Okay, as I did with ATC, here is a small reveal of a few future harem members. I would give two, as I did in ATC, but these three have a commanding lead over all the others and are quite obvious, so I figured why not. In first positon, we have… Ultear! Who will make her proper debut next chapter. In addition to her, we also have the very obvious… Erza! Lastly, the also quite obvious, but not quite as obvious… Sayla! Additionally, the way things are looking, these four (including Mirajane), may make up the entire harem for this story, unless there is a rapid boost in poll numbers for the other girls. There is one of them that has slightly better odds, but not by a great deal. Possibly with this chapter, one of them may get a boost, but that remains to be seen. In any case, enjoy the chapter.
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 7 – Dominion
'Now, where to go, where to go?' Mumbled Natsu, as he flew through the air.
'I suppose I could try and track down Bacchus for a fight… but I wouldn't know where to look… hmm, what's that?' Muttered Natsu in thought, before his hearing picked up on a very faint sound.
Slowing down, Natsu focused his hearing to track the sound he had heard. Descending down, Natsu landed in the middle of a forest. A multitude of eyes stared out from the forest at him, trying to intimidate him, but it was ultimately fruitless. Natsu released a quick burst of magic, which sent most of the eyes fleeing immediately, while a few hung around, deciding to observe the new creature that had wandered into their home.
'No respect. Do I have to release my full power to scare away cattle? *sigh* Oh well.' Mumbled Natsu, before refocusing on the sound he had picked up.
Walking through the forest, Natsu noticed an occasional new pair of eyes peek out at him from the shadows, but none of the creatures dared approach him. As Natsu got closer to the sound, he was able to distinguish it for what it was.
"Muffled crying? Who would be out here in the middle of a forest to cry?" Wondered Natsu, before spotting a figure, crouched down in the shade of a tree.
The figure belonged to a child, who seemed to be a few years younger than Natsu appeared. It was hard for Natsu to gauge the figure's age accurately, as they were huddled in on themselves and for some reason, completely naked. It wasn't until Natsu was about a metre away from the figure, that they finally noticed Natsu.
With startled green eyes, the figure looked up at Natsu. Now getting a better look at the figures face, Natsu was able to identify it as a young girl. Her hair was done up into two buns on either side of her head, with the rest hanging down to frame her face, reaching just under her chin.
'Why are you out here all alone?' Asked Natsu, causing the girl to flinch back slightly.
Natsu sighed at the girl being intimidated by his question and squatted down to her height.
'Are you lost? Do you need help getting out of the forest?' Asked Natsu more softly.
'I-I'm not lost. This is my punishment for being weak.' Sniffled the girl.
'Who would punish you for being weak?' Asked Natsu in confusion.
The girl didn't answer immediately, shuffling away from Natsu slightly, which caused him to sigh once again.
'Here, you look like you could use this.' Said Natsu, taking off his black waistcoat and offering it to the girl.
The girl looked at the clothes momentarily and considering accepting them, but ultimately refused them, with a small shake of her head.
'I can't be that scary, can I?' Asked Natsu, before sitting down in front of the girl.
The girl avoided Natsu's gaze and continued sniffling, all the while Natsu waited.
'Did he send you? Is this a test?' Asked the girl, after a few minutes.
'A test? No. I was just flying through the area and picked up on a strange sound and came to investigate, before finding you. I don't even know who he is.' Said Natsu, stressing the masculine pronoun.
'He is… my father.' Whispered the girl, holding back a sob.
'… what did you just say? Are you telling me your father forced you into a forest without clothes?' Asked Natsu.
'N-no, I had clothes when we entered, he stripped me when I wouldn't stop crying.' Admitted the girl.
Natsu wanted to explode with anger, at hearing someone treat their flesh and blood family like this. At one point, Natsu and Igneel had fought each other almost to the death, but once they had formed their surrogate family, they had always treated each other with care and respect. Even if losing his memories and regressing in age had a big part to play in that. Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Natsu looked at the girl again. Her sobbing had started to subside, with only a few tears falling from her eyes occasionally. Natsu was impressed if he was being honest, she was tough, of that he had no doubt, but what this man, who claimed to be her father was doing, was nothing short of child cruelty.
'Can I still have your coat?' Asked the girl calmly.
Natsu was inwardly surprised, but obliged nonetheless. The girl was quite a bit smaller than Natsu, as his coat managed to reach down to mid-thigh, before she sat back down again, closing the coat over herself.
'So what are you doing here then?' Asked the girl.
'I was just bored and decided to go and explore for a bit.' Shrugged Natsu.
'Why did you approach me? Do you expect some sort of payment?' Asked the girl.
'Payment? For what? Lending you my coat? Talking with you? No, I just wanted to know what that sound was that I heard.' Said Natsu, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
The girl seemed to relax slightly at this.
'You shouldn't be so kind. Strangers will mistake it for weakness and exploit you. Weakness is not allowed at all.' Said the girl.
'Oh trust me, I'm not weak. Get on my bad side and you'll see I can be quite the demon. However, that is not the way a young girl should be thinking.' Retorted Natsu.
'I am not a young girl; I am a fighter. I already have control over a particularly strong brand of magic and can use it with a high level of proficiency.' Countered the girl.
'That may be, but you don't look older than thirteen to me. I had my own brand of powerful magic back then, but I wasn't dumped in a forest.' Said Natsu.
'I'm fourteen actually.' Commented the girl.
'That's worse then actually, it makes it look like you aren't getting enough food to eat.' Said Natsu, getting a huff from the girl.
It was at this time, that one of the beasts of the forest decided to try their luck for an easy meal and pounced out from the foliage, directly at the girl. The girl recoiled slightly in shock, but didn't have to worry long, as the beast was slammed into a tree behind it, by a ball of flames, killing it on contact.
'Well, that's good timing I suppose.' Said Natsu, standing up and walking over to the carcass, before dragging it back towards the girl.
'Good timing?' Questioned the girl, sparing the reptilian creature a glance.
'Yeah, I just said you needed more to eat and food came right to us.' Said Natsu, before flames engulfed his hand, which was soon plunged into the carcass, splitting it open.
Natsu then broke a branch off a nearby tree, before making a small, shallow hole in the dusty ground, with a fire enhanced stomp, before laying the carcass over the hole. Natsu then grabbed a few smaller branches and a couple of leaves and put them under the beast, before lighting them, causing flames to lick at the animal carcass.
'So since we've got about an hour until the food is ready, why don't you tell me a bit more about this place? Where are we anyway?' Asked Natsu.
'What do you mean where are we? How did you get here if you don't even know where here is?' Asked the girl in confusion.
'I told you, I flew. Everything looks the same from up there.' Said Natsu, pointing to the sky.
The girl glanced up momentarily, before looking back at the stranger who had lent her his coat in disbelief.
'If you flew, where are your wings then?' Asked the girl.
'I don't need wings to fly… but if it will help convince you, I can give this a try. Haven't done this before, so give me a minute.' Said Natsu, before closing his eyes in concentration.
The girl looked at Natsu in confusion, before feeling a burst of magic from the man, before two sharp spikes shot out of his back. The spikes then thickened, before seemingly stretching into existence, bringing with them a sinewy material, in between the joints that appeared. Soon, the spikes and sinewy material were reshaped, forming into two objects that were unmistakably wings.
'So how's that?' Asked Natsu, opening his eyes.
The girl was looking at him in undisguised shock, at his ability to grow wings, causing Natsu to tilt his head to the side in curiosity.
'So I'm guessing by your reaction it worked, cool.' Said Natsu.
'W-what are you?' Asked the girl.
'Hmm, well, if people are to be believed, a Salamander, the son of a dragon, a Shibari Dragon, a demon, a mage, a pyro, but all things considered, you can just call me Natsu, pretty much everyone else does.' Said Natsu.
The girl's mouth had dropped open in disbelief from Natsu's words, causing the Dragon Slayer to chuckle.
'Although I'm guessing the answer you were looking for was a mage, am I right?' Teased Natsu.
'How did you do that and use fire before as well?' Asked the girl.
'Well, before I tell you that, why don't you tell me your name, since it is pretty rude to keep asking questions of me without telling me at least that.' Proposed Natsu.
'It's Minerva.' Said the girl, her eyes tightening slightly.
'Well then, Minerva, I just so happen to be able to use more than one type of magic. Flight and the ability to transform are just extras to my main magic, the fire you saw me use before.' Explained Natsu.
'Why would you need more than one magic? Your fire magic looked strong enough on its own.' Asked Minerva.
'Well, it isn't all about power, but that does help. Versatility is invaluable in a battle between two people of equal strength. After all, if you can't outmuscle your opponent, you can at least outthink them and work the situation to your advantage.' Answered Natsu.
Minerva took a moment to digest these words, thinking over what Natsu had said.
'Is there any particular reason you keep focusing on power and weakness?' Asked Natsu, getting the girl to jump slightly as she was broken out of her thoughts.
'Power is everything. Power is the difference between being strong and being weak.' Said Minerva.
'I see and is that what you actually believe, or only what you think you should believe?' Asked Natsu.
'No, I need to be strong. There is no other choice!' Replied Minerva.
'In that case, fight me.' Said Natsu, standing to his feet.
'What do you mean?' Asked the girl, only for Natsu to punch the tree behind her, just above her head, causing her to flinch.
'You said being strong is all that matters, in that case, fight me. I will decide if you are strong.' Said Natsu, pulling his hand away, as the tree he punched fell to the ground, with a loud thud.
'One punch…' Muttered Minerva in shock, looking at the stump behind her.
'Come on, you better get ready, otherwise you'll end up like that tree. You want to be strong, then act like it.' Said Natsu, taking a few steps back and waiting for Minerva.
Minerva got to her feet, ignoring her state of undress. Natsu waited for her to attack, only for her to stare him down, taking a defensive position. Natsu launched a small fireball at her, only for her to raise her magic power. Natsu waited calmly, only to suddenly find his position had changed and his attack was now heading for his back. Natsu turned around and backhanded the attack to the side easily, shocking Minerva.
'If you are planning to use my own magic against me, you're going to have a really bad time trying to defeat me. My flames can't hurt me.' Said Natsu, before launching two more fireballs at Minerva, who this time, dodged to the side.
Tucking into a ball, Minerva rolled away from Natsu, before standing up in a spring and aiming her hands at him again, the two appendages thrumming with purple magical power. Natsu felt the space around his face distort, before an explosion went off. Minerva slumped over slightly, at the use of her magic, but remained standing and on guard.
'You don't really think that was enough to beat me, do you?' Asked Natsu, from within the cloud of dust kicked up by the attack, causing Minerva's eyes to widen in fear.
'Let me show you a real explosion.' Said Natsu, before leaping upwards, flames encircling both of his hands.
'With a flame on the right hand, and a flame on the left hand, when you combine the flames together, Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame.' Said Natsu, before launching the sphere of fire at Minerva.
Minerva panicked at the sight of the attack, feeling the immense heat coming off it. Minerva launched a blast of magic at it, hoping to detonate it before it could reach her, only to find it futile, as she barely made a dent in the attack. With no other choice, Minerva used her magic to escape the attack, disappearing and reappearing several dozen metres away from her previous position. As the attacked exploded, Minerva realised she had underestimated it, as a wave of concussive force slammed into her and sent her flying though the air.
Minerva cried out it pain, as the wind lashed at her bare skin, before she slammed into something hard, forcing all the air out of her lungs.
'You said power is everything. Power nearly got you killed. The only reason you are alive now is because you used your magic to escape. That is not power, that is versatility. Now, do you want to tell me who keeps telling you power is everything.' Said Natsu, holding Minerva, a firm grip on her shoulders.
Minerva tensed up at Natsu's voice, preparing for another attack, only for him to gently set her down.
'What are you doing?' Asked Minerva, getting Natsu to tilt his head to the side in confusion.
'What do you mean? I just wanted to prove my point, I'm not going to keep fighting you.' Said Natsu.
'No, a fight can't end like this.' Said Minerva.
'Oh yeah, why not? You can't beat me and I don't want to keep fighting you, so I say this fight is over. Now come on, let's go back to the… oh crap! I forgot about the food!' Exclaimed Natsu, running off back to where he had been cooking their meal.
Minerva blinked in surprise a few times, before cautiously making her way back, only to find Natsu staring at what appeared to be, a burnt log. Natsu gave a deep sigh, before throwing the object he was scrutinising away and turning to Minerva.
'Well, I guess we will have to go somewhere else to find food, since I doubt anything is going to be stupid enough to attack us after my little show… I suppose we can get you some clothes while we are it.' Muttered Natsu in thought.
'I can't leave here.' Said Minerva, only for Natsu to look at her in annoyance.
'Why not?' Asked Natsu.
'My father said I needed to stay here. I can only go back when I am strong.' Said Minerva.
'Well then what are you waiting for? Get out of here.' Said Natsu, cleaning his ear with his pinkie finger in boredom.
'What do you mean?' Asked Minerva.
'Look at what this attack just did here. Now tell me, do you think someone who was weak could have avoided it? Or better yet, do you think someone weak could have even avoided my first few attacks? I might not look like it, but I'm not exactly a pushover. For you to survive against me for even a few seconds is proof enough to me that you are strong.' Said Natsu.
'Tears are a sign of weakness.' Said Minerva, causing Natsu to frown.
'No they are not. Unnecessary tears are, but not all tears. Crying because your toy was broken is a sign of weakness. Crying because you were abandoned in a forest, alone, naked and surrounded by monsters that could eat you, is not a sign of weakness. Crying is a natural human reaction. True, the strong rarely cry, on the outside at least… but tears themselves are not a sign of weakness. Tears for a comrade, tears for a loved one, tears for family… those are tears that deserve to be shed.' Said Natsu, staring Minerva down.
Natsu walked over to Minerva, confusing her, before he picked her up, one arm resting under her knees and the other wrapping around her shoulders, pushing her head into his chest.
"Poor girl, doesn't even realise she was crying… what sick bastard would do this to their own daughter?" Thought Natsu in disgust, as he carried the still crying Minerva, out of the nightmarish forest.
-line break-After some time, Minerva had dozed off in Natsu's arms, leaving Natsu to his thoughts.
"What should I do now? I can't just leave her, but do I really want to drag her into my life? No, that is probably not the best idea… I suppose I can stick around for a while at least." Thought Natsu.
-line break- A few months later -line break-
'If Natsu wanted to be found, he wouldn't have said he wanted to go and explore the world.' Said Makarov, calmly taking a sip from his drink.
'But three months? That is far too long to be away from the guild. The S-Class Trials are even coming up soon and there is no way Natsu would miss the chance of being picked.' Countered Erza.
'*sigh* Very well then. If Natsu does not return in time for the S-Class Trials, you may take a team and go search for him.' Said Makarov, getting a nod of acknowledgement from Erza.
'Of course, thank you Master.' Said Erza, giving a small bow, before walking off.
'You need to relax, red. You didn't see what Natsu could really do. Even holding back, Natsu is scary. I doubt there is anything out there that can take him out.' Said Mira, walking over to her rival, before she could start eating her favourite treat.
'So you mean to tell me you aren't worried for him at all?' Questioned Erza.
'Nope. Natsu is fine. It is when he gets back that he really needs to worry, because I'm going to pound him into the ground.' Said Mira, clenching her fist in anger.
'That's amusing. You think you can beat Natsu. He manhandled the two of you without even trying. You two are his submissive little girls and you both know it.' Taunted Laxus.
'Come down here and say that, you stupid sparkplug!' Roared Mira.
'Ha, cute, but all I hear is a little puppy barking.' Laughed Laxus.
'That guy… he's been a real ass since Natsu beat his… and how come you never say anything back to him.' Growled Mira.
'Laxus can say whatever he wants. It is clear his pride has been wounded… that and he isn't exactly wrong.' Said Erza calmly, before eating a slice of her cake and giving a smile of satisfaction.
'Hey, you might be happy being all submissive to Natsu, but when he comes back, I'm going to nail him in the face!' Said Mira.
'You say that now, but, to sadly quote Laxus, we are his submissive girls and we both know it. Besides, there isn't anything wrong with it. Natsu will protect me and I will protect the guild. That was the deal the two of us made on our last job.' Said Erza.
'Yeah, well, I'm still going to at least give him an earful for leaving like that.' Said Mira, sitting down next to Erza, now calm once again.
'You say that, but at least you got to see him before he left and he even helped you focus your drive before he disappeared. Of course I want him here with us, but he deserves some time to himself.' Said Erza.
'Wow, keep up that attitude and he won't ever call you mum again.' Grinned Mira.
'Don't go there.' Snarled Erza, pointing her fork at the white haired girl.
'Oh, touched a nerve there, did I? You know, when, not if, Natsu comes back and I tie him down, that would make you my mother in law, wouldn't it?' Teased Mira, only for a plate to be thrown at her head.
'As if you threw away your cheesecake!' Exclaimed Mira in disbelief, looking at the shattered plate behind her, only to find no trace of strawberries or cream.
Looking back at her rival, Mira noticed Erza's cheeks were bulging slightly. Erza chewed and swallowed, before brandishing her fork at Mira.
'I would never throw away perfectly good cheesecake! Now then, harlot, stand and face me!' Demanded Erza.
'Harlot? Whatever fatty. I'm surprised you can still fit in that tin can of yours, with all the cake you eat.' Quipped Mira.
'Mirajane!' Roared Erza in anger, before the two locked fists.
'Another day at the office.' Said Makarov, with a sigh, before hopping behind the bar, to prevent any stray projectiles from hitting him.
"I hope you come back soon, Natsu." Thought Makarov, hearing numerous things shatter behind him.
-line break-Minerva stood in front of Natsu, panting slightly. She was garbed in what appeared to be a leather skirt, made out of some animal's hide and a wolf's pelt around her neck, along with the coat Natsu had lent her months ago. The few months with Natsu had benefited Minerva greatly. Not only had her magical capacity increased, but her attacks were now much quicker as well. To add to this, she had also grown slightly and her figure had filled out significantly as well, thanks to Natsu's training regimen and ridiculous diet. If she didn't know the forest was positively filled to the brim with monsters, Minerva wondered if Natsu would have eaten it into extinction. It also didn't help that he forced her to eat at least half of what he did, which even on its own was ridiculous.
'Okay, I think we are done here.' Said Natsu, causing Minerva to relax.
'So what next?' Asked Minerva.
'First, we get some food, we'll talk more after that.' Said Natsu, before taking off into the forest, causing Minerva to sigh.
When it came to food, nothing else registered to Natsu. Minerva took off after Natsu, to find he had already managed to grab three beasts and was taking them back to their campsite. After getting them ready to cook, Natsu put them over the fire and waited.
'It is time you go back.' Said Natsu, confusing Minerva.
'Go back? Where?' Asked Minerva in confusion.
'To your guild.' Said Natsu, causing Minerva to look down.
'Is this it? Did you finally get bored of me?' Asked Minerva bitterly.
'Minerva, we can't stay here in the woods forever. I need to get back to my guild and you need to get back to yours, but more importantly, you need to go back and prove that man wrong. You are strong and you can't continue hiding in the forests in fear. You owe it to yourself to go and confront him and prove yourself, not for him, but for your own benefit. Even now, you still don't truly believe me when I tell you, you are strong, Minerva. The only way for you to truly believe it, is if you can go back there and defeat him.' Said Natsu.
Minerva didn't respond to this, mulling over Natsu's words. The two sat there in silence until the food was ready, before Natsu took it off the flames, two beasts for him and one for Minerva. The two ate, slowly and quietly, each thinking on what was to come. Once the meal was finished, Natsu and Minerva stood up. Minerva looked at Natsu with a stern gaze.
'I will go back, but only to prove that you are the better teacher. I don't care about power. I know now that it isn't power that decides everything, but I will make sure I don't dishonour your time and effort.' Said Minerva.
'Just what I expected from you, Minerva. I fully expect you to win and when you do, I want you to fix your guild. A guild isn't merely a collection of mages, it is a gathering of friends and family. Your guild currently, is not a guild, but it is up to you to change that.' Said Natsu.
'I will try.' Said Minerva.
'No, you will succeed. I have faith in you, Minerva.' Said Natsu, before giving a little stretch.
'I'm off now then.' Said Natsu, taking a step away from Minerva.
'I guess you want this back now then.' Said Minerva, taking off the coat Natsu had lent her and offering it to Natsu.
'Nah, you can keep it, I can make my own.' Said Natsu, before a coat of the same style appeared over his form, the only difference being it was in better condition than the one Minerva was offering him.
'If you could do that all this time, why didn't you?' Huffed Minerva in annoyance.
'I figured I'd give you a show to keep you motivated. Later.' Said Natsu, before shooting off into the sky.
'Bastard. He was teasing me on purpose all this time, even when I thought he was completely oblivious… and he saw me mostly naked for three months… I'm definitely going to track you down one day, Natsu… so I can kick your perverted ass!' Roared Minerva, only to faintly hear laughter, being carried along on the wind.
-line break-'Hmm, where to next?' Hummed Natsu in thought, before feeling Sayla contact him.
'Master E.N.D. it seems that we have someone trying to obtain information on you. They have been snooping around some of the dark guilds under our control and even trying to gain information from Tartaros directly.' Said Sayla telepathically.
"Hmm, is that so, what does this person look like?" Asked Natsu.
'Pale skin, dark purple hair and dark brown eyes.' Described Sayla, causing Natsu to stop in place momentarily.
"Sayla, you aren't describing yourself by accident, are you?" Asked Natsu, only to get an indignant huff from the demon.
'If I was describing myself, I would have led with my horns. Besides, my eyes are black, not dark brown.' Said Sayla.
"My mistake. Is there anything else you can tell me about this person then?" Asked Natsu, as he started flying again.
'Yes. She is a member of Grimoire Heart.' Said Sayla, causing Natsu to pull up short again.
"You should have led with that, Sayla." Said Natsu.
'My mistake.' Said Sayla, causing Natsu to laugh, before taking off again.
"Very well then, I have a few more weeks to myself, I'll look into things." Decided Natsu.
'As you wish, Master E.N.D.' Said Sayla.
"I'll make sure to reward you later, Sayla." Said Natsu, causing Sayla to let out a small cry of joy.
"See you soon, Sayla." Finished Natsu, before shooting off at rapid speeds.