So as a quick update, I'm focusing on TTONU, but I'm giving sporadic updates to the rest of my stories, when I get bored. Uni starts up for me again next month and I have no idea what it will be like. If you can support me on , please do so, as that will help me immensely.
Also, just as a heads up, the E.N.D. style I'm using for this story is more of a playful demon, than a stern one. After all, demons can be tricksters too.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
FlashbackTechniques
Chapter 3 – New Tricks
'So Natsu, what kind of training do you have planned?' Asked Lisanna curiously, eying Natsu, as he stood in the middle of the clearing.
'I was thinking of using another type of magic.' Said Natsu.
'Really, that's pretty ambitious.' Said Cana, arriving just in time to hear Natsu's declaration.
'Well not really, I'm basing it on some of the magic from the mages in our guild and I even have ideas for how to help us improve as well.' Explained Natsu.
'That's quite a good idea Natsu. Having a greater repertoire of magic would be helpful for most.' Commented Erza, arriving with Gray.
'Thanks, I even know which magic would suit which mage and once Mira and Elfman get here, I'll tell you what I came up with.' Said Natsu happily.
'How do you know Mira and Elfman are coming?' Asked Gray, with narrowed eyes.
'He is a Dragon Slayer frosty, forget that?' Quipped Mira, arriving with Elfman.
'All right, now that everyone is here, time to get serious.' Said Natsu seriously, cutting off Gray's retort and surprising the others at how serious he became.
'First, Lisanna, since you can transform into creatures that are generally not that strong in direct combat, you should learn a supplementary magic that works well with all of them. Since all of your transformations leave you with at least a mouth at all times, learning fire magic would be a great help, especially for your aerial based Take Overs, as that would really give you an edge. With the help of Gray and me, I'm sure we can help you master Fire Make magic.' Said Natsu, before continuing on, not letting anyone else speak.
'Next, Cana, your magic is very versatile, but it lacks a big punch. That's why, based on Mira's magic and… other things, I'm thinking of us teaching you Explosion magic, which will help give you an ace in the hole, in close combat.' Continued Natsu.
'Gray, all of your magic has limitless potential, since it is based on imagination, but sometimes, thinking inside the box might work better for you. Since I know you can make solid weapons, with the help of Erza, I think you should learn to use your ice to form swords, which you can wield properly, like Erza. This way, you'll be able to deal with bladed weapons yourself, while also giving you the ability to surprise anyone, who thinks you'd prefer long range combat and be hopeless in close range combat.' Added Natsu.
'Elfman, your magic is great for direct confrontation, but you don't really have any ranged abilities, which means you need to constantly expose yourself, in order to get up close. For that reason, I was thinking you could learn telekinesis magic, once again, from Erza. This would allow you to use whatever is around you for combat, providing a distraction, to let you get in close and deliver your knockout attack, without leaving yourself exposed.' Continued Natsu, before looking to the two female mages.
'Erza and Mira… you two are both pretty well rounded as things stand already. You both have short, mid and long range attacks, have great durability, speed and power, along with good supplementary magic, so there isn't really much the two of you need to improve on… although, the two of you do get tired rather quickly because of how demanding your magic is, not to mention, the two of you have really short tempers, which enemies could use to get the drop on you, even if they are weaker than you. For that reason, I think the best thing for the two of you, would be to increase your magical capacity and vent some of that built up tension through repeated magical battles.' Finished Natsu.
There was a long silence in the clearing, before it was broken by Lisanna.
'Wow Natsu, who would have thought you were so smart?' Praised Lisanna.
'Who the hell are you and what did you do to Natsu?' Shouted Mira in disbelief.
'What do you mean? I'm Natsu. I didn't do anything to myself.' Questioned Natsu in confusion.
'That runt was nowhere near this smart!' Affirmed Mira.
'I'm impressed Natsu, it seems my teachings were not wasted.' Said Erza proudly.
'Like hell you made Natsu that smart! Not even you could have analysed all of our respective magical abilities like that, pointed out weaknesses and then advised a way to cover them up so easily.' Refuted Mira.
'I'm with Mira on this. Flame brain is an idiot, this is clearly not flame brain.' Added Gray.
'Come on Gray, cut Natsu some slack, he might not have been the brightest tool in the shed for normal day-to-day things, probably due to being raised by a dragon, but he does do pretty well in most of his fights… when he takes them seriously.' Said Cana.
'Yeah, I'm not buying it. Natsu is supposed to be as dumb as the rocks he wants to teach Elfman to levitate.' Retorted Gray.
'Well, you two mostly only fight, so of course you'd say that.' Muttered Cana.
'I think Natsu is capable of being smart. He did get taught by a dragon, Erza and does spend a lot of time with Lisanna, I'm sure he must have picked up a few things along the way.' Added Elfman.
'Natsu, are you smart?' Asked Happy, from atop Natsu's head.
'Sure I am. I looked after you when you were in an egg all on my own after all. If I was dumb, I might have tried to cook you or something.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
'In any case, whether Natsu is smart or not, he did make some excellent suggestions and I think we should listen to them. Gray, I will teach you how to wield a sword and I would be happy to help you learn Telekinesis, Elfman.' Said Erza kindly.
'I suppose we can help Lisanna, try and learn maker magic. Although I don't know how she is supposed to use it without hands, if she turns into a bird or something.' Said Gray.
'Leave that to me. I have something from a while back that should help, as well as something for all of you.' Said Natsu proudly.
'I suppose I can give Cana some pointers.' Added Mira, after a moment.
'Great, then let's get started. I'll need to get that thing first for Lisanna to use Maker magic without hands, so Gray, if you can just fill her in on the details behind Maker magic, that'd be a good start. As for Erza and Mira, why don't you two have a spar first, before you break off to help Cana and Elfman.' Suggested Natsu.
'Heh, can't wait for a chance to finally scrap the tin-can.' Said Mira confidently.
'Actually, I was thinking the two of you should team up against me.' Said Natsu, getting everyone to look at him in shock.
'That's too stupid even for flame brain! That's practically suicide!' Shouted Gray.
'Natsu, why do you want to make me a widow before we even get married?' Whined Lisanna, getting Mira and Erza to look at her for a moment, before giving a defeated sigh.
'Natsu, maybe you should reconsider.' Suggested Elfman.
'Nope, Erza and Mira fight each other all the time, but never seriously, so they've gotten too relaxed. If they face me though, they'll have to take me seriously, or they'll lose.' Said Natsu confidently.
'Hahaha, you've lost it Natsu! You can't even beat red, there is no way you can beat both of us.' Laughed Mira.
'Are you sure you can handle it, Natsu?' Asked Erza seriously, getting the others to look at her in shock.
'You're considering it? Has that metal around you rusted your brain?' Asked a gobsmacked Mira.
'No, but Master said that Natsu has been holding back in all of his fights. Natsu also confirmed that he doesn't take any of his fights seriously, so I think Natsu is hiding more than we think.' Explained Erza.
"Hehe, oh I'm hiding sooooo much more than any of you think, Erza." Thought Natsu in amusement.
'It's all right if you're scared Mira. You can sit things out and join in with Erza when you feel brave enough.' Taunted Natsu, getting Gray and Elfman to look at him like he had a death wish.
Mira's eye twitched rapidly, a smirk working its way onto her face.
'You really think you can touch me Natsu? I'll destroy you! Roared Mira, lunging at Natsu.
Happy quickly flew off Natsu's head, as Mira neared Natsu, flying over to Lisanna, before watching Mira's attack.
Mira had clenched her left fist and leapt high into the air, intent or clobbering Natsu's face into the dirt, only for Natsu to give a cheeky grin and move to the left, causing Mira's fist to miss him. However, Mira never reached the ground, as Natsu launched his own attack.
'Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!' Shouted Natsu, walloping Mira right into her barred midriff.
Mira felt a flaming fist make contact with her abdomen momentarily, before her world exploded in pain. Mira was launched back into the air and went soaring right past the others, crashing into a tree, leaving the rest, barring Erza, gobsmacked.
'So this is what master meant.' Said Erza analytically, giving a small nod, not in the least bit surprised her rival had been laid out.
'Don't forget about that temper Mira, it leaves you wide open for a counter!' Said Natsu cheekily, only for Mira to explode in purple energy.
She had donned a skimpy red one piece and gained several demonic features, such as claws and a tail. Natsu's observation stopped there though, as she quickly shot at him again. Natsu quickly jumped back, avoiding Mira's superman punch, which caused the spot he had just been standing on to be reduced to rubble.
'Come on Mira, you almost got me that time.' Teased Natsu, before jumping over Mira as she launched another superman punch.
'Feel free to join in anytime Erza.' Laughed Natsu, back flipping away from a claw swipe, courtesy of Mira.
Erza gave a small smile, before unsheathing her sword.
'Very well then, here I come.' Declared Erza, charging after Natsu.
'Natsu is going to die here today, there is no other possible outcome.' Said Gray, watching as Natsu started running away from an enraged devil, who was demolishing any tree that Natsu ducked behind to stall her, while also ducking and weaving under slashes from Erza's sword.
'I'm surprised big sis still hasn't got him.' Commented Elfman in surprise.
The group watched at Natsu ran away from the duo, laughing as he did so, occasionally launching a flaming fist at them when he could, but for the most part, only really dodged their attacks.
'Well, even if he gets pulverised today, I might as well start helping Lisanna, you know, in honour of his memory for when we bury him, after Mira and Erza tear him to shreds… mostly Mira though.' Said Gray.
'Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you Erza, I stole one of your cheesecakes the other day.' Said Natsu, causing the redhead to freeze.
'Scratch that, after both Mira and Erza equally tear him to shreds.' Amended Gray, once Erza had donned her Heaven's Wheel armour.
-line break-Somehow, after thirty minutes, these were the facts. Lisanna had a good grasp over the basics of Maker magic, Cana and Elfman were shocked, Gray was in disbelief and a panting Erza and Mira were exhausted.
'What's wrong? Tired already?' Taunted Natsu.
'This is rubbish! How the hell have we not landed a single hit on him?' Growled Mira deeply.
'Not to mention, he has landed a good dozen on both of us.' Huffed Erza.
'What's wrong? Want a break?' Asked Natsu curiously, enraging the duo.
'Natsu!' They both shouted, before lunging at Natsu.
Natsu jumped high over them, using flames to boost his jump, laughing as he did so.
'Try again!' Teased Natsu cheerfully, as he landed on the ground, before taking off running.
'I'm hungry.' Whined Happy suddenly, causing Natsu to suddenly stop in place, causing the two angry females to rush past him, as they had been preparing an attack for where he would have been, had he continued running.
'You know, now that you mention it, I'm hungry too. I'll go get some food. Erza, Mira, you two can help Cana and Elfman now, let's go Happy.' Said Natsu, grabbing his blue furred friend, before running off, leaving two exhausted female mages.
'H-how did we not get a single hit on him?' Questioned Mira in shock, breathing heavily, as she ended her transformation.
'I have no idea.' Added Erza, now wearing her previous clothes from before the fight.
-line break-'Ne, Natsu, why were you making Erza and Mira angry?' Asked Happy cutely.
'To help tire them out and make them realise that attacking in a blind rage is stupid.' Answered Natsu.
'Is that why you were laughing so much and smiling?' Asked Happy.
'Yep.' Said Natsu happily.
'Ne, Natsu, can we get more fish?' Asked Happy, drooling into Natsu's hair.
'Okay, but only a few. I don't think the others will like fish, so I'll grab something else as well, but first, I need to grab something from home.' Said Natsu amicably.
Natsu and Happy entered their home, a simple one, built by Natsu himself. It was located deep in the forest, so no one other than the two of them knew where it was.
'Now, let's see. Where did I leave those things?' Muttered Natsu to himself, rubbing his chin in thought.
Happy, meanwhile, had decided to get a bit more sleep, seeing as fish would be coming soon.
'I think I left them in the chest.' Said Natsu quietly, before walking over to a treasure chest that was as big as him, before opening it.
'No, no, no, hmm, I might have some fun with these actually.' Said Natsu, searching through his chest, before pocketing two objects which were identical in size and shape, before continuing to rummage deeper into the chest, his feet almost leaving the floor, as he buried his head and shoulders into it, unintentionally dropping Happy into it.
'Aha, gotcha!' Exclaimed Natsu, pulling out a wad of, what appeared to be, rubber bands.
'Now just a few adjustments.' Muttered Natsu, before clenching his fists around the rubber bands, enveloping them in a warm orange glow, before relaxing his grip, revealing the bands once again.
The bands now appeared to be made of metal and had tiny little flame-like motifs running along them. The bands themselves were now black and the flame like motifs were in yellow.
'All right Happy, let's go get some fish.' Declared Natsu.
'Fish!' Exclaimed Happy, leaping out of the treasure chest and startling Natsu.
'When did you get in there?' Asked Natsu in shock.
'I dunno.' Said Happy, before something soft and green fell on his head and covered his vision.
'Natsu, what's this?' Asked Happy, holding out the piece of cloth.
'Hmm, I forgot about that thing… tell you what Happy, that thing can be yours from now on. It will protect you from attacks and you can keep fish in it for later as well.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
'Fish…' Drooled Happy, before wrapping the cloth around his back, forming a backpack, tying it off under his neck and in the process, forming a bow tie of sorts.
'Let's go then.' Said Natsu, with Happy cheerfully jumping onto his head.
'Aye sir!' Cheered Happy.
-line break-'Wow Cana, you're picking this stuff up really quickly.' Commented Mira.
'Thanks, but it isn't that special, I'm kind of basing it off someone else's magic.' Explained Cana modestly.
'Gildarts right?' Smirked Mira, causing Cana to freeze thinking the link between the two had been discovered by the demon.
'Truth is, I wanted to copy the old man's magic as well, but my magic is restricted to the demons I Take Over, so all my attacks become darkness based. Gildarts' magic is neutral though, so I just can't recreate it, but you've come really close. It must help that Card Magic is neutral as well.' Explained Mira.
'What do you mean neutral?' Asked Gray, having wandered over during Mira's explanation.
'Magic is aligned on a scale, Gray, this is definitely something you should know since you use ice.' Mocked Mira.
'Look, just explain it already. I know you're smarter than me, so just get to the point.' Grumbled Gray.
'Aw, well since you asked so nicely, I will. All magic is broken down into a few classes, elemental, which has its own scale, so let's not go into that, light magic, dark magic, neutral magic and everything in between. For instance, my magic is closer to dark magic, while Cana's would be neutral. Then you've got light magic, things like Fairy Law. Elemental magic can be grouped into these things as well, but like I said, it gets complicated. For instance, you use ice, which is elemental, but also a type of light magic, while Natsu uses fire, which is also elemental, but neutral at the same time.' Explained Mira.
'Why would fire be neutral?' Asked Cana curiously.
'Fire is neutral because it can both create and destroy. Ice can only create and can't destroy. It is similar to lightning, which can also both create and destroy.' Answered Mira.
'How can lightning create?' Questioned a stupefied Gray.
'Look, let's not go into the real specifics here, it'll go way over your head anyway.' Said Mira.
'What's that supposed to mean?' Asked Gray, with narrowed eyes.
'It means you're dumb, ice pop!' Shouted Natsu, arriving at the clearing with a big round box in his hands, with a few bands on top of it, while Happy rested on his head.
'Well, yeah. I'm surprised you could figure that out thought Natsu.' Said Mira.
'I'm full of surprises!' Declared Natsu happily, before setting down his cargo and grabbing the bands.
'Now, before we get to the food, I've got something for all of you.' Said Natsu happily.
'What's that Natsu?' Asked Lisanna happily.
'These.' Said Natsu triumphantly, holding the bands in his outstretched hands.
'Bracelets? Kind of girly for you Natsu.' Teased Mira.
'They're not bracelets… here, just put it on.' Grumbled Natsu, walking over to Mira and sticking a band in her face.
'Don't get pushy with me Natsu. I bet I can wallop you this time.' Threatened Mira.
'Just put it on and you can try to beat me up later if you don't like it. Try that is, but you won't catch me.' Said Natsu cheekily.
Mira glared at Natsu momentarily, before obliging him and slipped the band over her right hand. Mira blinked in shock as she felt a strange energy wash over her.
'See, pretty cool, right?' Pressed Natsu.
'What is this thing?' Asked Mira in shock, getting Erza and Elfman to walk over as well.
'Think of it like a magical enhancer, except it is permanent and won't run out.' Explained Natsu.
'Natsu, where did you find something like this?' Asked Erza curiously.
'I made them. It was something I came up with a really long time ago, back around the time I was with Igneel. I just forgot about them. They were in my treasure chest, so I went searching for them, to give to all of you.' Said Natsu proudly.
'You made this?' Asked Mira in disbelief.
'Hey, what's with that look? I built my own house, didn't I? I'm good at making things and destroying them.' Said Natsu defensively.
'Hmm.' Hummed Erza, before taking one of the bands and trying it on.
Erza immediately felt a surge of power, just like Mira had.
'That's impressive.' Said Erza in surprise.
'I know, right? Plus, these things don't just give you a boost in power, they can help with other things as well. If Lisanna uses this thing, she'll be able to use Maker magic without her hands.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
'No way! That's impossible! One handed magic is hard enough, but no hands is ridiculous.' Denied Gray.
'Just wait and see.' Said Natsu confidently.
The rest of them grabbed a band each and put them on, all feeling a boost of power. Elfman then tried to levitate a nearby rock and then to his shock, accidently dislodged the tree behind it.
'Um, yeah, you need to practise to control the boost they give you though, otherwise things like that will happen.' Said Natsu sheepishly.
'Do you have one as well, Natsu?' Asked Lisanna, after she put her band on.
'Yeah, but I wasn't planning on ever wearing them, but since I'm going to be the strongest, I've changed my mind.' Said Natsu, gesturing to his wrist, which had a black band around them each.
'Why do you have two, Natsu?' Asked Cana.
'Oh, that's because these ones are special. Igneel and I made them together, so they help boost my fire magic specifically, watch.' Said Natsu, before pulling something out of his pants in a flash and shot his hand out to the side, before a bullet of fire was shot out and pierced right through a tree.
The group looked back at Natsu, who was blowing smoke off what was in his hand.
'Is that a gun Natsu?' Asked Erza curiously.
'Yep, I figured since you were all going to learn new things, I'd try something new as well. I'll probably keep them out of the guild though, since they're pretty powerful and not really for a friendly scrap.' Said Natsu cheerfully, before putting his gun away.
It was only for a moment, but Erza saw what they looked like. It was a strange looking black handgun, very unusual compared to the weapons used by most gun oriented mages. They had a sleek design and the only bit of colour was two silver markings on the side of the barrel and just above the trigger, along with a small node of silver on the barrel of the gun, directly over the trigger. There were five segmented lines on the lower half of the barrel and a small protrusion on the top half of the barrel, out of which, the fire bullet had been shot.
'When did you get guns? Who the hell would sell an idiot like you guns anyway?' Asked Gray.
'Made them myself.' Said Natsu, sticking his tongue out at Gray.
'There aren't even any bullets in them, I make the bullets with my magic.' Added Natsu.
'Since would could you make so many things by yourself, Natsu? Especially considering I needed to teach you how to read only a short while ago.' Questioned Erza.
Natsu gave a small shudder, before answering.
'I don't need to know how to read to make stuff. Do houses come with instructions? You just make sure you build it properly and it's fine.' Said Natsu calmly.
'Firstly, houses come with blueprints, which are instructions. Secondly, if that's the case, I'm never going to your house, the thing would probably collapse on me.' Said Mira sneakily.
'Well you weren't invited anyway.' Huffed Natsu.
'Now, since I helped you two out before, what do you say about you two helping me practise with these?' Said Natsu, pulling out, not only the gun he had used previously, but a second identical handgun.
'What do you mean practise?' Asked Erza.
'I need moving targets.' Said Natsu.
'Yeah… I'm going to pass on that.' Said Cana warily, looking at the hole in the tree.
'Don't worry, I'll weaken the bullets so they don't shoot right through you… they might sting a little though.' Said Natsu.
'I-I'll just practise controlling my magic over there I think.' Said Elfman nervously.
'Yeah, I'll help Lisanna with her Maker magic.' Said Gray, not wanting to entertain being a target for his rival.
'Bring it on Natsu, you won't land a single hit on me.' Said Mira confidently.
'I would be happy to help you out as well.' Said Erza.
'All right then, on three.' Said Natsu, somersaulting back and putting his guns away.
'Maybe we should move guys.' Suggested Cana, to which the others nodded.
'Why'd you put them away Natsu? Scared? Are you going to cry?' Teased Mira.
'One.' Said Natsu.
'I'm coming too.' Said Happy, flying off Natsu's head.
'Two.' Continued Natsu.
Erza crouched down and Mira simply looked on unafraid.
'Three!' Shouted Natsu, before quickly pulling his handguns out and aiming them at the duo.
Erza managed to leap away in time, but Mira had been caught off guard by Natsu's quick draw and took a flaming bullet to her chest.
'Ah, what the hell Natsu? That burned like hell!' Shouted Mira.
'Better dodge the next one then.' Said Natsu coolly, raising his left handgun to the side and firing a shot, causing Erza to gasp in surprise.
'You're free to try and counterattack, but I don't know if you want to get too close, it makes dodging harder.' Said Natsu teasingly, as Erza had just barely dodged the bullet, which had soared by her face.
'Now, let's have some fun.' Smirked Natsu, before letting loose a firestorm of bullets, which the two female mages were hard pressed to dodge.
'Yeah, we made the right choice sitting this out.' Muttered Cana nervously, seeing Natsu land hit after hit against the two.
After five minutes of shooting, Natsu decided to stop.
'All right, that's enough for now. We should go eat the food I got everyone, before it goes cold.' Said Natsu.
'Man, you completely trashed my clothes Natsu.' Complained Mira, looking at her top, which was now riddled with tiny holes.
'Hmph, I hardly call what you wear to be clothing, midriff barring wench.' Quipped Erza.
'Well sorry tin-can, but not all of us want to look like a pack of sardines.' Retorted Mira.
'What'd you say?' Shouted Erza, slamming her head against Mira's.
'You heard me.' Shouted Mira, pushing against Erza.
'Well, if you two still have that much energy, how about this.' Said Natsu, before a clicking sound was heard from his position, causing the two to look at him, still pressing their cheeks against each other's.
'Look, I can make the two handguns turn into a sniper rifle, which shoots bullets that are twice as strong.' Said Natsu cheerfully.
The gun now had a much longer nozzle, as the two handguns had merged into one longer firearm. The butt of the gun had also lengthened considerably, making the weapon much longer than it had been previously. The red dot that appeared on Erza's face quickly shifted over to Mira's, before moving back to Erza's.
'I'll be a lot more accurate this time, if you want me to.' Said Natsu ominously.
Erza and Mira both looked at Natsu nervously for a moment.
'Or we could just eat, I'm starving after all!' Exclaimed Natsu, swinging his gun off to the side.
'S-sure, let's eat, we need to keep our strength up after all.' Said Erza nervously.
'Yeah, a snack sounds good.' Added Mira, with a forced grin.
'Great, I'm really starving.' Said Natsu, disassembling his rifle, turning it back into dual handguns in a series of clicks, before hiding them away somewhere.
'Well, let's eat!' Cheered Natsu, as he opened the box he had brought with him, pulled out a bento, before digging into it, seemingly oblivious to the befuddled looks everyone was giving him.
In case you are wondering, Natsu's guns are based on the Red Hood's guns from Arkham Knight, if you want a better picture, just google them.