Change, especially to a person, is one thing that many people fear. Once people change you no longer know them anymore. Whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual change often causes a rift in relationships, especially the strongest ones.

It becomes ten times worse when the one who has changed was previously thought to be unable to change.

In exactly 17 minutes and 32 seconds, Gray Fullbuster would die.

In exactly 17 minutes and 32 seconds, Gray Fullbuster would die in battle from intense burns.

In exactly 17 minutes and 32 seconds, Gray Fullbuster would die at the hands of his best friend.

When Gray had come across Natsu around a minute ago he had hardly recognised him. If it hadn't been for his physique, his pink hair and his trademark scarf, Gray would never have recognised the monster he saw before him to be Natsu Dragneel. Nor would he have ever recognised Natsu as E.N.D.

Until now.

Black markings like scars had made their way across Natsu's arms and torso much like Gray's own right arm. His hands, encased in a crimson fire much darker than what it usually was, created shadows of his clawed hands. However, what Gray found the most unsettling was his eyes. Despite being overshadowed by his longer hair his right eye still managed to make itself seen. Gray really wished that it hadn't. His sclera glowed its usual white but the iris radiated a disturbing black. A black full or hatred. A black full of death. A black that showed no mercy.

"Gray…"

Even the voice was distorted. Gone was the cheery, happy-go-lucky voice only to be replaced by the depths of Tartarus itself.

"So it was you all this while Natsu…"

Silence followed. They both knew what was coming. It was inevitable. Gray had to fulfil his father's last wish and Natsu his brother's.

"You're going down Natsu," Gray shouted. Suddenly he was angry. Angry at fate. Angry at the fact that he had to fight his friend. Angry that the one who had caused him so much pain was right there all of this time.

Nevertheless, it was all over very quickly. Gray still wasn't sure exactly when Natsu had struck him. But he had and that had been it. Which brought him to where he was now. On the ground in a pool of his own blood. With only 17 minutes and 32 seconds left. He had come to accept it though. He had lived a happy and fruitful life. The only thing he regretted was not giving Juvia a ye-

"GRAY!" The voice of Erza Scarlet cut through the silence. Out of the corner of his eye, the ice mage saw a familiar flash of red hair as Erza ran towards him. She stopped in front of him, shocked.

"What happened"?

He finally forced himself to look down. The whole of his lower torso was pierced. One of his ribs was poking out. He looked away when he saw that, any more and he was sure he would puke. He froze the wound, attempting to stop the blood loss. The redhead also surveyed his wounds and her bangs overshadowed her hair. Her fists clenched and trembled. She was livid.

"Who did this?"

She was going to regret asking.

"WENDY!? CHELIA!? PORLYUSICA!?" Erza shouted. They had been walking for around 10 minutes now. With every step, she felt Gray rely on her more. She needed to find a healer and fast. Gray wasn't the only one in need of medical attention. Suddenly a large eye appeared in the sky right in front of the mountain they had climbed. She looked around, hoping to see a flash of blue or pink or even hear the enchantment of either a God Slayer or a Dragon Slayer.

"NATSU?!". The familiar voice of the youngest dragon slayer carried itself through the silence of the ruins of the distorted Magnolia. Accompanied by the voice of a white Exceed and a blonde Celestial Spirit Mage who shouted the same name. The blue Exceep simply hovered high in the sky looking for the said Dragonslayer. She smiled and jumped down the mountain, landing in front of the wounded group.

"Erza!" the four shouted joyously upon recognising her. But the joy on their faces soon turned to concern when they saw the state of the unconscious ice mage on her back. Laying Gray down on the ground, Wendy instantly went to work on attempting to close up his stomach.

"What happened to him?" asked Lucy, looking at Erza to remove her eyes from the gruesome sight. Erza flinched, remembering the story Gray had managed to tell her before he had fallen unconscious. Her chin suddenly felt ticklish. She moved her hand up to scratch it only to feel water. Tears began to flow down her cheeks at a faster rate. Her legs wobbled and she struggled to stand.

"Natsu" she whispered.

But she was given no time to rest. For before she had time to elaborate large wind swept above their heads Knocking everyone down except Erza. The winds dissipated as soon as they came, revealing a woman who Wendy thought smelled very similar to Erza.

"It has been far, far too long Erza…"

(Time skip, I rlly cba to write the fight between Erza and Irene. What happens between chapter 509 and 520 isn't rlly relevant to this story apart from the fact that the Spriggan 12 were defeated)

E.N.D. stumbled into the building of the Fairy Tail Guild around an hour later. Zeref watched him and knew instantly that he was moments away from his wish being fulfilled. If he was elated he didn't show it. Outwardly he started a stare down with Natsu. Black stared into black. Brother to brother. Maker to Creator.

"So you have finally come to kill me Natsu…"

The clawed fists of the flaming pinkette clenched as he narrowed his eyes at his brother.

"Zeref…" he rasped, death in his eyes and on his mind.

"Come Natsu!" Zeref shouted, his eyes were suddenly wild, anticipating the fight that was sure to be entertaining. The most fun he would have in his immortal life

"Come and kill your brother!"

Done. Never realised how hard this stuff actually is. It takes effforrtttt. Anyway plz R&R. I am also looking for a beta reader so pm me if u wanna beta read. If I did anything rlly bad or if u have any improvement plz review!

P.S. i am currenlt debateing on ships. Do u guys want NaZa, NaMi or NaLu?