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.

"Natsu-san! Fight me! I've been waiting to settle the score!"

"Oi, Sting! At least let me get something to eat, or even a drink first beforehand, ne?" The Old him would've jumped at the chance for a fight, but the current Natsu knew to be laid back and take things slow. He shook hands with the White Dragon Slayer, joining him as the two caught up while walking to the bar. "So man. How have things been? Haven't talked or seen ya since the Second Great War of Ishgar."

"Things have been good. I gave Minerva the title of master because I couldn't deal with the paperwork anymore. That, and she's able to handle the workload. By the way, love the new look, especially the bandana." The blonde ordered a ramen bowl with some ale while his pink-haired companion simply ordered a burger with fries and a beer.

"Thanks man. I needed to change things up since last time you saw me. The bandana is actually a piece of the scarf I used to wear, I gave the rest to Happy and someone else back home."

"Oh? Is this someone else Levy-chan?" Sting teases at his companion. He waves over his teammates as they all caught up with each other.

"Like your one to talk! I see Yukino over there with that vest you used to wear! Don't think that you're able to hide things like that from your king!" The two laughed as the rest came up to join.

"Natsu!" "Natsu-Sama!" "Salamander!" He shook hands with all of them and gave Yukino and Miverva a friendly arm around the shoulder.

"What's up, guys! Hey, I heard that you're planning on joining the games this year. Think you guys can take the top?"

"Psh. We know we can! And you make it sound like your not competing!" "No. I'm taking a break this year and just enjoying myself. The games were fun and all, but I want to watch them this time. And I'm not taking jobs right now since I'm pretty stacked on money from everything else and the war." He lied. He figured Makarov hasn't told the news to the other guilds yet of his departure and decided to keep it under wraps that he's currently a freelancer.

"Shame. I would've loved to battle you, since you took down the Twin Dragons by yourself. I want to test your Lightning Flame against my God Lightning and see who's better!" Orga shouted while clapping the man's back.

"Maybe. I'm still probably going to challenge the winning team so if you're lucky, you'll get your shot."

"Oh? Well then, I'm curious to how my guild will fair against yours." Minerva stood next to Rogue.

They continued to talk until they finished their meals.

"So, you wanted a fight, correct?"

"Damn straight! I'll finally prove that I've surpassed you!"

Immediately a betting pool was set up as everyone took their bets. 50/50 as most still believed in their former master but had a feeling that he would still be bested.

The fighters took their stance as they prepared for battle. Sting immediately went into his Dragon Force while Natsu only powered up his flames. He took off his jacket and hat, but left the bandana and bandages on, covering his now clean arm without letting anyone get suspicious.

"All out from the get-go, I see?" "You know it. Can't take any chances with you!"

"Alright. You know the drill. No lethal blows or anything where the sun don't shine. Start when ready."

Sting took the offensive first and charged Natsu head on. The flame Mage cancelled out his fire and started to block and dodge the oncoming attacks. Maneuvering around a punch, he sent his fist into Sting's gut and sent him back a few yards. He closed the distance and they started to trade blows left and right.

"You know? This is a lot easier without having to also deal your counterpart over there." "Yeah, but this means I don't have to focus on synchronized strikes either!" And he charged up a Roar at point blank. Natsu widened his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him, aiming to deflect the attack.

The Roar hit him, and started to tear off his bandage by little. Once noticing this, Dragneel sent the beam into the air and countered with his own roar, sending his assailant to the other side of the arena.

Rogue took notice of the Fire Dragon Slayer's movements with his right arm and started to get his mind working over why it was covered entirely.

"Damn. Can't let that happen or else he'll literally tear off the wrapping, showing my arm. I can't let that happen."

He charged and started throw his kicks and punches in as the former Sabertooth Master could only block and deflect attacks as best as he could, but still allowing some attacks to break through and landing on their mark.

"You haven't been slacking, that's for sure!" "Why would I? Can't do that if everyone else around me trains like hell!" They went back to battle. Sting finally broke through and unleashed a beam at Natsu who couldn't move his arm out of the way in time.

The beam tore through the upper part of the bandage wrap, exposing the arm to everyone. The crowd gasped and started to say things while the Dragon Slayer was in shock of what happened. His secret was now out and he needed to end this fight quick otherwise everyone around will realize that he's independent now. He charged up his secret art, the same one from the games, and defeated Eucliff quickly.

Everyone had seen. This he knew. No point in denying it now. He took his hand off of the spot that used to hold his guild mark, a clean state with only hints of his father's power showing.

"Natsu. Where is your guild mark? Did you perhaps move it?" Minerva was the first to awaken from her stupor, and walked up to him. The Flame Dragon Slayer took a step back, something the new master took notice of. "Or rather, you removed it entirely."

Natsu's eyes widened as his secret was finally figured out. He then sighed as he knew it would be revealed eventually.

"Yeah, I removed it. So what? Fairy Tail currently isn't at any wars with anyone and I needed to get stronger without being there. If anything, everyone around me is what made me leave for this reasoning in the first place. I sensed how strong all of you are, and I realized that if I want to match up to everyone, then I have to do it on my own. Unfortunately, that meant I had to leave my family, friends, and the one most important to me. I couldn't do this otherwise." Minerva and Rogue could tell his answer wasn't out of spite or hatred. Rather, it was out of sincerity.

"I see. Well, I'm not one for things like this, but if you end up changing your mind about rejoining guilds that aren't Fairy Tail, don't be hesitant to visit us. And that was quite the match you put on there. Congratulations on your victory."

"Wait, seriously? You're not going to try and persuade me to join?"

"Why should I. You told us your reasoning, and if we were to interfere, that would just be going against why you left in the first place." Minerva turned around. "If you wish to stay a little longer, I can hand you some jobs that you can take so you can at least test out how far you've reached during your training. But if you're heading out now, then it was wonderful to see you again." She walked back into the hall with her guild behind her. Yukino picked up Sting and faced him once more.

"It was nice to see you again Natsu-sama. Don't be a stranger now!" She walked back inside with the blonde and the doors closed.

"Damn. I've really done it now, haven't I, Mavis?"

A week had passed after that. Our protagonist is now sitting down at a café as he writes a letter to a few people to read back at the guild, writing the longest, and cleanest one, to Levy. Sealing all of them, he waved over the mail carriage, and loaded up all the gifts and presents for his loved ones, and walked towards the train station.

After all, he needed to get to the airport as fast as possible. Alverez and he have some unfinished business.

End chapter

Hey. So yeah. Not as much but it's what I've got.

Natsu's secret has been revealed to Sabertooth. It won't be long now until the words of Salamander's leave is what brought on the Dragon's appearance. What will happen next chapter will be one of surprises.

I just dealt with two painful losses this summer. My dog that's been with me for thirteen years passed away recently without me being there. I was working out of town and I got a video sent to me of her final moments.

Just yesterday my Guinea Pig passed away as well. Fun fact. Guinea pigs won't reveal or act that they're dying until their last day and that's what happened. He suffered three seizures, and passed away in my mother's arms.

I hope y'all have a good one!

Bloopers and Deleted Scenes!

Messages

Levy always sent him about how things were fairing off at the guild. She told him about how their gender counterparts arrived from another dimension. Natsu was Natsa. Gray was Grace. Juvia was Julian. Gajeel was Guren. Elfman was Elfine. Lucy was Luke. Happy was still Happy, only pink instead of blue. Carla was Charlie. Pantherlily was just Lily with a bow. Levy was Levi. Makarov was Makken. Everyone didn't know what to do, so they did something out of the ordinary.

Played dodgeball with theirselves.

Sabertooth

Walking up to the former Strongest Guild, Natsu saw Sting running at him with his arms open wide.

"Natsu-San!!!!!!" He embraces the Dragon Slayer for a bit before he was knocked unconscious with an elbow to the head.

"Sheesh. If that's how I acted eight years ago, then I can see why everyone wasn't so fond of me back then." He continued walking inside, the poor blonde was left outside while people walked around him like it was nothing.

End