129Edit 2024: Fully updated. Enjoy
Amidst a landscape where the beauty of nature clashed tragically with the sight of blood-soaked earth and scattered lifeless bodies, one might think they were gazing upon a scene from hell—or perhaps heaven, if their mind was twisted enough to see it that way. In the center of this battlefield, two lone figures stood. One, bloodied and battered, knelt on the ground, barely managing to keep himself upright, while the other remained standing, calm and unfazed, with an emotionless expression.
Fairy Tail had finally reached Makarov, only to witness him fall right before their eyes, a cruel ending that unleashed the guild's fury upon the Spriggan Twelve. However, their opponents were far too powerful; the strength of the Spriggan overwhelmed them, and one by one, all of Fairy Tail fell, leaving only Natsu. He could do nothing but watch in horror and shock before launching himself at the enemy in a desperate attempt, managing to wound a few but failing to defeat any.
Before they could finish Natsu off, Zeref stopped them, choosing to face his brother personally. The Spriggan Twelve stood back, astonished that this 'fairy' could manage to even graze their Emperor. But despite his effort, Natsu was ultimately defeated. Zeref then ordered the Spriggan to leave the two alone, which they obediently did.
"Now that we're alone, I can finally reveal myself," Zeref said, as a cloud of smoke enveloped his form. Natsu, still gasping in pain, looked on in bewilderment, only to see a feminine silhouette emerge from the dissipating smoke.
"Hello... Natsu-kun," Zeref smiled, her long black hair flowing gracefully down to her wide hips. Her attire remained the same, except now there were bandages around her chest, barely concealing her ample curves, revealing enough cleavage to make a certain perverted sage blush.
"Y-you're... a girl?" Natsu stammered, shock coloring his cheeks a slight pink.
"As much as it hurts that you don't remember your Onee-chan, Natsu-kun... I suppose I can forgive my precious little brother for forgetting me, since it was all that wretched dragon's fault..." Zeref—now fully revealed as a woman—pouted slightly.
"Tsk... but no matter. I shall free you once again, and soon you'll be the real Natsu-kun, my precious otōto," she murmured dreamily, her blush deepening as she gazed at him with eyes that clearly conveyed, You're mine!
"Dragon...? Are you talking about Igneel?!" Natsu snapped, glaring furiously at her. Zeref flinched, though she managed to keep her composure, despite the clear pain in her eyes under his seething gaze.
"Yes... who else could it be?" she replied softly.
"Tch... don't you dare badmouth him!" Natsu shouted, his anger propelling him forward, fists clenched. He rushed at her, intending to strike, but Zeref easily sidestepped his attack. With a sigh, she grabbed him, and the two of them tumbled to the ground, Zeref landing on top.
"Get off me!" Natsu yelled, his rage evident in his eyes as he glared at her.
"Please, listen to me, Natsu-kun," Zeref pleaded, her voice softer now. "Igneel was not the dragon you thought he was!" Her eyes were filled with emotion, and something in her tone caused Natsu's intense glare to soften, replaced by a blank stare.
"The truth is... he sealed all your memories of me and of our past. He lied to you about everything. You weren't just some random baby he found in the forest... no." She paused, her voice trembling slightly. "You were my precious little brother... so perfect, so kind... but Igneel, that wretched dragon, believed that I—me, the most powerful mage alive—would harm you."
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she continued, her voice cracking. "I admit, back then, I struggled to control my powers... but you, Natsu, you never cared about that! You loved me regardless, and I cherished you more than anything."
"No... you just helped me no matter what and were always there for me... even though you should've hated me since I killed our parents because of my curse... but no... you were always there for me. That's why... I will always love you, Natsu-kun, no matter what," Zeref said, a fleeting warm smile crossing her lips as she looked at the shocked Natsu, before her expression hardened into a scowl.
"Until... he stole you! Stole you from ME! That stupid dragon... I'll never forgive him for changing you!" Zeref hissed, her anger evident.
"N-no... you're lying!" Natsu stammered, shaken and confused. His words cut deep, and Zeref felt her heart ache at his distrust.
"Natsu-kun, please believe me! I would never lie to you!" Zeref pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. Seeing this, Natsu hesitated, wondering if there was truth to her words.
"Even if it is true... it doesn't matter anymore... Igneel died a long time ago," Natsu replied solemnly, looking away. Despite the hatred he harbored toward her, he couldn't bear to see her cry—no matter what she had done, even if she killed his friends. She was his only family left after all.
"I see... as long as you believe me, my precious little brother," Zeref whispered, her expression softening, gazing at him with passion.
"But... that doesn't mean I forgive you for killing my friends," Natsu said, glaring at her. She flinched, lowering her gaze in sadness and jealousy at his care for his fallen comrades.
"I'm sorry, Natsu-kun... but it was the only way. You wouldn't notice me... or even care that I existed. Even in Tenrou Island, you didn't..." Zeref's voice trailed off, and Natsu listened in silence.
"The love you felt for your guildmates... I... I! You should feel that way about me! Not them!" Zeref finished fiercely, her eyes blazing with possessiveness.
"S-so... all this... just because you were... JEALOUS?!" Natsu yelled, his anger rising. Zeref looked away, her heart heavy from his accusatory words.
"I... I can't believe you. So... it's all my fault...?" Natsu choked, blaming himself for his friends' deaths. He realized that Zeref wanted his attention, and because he hadn't given it, his friends had paid the ultimate price.
Seeing Natsu blaming himself, Zeref's eyes widened. She rushed to him, embracing him tightly. "It's not your fault! It's mine! I couldn't help it, seeing you again after 400 years and you not even caring about me... it killed me..."
"I wanted to leave you alone... I really did... but seeing the way you cared for your guildmates, like Scarlet, or Strauss, or even other women from different guilds... It was the same way you used to care for me. It felt like I was being replaced!" Zeref hissed, jealousy burning in her eyes. Natsu remained silent, listening.
"It reached a point where it was unbearable. I just wanted you back, my precious little Natsu-kun... I should've been the center of your attention, not anyone else," she finished, hugging him even tighter, as though afraid he would vanish if she let go.
"I see..." Natsu murmured, pushing her away gently, ending the embrace. The rejection visibly hurt Zeref.
"Either way... there is only one way to settle this," Natsu declared, slowly standing up, wincing from his injuries. His flames erupted, electricity crackling around them, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. This time, the flames shifted colors, and Zeref watched, shocked.
"Black flames...? So this is the effect of him eating my magic... A normal mage would be dead by now, but maybe it's because he's my brother that he can use Death Magic as well. You always did surprise me, Natsu-kun..." Zeref thought, recalling the moment when Natsu had consumed her death magic.
"Lightning Fire Dragon's... Death Roar!" Natsu roared, unleashing a torrent of black flames entwined with lightning, obliterating everything in its path as it surged toward Zeref at breakneck speed.
"Natsu-kun... please stop this," Zeref whispered, effortlessly swatting away the attack, but she was caught off guard when Natsu suddenly appeared, his fist engulfed in flames. "Lightning Fire Dragon's Death Fist!" he yelled, landing a direct hit on her face, a shockwave echoing as she was thrown back, black flames consuming her.
"Huff... huff... did I get her?" Natsu panted, his flames flickering away as he dropped to his knees, completely drained of magic.
"I'm surprised..." a voice echoed from behind him, and Natsu's eyes widened.
"Using your roar as a distraction to follow up with a direct attack... It was certainly unexpected. But in the end, you should know that this level of power won't be enough to harm me, Natsu-kun," Zeref said grimly. Her clothes were tattered, but otherwise, she appeared unharmed.
Natsu collapsed, coughing up blood. "Because of her... Fairy Tail is dead... Happy, Erza, Gramps... everyone..." he thought, trying to rise, but his body refused to obey, drained of strength. "It's no use... I-I can't get up... I can't kill her... she's my only family left..."
"Natsu-kun... please, just stop it... don't make me hurt you anymore," Zeref said, her voice filled with regret and worry as she watched her brother struggle.
"Nee-san..." Natsu coughed, his gaze locking onto Zeref's. She froze, wide-eyed, at the familiar title, hearing it for the first time in centuries.
"Natsu-kun..." Zeref's voice softened, her eyes brimming with tears as she approached him, trying to help him up. But she stopped when she saw the look of regret in his eyes.
"I'm sorry... for not remembering you..." Natsu said, guilt and remorse evident in his voice. Tears formed at the corners of Zeref's eyes.
"But... there is only one way to settle this..." Natsu continued, grabbing a fallen katana next to Erza's lifeless body as he winced seeing her in a pool of blood shutting his eyes at the sight.
"Natsu-kun...?" Zeref's voice wavered, unsure of what he was planning, until her eyes widened in horror.
"I can't... rather, I don't want to kill you. I understand what you did... even if it wasn't the best choice. But my friends are all dead... even Igneel..."
"I just... don't have the will anymore..." Natsu explained, Zeref's eyes widening further.
"Natsu-kun! You do have a purpose! There must be something! Please don't do this! Y-you... you want to kill me, right?! Avenge your friends! Just live, please!" Zeref pleaded desperately, knowing what he was about to do.
"Sorry... as much as I want to... you're still my sister. I guess... slowly, my feelings for you are returning, even if my memories aren't... but I can't forget or forgive what you did..." Natsu said solemnly, and Zeref could only listen, stunned.
"I'm tired of this... please, just let me end it. I don't want to live only to kill my sister—the sister I love, who also killed my friends..." Natsu's voice cracked, regret and a trace of hatred lacing his words.
"Natsu-kun... please... at least... live for me?" Zeref choked out, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I look at you... and I see my sister... but also... my friends' killer," Natsu said, his gaze filled with regret.
"Natsu-kun..." Zeref's eyes widened as Natsu pointed the katana at his abdomen.
"Goodbye... Onee-chan," Natsu said, giving her his signature grin before plunging the blade into his stomach, blood spurting from his lips. He looked at Zeref one last time as her eyes widened, tears streaming down her face, her hand over her mouth, muffling her sobs.
"NATSU!" Zeref screamed, rushing to his lifeless body, her face a mask of anguish.
"No, no, no, no, no! Why, Natsu-kun... WHY?! I could've given you everything!" Zeref sobbed, cradling his lifeless body in her arms.
"It's all... my fault..." Zeref thought, her eyes filled with tears as she gazed down at Natsu. But then, his body began to glow with a dark light, enveloped in shadows that startled her. She backed away in shock as the darkness swallowed his form completely—then vanished, taking Natsu's body with it.
"Wha..." Zeref stared, her voice barely a whisper, as her precious brother disappeared, leaving nothing behind.
In a bright, empty space—a place that resembled a hospital with its endless white expanse, but was anything but—lay a lone figure, sprawled in the middle. Suddenly, his eyes shot open.
"What the...? Where am I?" Natsu wondered, looking around at the white nothingness surrounding him. The last thing he remembered flashed in his mind, causing him to sigh heavily.
"Well... this must be the afterlife or something," he muttered. Before he could dwell on it further, he noticed a figure approaching.
"I see you're awake, Natsu-kun," spoke a soft, feminine voice. Natsu turned his head, surprised by the appearance of the person before him. A stunning woman stood there, her hair pure white, eyes and brows matching the same hue, and her light skin radiating an ethereal glow. She wore a white kimono that hugged her curves, the fabric hinting at her cleavage beneath, with her ample chest peeking through.
"Who are you...?" Natsu asked, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his tone.
"Me? Well, I've been called many names, but in your world, I suppose the simplest one is Kami-sama," she answered, her gaze soft and knowing. Her eyebrow raised as she watched the confusion on Natsu's face.
Natsu's eyes widened. "Kami-sama...? No wonder... you look like a goddess," he thought, his gaze inadvertently wandering over her. She blushed slightly under his intense gaze before he shook his head, snapping out of it.
"K-Kami-sama...? I see..." he stammered, still trying to piece everything together.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Send me to hell already," Natsu said, his voice devoid of emotion. His response visibly startled Kami, her gentle expression faltering.
"Hell? Why do you think you deserve that?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"Oh, I don't know... maybe because my life turned into a living nightmare? Hell seems like the only fitting place to keep the misery going," he said bitterly, the hate and anger in his tone making Kami shiver slightly.
"Natsu-kun..." Kami thought, her heart aching as she looked down for a moment. She took a deep breath before looking at him again. "To answer your question... you're not dead, Natsu-kun," she replied, a warm smile on her lips.
"Huh? How...?" Natsu raised an eyebrow, confusion evident.
"You were summoned," Kami explained.
"Summoned...? By who?" Natsu asked, bewildered.
"That would be me," said another voice, drawing Natsu's attention.
"Kami, I already told you that I would handle this," said the new figure, stepping closer. It was a tall man, his presence commanding and powerful.
"Hmph, for a god, you sure are slow," he replied, smirking. Kami's face grew irritated, a few tick marks appearing as Natsu watched the interaction, eyebrow raised.
"Natsu Uchiha... It's good to finally meet my only descendant in person... well, at least in spirit," the man declared, standing before Natsu, who blinked in confusion.
"Uchiha...?" Natsu repeated, perplexed.
"Yes, Uchiha," the figure confirmed. "You see, you are my last descendant on Earthland. It is only fitting that we meet."
"Who... who are you!?" Natsu demanded, overwhelmed by the situation.
"I already told you, Madara, it's not time yet!" Kami tried to intervene, her irritation rising.
"You're wrong. Now is as good a time as any," Madara interrupted, dismissing her with a wave. Kami clenched her fists in frustration but chose to stay quiet.
"Natsu, I am your ancestor—Madara Uchiha. I have come to offer you the power you need to take revenge on Zeref. Not only that, but I can also help bring back your family," Madara declared, shocking Natsu.
"Bring them back...? My family?" Natsu's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat.
Madara nodded smugly. "Yes, because Kami-sama here feels guilty for what has happened to you, she has decided to grant you a second chance—to send you back in time so you can change everything. This is your opportunity."
"S-so... I can see them again?" Natsu asked, his voice trembling, as though he couldn't believe it.
Kami stepped forward this time, her expression filled with guilt. "Yes, Natsu-kun... I am deeply sorry. This is all my fault. If only I had intervened sooner, maybe you wouldn't have suffered like you did..." she admitted.
Natsu shook his head. "I don't care about all that. I just... want to see them again," he answered, his eyes shadowed, his voice filled with longing. Kami nodded, her heart heavy.
"But... I don't want revenge," Natsu added, his gaze shifting to the ground.
"She is still my sister, after all... my only family," he murmured, earning a frown from Madara and a soft, relieved smile from Kami.
"Very well... but know this, even if you go back, you will still be weak. There is a chance they will die again," Madara warned, his voice devoid of sympathy.
"I know that... That's why, this time, I will become even stronger!" Natsu declared, fire in his eyes. Madara smirked, seeing the determination in him.
"I believe I can help you with that," Madara said, his lips curving into a grin.
"How?" Natsu asked, curiosity in his gaze.
"Simple. You are the reincarnation of me. All I need to do is merge with you, and your power will grow tremendously. Of course, you will need to train to fully master it," Madara explained, surprising both Kami and Natsu.
"Merging?! You never mentioned anything about merging, Madara! You said you were going to train him!" Kami yelled, her calm demeanor slipping.
"This is for Natsu to decide, Kami-sama," Madara replied, a mocking tone in his voice.
"Tch... Natsu-kun, what will you do?" Kami thought, worry etched across her face.
"Very well... I don't care, as long as I can protect my friends this time," Natsu said, determination burning in his eyes. Madara smirked, while Kami glared at him for manipulating her Natsu.
"But..." Natsu continued, drawing their attention.
"What's the catch?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at Madara.
Madara's smirk widened, and Kami looked at him, guilt evident in her gaze at the transformation she saw in Natsu—the once cheerful boy now replaced by someone hardened by pain.
"Simple. Revive the Uchiha clan. Bring it back to its glory. I don't care how you do it, as long as you do," Madara finished, and Natsu stared at him for a long moment before slowly nodding.
"Great. Then let's not waste any more time," Madara said, offering his hand to Natsu. Natsu accepted, and the two were engulfed in a bright, blinding light. When the glow faded, the area filled with white smoke.
"Natsu-kun...?" Kami called out hesitantly, her eyes searching the smoke. Slowly, the smoke dissipated, revealing Natsu standing there, his eyes closed. But something had changed. His pink hair was now longer, streaks of black running through it.
"Madara better not have lied," Kami thought, stepping closer, her heart pounding. Just then, Natsu's eyes shot open, and Kami gasped.
"T-that's...! Sharingan!" she exclaimed, staring at him in shock. Natsu's eyes glowed crimson, the tomoe spinning slowly, before morphing into the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"So, this is how it feels... to have so much power," Natsu muttered, his voice cold, distant.
"Phew... for a second, I thought Madara had taken over your body," Kami said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"I see why you would think that," Natsu replied. He could feel Madara's memories coursing through him. Suddenly, pain shot through his head. He clutched his temples, falling to his knees. "Argh!"
"Natsu-kun!" Kami cried, rushing to his side, catching him as he began to lose consciousness.
"All of Madara's memories and power... it must be too much for his mind and body to handle all at once," Kami thought, her brow furrowed in concern.
"It seems Natsu needs training... to control his power." She sighed heavily. "All of this because of that accursed god..." Hatred flashed in her eyes at the thought of Ankhseram—the source of all of this pain. "If only I had killed him when I had the chance... then Natsu-kun wouldn't have suffered so much." With that final thought, Kami disappeared, taking Natsu with her to a place beyond the reach of gods or men.