The ground was scarred from repeated blasts of fire, trees were blackened and bent, and the air reeks of smoke. Issei continues to train under the morning sun, sweat dripping down his brow as he struggles to find his rhythm with his new power.
"FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR!"
Issei inhaled deeply, his lungs burning with heat before unleashing a torrent of red flames. The blast tore through the clearing, scorching the dirt and knocking over several charred tree trunks.
But the moment the flames left him, Issei's shoulders sagged, and he let out a frustrated groan.
"Again." He clenched his fists. "FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!"
Flames engulfed his hand, his punch detonating against a boulder. The rock cracked, heat rolling off the strike. Yet, again, his movements felt stiff and heavy.
"…Damn it." Issei said with frustration.
He tried again, wings of fire bursting from his arms. "FIRE DRAGON'S WING ATTACK!" He spun, flames slicing outward. The air shimmered with heat, but the motion nearly threw him off balance.
And finally, one more. He charged forward, flames spiraling across his head like a crown. "FIRE DRAGON'S SWORD HORN!"
He rammed a scorched tree trunk, snapping it in half. Splinters flew everywhere as the flames roared around him.
When the blaze faded, Issei stood among the wreckage, panting, his clothes singed. He stared down at his trembling hands, frowning.
"…Why doesn't it feel right?" he muttered. "I'm doing everything like Natsu showed me, but… it's clumsy. Like I'm forcing it."
Within him, Ddraig who had been paying close attention with his emerald eyes gleamed faintly in his mindscape.
(You are performing the techniques correctly, Partner. Each motion is precise enough, even if the flames lack the intensity of Natsu's. That is only natural—you have yet to master them. So why do you frown as though you are failing?)
Issei looked down at his body, sweat dripping from his chin. "…Because it doesn't feel like mine. Every time I throw a punch or roar, it's like I'm wearing clothes that don't fit. Natsu does this stuff naturally—like breathing. For me? It's stiff and sluggish."
He clenched his fists tighter, frustration bubbling in his chest.
"Does this mean I'm not cut out for Dragon Slayer magic after all?"
Before Ddraig could respond, a different voice chimed in.
"Not necessarily, Master." Sherri's light form flickered into his mind, her voice calm, clinical, but with a hint of warmth. "Perhaps the problem isn't you. And instead it's the techniques themselves."
Issei blinked. "The techniques?"
Sherri reviewed her data, with a glow pulsing softly. "Think about it. These moves aren't yours. You're borrowing them. Mimicking someone else's fighting style. But your combat up until now hasn't been Natsu's way. You usually brawl using the various techniques you have absorbed while improvising. You adapt on the fly using speed, raw power, and stubborn will to win. These named attacks aren't yours—they're his."
Issei froze, her words sinking in.
"You mean…It's like I'm trying to wear someone else's shoes."
"Exactly," Sherri said. "And that makes you sluggish. Instead of forcing yourself into Natsu's mold, why not forge your own? Techniques that suit you."
For a moment, silence filled his mind. Then Ddraig rumbled, a low sound of approval.
(Hmph. She is correct. You're not bound by form or tradition. You should fight in your own way. Why shackle it with another's moves? Create your own Partner. Mold the flame as you see fit. Then… it will be truly yours.)
Issei's frown melted into a grin, his heart hammering with excitement.
"…You know what? I like the sound of that." He clenched his fists, red fire sparking around him. "Yeah… forget copying Natsu. Time to figure out what my fire can do."
He spread his hands wide, feeling the flames coil around him, responding to his will. It was rough, unshaped—but his.
The fire lashed out wildly, searing across the clearing. The first attempt fizzled, leaving nothing but scorched dirt.
But his grin only widened. "Alright," Issei said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's make something new."
—--------------------------------
Outside of Natsu's crooked little cottage. Smoke and the faint scent of ash cling to the grass. Natsu sat cross-legged in front of his house, sweat dripping down his forehead, his body tense.
His fists were clenched against his knees as he sat in forced stillness. His scarf hung limply around his neck, but instead of comfort, it felt like a weight. He tried to focus, to breathe, to push inward the way Issei had described.
'Relax. Feel. Just breathe.' But every time he closed his eyes, the fire in his chest burned hotter, his frustration rising. His mind wasn't quiet. It was a storm.
His teeth ground together, the silence broken by his muttered growls. 'C'mon. C'mon, Dad. Answer me. Let me see you.'
Nothing and the more he failed, the more the anger built, until he was ready to scream at the void inside his own head.
Happy, who had been hovering nearby, wrung his little paws together. His wings fluttered nervously, his round face etched with worry. He had seen Natsu angry plenty of times, but never like this—angry at himself, at silence.
"…Natsu," Happy said softly. "Please…"
But Natsu didn't respond. His fists just clenched harder, his knuckles white.
That was when Issei walked into view, carrying the scent of smoke and sweat from his own training. He stopped dead as he saw Natsu, tense, trembling, and locked inside his own head.
"…Damn," Issei muttered under his breath. "He looks ready to explode." He crouched down next to Happy. "How long has he been like this?"
Happy's ears drooped. "Since you told him the truth. He's been trying to do what you told him… but he can't calm down. And he won't stop."
Issei frowned. "…Has he gotten any closer?"
Happy shook his head, his little voice trembling. "No. And… I'm worried. I've never seen him like this before."
Issei's chest tightened. He glanced back at Natsu, whose face was twisted with effort, sweat dripping, lips moving in silent pleas.
"…Alright." Issei straightened, rolling his shoulders. "Leave this to me."
He stepped closer, crouching in front of Natsu. "Oi," Issei said, waving a hand in front of his face. "Are you awake in there?"
No reaction. Natsu's breathing stayed ragged, his hands clenched tight.
"C'mon, Natsu. Snap out of it."
Still nothing.
Issei's eye twitched. "…Okay. Plan B." He drew back his fist. "Sorry about this."
WHAM!
His punch connected squarely with Natsu's face, sending him flying backwards into the dirt with a spray of dust.
It didn't take long for Natsu to respond as he rolled, groaning before springing back up to his feet with a snarl, flames erupting across his fists. "WHAT THE HELL, JERK?! I WAS CLOSE!"
He lunged forward, his fist blazing as it shot toward Issei's jaw.
But Issei didn't even flinch. His hand shot up, catching Natsu's wrist mid-swing. The flames danced along his skin, but he didn't move an inch. His eyes were steady, calm.
"…Finally woke up?" Issei asked, his voice even. "Because you're worrying Happy."
The words hit harder than the punch.
Natsu froze, his eyes flicking toward Happy. The little Exceed hovered with his paws to his chest, his expression trembling between relief and fear.
"...Natsu," Happy said softly. "You were scaring me."
The fire around Natsu's fist flickered, then dimmed. He pulled back, looking away with a grunt. "Sorry, Happy."
Issei released his wrist, brushing soot off his hand. "Idiot. You can't brute force your way into peace of mind. Sitting there clenching your teeth isn't meditation—it's self-torture."
Natsu glared at him, cheeks puffed with stubborn pride. "Then what the hell am I supposed to do?! I just wanna see him!"
Issei crossed his arms. "You can't rush it. You push too hard, and all you'll hear is your own damn frustration."
He jabbed a finger into Natsu's chest. "You have to calm down and relax. That's the whole point."
Natsu clenched his fists, his pride telling him to fight back, but the heaviness in Happy's eyes made his fire gutter out. He sighed through his teeth. "…Fine."
Issei smirked, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Good. Now try again. But this time, don't force it. Just… listen."
Natsu didn't argue. He sat back down, crossing his legs again, breathing deep. The anger was still there—but the reminder of Happy's worry and Issei's steady grip lingered too.
Natsu squeezed his eyes shut, forcing his breathing to slow. His fists tightened on his knees, his body trembling with restless energy. He tried to focus and tried to do what Issei said—calm himself, listen, and wait.
But after only a few moments, his eyes snapped open, blazing with frustration.
"Oi, Issei," He barked, turning sharply toward him. "You're sure you met Igneel? Really?"
Issei groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "For the last time, yes! I told you already—big red dragon, booming voice, called himself Igneel. Not exactly the kind of thing I could mistake."
Natsu's fists clenched tighter, fire crackling faintly across his knuckles. "Then if he's been inside me this whole time, why hasn't he said anything?!"
His voice cracked, equal parts anger and desperation.
Happy flinched, hovering nervously. "Natsu…"
Issei stood, walking over until he was in front of him. Then, without a word, he placed a firm hand on Natsu's shoulder.
"Look," Issei said, his tone steady but not unkind. "From what Igneel told me… he was already gravely injured when he met you. He couldn't hold on for much longer, so he did the only thing he could and hid himself inside you to survive and recover."
Natsu's jaw tightened.
"I know it sucks," Issei continued, his grip tightening, "that he didn't tell you. That he kept it all to himself. But you gotta understand—he wasn't trying to abandon you. He was trying to stay alive. To come back when he was strong enough."
He leaned closer, his eyes meeting Natsu's directly. "And he is still recovering. Sooner or later, you'll get to talk to him. Face to face. Just… not yet."
The anger faded from Natsu. His shoulders slumped, the weight of years of searching pressing against him. For once, he didn't have a comeback.
"…So that's it, huh? He's been there the whole time. Just… waiting."
"Yeah," Issei said softly. "Waiting. Healing. And watching you, I bet."
For a long moment, Natsu sat there in silence, the wind carrying the crackle of the burned grass. But then he looked up again, frowning.
"…Then why the hell am I meditating like an idiot?" He asked.
Issei's eye twitched. He threw his arms up. "Because a certain impatient knucklehead demanded to talk to his dad right now! And I had to tell him a way that might—might—help him reach him faster!"
Happy covered his mouth with his paws, stifling a laugh.
Natsu scratched the back of his head, his face heating up—not from fire, but embarrassment. "…Oh. Right."
He shifted uncomfortably before mumbling, "…Sorry. Guess I… lost my head."
Issei crossed his arms, glaring at him. "You think?!"
But Natsu's voice softened, his fists loosening as his gaze dropped to the ground. "…It's just… When you said Igneel was alive, I couldn't think about anything else. I've been searching for him so long, I… I thought this was my only chance to see him again."
Issei let out a long sigh, the edge of his glare fading. "…Yeah. I get it. You want to see your dad… It's hard to let go once you've got it."
Natsu's eyes flicked up, his voice quiet. "…You really get it?"
Issei smiled faintly. "Yeah. I do. And you don't have to worry. From what Igneel told me, the more time we spend together, the faster he recovers. So just stick with me, and sooner or later? You'll see him again."
For the first time, Natsu's expression softened. "…Alright." He smirked, just a little. "Then I guess I'll just stick with you, huh?"
Issei chuckled, giving his shoulder a light shove. "Damn right you will. Someone's gotta keep you from burning the forest down."
Happy, finally relaxing, let out a squeaky laugh. "Aye, sir!"
Issei then pushed himself to his feet, dusting dirt from his pants. His eyes locked on Natsu, with a steady and serious look. "Let's go." He said suddenly.
Natsu blinked, tilting his head. "Huh? Where are we going?"
Issei turned his gaze toward the forest, where sunlight broke through the canopy. "Somewhere open. We're going to have a serious fight."
For a moment, Natsu just stared—then his lips curled into a wide grin, the flames in his gut reigniting with anticipation. The storm of frustration from earlier? Gone. Nothing left but fire.
"Oh, now you're talking!" He shouted, fists already sparking with heat. "I thought you wanted to wait until you mastered Fire Dragon Slayer magic!"
Issei stretched, rolling his shoulders until his joints popped, his grin matching Natsu's. "I did say that. But I won't learn anything important unless I test my abilities for real. I've gotten some practice now… and I want to see if they work."
Natsu's grin sharpened. "Heh. I like the sound of that and I'm all fired up!" His fists burst into flame, his aura already flaring.
But then he paused, tilting his head toward the area around him. "Why not just fight here?"
Issei stared at him flatly. "…Because I don't feel like burning down your shack, that's why. I'm planning to go all out."
Natsu blinked, then burst out laughing, flames licking his scarf. "Fair point! Alright, then. Pick a spot, and I'll follow. Just don't think I'll hold back!"
"Wouldn't want you to," Issei said with a grin, his fire flickering faintly as if sensing his intent. His blood pumped, his chest hot with Igneel's gift.
The two locked eyes, fire meeting fire.
It wasn't hostility but instead was hunger. The hunger to fight, to push past their limits, to see whose fire burned hotter.
The ground between them seemed to quiver, heat rolling in waves just from their presence.
Happy hovered nervously in the background, clutching his paws together. His tail flicked with worry as he glanced between the two of them. "…Oh no. Oh no, oh no. If they get carried away, they'll burn the whole forest to the ground."
He zipped up between them, wings flapping desperately. "Wait, wait! Don't go crazy, aye! You'll turn the woods into cinders!"
Neither of them answered.
Natsu's grin widened, fire blazing in his fists.
Issei smirked back, fire sparking from his mouth as his lungs burned with new power.
In perfect unison, they said it: "Let's go."
Both quickly moved their feet as they became two blurs as they ran through the forest with all their speed to find the perfect spot.
—-------------------------------------------------------
The afternoon sunlight spilled gently through the canopy above, casting golden light on the meadow. Flowers bloomed in a riot of colors violet, yellow, crimson—while small rabbits hopped between bushes. Birds perched on branches, chirping songs of peace. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of blooming grass and earth.
A tranquil scene.
Until the ground shook as two figures stepped into the clearing with explosive speed, their steps cracking the earth. Animals scattered in terror, birds taking to the sky as the air warped with heat.
The flowers withered. The grass curled and blackened. The peace was gone.
Issei stood on one end of the field, fists raised, red flames licking along his arms. Across from him, Natsu grinned wide, his fists blazing with molten-orange fire, scarf fluttering in the heated wind. Their feet sinking slightly into the earth with the weight of their anticipation. Both held their ground, their eyes locked, their breathing measured. Fire licked faintly at their bodies, rolling across their skin like an unspoken promise.
Neither moved.
They watched each other with hungry eyes, both waiting for the other to make the first move. The ground between them steamed, black scorch marks spreading outward. The temperature spiked with every second they held their stance.
Happy floated nervously at the edge of the clearing, sweat dripping down his furry face. "Oh no… ohhh no. They're really gonna do it. They're gonna burn the whole forest down!"
But the two didn't hear him. Their entire worlds had narrowed down to this moment and the rival standing in front of them.
The silence shattered with a simultaneous roar as both charged.
Issei lunged forward, his fist igniting with red flames. Natsu met him head-on, his own fire blazing bright orange. Their fists collided with explosive force, a shockwave bursting through the clearing, flattening the last of the flowers. Fire erupted outward, scorching the ground where they stood.
Issei's body moved on instinct, ducking under Natsu's flaming hook, countering with a kick that sent embers scattering. Natsu blocked, twisting his body into a spinning backfist that Issei caught on his forearm, the heat blistering his skin.
Fists flew, bodies twisting and weaving. Punches met forearms, kicks clashed midair, knees and elbows sparked with bursts of fire.
A fury of punches and kicks were exchanged with raw, unrefined brawling, both testing the other's reactions. Fire flared with every strike, sparks flying like meteors.
The ground shook beneath their feet, dirt exploding with each step.
They weren't even going all out. Not yet.
Natsu's fist came roaring in, Issei ducked low, countered with a flaming hook. Natsu blocked with his forearm, fire erupting outward, forcing Issei to retreat two steps.
Both then got ready as Issei exhaled, releasing a stream of red fire that Natsu met with his own blazing roar. The two flames clashed midair, colliding in a burst of light and smoke that sent both fighters skidding back.
They came to a halt, breathing heavily, their eyes locked in the haze.
Issei clenched his fists tighter, red flames wrapping around his arms like living serpents. His heart thundered in his chest. 'Damn, he's fast. Stronger too. But this is perfect. If I can keep up with him… I'll find my rhythm.'
Across from him, Natsu's grin widened, his flames bursting hotter, brighter. His blood roared with exhilaration. 'Finally! Someone who can stand in the fire with me!'
The air shimmered as their flames rose higher, surrounding their bodies like living armor. Red and orange danced, heat rolling off them in waves that made the trees at the edge of the clearing crack and split.
Happy's fur stood on end, his little wings trembling. "Oh no… ohhh no no no. They're done warming up!"
"Alright," Issei muttered, his voice drowned in the roar of his flames. "No holding back."
"Yeah," Natsu answered, fire blazing across his teeth as he grinned. "Let's burn it all down and see which of us burns hotter!"
Their eyes locked once more, excitement and fire reflecting in both gazes.
The warmup was over and their eyes locked, both of them coiled to strike. The air shimmered, heat waves rolling across the clearing.
Issei inhaled slowly. 'Alright. No more holding back. If I'm gonna keep up with Natsu, I'll need to start showing my tricks.
He whispered the incantation under his breath, as red fire pulsed along his veins that turned green. "Reinforcement."
Magic surged, pouring into his limbs, hardening bone and muscle, layering strength atop strength. His body felt heavier but sharper, like steel wrapped in fire. Red flames licked along his fists and legs, merging with the spell until his entire frame radiated with dangerous energy.
"Master," Sherri's voice chimed in his mind, sharp with warning. "If you continue releasing your power, I won't be able to maintain the concealment barrier around you. Your aura will be exposed."
Issei grit his teeth, sweat beading his brow. "…That's fine. I don't need to hide right now. Not from this fight."
There was a pause, then Sherri's tone softened. "Understood."
The barrier dissolved and in the same instant—Issei's aura exploded.
The ground cracked beneath his feet, red energy spiraling upward in a fiery cyclone. The sheer pressure of it warped the air, the clearing trembling as if the earth itself feared him.
Natsu froze for half a second, scarf fluttering in the shockwave. Then, instead of flinching, his grin split wider, flames bursting from his fists and feet.
"Oh hell yeah!" He roared, the fire around him flaring hotter. "Now this is what I'm talking about!"
The burnt ground shook as his magic burst outward to meet Issei's, orange flames clashing with red in a storm of heat. The air between them distorted, the colors of their flames battling for dominance.
And then they moved.
Issei's reinforced flaming arm smashed against Natsu's blazing fist, the collision detonating in a blast of fire that scorched the ground black. They broke apart, only to slam into each other again—kick against kick, fist against fist, each strike heavier than the last.
The two blurred in the heat, their movements so fast that the animals fleeing the forest could barely track them.
Each blow sent shockwaves tearing through the flowers, each clash of flames leaving trails of fire in their wake. The clearing was no longer a battlefield—it was a forge.
Happy hovered at the edge, his wings trembling as the flames licked higher and higher, trees beginning to catch fire from the heat. His eyes widened as he realized this wasn't just sparring anymore—it was destruction waiting to swallow everything.
"They'll burn the whole forest down! I—I need to get help!" Happy squeaked, fur bristling.
With a panicked flap, he darted into the sky, shooting back toward Magnolia as fast as his little wings could carry him. "We need to stop this before it's too late!"
Back in the clearing, the fight raged hotter.
Natsu's fist blazed as he swung in a wide arc, shouting, "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Issei met it with his own enhanced punch, red fire trailing from his knuckles. Their fists collided, the ground beneath them shattering.
But this time—Issei didn't budge.
Instead, his other fist shot forward, catching Natsu in the ribs with a blazing strike that sent him skidding back, dirt and flame scattering.
Natsu coughed, his grin faltering for the first time. He wiped the blood from his lip, eyes blazing with renewed fire. "…Heh. Not bad."
Issei straightened, his chest heaving, fire still spiraling around his limbs. His lips pulled into a grin, sharp and defiant. "…Guess I'm finally landing some hits."
The battle continued getting faster and fiercer. Natsu's roars lit the sky, but Issei was adapting, his reinforced body absorbing punishment and striking back with precision.
And slowly… blow by blow… it became clear.
Issei was gaining the advantage.
His flames burned steadier, his strikes sharper. For every attack Natsu threw, Issei answered with two. For every block, he found a counter.
Natsu was starting to feel a vicious punishment as he continued to suffer various blows that Issei never hesitated to bring.
—--------------------------------------------
Lakeside Hyoudou Mansion
The late afternoon sun stretched across the mansion, spilling over the tiled roof and glittering off the surface of the artificial hot springs. Steam rose in thin ribbons, drifting lazily into the breeze. The air smelled faintly of lavender soap and warm stone, a tranquil counterpoint to the battlefield-like yard where scorch marks and shattered dummies still littered the grass from the day's training.
From the sliding doors leading out of the changing room, Tamamo, Yuuka, Misuki, Sakura, Matsu, Uzume, Miya, Karasuba, Akitsu, and Yashima stepped out together, towels draped over their shoulders or tied around their hair to soak up the lingering dampness. Their faces glowed from the heat of the bath, each wearing the relaxed satisfaction of women who had earned their rest.
Sakura skipped a little ahead of the group, still buzzing with energy despite the training that had left most of the older women exhausted. She beamed up at Tamamo, who gently patted her on the head with a fond smile.
"You did very well today, little one," Tamamo said warmly, her tails swishing lazily behind her. "Even your father would be proud of how quickly you're learning."
"Really?!" Sakura's voice bubbled with joy as she hopped in place. "I can't wait to show Papa when he comes back!"
The women chuckled softly, Matsu adjusting her glasses as she chimed in, "If she keeps this pace, she'll be manipulating basic spells better than most of us. Efficient and adorable—that's our Sakura."
Sakura puffed her cheeks at the teasing but secretly glowed with pride, drawing another round of giggles from Uzume and Yuuka.
It was a peaceful, ordinary moment—until the air shifted.
Tamamo's ears twitched, her golden eyes narrowing sharply. The towel slid forgotten from her head as her entire posture stiffened. A heartbeat later, Miya, Karasuba, Matsu, Akitsu, Uzume, and Yashima all froze in unison, as if struck by an invisible current. Their gazes turned south, toward the distant forest.
Yuuka blinked, startled. "Eh? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Misuki glanced around nervously, hugging her towel to her chest. "Why are you all staring like that?"
Even little Sakura tilted her head, confused. "M-Mama?"
The silence deepened, broken only by the rustle of trees in the distance. Then Karasuba grinned, her expression feral, teeth flashing as she leaned on her sword. "Heh. That idiot's letting loose again. His aura's practically shaking the air."
Matsu's glasses gleamed as she pushed them up her nose, her voice quick and analytical. "No… this is beyond his usual outbursts. The density of his energy is sharper, heavier—it's evolved since the last time we felt it."
Tamamo's lips curled into a smirk, but her tails flicked with restless unease. "Darling… you reckless fool. What are you doing this time?"
Yuuka blinked rapidly, looking between them all. "Wait—Issei? You're telling me that you're all feeling his power all the way here?!" She trailed off, suddenly realizing why everyone's expression carried such weight.
Misuki clutched her towel tighter. "Has it become so overwhelming, since last time?"
Yashima, usually quiet, spoke up softly, her eyes focused toward the horizon. "It's because he's fighting. That's why his power feels so sharp. He must have released the barrier that hides his aura… or else we'd never sense him this clearly."
"Fighting?!" Sakura gasped, her tiny fists clenching. "Papa's fighting Natsu?!"
Akitsu's calm, frost-like voice carried across the group. "Yes. His aura is clashing against another."
Miya closed her eyes briefly, her smile thin but knowing. "To think Natsu is able to push him this far."
That single line was enough to snap Uzume and Yuuka out of their daze. Both turned on their heels toward the veranda, eyes alight with curiosity.
"Well, if he's really going all out," Uzume said with a mischievous grin, "I want front-row seats." She bounded ahead, her towel slipping comically down her shoulder as she made for the roof.
"Oi—wait up!" Yuuka followed, curiosity outweighing her usual composure.
Before long, Matsu and even Karasuba joined, each taking their own spot on the roof tiles, eyes squinting toward the distance. From that height, they couldn't see the fight clearly, but the haze of heat waves warping above the forest told them more than enough.
Misuki lingered by the porch, still uneasy, but Sakura tugged her hand eagerly. "C'mon, let's go too! Papa's fighting—we have to cheer for him!"
Reluctantly, Misuki followed and with the help of Akitsu was able to go up to the roof, while Tamamo and Miya stood back with more controlled composure, though neither could hide the sharp interest flickering in their eyes.
At the edge of the yard, Kuromaru, Sakura's loyal companion and Issei's familiar, had already risen to his feet. His scales bristled, golden eyes staring intently in the same direction as the women. A low rumble vibrated in his chest, not of hostility, but of recognition.
"Even the Kuromaru feels it," Miya murmured. "Yes… that is no ordinary fight."
Sakura pressed against Kuromaru's side, looking out over the lake. Her small voice trembled with awe. "Daddy's so strong… I can feel it, even from here."
Tamamo exhaled softly, folding her arms beneath her chest as the sky seemed to pulse faintly with red and orange light in the far distance. "Indeed. Our foolish man is growing stronger every day." Her expression softened into something that was neither a smirk nor a smile—something warmer, but laced with worry. "The question is… will his body be able to endure it?"
—--------------------------------
The ground trembled beneath the weight of their clash, each strike a thunderclap that rattled the trees and sent shockwaves rippling through the scorched earth. Issei and Natsu were a blur of fists, feet, and fire, their roars of exertion drowned out by the explosion of flames colliding again and again.
Issei grunted as he blocked a blazing kick, his feet skidding backward across the cracked soil. The force rattled his bones, heat searing up his arm. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed back with equal force, flames erupting around him in a torrent.
'Damn it… he's hitting harder than before.' He had just gained an advantage but unfortunately Natsu was quickly able to match him.
Natsu's grin widened even as his own foot was pushed back. His fists blazed hotter, brighter, the flames licking across his scarf and shoulders like living fire. He didn't just fight—he grew. Every clash fed him, every block sharpened him.
(Partner,) Ddraig's deep voice rumbled in the back of his mind, his emerald eyes glowing within the gauntlet. (Pay attention. You notice it too, don't you? He grows and evolves with every strike. His body and instincts are learning as he fights.)
Issei's eyes widened, his heart hammering. "Tch… no wonder I'm sweating my ass off here."
Natsu charged in again, a flaming fist rocketing toward his face. Issei ducked low, countered with a hook, only for Natsu to twist and block, his knee snapping upward. Their blows collided with bone-jarring impact.
Block. Counter. Duck. Swing. Headbutt.
The exchange became a blur of violence.
Punch met punch, knuckles sparking as fire danced across their arms. Their jabs landed like hammers, each block answered with a vicious counter. Kicks swept through the air like blazing blades, their shins cracking together with explosive force. Even their foreheads slammed against one another, sweat and fire scattering from the impact, both refusing to yield.
'He's not slowing down. He's thriving!' Issei thought, his blood roaring. 'Then I'll just… push harder!'
"Take this!" Issei shouted, unleashing a storm of punches, his flames spiraling with each strike.
"HAAAH!" Natsu bellowed back, his fists blurring as he blocked and retaliated with equal ferocity.
Finally, the two separated, leaping back to opposite ends of the battlefield, their chests heaving, flames still dancing around them.
Natsu grinned savagely, fire dripping from his fists like molten tar. "You're not bad… but you'll need more than that to beat me!"
Issei's lips curled into a smirk. His body ached, sweat poured down his brow, but in that moment, excitement eclipsed exhaustion. "Funny. I was about to say the same thing."
Inside, Ddraig's voice thrummed with challenge. (Partner… if you truly want to surpass him, then stop holding back.)
Issei's eyes narrowed. "You're right."
In an instant, the red gauntlet snapped onto his left arm, the Boosted Gear, its emerald gem glowing like a heartbeat. The air grew heavy, the sheer presence of the Sacred Gear crashing down like a tidal wave.
"Boost!"
The voice of the gauntlet echoed across the clearing. Power surged through Issei's body, doubling in an instant. His muscles coiled with new strength, his flames burned twice as fierce, the very ground beneath him cracking from the pressure.
Natsu froze, eyes widening as the shockwave of Issei's release slammed against him. "What the?!"
Issei's grin sharpened, feral. "Get ready."
With new speed he blurred forward.
Natsu raised his arms just in time to block a blazing hook—but the impact sent him skidding back across the dirt, his boots carving trenches into the earth. His teeth clenched, arms trembling as the force drove through him like a battering ram.
"Damn it—he's… heavier than before!" Natsu spat, pushing against the force.
Issei didn't let up. Punch after punch rained down like a storm, each one stronger than the last, each block shaking Natsu's frame, forcing him backward. Flames exploded outward with every strike, scorching the trees at the edge of the clearing.
"BOOST!"
Another surge. His power doubled again.
Issei's grin widened as the emerald light pulsed. "Can you keep up, Natsu?!"
Natsu growled, his own fire blazing higher, but his grin didn't falter. Even as he was pushed back, even as his arms ached from the punishment, his spirit only burned brighter.
But suddenly Issei landed a devastating blow to his stomach making him lose his air as he was sent flying.
Natsu lay sprawled in a crater gouged deep into the ground, his chest heaving, his arms trembling as he tried to push himself upright. Every muscle screamed, every breath burned. His magic—his fire—was nearly spent, flickering faintly across his fists like dying embers.
Issei stood at the far end of the battlefield, his red gauntlet glowing faintly, his chest rising and falling with controlled breaths. His flames still licked hot and steady, fueled by the Boosted Gear's relentless rhythm. His eyes were sharp, but not mocking. He watched with a fighter's respect as his opponent refused to yield.
"Still standing, huh?" Issei muttered under his breath, his tone equal parts admiration and challenge. "You really are a stubborn bastard."
Natsu staggered, his scarf heavy with sweat and soot. His knees buckled, but his eyes burned with the same defiance that had carried him through every battle.'I'm not done yet. He's strong. He's insanely strong! But… if he thinks I'll back down, he's dead wrong!'
And then—
(Are you truly content to look this pathetic, Natsu?)
The voice thundered through his mind like the roar of a volcano. Deep, commanding, but warm in a way that struck through his exhaustion.
Natsu froze. His pupils widened, his lips parting in disbelief. "...That voice…"
It had been years. So long since he'd last heard it. But no amount of time could make him forget.
"Igneel…?" The name was a whisper, a plea.
(Yes, my son.)
Natsu's heart clenched. His breath caught in his throat. For a moment, all else fell away—the battlefield, the fire, even Issei standing across from him. It was just him and the echo of his father in his mind.
"Igneel… it's you. It's really you."
But the dragon's voice sharpened, cutting through his awe.
(And yet here you are—distracted. Foolish. Never take your eyes off a proper opponent. You and I have much to speak of, but this is not the time. The battle is not yet decided. Now focus, Natsu!)
Natsu's fists clenched. His throat worked as he bit back everything he wanted to say—his anger, his loneliness, his desperate questions. His body trembled, his heart thundered with a thousand unsaid words, but he swallowed them down.
Because he knew Igneel was right. This fight mattered. And Issei deserved every bit of his strength.
"…Tch. Fine, old man," Natsu muttered, dragging himself to his feet. His flames sputtered, then flared again as he drew every last ounce of magic to the surface. "But when this fight's over, we are talking."
He stomped his foot into the cracked soil, his aura blazing outward. Yet his body screamed in protest, his muscles fraying at the edges. His magic burned hot, but his vessel—his flesh—was nearing its limit.
Issei watched, narrowing his eyes. 'He's pushing too hard. Even I can see it. He'll break himself if he keeps this up…'
But then Igneel's voice thundered once more, fiercer now.
(It is time I lend you my strength. If the young prince receives aid from the Emperor, then it is only fair that this king fights beside his son.)
Natsu blinked in shock. "Wha—? What the hell does that mean?!"
Before he could even process, the change hit.
A rush of energy exploded inside him, searing through his veins, filling every corner of his body. The pain, the fatigue, the trembling—all burned away, consumed in a surge of fire far greater than his own. His muscles tightened, healed, reforged in an instant. His chest no longer heaved with strain; it swelled with power.
His eyes widened as heat radiated from his core, not draining him, but fueling him endlessly. His fire blazed brighter than ever, erupting into a pillar of crimson-orange flame that spiraled toward the heavens.
"This… this is—!"
The ground beneath his feet cracked and split apart, blackening as his aura extended outward in a violent wave. Trees at the edge of the clearing ignited from the sheer force of it, flames devouring bark and leaf alike. The air itself warped, shimmering violently as if the world couldn't contain the fire raging from within him.
Issei's eyes widened, the emerald gem of the Boosted Gear gleaming in response. "…The hell?!" His skin prickled, his instincts screaming at him as he felt Natsu's magic shift. "That's… not the same fire as before…"
Inside him, Ddraig rumbled low, his voice heavy with recognition. (This… is no longer just Natsu. I sense another flame. The Fire Dragon King himself has joined the fray.)
Issei's heart thudded. "Igneel?!"
Natsu roared, his voice shaking the ground further, his flames spiraling around him like a storm. His aura, once reckless and wild, now carried a weight of authority. His father's fire. His father's will.
The flames stretched higher, fiercer, more untamed than anything Issei had seen. The ground hissed and melted.
Natsu's grin widened, his teeth bared as his fists blazed brighter than suns. "ISSEI!!!" he shouted, his voice thunderous, layered with his own and Igneel's echoing roar.
Issei clenched his fists, his own flames answering in kind, heart hammering with excitement and unease alike. "I guess this is where the fun will begin, huh?"
"Boost!"
The area shook as the two auras clashed—Issei's red fire against Natsu's dragon-forged inferno. The duel had been fierce before. Now, it threatened to become legendary.
—--------------------------------
Magnolia
Night draped itself over town, the usual glow of street lights and laughter dimmed by the ominous sight rising in the distance. From every street corner and balcony, townsfolk stood with wide, fearful eyes fixed on the forest.
A monstrous blaze raged in the distance. Flames spiraled upward, devouring the treetops, staining the sky in shades of black, orange, and deep crimson. Smoke coiled thick and choking into the heavens, blotting out the stars, while the faint rumble of explosions rolled across the rooftops like distant thunder.
"Dear gods…" One shopkeeper whispered, clutching his apron tightly. "It's spreading too fast."
"Is it… a dragon attack?!" Another voice trembled, mothers pulling their children close.
"The forest—it's burning alive!"
Panic laced every street. Merchants tried to shutter their stalls, families fled indoors, and children pointed in terror as the glow on the horizon grew brighter with each passing second.
And in the middle of this chaos, a blur of blue streaked across the night sky. Happy. His wings flapped frantically, his little body trembling with exhaustion, but he didn't stop. His eyes darted toward the rebuilt structure standing proud, the new Fairy Tail guildhall. Its lights glowed warmly, but even that light seemed pale against the inferno tearing into the sky behind it.
Happy's chest heaved. "Almost… there!"
Down below, the guild members had already gathered outside, drawn by the unnatural blaze lighting up the night. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, some voices panicked, others tense, all united by the sight of the firestorm consuming the forest.
"Oi… that's not natural…" one mage muttered, sweat beading his brow.
"It looks like—like the world's ending."
And then a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"Happy!"
Lucy sprinted to the edge of the guild steps, her blonde hair catching the firelight. Her eyes widened as she spotted the small figure tumbling through the air, wings faltering. She rushed forward, arms outstretched, and caught him just as his strength gave out.
"Got you!" Lucy cradled him close, her heart pounding. "Happy, what happened?! Why were you flying like that—?"
Happy panted hard, his fur singed from the heat, his little chest rising and falling rapidly. "Lu…cy…! It's… it's Issei and Natsu!" His voice cracked with urgency. "They're fighting—going all out! The fire was caused by them!"
The guild erupted with gasps and shouts.
Lucy's eyes went wide, her grip tightening around him. "What?! Are you serious?!"
By then, Mirajane, Erza, and Gray had hurried over, their expressions grim as they looked from Happy to the inferno raging in the distance.
Erza's eyes sharpened. "Happy, tell us exactly what's happening."
Happy swallowed hard, his ears drooping, but he forced the words out between breaths. "I tried to stop them—I told them they'd burn down the whole forest, but they wouldn't listen! They just kept fighting, hitting harder and harder! Their flames are tearing everything apart!"
Gray's teeth clenched, a chill rolling off his body despite the night's oppressive heat. "Damn it, those idiots…!"
Mirajane pressed a hand to her lips, her usual smile gone, replaced by a worried frown. "If they keep this up, they won't just destroy the forest. They could burn all the way to Magnolia…"
Before anyone could answer, a deafening boom split the sky.
The flames surged higher, twisting violently upward. A tornado of fire exploded into existence, roaring as it pierced the heavens. The spiraling inferno lit the night like a second sun, casting long shadows across the town.
The townsfolk screamed.
"A volcano—it's erupting!" Someone cried, collapsing to their knees.
"But Magnolia doesn't even have a volcano!" Another voice shrieked, drowned by the cacophony of fear.
Children wailed, men shouted, and women covered their mouths as the fiery cyclone spread its glow, threatening to swallow the horizon whole.
Lucy held Happy tighter, her eyes reflecting the inferno. "This… this is insane. If they keep going—"
Her words died as a shadow loomed over the guild steps.
"ENOUGH!"
The commanding voice shook the air. Master Makarov strode forward, his small frame radiating an authority that silenced the panicking crowd. His gaze locked on the forest, brows furrowed, eyes blazing with fury.
"Those fools," He growled, his voice heavy with both anger and concern. "Do they intend to destroy everything in their path?!"
He turned, his expression steely as he looked over his guild. "Listen well, all of you!"
The guild members snapped to attention, fear replaced by determination under his commanding presence.
"We will not let this fire consume our home. Gather water mages, ice users, and anyone with suppression spells. The rest of you, prepare to assist with evacuations if it spreads. Move!"
"Yes, Master!" Voices rang out, the guild scattering into motion. Buckets, spells, and weapons readied as they prepared to face the inferno.
Makarov's glare returned to the distance, his voice a low growl. "…And as for those two hotheads, I'll deal with them personally if I must."
Erza stepped forward, her armor already shifting in a flash of light. "Master, allow me. They won't stop unless someone with strength forces them apart."
Gray cracked his knuckles, ice shimmering faintly at his fingertips. "Count me in. Natsu's not gonna listen to reason, so I'll just beat it into him."
Lucy's heart pounded as she set Happy gently down, her Celestial keys clinking at her hip. "I'm going too. Issei and Natsu—if they keep this up, they'll kill each other."
Happy, still catching his breath, nodded vigorously, eyes wide with fear. "Please… hurry! I've never seen them fight like this before!"
The fire-tornado roared in the distance, blotting out the stars, casting Magnolia in a blood-red glow.
And with determination burning in their eyes, Fairy Tail prepared to march into the flames.
—-------------------------------------------------
Lakeside Hyoudou Mansion
Night had fallen softly over the water. The glow of paper lanterns swayed in the evening breeze, casting warm light across the porch where the women had gathered after their bath. The air had been calm, filled with the sound of cicadas and the occasional ripple of the lake.
Until the horizon erupted.
A spiraling tornado of fire tore into the heavens, its roar echoing across the countryside. The sky turned molten red and suffocating black, smoke stretching into the stars. The shockwave rattled the wooden beams of the mansion, windows trembling in their frames.
The Sekirei froze.
Uzume's towel slipped from her damp hair as she staggered forward, her mouth hanging open. "No way… that's—"
Karasuba's grin, sharp and predatory at first, faltered into something closer to disbelief. "Tch. Those idiots… they're trying to kill each other."
Sakura clutched at Tamamo's sleeve, her small face pale in the firelight. "M-Mama… is Papa in there?!"
Tamamo's golden eyes narrowed, her tails bristling as the reflection of the inferno danced in her gaze. "Yes. That's his flame… and Natsu's. Fools. They're taking this far too seriously." Her voice, usually playful, carried a sharp edge of worry she didn't bother to hide.
Matsu adjusted her glasses, the light trembling against her lenses as her fingers flew over her holographic screens. Lines of data scrolled faster than her eyes could process. "The energy output… it's climbing beyond acceptable thresholds. If they continue at this pace, not only will they level the forest, but the thermal pressure could spread to Magnolia itself." She snapped the display shut with a curse. "Idiots! Complete idiots!"
Yuuka's arms crossed tightly, her lips pressed thin as her gaze burned toward the forest. "This isn't just a spar anymore. This is dangerous. They'll burn everything down if we don't stop them."
Akitsu, calm as ice even with fire raging in the distance, tilted her head slightly. "Issei-sama's aura is stable, but… Natsu's fire is strange. Wilder. He feels… different."
Miya is deeply worried as the two continue their destruction. "If they do not stop, there will be nothing left but ash."
For a moment, silence hung over them, broken only by the crackle of the firestorm in the distance.
Then Yashima slammed her fist against her chest, determination flashing in her eyes. "We can't just stand here! We have to go to him!"
Kuromaru, resting by the lakeside, lifted his great black head. The wyvern's golden eyes glowed as he rumbled deep in his throat, already sensing his master's peril. His wings spread wide, casting shadows across the mansion, the sheer force of their movement blowing back loose leaves and grass.
Sakura rushed forward, hugging his scaled leg tightly. "Kuromaru, please! Take us to Papa!"
The wyvern let out a low growl, lowering his body in invitation.
Tamamo gave a sharp nod, her long hair whipping in the wind as Kuromaru's wings stirred the air. "Good boy. We'll ride. He can't be allowed to push himself to destruction."
Karasuba smirked darkly, though her grip tightened around her sword's hilt. "Heh. I was enjoying the show, but even I know this is going too far. Let's knock some sense into them."
Uzume swung onto Kuromaru's back, tying her veil around her waist with a determined grin. "Yeah! Somebody's gotta stop those two hotheads before Magnolia turns into charcoal!"
Matsu scrambled up after her, muttering under her breath. "When we get there, I'm slapping him for being so reckless."
Yuuka pulled Sakura up onto the wyvern's back, holding her tightly. "Hang on, little one. We'll bring him back safely."
One by one, the women climbed onto Kuromaru, the great wyvern rumbling as he felt their weight settle against his scales. His wings unfurled fully now, black against the blood-red sky, stretching wide enough to block out the burning horizon.
Tamamo was the last to mount, settling herself at the front, her tails flicking as her eyes glowed faintly with restrained power. "Hold on tight," she warned, her voice sharp with command. "We're going straight into the heart of that inferno."
Kuromaru reared back, a mighty roar splitting the night, echoing across the lake. With one colossal beat of his wings, the wyvern launched into the air, the mansion shrinking beneath them as they soared toward the firestorm.
Sakura clung tight, her little voice trembling but firm. "Daddy, wait for us… we're coming!"
The Hyoudou household raced into the night sky, their silhouettes cutting across the blood-red glow, determined to reach Issei before the flames consumed everything.