We've finally reached the Edolas arc. One quick note though, expect some minor AU changes to the main storyline of Fairy Tail.

It was a foggy in the East Forest, so foggy that the fog looked like it could be cut with a knife.

???: Lisanna! 

An eight-year-old Natsu ran through the fog. 

Natsu: Where did you go?! Would you quit messing around already?! Come on and say something! 

Natsu tripped over a branch and fell down on his knees 

Natsu: This stinks.

He then heard a scream in the distance and turned around with shock evident on his face.

(dream ended)

Natsu: (woke up) Lisanna! 

He took some deep breaths and realized he was in a bed in a certain apartment, and it was now dawn outside.

???: You doing alright?

Natsu looked to see Dante on a coach with his feet on an ottoman.

Natsu: Dante? How the heck did I get in your place?! 

Happy: (flew towards him) Natsu, you and Dante fought again, remember?

Natsu: Oh, right. 

Dante: Basically, after I kicked your ass I just thought I bring up here to get some rest.

This earned a slight glare from Natsu.

Dante: So, you had a nightmare or something?

Natsu sighed as he got up and was about to leave. 

Natsu: See you guys later.

He closed the door and left.

Dante: Okay, what was that about?

Happy: He said, Lisanna. I guess he was dreaming about her.

Dante remembered about some guild members telling him about Lisanna; Mira and Elfman's younger sister and how she died on an S-class quest two years ago. 

Dante: I'm guessing those two were close, huh?

Happy: (sympathy) Yeah, they were.

Dante looked to the side, he knew all to well the pain of loosing someone close. He got up and put his sword on his back as usual. 

Dante: Come on, I'm hungry, let's get something to eat. Kat's probably making breakfast for us.

The Son of Sparda left with Happy close behind him.

Guild Hall

Lucy looked to see two certain female Devil Hunters sitting at a table. Lady was drinking a thing of beer, while Trish was reading a magazine. 

Lucy: Gotta say, you two are looking quite at home here in Fairy Tail.

Lady: This place isn't so bad, really. Aside from the constant fights and flying beer mugs.

Trish: (smile) Yep, my kind of place. Just moved into Fairy Hills, now that's something fancy.

Lucy: How come you're not there Blondie?

Lucy: Yeah well, I didn't find out about till after I got my apartment. Besides, the rent there is like 100,000 Jewel a month. My apartment is way more affordable.

Trish: Not to mention you're broke.

Lucy: (sweat dropped) Don't remind me.

At another nearby table sat another new addition to the guild, the former apprentice of Sparda, the black-clad demon swordsman, Modeus. The only thing different was a white Fairy Tail emblem on his left arm. He was drinking some tea when a certain Dragon Slayer sat next to him.

Wendy: Hey Modeus, how are you doing?

Modeus: Oh Wendy. I'm doing quite well, thank you. 

Wendy chose her next words carefully given what recently happened. 

Wendy: I'm sorry that things turned out how they did, but... if you need anything...

Modeus smiled as he patted her head. 

Modeus: You have a kind heart Wendy, and I appreciate your concern.

Carla: (flew up towards him) It seems Wendy's grown quite fond of you, you serve a much better role model than the likes of Dante or Natsu.

Both Modeus and Wendy gave nervous laughter at that comment.

Soon however, Max and Warren came bursting through the guild hall's main doors. 

Max and Warren: BIG NEWS!!! 

Multiple church bells began to ring all throughout the town of Magnolia, drawing the attention of all the citizens, and even those in Fairy Tail as they heard it all the way from there.

Trish: What's that?

Lady: Sounds like some kind of bells.

Modeus: (looks at Wendy and Carla) Does this happen often?

Wendy and Carla and both just shrugged. Modeus looked towards Lucy who also shrugged in response.

On the roof, Natsu stood with Dante, Kat, and Happy as they looked out towards Magnolia.

Kat: What's with the bells?

Dante: This some kind of church thing?

Natsu: I bet I know why they're ringing.

Happy: Aye!

Back inside; most, if not all, of Fairy Tail began to smile in anticipation as well.

Elfman: Yeah!

Gray: That's awesome!

Natsu: (wide smile) Old Gildarts is coming back home!

Dante and Kat: Gildarts? 

It was the first time they heard that name.

Happy: Oh yeah!

Fairy Tail: GILDARTS IS BACK!!!

All the Fairy Tail wizards cheered as they had now begun to celebrate.

Modeus: Gildarts?

Trish: Who's that? Someone in the guild?

Lucy: I've never heard of him before.

Mira: He's the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail.

Lucy: WOAH!!! Are you serious?!

Lady: I always thought Erza was the top fairy in this guild.

Erza: (smile) All modesty aside, I don't even hold a candle to him.

Trish: (grin) Oh, now I'm interested.

The entire guild was cheering quite loudly; which was being observed by Erza, Modeus, Lucy, Trish, Wendy, Lady, Mira, and Carla.

Modeus: Well they seem certainly excited.

Lucy: I get it's good he's back and all, but everyone seems to be going nuts.

Wendy: Look how happy they all are.

Carla: They seem more out of control than usual.

Lady: Which says a lot, coming from this particular guild.

Mira: It's only natural that they're excited. He's been gone quite a while; three years in fact.

Trish and Lucy: Three years? 

Modeus: What kind of job would ask that of someone?

Mira: Well as most of you all know; we have regular jobs and S-Class quests. Above those are SS-Class quests. And above those jobs are called Decade quests.

Lucy, Lady, and Modeus: 'Decade quests'?! 

Erza: Their jobs that no one has been able to complete in ten years; thus the name Decade quests. Actually, Gildarts took a job higher than that, a Century quest.

Lady: (surprised) What?! A Century quest?!

Lucy: You gotta be kidding me! Who in the right mind would take on a job that lasts a HUNDRED YEARS?!?!

Erza: Him.

Modeus: Seems like something my mentor Sparda would undertake.

Trish: (grin) I'm liking this guy more and more.

In Magnolia, all the townspeople were preparing for Gildarts's arrival back to Fairy Tail. There was even a floating mega-phone speak giving an announcement; telling the town to prepare for something called a 'Magnolia Gildarts shift'.

Lady: This guy's got quite the reputation.

Carla: I'm all for festive, but this is just ridiculous.

Trish: Maybe because you're a major buzz-kill. 

This earned a slight glare from the white cat.

Wendy: They sure seem excited.

Lucy: What the heck is a Magnolia Gildarts shift?

Erza: Step outside and see for yourself. 

The entire town of Magnolia just began to shift and change, almost like an earthquake was occurring. 

Lucy, Wendy, Carla, Trish, Modeus, and Lady all looked outside to see this with surprise evident on each of their faces. 

It wasn't long before a giant pathway was formed that led straight to the Fairy Tail guildhall.

Dante and Kat still with Natsu and Happy on the roof as the two were still quite excited.

Kat: What the hell just happened?! 

Dante: (surprised) Okay, did the entire town just split in two? Or am I going crazy?

Natsu: Nope. This always happens when Gildarts shows up!

Dante: (smile) Man, talk about the Royal Treatment.

Happy: Well, they kinda have to do that. His magic lets him destroy pretty much everything he touches.

Dante: (raised his eyebrow) Really? 

Kat: You're saying his magic is so powerful that he can destroy the entire town?!

Happy nodded.  

Kat: That's crazy...

Dante: Well, sounds like someone I want to meet.

Natsu: You're in luck, cause here he comes!

Happy: Aye!

Dante and Kat looked down to see a middle-aged man man wearing a mostly brown robe with short orange hair walking towards the guild.

Inside the guildhall, nearly every wizard waited in deep anticipation as Gildarts walked inside the building. He looked around a bit and gave a slight sigh in disappointment. Natsu, Dante, and Kat were inside to see him come on. 

Natsu: Come on you old geyser! Let's throw down!

Elfman: That's no way to treat a man!

Dante: Gonna have to agree with him on this one.

Mira: Welcome home.

Gildarts approached her.

Lucy: He's the most powerful guy in the guild?

Lady: He really doesn't look like much.

Modeus: I wouldn't underestimate him. I can sense his magic, and it is truly powerful, one of the most powerful I've seen so far.

That earned looks of surprise from Lucy, Trish, Lady, and Wendy.

Gildarts: Sorry to bother you miss. I'm looking for a certain guild that used to be around these parts. A place called Fairy Tail.

Mira: This is it. Remember me? Mirajane.

Gildarts actually looked surprised. 

Gildarts: Mira? 

Gildarts remembered her more intimidating appearance. 

Gildarts: Wow! You sure have grown up a lot little girl! (looked around in surprise) And did you change this place while I was away?!

Trish: He didn't notice that from outside?

Natsu: Gildarts!

Gildarts: (turns to Natsu) Natsu! Hey pal. Now there's someone I recognize. 

The Dragon Slayer bore an eager grin.

Natsu: Good to see ya! (jumped high, realign back a fist) Now let's party!

Gildarts gave an amused smile as he caught the incoming Natsu, and nonchalantly threw him up to the ceiling, leaving an impression. 

Gildarts: Not now kid.

Dante saw this with a raised-eyebrow and he gave a slight whistle. 

Dante: Not bad.

Gray: Same old tough guy we've always known.

Elfman: A good old fashioned man's man.

Gildarts: (looking around the guild) I see some new faces here as well. A lot sure has happened while I was gone.

Makarov: Gildarts. 

Gildarts approached the bar where the guild master was sitting.

Gildarts: Oh master. You're looking well.

Makarov: How'd the job go?

Gildarts gave a laugh before speaking again.

Gildarts: No good, way too much for me.

That hit hard for every wizard in the guild, especially Natsu and Happy. Dante himself was quite surprised at that.

Gray: I can't believe he'd just give up like this.

Elfman: I guess it takes a big man to admit defeat.

Lucy found herself thinking.

Lucy's mind: A Century-quest was too much for even the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail? I wonder what it takes to finish it.

Erza: I know what you're thinking over there and you should stop. There's no way.

Lucy had a panicked look on her face. 

Lucy: Oh I wasn't thinking about anything at all! I swear! My mind is totally blank!

Trish: (raised her eyebrow and smile) You were thinking about taking on a Century-quest.

Lucy: No I wasn't!

Modeus gave a slight chuckle before putting a hand on her shoulder. 

Modeus: Lucy, allow me to give you one of the first lessons Sparda ever taught me: know you're limits. It's fine if you want to become stronger, but don't jump the gun, all you'll be doing is signing your own death warrant.

Lucy: (gulped a bit) I'll try to remember that.

Modeus smiled as he patted her shoulder.

Makarov: I see, the job was too tough.

Gildarts: Forgive me for bringing shame to the guild, master.

Makarov: No, you only brought yourself back in one piece. That's no small feat in on itself. As far as I know, you're the only one who made the journey home alive.

Gildarts smiled back as he began to walk out. 

Gildarts: Thanks boss. Now I gotta get back home so that I actually feel alive. Rest my weary bones.

 Natsu, Wendy, Dante, and Happy watched, as he was about to leave. 

Gildarts: Oh, Natsu. Stop by later. I brought something back for you. 

Natsu smiled as Gildarts walked towards a wall. 

Gildarts: Well I'm outta here you guys.

Gildarts looked like he was about to walk into the wall, only for the actual wall to explode, leaving an opening for Gildarts to walk though. 

Lucy, Kat, Trish, and Lady looked quite surprised while Modeus and Mira had more amused smiles.

Mira: I was afraid of that.

Modeus: I assume he hasn't heard of a front door.

Natsu's smile was still present as his fist lit on fire. 

Natsu: Ha ha. I wonder what the old man's got for me! I'm fired up just thinking about it! 

He punched a hole through the wall, earing amused smiles from most guild wizards.

Max: One wall breaker is enough!

Natsu was walking outside and Dante couldn't help but notice Natsu's attitude during Gildarts' presence in the hall.

Dante: (to Happy) I'm guessing Natsu and Gildarts have a special relationship.

Happy: Aye. Gildarts may be on a completely different level than Natsu, but they've been pretty good friends for as long as they've known each other.

Dante: So you've seen this too?

Happy: Aye. He's been around since the time I was born, so I've known him my whole life.

Happy then began to tell the story to Dante.

Many years ago

Little Natsu, Lisanna, and Happy sat by the river while Natsu was fishing.

Happy: When do I get my fishy-wishy?

Natsu: Hold your horses, I'm just about to land a huge one.

Lisanna: They don't seem to be biting today.

There was a pull on the rod, which caused the three to become excited.

Natsu: What I tell ya?

Happy: Get that sucker!

Natsu then pulled out a rather small fish. 

Natsu: Yes!

Happy and Lisanna just sweat dropped.

Happy and Lisanna: It's tiny!

Natsu: It may be small, but it'll feed us, right? 

They had now begun to roast the fish at a fire.

Happy: I guess, but that huge one you were gonna land would have fed us even better.

Natsu: I'll get a bigger one, just not today, okay?

Lisanna giggled a bit. 

Lisanna: It's just like watching a little kid asking his dad to get him a better toy.

Natsu: No it's not! Cause I'm not his dad.

Happy: I defiantly don't see him as a father figure.

This earned a comical growl and glare from Natsu.

Lisanna: Well I wouldn't mind being the mom, because that'd mean I'd be like your wife.

Lisanna: Well I wouldn't mind being the mom, because that'd mean I'd be like your wife.

Natsu: (blush) Don't start that again! You and I aren't married, okay!?

Lisanna: (mischievous smile) Then why are you blushing like that? It'll be true someday, wont it?

Natsu's face was redder then a tomato. 

Natsu: No it won't you big dummy!

Lisanna: You're just the cutest when you're embarrassed.

Natsu's red face to turn away and puff with steam.

Happy: Oh Natsu, she liiiikes you.

Natsu: That is gonna get old real quick!

Later that afternoon, the sun was about to set and the three we're sitting their home that they made for Happy. Little Happy was lying down on the soft hay, sleeping with a blanket over him; while Little Natsu and Lisanna sat down.

Lisanna: So tell me, do you remember anything about your mom or dad Natsu? 

Natsu to look at her with some surprise. 

Lisanna: Just curious. My brother and sister are super nice and take good care of me, so it's not like I don't have a family or anything. 

She shyly looked a way a bit. 

Lisanna: But I wonder what it would be like, just to feel a parent's warmth.

Natsu: Yeah I don't know.

He had no memory of his birth parents.

Lisanna: Do you ever feel that way?

Natsu: Maybe. I mean... I guess that I knew Igneel's warmth.

Lisanna: Your dragon?

Natsu looked down a bit while Lisanna looked towards the setting sun. Natsu began to shake a bit.

Natsu: I don't understand. (began to weep) Why? Why did he leave me?

Lisanna looked at Natsu to see him shake with tears in his eyes. 

Natsu: I tried really hard to find him! I looked everywhere! But it was just no use at all! He left!

Lisanna felt complete and total sympathy to poor Natsu. 

Lisanna's mind: It's so sad.

She then realized something. 

Lisanna: I almost forgot, I found some giant footprints just outside of the East Forest.

Natsu: What, for real?

Lisanna: (nodded) Yeah. I'm not sure if they were dragon tracks, but they seemed big enough to me.

Natsu quickly jumped up with a large grin. 

Natsu: Alright! Let's go check them out!

Happy slowly began to stir awake.

Lisanna: I... I don't know... the sun's about to set.

Natsu: Who the heck cares?! I'll go by myself if I gotta! Tell me where you found em!

Happy had now just awoken and rubbed his eye. 

Happy: What are you yelling about? 

Lisanna now had a determined look on her face. 

Lisanna: I'll go to. Kay? I'll show you.

Natsu: Oh yeah! I'm fired up now!

The sun had now set and Little Lisanna was now leading Little Natsu, with Little Happy flying beside him, through the East Forest.

Happy: It's getting kinda scary.

Natsu: Don't worry about it. So, do you see them?

Lisanna began to look around. 

Lisanna: Hmm. Not yet, but I think we're getting pretty close to them.

They continued to look around, and it seemed that Lisanna had spotted something. 

Lisanna: Right here!

Natsu to run towards her location with Happy close behind.

Happy: Wow, those are footprints? They're so big.

These we're indeed large footprints that resembled a rather large mammal-like creature, something Natsu noticed.

Lisanna: So what do you think Natsu?

Natsu: Hmm...

He looked and sounded a bit more disappointed. 

Natsu: I think these are from a Forest Vulcan.

Lisanna them gasped as she remembered when that one Vulcan tried to eat their egg that held the unborn Happy inside. 

Lisanna: Are you talking about those big monsters? Like that Gorian you fought that one time?

Natsu then sat down with a disappointed sigh by a rock overlooking a river. 

Natsu: I should have known better. I mean, I looked all over for Igneel, there's no way he'd just happen to show up so close by.

Lisanna then had a feeling of guilt swept over her. 

Lisanna: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get your hopes up. It was a mistake.

Natsu: Aw don't worry about it. Let's start heading back. (Lisanna nodded)

They began their walk back home, with Natsu up front. As they continued to walk, Natsu found himself lost in thought.

Natsu's mind: Where is he? Where did Igneel go?

Lisanna: Natsu! Wait for me!

Natsu and Happy turned back to see Lisanna a bit a ways from them. She looked tired as she held her knees catching her breath. 

Lisanna: You're walking a bit too fast for me.

Natsu: Sorry about that. 

Natsu and Happy then continued their walk with Lisanna still behind them. As they continued walking, some heavy fog began to sat down, making it difficult for them to see.

Happy: It's getting super foggy.

Natsu: Yeah, it is.

Happy turned back. 

Happy: Hey, shouldn't we wait and let Lisanna catch up?

Natsu: Oh, yeah. (turned around) Hey come on, hurry up. 

They were quite surprised to see that she wasn't there. 

Natsu: Uh... is she still back there?

Happy: I told you we should have waited for her!

Natsu began to grimace a bit. 

Natsu: Uh oh... if word gets out that I lost her out here, I'm gonna be in serious trouble.

He could already hear Mira and Erza in his head promising him the beating of a lifetime. Natsu then began to run back into the woods to search for her. 

Natsu: Hold on Lisanna! I'm coming for ya! Lisanna! Where did you go!? Would you quit playing around already!? Come on and say something!

He tripped on a root he couldn't see and fell on his knees. 

Natsu: This stinks.

He heard Lisanna scream in the distance and turned around to see the same Forest Vulcan that tried to eat his egg a long time ago, who gave a sinister chuckle, earning a panicked look from Happy.

The Vulcan: Long time, no see little punk. 

He showed that he had Lisanna in his grip.

The Vulcan: You wouldn't be looking for this would you?

Natsu: Help me!

Natsu: Lisanna! (looks at the Vulcan angry) Let her go! Get your stinking paws off of her you darn dirty ape!

The Vulcan: No way. You don't know how things work in the forest, do you kid? Finders keepers, losers weepers.

Natsu: She isn't yours to keep!

Happy: Yeah!

The Vulcan brought her close to his face. 

Vulcan: Oh I'm gonna keep her alright. Cause it just so happens that I've been looking for a wife.

Lisanna: A WIFE?!?!  (imagined herself with dozens of mini-Vulcan-babies) I don't think so!

Natsu's eyebrow twitched at that. 

Natsu: You're such a perv.

Happy: Oh scandalous. Truly forbidden love.

Lisanna turned away with a blushing smile. 

Lisanna: I'm sorry if you feel that way Mr. Vulcan. But my heart belongs to my sweet little Natsu.

The Vulcan looked quite angry at that. 

The Vulcan: Yeah!? Well I say you're mine, so that makes you mine, alright?! 

This earned a panicked look from Lisanna

Natsu: You don't make the rules around here!

The Vulcan: (evil smile) Disrespecting me kid? I'm gonna keep her then. But if you really want her back, you should apologize.

Natsu: Now you're blackmailing me?!

The Vulcan tightened his grip on Lisanna, earning a glare from Natsu. 

The Vulcan: Swallow your pride, get on your hands and knees, and I'll give her right back. (chuckles)

Natsu: (sighed) Fine.

Lisanna and Happy: (surprised) He's doing it?

Natsu then got on his knees and bowed. 

Natsu: I'm sorry for the way I treated you sir. Please give Lisanna back.

Lisanna had tears in her eyes, truly touched by this. 

Lisanna: Natsu...

The Vulcan: In your dreams!

The Vulcan slammed Natsu into the ground with his foot, much to Happy and Lisanna's shock.

Lisanna: No don't!

Happy: That's playing dirty you ape!

The Vulcan then began to repeatedly step on Natsu quickly, practically jumping up and down on his body while doing it. 

The Vulcan: You just fell for the oldest trick in the book!

Natsu was in a small crater, covered in bruises with white circles for eyes. 

Natsu: That... really... hurts...

The Vulcan: Oh yeah, now I'm fired up! 

The Vulcan still held the scared Lisanna who was trying to reach for Natsu. He then grabbed a massive boulder, much to Lisanna and Happy's surprise. 

The Vulcan: Prepared to be squashed like the little bug that you are!

He was ready to bring it down, and all Natsu could do was close his eyes so he wouldn't see it coming. But someone else stepped in the way and caught the rock, much to the shock of the Vulcan, and the relief of Lisanna and Happy.

Gildarts: You really are a nasty, stupid monkey, ain't ya?

Natsu: It's Gildarts!

The Vulcan: Who are you calling names you runt?! 

The Vulcan tried to force the boulder on Gildarts, but he wouldn't budge.

Gildarts: I'll just get this out of the way.

Gildarts used his Crash Magic on the boulder, causing it to shatter into tiny pieces much to Lisanna's amazement, and the Vulcan's horror. 

Gildarts: Let me explain to you how this is gonna go from here. You're gonna put the girl down, turn around, and walk away.

The Vulcan: (panicked) I hear you loud and clear!

The Vulcan quickly set Lisanna down and began to run away as fast as he could.

The Vulcan: Sorry sir!

Lisanna: Thanks a lot.

Gildarts: Hey, do I know you little girl?

Lisanna: (nodded) Yes, I'm Lisanna.

Gildarts: I'll be. You're Mirajane's kid sister.

Natsu rubbed his head as Happy flew towards him to help him. 

Happy: Natsu, are you feeling okay?

Natsu: Yeah.

Gildarts: Does anyone else see a flying cat over there or am I going nuts?!

This was the first time he saw Happy.

Lisanna: That's just our newest guild member, Happy.

Natsu: (looked away in shame) Sorry Gildarts but...

Gildarts: You've grown up to be quite the man Natsu. 

Natsu looks at him in surprised. 

Gildarts: There's a whole lot more to being a wizard than just having magical power. It's about having guts and standing up for those who can't help themselves, no matter what the odds may be. And you got guts.

Natsu then smiled at Gildarts' words. 

Natsu: Thanks.

The four then began to make their way out of the woods as more fog began to roll in.

Gildarts: But, I guess having a wife is pretty manly too, huh?

Natsu: She's not my wife!

Lisanna: (teased) Aw don't be embarrassed.

Happy: He liiiikes her. (Gildarts laugh) 

Natsu: Man this fog is like pea soup.

Gildarts: It tends to get thick this time of year, so watch your step.

Lisanna: (smile) It's so magical, like we're walking around on a completely different planet right now. 

Natsu: You think so?

Lisanna: Earlier when you were looking for me, it felt so good to hear your voice calling my name through the murk and fog. 

Natsu to grumble and blush at the same time. 

Lisanna: Hey, if I went missing like that again, you'd go looking for me, wouldn't you? You just wouldn't let me stay gone, would you?

Natsu looked at her a bit. 

Natsu: Yeah, of course.

Lisanna: I knew you'd say yes.

Natsu: Why not?

Gildarts: (gave an amused smile) Come by tomorrow, pal. We'll play a little catch, alright?

Natsu: Oh yeah! I hope you're ready!

The next morning, little Natsu and Gildarts were playing catch at the bridge by Gildarts' house, with little Lisanna and little Happy watching. Natsu was throwing hard, but Gildarts gave little effort, as his magic actually made the ball sting quite a bit as Natsu caught it.

Gildarts: Let me ask you, what were you doing walking around the East Forest in the dead of night anyway?

Gildarts asked as he threw the ball to Natsu. Natsu caught it and shook his stinging hand. 

Natsu: I told you about Igneel before. You remember don't you? 

He threw it back to Gildarts.

Gildarts: Yeah, that's the red dragon you'd been chasing after. 

Gildarts threw it back to Natsu, which still stung his hand as he caught it.

Natsu: Lisanna found some footprints so we went to look for him. It turns out she was dead wrong!

Natsu threw the ball, charging it with fire. Gildarts caught it with no effort, but the ball shattered with his magic on accident.

Gildarts: Oh. Sorry, my bad. This Igneel. I reckon seeing him again is pretty important to you isn't it?

Natsu looked down a bit, but Gildarts put his hand on Natsu's head and looked with a large smile.

Gildarts: With guts like you've got, I know you'll find him kid.

Natsu smiled at Gildarts' encouragement. 

Natsu: Yeah.

Gildarts: Now what do you say we do a little fishing?

Lisanna and Happy were watching this. 

Lisanna: Gildarts is really nice, he's almost like a father to him.

Happy: Aye.

Gildarts pretty much spent the rest of the day with the kids and their little cat. He gave Natsu a ride on his shoulders; they went fishing where Gildarts caught a massive fish, which they roasted. 

Next, they were playing games in Gildarts' house, picking mushrooms, making a stew from the mushrooms and fish. The three little ones all slept with smiles on their faces later on with Gildarts watching over them with his own warm smile, not unlike a father watching over his children.

Present Day

Natsu was on his way to Gildarts' house with Happy close behind.

Natsu: Wow! Maybe he's bringing back a rare fire from a magic kingdom or something!

Happy: Yeah, I wonder what it is!

Natsu kicked the door open to Gildarts' house.

Natsu: Yo!

Happy: What's up?

Gildarts: Hey, good to see ya.

Dante: You guys ever knock? 

Dante was sitting in a chair across from Gildarts.

Natsu: Dante, what are you doing here?

Gildarts: He and I are getting to know each other a bit. (turned to Natsu) So now you're picking fights with the Son of Sparda, huh?

Happy: You know about Sparda?

Dante: Well I kinda told him. (Natsu and Happy were surprised a bit as he shrugs) If we're in the same guild, might as well. 

Gildarts: You hunt demons for a living, you got guts to rival Natsu's here.

Dante: Thanks, old man.

Natsu: So what you got for me pops?

Gildarts: Never mind that. (teased) How have you and little Lisanna been getting along since I've been gone?

Dante: (lost his smile and thoughts) Uh oh. 

Natsu: (mood turned into one of irritation) What? 

Gildarts: You don't have to play coy. (laugh) 

Natsu wasn't laughing back. 

Natsu: Lisanna died. Two years ago.

Gildarts's face became filled with shock and regret.

Gildarts: Are you serious?! (put his hands to his face) I see... that's why Mira... my condolences.

Dante looked down a bit to, starting to feel a little sympathy towards Natsu and being more respectful.

Natsu: If that's all you want to talk about, I'm out. 

Natsu turned around, ready to walk out. Dante slowly stood up as well.

Happy: Natsu, wait...

Gildarts: Listen. While I was gone... I met a dragon.

Natsu stopped in his tracks and looked towards Gildarts in surprise, as did Happy; Dante found himself interested as well.

Gildarts: It's not the one you're looking for though. It was black as a moonless night.

Natsu: Where was it?

Gildarts: Sacred Mount Zonia. He's the real reason I failed on my quest.

Dante: You're serious? 

Gildarts nodded as Natsu was about to leave. 

Dante: Natsu, where are you going?

Natsu: Well obviously, I'll ask him if he knows where Igneel is.

Gildarts: Think again kid. That black one is long gone by now. He's out flying in the wild blue yonder.

Natsu: I don't care! I can track him down if I put my mind to it!

Gildarts began to discard his robe. 

Gildarts: Natsu, look at me. 

He revealed his body to him, Dante, and Happy; all three could only look in wide-eyed shock, even Dante.

Dante: Jesus...

Gildarts' chest was wrapped in bandages; he also had his right arm and leg removed as they were replaced with prosthetics.

Gildarts: It was over before I even knew what hit me. It ripped off my arm, my leg, then it gutted me. Igneel may be a different kind of creature, but I'm telling you this black one is no friend to anyone. There's not a man in the world that can beat him.

Natsu's look of surprise became one of anger. 

Natsu: Look! We Dragon Slayers aren't called that for nothing you know! This guy doesn't stand a chance to what I'm capable of!

Dante: Natsu, have you ever faced a dragon before?

Natsu: This coming from a guy who never even saw a dragon before! Besides your Sparda's son! If you and I team up, we most certainly can bring him down!

Dante: That's if we can find him.

Gildarts: Natsu, if this is what you think, then I'm not gonna try to stop you.

Natsu's anger didn't seem to vanish. 

Natsu: Good! (ran out)

Happy: Natsu wait!

Dante: (face palmed) That kid's got more guts than brains.

Gildarts: Hey Dante. 

Dante looks at him. 

Gildarts: Be sure to have his back, alright?

Dante: (small grin) That's the plan. Maybe no man can beat that thing, but maybe a Dragon and a Devil can.

Happy: Aye! You and Natsu are the strongest team!

The sun was now setting over Magnolia as Makarov sat on the roof, watching over the town below.

Makarov: Not only do we have three Dragon Slayers in our guild, but also Sparda's Son and his apprentice. Porlyusica, it is just as you foretold. We are standing on the cusp of a new era.

Natsu found himself running on the outskirts of the city. 

Natsu: Come on! Come on! I gotta find him! 

Natsu tripped and began to roll down the hill and into a nearby river.

Natsu laid down in the river but a hand quickly reached and pulled him out and Natsu looked with surprise at who pulled him out.

Natsu: Dante? 

Dante: Sit down.

Both the Fire Dragon Slayer and the crimson Devil Hunter sat at the edge of the river. There was a brief moment of silence.

Natsu: You probably think I'm losing my mind, don't you?

Dante: Nope. Everyone wants to see their parents.

There was more silence.

Natsu: Do you think he's still out there? Igneel?

Dante: Who knows? (sighed) Natsu, look, I can understand what you're going though. My old man left to, just left my mom, my brother, and me alone. It wasn't long after that that she was killed, and my bro and I were separated. I didn't find out till later that he died.

Natsu: You told us he was killed by Mundus, right?

Dante: Yeah... At least there's a possibility your old man is out there, mine is gone... forever.

Natsu looked towards Dante with a bit of sympathy.

Dante: And I'm sorry about Lisanna too. If Igneel is still out there, I'm sure we'll find him; but it's just... sometimes knowing the truth can be worse than not knowing at all.

Natsu: I don't care. I need to know, I have to find him.

Dante: (putting a hand on his shoulder) You're incredibly stubborn, you know that? Hey, I said I'd help you find him, remember? And I don't break my promises.

Dante put up his fist for a fist-bump.

Natsu gave a grin as the two fist-bumped. 

Natsu: Thanks. Bro.

Chapter 22 ended. 

Just one quick thing, expect some minor changes to the main Fairy Tail storyline, as in certain characters having a more active role. Again, the future of this story is going to be a NaLi thing, and yes I am aware that the main one anime is pretty much NaLu at this point, so NaLu shippers, please don't hate me. Wish me luck with the rest of this story.

And Jackpot!

See you next time.