Greetings fellow readers! Let me start off by saying welcome to my fanfiction! If you have followed me before you know I had a previous Naruto Fanfiction (Gentle Blackbird, Fierce Ice Dragon was the title) if you haven't just disregard what you're about to read next! I deleted "Gentle Blackbird, Fierce Ice Dragon" because I, completely and honestly, was not happy with the way I wrote it. It was so juvenile to the point of no return and the style I wrote with was awful. So I decided to start anew, and create a new fanfiction but I loved the idea of a crossover. I used a different style of writing and had a friend of mine edit my fanfiction (she is also teaching me how to avoid the grammatical errors I have done in "Gentle Blackbird, Fierce Ice Dragon"). I glad to say I'm happy with this fanfiction and will continue to write it. If you were a fan of "Gentle Blackbird, Fierce Ice Dragon", I'm very sorry but please understand the 'why'. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this fanfiction!
Prologue
Maria Yurika
Even though I was born into the Shinobi lifestyle I, Maria Yurika, at the tender age of eight was told by many Doctors and Shinobis that I had no ninja talent and my chakra wasn't chakra. The diagnosis was silly to me. How can chakra not be chakra! It's the most essential part of a ninja, but cannot be used unless one uses hand seals which manipulate chakra into what one needs it for such as to walk on water and use other elements in combat. With no parents for a comfort system at home, I grieved and moped by myself in my small apartment the Fifth Hokage graciously, or sympathetically, allowed me to house in free of charge until I turned ten-years-old.
Once I turned ten I started working at the Yamanaka Flower Shop. My good friend, Inoichi Yamanaka, persuaded his parents to let me work in their shop due to the fact I was talentless. However, Inoichi knew I had a 'green thumb' and would be a benefit to the family business. So, every morning I would meet Inoichi's mother and work at the shop until the evening. His mother taught me about the flowers they sold. I had no idea there were so many sorts and varieties of flowers and the ways in which they're cared for.
Years later, Inoichi became part of Konoha Intelligence Division and married his wife, who became my new best friend. Customers often thought I was a relative of the Yamanaka clan because my hair was the same shade of blonde and my personality was the same, but my petite body would make the customers think I was Inoichi's daughter. I would giggle and would tell them my age, twenty-two, and I was of no relation to the clan but was lifelong friend to Inoichi. Often times the customers were embarrassed when I corrected them, but I didn't blame them, though. Everything shifted slightly when the Third Shinobi World War began. Inoichi would be gone for days which, of course, upset his wife and I comforted her to the best of my ability until he returned home. Konoha saw most of the devastation with the number of leaf shinobi deaths. Sadly, many of those deaths included children who recently graduated from the Ninja Academy and were split into their pairs of three and assigned to a mentor. Slowly the war started to turn in our favor when our warriors destroyed the Kannabi Bridge. Destroying that cut the supplies of our enemies, weakening them. An end to this war was eminent but still far from reach.
One evening, Inoichi's wife invited me to have dinner with her and Inoichi. I politely accepted and offered to bring a dish. I walked the dimly lit streets of Konoha to the Yamanaka Clan home with a basket crowded with Hakka Higashi. My choice of attire was a forest green qipao dress that, sadly, was a teenage girls size. Perfect for this warm July night. I felt self-conscious shopping for clothes because little girl's clothes were all I could wear. I had no butt and no voluptuous breasts, with just enough curvature and adequate amount of cleavage to show I was at least not a young girl. I tied my blonde hair in a loose side braid with the exception of some fringe that I tucked behind my ear. I was thankful I was gifted with a great complexion and mildly thick eyelashes that gave the illusion that I was wearing some eye makeup and heightened the almond color of my eyes.
Dining with the Yamanaka's was always a wonderful time. We discussed what was happening in Konoha, if nothing exciting occurred in Konoha, Inoichi and his wife tried to play matchmaker for me.
" What about that nice man that works with Inoichi in the Intelligence Division? He's perfect for you!" Inoichi's wife encouraged.
"Um sweetie, maybe we shouldn't pester Maria into marriage yet." Inoichi tried to end the conversation before it progressed, but to no avail.
"Nonsense, Inoichi! Maria just needs some help is all! What do you think, Maria?" She asked with a hopeful smile.
"With all respect, friend. I…honestly don't think any Shinobi will date a talentless ninja and I'm absolutely fine with that." I chuckled on the outside but Inoichi's wife knew how I really felt on the inside.
"But you have to let them see past that." She gave a supportive look.
"I've tried, but the past Shinobi I dated would ask what my specialty skills were and after my reply…." I looked at the tea in my cup.
"Well, the Fairy Tail mages are coming to Konoha for a visit and to help with the war effort tomorrow."
"Really? Well I guess we need the help…we've lost so many men and children already," I said with a little surprise in my voice.
Inoichi nodded. "Erza herself will be joining the fray."
"Now that's a shock. Normally, she's dealing with legal matters associated with the guild," I chuckled
"Oh! What if you find your future husband amongst the mages?" Inoichi's wife gasped.
"It's not impossible…I could even ask Erza if I could train to be a mage. Only if I have the talent for it," I suggested
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea," Inoichi agreed
"I agree! I almost forgot, Maria. Would you mind working the shop alone tomorrow? I have an appointment I cannot miss. I'll be there once I finish," his wife chimed.
"Of course, I don't mind," Maria concurred.
After I told the Yamanaka's goodbye and goodnight, I traveled back to my apartment. I moved into a bigger apartment, were I had a bedroom instead of my bedroom being a part of my kitchen and dining area. I showered and read a book before I finally went to sleep.
I opened the shop that morning and arranged flowers in bouquets and vases while filling out orders and accepting purchases. I wore my qipao dress from the previous night, same loosely braided hair except I tied a bandana on my head. I heard people talking about how the Fairy Tail wizards would be arriving very soon and how excited they were to gaze at the handsome wizards. I giggled and shook my head.
"You seem happy," a familiar voice spoke.
"Oh Mrs. Yamanaka, you're here!" I slightly jumped.
"As I said I would be. I'll put on my apron and be back to help with orders. If you find time, Maria, can you put out the sign saying our lilies are half-priced for this week?"
"Yes. Sorry, I completely forgot!" I apologized.
"No need; just finish arrangements then do the sign," Mrs. Yamanaka sighed.
William Lefleur
The gigantic gate of Konohagakure greeted us once we arrived. The doors groaned as they opened slowly. We went to the checkpoint after passing through the gates and had to brandish our Fairy Tail Guild marks. I turned so the ninja's could see my mark.
"Well, we finally made it. Where should we go first, William?" my friend Matthias Willowman asked, throwing his arm around my shoulders.
"We don't meet with the Hokage for another two hours. I was just planning on walking until something catches my eye until time drew closer." I shrugged and Matthias removed his arm.
"So unplanned and original of William Lefleur. You won't find a woman like that. You're going to die an old, single man," Matthias chucked.
"Matthias, I'm only twenty-four, and you have no room to talk. You're not even married and can't keep a steady relationship," William grinned
"Oi, shut it, Will, before I shut it for you." Matthias jerked Williams flat cap over his eyes
"Yea, yea. You say that all the time." Williams dark sleeveless coat flapped in the wind as he walked.
The shopping part of Konoha was busy and crowded as older women did their afternoon shopping and fathers took their children out for lunch after the Ninja Academy released their students for the day. William removed his flat cap to wipe the sweat from his forehead and ran his fingers through the middle of his hair and scratched the shorter sides. As William replaced his cap back on his head he couldn't help but notice a halo of straw-colored hair and the girl it was attached to. The girl—no the woman—was displaying a sign for a flower shop indicating they were having a sale on their lilies. She looked over once more with her light brown eyes to make for sure the sign was placed to where people would see it, and she wiped her hands on her apron and walked back into the flower shop. William smiled a bit and Matthias caught on.
"Saw something that caught your interest?" Matthias arched an eyebrow.
"Yes…Lets head to that flower shop. The 'Yamanaka Flower Shop.'" William pointed to the shop he saw the woman enter.
"Really, mate? A flower shop?" Matthias frowned
"Yes, you'll see when we get there." William grinned and adjusted his flat cap and Matthias popped the collar of his light shirt.
Maria
"Thank you so much! Please come again!" I gave a woman back her change for a lavender lily she purchased for her daughter.
She thanked me and allowed her daughter to carry the delicate lily supported in a vase as they exited the shop. I often thought of what kind of mother I would be…would I be gentle mother or a strict mother? Possibly between the two? I inhaled a deep breath and waited for the next customer to purchase their flowers. I saw two shadows enter the shop and naturally greeted them.
"Afternoon, Welcome to the Yamanaka Flower Shop!" I smiled.
"Evening ladies!" a brawny man replied and winked. His companion gestured with a nod and tipped his hat.
"Ah, Fairy Tail wizards. Welcome to Konoha. Please browse as long as you like," Lady Yamanaka acknowledged with a wave.
"I think I might. My name is Matthias Willowman. And your names?" Matthias leaned against the counter.
"Oh, I'm Mrs. Yamanaka. My husband, Inoichi Yamanaka, and I own this flower shop," my best friend chuckled and blushed a bit.
I studied the two Wizards as Mrs. Yamanaka introduced herself. The one leaning on the counter wore a light-colored shirt that clung so tight to him that you could see the definition of his muscles, and odd colored pants that didn't match his shirt, or really him, at all and he wore bronzed, strapped sandals . His olive skin complemented the angles of his face, the sharpness made him look mature, but his attitude seemed sarcastic and childish. His auburn hair was tied in the back creating a small and pathetic excuse for a ponytail, however his green-hazel eyes were bright enough to draw attention from it. The second wizard's skin was a light shade of tan, his burgundy guild mark could be seen on his upper arm, just past his elbow. He was very tall, practically towering over me. After I saw the guild mark, I noticed that his coat was mid-calve length and dark brown, very close to being black. His pants were long, but past the knee was packed into his wine-colored combat boots. His chestnut hair was shaved short along the sides, and I guessed his grey flat cap covered his actual length hair, whatever the hell that may be. His eyes were unique. They were a light grey color, almost ice and I realized they were staring at me and his brow was arched. Crap!
"What?" I shook myself out of my examination of the Wizards.
"I asked what your name was, love," Matthias repeated.
"Maria…Maria Yurika," I gave my name.
"Ah, Maria. What a lovely name. Don't you think so, Will?" Matthias emphasized at his friend.
"Oh yes. Sorry, I'm William De Lefleur." His friend looked as if he came out of a daze as he spoke his name.
"Hmm. Your last name means 'of the flower'. How beautiful." Mrs. Yamanaka giggled.
"I always give my formal name when introducing myself. Other times it is just Lefleur, and thank you for the compliment," he admitted.
"So, what brings you Wizards to this shop?" I asked bluntly, staring at them.
"Ask Will. He wanted to come here first." Matthias snickered, and William glared at him.
"Do you need some flowers for a lady in wait?" Mrs. Yamanaka inquired.
"No madam, I was honestly just looking around but I have a question for Miss. Maria." William then glanced toward me.
"A question for me?" I repeated, somewhat dumbfounded.
"Yes," William walked until he was across the counter from me, "my question is out of all the flowers in this shop, which is your favorite?"
"My favorite?" I echoed the last two words.
"Mhm." He nodded expectantly.
"Um, Asiatic lilies. But we can't grow them. Konoha doesn't have the environment for them," I explained.
"Ah that's a shame, but nothing my mate can't do for you," Matthias commented matter-of-factly
"What is he talking about?" I sighed.
"Allow me to show you." William balled his fists and placed one on top of the other.
I watched, mesmerized, as an icy haze seeped out between his fingers and top and bottom of his hands. I heard crackling sounds, the kind when you pour a beverage over ice. The haze diminished, and William slowly and carefully opened his hands. Nestled within, astoundingly, was a gorgeous Asiatic lily; however, it wasn't the usual pure white colored flower with bright fuchsia lines adorning the middle of each petal and covered with dark speckles. The ice flower was a strange black color. Silver lines streaked down the middle of the petals and dark grey specks dotted the petals. I blink so many times that my eyes developed a thin tear film. I honestly couldn't believe what I had just witnessed.
"Here. Now you have your favorite lily." He held the ice lily to me.
"I…I'm speechless." I turned to hid my pale blush and grasped a tall thin vase.
"What is your magic?" Mrs. Yamanaka asked in awe
"I use an ancient magic called God Slayer Magic. Ice is my specific power." William enlightened
"Ice God Slayer?" I turned as soon as my blush faded and placed the vase on the counter.
"More or less. Go on, take it," William encouraged.
"I won't give me frost bite, will it?" I inquired.
"No, I promise," William assured.
I cautiously reached for the ice flower and it, as he promised, didn't inflict frost bite. The ice lily was a bit heavy and cold to the touch. I gently lowered the ice lily into the vase and, out of habit, arranged it with some baby's breath and smaller flowers and finished with a white bow.
"Will it melt?" I glanced up to meet his gaze.
"Nope. My ice will not melt…. unless I permit it." He answered.
"Hm. Sounds like you have great control over your magic," I complimented, "but what makes your magic different from the others?"
"God Slayer Magic is an ancient magic. As the name implies, this magic was used to kill or subdue God's. The one difference between God Slayer, elemental, and special magic is that the element of God Slayer magic is an onyx color." William explained.
"That's interesting. Matthias what is your magic?" I asked
"I'm a Water Dragon Slayer. It's nothing fancy as William's magic but it is just as powerful," Matthias flashes his grin.
"I can't see how you two are friends. Fire and ice just don't complement each other," Mrs. Yamanaka snorted.
"Oh, we have our times when we do fight," William sighs as he closed his eyes.
"I'm about to fight you if we don't get something to eat before we discuss war matters with the Fifth Hokage. Sorry to leave ladies but it was a long journey and we don't have time to rest. We'll have to meet again sometime and I would like to meet your husband, Mrs. Yamanaka," Matthias cupped the back of his neck with his hands.
"Of course, we'll have to have lunch or dinner together sometime!" She approved as Matthias walked out into the streets of Konoha.
"I hope we can meet again soon. I enjoyed getting to know you two. Especially you, Maria," William removed his cap revealing the rest of his hair- short length but thick- then placed it back on his head and walked out of the shop smiling.
"William likes you," Mrs. Yamanaka chimed.
"He won't like me when he finds out I have no talent," I replied dryly.
"He's different, Maria. I can sense it," Mrs. Yamanaka placed her index finger under her chin as she looked out opening the wizards exited.
"Pray you are right then….at this point its hopeless for me," I stared at the ice lily.
July transitioned to August and the few Fairy Tail wizards have been a huge advantage to the Third Shinobi War for Konoha. Matthias aided the Uchiha Police Force with his Dragon Slayer magic, however the Uchiha's specialty jutsu involved fire, but - even if they didn't show it- they were thankful for the assistance and he aided with recon missions. William helped in any position that he could get his hands on from assisting with battles and S class missions to facilitating with Inoichi with interrogating dangerous suspects and prisoners of war. I enjoyed William's company during dinners at the Yamanaka's and I've learned a lot of things about him. William is sarcastic when he tells a joke. The sarcasm is so dry it is tough to determine whether he is joking or serious. William can be a bit of a man-child at times, but not on purpose, only when he knows his friends are bothered. He informed us more about his magic. William can consume his element from an external source, however he cannot consume ice that he created, and I made a mental note to keep ice at the shop for when he needs some fuel. He can coat his body in ice creating a armor-like skin while fighting; making it more difficult to inflict critical blows. In addition, any attack that can come from ice or be made into ice are immediately nullified when making contact with William. Also, Ice God Slayer Magic grants him the ability of Cryokinesis, the ability to slow down particles/atoms, giving him the upperhand against water based attacks. I've even had the pleasure of him traveling with me to pick up seeds and pre-planted flowers for the display windows.
After William's consistent asking -no begging- to take me on a date…I finally said yes. Our first date was still a getting-to-know-you date and I decided it was best to reveal my insecurity than kept bottled.
"I was told this shop cooks the best ramen in Konoha," William raised the vertical cloth of the "Ichiraku Ramen Shop".
"Thank you and you are most certainly right. Ichiraku cooks the best ramen in Konoha," I sat on the stool closest to me.
"Welcome to 'Ichiraku Ramen'! Well if it isn't Maria Yurika, how have you been?" Mr. Teuchi greeted.
"Hi, Teuchi. I'm doing fine and still working at the 'Yamanaka Flower Shop'," I smiled.
"and who is accompanying you?" he nodded toward William who had taken a seat beside me.
"Oh, this is my date, William Lefluer. He's a wizard from Fairy Tail. William, this is Teuchi Ichiraku and he owns this ramen shop," I introduced the two men.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Teuchi," William extended his arm to shake hands with him.
"It is no offense to you, Mr. Lefluer, but I try to keep my hands clean as much as possible when I'm cooking my ramen, but it is nice to see that Maria is on a date with a decent man for once," Mr. Ichiraku declined.
"That's great to hear," William chuckled.
We ordered -upon William's request- a single bowl of pork ramen. It was alien to me because I always had my own bowl of ramen with the last few men I dated. I had guessed William wanted this to feel personal. When the ramen was ready, I urged William to taste it first.
"Mhm, you're spot on. This is the best ramen I've ever tasted, hands down," he savored the soup.
"I assured you, didn't I?" I munched on a piece of pork.
"I also think this isn't your first time eating here-" he began.
"No, I ate here often as a child or I ordered some to go," I tried to change the subject for the conversation I dreaded.
"Sorry, if you had let me finish, I meant with someone like a significant other," he concluded where he left off.
"Oh…yes. William, there's something you need to know about me," I started and I felt his eyes look at me ", I'm talentless. When I was eight years old I was diagnosed with having no chakura and was dismissed from the Ninja Academy. I can't even use a throwing star much less a kunai knife. Then, at the age of ten Inoichi helped me obtain a position at his family's flower shop…it's all I've ever known. I dated two Shinobi and both ended contact with me when I told them I could never become a ninja. So, my question for you is are you willing to socialized someone the likes of me? If not save me trouble and let me walk home,"
"That's not entirely true," William argued.
"Really, how so?" I peeked at him
"You create the most beautiful flower arrangements and, might I add, that you base the arrangement on the person, or persons, personality," he affirmed.
"H-how can you tell?" I blushed flabbergasted.
"Because you have excellent judge of character. A stranger can walk in, tell you what his girlfriend, wife, or, hell, love interest and you immediately have an idea of what their favorite color is and what flower will best represent the meeting," William indicated with a snap of his fingers, "and I also say you are gifted because I sense force in you. It might be chakra, given as the doctors diagnosed, but something else."
"You, honestly, think that?" I choked out.
"Absolutely, come with me to base camp and meet Master Erza! I guarantee she can help you," William grasped my hands causing my seat to turn my body to face his.
"William…I don't know if I can," I shook my head.
"Say 'yes'. You won't know what your full potential is unless you try," William urged.
"William, can I have some time to think about this?" I started to choke again.
"Yes, of course, ," William acknowledged.
"Okay, I find you when I decide," I sighed.
"Okay, now, shall we finish our date?" he grinned.
"Let's" I smiled blushing.
After we finished our ramen date, William walked me back to my apartment. The dim lit streets of Konoha were swarmed with some folks buying last minute dinner or groceries that they needed for that night. I spotted a familiar iron rod balcony in the distance and knew that my time with William was shorting. No later than I had that thought we were at my apartment door. I thanked William for the date with a kiss on the cheek and bided him goodnight. At once I closed my apartment door, locked it, yanked my shoes off then hurried up the stairs to the door adjacent to my bedroom. I swiftly opened it and ran out to locate William amongst the crowd of people. After minutes of analyzing the crowds I failed to spot William. I sauntered to my bathroom saddened that I didn't see William's reaction after I kissed his cheek and soaked in my warm bath water for a long time.
I tried to picture his reaction; smiling after I entered my apartment and praising himself on his successful victory. I chuckled shaking my head because I'll probably never get the chance to know and I drifted off to the temporary darkness. The next day I told Mrs. Yamanaka about William's proposal.
"It is a big decision," Mrs. Yamanaka sighed and placed her index finger against her chin.
"I'm contemplating on accepting it," I confess as I packed dirt over Snapdragon flower seeds.
"I feel it's appropriate. Inoichi and I have always sensed potential in you," Mrs. Yamanaka beamed.
"Will you be alright working the flower shop by yourself?" I asked her.
"Oh, Maria, I won't mind! Plus, I'll eventually have a child to help run it with me," She nodded.
I gasp and whispered low enough for only her to hear, "Are you pregnant?!"
"No! Inoichi and I don't plan on having children yet…at least until the bickering between this war ceases," Mrs. Yamanaka busted with laughter.
"Phew, that's a slight relief and I don't blame you two for wanting to wait," I exhaled.
"And you and William will have more bonding time," she snickered mischievously.
I blushed a bright red and silently continued to plant the Snapdragon seeds as Mrs. Yamanaka giggled at my obvious expression that I am crushing on William. After I planted the rest of the Snapdragons and Hibiscus seeds I laid my apron in the backroom of the shop and walked to a nearby park to enjoy this wonderful afternoon along with my lunch. William waved at me from our regular lunchtime bench and I seized my place beside and untied the lunch I made for us -rice balls, some rice topped with spicy curry sauce, and white, pale pink, and green mochi assorted on two sticks along with some cold tea.
"How is business at the flower shop?" William munched on a rice ball.
"Same as usual…more widows I'm afraid," I frowned.
"Death is a part of war. Whether we like it or not," William wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"I understand, but mothers are burying not only their husbands. They're burying their children. Children who barely reached or passed puberty," I stared at our lunch, avoiding his gaze to hide my sad eyes.
"If I could prevent that from happening, Maria, I would do it in a heartbeat," William squeezed my shoulder to comfort me.
"I know you would," I looked at him and stroked his cheek, "its just unfair for the children"
"The war is turning around, Konoha is winning. It'll be over soon," William sipped his tea.
"Well Konoha wouldn't have gotten this far if not for Fairy Tail or Minato Namikaze." I popped a ball of mochi into my mouth.
"Heh, you are right about that. Minato is the greatest ninja I've ever met," William ate some rice-curry.
"Kushina comes into the shop often for flowers. She's such a nice woman and lucky to have Minato as a lover," I chuckled then drank some tea.
"Have you decided if you want to meet Erza?" William asked.
"Well I haven't had time to fully think about it…but at this point I'll waste more time if I don't act now. When can I meet her?" I inquired.
"Good answer. If you answered that you needed more time it was already too late," He chuckled.
"Why?" I arched an eyebrow.
"Because Erza has requested that you visit her at base camp. Tonight," William disclosed.
AN: Again, hope you enjoyed the fanfiction! Have a wonderful day! xShadowhunter_678