Natsu: The Independent Mage [ON HOLD-EVENTUAL NEW CHAPTERS ELSEWHERE]

Chapter Two: The Dragon's Secret Revealed

Three weeks before previous chapter

Our Dragon Slayer was walking through the country. He never really got a chance to see all of it since he was either on a train, or just heading dead straight to his goal. The young 23 year old was fascinated by all of what he saw. The city lights shining bright as he scaled the rooftops. Technology has really come a long way since the group all disappeared nine years ago.

Since his departure, he sent his goodbye letter and paper of resignation to Master Makarov. His guild Mark was erased and he took on a new look. But the note didn't end there, as it said he would one day rejoin but he just needed time to himself. His right had the bandages reapplied as he was able to redraw the power his father lent to him, since he took out the Demon Dragon King Acnologia; giving him full rights as Dragon King. The black one-sleeved jacket was now a full-sleeved red one, and had golden skulls going down the arms with gold accenting the ends. His messy hair was now covered by a salmon colored hat with some of it still trying to reveal itself out of the sides and back. Dragneel traded out the white pair of trousers for some loose-fitting jeans and his sandals were now a pair of black boots. Igneel's scarf was now Igneel's bandana, something he kept around his neck as a remembrance to his father and a tribute that not many people should be able to see his face that much. Salamander was now Dragon; the only visible thing on his face were his eyes that flowed a crimson red with a slit in the shade.

"You've truly earned, the title of the Dragon King" Acnologia's last words to Natsu Dragneel, as he disintegrated into nothing. The King Seal was implanted into his right arm once more, though a slight change in style. Instead of Igneel, it was the Power of the King of Dragons. Acnologia gave this power to him, realizing that there are Dragons who truly care about humans changed his heart in the man's last moments. Natsu never forgot the words told to him and wore it with pride since.

He took his travels to the countryside and stayed with a couple of ranchers for a few weeks, helping with the cattle, moving hay bales, and carpentry onto the property.

We now see Natsu Dragneel walking through the woods with both hands behind his back, looking at the sky and thinking about the people he still considered close family to him. Hell, there were times during his journey that he almost reconsidered and just turned right around to Magnolia. But he knew he had to continue on his travel. Going back now would pretty much be the equivalent of committing the worst sin. Despite the pain of not being able to see his teammate since birth and his loved one, he had to grow stronger. If he didn't, then all the work he did up till now would be pointless.

He knew that he needed to be able to protect everyone without having to worry about killing himself in the process. The fights with Acnologia and Zeref made that clear to him as he continued his trek.

The bookworm always sent him messages about her progress, the usual brawl between Gajeel, Gray, and Elfman, Erza still dictating, and Makaraov's actual help in training. She told him how she started to learn hand-to-hand combat from Yukino, the Sabertooth Celestial Mage happy to train the smaller girl.

But alas, he continued his travels. Not really seeking to get any more lost into his thoughts.

About five hours of walking landed the Dragon Slayer to the city of Crocus. The capital streets were busy as always as everyone rushed to their jobs, school, or even just to get to the store or restaurant. He decided to check up on his other Dragon Slayers; Sabertooth really changed and started acting similar to that of the Fairy Tail Guild. Natsu couldn't deny that both places felt like home.

The doors opened wide and out came what most considered the "Old Natsu". Sting had the biggest grin on his face when he saw his mentor walking up to him and immediately challenging him to a fight. Natsu smiles as he now knew why everyone used to call him idiotic.