Keeping Secrets

A Past And Future Secret

Hey everyone, thanks for checking this out. This is the first thing I've written that I've shared in many years. So hopefully it doesn't suck. The beta readers seemed to like it at least.

This was inspired by another story I read many moons ago called True Brothers, Dragneel Brothers by dragonslayer111. I found the premise captivating and this story follows its same basic premise. It is sadly unfinished, but I still would say it is worth reading!

I never liked how Natsu and Zeref's relationship was handled in cannon so this my attempt at coping.

Chapter cover art is not mine. If anyone knows who the artist is please tell me so I can properly credit them.

Anyways, hope you enjoy.

-----------

KEEPING SECRETS, CHP. 1- A Past and Future Secret

Makarov stared in horror at the man in front of him. He had disbanded the guild, spent months trying to get to Alakitasia, spent more months waiting on the emperor, only to find himself face to face with a living nightmare: that "Emperor Spriggan" was none other than the black wizard Zeref himself. He had followed him to a balcony of the massive Imperial palace in the Alvarez Empire's capital of Vistarion. Zeref already knew about Fairy Heart, somehow. No country could stand up the mages he'd recruited, let alone the sheer size of his army. "So, there's no room for negotiation?"

The look on Zeref's face made him wonder why he even said it. Smirking, the black mage said, "I'm afraid not. You see, Makarov, the true dragon king festival is about to begin- myself, the black wizard, the self-proclaimed dragon king, and the people of this world- I wonder. Who will live and who will die?" His smirk morphed into a sinister grin.

Makarov felt his blood boil. He hadn't come all this way for nothing, and he wasn't going to just lie down and die for the whims of a madman. He spread his feet and clenched his fists, readying himself for an attack. " I refuse to let you start this war! I refuse to let you have our first master!"

Zeref smiled at his passionate declarations. "I'm afraid you misunderstand, Master Makarov. This will be no war." Zeref reached out his hand and Makarov was surrounded by a malevolent purple glow. He attempted to break free but felt the black mage's magic pressing down on him like a boulder. "This will be a one-sided annihilation." As more pressure bore down on him, Makarov let out a scream in pain. Zeref continued to watch, the same infuriating smirk still on his face. "That said, it would be wrong of me not to offer you my gratitude before I see you off. Sincerely, Makarov, thank you. Thank you for raising Natsu for me." His smile softened a bit.

What the Hell? Makarov's face, already distorted in rage, shifted more in confusion. What does Natsu have to do with any of this? I swear he makes no sense! What am I missing?

As quickly as it softened, the sniveling smirk returned. "For that I will end your life quickly and painlessly. I'll even deliver your body to Natsu. Heh, he'll be so furious. He might even kill me," he said in that same, frustratingly calm tone he'd spoken with the whole time. Sighing and laughing to himself, arms still reaching out to control his death spell, "Can I deliver a message to him for you? Any last words or such?"

He's insane! He's not even human- he's a monster! "You... you hideous soul! You demon!" Makarov snarled.

Zeref chuckled. "Close old man. But actually, my name 'Spriggan' is much closer to hideous fairy."

Before Makarov could fire off one last retort or Zeref could finish crushing him with the spell, Makarov disappeared. Surprised, Zeref looked up, and watched Makarov and another man reappear a few stories above him, before both of them vanished. "Oh well," he said apathetically as he watched Makarov and his savior teleport away. "See you at the slaughter, Makarov."