Chapter Text
Author note:
6 chapters of this exist on fanfiction net. feel free to go read there (same names), however here I'm making spelling and grammar edits, and eventually I think I'll just post here and my discord server exclusively. If you want in on my discord then message me or ask in the comments and ill reach out or post the invite next chapter.
(Unknown place)
“Ah there he is, my favorite little assassin! Do you finally have time to take missions again now that your guild is number one again?” A man said with a grin. This man is Tatsuo, or better known as the infamous Dark Shadow, leader and founder of the strongest Assassins Guild, Dark Shadows. He had shoulder length black hair with bangs that swept over his right eye, his eyes were black, he normally wore black t-shirts, black and red cargo pants and black boots, his most noticeable marking though was the scar along his left cheek.
“Yeah yeah, shut it Dark, just tell me who the target is so I can shake the rust off, it has been seven years since I had a little enjoyment” A man with spiky blood red hair said with a toothy grin with sharp K9 teeth, his eyes were a dark forest green with traces of gold that shown when he was excited or angered, his eye pupils were like slits, he was wearing a one sleeved black coat that reached below his knees, black knee-length pants, and black combat boots, the coat sleeve covered his right arm, and black fingerless gloves with dark blood red stones on the knuckles. This man is known as the Dragon Shadow, second in command in the assassins guild Dark Shadows, his power is mostly equal to Tatsuos.
“Eager are you Dragon, perhaps the dragon has been playing with the fairies too long and needs to be let off the chain for a bit” Dark said with a grin, Dragon growled, “Don’t get so upset, you know I was only teasing” Dark said with a laugh.
“Cut the crap already” Dragon growled.
“Alright, I got a special hit waiting for you, one that will scream to the world “DRAGON SHADOW IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER” I think you will really enjoy this one” Dark said with a grin as he handed a mission flier to Dragon who took it and read over the info, as he read the gold in his eyes became more pronounced and a huge grin formed on his face.
“Magic council court judge” Dragon said with excitement in his voice, he then looked back up at Dark, “Consider it completed and in the most ruthless way possible” Dragon said, he turned around and left Darks office yelling something about him leaving for some fun. Dark watched with a smile as his second in command left, he missed the red haired man, never once did he give his spot as second in command to anyone during the seven years Dragon was missing.
To Dark, Dragon was his most important friend and assassin in this Guild of assassins. To this day it still surprises Dark on how Dragon was also a member of that light guild yet also lived as an assassin.
“If only the world knew” Dark mused in his thoughts, “That Dragon Shadow, Fiores most feared Assassin seven years ago, doubled life as their famous Salamander, hero of Fiore from the dragon apocalypse, and the heart of their most trusted Guild Fairy Tail” The thoughts made Dark laugh as he then looked back to his desk to figure out who he was going to assign the next hit too.
(Two Days later Fairy Tail guild)
Natsu Salamander Dragneel kicked open the guild doors and cheered he was back, many greetings from most of the guild members greeted him back. Natsus hair was pink, he was wearing a one sleeved coat that reached past his knees with the sleeve covering his left arm leaving his red Fairy Tail guild mark out for the world to see, he wore white knee length pants and black strap on sandals, and his precious white scaly scarf.
Natsu walked through the guild and sat at a table with his team that consisted of Erza, Gray, Lucy, Happy, Wendy, Carla, Gajeel, and Pantherlilly. Though most of the guild greeted him like normal, Natsu could tell that the guild wasn't as lively as it normally was. After a while Natsu got the answer as to why that was when Makarov walked out of his office followed by Lahar and Doranbolt from the magic council head of security. Makarov shouted down from the second floor.
“I need Team Natsu, and Levy to come to my office immediately” Makarov called, Natsu smiled and he started to head up the stairs to the office followed closely by his team and Levy. As soon as everyone was crowded into the office Natsu notice runes appear around the room so that no one can overhear the conversations in the room.
“Are you sure this group will be able to pull this mission off Makarov” Lahar asked.
“Yes, Team Natsu is by far the strongest team in this guild, and Levy is our strongest mind and best problem solver, if anyone can do it it is this group right here" Makarov said with a confidant and proud smile.
“What is going on Master” Erza asked.
“Allow me to explain” Lahar said as he stepped forward and set a lacrama on the desk, suddenly a projection image appeared showing a building burnt to a crisp with Black flames still burning some of what remains, in front of the burning building was a old looking man wearing a judge outfit, and in ashes on the ground beside the man was a message.
“Two days ago someone attacked the council court building and murdered the judge named Jason Folley, the attacker then proceeded to burn the entire building to ashes, killing a total of two hundred thirty two people, he left the dead body of Jason in front with a message”
The group read the message In the image, it read:
“Here is a gift, let the world know that Dragon Shadow has returned, let all perish in my black flames of the dragon.” The message then had a insignia of a back shadowy person with dragon wings with the letters D.S. Under it.
Everyone gasped at the message except Natsu who just stared at the image, the gold in his eyes more pronounced as he looked over the damage.
“Who is this Dragon Shadow exactly” Gray asked. Lahar was going to answer when someone the group never expected answered instead.
“Dragon Shadow is an assassin who was one of the best at what he did seven years ago, I heard he vanished not long before we got stuck on Tenrou, to think that man is back after all this time” Natsu said, everyone stared at Natsu with wide eyes because for once when not in a fight Natsu is being smart and serious.
“How do you know that Natsu” Lahar asked, Natsu just looked at the captain with a blank look.
“It’s not like it was kept secret, besides I liked to keep tabs on the guy, he uses a black form of Fire dragon Slayer magic, rumor has it he looked similar to me too, thought he may have been a long lost evil twin brother or something” Natsu said as he shrugged his shoulders.
“That was basic knowledge that the council allowed out, but we actually know more about him, like he is a part of an Assassin guild called Dark Shadows, the current strongest Assassins guild we know of” Doranbolt said, He then tapped the lacrama and a new image popped up, this time of the shadowy person with dragon wings and the initials D.S. under It.
“This is the mark of the Assassin guild Dark Shadows, they all have this mark like any normal guild, but the mark is small and not where people can easily see” Lahar said earning a nod from the gathered mages, Lahar tapped the lacrama and a chart of people showed up.
“There are currently only five known members of Dark Shadows, but we only know what two of them look like and that is because they were or are the most active members of this Assassin guild” Lahar said as he tapped on one persons image causing it to get bigger and reveal more info on the person.
The person who was now shown was a tall muscular man with green hair and greenish brown eyes, he had a scar over his left eye, he wore a white t-shirt and black pants and boots, he had a green sash wrapped around his waist as well as three swords strapped to his right side of his waist. Everyone knew he was nothing but a image portrayed by a lacrama buy when they looked into his one good eye they felt like they were being watched.
“This is the one known as Demon Shadow, he uses his swords as his primary force, but it is rumored he has a magic that helps him to control his blades when they are not in his hand or his mouth” Lahar said.
“Mouth?” Erza asked.
“Yes mouth, he uses three sword style, he has a sword in both hands as well as in his mouth, the guy is strong enough to cut steel using his swords” Doranbolt said, he then tapped the lacrama and a new person showed up that man Natsu tense a little as the gasps from the rest of the guild.
“This image is a little out dated because it is from seven years ago, but this is a image of Dragon Shadow” Lahar said.
The Group kept looking between Natsu and the image of the person, they were identical, except the guy in the image dressed in black trench coat, black cargo pants with red chains, and black combat boots, his hands had black fingerless gloves with dark blood red gem stones on the knuckles. Dragon had black flames all around him, and a sinister grin with a look of pure enjoyment on his face.
“Damn, Flame-brain, that looks a lot like you” Gray said as he looked between the two, “Even the eye colors and shapes are the same” Gray pointed out.
“But I have salmon hair, and my flames are a bright red and orange” Natsu pointed out, “Not to mention this Dragon guy kills for a living, I saved the world multiple times”
“We are not accusing you of being him Natsu” Makarov said, “But the resemblance is a bit shocking, he may actually be related to you”
“Cool, I always wanted a brother, to bad he will be put in jail and possibly killed” Natsu said with a sigh.
“Dragon Shadow is rumored to be second in command in the guild, he is rumored to have equal strength as the master, he is rumored to be the one who helped start Dark Shadows, but without knowing the master we will not know if these rumors are true or not, his main fighting ability is the black flames that we are lead to believe are just a black form of Natsus dragon slaying magic, he is also rumored to use a black and red katana from time to time” Doranbolt said as he stared at the image of the red haired man with narrowed eyes.
“Any idea where he has been these past seven years” Erza asked earning curious looks from everyone.
“No idea, he dropped off the face of Earthland around the time you and the other guilds went after Oracion Seis” Lahar said with a frown, “But it was only him that went missing, the other four members continued their usual murders”
“So why exactly are you telling us this information Lahar” Natsu asked.
“It is because the council personally want Fairy Tails strongest team to find and put an end to the Assassins guild Dark Shadows, with the recent return of Dragon Shadow, we can not sit by and watch as he starts burning town and killing people again” Lahar said with a commanding tone that showed he was definitely the head of the councils security.
Now to most of the gathered group, the news of their new mission was exciting, but to a certain pink haired Dragon slayer his mind was running a thousand miles a second as he thought of what he was going to do, but on the outside he acted his normal self and cheered at their new mission.
(Later that night)
Natsu sat up in his hammock and looked to the hammock above him to see Happy was sleeping peacefully. Natsu sighed as he stood up and silently wrote a not to happy before silently leaving the small house and heading deeper into the woods walking a hidden path he knew all too well.
As he walked he slowly channeled color magic to his hair causing it to slowly turn red, he then used re-quip magic to change his clothes…it wasn’t nearly as fast as Titania can change, but it helped. He now wore a one sleeved black coat that reached below his knees, black knee-length pants cargo shorts with red chains, and black combat boots, the coat sleeve covered his right arm making it so that his Fairy Tail guild mark was covered up, and black fingerless gloves with dark blood red stones on the knuckles, and his prized scarf was tucked away nicely in his pocket dimension.
Soon Natsu came across a cliff with a water fall, he jumped down landing in a crouch in a newly made crater, he stood and walked through the water to the waterfall. He walked through the waterfall revealing a small cave with a black door that had the Dark Shadows guild symbol on it.
Natsu used his his normal red and orange flames to dry himself off before walking over to the door.
“Password?” a quiet ghostly voice asked, The door was enchanted to only open with a password that only the members knew.
“Occide” Natsu said and the door clicked before slowly opening revealing a dark narrow cave path that Natsu entered, the door closed behind him leaving it pitch black but Natsu didn’t need a light source because he knew these caves like he knew his magic.
At the end of the path it opened into a large cavern with a door to the right and another cave path to the left, the cavern had a table with a map of Fiore and its surrounding countries (There are three surrounding countries in this story) there was also a large book shelf along the back wall. This was the group planning room, where the group would gather and work out a plan for Hits that were too big to carry out on their own.
“Natsu sighed and walked straight to the door on the right side, he didn’t even knock as he opened and stepped in to the masters office. The masters office was simple, a desk with a chair, a few piles of paper on the desk, the back wall covered in books of all kinds, a few pictures of the guild members hanging on the wall, and a comfy couch in front of the desk where masters visitors sit.
Natsu looked around the room and smiled at the photos on the walls. Many people would think that most of the members of an assassins guild would fight each other and just be there for the money, but Dark Shadows wasn’t like that, they were like a small family with bonds that Natsu believes are stronger than most bonds at Fairy Tail. The five members respected each other and their individual abilities, and unlike Fairy Tail there were less brawls.
“Well this is a surprise, normally you would stay away for over a week after a Hit like that” Dark said as he stood from his seat at his desk. Natsu looked at him and smiled.
“Well I have some news” Natsu said with a grin.
“Well lay it on me, what is this news that brings you here today” Dark asked.
“My light guild has been hired to find and eliminate the Assassins guild Dark Shadows, and I am one of the members on the mission to do so” Dragon said.
“Well this is ironic, tell me do they know who Dragon Shadow looks like” Dark asked, this situation didn’t make him nervous, just made him excited.
“The council showed images of both Dragon Shadow and Demon Shadow, the rest of the guild members have yet to be seen” Dragon answered.
“Well, do they suspect you” Dark asked.
“They think that Dragon Shadow is a long lost brother to Natsu Dragneel” Dragon said with a laugh to his voice. Dark laughed at this news.
“You have hidden your identity well, they have no clue you two are one in the same, who knew just a change of hair color and a different outfit could do so much” Dark said while laughing, “Anyway, I trust you to handle this anyway you see fit, I know you will not betray us” Dark added in a serious mood after he finished his laughing.
“I have never let you down before, they will not find this guild, and I will continue to live both my lives” Natsu said with a grin, he then turned around and left the office, he crossed the planning room and went down the cave hall that lead to an even larger cavern.
This cavern is known as the lounge area, it was about the same size as the main hall of the Fairy tails guild hall, it had a small bar with a kitchen behind it in the left back corner, a bunch of tables and chairs, on the right side of the room there was a small stage like area next to another cave hall that lead to the training area, in the back right corner there was another cave hall that lead to the living quarters for members that wanted to stay here, so far Natsu was the only one that did not live in here.
“Welcome back Dragon” Natsu looked up to the bar where he saw a tall man with blonde hair smoking a cigarette while chopping a few vegetables, he wore a suit minus the black jacket part, his sleeves were rolled up while he worked, he had curly eyebrows that Natsu thought strange at first. This man is Sanji, also known as Black-Leg Shadow. He Is the head cook and bartender in the guild as well as an assassin known for only using his legs and speed magic in a fight or while killing.
“Thanks Black-Leg, mind making me a steak and setting it on fire” Natsu asked, he knew Sanji hated to set the food he makes on fire, but he always did it for him.
“You make me sick” Sanji growled as he continued to chopping the vegetables, “Besides, I’m already cooking the guilds dinner, you are welcome to join, but it will not be steak, I will set in on fire for you if you really want me too” Sanji said.
“Alright, thanks” Natsu said, he then looked around and saw a short long golden haired teen reading a book, he wore a long red jacket with a black shirt and pants as well as combat boots, he had golden colored eyes. This man is Edward Elric, also known as Fullmetal Shadow, he is called that because he had a metal arm and leg, he was mostly a guy who loved to study the facts and the human body, he says he is a man of science and his magic was an advanced form of Alchemy. Fullmetal is also the youngest member of Dark Shadows.
Natsu continued to look around and noticed Demon Shadow was sleeping on a table again with his swords laying right beside him. His real name is Roronoa Zoro, and he wants to be the best swordsman in the world, Natsu had to admit Zoro was already better than Erza by a long shot, but when Natsu used a sword Zoro and him were practically even.
This was Dark Shadows, a Assassin guild consisting of only five members, living deep in the East forest outside Magnolia, a small family, and one Natsu doesn’t want to lose as much as he doesn't want to lose Fairy Tail.
Natsu smiled and decide he was going to tell the rest about his mission during dinner, for now he wanted nothing do do but jump on Demon and ruin his peaceful sleep… and that is exactly what he did.
(Morning, Fairy Tail)
Happy came into the guild holding the note Natsu left for him last night and flew over to the table Team Natsu was sitting at talking.
“Hi Happy, where is Natsu” Lucy asked the flying blue cat.
“Natsu left last night, he left me this message” Happy said as he handed the note to Lucy.
“Happy, I am going to be gone for a few days maybe a week, I am taking a trip to the place Igneel raised me, it has been seven years since my last visit, sorry I didn’t tell you about this sooner, let the guild know, I will be back, sincerely Natsu” Lucy read the letter out loud for the group to hear.
“Who knew Flame-brain could write such a good letter” Gray said.
“I was the one who taught him to read and write, of course he can write a good letter” Erza said.
“Does anyone else think that is strange” Gajeel asked but he was ignored as most the group started to argue about how smart Natsu is, Gajeel sighed and went back to being his quiet self.
After a while of arguing they all settled back down.
“Now that I think about it, why would he wander off now that we actually have a mission to do” Lucy asked.
“Who knows, but if it involves that dragon of his then it is obvious that would come before anything else” Gray grumbled, “Besides we don’t have any leads at the moment so it is not like we would need him right now” Gray added.
“I guess so” Lucy agreed, “Does he usually leave for visits to his old home” She asked Happy.
“Aye, at least once for a week every two months” Happy said with a smile.
“How come we never noticed” Erza asked.
“His visits were less often after the team formed, and he would usually take a mission at the same time so that no one asks questions” Happy said.
“Did he ever take you with him” Wendy asked.
“No, just him” Happy said with a frown, “I asked to go with him many times but he always said no” Happy was now pouting.
“At least he let us know where he went, if he is not back in a couple weeks we will go looking for him” Erza said earning nods from the rest of the group.
(Dark Shadows hideout)
“Your still here” Sanji said as he entered the lounge area, he slowly made his way to the bar/kitchen area to start making breakfast for the rest of the guild when they wake.
“Yeah, I will be here for a while, maybe a week or two” Natsu said with a grin.
“Well this place is more lively when the whole family is here, glad you are staying for a bit” Sanji said as he started cooking, “I will be needing to make a supply run into Magnolia, mind joining me” Sanji asked.
“I’m not sure that is a good idea, or have you forgotten that the resident light guild is trying to find us” Natsu pointed out.
“Well if your light guild notices you they will not recognize it as their Natsu Dragneel, plus you have more magic than you let on so I am sure you will get away, as for me my speed alone will be enough to get away” Sanji reasoned, “Besides the thought of getting caught is exciting to you” he added when he realized the gold in Natsus eyes were shining.
“Well since you put it that way I guess I have nothing to lose” Natsu said with a grin, “and it is very exciting” Natsu said as his grin got bigger.
“Then after breakfast we will head out” Sanji said as he lit a cigarette and continued to cook.
“Oi, Dragon” Natsu looked over to see Zoro walking over to him, “What are you still doing here” He asked.
“I will be staying here for a week or two” Natsu said with a grin.
“But don’t you have a mission to do at your light guild” Zoro asked with a grin.
“Don’t really care for that mission” Natsu said. Zoro shrugged before sitting down.
“Oi, Shitty Cook, give me some beer” Zoro said.
“You know dam well I will not give beer until after lunch you dam Marmio” Sanji growled. Sanji and Zoro always fight, their relationship is similar to Natsu and Grays, but they have a stronger family bond than Natsu and Gray have, they would always have each others back and do anything for each other, same for the rest of their five person family guild.
“Good morning Dragon” Edward said as he sat at a table alone and began to read.
“Morning” Natsu replied, they didn’t talk much more because Edward was already deep into his book.
“Good morning Dragon, glad to see you stuck around, did you sleep in your reserve room” Tatsuo asked as he joined Natsu and Zoro at the bar.
“Yep, I was surprised to see it was still the way I left it seven years ago, you must have had complete faith that I was alive” Natsu said with a smile.
“Even if you had really died I wouldn’t let anything happen to your room, it was a reminder of my best friend” Tatsuo said with a grin.
“Breakfast is served” Sanji said as he placed large plates of pancakes in front of everyone.
Natsu took a large bite of the syrupy goodness and moaned at how good it was, Sanji was the best cook ever, even better than Mira.
“Glad you enjoy it” Sanji said as he made himself a plate.
“Who wouldn’t enjoy it, Sanji is the best” Natsu cheered letting his childish side show earning small laughs from the rest of the members, including Edward.
After breakfast Sanji got dressed in his full black suit, Natsu was wearing his normal Dragon Shadow attire. They both left the guild through the front door and Natsu used his flames to dry them before starting the hike to Magnolia to gather supplies for the guild.
When they reached the town Sanji instantly pulled out a list.
“This is the list Zoro wants, I will leave this list to you because you will know more about this stuff than me because you also use swords” Sanji said as he handed over the list, Natsu looked it over and nodded.
“I know exactly where to get these” Natsu said with a smile.
“When you are done with that meet up by the food store, I will need help carrying the stuff back to the hideout” Sanji said.
“Alright, just one question” Natsu said as he stared at Sanji.
“Yes” Sanji asked.
“Why are you ordering me around” Natsu asked.
“I am not ordering you around, just suggesting a plan” Sanji said with a smile.
“Alright” Natsu said with a grin as he started walking away.
(The streets of Magnolia)
Gray sighed, today was just boring, he had hoped to get in a good fight with Natsu this morning but the Flame-brain decided to go on a trip today. Of course Natsu visiting his old home had made Gray think of his home town and the possibility of going to visit his parents graves, but he also didn’t want to go back there yet. To ease his boredom and chase away the thoughts of his home town, Gray decided to go for a stroll through town.
Gray Looked around the busy streets with bored eyes but froze when he spotted Spiky blood red hair walking his way, Gray blinked and stared for a moment, it was definitely that Assassin guy Dragon. Gray quickly hid in a alley and watched as the assassin walked past while looking at a piece of paper in his hands. Gray thought for a few moments, he thought about attacking the assassin but then thought he could get more information by just following the guy, maybe even find out where the guild is based at, he thought about going to report to the guild, but realized he might lose track of the red haired man.
Gray slowly followed the Red haired man through the streets of Magnolia, suddenly Dragon stopped causing Gray to freeze and hide behind a barrel. Dragon entered a Black smith/swords shop. Gray slowly entered after him and made it look like he was just shopping. He watched as Dragon walked straight to the shopkeeper, Gray prepared to attack in case Dragon was actually on a job to kill this man, but he froze when he heard Dragon start talking.
“Mr. Jerry, guess who” Dragon said with a smile, Gray stared at the red haired guy.
“Dam, he even sounds like Flame-brain, hopefully he never decides to dye his hair pink” Gray thought as he decided to listen to the conversation.
“Oh my, Dragon is that you” The shopkeeper named Jerry said with a excited grin.
“The one and only” Dragon said with a smile and slight playful bow.
“Where have you been these past years, I thought that you may have kicked the bucket” Jerry asked.
“I was in a bit of trouble, I am actually lucky to be alive and stronger than I have ever been” Dragon said with a grin.
“I heard about the council judge, Went big for your return didn’t you” Jerry said.
“It was just the Hit master Dark sent me on, but I can not deny that it was fun. But enough about me, Demon wants these” Dragon said as he handed the list to Jerry, Jerry looked it over and nodded.
“Top grade cleaning equipment, as well as sharpening tools” Jerry said as he pulled the items from under the counter, “What about you, you are a sword user also, but you never buy” Jerry asked.
“That is because my sword will never dull or break, and my father taught me a plant mixture that works perfectly when it needs cleaning, my sword is made of dragon scales and needs special treatment” Dragon said with a grin.
“Can I see this sword you always talk so fondly about” Jerry asked.
“Nope, you may be a good friend, but my sword stays hidden” Dragon said with a grin, “But I have a question” Dragon said while looking seriously at Jerry as he counted out the jewels to pay for the stuff Demon wanted.
“What is it” Jerry asked.
“Tell me about Salamander, How has he been living these years since I have been gone” Dragon asked, knowing very well that when he first met Jerry as Dragon, Jerry asked about his looking like Natsu Dragneel, so Dragon told Jerry they were brothers.
“Oh your brother, well to be honest he also disappeared seven years ago” Jerry said. Gray gasped at that, so Dragon really was Natsus brother.
“I told you not to call him my brother, I have no right to call him my brother, he is light and I am dark, our flames are prof of that enough, not to mention I walk a dark path while he stays in the light.” Dragon growled.
“Sorry, have you seen the grand magic games” Jerry asked, Dragon nodded.
“Basically that is the biggest news in the past seven years about Salamander” Jerry said with a frown.
“Oh, thanks then” Dragon said as he grabbed the bought supplies and a light engulfed them as they disappeared into a pocket dimension, “Well, I will see you later Mr. Jerry” Dragon said as he quietly left the shop. Gray decided to talk to the shopkeeper later, right now he had to follow Dragon some more, so he also left the shop and spotted Dragon walking down the street with his hands in his cargo shorts pockets.
“He was sent to go shopping for his guild, is he really second in command” Gray thought while still watching, they were passing a book store when Dragon stopped and stared at the window of the store with wide eyes.
“Oh, that is something Fullmetal would enjoy” Dragon said with a smile as he entered the store, Gray watched through the window as Dragon talked to a shopkeeper and pointed to a book that was in the window, the shopkeeper grabbed a book from the window and handed It to Dragon who gave the man money while putting the book in his pocket dimension and left the store continuing walking down the street with Gray silently following.
“For a dark assassin he sure does act like a normal person” Gray thought. Suddenly Dragon sped up and walked over to a tall blonde haired man who was smoking in front of a food store, he was wearing a black suit, by his feet were several large boxes of food and other supplies.
“There you are Dragon, did you get Demons supplies” the blonde haired man asked.
“Yeah, what about you Black-Leg, did you get all the food and other stuff” Dragon asked.
“Yeah, now put them in your dimension till we get back to the hideout” Black-leg said. Dragon began to store the supplies.
“So that is another member of the assassins guild, shit any attempt of confrontation would be suicide now” Gray thought as he looked over the blonde haired man, he didn’t look too strong, but if there was one thing Gray learned over his time as a mage was that looks could be deceiving.
Gray was so busy examining the blonde that he didn’t realize Dragon had slowly snuck up behind him until he placed a hand on Grays shoulder and leaned so that his mouth was next to Grays ear, Gray tensed and readied to attack but froze at Dragons words.
“If you wanted to follow someone make sure you keep your clothes on and the guild mark covered up” Dragon whispered.
“Who is this” Black-leg asked as he walked over and stared at Gray, his eyes landed on the guild mark, “Oh, it is a fairy, what are you planning to do with him Dragon” Black-leg asked. Gray felt Dragon lean away from him with a small thinking hum.
“We could tie him up and return him to his guild so that he will stop following us, after all I refuse to let him find where my family lives, but I also do not want to hurt Salamanders family either” Dragon said with a small smile.
“I swear, Fairies are the only thing you will not kill, I’m sure if it wasn’t for you that guild would have been destroyed long ago” Black-leg sighed, Gray looked confused, Fairy Tail was safe from Dark Shadows because of Dragon Shadow.
“Black-leg, you are giving to much information, and there are actually a few of the fairies I wouldn’t really care got murdered, besides I also never would kill my own family” Dragon growled, “Anyway, if we tie him up and return him there is no guarantee that we will not be spotted by the rest of the guild”
“We could break his legs and leave him here, the rest of the fairies are bound to find him eventually” Black-leg suggested earning a growl from Dragon, Gray watched as Black-leg flinched at the growl.
“How strong is this guy” Gray thought.
“So stripper boy, I have a deal for you” Dragon said as he let go of Gray and moved to stand in front of the ice mage next to Black-leg, this was the first time Gray actually got a good look at the red haired assassin.
“Why should I make any deals with you” Gray growled trying to sound intimidating, but Dragon just smirked.
“Because this deal decides weather or not I actually hurt you or not” Dragon said with a serious voice that sent shivers down his spine.
“What is it” Gray asked.
“You leave us alone and stop following us, and I will not have to knock you out, but if you continue to follow us I will have to knock you out” Dragon said.
“How is that a deal, that is just saying ‘stop following us or I will knock you out’” Gray asked with a growl in his voice.
“So do we have a deal” Dragon asked.
“I am not stupid enough to push my luck, but let me tell you that this is not the last time we will see each other” Gray growled.
“Good, that is a wise choice stripper boy” Dragon said as he and Black-leg turned and started to walk away. Gray watched silently as they disappeared from his sight and he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding as shivers went down his spine.
Gray turned and instantly ran for the guild hall to report his encounter to the others assigned to the mission, he had just had a talk with the very person they were trying to find and capture as well as another member of the five man assassin guild that until now no one even knew what he looked like.
As Gray burst through the guild doors he went straight for the table his team was sitting at with the added Levy who was sitting with Gajeel. Gray was panting from his run to the guild and it was a few moments until he was able to tell them anything at all.
“I saw him” Gray said as he sat at the table and took a sip from a glass of ice water that Wendy handed him.
“Who did you see Gray” Erza asked.
“Dragon Shadow” Gray said, the rest of the group instantly looked at Gray with wide eyes.
“Did you catch him” Erza asked, Gray shook his head no with a frown.
“I decided to follow him to see what he was up to and try to find out some more information, and boy did I learn some things” Gray said.
“What was an assassin of his caliber doing in Magnolia” Lucy asked.
“Shopping apparently, I followed him to a blacksmith and watched as he bought some supplies for the Demon Shadow guy, it was also there that I learned so interesting information” Gray said as he looked over the shocked faces of the team.
“Well what did you learn” Levy asked as she took out a notepad and a pen getting ready to write any information.
“The shopkeeper and Dragon were talking like old friends, Well apparently he was missing the last seven years because he got into some trouble, he said he was lucky to be alive and stronger than he ever was”Gray said, “They also talked about his sword, apparently it is made out of dragon scales and he rarely shows it to people, and the most shocking thing I learned was that Natsu really is Dragon Shadows brother” Gray said and the group gasped.
“How did you learn that” Erza asked.
“Dragon was asking the shopkeeper how Natsu was living in the years he was gone, then when the shopkeeper said Natsu was his brother Dragon growled something about not having the right to call Natsu that because he walks a dark path and Natsu walks the light, he then left when the shopkeeper said the only big new over the years was the grand magic games, I followed him” Gray said.
“As soon as Natsu returns we have to tell him, he deserves to know that Dragon is really his brother” Lucy said earning reluctant nods from the group.
“What else did he do Gray” Levy asked.
“He stopped at a book store, said something about a guy named Fullmetal enjoying something, he then went in a bought a book and I continued to follow him, He met up with a tall blonde haired smoking guy that was wearing a black suit like Loki wears, the guy had boxes of food and supplies around him that Dragon used re-quip magic to store, I was going to follow them more but suddenly Dragon was behind me with his hand on my shoulder telling me that if I was going to follow him to try and not strip and to keep my guild mark covered at least” Gray said while shivering at the memory of Dragons somewhat powerful voice whispering in his ear.
“You were caught” Lucy asked with wide eyes. Gray nodded.
“The blonde guy was called Black-leg, and he said some interesting things, for instance he said to Dragon, and I quote “I swear, Fairies are the only thing you will not kill, I’m sure if it wasn’t for you that guild would have been destroyed long ago” Gray said
“So this dragon guy is protecting us in a way” Gajeel said with a confused look.
“Dragon said there were a few people in this guild he would not care about, but I also think he is not attacking us because Natsu is his brother” Gray said.
“That makes sense” Levy said with a thoughtful look.
“Did you learn anything else” Erza asked.
“No, Dragon said he wouldn’t hurt me if I stopped following them, With two trained assassins there I reluctantly agreed and then they left, I came right here to tell you guys” Gray said with a frown.
“Well at least we have our first lead, Gray take us to the blacksmith Dragon was talking to” Erza said with a smile
(With Dragon and Black-leg)
“Black-leg, we need to leave no lose ends, come with me, we have a blacksmith to kill” Dragon said as they both jumped onto a roof and used the roofs to travel faster, they were at the shop within three minutes, and Dragon and Black-leg entered the shop calmly but froze when they noticed the fairies were already there, the fairies being Erza, Gray, Lucy, Gajeel, and Levy.
The fairies stopped talking to the shopkeeper and looked to the doors with wide eyes. Dragon and Black-leg stared right back at them with calm expressions.
“Oh my, looks like we may have been too late, do you think they managed to get any information from him yet” Black-leg asked Dragon.
“I do not know, but whatever they may know, I will not allow them to find out more” Dragon growled, his gaze shifted to Jerry, “You are a great friend, please keep in mind that if the stripper boy did not follow me, this wouldn’t have to happen” Dragon raised his hand and the Fairies prepared themselves for an attack from the Red haired man, they watched as Dragons dark forest green eyes got traces of gold in them in excitement and each Fairy thought it looked exactly like Natsus eyes.
But instead of an attack, Dragons hand rose and he snapped his fingers, in less than a blink of an eye Black-leg was gone, and they heard a thud from behind them, slowly they turned around to see Black-leg standing over the now dead Jerry with his foot smashed into the shopkeepers brains, blood and brains littered the floor and the shoes of the blonde haired assassin who slowly lifted his foot and shook as much blood and brains from his shoe as he could before he disappeared again and reappeared back next to Dragon. The fairies stared at the Shopkeepers dead body for a moment when they started to smell something burning, they looked over to see black flames burning something into to wooden counter… the Dark Shadows guild mark was now permanently burnt into the wood.
“I love the coppery smell of blood, always puts me in a good mood” Dragon said earning angered looks from all the fairies present.
“Why would you do that, I thought he was your friend” Gray yelled.
“He was my friend, however Black-leg here has never even met the guy, besides, if it means I keep my family safe from meddling people like you then I will kill anyone, even a friend” Dragon growled as he glared at the group of fairies that glare sent shiver down the groups spines, that was definitely a glare of a Dragon protecting what he loved…they had seen the exact same glare many times before. “Lets go Black-leg” Dragon said as he and the other assassin turned and in the blink of an eye they both were gone before any of the fairies could do anything to stop them.
“Gajeel, can you track them” Erza asked urgently.
“No, they both have no sent, it is like they blocked them somehow” Gajeel said as he sniffed around.
“Dam, they were right there, we had them out numbered! We didn’t do anything, they killed that man right in front of us and we didn’t do ANYTHING!” Erza yelled.
“Erza, we may have out numbered them, but did you feel the power the blonde radiated” Levy asked. “That was power rival to Laxus, and Dragon is suppose to be the second In command, that means he is stronger than the blonde, but I couldn’t get a read on his power, I think he had it blocked”
“I felt it too” Gray said, “That is the main reason I didn’t confront them earlier”
“Lets report about this guy, then try and figure out what to do, there goes one of our only leads” Gajeel said staring at the dead man.
“His death is my fault” Gray mumbled, Lucy was the only one who heard him.
“Don’t say that Gray, his death was not your fault, it is the assassins fault” Lucy said.
“But if I didn’t follow Dragon then the shopkeeper wouldn’t have been a lose end they needed to tie up” Gray growled, “I knew I was following a dangerous assassin, I should have known he wouldn’t want to leave anything that could give information about him or his guild away”
“It is not your fault Gray, none of us knew they would actually kill this guy, you said yourself that they talked like friends” Erza said as she walked over to try a comfort her friend.
“Yeah, but a Assassins guild is like a dark guild, they don’t care for friends” Gray said.
“On the contrary Gray” Levy said, “If you listen to his words it was obvious he cares about his guild enough to call them family, enough to have one of his other friends killed to protect information that could put his family in danger” Levy said.
“I have to say, his sense of protecting the ones he cares about rivals Salamanders” Gajeel said with a frown, “It is also obvious from the info we know about him that he is most likely a dragon slayer, dragons will protect what is most important to them at any cost”
“Guess a sense of protection runs in the family” Erza said with a slight smile, “If only Dragon walked on the light side like Natsu”
“But he is not, and we can’t let him kill like this, especially when we can do something to stop him” Gray growled.
“Right” Lucy agreed.
“I think I should go to Blue Pegasus and see if Hibiki can gather any information on Dark Shadows that might be useful” Levy said.
“I will go with you” Gajeel said earning a thankful nod from the blue haired girl.
“Make sure to carry a communication lacrama with you and inform us if you learn anything” Erza said earning a nod from the two as they left.
“I hope Natsu returns soon” Lucy said.
“Me too” Erza agreed.
(Dark Shadows hideout)
“So Jerry is dead, that’s a shame” Zoro said as Natsu gave him the supplies and told them all about what happened.
“You know the rules Demon, we can not leave any loose ends” Tatsuo said with a frown.
“Yeah yeah, but now I have to find a new blacksmith to get my supplies from, I can not trust the care of my swords to just anyone” Zoro said with an annoyed groan.
“Anyway, for the time being I want each of you to wear these lacrama communication wrist bands, I want for each of you to keep in touch while out of the hideout, if anything goes wrong tap it five times and I will tell one of the others to go aid you, the lacrama is also a transportation device that will allow someone to transport to the one in need. Tap it three times and say the code name of who you want to talk to and it will connect like any other communication lacrama with a hologram projection and everything” Tatsuo said as he handed them out and watched as everyone put the wrist bands on.
“I guess that also means me” Natsu asked as he took off his normal black wristband and put on the new one moving it around until it felt right.
“Especially you, out of us all, you are in the most dangerous position. I hate to say it, but I think you will have to choose a side for this one, I do not think you will be able to pull it off by playing both sides” Tatsuo said with a frown.
“I was thinking the same thing actually, problem is that I honestly do not want to choose, and if I have to I do not know who I will side with in the end” Natsu said while running a hand through his red hair.
Tatsuo watched his best friend with a understanding look, he knew Natsu was conflicted between two places he saw as family, he could only hope Natsu will side with them in the end, but if he chose the Fairies he would not hold any hard feelings towards him.
“Whatever you decide, I will always see you as family, and there will always be an open spot here encase you change your mind, we are a family” Tatsuo said, the other members all cheered in agreement.
Natsu smiled, these were his friends, his family, yes what they all did was wrong, but they were far from the average dark guild, and Natsu didn’t know what he would do if he lost any of them. Yes he knew that he would eventually have to make a choice, but right now he could wait and hope things turn out where he can keep both of his families.
“Thanks guys” Natsu said with a smile. He then decided to hit the bed for the night. As he layed in the his bed over the black flame print covers with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed he started to remember how he Met Tatsuo. It was about a month before he met Makarov and joined Fairy Tail, Tatsuo and him were the same, both with no parents and alone, they quickly became best friends during the time they only had each other. When Makarov asked him to join his guild Natsu instantly asked Tatsuo if he wanted to join as well, but the black haired boy said he wasn’t cut out for the life Fairy Tail offered.
He remembered Tatsuo telling him about his mentor, how he learned to art of the assassin, and how his mentor was killed, Tatsuo shared his dream to create the strongest Assassins guild in the world, and Natsu remembered he promised to help his best friend achieve his goal even though he already had Fairy Tail. Tatsuo taught him the ways of the assassin just like his mentor taught him, Natsu had a natural talent for being an assassin and he actually enjoyed it. Natsu took it upon himself to learn magic that would change his appearance so that he could live his life in Fairy Tail and as an assassin.
He had already knew how to use both black flames and red flames because he was not only taught by Igneel, but also by Igneels brother Kuroneel the black fire dragon, he had also already learned re-quip because of the sword that Igneel and Kuroneel gifted him made from both of their scales. He had studied more kinds of magic along with Tatsuo and together they hand made the cave that is now known as the Dark Shadows hideout as well as Natsus home away from home.
Together Natsu and Tatsuo built this guild from scratch at the ripe age of around eleven (Neither of them know their actual age), and within a year of creating Dark Shadows they Met Sanji and Zoro, both who had nowhere to call home and each with so much potential. Both Sanji and Zoro were thirteen when Tatsuo and Natsu met them and offered them a place in their assassins guild and soon those two became the first two members of Dark Shadows other than the two who created the guild.
Sanji was soon made in charge of all food and meals made in the guild because cooking was his talent, he also was skilled in speed magic and only fights using his legs and feet. Zoro had ambition and a skill for fighting with swords using a rare three sword style, he dreams to become the greatest swordsman in the world, he also uses magic but it is rare because he prefers h/is swords.
Just like Natsu, Tatsuo taught Sanji and Zoro the ways of the assassin, and just like Natsu they each had a natural talent for it and even enjoyed it. Tatsuo always said it was fate they all met, and the natural skills of the assassin proved that is probably their destiny to be assassins.
Soon the small group of four became close like a family, they grew together and slowly became recognized as one of the strongest and most elusive Assassin guilds in Fiore, That defiantly made Tatsuo proud.
When Lissanna was thought to be killed, Natsu had left Fairy Tail for a while and stayed at Dark Shadows for a couple of months, his friends were there for him and provided support, they all understood the pain of loss, after all they each experienced it before.
About a year later Natsu found Edward Elric in the remains of a destroyed village, he was only twelve and had extreme potential, Natsu thought about bringing him to Fairy Tail, but during the long journey to Magnolia (They walked because Natsu refused to ride any form of transportation), Natsu realized something about Edward… his eyes held a blood thirst for revenge that Natsu knew he would never fulfill in a light guild, so he offered Edward a place as an assassin, and watched as the eyes lit up in excitement as he instantly agreed to the proposal, and over time that decision turned out to be a great choice as Edward quickly caught on to the assassin ways and learned magic.
Then soon the events at Fairy Tail were taking up a lot more time, Lullaby, Galuna, Phantom, Tower of Heaven, Oracion Seis, Edolas, and then the fateful Tenrou that kept him away from Dark Shadows for over seven years. They had believed him dead for seven years but kept his stuff just like he left them, and when he returned they each secretly came to his little hut and welcomed him back to the living with open arms and happy/relieved smiles and tears.
Now his light family wants to end his dark family, and he was torn between the two, caught in a tangle of lies that he should have known would eventually be found out. He knew what would happen if Fairy Tail finds out who he is outside of their guild. The only family he has ever been completely honest with, that accepted everything about him, was Dark Shadows. Natsu sighed, he will just have to play both side and make a decision when the time came, whenever that may be.
Again, I'm trying to edit this. if i missed a lot please let me know. I'm also open to criticism.