heard where the human's were despite the severely limited vision the monster possessed. Spreading it's remaining arm, the creature opened her desolate maw and bellowed while the hideous teeth glistened with blood. Charging forward, it crushed the dead body of a Rune Knight. Intestines burst under the weight…but it did not slow in the slightest.

"ERZA! MOVE!" Yelled Natsu as the horrible beast charged the re-quip mage in an insane burst of speed.

Erza looked on in horror as she screamed for her body to move to escape impending death. "Come on move, MOVE!" screamed the female's innerthought's as she started to dodge, but it was too late.

A resonating 'crack!' erupted from Erza's leg. The left limb had snapped with the woman striking a nearby boulder from monster's back-handed blow launching her across the field. Screaming in mind-numbing agony at she looked at the twisted limb, all the girl could feel was…fear.

"My leg...my leg is broken and I can't move" she thought in a panic as her chocolate orbs watched the monster turn her way.

"HAPPY!" shouted Natsu in a stern command. "Get Erza and Mira out of here now! They can't fight anymore!"

"Ay...Aye sir" Happy stuttered before flying off to Erza and quickly picking her up and flying over to Mira. The knight cried…her leg's break making her nauseous as the cat kept her lifted above the field of blood and corpses. "C'mon Mira, we have to go!" shouted happy with a quiver of fright.

"But..but Natsu! He needs my help!" Shouted Mira…then her broken shoulder flared up as she tried to move. The gray skinned abomination looked her way…slowly sniffing the air as its nostrils flared.

"Mira! you need to get the hell out of here now! You can barely stay standing after those attacks! GO! NOW!" Yelled Natsu as he turned back to face this horrible beast. His face was furious…grim. Nobody hurt his friends and got away with it. Leaving a terrible gaze, the young slayer growled at his deadly opponent.

"You better win, Natsu." Mira replied in a soft tone of worry before she took off in a run after Happy and Erza. Unknown to Natsu all three ran with tears in their eyes and heavy hearts while fleeing for safety.

"Don't you dare lose" all three thought at once in a silent prayer.

The young man breathed in, his chest and lungs expanding to accommodate the filling magic while his scarf fluttered behind him. Salmon locks shifting and flowing, Natsu unleashed his signature spell at the one armed monster before him.

"FIRE DRAGONS ROAR!" Screamed Natsu in defiance as he sent another stream of roiling flames at his enemy before charging the monster with his fists lit on fire. The beast cried in pain as it burned, the hardened flesh popping and crackling orange while Natsu closed the distance. Swinging hard with his right fist closed and curled, the fire enshrouded fist impacted the body as he continued to hit it in a raging pummel of blows. Thinking quickly, he grabbed one of Erza's left over swords the was wedged in the monsters hide as the hilt and handled glinted in the sun. Pulling it out, he quickly started slashing and stabbing as the burning skin stank like rotting rubber.

"If only we discovered it's weakness to fire right away" The male concluded as the beast swiped with a clawed hand of gnarled and blistered fingers. Ducking low, Natsu saw it starting to slow and weaken with blood continuously pouring from the gaping limb wound.

Seeing his chance as the creature lowered its head to snap at the air before him, Natsu saw some of the horrid skin starting to heal. Aiming the sword between the shoulder and neck of thick muscle, Natsu took his chance and stabbed with a grunt and yell. Blood gushed out in an arching spray, the beast howling from the fatal wound while it staggered slowly.

"HA! take that, you fucking monster" shouted Natsu as this vile creature slowly sank to its knees in its final death throes.

He let his guard down. He should've been able to dodge it, but he got cocky with his victory. This small lapse in judgement would change his life forever.

With one final gurgling roar, the desolate beast punched Natsu in the face, breaking his nose. With a cry of pain, he went flying...right into that spinning vortex and a flash of light. Letting out one final gasp the beast died with a collapse, the corpse falling forward into a pool of its spreading blood. Another burning burst of light encompassed the battlefield, the strange portal snapping shut with a low pop. A few random particles of red and trace amounts of electricity sparked in the air…but the breech had closed.

Natsu was gone, the only thing left was his scale-patterned scarf, flickering fires, and the corpses of the dead as the wind passed through the nearby trees like a whisper of fate.

A few minutes later is when the two female mages returned to rejoin the fight if they could, but the silence was un-nerving. Limping into the clearing, Mira clutched her side or cracked ribs as Happy continued to hold Erza aloft. Her leg was broken…far too painful to even think of walking on.

"Where is he?" said Erza as she gasped in continuing agony. Eyes casting around the battle site, all she could see were the dead bodies of the soldiers…and the monster.

"I don't know" replied Mira in worry as she looked around for any sign of the young fire mage. "Happy, did you find anything?" inquired the white haired mage as the cat gently set Erza down near that same boulder. She moaned, the obvious break straining her nerves as it throbbed with each heartbeat.

"No, all I found was his scarf! I can't find him anywhere!" cried the little blue cat as he flew back to Erza. The young knight grasped it, worry in her eyes as she knew Natsu would never leave his most prized possession.

"Where could he be...that strange vortex!" shouted both girls in unison as they looked toward where it had been, but found nothing but air choked with the stench of death.

"He probably got sent though by that monster during their fight!" exclaimed Mira in horrific realization. Glancing at her two companions, they were coming to the same dreadful conclusion.

"We must inform Master Makarov immediately! He might be able to help!" shouted Erza as she tried to stand, but cried from the futile effort. Sinking back down, all she could feel was...useless.

"Your right. Plus, we need to let the authorities know what happened here... especially with all the dead Rune Knights" said Mira in a sad tone as she looked around at the field of bodies. Hardening her glare, she knew there was nothing else they could do. Both of them were badly injured, and any report would have to wait.

"Let's get the hell outta here" Mirajane whispered in a hollow tone as the three slowly made their way back to town, leaving nothing but silence in their wake.

Arriving back in the small town of Bayshore, the two young female mages quickly headed to the nearest clinic. The resetting of Erza's left leg and subsequent casts and arm sling for Mira was a trial for both of the beaten and devastated girls. Needless to say it hurt...and sucked...a lot as the nurses and doctor gave them much needed care.

By the next morning even though some of their bruises and cuts started to heal, Erza would still need crutches to get around until her broken leg healed while Mira had her right arm in a sling and cast. Bandages were also wrapped around her midsection to try and prevent the movement of ribs…but that would be a losing battle.

Leaving the clinic Mira turned to the flying feline with a warning of seriousness. "Happy, I need you to collect the reward for us since myself and Erza are obviously still in a great deal of pain. Can you do that for us?"

"Aye sir!" that furball saluted before the little blue cat flew off toward the town hall.

"Meet us at the train station!" she yelled after him with the ghost of a smile. At least he seemed to be in a decent mood…for now.

"Aye!"

Sigh. "Let's go red idiot. We have three blocks to the train station" Mira stated as the two of them started to slowly make their way down the bustling street. Several citizens glanced their way, but didn't seem to be bothered too much as they passed the mages of the famous guild.

"You realize you demon harlot that I'm going to kick your ass once I'm out of these casts" replied Erza as she glared at the eldest Strauss sister and her rival.

"Yeah yeah, just name the time and place." replied Mira with a smirk. Crossing the street, the duo continued for a few minutes in brooding silence before Erza spoke up.

"Mira? Do you think he's alright?"

"Yeah, I do. Because despite his foolishness and hyper personality he still is one of the strongest of our generation… Not as strong as us, but he could match us someday if he trained hard" the girl stated as her line of reasoning continued. "Hell, I bet that portal just dropped him somewhere on Earthland and he'll show up in a few weeks" the white haired female grinned in reassurance as Erza gave a brief nod.

"Mira's right. That was probably some dark mage monster and Natsu will pop up in a few weeks, spouting of his adventure"

With that said, the two completed the rest of their short journey in silence until they reached the train station where a little blue winged cat was already waiting. He held a large bag of jewels with Natsu's scarf clutched in his little paws.

"Ready to go Happy?" asked Erza.

"Yeah...um do you think Natsu will show up at the guild?" the little cat asked in worry.

"I'm sure he will show up in no time" replied Erza to Happy's inquiry.

"Oh, ok...um Erza? Do you think you can look after Natsu's scarf until he gets back? It's too big for me and I think he'd want you to have it" stated Happy as he looked at Erza with pleading eyes.

"Sure, Happy I'd be honored" she smiled as the cat flew up and helped her wrap it around her neck. Magical wings fluttering, he hovered with a nervous smile as the red head gently caressed the scale patterned scarf.

"Ahem, the trains about to leave we should board now" informed Mira as she glared at Erza's new scarf with a hint of jealousy.

"Damn that ginger head! That scarf should be mine! She will pay for this!" Mira promised as she boarded the train with her rival and flying friend.

Three hours later...Fairy Tail guild hall

Mira slowly pushed one of the guild hall doors open for Erza to walk through. Limping in on crutches as they thumped against the wooden floor, the two girls were in quite an alarming state. Immediately everybody's eyes were on the two heavily bandaged mages...you could hear a pin drop. These two were some of the strongest of their generation…and they had gotten the crap beat out of them.

Makarov was the first to approach them, worry and concern in his kind voice as he noticed the absence of one certain young man. "Girls, where's Natsu?" he asked solemnly, fearing the worst.

"..."

"..."

Mira was the one to break the silence after a minute of trying to find the right words. "He's gone" she replied while everybody gasped in shock.

"You mean Natsu's really gone?" asked Lisanna in a small voice tear's slowly trailed down her cheeks. The hyper-active mage was her dear friend…and future husband. They even raised Happy together!

"Explain. Now" ordered the guild master in a stern tone as the two girls started to speak.

Mira and Erza explained everything that happened on the mission. It took a while, but eventually they finished their story. Many guild members had tears in their eyes at the end. Some couldn't believe the brave actions of Natsu while some were shocked by the horrible monster he faced. And for others…it was unbelievable.

"Master, you need to inform the council what happened there in that forest" Erza stated as she looked at the short, old man with a plead in her brown eyes.

"Of course. Yes. right away. But you two go to the infirmary and lay down to rest. That's an order" Makarov said in weary, but kind tone. The duo nodded as they headed to the infirmary closing the door behind them with sorrow in their hearts.

"I better call the council right away" he muttered to himself while climbing the stairs to his office with a heavy heart and mind.

One week later...

The entire guild hall was gathered in the front hall while they waited for the Rune Knight captain to start his report. In a surprising twist, even Laxus and Gildarts were there once they heard the news about Natsu.

"Everybody quiet!" yelled the master to hear the captains report as the man in the doorway cleared his throat.

"Go ahead captain, we're listening" Makarov stated as the guild fell into silence.

"Ah yes. After we collected the deceased and that monster, we searched three square miles around the battle site for the past week. We didn't find anything. No portal or vortex, and no body. We even contacted some other guilds if they heard anything about your comrade. There was nothing" the captain stated before continuing. "If this vortex did exist it could have dropped him anywhere on the planet, heck for all I know he could be in another universe" he sighed before looking at them all with remorse. "I'm sorry this news isn't what you wanted to hear" he stated before turning and heading out of the guild.

"You mean that's it!" yelled Gildarts from across the hall "He's just gone!" the crash mage yelled with fury written across his face.

"I'm sorry Gildarts, but that's it. There's nothing else we can do" Makarov replied with downcast eyes.

"SORRY! YOUR SORRY! HE WAS LIKE A SON TO ME!" yelled the crash mage before storming through the east wall of the guild, activating his crash magic as he walked out into the city.

"I lost one of my children too my friend" the old master whispered in a sorrowful tone as his eyes started to water. As he lifted his head up, he looked at all his crying children across the room. Even Gray and Laxus had misting around their eyes, though they would never admit it.

"It truly is a sad day for Fairy Tail. Natsu…please be alive" Makarov prayed to the heavens as Cana and Levy cried mere feet before him.

Meanwhile with Natsu

Natsu was laying in the middle of a street, his clothes tatters and rags while he had some nasty cuts and bruises on his fourteen year old body. While he had entered the vortex with just a broken nose, He was ejected from that same rip in space-time at a speed of 40mph. He did not have a pleasant landing. Laying there for hours, his subconscious was darkness as distant sounds tried to pierce the veil. Stirring, Natsu started hearing something through his foggy dreams. He heard...screams...gunfire...yelling and finally a voice.

"Hey kid, kid you alright?" he heard someone ask before slowly opening his eyes as a hand jostled his shoulder. When they finally came into focus, he saw a blonde haired man with blue goggles on his head. He appeared to be wearing some heavy armor with a strange gear symbol in the center. Covering his chest, shoulders, legs and shins, there were several scratches and gouges visible. The armor had blue lights spaced apart, running down the left and right side of the chest piece vertically. He was also carrying a large rifle with what looked like a chainsaw slung underneath. Natsu took all these details in within a few seconds as he let out a low moan.

"Ugh my head hurts like an anvil, but i don't think anything's broken...well, except my nose" Natsu responded to the blonde man as some blood ran down his face. It hurt, but he would be okay.

"Alright, good. Now I don't mean to be a hard-ass but we gotta move" the blonde man stated before a loud explosion went off a few blocks away. Shaking the earth, the sound of a building collapsing echoed along the roadway toward Natsu and these strange men.

"YO! Baird baby we gotta move! Control said the city's almost evacuated. Our extraction is only a block away, but we're the last ones in the area!" shouted a large, dark-skinned man with a short hair cut. He wore the same armor and equipment as Baird while his large biceps seemed to ripple with strength. Two other men wore the same, except they were wearing helmets with blue, glowing lenses in front of the eyes.

"Let's shake our asses, Gears!" yelled Baird as he yanked Natsu to his feet. "Kid, you're going to have to run. Keep up your you'll die" Baird stated bluntly as he pushed him forward. Natsu nodded, his feet pounding the pavement strewn with debris as he ran alongside the soldiers.

However…they only made it half a block before they were ambushed by what appeared to be human sized monsters. They all looked vicious. Beady, yellow eyes stared out from gnarled faces of gray skin and mouths of teeth like knives. Many wore leathers and combat harnesses, the straps and belts stretching across their muscular chests while ammo pouches wrapped around their waists.

'Huummans' rasped out one of the monsters before raising its weapon to fire. Bullets erupted from the hammerburst, shrieking and snapping through the air while mixing in with the nearby sounds of battle.

"Shit! Grubs!" yelled Baird as he grabbed Natsu and dragged him into cover behind a burned out car. Crouching down, Natsu was next to the dark-skinned man who immediately popped out of cover to return fire. Bullets raced back and forth, a horror of noise while Natsu watched with wide eyes.

"What the heck is going on!?"

'Gruaghh!' one of the monsters screamed as it went down from the large man's bullets ripping through its chest.

"Heh already got one, baby!" cheered the soldier as he continued to fight back against the grubs. The other two soldiers had taken cover behind a fallen column laying in the street several feet away, periodically exchanging fire with the monsters.

Looking around as the shock started to wear off, Natsu finally saw that this whole city was a wreck. There were burned out cars and buildings, some of which had collapsed across some nearby roadways in a spill of rubble and destruction. Shattered windows in blown out stores, craters and holes everywhere...and with his enhanced Dragon senses he could smell everything within miles. It was bad...very bad. The waft of rotting bodies, the blood...the fear of those dying. That's what was making his temper rise. The screaming cries of terror of people he couldn't even see.

"Hey kid, you alright" asked Baird as he continued to fire at the few remaining grubs in the street. The subterranean's were falling back under the cover of gunfire, trying to disengage after the losses incurred by this squad.

"Yeah, I'm fine" replied Natsu in a cold voice as he turned to look at the blonde soldier. That's when he saw one of those 'grubs' climb out through a store window not even ten feet from their location on the left. While the other grubs had brought rifles, pistols and shotguns to fight the four soldiers. This one had a weird tank on its back with a hose leading to some odd two-handed weapon, and at the tip of this weapon was fire. Unfortunately, Baird and the others didn't see this new enemy until it was too late.

"OH SHIT! KID! LOOK OUT! Baird shouted as Natsu jumped in front of himself and Cole. They could only watch in useless horror as this kid was completely enveloped in napalm and churning flames right before them.

"Damn kid, why'd you do that!?" yelled one the soldiers before he returned fire to the main force. But before the grub could fire off another fireball something amazing happened that made them all question reality.

'Slurp, Slurp, Gulp'

"You know, despite you being a murdering monster, these flames don't taste that bad" replied Natsu as he finished inhaling the last of the napalm into his mouth before grinning back at the flame carrying monster. Licking his lips, the fourteen year old released a small burb, a small burst of fire erupting from his mouth as he pounded his chest.

"Now, it's my turn" stated Natsu as he lit both of his hands on fire. The orbs in his palms roiled, heating the surrounding area.

"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!" shouted Natsu as he combined the fire from his two hands into one fireball before launching it at the lone grub soldier. It exploded like a bomb, detonating in a burst while loose rock and pebbles flew through the air in a hiss of flight. Needless to say, the only thing left of the monster was ashes. Hell, he blew up 3 of the surrounding buildings too.

"Whoops, guess I used too much" Natsu stated with an awkward chuckle as he rubbed his neck sheepishly before turning around to face the four soldiers.

"Kid...what the FUCK did you just do! You just ATE and SHOT fire! exclaimed Baird in emphasis on the actions. "Hell" He continued "You should be a pile of ash right now! he yelled as he poked Natsu in the chest.

"First of all. Your welcome for saving your asses" Natsu replied before he slapped Baird's hand away.

"Two. I'm a Fire Dragon Slayer meaning no matter how hot they are I can eat flames, not be burned by fire, and use it in any of my magic attacks" Natsu explained with a smirk as he looked at the four shocked soldiers.

"As much as I would like to stay and chat fellas, we need to get to the Raven before they leave without us. Otherwise its game over for all of us baby" stated Cole as he reloaded his weapon.

"Yeah, your right. We can figure this shit out in Jacinto" replied Baird as he and the others quickly ran down the street with Natsu in the center of their group. They made it the Raven a few minutes later.

"Alright ladies, climb aboard" Baird instructed in a light teasing tone as the others climbed into the cabin.

"Are there any units left in the city?" the blonde asked the pilot as he climbed into his seat before strapping in. Helping to secure Natsu's own belt, he would feel horrible if the kid fell out to his death.

"A couple" replied the pilot in a regrettable tone as the blades started to beat faster. "they won't make it in time though. Hoffman's ordered everybody to leave now. In less than ten minutes they're dropping the Hammer since there are thousands of locust still in the city" finished the pilot before he started to lift the King Raven into the air taking them away from the burning metropolis.

For the first time Natsu got to see the city where he ended up. It was massive. This sprawling urban center was easily ten times the size of Magnolia and that city had close to one hundred thousand people living there.

"How many people live in that city?" Natsu asked one of the helmeted men with a sense of uneasiness.

"Before the war, I think close to three million. Now though, who knows? Not like it's going to matter in a few minutes anyway" he responded sadly.

"Why, what happens in a few minutes?" asked Natsu with an increasing sense of dread.

"You'll see" replied the helmeted soldier as the vehicle continued to fly westward.

A few minutes later…

"Brace yourselves!" yelled the pilot "This ride's gonna get bumpy!"

Natsu was still looking at the city... a third was already consumed in flames with tracers lighting the sky and rampant explosions occurring every moment. That's when he looked up and saw an odd orange and red glow above the clouds. Moments later, a pillar of brilliant light struck the city center and slowly pushed a wall of fire outwards in an ever expanding circle. Buildings were blown apart…toppling as roadways and avenues became canyons of flame and fire. The beam continued to pulse, pushing more heat as the city died a horrible death.

"It's so awful... I can't look away though" Natsu told himself in horrid fascination as he watched buildings vaporize and topple from the approaching firestorm. That's when he realized something truly nightmarish. "People were still down there in the city, weren't there? asked Natsu with tears in his eyes.

"Yeah kid, there must've been thousands. Maybe tens of thousands trapped in Char when the hammer dropped" answered Baird with a tired voice. It was desolate and hollow…but something he was used to during this horrible retreat across the planet.

"It's because of those locust things, right?" asked Natsu in growing anger and hatred. How many innocents died because of those monsters?

"Yeah kid, our world was at peace before E-Day. It was brief…but there was peace for the first time in decades. Then…they appeared to exterminate the human race" Baird explained to the kid as he continued to watch the city of Char burn and die.

The beam cut off, leaving only a firestorm and ash in it's wake as those within became nothing but ash and dust.

"Then I'm gonna train to get strong enough to kill every one of these monsters!" shouted Natsu with conviction in his voice as he looked around the cabin.

"Ohh that's right Natsu baby, time to play for the winning team!" shouted Cole with a warm grin as he looked at Natsu. Giving a thumbs up, the man could almost feel the embers of destiny in this young man.

"Well…you better be ready for a long war, kid" Baird said simply before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Outside, a large air armada of Ravens flying to a city in the distance while a massive convoy of vehicles cross the land on the few intact roads leading out of the now ruined city of Char…

Damn. I just re-wrote and fixed the errors of this chapter as of 5/15/20. Back then, I thought I wrote it pretty well. Fuck, I did not. Punctuation and grammar errors were everywhere! Shit! I don't' think I even spell checked! At least now I can see how far I've come with my writing! But god damn! Maybe after I finish Dragon of the Cog I should just go through and update my work! At least for the first dozen chapters or so. I'm pretty sure by chapter 15 I was taking the grammar far more seriously.

Anyway if you're a new reader, it does get better! And I have four stories!

Dragneel: Heh…my younger self has no fucking idea of the shitstorm his life will become. Eh…at least He'll get a harem out of it…with many insane women.

Younger Natsu: What do you mean a shitstorm! What's gonna happen to me! And what women in a harem!?

Dragneel: Heh…naïve little punk

This is thehappy signing off!