X792

The repairs to the new Guild building were already underway, the main structure was already coming into view per the plan's that had been decided for the new Guild's building. After a year of being disbanded, Fairy Tail was coming back together.

Natsu stood amidst it all, a large smile on his face. He never would have thought after he left for his training trip that Makarov would have disbanded Fairy Tail. He had been so shattered when Lucy had told him the news. He knew then and there that they had to bring the guild back together. He had no idea what he would do without Fairy Tail.

So many familiar faces were at work around him, he could tell a lot of them had changed over the last year since the Tartaros Guild attacked. He most of all. The death of Igneel had hit him hard, the entire year he had spent training he was ashamed of the fact that revenge had mostly been on his mind. If Happy hadn't been there with him, he might have lost himself in the mindset and come back completely changed.

He knew that his strength right now still wasn't enough, even with the trump card hidden beneath the bandages on his right arm it still might not be enough. But like hell he was just going to roll over. He had the entire guild at his back, if it was Acnologia or Zeref, they'd take down everyone that stood in their way.

"Alright, time to do some jobs." Natsu grinned as he walked over to the request board. Not many jobs were present as not many were aware of Fairy Tail's revival so there wasn't a great range. While he would have chipped in to help rebuild the guild they had plenty of hands already and due to his destructive nature, Natsu was declared a workplace hazard.

Hearing a commotion at the entrance of the work site the Dragon Slayer glanced over his shoulder to see what was going on, several of his guildmates were crowded around and Natsu noticed the familiar scent and grinned as he headed over to the entrance to see what was going on.

"Alright everyone, back to work!" Erza's voice rang out over the crowd getting the immediate effect of everyone breaking away and heading back to their assigned jobs allowing for a large circle to appear around Erza and their guest, Warrod Sequen.

"It's nice to see a Guild Master with some authority over Fairy Tail." Warrod laughed heartily as Erza blushed slightly at the praise, still getting used to her new title as the seventh Guild Master. "Just a joke my dear, Fairy Tail will always be chaotic." He continued.

"It's a pleasure to welcome you back to Fairy Tail, Warrod." Erza bowed her head. "It's been far too long."

"Indeed." Warrod nodded as he stroked his bark like chin, taking in the familiar setting of the area where the first guild hall he helped build once stood. "It's been a long time since I've stood here." He smiled fondly.

"I have to ask, what does a member of the New Magic Council need with us, we filled in all the correct paperwork yes?" She asked. "There hasn't been any trouble yet has there?" She sent an accusing glare over the Fairy Tail members making a shudder run through most of them.

"Ahahah there is no trouble and all of the paperwork is fine, there are no problems on that end, this is more of a personal matter." Warrod explained. "I have a request you see and who better than Fairy Tail to take it on?" He smiled.

"Of course, Mira can you draw up a request form?" Erza asked turning to Mirajane who smiled, about to do so, however Warrod raised his hand up halting her.

"Actually, this particular request I have someone in mind and I'd rather that the details be discreet." Warrod explained.

"And this person would be?" Erza questioned.

"Natsu Dragneel." Natsu perked his head up at that, having been idling around since Erza told everyone to get back to work. "I heard of the incident at Malbo City with Ikusa-Tsunagi." Warrod explained as he and Erza walked over to Natsu. "I was impressed, I think you're the most suitable for this request." Natsu stared into Warrod's eyes… there was something off about the tree man… he was uncharacteristically serious which meant that this was probably serious and considering the last request he had given led to Tartaros, Natsu didn't doubt that this was a top priority job.

"What kind of job is it?" Gray asked as he Lucy and Wendy approached with both the exceeds joining Natsu, Warrod smiling as even Erza was intrigued. It reminded him of the young Wizards he had met after the Grand Magic Games when he had requested Natsu and Gray to investigate the Sun Village for him. At the time he hadn't minded the helping hands of the rest of their team, this time however the situation was more delicate.

"I'm afraid this request is a Solo Job for Natsu." Warrod explained to them, surprising the team. "While I have no doubt that over the past year since the events with the Dark Guild Tartaros you've all become much stronger." He began. "However due to the nature of this request, I can only task one member of Fairy Tail with the job."

"And you want Natsu?" Gray blinked in surprise. "That pea brained moron!?" Natsu grinned victoriously from behind Warrod with a victory sign.

"It's a complicated matter and due to the nature of the request, secret." Warrod told him. "It is for the best for Fiore that Natsu be the one to take on this request."

"So when do we leave?" Natsu asked. "I've been pumped up for a fight ever since coming back from training." Warrod smiled softly.

"We can leave immediately, the sooner the better." Warrod told him. "Once you've said your goodbye's and have gathered what you need, we can leave."

"Already got my stuff, was planning to take a job today anyway." Natsu grinned racing over to where he had left his pack before racing back with it now situated on his back. "I'll be back in a few days, Happy if you run out of food just come to the guild hall."

"Aye! Don't screw it up Natsu!" Happy grinned as he flew over ahd sat on Natsu's head. "I'll be waiting for you to come back so we can go fishing!"

"You got it little buddy." Natsu patted the exceed atop the head as he turned to the others with a grin. "I'll be back."

"Be safe Natsu." Erza told him before he gaze became menacing. "This is a request from one of the Members of the Council, don't screw it up!"

"Y-Yes Ma'am!" He saluted getting a laugh from Gray, Lucy and Wendy. Natsu turned to Warrod who smiled fondly at the interactions before nodding to the young Dragon Slayer before the two left. Even from the build sight of the new FairyTail guild hall, they saw Warrod's tree Magic activate sending them hurtling away from Magnolia.

"Isn't Era in the other direction?" Lucy pondered aloud watching the tree shoot off from the edge of Magnolia.

"Perhaps Warrod is taking Natsu to the job's location?" Erza agreed, curious to know why the wizard saint wouldn't be taking him the Council Headquarters to brief Natsu on the job.

"I'll put all my current jewel on Natsu coming home a complete failure." Gray chuckled turning his back to the sight. "Hey Lucy, need rent yet?"

"Yeah…" Lucy sighed defeated. "I was really hoping Warrod's job would be good paying…"

"It's alright Lucy we'll go with you on a job." Wendy smiled up at the blonde. "It'll be fun."

"And considering the Pyro's not here, we'll get most of the reward." Gray smirked. "How about it Erza, up for a job?"

"Sorry." Erza apologised. "I have a lot to do as Guild Master, I won't be able to take requests for some time. Go ahead without me." She assured getting nods from the three as Erza turned to watch Warrod's tree magic disappear over the horizon… something didn't feel right about this. She wished Makarov was around so that she could talk to him… just where was the old man?

A small house sat atop a hill, Natsu sat outside of it looking up at the cloud's float on by. He had a rather large decision to make. He was currently at Warrod Sequen's home, the tree like man had come to the guild a few short days ago and had asked Natsu to accompany him for a request. Since their time traveling to Warrod's home, the man had explained his task to Natsu and the decision that would come to the Dragon Slayer. This time no other Wizard from Fairy Tail had accompanied Natsu per Warrod's Request. It was just for the Dragon Slayer. Now all Natsu had to decide was whether or not he would take up the task and fulfill the request asked of him. It was a daunting one, there was no question about that.

Warrod had explained to him that what was ahead for Fiore was a War the likes none had seen in Four Centuries. The Dragon King's Festival. Alvarez was preparing in great numbers and if things remained as they were, Alvarez and the Emperor Spriggan who Warrod informed him was Zeref himself, would crush Fiore underfoot with ease. There was also Acnologia, the undeciding factor that would undoubtedly change everything.

"Fiore isn't ready for this war." Warrod had told the Dragon Slayer and Natsu had to agree. Alvarez was after Fairy Heart the mass of magic hidden beneath the guild hall. To hear that such a thing existed was truly unbelievable but Warrod wasn't kidding. This was much more serious than he originally thought.

While Natsu believed Fairy Tail could overcome everything if they were together, Acnologia was a clear fact that Fairy Tail couldn't overcome everything. Eight years ago, Fairy Tail had come together on Tenrou Island and ended up in stasis for seven years. Seven years that could have been beneficial to Fairy Tail in preparing for what was to come.

To hear Warrod's plan was quite something. All of the Magic Council made up of the Wizard Saints, the strongest Wizards in all of Fiore had come up with this plan.

Now all he had to do was decide if he wanted to go through with it or not.

Warrod was currently inside the house, watering his plants as Natsu sat on the step. Warrod had told him that somebody would be coming to visit him, to shed some light on his situation. He didn't mention who so the Dragon Slayer was currently awaiting the new arrival. He could already hear the footsteps approach so they weren't too far away.

Raising his head as he began to make out a silhouette approaching on foot. Even from this distance he could tell that it was a woman, and for some reason her scent was familiar but he couldn't place it. It reminded him a lot of Lucy but it wasn't the same. As she came into view Natsu's eyes shot wide open as he stumbled to get to his feet standing there gawking as the woman approached.

As she got closer, Natsu was able to discern several of her features, she was wearing elegant red and white robes with a high-collared her lengthy blonde hair was put back in a ponytail and side-swept bangs in front, with two strands of hair draped down the sides of her face. Her appearance was uncanny, Natsu couldn't hold himself back.

"Lucy! You got hella old!"

It wasn't long after that, that Natsu had two massive welts coming out of his head as the woman regained her composure. Natsu was crouched down holding his head as he looked up… that beating felt way to familiar and not Erza familiar.

"I thought I raised you with better manners than that Natsu." The woman sighed as she calmed down, righting her clothing. "You were such a sweet boy too." Natsu blinked as he tilted his head slightly looking up at her.

"You're not Lucy, but you look like her." Natsu continued looking at her sideways. "You seem really familiar too…" He added, taking the chance to walk around her looking at her from all angles. "You even smell really familiar." She smiled slightly seeing the thoughts trying to process, the memories trying to surface but it didn't seem to be working. "Who the heck are you lady!?" She simply smiled at him as she raised her hand in front of his face causing him to go cross eyed as he tried to follow her finger which left a rune in golden celestial magic in front of him before it burst covering him in the same light.

Natsu stumbled back blinking wildly as he tried to understand what the hell just happened, shaking his head as his mind was bombarded with information causing him to clutch at his head and fall to a knee before the women. She frowned slightly as she crouched down before him, placing comforting hands on his shoulders.

"It's okay, give it a minute. Deep breaths and remain calm." She urged for him to do, his breathing followed her instructions as he inhaled and exhaled deeply, his disgruntled features turning more serene as he looked up, his onyx eyes staring back into her hazel eyes.

"Anna…?" He questioned with wide eyes as she smiled happily before leaning in embracing the boy she taught so long ago. The first one she had had any contact with since the year X377. Eight years had passed since she had stepped through the gate alone to meet her descendant. But it felt like so much more since she had seen the children she helped raise.

Strong muscular arms wrapped around her surprising her as the hug tightened. Natsu's body trembling making her smile softly as she raised a hand up and gently ran her fingers through his pink locks.

"It's okay, it's okay." She soothed him. With the memories coming back, she had no idea how he was feeling knowing now that the Dragon he loved so much hadn't abandoned him and knowing the full truth behind why the Dragon's had sealed themselves within the young Dragon Slayers. It took some time for Natsu to calm down but soon enough they both pulled back from the embrace, Anna reaching forward and fixing the scarf she knitted so long ago.

"You've grown up so much Natsu." Anna smiled. "You're a fine man and I'm sure Igneel would be so proud of you." Natsu wiped at his face, making sure Anna couldn't see it making her smile and gently pat the top of his head. She gave a few moments of silence before she spoke again. "Has Warrod told you the plan?" She questioned gently.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Natsu replied softly. "You were the one who helped come up with the four hundred year plan." He chuckled.

"I know that it might not be what you expected, Natsu." Anna told him as she rose to her feet, the Dragon Slayer following in suit. "But after the incident on Tenrou Island, I believe that was when our chances to take Acnologia down began to dwindle." She spoke softly. "You and Gajeel were the strongest of the five children, you even more so. But you had seven years taken away from you, even Wendy wasn't able to properly mature into a capable Slayer to battle against Acnolgoia."

"Sting and Rogue matured, but they didn't have guidance, Sting became arrogant, Rogue became self conscious of his powers and lacked the same confidence as Sting. I partly blame myself, I should have done more. But I wanted you to grow, live lives in this new era. You suffered heartache and you grew stronger because of it. But those seven years… can you imagine if you had the chance to live them?" Natsu's eyes widened.

Had they not been inside Fairy Heart for seven years, how much could have changed? How much stronger could he have been when the Grand Magic Games came around, when the Eclipse Gate opened and Dragon's poured through the Gate from the future. He wouldn't have been useless against the very beings he had been trained to slay. How much stronger would he have been against Tartaros… Acnologia. Fist clenched in rage as he grit his teeth. If he had those seven years to train, to become stronger Igneel wouldn't have perished that day!

"Calm down Natsu." The voice was stern and strict, it immediately caused him to let go of his anger as he turned to Anna, she smiled softly and raised a hand and caressed his cheek lightly. "You can't change the past that has already happened, you can only change the future you've already lived."

"The plan." Natsu breathed out, now understanding just why Anna had sought out Warrod to put this into effect.

"Yes." Anna nodded. "If you go back, to before Tenrou Island and stop the stasis from happening. You'll have seven years to train, to become stronger so what you've already lived can be rewritten." Natsu frowned slightly. That day on Tenrou Island… could he really stop that from happening? He had grown stronger this past year, done everything he could think of to stop Acnologia, but would it be enough?

Anna reached over and grabbed his bandaged arm, already undoing the bandages that hid his trump card. The last remnants of Igneel's power were sealed in his arm, the large dragonic tattoo that allowed him to use Igneel's power, he had spent so long attaining it. Gently running her fingers over it, she smiled lightly.

"This is impressive Natsu." She told him. "I never would have imagined that you would think to use the last remnants of Igneel's strength like this. But, it is so like you." She smiled at him. "This power, right now might not be enough to stop Acnologia." Anna spoke honestly. "But remember, if you go back. It won't just be mere fragments of Igneel's power that you'll have access too." Natsu's eyes widened.

"Igneel will still be inside of me." Natsu breathed out, eyes widening as his heart swelled as Anna nodded.

"All those long years, Igneel was always inside of you despite you never knowing. He was accumulating the strength he lost, just like the other Dragon's." She told him. "When Igneel and the other's emerged from you Slayers, it was because you couldn't properly wield their power as they truly intended." She brought up his right arm. "This power, if used correctly, with the true strength of Igneel inside of you."

"I could bring Acnologia down." Natsu stated.

"I'm certain of it." Anna nodded. "But, going back in time, to rewrite the you now over the body of the you then. It has its drawbacks Natsu." Natsu looked at her slightly puzzled. "While your memories go back, your physical abilities cannot. Your body that has trained to use this power won't exist in the past."

Natsu grimaced slightly, he knew all too well just how far he had to push his body to use Igneel's power. When he first activated, after using it it felt like his body was being torn apart, a hundred times worse after he ate etherion. Then there was his second origin, his past self had yet to awaken it. How was he supposed to stop Fairy Heart if it was the only thing that could save Fairy Tail?

"There are so many variables you have to take into account Natsu, this is by no means a simple task." Anna explained. "The decision to go ahead with this is up to you."

"Food's ready!" Anna blinked, their serious conversation coming to an end with the grumble of Natsu's stomach as Warrod came out of his home with a large tray of food.

The meal was mostly quiet, Natsu digging in as Anna quietly helped herself as Warrod ate his own meal in relative silence, only a few small pleasantries were exchanged over the meal before it came to an end.

"I just have one question about the plan." Natsu began as he sat across from Anna and Warrod. He had been thinking this over as he ate, one massive question that had been on his mind since he had first heard of the idea. "What happens here, to this time." Anna smiled as Warrod stroked his chin.

"Technically speaking Natsu, this isn't the same as time travel." Anna told him. "It's reversing time, and you will be the only one aware of it." She continued on. "It's one of the reasons we decided not to use the Eclipse Gate for this. For if we did, you would be leaving this time and going to another, where the past version of you still exists."

"Like what happened at the Grand Magic Games?"

"Precisely." Warrod confirmed. "Not to mention, the Eclipse Gate requires an actual Eclipse and a massive amount of power to open the Gate. The method we are planning to use, is already present and ready with the right Magic Circles it can be activated."

"Everything in this time will simply cease to exist and reversing it all to the point until you awaken." Anna told him. "Your friends here, will be the same friends back then. You don't have to worry about the future parallels as they won't be a factor." Natsu nodded in understanding, at least he wouldn't have to deal with a double of himself or worry if his friends in the future were doing okay.

"I'll do it." Natsu nodded. "If it brings change to Fiore and helps us in the future, then I don't see why not. As long as I'm capable, then there shouldn't be any problems." He added getting a smile from Anna and a nod from Warrod.

"Warrod, we should prepare to head out and have the others gather at the location." Anna suggested. "I'm sure you can make the arrangements?"

"It won't be a problem, I'll make sure everything is ready for when we arrive and we'll be sure to make it as convenient as possible." Anna nodded her thanks.

"Natsu, do you remember how to get here?" Anna asked turning to the Dragon Slayer as they walked up a small incline.

"Yeah, it's pretty isolated but I think I can manage it." Natsu told her as he looked around the area making her smile.

"Good, because no doubt when you wake up this is where I'll be. I've spent the better half of a decade in this remote area, studying what we're about to use. If you ever wish to seek me out, I'll be here. I've no doubt in my mind, I'll understand the situation if you explain it to me." Natsu grinned and nodded.

"Yeah, it'll be one of the first things I do!" He grinned making her smile.

"I guess I'll be waiting for you then." The two walked side by side over the last cliff and Natsu's eyes widened at the massive amount of magic power he was feeling coming from the rift in time. Anna had explained it to him on their way over, what it was, how it came to be and how they were going to use it to reverse time. They stood side by side overlooking the rift of time, several others were gathered and Natsu knew who they were thanks to Warrod's and Anna's explanation of the spell that would take place. They were the top ranked Wizard Saints that made up the Magic Council, with the exclusion of God Serena who had defected to Alvarez.

"Anna." Natsu began halting Anna from her descent down to where the Wizard Saints had gathered as she turned back to Natsu with a questioning look. "I need to know, just one more thing." He added as she gained a solemn look and nodded for him to continue. "Zeref… E.N.D… is it all true?" He asked.

"It is." Anna answered without hesitation. "Your are the younger brother of Zeref Dragneel, and also the strongest Etherious being to ever exist, E.N.D." She added. "But that isn't what defines you Natsu, you are who you have grown to be. You're a Fairy Tail Wizard." She smiled back at him.

"Damn straight!" Natsu grinned as they headed down to the gathered Wizard Saints. It was kind of intimidating to meet the other Wizard Saints, he already knew Jura from when they fought against the Oración Seis. He also knew Warrod, but the other two members Wolfheim and Draculos Hyberion, it was kind of hard not to be intimidated by Wizard's of their caliber who were also on the Magic Council. He never got along with the council.

It didn't help that Wolfheim decided to give Natsu a last minute lecture on keeping Fairy Tail out of trouble.

"We're ready to begin." Jura told Anna as all the gathered Wizard Saints began to form magic circles around the dimensional rift through time. The amount of magic being used was insane, the ground was shaking and the air was thick with it.

"Natsu, one last gift." Anna began as she handed him a book, making him look at her awkwardly, surely she knew him and books didn't go that well together. Anna seeing his expression laughed lightly and explained. "Just some suggestions for you to take into consideration, it lists several detailed events that you'll no doubt take part in. But the choice is yours to do as you wish and to achieve what we all believe you're capable of doing." She leaned forward and embraced him, pulling him close. "I believe in you Natsu." Natsu smiled and returned the gesture holding her close, sinking deep into the embrace. Only Anna could give hugs like this.

"I'll see you." Natsu smiled getting a nod from Anna as the dragon slayer turned to the Magic circle, looking at the Wizard Saints, all of them pushing more magic into their magic circles as the magic surrounding the rift in time began to shift and split open. Without a glance back Natsu strode forward, disappearing into the rift in time.

Natsu gasped as his head throbbed in pain, recalling witnessing every single event that had led from this moment in time, relieving it all through high speed reverse. His head throbbed in pain as he clutched at it, trying to calm himself down. Opening his eyes he looked around, his eyes widening in surprise as he stood up.

It had worked.

Here he stood in Fairy Tail's guild hall, members all sprawled out around him. He could have sorted through the reversal of memories he had suffered on the onslaught but all it took was a simple look at the banner hanging over the Guild's bar to know when he was.

Welcome Back Lisanna!

Looking over the guild, passing a few people he spotted Lisanna, Mirajane and Elfman huddled up together. So this is where he came back. The day after they returned from Edolas and celebrated in force with Lisanna's return. Meaning…

"The S-Class Promotion exam is only a few weeks away." Natsu clenched his fist as he looked over the guild. It was so close and he only had a few weeks to prepare himself for it, a month at most. A grin broke out over his face as he punched his fists together. "I'll just need to train for them! First things first, unlocking Second Origin!" He declared before halting as he looked to his right arm… he was so used to it being covered in bandages, but now it was bare and no tattoo.

"You awake in their Igneel?" Natsu questioned aloud, as he reached deep within himself as he once did in trying to pull out the remnants of Igneel's power. "I'm gonna need your help with this."

"You've got a lot of explaining to do Natsu." Igneel's voice echoed in his head making the Dragon Slayer smile.

"Yeah, you too old man." Natsu agreed as he turned and headed for the entrance of Fairy Tail. "But first things first, we need to train to fight off Acnologia in a couple of weeks."

"... agreed."