Chapter 1: Memories and Stories

"Long long ago, in a time when the world was young, beings of magic roamed all corners of the world.

The Gods, great and mighty, watched the world from above and Angles, strong and true, were at their side in all manner of situations.

Demons and Creatures of Darkness, dark and twisted, were rarely seen, but came out to cause chaos and mayhem in their wake, but, not all of them are evil, it's just a stigma they're cursed with.

The Fae, graceful and kind, were one of the guardians of magic itself, and highly revered across all corners of the world, the Fae known as Vivian, The Lady of the Lake, reigning over them.

Dragons such as my self, powerful and virtuous, rule the lands, high and low, from the top of the mountains, to the very depths of the seas.

And lastly, humans, strong willed and resourceful, walk the earth beneath their feet, making their mark upon this world.

All lived in peace…but, it didn't last.

One day, a dragon, consumed by his power and madness, went on a rampage, consuming man, dragon, fea, demon, angels, and gods, and becoming the ultimate evil known as…Hexaron.

Hexaron craved destruction and destruction alone, and vowed to destroy all of Earthland, but there were those that opposed him and his endless shirts for death. I was young then, but I remember it clearly.

The Gods had planned to seal him for eternity, but he was stronger than they had anticipated. All seemed lost at that moment, but, I came in. I took on Hexaron face to face, given the Gods enough time to enact their seal, and finally trapping the Dragon God.

But, before he was sealed, he gave these words.

Thousand Years time, I shall return,
To continue Chaos, the world shall burn.
When Victory falls and becomes corrupted
by the evil, as Time and Space
Collide, a rift born in the darkness.
The End is ever near, yet so distant.
The Heavenly Prince will fall….
And Destruction shall befall all!"

"...broing!" Jade eyes looked down at a small figure who looked back with a bored expression. "You've told that story to me like over a hundred times dad! I want something else!"

The one who spoke was a boy, who was of about eight or nine years of age. His skin was of a soft and natural tan complexion, golden blonde hair atop his head in an upward spiky heap of a mess. And his eyes were a bright green, almost similar to that of an emerald. He also wore a simple green tank top and blue shorts, his feet bare.

The two individuals were siting in a cave, large enough to house a dragon such as the story teller, the only source of light being that of the moon that shined on the Horizon.

The Dragon looked down at his son with a raised eyebrow. Honestly, this boy had to much energy, but at least he could sit still and preferred to learn unlike the son of a certain Fire Dragon King he knew…

He could only shake his head in amusement, his golden scales glimmering faintly in the light on the moon.

"Well than Drake, what kind of story to you want to hear then?" The boy hummed in thought before an idea stuck him.

"Something with adventure and magic!" The Dragon rubbed his chin in thought. There were a long of stories that involved ad venture and magic he has heard of in his long lifetime, but the boy wasn't ready to hear of most of them yet, which left one…

The Dragon gave a grin as his jade colored eyes looked at the boy. "Well then, have I ever told you the story of about the King of Knights?" Now that caught the boy's attention, if the childish gleam in his eyes was anything to go by.

"Tell me! Tell me!" The Dragon nods.

"Yes, some time ago, when Ishgar was young, the continent was forever in turmoil. But then, one day, the gods sent down a sword, saying who so ever pulled it from its stone prison, would become King.

Person after person, men, women, and child, trying, and failing to pull the sword from its stone prison, and it seemed that no one would free the sword. But then, one day, an unknown youth, hair glistening as the sun, and eyes, greener than a forest, stepped up, and pulled the sword from its resting place, and was crowned the ruler of Ishgar.

The ruled fairly and valiantly, having thirteen appointed knights at their side to help the people, and thanks to them, the kingdom expended out in only the span of about fifteen years before reaching all ends of the entire continent.

But, as all stories, peace never lasts.

It was at this time, did the Dragon Civil War break out, and Ishgar being the forefront of the battle. Dragons and humans on the side of peace were loosing, and the King didn't know what to do as he watched innocent people perish.

They asked the gods for help, begging them to give them aid, and they heard their call. I, along with Vivian, Queen Irene of Dragnof, another powerful mage apart from Irene, two gods, and the King themselves, forged a blade that would stand atop all others.

With it, the War finally began to be in their favor, but, the story doesn't end their, for from that war gave birth to a Dragon that craved the death of all Dragons…Acnologia. While he wasn't as powerful as Hexaron, he was still a force to be reckoned with, but stayed at bay due to the sword.

Unfortunately, there were those that wanted the sword for their own purposes, to use to rule and conquer all who stood against them. The King gave up their swords to an old friend and along side their knights, battled against the armies that dared tried to take what had helped them achieve victory.

Though the knights fought valiantly, the numbers were too much, and one by one, they fell, till only their king was left. And sadly, they too met their demise. The people mourned for their King, but, it is said that they had one child, who disappeared before they were ever found.

But, to this day, the throne sits empty, awaiting for when the new King of Knights shall arise and lead Ishgar into a new age of glory."

Drake looked up at his father in awe. He was kinda upset it didn't have a happy end, but it was still cool though! He then gave a large yawn as his eyes began to droop, and the Dragon gave an amused smirk.

"Time for you to turn in for the night little one." the boy nods as he walks over to the dragon, climbs up onto him, and gets himself comfortable.

"Goodnight daddy…" and in a few seconds, the boy was asleep.

The Dragon gave a fond smile to the boy and he gently nuzzles the youth affectionately. He was thankful for Darke, and always will be, but, he still had an oath to his late father to watch over him for as long as he is capable.

And he'd be damn to let him down, after doing all he has for his people, even if it had costed him his own life in the end, and forced his lover into hiding.

He was about to turn in when he felt a familiar presence appear, and went on guard.

And that's when a figure entered his cave, giving the Dragon a small smile.

"Greetings, King Bahamut," they said. The Dragon King, Bahamut, looked down at at the man, his eyes cold and untrusting.

"Zeref." he said cooly. "What brings you to my domain…?" the Black wizard rested his equally dark eyes on the dragon before shifting to the small figure resting on him.

"I'm here with some news, as well as a possible offer that would be beneficial to all of us." Bahamut didn't say a word, but gave a slight nod of his head, giving the okay to continue. "As you know, Acnologia is a threat and will continue to be one for a very long time. And with our dear King dead and their sword having disappeared to who knows where, we need a plan of action, which brings us to your son."

On of Bahamut's wing panned out as it covered Drake as the Dragon glared down at the mage. "And do, pray tell what this plan is?" Zeref's face held a calm smile.

"To seal all Dragons inside their respective Dragon-Slayers and send them to the future to deal with Acnologia then. And Despite the others, I know you're better off and can hold your own. But, we both know that the boy is the son of our dear king, and how his aunt was the one who orchestrated the down fall of them and the Thirteen Knights."

Bahamut's glare died away as he looked at Zeref in shock. "How did you…?" the man simply smirked.

"It's well known how close you were to them and how you helped forged the Sword of Promised Victory. I ran into you-know-who not to long ago, and she told me that Caliburn was back in it's stone while the other was given to Vivian for safe keeping." Bahamut groaned softly as he shook his head.

"That idiot…" he grumbled out. He turned back to the Black Wizard. "Are you sure it's for the best Zeref, sending our children to an unknown future-"

"Don't worry your highness," the mage assured him. "I have a friend of mine, Anna Heartfillia, who's planning on traversing the passages of time along with the Slayers to the future, and she would look after them and raise them."

Bahamut frowned in uncertainty, and Zeref looked at him somberly.

"Bahamut, I know this may seem tough, but due to the Dragon Civil War, Magic will fade, and it will take hundreds of years before it's back to being more than powerful enough. And she won't have access to them, also…" Zeref began to explain the Dragonification process that could potentially happen if the dragon's don't seal themselves in their slayers to provide Dragonification Antibodies to prevent them from turning into Dragons, such as what had happened to Acnologia and one another person.

Bahamut thought long and hard about this. He knew his promise to the King and to raise their child up. He couldn't just let go of Drake here and now. But, Zeref made a valid point, she was still out there, wanting to end anything pertaining to her sibling and all the glore and splendor they had built up during their reign, and also those that helped overthrow the king and their knights.

He gave a deep sigh. "Alright, I just might help you and the others in this task, but first, let me meet this Anna Heartfillia before I cast my judgement." Zeref nods, now smiling once more.

"Of course, I'll be back in one days time with her." The Black Mage turned and began to leave. "Farewell, O' King of Dragons." Once he was gone, Bahamut unfurled his wings to reveal Drake curled up into his side, snoring softly.

The Dragon gave a small smile at his son. If this was the only chance for the boy to live a full and happy life, than he just might accept Zeref's offer.

'I promise you Drake, I'll keep you alive and safe, no matter what…'

Next Day

"Heavenly Dragon Roar!" A small beam of gold and silver magic energy came from Drakes lips as it shot through a boulder, completely destroying it.

Bahamut gave low hum, somewhat impressed. "Not bad, Drake, you could uppen your power output a bit more, but otherwise, nicely done." The boy nods, giving a toothy grin on his face.

But then, they heard someone. "I see you two are busy." both boy and dragon turned to see Zeref, which is Drake's first time seeing him, but a new face, a beautiful woman with long blonde hair and soft brown eyes.

Drake, instinctively, got close to his father as Bahamut folded his arms. "About time you showed up." His eyes landed on the blonde woman. "So this is Anna I take it?" The woman stepped forwards, a soft smile on her face.

"Greetings, O' King of Dragons, I'm Anna Heartfillia, it's an honor to meet you." The dragon gave a small grin.

'Least she has manners.' Drake's curiosity got the better of him and he approached the blonde woman.

"You're really pretty." Anna was surprised by the boy's words, but smiled.

"Thank you little one. You're quite handsome yourself." she gently rubbed his head, making the boy grin once again at the soft touch. Zeref and Bahamut both smiled at the scene.

'She's good with children too is seems.' Bahamut nods. She has his approval, but now begged the question he had forgotten to ask Zeref last the met.

"Zeref, how exactly are you planning on sending the Slayers and Anna into the future?" The said mage gave a smile.

"I crafted a special temporal gate that utilizes Celestial Spirit Magic. It's primary function is to connect two time periods to one another, it's called the Eclipse Gate." Bahamut nods in understanding.

Despite his magic, the Dragon King does commend and respect Zeref's great mind in understanding magic and the likes.

"But, it can only be done in the middle of the month, during the time of a new moon, for the moon casts an adverse effect on the Magic used to power the Gate."

Back with the boy and the woman, she was talking with the child. "So, tell me Drake, what do you desire most in life?" The boy looked at her with confused emerald eyes, tilting his head in confusion.

"What I...desire…?" Anna gave a soft giggle.

"It means, what do you dream about most for the future little one?" Drake closed his eyes and thought about it. What did he want to be when he was older?

But then, he remembered the story from the other night, and how awesome the King was, and how they saved people all the time.

"I want to be a hero for the people!" Anna blinked in surprise, before she ended up laughing aloud. It was a nice dream, and who was she to deny him of such a goal?

When she finally calmed down from her laughing fit, she looked at the boy and smiled. "Well then, I'm sure you'll be the greatest hero Earthland will ever see one day." Drake nods, a look of determination on his face.

"Yeah! Than I'll come back and marry you!" Anna blinked, and once again, she burst out into a laughing fit. Oh, he was just the cutest little thing!

Bahamut and Zeref had finish talking with one another as the Black Wizard approached the two of them. "Anna, it's time we depart." The woman gave a small pout in dismay, having wanted to spend a little more time with the boy.

She stood back up as she gave a sigh. "Alright, let's get going." the two began to depart, Drake waving them goodbye.

"Bye Miss Anna! Bye Mr Zeref!" the two adults could only smile in amusement as they soon disappear from view. Once they were gone, Bahamut turned his attention back to his son.

He had only a couple months left with him, and he'll be damned to waste it.

"Alright kid, back to training."

One Month Later...

"Hey Dad, where are we going?" The Dragon King and son duo were seen flying through the sky. Instead of training or spending time exploring and/or hunting down animals for food, the two were left a bit earlier in the morning for somewhere else.

"We're meeting with some colleagues of mine, and don't worry, you'll like them." The boy gave a small nod, curious about who they're meeting.

It was a short while later that they landed in a forest, Drake climbing down from his father's back as he looks at the dragon with confusion. But, before he could ask anything, a new voice spoke up.

"I see you've showed up Bahamut." Drake turned, and upon sight did his eyes widen.

Before him were five large dragons, while not the same scale as his father, still large none the less. One of the dragons was red, another white with feathers, one a metallic grey, another white one, and lastly a black colored one.

But, what really caught Dake's attention, were the five kids who seemed close to his age at their feets.

"Igneel, nice to see you're doing well, along with the rest of you." The feathery dragon looked at their king with a look of confusion.

"I must ask Bahamut, why are you here exactly?" The heavenly Dragon looked down at Drake.

"I have agreed to help Zeref in his plans, and have brought my own son to meet others his age." The other Dragons' immediate attention when the the blonde hair youth at Bahamut's feet, and upon seeing him did their eyes go wide.

"Is that who I think it is…?" the metallic grey one uttered in shock.

"Yes, but do not speak of it so carelessly in the open, Metalicana." The Iron dragon gave a weary nod.

Meanwhile, Drake was approached by the five kids close to his age. The first one to approach him was a boy who was older then him by a couple of years, black eyes and a head of spiky pink hair.

"Hi there!" They greeted with great enthusiasm. "My name's Natsu Dragneel, what's your's?" Drake look up at him curiously for a moment before speaking back.

"My name's Drake Valborn, nice to meet you Natsu." It was then the salmon haired boy was right next to the blonde youth, and sniffed him.

"You smell weird, almost like dad and the others." it was then another boy who appeared to be the same age as Natsu, this time with spiked black hair and red colored eyes, and oddly enough piercings all over his face, was at the pinkett's side and wacked him in the head, an aggravated expression on his face.

"Don't be a weirdo!" Natsu was in the other boy's face, an equally aggravated look on his own face.

"Don't hit me metal head, unless you wanna fight!"

"Oh yeah!?"

"Yeah!"

Before the two could continue their senseless arguing or before a fight broke out, a girl two or three years younger than drake, with blue hair and brown eyes, ran up to the two, tears in her eyes.

"P-please!" She pleaded. "Don't fight!" The two boy stopped their arguing and looked down, guilty looks on their faces.

"Sorry…" they both muttered. Drake then approaches the girl, an intrigued look on his face.

"Hi there." he greeted. The girl turned to look at him, the boy giving her a soft smile. "My name's Drake." The girl blinked, her tears fading as she introduced herself.

"I-I-I'm Wendy M-Marvel, nice to meet you Drake!" Drake gave a toothy grin at the girl.

"What a cute name." Wendy's cheeks flushed slightly as she gave a bashful smile.

"Sup," the boy with piercings began. "The name's Gajeel Redfox, got that?" Drake looked at the older boy and nods.

The final two kids approached, both looking to be the same age as Wendy, the first one being blonde with blue eyes, while the last boy had black hair and red colored eyes like gajeel did, but without the piercings.

"Yo! Name's Sting Eucliffe, and this is Rogue Cheney." The blonde introduced themselves. The other boy gave a slight nod in greeting.

"Call my Ryos." Was his only reply. Drake just smiled at the two of them.

The six kids soon began to talk and socialize getting to know one another better, and enjoying each other's company. Of course Natsu and Gajeel still fought as if it was second nature to them, and Wendy pleading for both of them to stop.

The Dragon's looked on fondly, happy that their children were getting along…somewhat, but it's better than nothing.

But then, a womanly voice made herself known. "Alright children, settle down." The six children stopped whatever they were doing and turned to see Anna approach them.

"Miss Anna!" they all exclaimed happily as they ran up to her. The Celestial Spirit Mage smiled down at the six.

"Nice to see you all are well. Now, let's begin our lessons…"

For the next couple of hours, Anna showed the kids how to read and write as best as she could, which was no small task. Those such as Drake, Wendy, and Rouge seemed to easily grasped the concept of reading and writing, Natsu, Gajeel, and Sting however, needed more work.

While she was teaching the kids, the Dragons were off to the side in deep discussion.

"So, Acnologia really did take half of all your souls." Bahamut surmised, looking at his fellow dragons.

"Unfortunately." Weisslogia, the White Dragon, confirmed. "We don't have that long till we eventually die, but this plan Zeref has is our best chance at not only preventing Dragonification in out children, but also stopping Acnologia when the timing is right."

"But, there are a few problems." The Feathey Sky Dragon, Grandeeny, began. "For one we don't know if we'll have enough power to seal ourselves in our respective Slayers, and the process requires mass amount of power, and with the Eclipse Gate needing large quantities of magic as well…" the Dragons looked down.

Bahamut gave a low hum in thought. How could they approach this situation? Unlike the others he still retains his entire soul, so he didn't have to worry about dying anytime soon.

"I have an idea." he said suddenly, catching the other Dragon's attention. "I could give up my half my own soul and power to seal all of us successfully."

The five other dragon's eyes widened as Igneel exclaimed. "Bahamut! You can't be serious!" The King of Dragons gave a nod.

"If this is the only chance for our children to survive, I'm willing to make any sacrifice necessary." The Dragon's calmed down somewhat, but the black colored Shadow Dragon, Skiadrum, gave a grunt of amusement.

"You're fondness of humans is quite commendable Bahamut, especially a certain King of Knights who had your favor." The Dragon King nods.

"Yes, they helped us and this continent more than we realise, and I have an obligation to them no matter what. Especially if it meant raising their child in their sted." Upon mention of Drake the other five Dragons' eyes narrowed.

"Speaking of the boy," Metalicana began, "Why is it he has more of a Dragon smell than the other Slayers do?" the others turned their gazes to their King, who wasn't fazed by their looks.

"Drake wasn't in the best shape when he came into my care. He was frail and sickly, and I feared he wouldn't last long. So, I did the only thing I could think of…transfusing my blood into his body."

The Dragons' eyes widened more than last time hearing that.

"...damn." Igneel said. "And here I thought me and the brat had the best relationship out of all of us." the other glared and the Fire Dragon King, all having thought the same about themselves and their children.

"While that explains the boy's scent, are you sure you want to go through with these plans your highness?" Grandeeny asked. "We understand if you want to return to your hidden enclosure-"

"No." he said firmly, cutting the Sky Dragon short. "I plan on helping stop Acnologia once and for all as well ensure my son lives a full life, even if it cost me own life in the end. And besides, I think this I the best option, for the boy's aunt is still out there, and very much a danger to him should she learn he's alive."

The Dragons all frowned in mention of her, of all people, knowing that she was far worse than any mage in the world, past, present, and quite possibly the future.

"Yes, it would be for the best if he goes with the others," Weisslogia declared. "They are our only hope to finally destroy Acnologia, once and for all."

They glance at their kids and Anna, all learning hard as they could…well in most of their cases anyways. Natsu and Gajeel were bickering on who could do better than the other, Sting admiring Natsu from afar, while the other three were focusing diligently on Anna's teachings.

The Dragon's smiled at the sight. They all hoped that the future for all their kids was a bright and happy one.

Bahamut and Drake had returned to their cave later that night, the boy already fast asleep from playing so much earlier with the other kids as well as learning under Anna. The Dragon was more than glad that his son had some friends and had enjoyed his time with them.

But, he knew that the coming months would be their last ones together for a very long time, and he wanted to make sure his son never forgot him.

With the thought in mind, he gently sat his son down on the cave floor. Then, placed his claw on his neck…

And tore off two of his golden scales.

He then quietly departed from the cave, a goal in mind. A parting gift to give to his child, and a reminder, that no matter where he might be, in this life, or another, he would be there for him…

Always.

Months passed by quickly, far to quickly for Bahamut's liking to be honest. About twice a month he and Drake have gone to meet with the other Dragon's and their children along with Anna and on the occasion Zeref.

Drake has gotten along swimmingly with everyone, Wendy sticking by him the most, and helping her settle the fights between Natsu and Gajeel more often than not.

But, all too soon was the time upon them, the day before that of which the Eclipse Gate would be open, and the Slayers and Anna be sent to the far future.

Bahamut watched with a saddened gaze as his son was playing along a river bank, and gave a tired sigh.

"Drake," he began, catching the boy's attention, "Come here please." the blonde youth approached his father, a curious look in his eyes.

"What is it dad?" Bahamut rose a close fist.

"A gift, to always remember me by." Bahamut opened his hand, and Drake's breath was taken away.

It was a necklace. The chain was made of pure platinum and glistened brightly, but, it was what was on the chain that capture his attention. Two Golden scales shimmered brilliantly in the light, and settled between them and separated by two white beads, was an emerald, one that matched the hue of his own eyes.

"Oh wow…" the boy breathed out, taking the necklace into his hands. The Dragon gave an amused smirk seeing his son's speechless expression.

"Well, go on, put it on!" Drake looks and him then back to the Necklace before he nods and in a swift motion, placed the necklace over his head and settled in on his neck. It hung low on his form, but when he grows, it'll be a better fit for him.

Even then, regardless of its size, Drake looked to his father and grinned. "I love it dad!" he ran up to the Dragon and hugged him. "It's perfect." Bahamut gave a fond smile.

"I'm glad...so very glad…"

This was their last moments together, but, for all that it's worth, Bahamut was glad that Drake was happy, because to him, that was all that mattered.

Guess who's back?

I'd thought I'd give you all a preview of what's to come.

I changed Draex's name to Drake, not that it makes much difference, and found it fits a bit better and rolls off the tongue nicely. He's not a Human Dragon like before, but he does have Dragon Blood flowing through his veins, so that counts. He's not going to learn a variety of magics, I'm tying not to go overboard like before, but he will know elemental spells at the least.

And he's also quite the charmer if you guys saw with his interaction with Anna and Wendy.

For all those curious, he's still going to have a harem of four lovely girls at his side, and Wendy is one of them, the others will appear appear in time. And yes, Chelia is still in the Harem too.

Don't expect a new chapter for a bit, I'm still working on the next arc of the story, but until then, remember to Follow, Favorite, and Review your thoughts, and until next time!