Five month later October 3rd X786

Natsu was standing outside sorcerer weekly head office, and he was struggling not to redecorates it as he planned.

The only thing keeping him from fulfilling that promise was Bisca and Alsace's request.

After all, he agreed to do an interview about the now six-month-old Asuka.

Natsu was sitting on a bench outside their office with Laki by his side.

His apprentices and Minerva plus exceeds were with them as well.

He held a bored expression from all the waiting he's endured the past few hours.

That got him thinking over the past few months since he took Minerva and Laki on their journey.

One thing was for sure was the lack thereof alone time with Laki.

If he was honest, which he usually is, he has four mouths to feed, not including the exceeds.

Speaking Laki, he was happy to learn she been practicing her magic diligently since his explosion.

She not as strong as him, but she turned into quite the decent fighter in his eyes.

Then there was Minerva.

The only way Natsu could describe her is a wild card.

That's pretty generous considering her magic.

He held a small smile at the fact she can, in essence, teleport any given magic spell sent her way and teleport it to another location.

That skill proved invaluable during a few jobs.

As for Sting, he was his usual hyper self with a Lecter by his side.

And lastly, there was Rogue.

As he told Laki, he was at the forefront of his mind since he was the mate of Minerva.

Fortunately, nothing Inappropriate has happened between them thus far.

However, he did notice a change in his personality.

Before he was a bit of a recluse, now, however, he became more forceful than before.

Not in a snobby way, instead, he's not too afraid to air his stance on the given situation.

This was a welcome change compared to before when Sting says or does something stupid Rogue, unfortunately, was dragged down with him.

They're also one more thing that changed in Rogue.

Before Natsu noticed, he always seemed to be followed and influenced by some dark force.

He didn't say anything at first because he wasn't sure, but as time moved forward, it became more apparent to the dragon slayer.

The only reason he found this out was around this time he started to have these dark thoughts pop into his mind at random intervals.

But after Minerva joined them, he noticed what he refers to as shadow was affecting him less and less.

He struggled to hold in a chuckle for a split second, he glances to his shoulder to find Lazarus sticking his head out from under his shoulder.

That was another shock that happened about three months ago and the following struggle for Sting and Rogue.

Flashback start

Far to the Eastern land outside of Fiore

High in the easter mountains that make up the center of the continent, the older slayer with his rifle in hand.

He walked along the barren landscape, tapping the ground every few paces.

Sting a Rogue are few paces behind him.

He continued trekking forward before he felt what could be described as a void in the earth.

"Found you," he took his rifle and shot the ground a few times before he broke through the rock.

With his slayer strength, he slammed the ground, opening up a giant hole.

He landed in what looked to be ruined from a time when dragons once Rome's over the land.

He equips his rifle, putting back in his pocket dimension.

A few moments later, Sting and Rogue joined him.

"Are you sure this was a good idea, Natsu?" Sting asked with hesitation.

"From what our client mention, this place might have information on our dragons," he said with a glare.

Both just looked away, the wound was still fresh in their minds when Natsu found out about what they did to their parents.

Needless to say, he was the one to plant the seeds of doubt in their young impressionable minds.

Now they're not sure if what they remembering happened or if it was a dream before they were left alone.

"Natsu looks at these" he stood next to a wall with pictures carved into the rock.

Upon closer inspection, the pictures are depicted as dragons and humans alongside each other.

As he followed the picture, it was clear they were telling a story about a great battle from long ago.

As he continues to read, he found something that scared him to his core.

This picture was of a half-dragon, half-human creature.

Not a human with dragon trait, a literal picture, one half was human; the other was a dragon.

"What could this mean Natsu" Rogue stated.

"I don't know as the too little here to go off of"

"Hey, guys, come to look at this!" Sting shout behind the corner of a hall.

"Sting I told you not to wander off, we have no idea how dangerous this place is, especially since it looks like it hasn't been used for a few centuries."

Sting either didn't listen or didna care evident by the fact he just continued onward.

Natsu let out a sigh as caught up to Sting with Rogue not far behind him.

When they finally caught up, they were met with what looks like a study room, and on the far side is an old tome.

"Once I saw this, I knew I had to tell you."

You didn't touch anything before telling us…. Sting!"

"Nope, as I didn't want to accidentally set off any magic traps."

"Looks like someone is using that brain of there's," Natsu rustle his hair, causing the young slayer to let out a huff.

"Natsu, do you think that book might have what we're looking for?" Rogue interjected.

"Let's hope so, but first, I want you both to go back outside. I have no idea what might happen when I lift this book up!"

The two young slayers gave a salute before heading back outside.

"OK, book, let's see what secrets you hiding" he swiftly picks up the tome.

To his amazement, nothing happened, he let out a sigh of relief and bolted back outside since he didn't want to take any chances.

He got back outside the two young slayers who were standing there without a care in the world.

"See you guys are doing fine now let's get back to camp I want to see what secret is hidden in this book."

"Aye, sir," Happy shout making himself know from above with his two exceeds counterparts besides him.

CAMP

After the three young teens were fast, asleep, Natsu delved into their mysterious book.

To him amazements, this book held a lot of details about dragon slayer lore as he puts it.

Unfortunately, most of it was stuff he already knows, be it from his time with Igneel or discovering it on his own like dragon force.

As he continued as onward, he was starting to worry if it had any useful information.

Those though died when he came across a chapter on the inner dragon of all dragon slayers.

He read it over then reread it again.

He did this over and over again, trying to make sense of it and making sure his mind isn't playing a trick on him.

After what felt like an eternity, Natsu finally closed the book.

He looks at his fellow slayers, thankful they're still asleep.

On the far end of the, their little camps were Laki and Minerva sleeping soundly.

"I really hope I don't regret this" he carefully got up from his spot and walked away from camp, looking for a large barren area.

What he is about to do could have dire repercussions if he's not careful.

He sat down and took the lotus position, pushing away all the petty distractions of the outside world.

As he continued to focus, everything thing around him began to fade away into the depths of the void.

Natsu opens his eyes again to be met with a single flame floating before him.

"You know why I'm here."

"Yes, are sure of this? There are some dire consequences if you should fail"

"Yes, I'm sure, if it means I'll get stronger, then it's worth it."

"If you say so," suddenly the flame rapidly grew in size, taking on its pure form as a dragon made entirely of dragon fire.

"Now call my name Natsu, and my shackles shall be broken, so I can teach you what it truly means to be a dragon slayer!"

Without thinking, Natsu shouts out the first name that comes to mind, "LAZARUS I break the shackles that hinder your true power, Will you give me your strength."

"I SHALL!"

In moment Natsu could here what he can only assume are the restraints of hid inner dragon.

The next moment he back in the real world.

He didn't have time to dwell as he releases a massive Roar of fire that surpassed anything before it.

The flamelet out a battle cry as it took the form of a dragon circling the sky above before slowly defending downward.

As the dragon got closer, Natsu notices it getting smaller and smaller till he was the size of Happy.

The dragon in question still made of fire but its body proportions with similar to that of an

Exceed.

"Lazarus, is that you?"

"Yes, you are probably wondering why I'm so small. Well, the reason is quite simple. I needed the means to assist you in your travels. This small size allows me to reach out, so you are not burdened with my full size, is this making sense to you?"

"I think, from what I understand, you can change your size at Will. This small form allows you to accompany me without me having to meditate for you to train me."

"Correct, Natsu. Now that a connection has been established for me to exist in this world. I can come to from here at a moment notice."

"That sounds awesome. So what are you going to do now?"

"As I said with this connection, establish I will return to crossroads of your world and mine. Oh, and one more thing try to keep this a secret the last thing we need is you, enemies, learning of this."

"No problems here," he let out a yawn.

"I will see you tomorrow as you need rest after pulling this off."

"Right, I'll see you tomorrow Lazarus."

Natsu returned to camp, and to his relief, everyone was still fast asleep.

Volcanic wasteland

What could be described as spectating red light floats along with the land till it nears a cave with two yellow eyes staring in down?

"What do you want, Lazarus?" He said in a deep gravelly voice.

"Just thought I'd stop by to get you thoughts on your son being able to summon me to his world?"

"He's done well considering it was his first try."

"I'm guessing there is a but to all this."

"Indeed, if all goes well, his strength will grow far faster then I thought possible. However, there no telling how this will affect the dragification process."

"Yes, that is a concern, but I'm more worried about these two slayers he took under his wing."

"I have confidence Natsu knows what he's doing in regards to them."

"That not what I meant"

"I know, I'm sure they will be able to bind there inner dragon to the real world. but only if they possess the Will and discipline to so."

"Your son seems to lack that, but he still manages to bind me."

"It was a figure of speech!"

"I know I just like messing with you. If that all, I'll be off."

"One more thing, don't tell Natsu where I am. I want to be the one to tell him."

"Wasn't planning on it, but to be fair, he might find it out on his own if he keeps picking at old ruin from the dragon king festival."

Lazarus was expecting some sort of demand, leaving no room for arguments; instead, he was met with an awkward silenced.

Not wanting to Test igneel restraint any further, he promptly left the fire king to stew in his own thoughts.

The next day

Natsu was the first to wake up in the morning, going over everything he learned from the book.

And the stunt he just pulled with his inner dragon.

"Laki gonna kill me what she finds out about this," he held blank expression.

After about an hour, everyone was fully awake and packed up to head onward.

"Natsu, did you learn anything useful from that book?" Sting asked

"Nothing I didn't already know, be it Igneel or sheer luck in the many fights I've been in," he said with a light chuckle.

"Oh, come on, there has to be something?" This time he made an attempt at puppy dog eyes.

Natsu was quickly able to dismiss the look.

What he wasn't expecting was Laki to give him her own puppy dog look, but unlike Sting, she left the front part of her dress slightly open.

This gave Natsu a reasonably good view down her dress.

"Come on, Natsu, you have to resist, you have to, or else the consequences could be dire. But damn she has a nice rack" ahh fine you win.

"YES, so split it!"

"OK, the book mentions a slayer being able to summon our inner dragon and bind to the real world. This allows the dragon to go to a from the core of our magic. In other words, we can learn a new spell and training methods we were unaware of."

"That sounds amazing!" Sting shouts," so when can we start!"

"Hold your horse there, Sting you two aren't ready yet."

"What makes you say that" this time, it was Minerva to throw in her two jewels.

"Taming and bending your inner dragon is no small feat even for slayer as powerful as myself. You don't want to know what I went through to earn his respect and give me the secrets to use dragon force."

"So first we must confront our inner dragons then bend them to our Will? Rogue said.

"Just start with confronting your dragon before moving forward, OK."

"OK," they said in unison.

Two weeks later

It has been a long and grueling two weeks for the two young slayers, and so far, Rogue was the only one to make any progress.

Sting did as well but not to the extent as his counterpart.

When Rogue mange finds the core of his magic, he was a little surprised it was an endless void of white.

Suddenly a black smudge appeared before him only to grow in size and an unbelievable rate.

"You called?" The shadow dragon said with venom in his voice.

"Yes, I want to further my training as a dragon slayer, and from what Natsu told me, you're the only one who can perfect my skills."

"The one called Natsu is correct. I can teach you, but are you willing and able to learn?"

"I...don't know."

"Hmm will start off simple" using its majestic wings. It hovers in the air.

"The first lesson you must find a way to ground me without using any of your spells is that clear," it said in a commanding tone.

"Y-yes, sir."

"Good"

With Sting

Sting's magic core was the polar opposite of Rogue.

He was completely black only to see a small light hovering before him.

But before he can speak, he was suddenly pulled back to reality.

"Damn it not again, ahhhh," he exasperated.

"Told you two, it wouldn't be easy and from the look of it Rogue way ahead of you," Natsu says from his perch on an elder tree with branches in all directions.

"Can't you at least give me a hint Natsu!"

"Sorry, Sting, this is something you have to do on your own," he deadpanned.

Laki was beside him holding two cups, one of tea and the other of flaming whiskey, and by her side was Minerva also holding a cup of tea.

"Thanks, Laki" he gratefully took the glass In hand before taking a small sip.

One month later

Both Sting Rogue have tremendous progress.

Both have enough control over the inner dragons to call to powers of Dragonforce.

Now all they have to do is exert control over the dragon by calling it a name.

Doing so is the only way to summon them to the real world.

That was easier said than done.

Natsu stands before the duo with board expressions watching them closely.

He didn't have to wait long before Rogue was kicked back to reality.

"Have you gotten closer?" He asked.

"Yes, but it's that last part that always the hardest. No matter how hard I try, my Will isn't strong enough.

Natsu looks to Sting before kneeling down to eye level to Rogue.

If it helps, when I was having trouble with this, the only thing that kept me going was my drive to protect my mate. Maybe the same will work for you."

He took a few steps back only to notice to a new look of determination in his eyes.

A few minutes later, the shadows in the area spiral around Rogue before he calls out his dragon "Mayonaka,"

A large mass of shadows shoots to the skies above circling around before landing on Rogue vacant shoulder, taking on the same size as Lazarus.

"Congrats, Rogue, you did it now. Now we have to wait for Sting."

"I know I just wish he wouldn't take so long."

"I know Rogue, but no one can help him bind his dragon."

"He always talks a big game about not needing help, looks like he finally got his wish," Laki said, making herself known.

"You right on that one, Laki."

All eyes landed on Sting, waiting to see if he can pull this off.

WITH STING

Right now, Sting battling his inner dragon and failing miserably to control him.

The dragon in question looks like it is composed almost entirely of light.

But that's to be expected when you live inside a dragon slayer's mind.

"And you call your self a dragon slayer!"

"I AM A DRAGON SLAYER!" rage was evident in his voice as magic energy stated to run wild around him.

He bolts to his dragon using his enhanced speed to circle the dragon in hopes of finding an opening.

The dragon just yawns before using its tail to slam Sting against the ground.

"Looks like your all talk, after all, Sting," he said cynically.

Sting was seething with rage at that comment.

"Just a little bit more Sting, I have faith in you."

Sting wouldn't admit it, but his inner dragon's words struck a nerve.

He has been all talk most of his life.

He prided himself as a dragon slayer, but that all came crashing down when he met Natsu and later Rogue.

He did an excellent job hiding it, but he was jealous of his counterpart.

He was always calm and collected and mange to bind his inner dragon before him.

That left a bad taste in his mouth.

"Focus Sting you can do this, I don't want to be alone again."

He wouldn't admit it, but he loved training under Natsu and having Rogue as a battle partner when things get tough.

"That is enough feeling sorry for myself, Natsu wouldn't like that and same with Rogue."

His inner dragon stared him down but notice the look of resolve in his eyes.

"Seems he finally understands, this is your last chance Sting, you better show me your true strength if you wish to get stronger from this point on!"

"Do you even need to ask!"

"Let the games begin!"

With newfound strength and speed, Sting charged at his dragon head-on.

His dragon scoffed at this thing. He didn't learn anything.

He was in for a surprise when Sting abruptly disappeared.

He looks around him to see Sting high above him. "WHITE DRAGON ROAR," he shouts.

The dragon cried of pain before slashing at the young slayer with his claws.

Sting dodged his attack, appearing under him, letting out another dragon roar before disappearing again.

This process continued over and over again.

Sting was a barely standing from using up so all his magic energy.

His inner dragon wasn't much better shape, either.

This time he was kneeling down on the ground, breathing heavily.

"Do you yield" Sting shouts

"Yes, I do now call my name to summon me forth."

A moment later, Sting found himself in the real world before calling out "Helios!" suddenly a large amount of white dragon magic bust forth from Sting.

It raced upward before taking the form of a white dragon only to shrink down like Lazarus and Mayonaka.

His little dragon looks like it was made purely of light. Still, after taking a closer inspection, Helios seems to be made of some white material.

It was befitting of him since Mayonaka was made of shadows, and Lazarus was composed of fire.

Suddenly he heard clapping behind him only to see Natsu with large gin on his face with Rogue beside him also clapping for him.

Sting match Natsu's grin with one of his own as he rubbed the back of his neck.

He let out a small chuckle when Helios licked his cheeks from his spot on his shoulder.

Flashback end

All three of them have learned a lot from the inner dragon in that short time.

For Sting and Rogue, it was learning to conjure and maintain Dragon force.

For Natsu, it was a deeper understanding of fire-making, his flames even more powerful.

And that book they found also contained one more bit about dragon slayers.

Unfortunately, it was written in the ancient language of the dragons.

Ignell never taught him there langue, so he forced to find another way to read it.

Lazarus mentions something about it being instinctive in nature.

Just the thought of that was enough to give the older slayer a headache as thinking was never his strong suit.

But those though would have to wait as Bisca, Alzack, and Asuka finally showed up.

"You ready, Natsu?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

ok that it for this chapter

I'm gonna have to make a habit of the current year each chapter takes place cause I had to reread this story to figure out where in the seven years I was at

also, I have a confession to make the inspiration for this story was Renton intro in eureka seven ao

terrible anime but his into was awesome.

especially with the spec V3 nirvash

anyway enough of my rambling

as always make sure to fav follow and leave a chapter review