Lakeside Hyoudou Mansion
The training field looked like a battlefield. Craters, ice patches, broken dummies, and scorch marks dotted the ground.
Across the yard, Yuuka fired another compressed fire magic bolt, as the blast hit the three targets in a row. "Ha! When Issei gets back, I'll be able to actually land a shot at him easily."
Uzume laughed, her veil binding two floating metal beams before snapping them apart like dry twigs. "This is way more fun than housework."
Matsu could be seen using her new lightning magic to attract various metal objects towards her. "Yes! With this building my new toys will be so much easier."
Akitsu stood in the middle of the yard, frost creeping up her arms. She extended her palms, releasing a wave of icy shards that stabbed and froze a line of dummies solid. Her voice was quiet but steady. "Better…?"
Miya and Yashima could be seen sparring as Yashima wanted to increase the speed of her swings and Miya was more than happy to help.
Karasuba cracked her neck, sheathing her blade with a grin. "At this rate, when he comes back, he'll find us all stronger than him."
Tamamo's magic flared with various colors of flames that ignited around her as she smirked. "Which means he'll have to work even harder to keep up."
Sakura giggled from Kuromaru's back. "Daddy's gonna be so surprised!"
Totomaru groaned, holding his head. "How am I supposed to teach any of you, when all of your mistakes nearly kill me?!"
Tamamo, sipping tea with a wicked grin, leaned forward. "You're doing fine. If anything happens I'll just fix you right up."
—--------------------------
Back to Natsu and Issei
The clearing was silent except for the crackle of flames still smoldering on the rocks. Issei crouched low, sweat dripping down his face, his chest heaving. His lips were scorched, his throat raw, but there was something new thrumming in his veins: heat.
Natsu stood across from him, arms crossed, watching with a rare seriousness in his eyes. "Alright, Issei. One more time. Stop worrying about how stupid you look. Just let it out."
Issei groaned. "Easy for you to say."
Happy floated overhead with another fish in his paws. "Here. Eat first!"
Issei shoved the roasted fish into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed with a grimace. His stomach churned from the amount of charred seafood he'd been eating over the last few days, but he clenched his fists.
'Come on, Issei. You can do this.'
He inhaled deeply, pulling the air down into his gut. His entire chest burned like he'd swallowed molten iron. For a moment, panic screamed in his mind — he felt like he was choking. But then he remembered Natsu's words.
'Be the fire.'
His jaw clenched, his throat tightened, and then—
"FUUUUUHHHRAAAHHH!!"
A torrent of flame erupted from his mouth, hot and wild, a gout of fire that roared like a dragon's breath. The blast scorched the earth, blackening stone and grass, before sputtering out as Issei collapsed to his knees, gasping.
The clearing went dead silent.
Then Natsu grinned wide, fists flaring in approval. "There it is! That's some serious fire!"
Happy spun in the air, cheering. "Aye, sir! Issei did it!"
Issei stared at the smoking ground, then at his own trembling hands. His lips curled into a grin despite his exhaustion. "Heh… Did I do it? Was I able to produce Fire Dragon Slayer Magic?"
"Nope." Natsu answers with a grin. Causing Issei to be dejected at another failure.
Ddraig's voice quickly came out with a feeling of pride in his voice. (But you did well, Partner. That was no ember. That was a breath worthy of a dragon.)
Issei's grin returned from Ddraig's encouragement. 'Guess I should be happy with every bit of improvement.'
—---------------------------------------------
Lakeside Mansion
Totomaru was on his knees, face covered in soot, his clothes half-burned, his black and white hair standing up at odd angles. "I… hate… my life…"
But the women around him were practically glowing.
Yuuka stood tall at the range, her revolver glowing faintly as she shot another bullet. A streak of compressed magical energy whistled through the air and shattered a target dummy's head in a clean strike.
"Bullseye," She smirked, spinning her gun. "Guess I'm pretty good at shooting things at long-range. No one's running from me now."
Uzume's veil shimmered with runes, snaking around another dummy before the fabric coiled tight. The dummy's arms snapped down at its sides as Uzume pulled her hand back, her eyes sharp. "Enhanced bindings. No matter how slippery the opponent, once I've got them, they're not escaping."
Akitsu stepped forward next. Frost gathered in her palms, not in chaotic bursts this time but as focused shards. With a soft exhale, she released a wave of icy blades that pierced the ground in a neat circle around her target. She looked at her hands, blinking slowly. "Finally."
Miya, standing at the porch, gave her a faint nod.
And then came Karasuba. Her blade gleamed as she swung in a wide arc. A pulse of compressed force exploded outward, splitting the ground in a shockwave slash. Dirt and grass erupted in a jagged scar as she lowered her sword with a grin. "Now that's more like it."
Totomaru stared, wide-eyed despite his bruises. "You… you're all insane…"
Matsu pushed up her glasses with a proud gleam. Around her you can see here bring various machines from her pocket dimension as she has finally gotten the hammer space to be bigger.
The sudden sound of clapping broke through the yard.
"Impressive."
Everyone turned. Standing at the edge of the clearing, carrying a basket of food, was Mirajane bringing with her Erza and Gray, who were impressed with their intensity and the size of their mansion.
Erza's sharp eyes swept over the yard, taking in the smoking craters, shattered targets, and the smug looks on the women's faces. "I thought we were pretty intense when training… I didn't expect to find Fairy Tail's allies training like an army."
Yuuka immediately stiffened, crossing her arms. "We're not an army. Just… keeping up."
Uzume smirked. "Don't look so surprised. We're not just pretty faces, you know."
Karasuba chuckled darkly, leaning on her blade. "Stick around, you might see just how dangerous we are."
Miya then turned to Mirajane. "Mira, I am sorry to inform you but Issei is currently not here."
But Mirajane simply moved her hand, shaking it in a negative motion. "I already know. Erza and Gray informed me that the moment Natsu came back after bringing Lucy, he quickly charged straight to you home to take him on a training trip.
Gray's gaze lingered on each of them as he looked at everyone in approval. "You've all grown much stronger.Planning to shock Issei when he returns from training with the hothead."
Matsu smirked, tilting her glasses. "That's the plan. We'll show him we can match whatever crazy new trick he brings back."
Mirajane nodded approvingly, then held up her basket. "For now, I thought you might appreciate a meal."
Miya stepped forward gracefully to accept it. "Thank you, Erza. You're all welcomed here."
As the group gathered around, laughing and bickering even as they admired their progress.
Sakura sat between Miki and Gorou, giggling as she tried to sneak extra dumplings from Miya's plate while Tamamo pretended not to notice. Uzume bragged about her newest veil technique to anyone who'd listen, while Yuuka puffed her cheeks in irritation as Totomaru recounted, for the fifth time, how close he'd come to being "burned alive" during training.
"You're still breathing, aren't you?" Karasuba said with a wolfish smirk, sipping her drink. "Sounds like you've been fine."
Totomaru deflated, groaning. "You people are insane."
It was in the middle of this chaos that Akitsu suddenly stood, her quiet footsteps drawing attention as she walked around the table. She stopped beside Gray, her pale hands folding neatly in front of her.
"…Gray," She said softly, her tone as calm as ever. "Teach me."
Gray blinked, a half-eaten piece of bread still in his hand. "Teach you… what?"
"Ice-Make magic," Akitsu replied without hesitation. Her frosty cold brown eyes locked onto his, unwavering.
For a moment, Gray just stared. Then he leaned back in his chair, arms crossing. "Ice-Make, huh…? You already control ice though, don't you?"
Akitsu nodded. "Yes. But… it's unrefined. You make… shapes. Weapons. Armor. I want to learn that control."
Gray considered it, chewing thoughtfully. "…Y'know, why not? It shouldn't be too hard to show you the basics. You've already got a natural affinity. It's just about imagination and structure."
Akitsu's lips curved the faintest bit—her version of a smile. "Thank you."
The other girls, overhearing, perked up instantly.
Uzume leaned forward across the table, eyes gleaming. "Wait, if we're asking for lessons—Erza, teach me Requip! I wanna swap outfits in the blink of an eye, like you do. Do you know how long it takes me to pick an outfit for the day?"
Erza, mid-bite of stew, raised an eyebrow but gave a small nod. "I suppose I can show you the foundation."
Uzume grinned, satisfied. "Perfect."
Matsu adjusted her glasses, her smile sharp. "In that case, I'd like to study as well. You never know what may be useful or become valuable data."
Yashima raised her hand timidly. "M-me too. I don't know what I should learn, but… anything that helps."
Yuuka smirked. "Same. If nothing else, better options than listening to him." She jabbed a thumb at Totomaru.
The poor ex-Phantom Lord mage nearly wept with joy, leaning back in his chair. "Finally! A break! Praise the gods!"
Karasuba rolled her eyes. "Lazy mutt."
—------------------------------------
After the meal, plates were cleared away and the household split into groups.
In the front yard, Erza and Mirajane stood like instructors as the girls gathered eagerly. Erza's eyes sharpened as she explained the fundamentals of Requip, while Mira, with her usual gentleness, described the importance of mental clarity when shifting forms.
Matsu scribbled notes, Yuuka impatiently tapped her foot, and Uzume practically vibrated with excitement.
Meanwhile, Gray led Akitsu further from the house, into a clearing by the lake. He raised his hand, conjuring a crystalline sword of ice. "First step—concentration. Ice-Make isn't about raw power, it's about creation. Picture what you want to build, and shape your magic to match."
Akitsu nodded, frost forming at her fingertips as she tried to copy him.
But just as she raised her hands, a sudden shiver ran through her body. Her head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing. She couldn't see anything, but…
'Someone is watching.'
Her chest tightened. It wasn't the cold. It was the unmistakable sensation of hostility, sharp as a blade at her back.
Far away, hidden behind a cluster of trees, a pair of eyes glimmered with stormy jealousy.
Juvia Lockser crouched in the shadows, her gaze fixed like a predator.
She clutched her hands to her chest, breath quickening. "Juvia… Juvia sees it… Gray-sama and that woman… alone… training… together…"
Her imagination spun, building terrible, romantic images that made her lip tremble.
"No…" she whispered, voice breaking with despair. "Juvia cannot allow this…!"
Back in the clearing, Akitsu's gaze flicked faintly over her shoulder. She didn't know who it was, but the sensation of being stared at—pierced—remained. In the end she decided to ignore it for now as whoever it was, was insignificant to her training.
—----------------------------------
The fire crackled low, embers glowing against the darkness.
Issei lay flat on his back in the dirt, arms folded behind his head as he stared up at the ocean of stars. The night was cool, but the warmth of the fire, mixed with the dull ache of his sore body, made it feel almost comforting.
Beside him, Natsu sprawled out with equal laziness, his scarf bunched up beneath his head as a makeshift pillow. Happy laid below them, curled on the ground with a satisfied little belly, purring faintly in his sleep.
For the first time in six days, the clearing was quiet. No sparring. No shouts. No fireballs blowing up in Issei's face.
Issei let out a long sigh, his breath steaming faintly in the night air. "Hard to believe it's been six days already."
Natsu chuckled, hands laced behind his head. "Heh. Time flies when you're having fun, right? Training's been a blast."
Issei snorted. "Easy for you to say. I'm the one usually getting roasted half the time."
"Builds character!" Natsu shot back with a grin, rolling onto his side.
Issei chuckled, shaking his head. "…You're unbelievable."
The silence stretched again, comfortable this time, broken only by the pop of the flames and the distant chirp of crickets.
But then, Issei turned his head slightly, watching Natsu's scarf catch the firelight. A thought tugged at him.
"…Hey, Natsu. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Natsu replied casually, still watching the sky.
"Why did you even want to spend time with me so badly?" Issei asked, frowning a little. "You've got your whole guild, Happy, all your friends. You didn't need to drag me out here. So… why?"
Natsu didn't answer right away.
His grin faded, his brows furrowing as he stared into the fire. For once, the ever-loud dragon slayer was quiet.
Issei tilted his head, confused by the silence. "…Oi. Did I break you?"
Finally, Natsu sat up slightly, his expression awkward. He scratched the back of his neck, eyes flicking away. "I guess… I thought maybe you're kinda like me."
Issei blinked. "Like you? How so?"
Natsu shifted uncomfortably, his voice lower now, almost nervous. "I dunno. I mean… I've got Fairy Tail. They're my family. And Happy too. Of course I love 'em. But…" He trailed off, his hand tightening slightly around his scarf. "Sometimes it's hard to ignore it, y'know? The difference between me and them. I was raised by a dragon. I'm not… the same as the others. Not really."
Issei's eyes widened.
Natsu's voice grew softer, honest. "Then I met you. You've got that big dragon stuck in your arm, right? You've got that connection too. I thought… hey. This guy might actually get it. The fire, the fight, the way it feels. Maybe we could be… best friends."
Issei sat up slowly, stunned. He hadn't expected that answer. For once, he didn't have a snarky comeback ready.
"…So what you're saying is," Issei said carefully, "you felt… lonely?"
Natsu didn't flinch at the word. He just shrugged, a small, crooked smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe. Just a little."
Issei stared at him, shocked. 'Natsu? Lonely?' This was the same guy who couldn't walk ten feet in Magnolia without bumping into someone who'd fight or laugh with him. But looking at him now, with the firelight flickering across his face, Issei realized… he meant it.
And suddenly, it didn't sound so strange.
Issei let out a slow breath. "…So. Have I met your expectations?"
Natsu blinked, then broke into that massive, toothy grin of his, the kind that could light up a whole room. "Of course! This has been awesome!"
Issei stared at him for a moment, then laughed, shaking his head. "You're something else, you know that?"
He leaned back again, staring at the stars. "But… yeah. I've been having fun too."
The fire popped, sparks floating into the night sky.
For a long moment, the two dragon-linked boys sat there in the quiet, sharing nothing more than the stars above and the warmth of the flames between them.
Issei let out a long breath, his eyes following the stars as they winked above. His burns ached, his lungs still stung from earlier attempts at spitting fire, but for once he didn't mind.
"…Y'know," He murmured, "Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever actually pull it off. Real Dragon Slayer magic."
Natsu turned his head toward him, one eyebrow raised.
But before the other boy could open his mouth, Issei chuckled, brushing the dirt from his chest. "But it really doesn't matter, though. Even if I never breathe fire like you, I'm just glad I got to spend this time with a new friend."
The words were genuine, unguarded.
Natsu blinked, then slowly grinned, lying back again. "Heh. Guess you're not so bad yourself."
Issei smirked. "Tell you what. Once we're done frying me alive out here, you're coming to my place. Breakfast. Dinner. The works. Sakura'll be thrilled, my parents also really like you, and the girls—" He paused, thinking of the Sekirei "—well, they'll tolerate you. Mostly."
Natsu laughed, scratching the back of his head. "You sure about that? I usually break and burn everything I touch. Your place might not last a day."
Issei rolled onto his side, and gave a savage grin at him. "Nah. You'll be on your best behavior. Trust me—if you aren't, the girls will kill you."
Natsu stiffened. Just the memory of Tamamo's tails flicking with irritation, Miya's sharp smile, and Karasuba's gleeful threats was enough to make him pale. He trembled slightly. "…Y-yeah. I'll behave."
Issei grinned wide. "Good boy."
There was another lull, filled only by the sound of the fire popping. Then Natsu's voice broke it, quieter this time.
"…Hey, Issei. Is… having wives fun?"
Issei blinked at him, surprised. "Fun?"
"Yeah." Natsu turned his eyes back to the stars. "I never thought about it before. But watching you talk about them… it made me wonder. What's it like?"
Issei's face brightened with enthusiasm immediately. "What's it like? It's the best, man!"
He sat up, animated. "I wake up every day surrounded by soft pillows—" his grin widened mischievously, "and by pillows, I mean boobs. Big ones, small ones, all kinds. Sometimes I wake up smothered. Honestly, it's a great way to start the day."
Natsu blinked at him, blank expression unchanging. "…That's not what I meant."
But Issei kept going, arms gesturing excitedly. "Then, Miya or Tamamo cook these amazing meals. Seriously, you've never lived until you've had Tamamo's fried rice or Miya's stews. Heaven in a bowl. And when I'm hurt, tired, or beaten up from training, they're right there to help me relax. A bath, a massage, a smile—anything. They make sure I'm not alone."
He settled back down, his voice softening. "And I try my best too. To keep them comfortable. To make sure they're happy. That's the deal, y'know? They give me their love, I give them mine. That's what makes it special."
Natsu was quiet for a long while. His eyes flickered, as if something in those words struck deeper than he expected. "…Huh. Doesn't sound bad."
Issei tilted his head. "…You don't sound convinced."
Natsu shrugged, but his expression had grown thoughtful. He hadn't realized before how lonely his nights felt, even with Fairy Tail by his side. Something in Issei's words lit a flicker of curiosity in his chest.
'What would it be like… to have that kind of bond?'
And almost without meaning to, faces slipped into his mind.
Lisanna. Her laugh, her warmth, the way she'd been there before she was gone.
Lucy. Her smile, her courage, the way she always pushed forward even when things were stacked against her.
Natsu's heart tightened.
The memory of Lisanna was bittersweet, and for a moment it threatened to break him. But then Lucy's image shone brighter, pulling him back.
And a memory of when Issei first day of training came to mind.
"Huh. So you must really like Lucy, huh?"
And Natsu remembers answering without much thought. But now something quickly started to click into place in his brain.
'I couldn't protect Lisanna… but Lucy… Lucy's here. She's special. And I'll protect her, no matter what.'
He clenched his fists. "…Yeah. I think I get it now."
Issei glanced at him curiously. "What's that supposed to mean?"
But Natsu just grinned, scarf fluttering faintly in the night air. "You'll see."
Issei shook his head, chuckling. "You're weird, man."
"Right back at you," Natsu shot back.
—---------------------------
Issei's eyes snapped open, and for a moment he thought he had rolled too close to Natsu's fire. Heat licked his skin, the air shimmered, and the smell of sulfur filled his nose.
But when he sat up, the campfire, Natsu, and Happy were gone.
Instead, he stood in the middle of a rocky wasteland, jagged cliffs rising around him, rivers of lava bubbling and churning as if the land itself was alive. Towers of smoke rose into a sky painted crimson and orange, streaked with ash. The ground rumbled every few seconds, like a heart beating beneath the earth.
"What the hell…" Issei muttered, spinning in a circle. "This isn't the camp… Ddraig! Oi, get your scaly butt out here! If this is another one of your 'lessons,' I'm not in the mood for lava spa day!"
His voice echoed, but no answer came.
"…Oh great." With a sigh, Issei shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking. The heat pressed down on him like a weight.
It felt like he wandered forever, passing cracked spires and geysers of molten rock, until finally—
A massive shadow fell over him.
"About damn time," Issei groaned, tilting his head up. "Took you long enough, Ddraig."
The red dragon loomed into view, scales gleaming like burning rubies, his emerald eyes glowing faintly. But when Issei looked at him, something felt… off.
"…Where are we?" Issei asked, frowning. "Don't tell me this is supposed to be my soulscape. Because if it is, you've seriously redecorated without asking me first."
Ddraig let out a low rumble, his wings flexing. (This is not your soul, Partner. Nor the Boosted Gear's domain.)
Issei's brow furrowed. "Wait—you're saying you don't even know where we are?"
(No.) Ddraig's voice was steady, but his eyes narrowed slightly. (If this were your inner world, you would feel my flames saturating every corner. There would be more fire. This place… is different.)
Issei scratched the back of his head, muttering, "Fantastic. We're lost inside my own dream."
Then it came.
A sound that made the earth quake, the lava bubble violently, and the very air tremble.
A roar.
It shook the ground beneath Issei's feet, rattling his bones, echoing deep in his chest. It wasn't just loud.
Issei spun around, eyes wide. "…What the hell was that?"
From across the molten horizon, a massive form appeared.
Another red dragon.
It strode closer with each thunderous step, the ground cracking beneath its claws, molten rivers parting around its sheer presence. Its scales glowed faintly with inner fire, its eyes burning like molten gold.
Issei's jaw dropped. "…No way."
Even Ddraig lowered his head slightly, his emerald gaze locked on the newcomer. The two dragons stared at each other as the earth quaked beneath them.
When they finally stood face to face, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Then, the second dragon bowed its massive head slightly, his voice rumbling like the eruption of a volcano.
"It is an honor to meet you, Red Emperor."
His eyes shifted to Issei, softer but no less powerful. "And to you as well, young prince. Forgive me for dragging you here so suddenly."
Issei blinked rapidly, his brain refusing to process what he was hearing. "…Who the hell are you?"
The dragon's wings flared, casting a shadow like a living mountain.
"I am Igneel. The Fire Dragon King"
The name hit like a hammer.
Issei's entire body stiffened. His eyes went wide, his breath caught in his throat. "…Igneel?! As in… Natsu's… father?"
The dragon inclined his head slowly. "That is correct."
Issei stumbled back, nearly tripping over his own feet. "What the actual…?! I—I'm dreaming, right? This is just some super-weird hallucination after inhaling too much smoke earlier, right?!"
Igneel's molten eyes shifted between the red gauntlet on Issei's arm and the towering form of Ddraig. "I wished to meet you, Red Dragon Emperor. It has been long since I felt the flame of a fellow dragon." His gaze softened slightly as it fell to Issei. "And I wished to meet you, Prince. It was your presence, and the energy you have poured into Natsu these last six days, that stirred me from slumber."
Ddraig tilted his head, wings folding in. (So. You awakened by siphoning the energy radiating from my host.)
"Correct," Igneel rumbled. "Natsu absorbed the remnants of that power without realizing it, feeding me, stirring me. Enough that I could draw you both into this domain."
Issei's brows furrowed. "Wait, wait, wait—hold up. Are you saying you've been inside of Natsu this whole time? Like… like how Ddraig's been sealed inside of me?"
Igneel inclined his head slowly. "That is… essentially correct."
Issei's jaw dropped. "…You've been living inside his soul this whole time?!"
"…"
He threw his hands in the air. "So, what, some god sealed you inside him too? Like how Ddraig got stuck in me?!"
The dragon let out a deep, booming laugh, the sound shaking the molten cliffs. "No, boy. No god, no curse. I sealed myself inside Natsu by my own volition."
Both Issei and Ddraig froze, disbelief plain across their faces.
"…You what?!" Issei shouted, his voice cracking.
(He did it willingly?!) Ddraig's emerald eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. (That is no small feat. To bind one's soul to a mortal… that is an act of desperation—or devotion.)
Igneel nodded solemnly. "It was both."
The great dragon's voice grew heavier, carrying sorrow that seemed to weigh the entire domain.
"Many years ago, a part of my soul was stolen from me. Torn away by Acnologia."
At the mention of the name, even the flames around them dimmed.
Issei felt a chill crawl down his spine despite the oppressive heat. "Acnologia… who the hell is that?"
Igneel's eyes narrowed, his gaze distant. "A Dragon. Once a man… now a dragon of annihilation. He devours magic itself, a beast who embodies destruction. His power dwarfed even mine. When he stole a fragment of my soul, it left me broken, half-dead, and fading."
Ddraig's growl echoed like grinding stone. (So even you… the Fire Dragon King… were wounded so gravely by him. Acnologia… his name alone drips with malice.)
Igneel's claws dug into the stone beneath him, molten cracks spreading from his talons. "I wandered, weakened, until I met a boy. A lost child… full of fire. I took him in as my son."
Issei's chest tightened. "…Natsu."
"Yes." Igneel's voice softened with pride and sorrow all at once. "But my time was running out. My soul was collapsing. There was only one way left to endure—and to protect him. I sealed what remained of my soul within Natsu's body using the Dragon Soul Technique."
Issei blinked, the words crashing over him like waves. "…You… sealed yourself inside him? To survive?"
"For several reasons," Igneel explained. "First, to create antibodies within Natsu. Without them, the magic of a Dragon Slayer festers. Dragon Slayer children risk turning into dragons themselves, as Acnologia once did. By binding myself to him, I prevented that fate."
He paused, the flames around him pulsing with his words. "Second… to heal. My soul needed time, and within him, I could slowly absorb Ethernano, knitting together what Acnologia tore apart. With time, I could reemerge. Strong enough to face him again."
Issei gaped, utterly floored. His thoughts spun, a storm of awe, and disbelief. "…So all this time… you've just been waiting? Biding your time inside him?"
Igneel's gaze hardened. "Waiting. Watching. But the day will come when I must rise. Acnologia is not finished… and only dragons can end what he began."
The lava rumbled beneath their feet, and the air trembled as Ddraig's emerald eyes glowed brighter. His deep voice rolled across the rocky terrain, heavy with suspicion.
(Hmm. So this dragon… Acnologia. Is he truly such a threat?)
Igneel's great head bowed, molten eyes narrowing with memory. "In the beginning, I thought him undefeatable. He devours magic, slays dragons, and destroys all in his path. For a time, I believed there was no hope against him."
He lifted his gaze, fire glinting in his fangs. "But now… knowing that you exist, Ddraig, I see it differently. Were you to face him directly, I believe you would crush him instantly. That is why I brought you here—to ask you, Red Dragon Emperor… are you the pinnacle of our race?"
Issei turned sharply, wide-eyed, staring at the towering form of Ddraig. He expected him to respond with a boast.
Instead, Ddraig… laughed.
A booming, guttural laugh that echoed across the fiery plains.
(The pinnacle? If I were the pinnacle, Igneel, I would not be in this sorry state—sealed within a gauntlet, forced to rely on a mortal host to walk the world.)
Issei blinked, stunned. "Wait… what do you mean? You're not the top of the dragon food chain?!"
Ddraig's voice grew heavier, each word sharp as steel. (No, Partner. I am in the Emperor stage. Powerful, yes. Revered, feared, worshipped by some. But above me… exist the two Dragon Gods.)
Issei's breath hitched, his mind reeling. 'Dragon Gods?! He never mentioned this before!'
Igneel, however, threw back his head and released a booming laugh, flames bursting from his jaws. "So there are dragons beyond even you… fascinating!"
His molten eyes gleamed with fire and determination. "In the past, I would have been satisfied with defeating Acnologia. But now… knowing there are beings above even him and you the Red Dragon Emperor? I feel excitement! I wish to recover my strength and will rise beyond the shadow of Acnologia. I will climb from this wounded shell, ascend to the Emperor stage, and beyond—until I reach the domain of the Gods themselves!"
Issei's jaw dropped. "…This guy's intense
Ddraig, however, rumbled disapprovingly, his wings flexing. (Do not get ahead of yourself, Igneel. The God stage is not a mountain to simply climb. It is a state beyond comprehension. Even I… never touched that peak.)
Igneel snorted, flames curling around his fangs. "That does not matter. Even if the path is impossible, I will walk it. Such is the nature of dragons. To hunger. To strive. To burn."
His great head turned then, lowering until his blazing eyes locked onto Issei.
"And you, prince. I wished to speak to you as well."
Issei stiffened, his throat dry. "…M-me?"
Igneel's voice softened, though it still carried the weight of a volcano. "Yes. I wished to thank you for training with my son, you furthered my revival. Your fire stirs his, and through him, me. Each day you spent with him has accelerated my return."
Issei blinked, rubbing the back of his neck. "…Well, I wasn't exactly trying to help you come back from the dead, but… you're welcome?"
Igneel chuckled, a sound like molten rock cracking. "More than that… thank you for being his friend. Natsu is reckless, simple, but he carries burdens he does not speak of. You are the first in a long time to share his fire without fear. For that, I am grateful."
Issei's chest tightened. He thought of Natsu's awkward words by the campfire, the loneliness he had admitted so quietly. A lump formed in his throat.
"…Don't worry," Issei said, softer this time. "I'll stick by him. He's a weird idiot, but… he's my friend now too."
For the first time, Igneel's eyes softened, molten flame fading into warmth.
"I am grateful."
Issei rubbed the back of his head, a nervous grin tugging at his lips. "…Y'know, all this thanks isn't really necessary. I just… hung out with the guy. Nothing special."
Igneel's great head lowered. "More than necessary, boy. You have given my son companionship. Such things are worth more than any treasure. And for that…"
He opened his massive claw.
A small flame burst to life, hovering in the air like a living star. It wasn't ordinary fire—it pulsed with weight, with essence. The heat it radiated pressed against Issei's skin, yet it wasn't painful. It was… inviting.
"…Uh." Issei leaned back slightly, eyeing the flame nervously as it floated toward him. "What am I supposed to do with this?"
Ddraig's voice rumbled with awe. (That is no ordinary flame, Partner. That… is his essence.)
Igneel's voice thundered softly. "All you must do is accept it. Take it into yourself, and you will wield the magic of a true Fire Dragon Slayer."
Issei's eyes widened, his throat dry. "…You mean… this'll let me actually do Dragon Slayer stuff?"
Igneel's gaze grew stern, his molten pupils narrowing. "Yes. But beware. If you accept this gift, there is risk. With time, that flame will change you. Your body may begin to transform into that of a dragon. And if your will falters, if madness takes you… you may lose yourself, as Acnologia once did."
Issei froze, his mind spinning. 'Turn into a dragon? Lose myself? End up like that monster they keep whispering about?'
For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the bubbling of lava.
Then Issei exhaled and looked up, his eyes steady. "…Honestly? I'm not worried."
Igneel tilted his massive head, surprised. "Not… worried?"
"Becoming a dragon doesn't sound so bad." Issei smirked. "Hell, I already have one hanging out in my left arm. And as for losing myself? Not happening. There are too many people I want to be with. Too many people waiting for me. I'm not so weak that I'd forget them just because I grew scales and wings."
Ddraig rumbled approvingly, a low chuckle echoing. (Hmph. Bold words, Partner. I like them.)
Issei pointed toward Igneel, grin widening. "But, y'know… you should probably talk to Natsu about this too. Something tells me he wouldn't mind becoming a dragon either. And I really don't think he's the type to lose himself. He's too stubborn and too strong for that."
At that, Igneel let out a low laugh, smoke curling from his jaws. "Yes… yes, you may be right. My son is many things, but weak is not one of them. I will speak with him."
The great dragon's gaze softened. "Then… will you accept it, boy?"
Issei nodded once. "…Yeah. Let's do it."
The flame drifted closer, until it touched his chest. For a heartbeat it hovered there, pulsing—then sank into him like molten light.
Issei gasped, his eyes going wide as heat surged through his veins. It wasn't burning him—it was infusing him, spreading through his lungs, his heart, his very soul. His chest felt like a furnace, his breath like molten air. For an instant he thought he heard the echo of a dragon's roar within himself.
And then it was gone.
The flame had become part of him.
Issei stumbled, steadying himself with a grin. "…Heh. Guess this means I'm a Dragon Slayer now."
Igneel's molten eyes glowed with satisfaction. "Indded. You carry my flame now. Wield it well, boy. For one day… it may be needed."
Issei clenched his fist, feeling the lingering warmth inside him. For the first time, the fire didn't feel foreign. It felt like it belonged.
"…Thanks, Igneel."
The great dragon rumbled, the sound half-growl, half-laugh. "No. Thank you. For giving my son a friend."
The dream-domain shuddered, the edges already beginning to fade.
—----------------------------------
Issei's eyes cracked open, the cool light of morning washing across his face. For a moment, he lay still, the dream with Igneel lingering like smoke in his mind. The heat, the roar, the flame—it had all felt so real.
He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. "…Morning already?"
The sound of soft snoring met his ears. Natsu and Happy were still out cold, sprawled in ridiculous positions near the burnt-out campfire. Natsu's mouth hung open, mumbling something about food, while Happy hugged a fish like a plush toy.
Issei shook his head, stifling a laugh. "Figures."
But as the quiet settled, curiosity gnawed at him.
'Did that really happen? Did Igneel really give me his flame, or was it just some crazy dream?'
He pressed a hand to his chest, closing his eyes, trying to feel… something. But his body felt normal. His skin, his muscles, his heartbeat—it was all the same. No horns, no scales, no wings.
"…Guess I'm still me," He muttered.
Then a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
"Master," Sherri's gentle, electronic voice cut in, firm yet tinged with urgency. "What did you and Ddraig do last night? I lost contact with both of you. No matter what I tried, I couldn't reach you."
Issei blinked. "Wait, you were trying to reach me? Why?"
"Because," Sherri continued, her tone sharper now, "your body just went through a mutation overnight. A drastic one. I couldn't analyze it until now, but the data is undeniable."
Issei froze. "…Mutation?"
He could almost feel her digital frown. "Yes. And it's not minor. Your physical structure has changed. Your body has become denser, more durable and resistant than before. You've gained muscle mass. And your lungs… they've strengthened considerably. It's as if they've been remodeled to handle… flames."
Her voice lowered. "…So tell me, Master. What happened?"
Issei exhaled, scratching the back of his head. "Well… funny story."
And so, he explained everything. Meeting Igneel. The truth about his soul being sealed within Natsu. The gift. The risks, involving dragonization, the madness and the choice he had made.
By the time he finished, Sherri was silent. Processing.
"…I see," She finally said, her voice softer. "Then this is the source of the mutation. Igneel's flame."
"Yeah." Issei clenched his fist, staring at it. "Guess that means it wasn't just a dream after all."
He sat there a moment longer.
Sherri's words echoing in his head. His body has gotten stronger, tougher, and his lungs were remade to handle fire. He thought of Igneel's warning about becoming a dragon. About losing himself.
And then, as usual, his brain went straight to the dumbest conclusion possible.
'If this is what I'm like now… just how strong will I be when I actually turn into a dragon?'
The thought made his heart race with excitement instead of fear. A grin tugged at his lips. "…Alright. Time for a test run."
Careful not to wake Natsu and Happy, Issei got to his feet and crept away, putting a safe distance between himself and the camp.
Once he was clear, he took a deep breath. His chest swelled, his lungs burning with that strange new power Sherri had mentioned.
"…Here goes nothing." He exhaled and fire erupted.
A torrent of deep red flames burst from his mouth, lashing out like a living beast. The heat was intense, searing the air, making the ground beneath him steam. It wasn't smoke or sparks this time. It wasn't a sputter. It was a roar of fire, pure and alive.
Back at the camp, Natsu's eyes snapped open.
He felt it. The heat. The familiar weight of fire pressing against his skin. But it wasn't his.
Happy jolted awake, wings buzzing. "Natsu! Wha—what's that?!"
They both turned toward the blaze in the distance, watching as Issei's flames painted the forest red.
Natsu's jaw dropped. "…No way…"
When the fire finally died down, Issei stood there, chest heaving, smoke curling from his mouth. He turned back toward them, his grin wide and wild, his eyes burning with excitement.
"Guess who just learned Fire Dragon Slayer Magic?" He shouted, throwing his arms up triumphantly.
Happy's mouth fell open. "He… he did it!"
Natsu staggered to his feet, stunned, his fists clenching as a wide grin spread across his face. "He actually did it…!"
Issei laughed, his voice echoing across the clearing. "Told you I'd get it eventually!"