A/N: Yo! Wasup Fanfic readers!
Kjblau here once again with a new chapter that I hope you guys will enjoy!
Now I urge you guys to review, fav, and/or follow. If you have any questions or pointers, feel free to message me. I will always do my best to respond as soon as I can.
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Revisions - 1/9/17
Disclaimer: I do not own anything concerning Fairy Tail… It all belongs to Mashima
A Slayer's Pride
Chapter 4: A Fairy Tail Welcome!
"So, Dragneel was in Hargeon recently?" A council member asked as he folded his arms.
The Magic Council had recently caught word on what happened in Hargeon with Natsu and the slavers, as they were on the topic of discussing the recent destruction Fairy Tail has been causing.
"Yes, it seems he handled more professionally then most of those dimwits in that reckless guild of his, though there was some damage caused to the port." Said another member.
"We still can't ignore the issue here! Despite Dragneel's treatment of the situation in Hargeon, the guild still runs rampant causing mass destruction in there wake." Exclaimed one of the members angrily.
"You can't complain about their results though," said a young man with blue hair and a red tattoo that ran down his right eye. "Their success dwindles their destructive ways by far, especially since Natsu Dragneel was made one of the Wizard Saints." Seigrain said.
Two other members, Ultear Milkovich and Yajima, nodded in agreement.
"With all the reports we have been receiving, try to mentally compare the positive over the negative," he continued as some of the other members started to grumble at his words, "their rate of success is nothing to complain about, and the destruction, even less."
"I say we leave them as they are. Besides, if it wasn't for people like them, this world would be quite dull." Many took this offensively and started an uproar of arguments. Ultear did her best to hold back a giggle.
'Well, well, my handsome dragon, you know how to make things interesting," Ultear thought to herself as she blushed.
MEANWHILE
"You ready Lucy?" Natsu said as he placed his hand on the doors to the Fairy Tail guild hall.
Lucy was now shaking in utter nervousness, she was about to walk in the guild she had wanted to join for so long. She spent constant nights dreaming of what it would have been like. Now that she was standing here, she just couldn't believe it.
She looked to him in within an uneasy look and nodded her head. Natsu then proceeded pushing the doors, "Welcome, to—"just a second after Natsu opened the doors, she heard a male's voice.
"ICE MAKE: LANCE!" the voice screamed. All of a sudden, many lances of ice were sent at Natsu. Natsu sighed, he then extended his arm as the ice lances shot at him. Before they could reach him however, they melted and evaporated all at the same time right in front of Natsu.
Natsu then looked irritated into the guild as he dropped his arm back to his side.
"Really Gray? Do you have to do that every time I get back to the guild?" he said to the man across from him.
Gray was still in his stance after his attack and had already gotten rid of his shirt.
"Tch! You just wait flame-brain, one of these days I'll get you and be on top. This whole Wizard Saint thing is bull-crap!" he exclaimed as he marched away angrily.
Lucy couldn't help but be completely confused about what she just saw, "Um, why was he shirtless?"
"Don't mind him," Erza said. Lucy then turned to her confused. "He just lashes out at Natsu to vent." She told Lucy.
"…Huh?" she responded.
"We'll talk about it later, let's just get you inside, shall we?" Erza told her as she gestured her to go inside. Lucy walked in as her confusion turned to wonder as she saw the inside of the guild and examined it from top to bottom.
"Oh Natsu you're back!" Lucy heard a woman's voice as she turned around. There she saw Mirajane running to Natsu as she smiled at him. Lucy only stood there stunned as she saw the famous Fairy Tail model 'Mirajane Strauss? I knew I would see her here, but I wasn't expecting her to be so… cheery. She looks even prettier than she does in the magazines' Lucy thought to herself as she watched Mira jump at Natsu, giving him a hug. Lucy's eyes then strayed over to Erza, who was darkly glaring at Mira.
"Relax Mira, we were just gone for a couple days." He said as he lightly pushed her back. She pouted internally as the warmth that she always felt when close to him was taken away. On the outside however, she just smiled at him.
"Oh well it just felt empty here without you guys." She lied. Erza just stood and watched Mira, while she was fuming 'Who does she think she is, always hugging my Natsu like that? She thinks she needs to do this every time we return to the guild.' Erza thought.
"Don't you need to be working at the counter, Mira?" Erza asked her in a passive aggressive tone.
"Oh relax Erza, it's not like she's depriving anyone of their beer." Natsu said to her. "Hey Mira, can I get a couple of glasses and some whiskey?"
"Sure thing Natsu!" She said joyfully. Natsu then continued to the bar where Gildarts was sitting, with Happy following along. Mira then looked to Erza and stuck her tongue out at her mockingly, Erza became enraged at her antics.
Natsu sat down next to Gildarts. "Any luck this time?" Gildarts asked him as he looked at Natsu out of the corner of his eye. Natsu just shook his head. "Well try not to get too discouraged about it, it's not like life will come to an end if you don't find him."
Natsu sighed as Mira brought him a couple glasses with a two ice cubes in each, and a bottle of whiskey. "I know, it's just that I want to see him again, if only one more time." He said as he poured himself a glass.
"Just try not doing anything too stupid, I'm pretty sure the guild wouldn't be able to handle another depression from you being gone." Gildarts joked.
"Oh, thanks." He said sarcastically as he slid Gildarts his drink and picked up his own. They then proceeded to click their glasses together in a quick motion. "Bottoms up," Natsu said as they both drank. Once done, they sat their empty glasses on the counter as both let out a groan.
Lucy had not moved from where she first stood as she watched Natsu and Gildarts curiously. "Hey Erza, who's that guy with Natsu?"
Erza was busy with an intense staring contest with Mira, who was just smirking at her. Once she heard Lucy's question, she broke her gaze and looked to Lucy.
"Oh, that's Gildarts," she said nonchalantly, "he's one of the strongest members here, and he is Natsu's mentor."
"Hey, I know what will cheer you up," Gildarts proclaimed as he turned around in his seat and leaned against the counter.
"Hmm?" Natsu hummed as he refilled the glasses.
"Check it out," Natsu turned his head to watch what Gildarts was about to do. Across from the room Elfman was about to walk by Gray, who was leaning against the wall with his arms folded while he was internally frustrated. Gildarts then slightly made held up his hand and pointed it at the floorboard, "Crash," he whispered as he sent a small wave of crash magic flew from his hand and came into contact with the floorboard. It then dissipated into many small pieces. As Elfman started to pass Gray, he did not notice what had happened to the floor, he then proceeded to trip and let out an 'unmanly' shriek. Gildarts and Natsu snickered at him as he fell.
Elfman quickly stood up and looked around. When he turned to see Gray, his eyes filled in anger. Hey then rushed up to Gray and punched him.
"Ow! What the hell?!" Gray shouted out as he rubbed his cheek.
"It's not manly to be tripping a man while he walks by with his guard down!" Elfman exclaimed as he glared at him.
Gray just looked at him, pissed, "What the hell are you about?! I didn't trip you!" Gray explained before being punched in the stomach.
"It isn't manly to lie to a man either!" Elfman said as he retracted his fist from Gray who then clutched his stomach in pain. Gray then looked up to him fully irritated. He then proceeded to punch Elfman in the face knocking him back into another guild member who then spilled his drink. "Hey what the hell?!" he asked before he was grabbed by Elfman and being picked up off the ground by the collar of his shirt.
"You want some too?!" Elfman screamed before punching the poor guy into a group by the mission board. Soon enough everyone around the guild started to get into a fight and it became in all-out brawl.
As everyone fought, Natsu and Gildarts almost fell off their seats laughing hysterically. Lucy was just sitting there in shock and confusion at what had just happened.
"And who might you be?" Lucy turned around to see Mirajane look at her with a smile.
"O-oh, h-hi…. I-I'm," Lucy kept stuttering over how nervous she was to meet the idol of Fairy Tail. Luckily Erza spotted this, she stepped forward and then placed her hand on Lucy's shoulder to calm her.
This is Lucy…" she started, "We met her in Hargeon while Natsu, Happy, and I were investigating that rumor that Natsu was given about Igneel."
Mira then stared at Erza curiously, "Oh, so how did the search go?"
"Well we didn't find Igneel, that's for sure. But we did find this 'Salamander' character that was rumored to be there. He just turned out to be a slave trader who used charms to get women to unwillingly fall for him. And he in turn tried to kidnap them, Lucy was among them." She said then patting Lucy on the shoulder. "Luckily, Natsu put a stop to it by raiding the ship and taking out the crew and this fake Salamander. We also found out that Lucy here, is in fact a mage who wanted to join Fairy Tail. That was how that slaver tricked her onto his ship."
"Oh, well that sounds exciting." Mira simply commented. She then turned to Lucy, "So you want to join Fairy Tail, huh?"
"Y-yes," Lucy stuttered as she forced her response out.
"Well you'll have to talk with the master." Mira told her before a bottle flew by between them and shattered against the wall.
"Ok, but uh first…. Don't you think we should stop them," Lucy said as she pointed toward the large brawl happening with most of the members of the guild.
Mira just giggled and smiled at her, "Oh, not really I think it's just best to let them have their fun, it's what makes Fairy Tail the way it is after all." She told her sweetly.
As Gray was in the middle of the fight, he thought he was being overwhelmed, so he decided to bring out the big guns, "All right you idiots! Take this!" he screamed before making hand seals "ICE MAKE—"
"Oi! Ice freak, you're naked again!" Natsu shouted at him from the bar as Gildarts was dying of laughter.
Gray looked down to see he was now completely nude. "Damn it! Who the hell took my underwear?!" He shouted before turning to see Lucy who was next to him, standing there in utter shock and disgust.
Gray then cleared his throat before speaking, "Excuse me Miss, could I borrow your underw—"Gray was once again cut off as Erza slammed his head into her chest plate, knocking him out cold.
"Like I said before, don't mind him," Erza told Lucy.
Lucy's sweat dropped as she turned to see Loke standing in front of her.
"Excuse me beautiful, but I don't believe we've me—"Elfman then punched Loke as he was speaking.
"Real men don't flirt during a fight!" he shouted
"Says the man who never flirts," Loke commented as he jumped back up. He then charged at Elfman and sent him flying back into the brawl as he followed.
"Oho, this is great! The only thing that could ruin this is—"Natsu was about to finish before a large figure landed down in the middle of the brawl, shaking the entire hall. The next thing any of the members who were fighting knew, was that they were all sent flying by the swipe of a very large arm.
"ALL RIGHT YOU DAMN BRATS, THAT'S ENOUGH!" The large figure boomed as he loomed over everyone. The only people who weren't about to wet themselves were Natsu, Gildarts, Erza, and Mira.
"Oh, master I didn't see you there." Mira said joyfully.
"M-Master?!" Lucy had been shocked after what had just transpired.
The large man then turned toward Mira and Lucy, "AH, IT SEEMS WE HAVE A VISITOR," Makarov said as he spotted the girls. He started to walk toward them, and with every step, he shrank more and more. When he was standing right in front of them, he had shrunk to his natural small height.
"He's so short! Is he really the master?!" Lucy asked Mira.
"Well, of course Lucy, I would like you to meet the master of Fairy Tail, Makarov Dreyar!" Mira said to her as she gestured toward Makarov.
"Hello there!" He replied with a large grin as he waved to her. He then turned to the railing and jumped onto… that is after he hit his head trying to get to it. But he quickly regained his composure as he looked out to the entire guild with a stern look. "You've done it again you idiots!" He screamed before pulling out a very thick stack of papers and waved them. "Look at this, the Council has sent me another stack of these! Complaints from people, towns, and cities that you morons have caused trouble in!"
"Gray…" he announced as he read through the papers, "After you cleaned out a smuggling ring, you wandered around town completely nude. That is until you stole a pair of underwear being dried out."
"So… was I supposed to be naked or…" Gray muttered, but Makarov simply ignored him and continued down the list.
"Elfman!" he shouted which caused said man to freeze up in place, "You assaulted a VIP while you were supposed to be escorting him."
Elfman just shot his fists up in front of him and flexed his muscles, "He said that being uneducated was unmanly," Makarov simply sighed as he shook his head and continued.
"Cana, you keep charging the Council for drinks that you take! You're recent charge was 15 barrels!"
"Whoops, I guess they found out," she giggled as she started to down another mug.
"Loke, you have flirted with a councilman's daughter and caused her to get crazy ideas of being a model!" Loke simply looked away while adjusting his glasses.
Makarov continued to name off wizards and their radical behaviors, some simply hid behind others trying to avoid the guild master's wrath. As Makarov finished he closed his eyes in anger and crumpled up the papers.
"You all just keep getting those geezers angry with me." Makarov groaned which caused some of the members to grimace in fear. "But… I say to hell with the Magic Council!" He smirked before the papers in his hand burst into flames. He proceeded to toss the flames back toward the bar, which they then turned into a stream of fire and entered Natsu's mouth as he slurped it up. He gave a burp and lit up with a toothy grin as he looked to the guild.
Makarov then cleared his throat, "Remember, any power that surpasses reason still comes from reason. Magic is not some kind of incredible power, it is a talent that only works when the flow of energy that is created from inside us and the flow of energy from the natural world come together in perfect harmony. To perform magic, you must have a strong mind and the ability to focus. It should be able to take over your being and pour straight into your soul. If we all worry about constantly following the rules, then our magic will never get better. Don't let those fools on the council scare you. Do what you know is right! Because that is what makes Fairy Tail guild number one!" He shouted before raising his hand and making a symbol with it.
Soon the entire guild started to follow his example, they cheered as he finished. Mira stood there with her hand up like everyone else smiling, Gray was doing the gesture while in his trousers that he had just recently found. Elfman was following suit as he had his right arm up and was clenching his left hand and pumping it 'like a man'. Cana had her hand up as well, while her other hand was still wrapped around her mug as she continued to drink. Erza just smiled and followed the master's example. Lastly, Natsu and Gildarts had their hands up making the symbol while their other hands were holding their glasses of whiskey, which they had clinked together.
Lucy just stood there in awe of what had just happened. She then started to tear a bit in joy, 'So… this is what it's like huh? Here in Fairy Tail.' She thought to herself before smiling and making the symbol herself. 'This is… the best day of my life!'
LATER
"So where would you like your guild mark?" Mira asked Lucy as she grabbed a stamper from under the counter.
"Right here would work." Lucy replied as she pointed to the back of her left hand.
"And what color."
"Umm…" Lucy thought for a moment before deciding. "Oh, how about pink."
"Ok," Mira told her before pressing the stamper against Lucy's hand. Once she pulled it away, there now showed a pink Fairy Tail guild mark. "There you go, now you're officially a member of Fairy Tail," Lucy marveled at it for a moment before turning toward three people who were sitting at the bar.
"Hey Natsu look! I got my guild mark!" she exclaimed to Natsu who was sitting between Gildarts and Erza.
"That's great Lucy! Congratulations!" Natsu said to her enthusiastically as he grinned.
"Aye!" Happy inquired.
"So Natsu…" Natsu turned his attention to Gildarts who was smirking at him. "Erza tells me you're the one who picked up Lucy."
"Umm, yeah what about it?" Natsu asked him before taking a drink out of his glass. Though he spilt sum due to Gildarts hitting him on the back.
"You sly dog! I didn't think you had it in you!" Gildarts said as he laughed.
Natsu was about to ask him what the hell he meant, but he lost the chance when Erza slammed her fist into the back of Gildarts' head, slamming him into the counter.
"That's enough out of you," she said angrily. Natsu was confused at first, but just shrugged it off thinking it was one of Gildarts' perverted actions that he never understood.
"Is my dad back yet?" Natsu then looked across the bar to see a small boy standing in front of Makarov while he was drinking his beer.
"Romeo, you're starting to get on my nerves. You're a wizard's son, have some faith in your farther and just wait for him." Makarov said to him impatiently.
"But he said he would only be gone for three days, but it's already been two weeks now." Romeo said as he was worried.
"Now that I think about it, he took the mission on Mt. Hakobe." Makarov said as he remembered the mission Macao had showed him.
Natsu noticed this and got up out of his seat and walked towards them.
"Natsu?" Erza noticed this and watched him head towards Romeo and Makarov.
"That's right, so can't you get someone to go look for him?" Romeo asked as he started to form tears in his eyes.
"Your father is a Fairy Tail wizard like everyone here, and members of Fairy Tail can take care of them-!"
"Whoa, Gramps! Let's not be so quick to thrash out at him." Natsu interrupted him as he approached the two.
Makarov then sighed, "Fine you deal with him," he said as he drowned himself in his mug.
Natsu then knelt down in front of Romeo and placed his hand on his head. "Don't worry about it Romeo, I'll go and get Macao back."
Romeo then snorted before responding, "R-really?" he said looking at Natsu in awe. Natsu nodded at him. Romeo's frown quickly changed into a smile, "T-thank you." He said sniffling.
Natsu then stood up and headed for the door, "Erza, Happy," he said as he continued for the way out of the guild.
"Aye!" Happy said as he shot out toward him.
Erza simply stood up and walked to follow Natsu. Lucy just watched them go
"What's up with Natsu?" Lucy questioned as Mirajane was watching from across the counter.
"Well, Natsu sees a little of himself in Romeo. You see Natsu hasn't seen his foster father for about seven years ago since he left him alone, he was also a dragon." Mira told her.
Lucy looked at her almost instantly with shock, "A dragon! He was really raised by a dragon?!" Lucy shouted.
Mirajane simply nodded, "He was found alone in the forest as a baby by a dragon. After he found him he taught him a lot of things like language, culture and magic. But he just disappeared one day without a trace."
"So that was Igneel they were looking for?" she asked her. Mira nodded once again.
"Natsu looks forward to when he finally gets to see him again." She told her, "Just because we're all members of Fairy Tail, it doesn't mean we don't have our own personal issues with the past and or present." Lucy looked at Mira, she then looked out to see Natsu, Erza, and Happy reach the door of the hall. She then got out of her seat and ran to them.
"Hey, Natsu!" she said trying to get his attention.
Natsu didn't even turn around as he said "Why don't you stick around Lucy." Lucy stopped where she was and stared at his back. "Get a look around the guild, make some friends, and go on a mission if you need to. We'll be back soon."
"Gray," Gray shot up from his table quick as Erza walked up to him.
"Y-yeah?"
"Watch over her while we're gone, why don't you try showing her how team missions work?"
Gray just stood there in his uptight position, "R-right."
Erza then returned to Natsu's side as he looked at her for confirmation. "Ready," she said as they proceeded out the door.
"Try to stay out of trouble Lucy." Happy said as he flew by them and waved back at her. Lucy just waved back and watched as they left the guild.
Makarov had just finished his drink as Wakaba walked up next to him and leaned against the bar next to him and Gildarts.
"That Natsu, always running off every time he thinks someone's in need," Wakaba stated as he smoked his pipe. Makarov just nodded. Ever since Natsu and Gildarts had returned, Natsu would do all he could to make sure that all of the members weren't stranded on some mission that they were unable to finish, always going to check to see why they were gone for so long. He never took a lot of S-class missions, which got him badgered by Erza many times. But he always seemed to drop everything and leave anytime he heard one of his friends had not returned when they were supposed to, or had not been heard from in a while.
Makarov knew why, it was because he never wanted to lose anyone close to him again. Makarov knew that he would always blame himself for her death, and he would do his best to make sure all his friends got back to the guild safe and sound to try and make up for it.
This was why Makarov put his name forward as a Wizard Saint; he knew that with his power and his compassionate heart, he would be an excellent candidate.
Makarov then reminisced of around the time Natsu became one of the ten.
MONTHS AGO
"You did what?!" Natsu shouted out after hearing the news he was given.
Makarov just glared at him with a stern look, "I placed your name forward as a candidate to become a Wizard Saint."
Natsu looked down at him shocked, "But, why?! Why would you put me as one of those stuck up snobs?"
Makarov simply ignored the fact that he just called him that. "I nominated you because you have heart Natsu. You fight harder for those you care for more than anyone I've seen in my entire life. And now you have the strength to back that up no matter what happens."
Natsu just stood there for a moment before speaking, "… sorry Gramps, but I—"Makarov cut him off as he held up his hand to get his attention.
"Think about it this way Natsu, if you're a Wizard Saint, everyone will know who you are. And when people know who you are, there will be those who become quite reluctant to harm anyone you are connected too, whether it be a guildmate or just another friend. Your name would inspire courage throughout the hearts of those around you, and fear into those who wish you, and those you care for, harm."
"…I don't…know…" Natsu said, he had become torn. He knew that the Wizard Saints were the ones known for their strength and power throughout the entire country. But then if he accepted and was made one of them, he would be up to his neck in responsibility. He would always need to be careful if he ever took missions, as the regular amount of destruction he caused would be seen as an example to others, and that would affect developing mages. He would also need to report straight to the Magic Council, the same people who despised his antics and couldn't stand how he would always let loose and destroy much around him. He just wasn't sure he was up for it.
Makarov just sighed as he heard Natsu's response. "Natsu… I know about what happened with Acnologia." Natsu grimaced, he knew that Gildarts would have told him, and he knew that it would come up eventually. "What happened wasn't your fault Natsu, what did happen though was that you came out of that with your sanity. That is something few can actually do, after a mess like that." Natsu started to shake as the memories started flooding back into his head of what happened that day. "If anything, you came out of that a new person. Someone who promised himself he would not lose anyone again, whether they die or they disappear. So you now do what you can to keep that promise." Makarov told him as he then went back to looking stern. "And that promise is why I put your name forward."
Natsu quickly turned his gaze to Makarov in surprise. "W-what?" he asked as he didn't understand.
"If you accept this title Natsu, not only will you be able to protect your friends physically, but you could also protect them from being prosecuted and sent to prison. And if I know our guild, it's bound to happen one of these days. But if you had the right status, you could consult with the Council to have them released. This is another thing you can do to protect your friends Natsu. Do you wish to become one of the Wizard Saints, to protect those you care for?"
Natsu stared at Makarov, stunned. He had just been told that he could save his friends in a way he was never able to do before. If he could do this, he would never have to lose any of them to the decision of the Council.
"Y-yes" he finally replied.
Makarov nodded and then sighed and looked to the side toward a dark spot, "You know, it's not polite to eavesdrop Erza." Natsu looked up in surprise as Erza walked out into sight.
"I was just curious as to what was so serious that you two needed to speak privately," She replied nonchalantly.
"Well then, while you're here, what do you think?" Makarov asked.
"I believe… that Natsu would make a wonderful candidate," She said.
Natsu just stood there for a moment before turning his attention to Makarov. "So what happens now?"
Makarov turned his attention back to Natsu, "Well, since you accepted, I'll need to send word to the Council and book passage to the Fiore Branch for your examination trial…" He then looked back to Erza, "I'm assuming you'll be coming too?"
"Of course." Erza said without hesitation.
Natsu took a second before speaking up, "Can… Gildarts come too?"
Makarov was a little surprised to hear this odd request, but he quickly understood, "Sure… That is if he can promise not to destroy anything while we're there."
As soon as he said that a large shockwave was sent across the guild as it shook.
"My bad!" They all heard Gildarts shout. Makarov could only sigh.
"This is going to be a stressful trip."
A week later, the four had left by train so they could reach the Fiore Branch. Once they arrived at their destination, they made their way to the Fiore Branch building. They made their way down a large linear corridor, it was lined with columns that lead straight for a large pair of doors. Before they could reach the doors, however, their attention was caught by a small old man coming out from behind one of the columns.
"Ah Maki, it's good to see you," said the man as he approached them.
Makarov smiled slightly, "And you old friend." He then looked to Natsu. "Natsu this is Yajima, he is a friend of mine and a member of the council. He is also one of the three that Council Members that nominated you for this position, so show some respect."
"Oh go easy on the boy Maki," Yajima told him as he approached Natsu. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Natsu."
Natsu looked down to him, "Uh, hello…" he replied cautiously, not wanting to upset him or Makarov with his usual greeting. He then became curious as to something Makarov mentioned. "Gramps said you were one of the guys who wanted to make me a Saint, right?" Yajima nodded, "So if you don't mind, could you tell me the other Council members that nominated me?"
"Hmm… well, I can, but you may not know them." He started, with Natsu still staring at him blankly for an answer to his question. "Their names are Ultear Milkovich… and Seigrain."
Both Natsu and Erza were shocked to hear the latter. Natsu did not know the woman Yajima named, but he knew full well who Seigrain was… or at least he knew of him from what Erza told him.
One day while Natsu, Erza, and Happy were traveling, they were on foot and night had fallen. They decided to make camp and continue on the next day. After putting up a couple of tents they built a fire and sat by it for a while. Happy had already fallen asleep. Natsu and Erza sat there for a while in silence. Natsu was getting bored and started to feel uncomfortable with the awkward silence, so he started to talk with Erza. First they spoke about little things, like how long they'd been in the guild, what they had been doing the last couple of years, and the little interests they had in certain things. They then started to move to a more serious topic, like what was their life like before the guild. Natsu spoke about his time with Igneel, how he taught him everything he knew, how he treated him, like he was his own son. He told her about how devastated he was when he just woke up one morning to find Igneel gone. He had wandered aimlessly, hoping that he would find his foster father and reunite with him. This led him to stumble across Master Makarov on his travels, and he took him to Fairy Tail. He taught on how important it is to have friends and family, to care for people and how to fight for them. Erza could only feel sympathy for him, she just wanted him to know that she understood what it was like to be alone.
But when she was asked by Natsu what her life was like before the guild, she was reluctant. She didn't like talking about her past with the R system, the only other person she told was Master Makarov. But then, she realized that this was Natsu she was talking to. She knew she could trust him with anything, and he had promised her that he would never leave her. So she slowly, but surely told him the events that transpired since she was a small girl. How she was kidnapped by a little girl by Zeref worshippers who took her to an island to build a tower, along with many others that were taken from their regular lives and forced to slave away building this tower. She told him how she met other children there, such as Simon, Shō, Milliana, Wally, and Jellal. She started to talk about Jellal, how he was an optimistic and cheerful young boy that she had befriended. How he had been punished for an escape plan that she had come with, by taking the blame for it himself. She told Natsu how she started a liberation for the slaves in order to save him. But when she had found him, he was not the boy she once knew, somehow he had become twisted, sadistic, and power-hungry. When she said she was there to rescue him, Jellal just laughed her off, telling her that there wasn't true freedom. He then proceeded to beat her, then telling her to leave all on her own, and to leave the other slaves. He only gave her a small rowboat that she used to leave the island. She wandered about the sea aimlessly until she came to land in a place she did not know. All she could think of doing was moving forward. Doing this, she soon crossed paths with Makarov, who also brought her to Fairy Tail. Telling her that life there was like having to live your life with family, how everyone always looked after each other. At first Erza had been reluctant, but was soon convinced after she met most of the people at the guild, granted she did start a little rivalry with Mirajane, she felt like the guild had become her new home.
After she finished telling Natsu her tale, she hadn't noticed a stray tear roll down her face. Natsu noticed this as he stood up and walked to her. He sat down beside her, and to her shock, wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to him. When she asked what he was doing with a blush on her face, he merely stated that she needn't keep her guard up with him. He told her that he would always be there for her, and he told her how much he hated to see her cry and to see her in pain. She then lightly sobbed into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him, Natsu stroked her back as he told her to let it all out right then and there, so she would no longer have anything to cry about. That night they ignored their tents and spent the night in each other's comfort.
Of course Erza later told Natsu about Seigrain, Jellal's supposed twin brother. So he was in shock as to why he would nominate when he didn't even know him, or this Ultear person.
"Is something wrong?" Yajima questioned as he saw the expression Natsu was giving. Natsu was knocked out of his stupor by Yajima's question, he looked down to him and waved him off as he scratched the back of his head.
"Oh, no it's nothing," he told him with a nervous smile.
"Uh-huh… well anyway, I just wanted to give you a fair warning before you enter." Yajima continued, "The council has heard of many of your successes lately and with the nomination, we have decided to give you a trial to test your metal."
"What does this trial entail?" Makarov asked as he stepped forward, Erza and Gildarts also had grown curious.
"Well you know how it goes Maki, he'll have to be pitted against one of the other Saints," he told them. "But it will be one of the lower ranked ones."
Makarov continued to look at Yajima with a curious look, "Well since it isn't me, there could only be three that are going to be his opponent."
Yajima nodded, "Though I can narrow that down for you, Jose had sent the Council a message saying that he would be unable to participate due to some issues with his guild. And Seigrain declined the challenge, even though being number ten."
"So that only leaves number nine…" Makarov inquired as Yajima nodded. "Jura…"
Yajima's image started to flicker, "I'm afraid Maki that I am required to return to the meeting now, I'll see you when you enter." He said to them before flashing out.
Makarov then turned to Natsu, "Listen Natsu, from what Yajima told me, your opponent will be the ninth Wizard Saint, Jura Neekis. He is very proficient in earth magic, you will need to beware his attacks; they're very powerful and could finish you off in a few hits if you're not careful."
"Oh come on, old man," Gildarts said as Makarov turned his attention toward him. "No offense to Erza, but if I had to guess, he wasn't even using… I'm gonna say a good thirty percent, of his power against her."
Makarov's eyes widened as he turned his attention back to Natsu, "Is this true Natsu?"
Natsu then scratched the back of his head, "Well I wouldn't say thirty but uh—"Natsu stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Erza looking at him.
"It's alright Natsu, during our fight, I could tell you were far from coming close to even half your full power."
"Really? …Well then Gramps, I would say, yeah, around thirty," he told Makarov nonchalantly.
Makarov's surprise then turned into a smirk, "Well then, I guess I was worried over nothing. I now think you're more than prepared for this."
Natsu simply grinned as he heard him say this. "What are we waiting for then? Let's get in there and get started so I can get my title already," Makarov and Gildarts chuckled at his response as Erza smiled at him proudly.
"Alright, let's get this over with," Makarov said as they walked to the doors.
Once he opened them they walked into a round room that looked similar to a court room. At the other end, there were seats for every member of the Magic Council and at this moment all of the members were present.
Natsu looked up at all of them his eyes passing by every single one, until his eyes came to a stop at a single member. He glared up at Seigrain, and in turn, Seigrain looked down on him with his palm caressing his head as he smirked at Natsu. Natsu had known instantly who it was by Erza's description of him. As soon as he laid eyes on him, he couldn't help but… despise him. If this was the same face as the man who hurt Erza, he could feel nothing but hate for it.
"Natsu Dragneel," boomed the voice of a member who was in the middle of the rest. Natsu glared at Seigrain another moment before looking to the man who called on him. "You are here in accordance with our summons for your examination to become one of the Ten."
Natsu turned his gaze over to Makarov, who was looking to him as well. He nodded his head in confirmation to Natsu, "Yes," Natsu replied.
The chairman kept a stern look on Natsu the whole time. "Not only one, but three of our members has nominated you, as well as two members from the Saints themselves. So you are to be pitted against one of the Saints, you will fight them to take their place. Win and you gain his title, lose and you will receive nothing. Do you understand?"
Natsu then nodded. After he did the room began to glow. Everything was covered in the glow, Natsu covered his eyes so the light wouldn't blind him. When he the light died down, Natsu started to open his eyes slowly and lower his arm. What he saw, at first he couldn't believe. The court room had disappeared, and he was now in some large arena. The ground with which he was standing on was large and circular, near the edges there was a pit surrounding the entirety of the arena. Over the pits there were large entrances that were connected to nothing as they led into the pits. Above the entrances, there seemed to be balconies that overstretched slightly over the arena as those who looked over the edge could see the entire area below them. A stone roof covered the entire room.
Natsu turned to see that Makarov, Gildarts, and Erza were gone. He then looked to the balconies to see them all, watching over him near the edge of the balcony. He also spotted members of the council in high chairs overlooking the arena.
Natsu then looked to the chairman who had started speaking, "Now, Natsu Dragneel, your opponent…" He then pointed to the other end of the arena. Natsu turned around to see a large bald man standing at the other end. He was tall and had a heavily muscular figure. His eyebrows where small and oval-shaped and lied just above his black eyes. His attire consisted of a miniature poncho that was slung over his shoulders, though it still showed off his midriff that had large black stripes overlapping his abdomen. He wore green scale-patterned sleeves over his forearms, and his lower body had a long skirt/poncho that was held up by a brown belt.
"Jura Neekis, the Ninth Wizard Saint." Boomed the chairman as announced Natsu's opponent to him.
Natsu stared at Jura for a moment before forming a slight smirk on his face, "Yo," is all he had to say.
"It is an honor," Jura said as he lifted up his arm as a greeting. "Let us make this a battle to remember," he told him.
"You are both here for a battle of power, you are to do what is whatever you believe is necessary to achieve victory. However, you are not to kill your opponent, if extreme mortal harm is caused to one of you, the victor will face consequences."
Natsu and Jura nodded not leaving each other's gaze. The chairman then raised his hand.
"Now…" He shouted before throwing his arm down as he said, "BEGIN!"
Jura showed no hesitation as the battle began. He raised his arm quickly and pointed at Natsu with his middle and index and his thumb clenched back. As he did his form glowed bright yellow. Dozens of large earth pillars formed around him and floated waiting for him to signal a strike. After he thrust his hand, the pillars shot very quickly at Natsu.
Natsu stood there and waited for the pillars to reach him. Once they reached his proximity he started to move quickly, dodging some of them. When some would come as soon as he dodged another, he simply swat or kick them in another direction as he prepared to dodge any other pillars heading for him. Jura just continuously formed pillar after pillar and sending them at Natsu. This continued until Jura finally felt like it had become pointless. He then lowered his arm to stop the attacks.
Natsu kicked away the last pillar before flipping backwards and landing on the arena floor, unscathed.
"You are quite the adversary to dodge that onslaught." Jura stated.
Natsu just gave a light chuckle, "you kidding? That wasn't even a warm-up." He said before raising his arm and gesturing his middle and index finger, by pulling them back and forth challenging Jura to continue his attack.
"Well then, I guess it's time to intensify this a bit," he said after chuckling.
He then did the same thing with his arm as he did the first time, except this time his aura had become even brighter and much denser.
"ROCK AVALANCHE!" He shouted before large chunks of earth started to rip off from the ground and were lifted into the air and were collecting in large amounts in front of Jura, he then thrust his hand once again to throw and large net of boulders to charge at Natsu.
Natsu stood there for a moment before giving off a slight smirk. He raised his right arm up so that it was pointed at the large boulders heading toward him, his hand was open as he pointed his palm out.
Gildarts grinned as he realized what was about to happen. Natsu then shouted two words before the rocks reached him.
"FLAME CRASH!" After this, a large wave of fire was sent out in front of him in a rectangular form. It shot out at the rocks and created a large gap in the field of boulders, which Natsu used to rush through, as the field passed him by.
Natsu had rushed so fast to Jura, which Jura did not have enough time to leave his stupor and prepare himself for the blow he would receive.
"FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!" Shouted Natsu as he engulfed his fists into flame as he socked Jura in the cheek. Jura was knocked down hard, as he hit the ground he created a large crater in the arena.
Natsu landed and stood in front of where Jura was. Jura quickly regained himself and stood up. Natsu then pressed his assault as he went at Jura again for another strike. He then jumped into the air. After reaching the peak of his jump, Jura decided not to give Natsu another chance to attack.
"IRON ROCK FIST!" he shouted as the ground in front of him formed into a gauntlet and shot toward Natsu with it still attached to the floor, using the ground to extend its reach. Natsu saw this coming and prepared himself to dodge. As the gauntlet reached him, he ignited the flames in his hand and was thrust to the side of the attack as the pillar still extended from it. He then broke out into intense speed down the pillar.
Jura saw this and raised his arm quickly so he could form the columns that he started with and shot them at Natsu. Natsu then started to launch his flame crash spell so he could block and nullify the pillars flying at him as he quickly made his way down toward Jura. Jura then realized that he couldn't stop Natsu with an offensive, so he stopped with the pillars, and placed all his magic energy into his palm, creating a large rock shield.
"FIRE DRAGON'S SWORD HORN!" Natsu shouted as he ignited his entire body in flame and charged at Jura's shield. He head-butted the shield at an extreme speed, and with so much force, that at first contact it cracked the shield. Jura did his best to hold up his shield as the sheer force of Natsu's attack had pushed him down to one knee. Then suddenly, he saw the fire that Natsu was emanating had rapidly flared even more. After this, Jura's eyes widened as large cracks were created in the shield. Natsu's attack had finally turned Jura's defense brittle. So Jura broke it off before Natsu could destroy it, sending a large shockwave around the arena, clouding the area in dust.
Jura, who had become wounded and worn out from the blast, was now standing in the middle of the crater. He then panicked looking around, doing his best to find where his opponent had gone. He was about to look around when he heard Natsu.
"FIRE DRAGON'S…" Jura looked frantically as he heard the voice. Feeling an immense amount of heat from below his waist he looked down. Natsu was crouching right in front of him and started to suck in building up his flames. Jura didn't even get a moment to react before Natsu released his attack. "ROAR!"
The flames that had formed in Natsu's mouth were let loose and burst out into a small stream at first, but after it hit Jura, it extremely got larger in size, engulfing anything in its way. After it past Jura, the stream blasted forward quickly and hit the edge of the arena. It then went through and continued to stream outside of the building and blasted into the sky.
The flame started to die down slowly. And as it faded out, two figures were left from the blast. Natsu stood over the downed Jura looking over his limp body. Disappointingly, he turned and stared to walk away… that is until he heard Jura's voice from behind.
"IRON ROCK WALL!" He heard him shout before large rectangular columns quickly shot from the ground; creating a path toward Natsu. Natsu saw this just in time and side flipped out of the way to avoid the columns. He then looked over toward Jura, who was now on his knees and heavily panting as his clothes had become severally tattered.
"It's…not…done….yet," He said in between breaths as he had a small smile on his face.
Natsu chuckled once again, "right," he said before looking back up at Jura with a serious look, "Then hit me with your best shot!"
Jura finally managed to get to his feet, and after he heard Natsu say this, he started to build what he had left of magical power.
He then waved up his right arm, and as he did chunks of rock started to fly up in front of him. He then thrust his left arm forward toward the rocks and launched them at Natsu. They were on him in an instant and stuck on him as they built up rapidly. The rocks just kept building up on him until they completely engulfed his body.
"SUPREME KING ROCK CRUSH!" He shouted, before he slammed his palms together. As he did, a large set of magical hands came into existence surrounding the large rock formation that encased Natsu. They then mimicked Jura's movements as they slammed together and crushed the rock formation that was between them, causing a large explosion.
Debris flew all around as Jura stood where he was as he slumped down, and was almost completely out of breath, near the edge of unconsciousness.
"Well… it… looks as if—"
"Woo!" Jura's eyes widened in shock after hearing Natsu's voice. He could barely turn his head, but when he did he saw Natsu standing by him with his hands behind his head and his vest no longer being worn and his pants were completely tattered.
"If I had not got out of that when I did, I think you might have just won," He told him.
"How did you—"Jura started before Natsu punched him, effectively knocking him out.
"Sorry, but if I'm gonna protect my friends in any way I can, then I need this title." Natsu whispered in his ear before laying him down on the ground.
Up in the balcony, everyone had been watching the battle intently. The only people not shocked by what was happening were the Fairy Tail group, Seigrain, and Ultear, who appeared to be recording the battle with her orb as she watched the battle.
Erza simply smiled as she saw Natsu's finishing blow, 'That idiot, always overdoing it' she thought to herself.
The entire arena had been torn apart due to the battle that was just waged. Natsu stood and walked to the edge, where the council was overlooking the arena.
"Well I suppose that we have a victor…" Seigrain stated loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Yes," The chairman started, "Natsu Dragneel…"
Natsu looked at them with a scowl.
"You are about to receive one of the most prestigious positions in all of Ishgar. With it comes responsibility, a duty to uphold the law set by this Council. You are also expected to set a greater example to wizards, to show them that power is not a toy, it is to be withheld and only used in the most extremist of circumstances. You are also to report to this Council regularly on any incidents that occur, however small it may be." The chairman said to Natsu who never looked away from him.
"Do you accept?"
Natsu moved his gaze away from the chairman, and looked to his group. Makarov just stood on the railing of the balcony sternly looking down on him. Gildarts smirked at him while his arms across.
But the only kind of confirmation that he cared for, was Erza's. When he finally looked to her, he saw her with a grin on her face. She had watched him very closely through the entire battle, and never once did she have any doubt in him. She wanted nothing more than for him to accept, but she felt reluctant. She knew Natsu, but she also knew someone can change if given too much power. She didn't want to lose Natsu to his power, but she also didn't want him to feel indifferent about any other decisions that he would later make. So she simply nodded to him.
Natsu sighed, finally getting the confirmation he needed. He then turned back to the chairman, who seemed to be getting impatient.
"Yeah, I'll take it." He said as he flashed a toothy grin to the Council. Most of the members were annoyed, but Seigrain and Ultear smiled at his response.
"…Congratulations, Natsu Dragneel, we, as the Magic Council, hereby dub you the Ninth Wizard Saint," The chairman boomed while irritated.
Seigrain sat there in thought as he stared at Natsu and then looked to Erza, while she smiled down at Natsu admiringly. 'Well… This is going to be very interesting.'
PRESENT
"What? You think we should stop him?" Makarov replied to Wakaba's comment.
"I didn't say that," Wakaba said to him.
"Then stop your moaning and complaining and just be proud our guild has kids like that," Makarov told him.
"Ah, whatever," Wakaba said. "Anyway, why did you put Natsu up for the position and not Gildarts?"
"You kidding?" Gildarts spoke up after finishing his drink. "I can't stop destroying things, you think those old geezers would want to place me as an example to others." He said before he started laughing.
"By the way Gildarts…" his laughing slowed down as he looked to Makarov, "The Council finally sent me the bill, how could you possibly—"Makarov looked up to see Gildarts was sneaking away, or at least tried to as his crash magic obliterated a table that he walked into.
"Oh, you're not going anywhere," Makarov said before using his titan magic to pull in a weeping Gildarts.
For Gildarts knew, that another 'punishment' was nigh.
A/N: Wohoo, another chapter for you all to enjoy!
Now, I urge you guys to review, fav, and/or follow my story. If you have any questions or pointers, feel free to message me and I will reply as soon as I possibly can.
And with that, I AM OUTTA HERE!
Next time on A Slayer's Pride – Chapter 5: Titania's Resolve!