(A/N) Thanks for those who reviewed the story and have followed or favourited the story. I hope I don't disappoint you all. This chapter, has quite a little amount of action in there, but this is mostly a story chapter. Simply laying the foundation for the next chapter. (A/N)

"Gray? Gray! Wake up" was all Gray could hear as he started stirring in his sleep. Opening his eyes Gray was shocked, he could see two people who were very familiar, but also not familiar. He thought he saw Jet and Droy, but instead he saw two people who looked like Jet and Droy, but they were buff, and a lot taller.

"Jet?... Droy?" Gray asked, unsure if his eyes were deceiving him. His answer was a bone breaking hug from both boys and an exclamation of their happiness to see the members of the guild they thought they had lost.

After Gray had been woken by Jet and Droy, they had moved around the clearing and into the nearby forest, to help find the others.

Finding all the members, Makarov had gathered them all into the clearing to find what exactly has happened.

"So... why do you all look so different?" Makarov asked the question on everyone's minds when he saw, Jet, Droy and Laki.

When they had finished explaining that they had been asleep for seven years, how they found the island when a small girl directed them hear they were interrupted by the First Master of Fairy Tail, Mavis Vermillion, "The reason behind the disappearance, was me. I had taken all of your feelings and magical power to create a spell that is the ultimate defence. It defended the whole island from Acnologia's attack, but as a drawback it took seven years to gather power to release the hold on the spell"

After a tearful reunion for most of the members, they made their way home, using the boat they rode to the island on.

Arriving in Magnolia, the entire group were given happy cheers from the residents, rejoicing in the fact that the core members had not died on that island.

When they finally got in the guild, they were subjected to an uproar of cheers from the guild members, the members of the guild all went to greet the people who returned, while they were observing the guild. "What the hell happened to the guild?" Makarov asked Macao, once he had managed to pull him aside with Wakaba. "Well, when you first disappeared, we were in a rut, no one more so than Gildarts, he took one of the ten-year missions and hasn't come back yet. But we managed to pull ourselves out of it, getting even more recognise than ever before" Macao praised his guild, proud that he did not fail at his job as Master while they were locked on the island.

"It also helps when you have someone like Salamander getting his requests" Wakaba said, taking a puff of his pipe, "Natsu?" someone asked to the side of the group. Looking behind him Wakaba, saw Gajeel and Wendy standing behind him with hopeful faces, "Hm, yeah, Natsu really came through for us while you guys were gone" "How come?" Makarov asked, "Well, when you were gone he sunk into a depression. He started showing up less to the guild. Until one day a guild had started up in Magnolia, Twilight Ogre, they started harassing the guild members, coming in late at night and wrecking the place" Makarov frowned at this and started leaking magic thinking of his 'children' being harassed by these thugs "Until of course, Natsu came by one night to see me and Macao, and it so happened it was the night that Twilight Ogre decided to show up again..."

Flashback

Natsu was sitting at the table with Wakaba and Macao. It had been a year since the Tenrou incident, he had gotten out of his depression a while ago, but he was not the same anymore, he was angry, rarely smiling unless he was caught reminiscing about his times with Gajeel, Wendy and the exceeds.

"So, Natsu, you heard about that guild that have been coming around here?" Macao asked, "New guild? No, what about them?" "Well, this new guild Twilight Ogre they been coming around here a bit lately, trying to rough up the me-" "They what!" Natsu screamed, fuming in anger at someone trying to hurt his guilds members.

Before Natsu could receive his answer from Macao, the doors to the guild smashed open, standing there were five unknown mages, all sporting confidence smirks as they strode into the guild and made their way over to the bar, "How can we help you?" the new barmaid, Kinana asked. "You can help us by, coming with us for a little fun?" The first mage said, gaining cheers from his friends, while he made to grab Kinana's wrist, but before she could even ask for help from her members, she received it, in the form of Natsu grabbing the man's arm in a fierce grip.

"Gahh!" the man screamed as Natsu suddenly broke the man's arm and threw him across the hall, "So I take it you insects are Twilight Ogre?" Natsu asked in a dangerous tone, "Yeah! What's it to y-" one of the braver mages tried to answer but was cut off by a flame covered fist driving him back through the very doors he walked in through, "Right. So now that I know what guild has tried to hurt my family. I know exactly what I need to burn to the ground" Natsu stated before walking over to the remaining three mages.

After dealing with the other mages, he walked right out of the guild and made to go for the Twilight Ogre guild building in the middle of town. If anything is sure about Natsu since his family went missing on Tenrou, it's that he has only become more protective of the remaining members in the guild.

"Do you think its a good idea to let Natsu go after them like that?" Wakaba asked Macao, "I wonder. I mean if anyone has the strength to stop them right now, its him. But that doesn't mean I want him going in there and destroying the place"

(Insert Line Here)

When Natsu had got to the Twilight Ogre guild hall, he stood outside, unimpressed by the hall. He started rising his magic, letting people all over Magnolia know exactly where he was, while channelling his black flames into his arms. Raising his arms above his head, he started forming a great ball of black flames in the air. By this point most of the members were outside watching as Natsu was intent on destroying their building.

After a few minutes, Natsu had finally decided he gave them enough time to leave and any caught inside had only themselves to blame. "Secret Dragon Slayer Art..." Natsu screamed as he threw the ball of flames right into the sky above them. The whole of Fairy Tail were on the hill overlooking the building watching with wide-eyes as Natsu was attempting to destroy the building, "... Abyss Flames Form: Black Light Comet" Natsu bellowed his spell as the ball of flames started descending at incredible speeds towards the guildhall, before making impact and exploding in a glorious display of destruction and flames on the guild hall.

After the cloud of dust had settled, they could see Natsu with a fierce glare being directed at the members that were standing with eyes wide, glazed in fear at what was just witnessed.

The members of Fairy Tail could only look in awe at how strong Natsu had gotten since Tenrou. He just decimated an entire guild hall with one spell.

Flashback End

"... After that Twilight Ogre never showed up again, not really sure what happened to the guild after that but I think they moved to a different town, but unfortunately they weren't the only guild that tried to take advantage after you guys left. Its not as common as before thanks to the strength the guild has regained, but it still happens sometimes" Macao finished. Gajeel and Wendy could only smile knowing how strong Natsu had gotten, and the fact he could completely control his black flames to the extent of creating a Secret Art that uses them.

"So where is Natsu?" Gajeel asked the question that was on everyone's mind after hearing the tale. "Hmm, I think he went out on a mission a few days ago. He should be back later tonight or tomorrow".

After that the guild broke back into a party, celebrating their return. However it didn't last for long, before they all heard a loud booming voice outside the guild, "Hoho, it looks like the Fairies are having a party. Wonder if theres space for us?" A man asked from outside the doors, eliciting laughs from the group he seemed to have with him. "Guh! not these idiots" Macao said, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Well, i guess you wont need me to explain about one of the other guilds that has been coming here. They seem to know when Natsu is gone, so they tend to turn up when he is on one of his longer missions".

The doors suddenly kicked open to show a group of seven mages. All of them were wearing casual clothes, baggy trousers and hooded jackets, but some were wearing cloaks to cover themselves, but all of them had weapons in hand ready. "So, it seems the lost fairies, found their way home. Well then, let us give you a welcome party" the first mage said before releasing a blast of wind at some of the tables closest to the door, destroying them and hurling them into the other members.

"Bastards!" Gray growled through gritted teeth, preparing his ice magic to deal with the troublesome mages. "Now now, you wouldn't want to do anything hasty would you?" one of the other mages asked. However, before anyone in the guild could reply, a cold, dark voice came from behind the group of mages, "What are you insects doing to my guild?", this caused all the mages to turn around to see who dared insult them, "Who the hell are you?" one of the braver mages asked, while the Tenrou group watched on in confusion at who the person was, while the the members of the guild simply smirked knowing who it was.

"Me? you ask who i am after coming to my guild and destroying property? You must be those cowards who always appear when i'm away. It seems it's your unlucky day" the man claimed with a smirk. "Wait, you're not- no, you were not to be here for another a day atleast" the main mage of the group answered, slightly fearful, "Well, it would seem my mission was done quicker than I expected, how about that?".

Suddenly the mages that were attempting to attack Fairy Tail attempted to run from the guild with door shutting behind them, however it was not shut for long, before it was blasted to pieces by black flames, the same black flames that seemed to cover the entire area outside the door, "You cowards, you dare attack my guild and then try to run when i turn up?. I will make you regret this night" the man claimed, before suddenly the entire area roared in a blazing inferno of black flames with some crimson red making an appearance in the flames.

The man lifted his arms above his head, with his palms facing outward, while facing the mages with an evil smirk, "Fire Dragon's….." as soon as the man said those words, every mage from Tenrou suddenly went wide eyed as they realised who the mage was, "Natsu-san?" Wendy asked in a quiet voice "Abyssal Radiance" suddenly the area that was silent and void of flames before Natsu slammed his palms into the ground, sending cracks through a small area around him and the area exploded in flames, none of the flames did damage to the ground, the walls of the guild, only the mages he was targeting.

After a few moments the flames died down, showing a group of mages passed out from the pain of being subjected to such an attack, before he turned to the guild and walked in dusting himself off.

When he finally walked into the guild, that was when everyone got a good look at him. He had grown slightly taller, his hair now longer trailing to his shoulders, slightly darker tone of pink. While his attire had changed completely, he now wore similar combat trousers as before Tenrou, but these had a tone of dark purple, while his upper body was covered with a black sleeveless shirt with a white band following the trim, but the shirt was mostly covered with a ragged looking poncho type piece of his clothing, with his trusty scarf wrapped around his waist.

"Natsu!" the guild greeted, excluding the Tenrou group who were stuck in shock at seeing Natsu like this and so powerful after that attack. Natsu simply looked towards the members who greeted him with a small smile and a wave before walking to the bar and getting a drink from Kinana, "Beer please, Kinana" he asked before sitting at the stool of the bar, putting his head on the bar.

The Tenrou group had finally snapped out of their shock "Natsu!" they screamed. Natsu hearing his name being shouted so loud, feared something had happened, he leapt off his stool, looking around the guild until his sight were set on the Tenrou group. He saw the entire group he thought dead seven years ago, standing right in front of him, he couldn't be happier at this point.

He suddenly stumbled forward, "G-guys?" he asked in a shaky voice, before being engulfed in a hug by Wendy and then the rest of the guild, all glomping Natsu in a group hug that has long been postponed. "I missed you guys" Natsu said, to the entire group.

After he had fully greeted them all, he approached Macao, "Well, Master, the mission was a success, I also had some time to fit a bit off That" Natsu said to his Master in a serious tone, Macao knowing exactly what he was talking about, "Thats great news Natsu, go on, join the guild in the party, its been long awaited" "I will, I have something I need to do quickly though, I'll be back soon" was all he said before exiting the guild.

The group finding this a little strange approached Macao, "Ne, Macao, where's Salamander gone?" Gajeel asked, "Oh, he just has… something he has to do for a little, he will be back soon" was all Macao said, hoping that was enough, however, "What does he have to do that he would ditch us after we just returned?" Erza asked in a rather agitated tone, "Look, if he wants to tell you the full story, I'm sure he will, I'm not entirely sure what he does myself, so just wait for him to come back"

No one had noticed through all this that Wendy had snuck out from the group, intent on follow Natsu. After tracking his scent for so long, she came across him on his knees in a middle of a clearing, he seemed to know she was there before he seemed to stand up from his position and turned to look at her with a slightly happy expression. "Were you followed?" Natsu asked, "Huh? I don't think so. Are you okay Natsu-san?" Wendy asked, worried something was wrong with Natsu.

"Hmm? no I'm fine Wendy, It's just nice to see everyone again, however things won't be the same as they were before" Natsu said to Wendy with a smile before it turned to a frown as he muttered the last bit to himself so soft not even Wendy with her Dragon Slayer ears could hear him.

"Lets head back to the guild huh?" Natsu suggested, while rubbing her head. "Yeah, Lets" Wendy said while smiling, relieved that Natsu seemed cheerful again.

When they arrived at the guild, Natsu was surprised to see a man standing in the middle of the guild, a man he knew, but did not expect to see around here anytime soon, "Lahar? what's the matter?" Natsu asked as he walked in, "Ahh, Dragneel, I'm glad i caught you, we have one of… those missions for you" Lahar said in a tone that surprised the Tenrou group at how serious it was. Natsu sighed, hoping he would have had time to rest after getting back from his mission, "Okay, is it close by? or is it another long distance hunt?" "It's sort of, in between. Should we go somewhere to talk about this?" Lahar asked, eyes pointing to some of the members that were either new or simply had no business knowing about the mission.

Natsu caught on to what Lahar was suggesting, "Yeah. Macao!" "Huh?" Macao answered, "I need to borrow your office" Natsu stated, receiving a nod from Macao. Natsu and Lahar walked past all of the confused guild members, leaving to the upstairs office that had the sign on the door, "Master Macao".

Downstairs, the guild members were finally coming out of the confusion, until Laxus asked, "Hunt? what does he mean by Hunt?", but Macao stared at him for a while, then simply looked away and continued his drink. This annoyed Laxus, but he figured he would get his answer from Natsu when he came back down.

In the office, Lahar and Natsu were discussing the mission, "... So, the creature is in the forest north of Hargeon. How had it gone unnoticed for so long?" Natsu asked, "Well, apparently, it looks human, until it reveals itself of course" "Hmm, have to say. I do hate hunting those ones, but i suppose its for the best. Consider it done, I'll leave right away" "Okay, thanks Dragneel. When its done, bring its corpse or some sort of proof to the Runeguard building in Hargeon and we will give you the reward".

With their discussion over, Lahar walked out of Fairy Tail, while Natsu walked over to Macao, "Master, I got to go away for a day or two, It's one of Those so, I'm sorry for any bills you get" and with that Natsu walked to the entrance, intent on getting the mission done quick as possible, not before denying the request from Gajeel to come along with him.

(Insert Line Here)

Natsu had finally reached the place where this creature had been running amuck, using his Dragon senses to try and hunt it down. After an hour of searching, he stumbled across a cave, covered by dense foliage and vines, but he could smell the stench of death and evil coming from the creature inside, a creature that over the last seven years, he has grown all too familiar with.

"Oh? Do I smell my next lunch coming to me this time?" a voice boomed from inside the cave. Natsu simply smirked to himself at the arrogance of this creature. Slowly, the sound of footsteps could be heard, moving toward Natsu, who simply stood there unwavering, almost knowing what the creature was, confident he would be able to defend against it and defeat it.

Seeing the creature in front of him, Natsu finally spoke up, "So, Demon, would you like to tell me your name before I kill you?" "Huh, you?! a measly human, kill me?, the great Lextram, the Demon of this Forest?" The demon boomed, while flaring his demon curse presence, however, he could not anticipate what this would do to Natsu.

Suddenly, upon contact with the aura of demon magic, Natsu's body started changing. His skin turned a sickly charcoal colour as if he had been burnt to a crisp albeit the skin still looked smooth and full, his hair had grown a little while one half of the hair turned black while it seemed almost 'taint' the pink locks closest to the black hair, his teeth had grown longer and sharper while his already elongated Canines, pierced the flesh of his lower lip however he did not even so much as flinch at the action, and his eyes, they turned a dark piercing crimson, while the pupil starting shifting in colours, between black and a crimson red.

The demon stared in shock at first, then in complete and utter fear at the person before him, he knew exactly what Natsu was, he knew now how much of a mistake it was to insult such a person, "Y-y-you? W-we were told you died a-a long time ago" The demon stuttered out amongst the fear, "Now, Lextram, I seem to remember you, refering to me as a "Measly human" was it? I assume you would like to retract that comment" Natsu said in a dark, dangerous voice that seemed to have another voice lying within the sound. "Y-yes, please forgive me. I was not aware you were alive, be it alone in my presence" The demon bowed his head both in respect to Natsu and in fear of what he knew he was and what he was capable of.

"So, i assume you know who I am?" Natsu asked in the same vicious voice, "O-of-course. All demon's know of you, Lord E.N.-" The Demon was cut of with a sudden gasp as his chest exploded, while he coughed up blood, "Do not assume you can speak my name so freely" Natsu growled, "M-my apologies" Lextram stressed out, in between blood soaked coughing fits, "Good, now I feel I should let you know why I am here" Natsu said, gaining a smile on his face, that with his appearance, and the fact his arm is ledged into the Demon's chest, it seemed very dangerous, "I am here… to kill you" was all he said, before the arm that was lodged in Lextram's chest set alight with black flames, burning the demon from the inside out, "Why? You would do this to your own kind?" Lextram gasped out while holding in the pain from the flames.

"My own kind? Do not assume to know what I am. You who was born of Living Magic. I was not created through such petty means. I. The END of all things, was created through the glorious bloodshed of a hundred villages, the acts of a thousand demons and blood of countless souls. I, am your God. But I do not have Mercy left within me" Natsu growled out to Lextram before he engulfed the entire cave in flames killing the Demon in an instant.

(Insert Line Here)

With the mission finally complete, his reward collected. Natsu left to go back home, but not before he left his report with Macao. He often considered telling Macao everything about what he truly is, but how could he. The man almost died of fear when Natsu showed him his Demon form, he would surely freak out if he found out that Natsu was not only the strongest, but the oldest Demon.

One so strong, he required the bloodbath of countless people to reawaken him. Which is why he is not at his full strength now.

'Damn that Igneel for sealing my power and identity for so long' Natsu inwardly growled about his 'father's' actions that have stopped him from gaining his full strength.