Wow, reaction to the last chapter was absolutely fantastic. I read some long, encouraging reviews, and JPMod, highlighted a point I would have most likely skipped.
Naruto's fears for Mei may actually lead to him hesitating to form any relationships, but I will try to work around the issue. Mei is still alive - that much I can divulge. I will work around what happens when the time comes, but for now, the focus is on Fiore.
The fairy phantom god
In the end, she couldn't do it. There were many possibilities that Ultear thought, many options she thought of taking while staring at that blind woman, but in the end, she'd swallowed a large chunk of her pride and ego, and forced a smile that hid the fury behind the mask. She had smiled at the woman and did something she found to be detestable. Listening to that woman brag about how much of a lovely person Naruto was did nothing but fuel her desire to see that man suffer for the embarrassment she'd faced.
Ultear was a proud woman; she refused to bow to anyone but herself. Yes, she did sulk up to Hades, but that was all just a part she was playing. Grimoire Heart was just another stage she played many of her parts in the storyline she'd composed for herself. But there were things that were starting to frustrate her plans. To be more precise, someone was becoming a major problem to her. And she still knew little about him. Not even that woman knew his history; she could only tell of the present, but there was nothing tangible for her to use, nothing concrete for her to cling onto as her gold.
Still, this was just the beginning and things were little interesting in this way. But for everything, she was going to find his weakness, use it against him, and make him her pawn. She would use him; chew him until there was nothing left of him. Then she would dispose of the trash and move on to other things. Ultear wasn't to be outsmarted, not now not ever, and certainly not by that man.
A knock on the door snapped Ultear of her daze; ''Come in,'' she said, sitting behind her desk inside the Magic Council's tower within Fiore.
''The meeting is about to begin, Ultear-sama.''
Ultear sighed; a meeting of the Magic Council. The meetings were often tiresome, and some were amusing. But dealing with stubborn old people without any real power to speak of wasn't that easy, especially when they didn't listen to 'youngsters' that well. They believed they were more equipped, and wise enough to deal with anything because of their many years of living and the experience they have accumulated in their lifetimes. But age wasn't everything, especially in this time.
''I'll be right there,'' Ultear said, sighing once more. She took her time before her feet dragged her body towards the meeting room. The passages were rather silent as she walked by. Perhaps it was all in her mind; perhaps it was because her mind was wrapped up in her little dream world because of the worrying situation that she found herself in.
Ultear finally made it at the room; the others were all but waiting for her to make her appearance. ''We've been waiting for you.'' Ultear didn't bother to respond as it was dead obvious that they'd been waiting for her to make her awaited appearance.
''Let us just get on with the meeting,'' Siegrian said. He didn't have a clue as to what the business of the day was. He didn't know of any other impending situation that may need for them to be called to this place, at this time.
All eyes turned to the chairman who seemed to be in thought. Getting over his thought, the chairman started speaking, ''I called you because of a thought 'I've come up with,'' he added, ''It is obvious that our people are not getting the desired information about this ''phantom,'' in light of this, I've come up with a better way to get the results we require; we recruit him to work for us. That way, we can keep a close eye on him.''
'Well, that was unexpected,' Ultear thought. This would give her an excuse to be seen with Naruto, but at the same time, it would give that bastard all the reasons to appear before her all he liked. Another bright idea said is that she could keep a very close eye on his activities as well as boss him around a bit. Since he was going to be working for the Magic Council, and she was part of the council, it ultimately meant that she would be his superior.
What an unexpected turn of things!
''I understand the merits of recruiting, but should we really trust someone like him? We know nothing about him.''
''Isn't it that we're trying to get as much as information we can from him while he is close to us, hence the thought of recruiting him?'' Ultear said, revealing nothing of what she was really thinking. ''If he is recruited, we will be able to monitor him without the current limits, and we also be able to use him... for the good of the magic world. Who knows, we might even convert him,'' that last part was definitely her own agenda.
Unknown location
Naruto's movements suddenly slowed down and he jumped down to the ground from the trees he was hopping. Someone was following him and it had been like that for some time now and it was now starting to get to him. He hadn't tried hiding his presents nor increasing his speed to get away from the person; he had kept going like he had been so that the person could be finally brave enough to reach him and speak his/her business. He had already discovered that the person was not going to attack, so there was no need to be alarmed.
The blond landed gracefully and turned around. He waited for a few moments while the silent forest hit him with a cool breeze that washed over his senses without violating anything. After a few moments, a man, wearing dodgy black clothes landed on the ground; he seemed rather tired from running after him. Naruto could identify the man as an Anbu if he was speaking in the terms of his former world.
The only piece he was able to recognize was the upper clothe, which had the symbol of the King's guards. He had once dealt with the chief of the royal guard, so he would know. Besides, he'd spent enough time at the capital to tell things apart. ''What is a member of the royal guard doing here, away from the capital?''
The man didn't correct Naruto as he was half wrong and half right; yes he was from the capital, but not exactly part of the royal guard. There was no need for Naruto to know all that, so he didn't say anything. ''I have a message from his Majesty,'' Naruto's eyes narrowed a bit, but he said nothing. ''He wishes to speak to the man who has been close to the princess.''
''A call from the king isn't actually a request, isn't it?'' Naruto asked. He knew the answer to his question. When a king called you, you had to go because he wasn't requesting for your presence but actually summoning you. If one knew what was better, he would quickly follow along the summons. Still, if you had the power to stand up to anyone or anything like he could, he didn't have to bow to anyone because of their authority.
But because he had a relationship with the man's daughter, he had to go. If it wasn't for Hisui or the fact that he was interested in hearing what the King of Fiore wanted to say to him, he would have definitely said no to the summons, even if it was coming from a king. ''Lead the way...''
Instead of just teleporting straight to the capital, Naruto chose to allow himself to be lead by the 'messenger.' It wouldn't do any good if he chose to teleport and leave the man behind, and besides, he didn't have that much of a twisted sense humor to watch the man return to the capital looking all tired because he had to hurry back as he'd left him behind.
''You're a very hard man to track, Uzumaki-san,'' the man with Naruto suddenly said as the two made their way towards the carriage he'd left hind... somewhere. He wasn't exactly sure since he'd moved about a lot quickly to cover ground with Naruto's movements.
''You have me in your sight, so I can't be that difficult to find,'' Naruto said smiling, but inside his attention was surely focused on the man. Nobody actually called him Uzumaki in this world. Hisui knew his family name because he'd told her, so it wasn't much of surprise that people from the royal family would know, but to actually call him by it was another matter.
''Actually, I've been looking for you since your last visit to the capital,'' Taraga said a bit firmly.
Naruto arched a curious brow; that had been about a month ago, and so far, he wasn't doing anything to hide his presence nor teleporting that much. Anyone with enough skills could have tracked him down if they so wished. The main reason he'd done this was because he wanted to see which of the main top dogs in the dark guilds would be coming after him. It wouldn't do any good to his conscious if he brought trouble to Fairy Tail, but so far, he was both disappointed and relieved that no one was following him from the dark circle.
''Why didn't you come to me while I was still inside the royal castle?'' He had spent some time with Hisui during his day visit to her, and there were many opportunities that represented themselves for someone to make contact with him - Hisui wasn't watching his every move after all.
''His Majesty thought it best to speak to you when you thinking of leaving, and I'd time my schedule to talk to you outside the Royal castle, but you just disappeared. I only got help from her Highness, and set out on a journey to find you.''
A day later
The capital city of Fiore, Naruto never quite got enough of it. The place was just unlike anything in the Elemental Nations. The Fire Lord didn't have a place as this big despite controlling the strongest country. There were many rich kings in other nations, outside of the shinobi world, but none were placed like this. Naruto was also coming back to this place a lot more than he'd thought when he first left. He didn't have much to complain about though.
His role in this world was to root out evil that another man had so ignored, and only realized on a later stage what he should've done, but by that time, the world was already a mess. If that man had acted, things may have been a bit different. But this wasn't the time of buts and ifs. He had a role to play, and to be able to have an influence in a world like this, he needed to take advantage of everything, even friendship to the king. Who knows? It might bring him more good than harm.
''Do you wish to see her Highness, or should we head straight to the King?''
Naruto shook his head; Hisui could wait, and besides, he hadn't come here to speak to her - he'd come here because he was called by her father. As soon as he finished business with the king, he was going to leave the royal castle so that he could go and deal with other matters. ''I will see the princess some other time,'' he said.
Taraga actually turned to face the blond, but merely shook his head. ''As you wish...''
Naruto didn't feel like questioning the look he was given by the man, instead, he just followed him silently as they made their way towards the King's residents. As they walked past the corridors of the castle, Naruto realized that the place was a lot bigger than he'd first thought. Even though he ventured about with Hisui, he'd never walked quite this long inside the castle.
Not too long, the man he was walking with requested him to stand still after they'd reached large double doors. Naruto assumed that this was where the king was stationed. It was a bit curious since he wasn't exactly like living in under the same 'house' as his daughter. However, given all the things that Hisui does, and the responsibility the king has, it shouldn't really surprise him. He wouldn't be surprised if their relationship isn't that well like father and daughter.
The doors suddenly opened, and Naruto was led inside the king's quarters. He felt that something really big must be happening for a commoner like him to be welcomed into the quarters of the King. This was the personal space of his royal Majesty, not just any place and only those trusted ever came into this place. The mischievous part of him grinned at the thought of playing a little inside the king's court, but his more rational self quickly shut down the thought.
Naruto was led towards a room, splashed with a large table and chairs with all kinds of food decorating it. Naruto wasn't that much of a eater to be drooling over the admittedly, mouth-watering food - at least it appeared that way. ''Your Majesty, I came quickly as I could when I received your summons,'' that was obviously a lie. But who cared? ''I must say, I am honored that his Majesty would find it fit for a nobody like me to appear before him.''
Kurama would probably be rolling in laughter right about now. Ever since he gained godly power, Naruto had never bowed his head before anyone; he refused to do so, not even before Hagoromo, not even before the so-called Nine-tailed Demon Fox. He was doing nothing more the part. It was necessary: he knows the type of man the king was, and he was sure as hell not going to be a puppet to anyone. The 'part' was needed. The more kind part of him wouldn't agree to this kind of method, but the godly, mischievous part of him would certainly agree.
The king of Fiore noted that Naruto called his message a 'summons', and despite lowering himself to appear more humble, he still left an aura around him that spoke other volumes. ''I am glad you could take your time to come here, Naruto,'' he sounded way too familiar than he should be, considering that this is their first meeting, ''or do you prefer to be called Phantom?'' the small figure of a king added, smiling.
''Naruto is just fine,'' Naruto said, putting a smile of his own. ''If I may, what is it that his Majesty summoned me here for?''
''Please take a seat and fill your stomach; food is available,'' the king said. ''We'll talk after you've eaten.''
Though not that hungry, Naruto helped himself. A few minutes passed as Naruto ate in silence. He didn't bother to look at the King every now and then, but he knew that the man had his eyes on him the whole time; it was at such moments that ignorance was truly bliss.
Fairy Tail
It was finally happening; after two weeks of wondering around the country of Fiore, looking for nowhere, going nowhere, but just taking a stroll around the country, Naruto had finally decided to return to Magnolia, for the joining of Fairy Tail. There had been so much in his mind that he needed to cleared, but he couldn't do it just sitting around at one place, hence the stroll. It was refreshing seeing new sights and new people as it brought upon new kind of thoughts as well give him an opportunity to escape from the dream that drenched him in cold fury.
He didn't want anything happening to Mei because of his own actions. He didn't want to think that his desire, his dream and all the sacrifices he'd made had been in vain. It would be total loss to know and find out that he'd suffered for nothing, to realize that he'd caused so many people pain for nothing. The shinobi world had received much sacrifices from him, he didn't think he would do any more sacrifices to do more. He would even possibly curse anyone who dares violated what he sought to build.
It was these kinds of thoughts that had him wondering about the country, trying to clear everything so that he didn't go to Fairy Tail in a bad mood. Things wouldn't be well if he went to the Guild feeling out of it. A calm mind was needed to keep the mask on. He didn't want to show anyone things that he kept hidden because he couldn't control the troubling thoughts inside of him. He was playing a dangerous game, thus he needed to be in guard in almost everything he did or he would end up making a mess of himself and those around him.
He was doing this - joining another home of warriors, fighters. If it had been the shinobi world, this would be like joining another shinobi village. Though, that probably wouldn't happen in his lifetime. He would have rather be a wondering shinobi rather than join another village. Perhaps creating his own village was an option he would do, but joining an existing village was a no no. There wouldn't be any feelings of betrayal towards Konoha. The village had done nothing than curse his existence from the day he was born after all.
''Oh, better get this done with,'' Naruto said to himself. He was being all emotional about the whole matter and it was somewhat embarrassing to his title as the demon god. Well, he was no longer called that, but the little god voice in him was cringing at the thoughts that had plugged his mind.
''Are you lost?'' Gray asked, looking at the back of Naruto. He'd noticed the blond standing near the entrance of Fairy Tail from a long way back. He didn't see exactly who it was because Naruto was wearing something different from the last time he was here; he was now wearing a long black coat without collars; the coat was reaching just bellow his ankles, and there were was a red flame pattern along the hemline.
''No, not at all,'' Naruto responded calmly, turning to his left to face the Ice Maker wizard, who was now standing just beside him.
''You...'' a look of recognition passed through Gray. He couldn't forget the face of the man who had come to the Guild some time ago. ''What brings you back to the Guild?''
Naruto smiled, ''I wish to join Fairy Tail,'' the blond responded before walking into the Guild, leaving Gray behind. The noisy wizards were still present in the Guild; perhaps it was because it was just past breakfast time. He halted his footsteps to see if there was anyone he may have encountered along the way, but there was no one present so he went straight to the counter where Mira was standing.
''Wait up!'' Gray called, rushing towards him. The blond didn't stop though as he knew the black haired Ice Maker would catch up to him and it wasn't like he was going to suddenly disappear.
''What is it?'' Naruto asked as the Ice Maker had caught up to him before he could reach Mira, all while ignoring the chatters happening around the Guild hall. There were certainly a number of mages going about different matters, but Naruto wasn't concerned about them at the moment to pay them any attention.
''Why would you wanna join this guild?'' It wasn't like he didn't like new people coming to the Guild, Makarov never turned anyone down. But he was curious about this one, after the little he has heard, even a bone-head like Natsu would be curious... Or not.
''Because I like this place,'' Naruto simply said, again, leaving Gray behind. This time, the Ice Maker didn't follow the blond. He simply went ahead to sit with the others for another day as a Mage of Fairy Tail within the country of Fiore. Even though it wasn't the kind of response he wanted, Gray accepted it without questions.
Naruto breathed a sigh of relief when he sat down on a stool. He was used to ruckus occurring on his background; he had worked as a barman after all. What happened here last time was nothing compared to what he had to deal with in the capital during the night when he was doing his shifts: there was really nothing more troublesome for a barman to deal with than drunken fools who didn't know their places. Those people said anything and did everything they felt like doing, right or wrong and that often got to him.
The Fairies only caused some damaged in their 'joy' but there were no curses been thrown around and vulgar language violating his hearing as well as all kinds of detestable things being done to woman by immoral men. The noise that occurred in here was a noise of happiness, and friendship. So, it was acceptable and a nice thing for a change. He certainly couldn't have lived under those previous conditions without blowing someone's head off...after long periods of suffering.
Damn, he really does think some nasty thoughts sometimes. Well, he blamed his past life for it.
''I was thinking you were no longer going to return,'' Mira said lightly, handing the blond a jug of orange juice, as it was what he ordered the last time he was here; she didn't forget.
''I got lost while in the long walk of life, and I had to find my way back, again,'' Naruto said smiling. It had been close to a month since he last came here, but he hadn't said he would return soon - he'd just told her he would eventually return to the guild. There were pressing matters that he had to handle and some thinking needed to be done before his return, hence the longer than expected period taken for his return.
It wasn't a typical answer that she had expected to hear from him, nor had she expected him to spill out everything he had been doing over the past weeks, but she wasn't expecting such a response; it was almost weak for an attempt to tell her he didn't want to tell her anything. Well, she hadn't asked anything, so it was alright. Still, the look on his face clearly told her that he wasn't quite invested on trying to hide anything. His response was almost like a shrug.
Mira nodded, ''you weren't bitten by anything while lost where you?''
Naruto shook his head, keeping the smile, ''no,'' he added, ''I was careful along the way. See, I'm still in the same condition as I came and even got this,'' he pointed at the coat which had replaced the cloak he was wearing last time.
''The coat looks better on you than the cloak,'' Mira said, smiling. Really, it did. The sleeves were tight against the hands, and it hanged perfectly on his shoulders as well as gave him a more...well an image that suits what they now call him. The smile he wore really killed any thought of evil though.
''I know right?'' Naruto checked himself a bit. ''This shop owner said it would look good on me when she sold it to me while I was looking for a sword.'' He never got the sword from the blacksmith though. The kind of weapon he needed was one made out of the toughest material. But she was able to point to him where he could get the material, and were to get it crafted for him. ''How have you been, anyway?''
''Good; you?''
''Well,'' Naruto said.
''So, are you here for the other matter, or just to see Master?'' Mira asked, a bit quietly. He had been asked for a talk by her master, but he'd left shortly after that saying he needed to meet another appointment, but had said he would return. He'd also said he would return for them to finish up the business they started during his visit.
''Both, and another matter, actually,'' Naruto said, holding out three of his right fingers. Another matter was joining the Guild. Makarov also seemed like he wanted to have a word with him the day he came here. He didn't mind having a conversation with the old man, as long as he wasn't forced to say anything he didn't want to - well no one could force him to do anything he didn't want. When it came to moving him, it was an impossible feet.
Mira raised a brow in curiosity. ''Another matter?''
Naruto's smile brightened, ''I wish to become a member of the Fairy Tail family, isn't a 'family' what they call this Guild?''
As surprised as she was, Mira didn't show much; she was experienced in life better than that. It wasn't everyday that you hear a man who was terrorizing dark guilds say he wants to join a Guild like Fairy Tail. Naruto wasn't associated with the light world, despite showing to be an enemy of the evil - that is according to popular belief anyway. Makarov had been able to get some information regarding the blond, and as it turned out, destroying Dark Guilds wasn't the only thing that he did with his life.
In some other parts of the country, he is what many could call, a Good Samaritan. While he wasn't busy being the enemy of Dark Guilds and making things disappear, he was helping out those people in need. There were a lot of towns he'd helped, and didn't even accept a pay from the work he did. Normally, anyone would accept the reward, but as one of the mayors questioned had said, he merely said: ''give it those in need of it.''
It made Mira curious on how he sustained his though. As far as Intel suggested, Naruto didn't have any connections with any Guild to say that he was being paid for the work he was doing. The fact that he was even here meant that he didn't have anyone. So, if he wasn't getting paid by anyone, and refused to take rewards, where did he get the money to sustain his life?
''For real?'' Uncharacteristically, she questioned, looking straight at his eye. Makarov had suspected that when he said he would return to the Guild, it may be the case, but he wasn't positive. Nevertheless, he had left a message saying that if he does come, he shouldn't be turned down. He was a nice person after all. Well at least that is what it looked like despite the dark clouds above him.
''Yap!''
Mira settled her thoughts before nodding to herself. She smiled and spoke, ''For someone with your reputation you must have had offers to join other Guilds, of any kind,'' if she was interested and was a Guild Master, she would have made attempts to recruit him to her side. If all the rumors were, well, according to Makarov, most of it was true, then he would be a valuable member to a guild.
''Of any kind?'' Naruto repeated Mira's last words with a raised brow. ''You mean like from both legal and dark Guilds,'' it wasn't stated as a question, just a statement as there was no single doubt that it was what Mira meant. ''Yes, I've had offers, but I turned them down. When people come running after you because of what they've heard, they want something. In my case, any Guild that has attempted to recruit me is only after what I can offer. To be more precisely, they just want to use me,'' the blond gave his honest response.
It was understandable that he would wish to avoid being a tool to anyone. Even she wouldn't like being a tool used to satisfy someone's needs. She was standing where she stood because of a choice, and when she fought for the Guild, it wasn't because she had no other choice but because she desired to protect what she loved.
''Why Fairy Tail?'' That was asked out of curiosity more than anything. Though Makarov suspected he may want to join the Guild, there was reason given on why he would require to do such a thing.
''It is a good Guild, and I think it is the strongest Guild in Fiore. I've come across different guilds in my travels, both good and bad, but there's never been a guild quite like Fairy Tail, and what I see in here pleases me. Besides, Mirajane Strauss, has a reputation of being a good person, as of late anyway, neither does Makarov Dreyas have a bad reputation,'' Naruto explained why he chose Fairy Tail. Those weren't his reasons entirely, but it covered everything.
As far as Mira could tell, he was being honest, but she was sure that he didn't tell her everything. Well, she wasn't expecting anything less anyway. ''Okay,'' Mira said. ''I will get that fixed in a moment. What of other matters?''
''Is the Master of this guild present?''
Mira shook her head,'' No she said. ''But he should return to later on...''
''Right,'' Naruto took a thoughtful pose before nodding to himself. ''Since there seems to be no problem with me joining this guild, I will go look for a place and return after lunch to get my membership fixed.''
''Do you need help with that?'' As far as she was concerned, he wasn't familiar with the town, so she thought it would only be thoughtful if she asked so to offer help if it was required.
''No, I can manage on my own,'' Naruto said, finishing the last of his juice.
Mira nodded, ''I can get you registered in no time, if you'd like to get it done before you look for a place to stay.''
''Let's do that then,'' He'd thought the process would take some time, but apparently, it didn't require that much time from him.
Naruto's new apartment
Another home; living on the road was problematic in this manner. He could never have one place to call a home. He was always moving about, that meant he could never really call any place a home since sooner or later he was going to pass by. Yes, though he called it 'home', it wasn't home; this was just a cave he'd made for himself just so he could have a place to rest his head after another day of work. He wasn't just roaming around the world without purpose, he had things to do, and it forced upon this kind of lifestyle. But it was alright, it wasn't going to be like this forever.
Still, he wasn't planning on staying in this world forever; he had his own home. Even though he should be dead in the timeline of his former home, he still wanted to return, he still wanted to see the events that transpired after his death, he still wanted to see Mei smile again. It was only if the situation sickened him to no end that he would choose to return to this world and continue with the rest of his life here, living as a wizard. For now, he had no plans though.
It would be most damaging to his mind and sanity if things are not as he hopes. If anything does occur according his nightmares then he would certainly be infuriated with those people. He may have been all kind, and forgiving, but playing demon had certainly left a new mark on him, and that mark always reacted when he was wronged; its reactions weren't so pleasing to the offenders. In fact, the reactions would certainly be downright murderous.
Naruto shook his head, clearing it of such thoughts so that he could focus on the positive side of things. Dwelling on the sad part of things that did nothing but bring out the worst in him and it wasn't going to help his course. It was only going to corrupt him and sway him out of the line he'd promised to follow.
Officially, he was now a member of Fairy Tail, hence the decision to get a place to stay within the Town of Magnolia. Since he wasn't that big on things, he didn't lease out a house. He didn't need extra spaces or any other things that one would require; bedroom, sitting room, bathroom, and a kitchen were all that he needed. And so, he got such a place that offered him all these, and he hadn't been slow in filling the place with furniture.
After that, this was what happened; he sat down on the couch staring at the ceiling, reflecting on life while waiting for his guest to arrive. She'd cent him a message saying she wanted to talk to him, and he had sent her what was needed for her to make an appearance into this place. The look on his face wasn't that speaking of joy, but it was a forlorn expression.
Ultear was a little surprised to see that he would have them meet in his place, but she didn't comment on it when she found something puzzling; the look on his face. it was the kind of look that she sometimes makes in her moments of vulnerability. What was even puzzling was that he allowed her to see such a look. Their relationship was based on who had the better cards to screw the other. If he allowed her to see such a look, she could narrow her search for his weakness and may actually manage to bypass his usually tight defenses.
''Don't be surprised,'' Naruto started, ''We all have our moments; you may think that the whole world is in your hands, but there is one day that you will realize that it isn't the world in your hands, but your own little world of imagination,'' he then stood up, that look now gone, replaced by his usual smile.
It was gone, like it had never been there. Did her allow her to see that look on purpose? Ultear wondered as he made his way towards her. She got so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn't even realize it until it was too late that he'd invaded her personal space; he was dangerously inches away from her face, and his right hand was rested about her waist. It felt perfectly positioned to keep her from moving away from him.
Not the one to be flustered or bow to the pressure, Ultear merely smile despite how uncomfortable she felt since she obviously wasn't in charge of their current position. Just by allowing her to see a glimpse of his vulnerable face, she'd become so excited that she'd forgotten that she was inside his den, his home ground. ''What are you doing?'' she asked, a little too nicely.
''Say, Ultear-san, you're a woman in the Magic Council, don't you get lonely sometimes?'' Naruto said in a whisper, strongly pulling the woman closer to him, he added, whispering into her right ear. ''Don't you have those moments you just want to satisfy your body? Allow it to be dominated by a strong, capable, and manipulative man? Don't you get those days you just want to ride something like a mad donkey...'' yap, he wasn't as effective as Mei. The Mizukage was better with seduction. ''Aha, I'm not good,'' he mumbled, turning towards the kitchen without even bothering to look at Ultear's expression. Naturally, this was done on purpose.
The woman was rather relieved that he'd done so. After a few moments of gathering herself, she placed her right hand on her right hip and asked, ''what if I was going to respond positively?'' she said, having heard his mumble.
''I'm no good,'' Naruto said. ''I wouldn't bite if you did. I may be all bark, but am quite honestly harmless,'' the blond said smiling; now facing Ultear. It wasn't actually true, but who cared?
''That isn't according to that woman,'' Ultear said, not changing her posture.
''That woman?'' Naruto repeated in thought before a look passed through. ''You mean Aika? Oh, she says a lot of things about me. Most of them aren't true,'' he grinned, ''don't tell her, but she doesn't actually know me as much as she thinks she does,'' he said. Ultear may have frowned at that, but decided against it. ''What did she do for you to call her 'that woman' anyway?''
''Nothing, nothing at all.''
''Ho? So she did nothing, but I did everything. If something does happens to her, it will be my fault,'' Naruto said, reading her underlining tone. ''Is it really the time to make threats, Ultear? I mean, we haven't even consummated our relationship. Wouldn't it be better to wait until then?''
Ultear chuckled slightly before walking up to Naruto. She leaned closer to him, whispering, ''I'm not making threats, Naruto. If I were making threats, you would know it without a doubt, and I assure you, you wouldn't be standing here, smiling like that.''
''Oooh!'' Naruto's smile turned a little goofy. ''Is this foreplay or are we just talking dirty?''
That wasn't the kind of reaction Ultear expected from him. In fact, she was so surprised that she made some distance between them and stared him straight into his eyes, ''are you mocking me?'' Much to her annoyance, he nodded before continuing with his movements away from her. The nerve of this man!
''Please sit down, Ultear,'' he said, strangely a bit serious. ''Would you like something to drink?''
Ultear blinked a few times before shaking her head; she sat down because she really needed to and think over everything that has happened ever since she arrived. Naruto has shown her different masks; he could be anything he wanted to be, and that didn't depend on the situation. Aika's life was in serious trouble if he messed up with his dealings and he not even for once seemed seriously concerned about it. In fact, he had poked fun in the matter, regardless of how serious it was. Didn't he know she wasn't joking? Of course he did, but why react the way he did?
Simple: because he can.
The leader of the Seven Kin of Purgatory smiled slightly at the thought. She was beginning to understand how he worked, and this certainly worked for her advantage. She wasn't at total loss. ''New place?'' It seemed like it. She wouldn't exactly know since she'd been 'teleported' straight into the apartment; she didn't get a chance to see the outside of the apartment.
Naruto nodded as he sat down beside Ultear on her right side. ''Magnolia,'' he started. ''I just recently packed everything. So yes, this is a new place for me, at least.'' He was holding a bottle of water, which he didn't open, but placed it on the small table in front of him.
''This means you're finally going to settle in one place,'' well, that for once, this made it easy to find him. She hadn't thought he would be settling anytime soon, with all the trouble he's been causing. But she didn't question it. ''You didn't say anything about finding a place to settle in our last 'meeting,' if you had, I could've found you a better place...''
''Well, you didn't ask me, did you?'' he then put on a sly smile before adding, ''I didn't think that you were so eager to get me into the sack, Ul-chan.''
Since she didn't feel like it and was kind of interested in how he would react, Ultear snorted, ''keeping dreaming,'' she said.
''I might just,'' Naruto said.
'He always has an answer for everything and seems to like having the last word,' Ultear thought. But of course, that could all just be a mask hiding the truth. ''Why Magnolia?''
''Didn't I tell you?'' As if he had really told her, he put on a surprised look. 'I have become a Fairy Tail Mage.'' He sounded like a little boy who'd just been given that sacred toy he so desired with all his heart, and grin on his didn't make Ultear believe otherwise. ''Here's my guild mark...'' it was on his left cheek, hidden beneath the hair that framed the sides of his face, and red in color.
Whether she was surprised or not, Ultear didn't let it show. ''Why Fairy Tail?'' Out of the guilds he could have joined, he chose that Guild? Fairy Tail seems a little too nice for someone as 'not nice' as him. People like him didn't become associated with the fools of that Guild. So why would he do something like that.
Naruto closed his left eye and winked at the purple haired woman, ''that's my secret,'' he said. There was not even a secret to hide, he just liked playing 21 questions with the woman as it was somewhat fun.
Ultear frowned for a second before shrugging. ''I better state my business before I become too comfortable in here,'' she said purposely. Naruto just looked at her, waiting for her to spill out her business. ''In the next days, you will get a message from the Magic Council, summoning your presence back at HQ. They wish to hire you so that you can work for them.''
''I see,'' when it mattered, his expression became blank, depriving her of a chance to tell what he thought about the news. She didn't show her disappointment though. ''You must be happy.''
''Why do you say so?''
''Well, I will get to disclose some information about myself to the council, and I can't just runaway as I have now become a mage of Fairy Tail. Moreover, since you're a member of the council, you can get me to do whatever you like, business or personal. I would have no option but to do as you request. The Magic Council isn't going to ask for me to work for it, isn't it? They are going to tell me.''
''Don't be down about it, perhaps it might not be so bad,'' Ultear said smiling. ''And I wouldn't think of making you do anything you don't like...'' That was an obvious lie; both knew it, but still chose to act like it was nothing.
''Really? Well that is a relie...'' Naruto trailed off when he heard a knock on the door. Who could it be?
''Are you expecting anyone?'' Ultear asked. If he was, she could take her leave. But home was pretty far away while in this place. She would've have to leave in the same way as she came.
''Not that I can think off, but I don't think we have any more business since you've said what you wished to say,'' Naruto said standing up, so that he could open the door. ''You're free to leave; I've got to return to the guild anyway.''
Ultear stared at Naruto for a few moments; she knew he said it on purpose knowing that she would need his 'help' to leave. If he was waiting for her to ask for the help to return to HQ, he had another thing waiting for him. She could make arrangements to get back without sucking up to him. Ultear wasn't going to step that low.
''Oh, I forgot,'' Naruto said smiling, seemingly amused - Probably by what he assumed was going inside her mind. ''Some other time then,'' he said, holding out a single hand seal. The magical seal appeared under her, ready to erase her existence in Naruto's apartment.
''You should teach me how to do this,'' Ultear said. ''It will simplify things,'' she was gone after that.
Naruto rolled his eyes, 'yeh right,' he thought going towards the door. He was beginning to like her presence though. Still, times with that woman were truly draining. If he made one little mistake she could capitalize on, he was a dead man. By the way things were playing out; he wouldn't be surprised if she thought of doing all sorts of horrible things to him. He was playing with fire, but banked on the gallons of cold water he had saved up to keep him from being burned.
''Mira,'' it was the white haired S-rank wizard outside his door. He'd forgotten that she'd requested his address when he returned to the guild to check for Makarov, but he didn't think she would be here so quickly. ''Come in.''
''I'm not here to stay,'' Mira said, shaking her head. ''I just came to inform you that Master has returned and wishes to speak to you.'' When the blond came to the Guild, Makarov had been away, but since they'd expected him to turn up, she didn't hold back on his acceptance as a member of Fairy Tail.
''Lead the way...''
As they walked throughout the streets of Magnolia, Naruto noticed that Mirajane, despite not being overly active as a Mage over the past months, was very much a familiar face to the people of the Town. Well, that shouldn't have been much of a surprise because she was a famous person, always in the front page of weekly sorcerer, and had a very 'nasty' reputation as a wizard.
''You wouldn't believe that I am walking besides a person who can wear the mask of a 'demon' and terrorize her opponents,'' Naruto said, smiling ever so slightly. She looked like an innocent lady with a warm heart. Well, as far as he could see, she had a warm heart, but going just by appearances, he wouldn't believe that her 'other' side existed. He'd never seen the woman fight, but he'd heard some intriguing rumors about her.
Mirajane Strauss, an S-rank wizard of Fairy Tail. She had a rivalry with Erza during those days, but now she was a grown woman with a kind smile. Still, she had a rather strong will. Naruto couldn't really compare with anyone from the world he used to live in, but the warmness that she exuded made him intrigued and very interested in knowing more about her. A source of light and someone beaming with happiness was needed in the miserable life that was of his.
He wasn't living his desire in this world, and was plagued with fears of what might happen to the world he'd chosen to die for and the woman he left behind. It wasn't a choice for him to be here, and if it wasn't because of the heart in him, he would be looking for ways to get away quickly. But he disliked evil, he wanted to save people, he was a kind person, just a little diluted by the hatred he'd been forced to carry during the glorious days as the demon. So, he continued living, he continued to hold on just so he could at least do something right.
It would certainly put on a strong hand over him if he manages to do much good in this world. Even if his efforts in the Elemental Nations were fruitless, he could at least have something to smile about, knowing that he hadn't lived a wasteful life.
''Neither do you look like anything people say you are,'' Mira responded quietly. ''If you continue to expand your ''fame'' you might even replace me at the cover page of weekly sorcerer.''
''Ow, isn't that for beautiful woman only?'' Naruto asked lightly.
He'd just said she was beautiful, but Mira didn't put much thought to it - it wouldn't do any good if she dug deep into it. Besides, he hadn't directly stated that she was beautiful. ''Maybe,'' Mira said. She wasn't active as a mage anymore, but her poses and fame kept her in the cover page. Naruto wasn't famous, he was infamous amongst guilds.
From there, there was nothing but silence until they reached the Guild. The silence wasn't too comfortable, nor was it awkward; it was enough for the two to reach into their thoughts without feeling something scratching their backs. Once they'd reached the Guild, they were greeted by a fiery feast of brutal love and joy. Mira didn't mind it all as she just zipped past the commotion, on her way towards the counter: probably hurrying over to do the work she'd left behind.
Naruto remained at the entrance, overlooking everything that was occurring. He hadn't seen so many mages since he first came here. It looked like almost everyone was back in the Guild, and by the looks of things, there was a party to celebrate this happening. He was tempted to scare the crap out of the Fairies, just so he could have a laugh. He hadn't played pranks in a long time, even though he used to do them for attention, he couldn't deny that they were amusing. Only hell when he had to clean up after everything.
A smile crept into his lips as he thought of the perfect 'jutsu' to use in this kind of place. No one was paying attention to him, accept for Makarov, but he acted like he hadn't noticed. He could hide now, and turn this place into a dark room, with a malicious laughter echoing throughout the walls, and then light up some fireworks. Yes, that will certainly do.
He never got the chance to do so though; a chair found its way onto his face, making his smile slip off. ''Mxm,'' he added. ''Never mind,'' he said walking towards Mirajane.
Makarov had narrowed his eyes while watching the blond standing still at the entrance to the Guild hall. Naturally, he remained quiet, while choosing to observe. Even with all the ruckus going around, and his small figure, the blond had taken note of his presence the moment he entered. Makarov didn't fool himself to think otherwise. But that only meant that the blond was more adept when it came to sensing magic, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to pick him out of everything happening around here. There were so many magic of all kinds being used, and that made it difficult to detect the one you're looking for if you don't have scent to go with.
With all that Naruto has done and been doing, even though there was nothing that can be actually 'evil' or anything to suggest that he was a bad person; the Magic Council was surely going to be a pain in the ass for him. They were going to give him headaches with questions about the blond in every turn he went. Why did he even allow for the blond to be a member of his Guild? Oh right, he saw something in his eyes when he was talking about not being in control of one's power and was pretty sure that there was nothing wrong with Naruto.
More to that, the good things the blond did for the towns being terrorized by monsters and evil people had reached his ears. Obviously, the Council would disregard as nothing but a mask used to paint him like a good person. However, Makarov knew better than that. He wasn't cynical as those people.
The Magic Council hadn't told them that he was a menace that needed to be removed; they'd only told them that he was a wizard without any reported allegiances, taking into his own hands to destroy dark guilds and labeled as a possible future threat. What was wrong in what the blond was doing? Nothing. The only problem Makarov could point out where the methods being deployed by the blond. But aside from that, there was no wrong.
Once Naruto settled down, Makarov started speaking, ''my brats not troubling you?'' he asked, sitting on the counter, just away from Naruto on the right side, with a large jug of beer close to him.
''Not at all,'' Naruto responded with a shake of his head. ''This kind of atmosphere is welcomed. The places I often found myself 'trapped' within were much lonely, so having a few behind me is a nice change,'' a small, a bit sad smile stood firm on his face.
Makarov took full notes in that bit of information before nodding, ''I see,'' he said before taking a sip of his beer. Before he could speak again, he watched Naruto shake his head to orange juice and instead was brought two jugs of beer. He downed the first one in seconds, and went on to the other, before releasing a breath. This was just Cana all over again, Makarov thought mildly.
''I didn't think you drank at all,'' Mirajane said, a bit taken by surprise by how quick he had downed the contents of both jugs. Even Makarov was still pushing his own jug, but he had downed it like he was drinking pure still water.
''People who drink don't prefer juice over beer,'' Naruto said in thought. ''My head is a little crowded up, and every now and then, I require something strong. But it matters little - it would require all your barrels to get me drink.''
Mira merely shook her head. ''So you don't drink to get drunk or anything.''
Naruto shook his head, ''I just do it to get something bitter on my gut, to match my thoughts,'' he added the last part with a small smile.
Again, Mira shook her head and walked away. ''So, what do you think of everything you're seeing, about Fairy Tail to be precise?''
''You call everyone here your children, so I'm guessing this is your family. Anyone smart enough can tell what this is; look at them, even though they fight, they are smiling; there is no animosity but happiness. I've never actually had something like this, when looking at it from afar, I want to be part of it, smile along with everyone,'' Naruto gave the best response he could give, in a somewhat forlorn tone. ''Though, I think I'm a little too old to be doing what they are doing,'' he added with a smile.
Makarov nodded, and then proceeded to scare off everyone before settling down to speak once all was calm. ''Finally,'' he started, ''this is Naruto,'' he motioned his hands towards the blond who had now turned to face everyone.
''Naruto Uzumaki,'' the blond added, giving away the family name that wasn't so much known to most people. A name was just a name, nothing about himself, hence he gave it away cheaply. Besides, what kind of colleague would he be if he can't even tell his 'friends' his names? A successful 'family' was built upon trust. He needed trust to be able to work efficiently in this place.
Normally, Makarov wouldn't have bothered to introduce the blond to the other mages, but this was a special matter that needed special attention. Naruto wasn't just a normal wizard after all, ''Naruto is going to be our new addition to the family. You may know him as the 'Phantom' or not know him at all, but treat him well!'' With that said, Makarov went back to savoring his beer.
The Phantom: when looking at him, you really can't believe that it is him. The image in weekly sorcerer does paint a good image of him, but if you've only heard rumors, you wouldn't believe that it is him. Everything looked at, he looked like a normal wizard, not too strong not too weak. Gray would have been excited, but the thought of another strong wizard joining their Guild only complicated matters... When it came to Natsu. The pink haired Dragon Slayer was going to grow even louder than before. The thought of it was enough to make him clench his fists and entertain pummeling him around.
It wouldn't be so bad, especially with Erza away.
He held himself though. ''Oi, Natsu!'' Gray started, seeing his pink haired partner in crime getting ready for round two. He hadn't gotten his chance to battle with Naruto the last time. And he was probably fired up by hearing 'Phantom'. The crazy Dragon Slayer was always looking to battle stronger opponents. Who better than the Phantom? Though Gray wouldn't act like Natsu, he too was interested in finding out if the man was as strong as it was rumored. ''Where are you going?!''
Gray felt like hitting himself for asking a question he could answer himself without even thinking twice. ''Ah, never mind,'' he murmured quietly. Looking around, everyone seemed to be interested in the blond.
''Aye!'' whether it was an introduction for the smirking Natsu or just the cat being a cat, Naruto didn't question it, he merely raised a brow in curiosity.
''Yes, Salamander?'' Naruto said, waiting to hear what the Fire Dragon slayer wanted from him. Though he probably had a good guess on what the boy wanted. The look on the eyes gave it all away anyway.
''You're are supposed to be strong, right?'' Natsu started. ''Prove it to me right here and right now that what they say about you is true, by fighting me.''
''No,'' Naruto shot down the dragon slayer with a straight face. ''You're not too bright and strong enough to fight me,'' the blond said dismissively. To add, he shushed the boy using his right hand and added, ''go play in the sand, or somewhere,'' he sounded so bored and so uninterested.
The dismissive attitude did nothing but raise a few chuckles in the expense of Natsu, even Happy laughed. Though, Natsu was too focused on Naruto to feel betrayed by his friend. Before he could respond though, Naruto twisted around, and just like that, he was inches away from him, starring straight into his eyes. ''Of course, I'm just kidding,'' he said, smiling.
Makarov definitely saw that one coming. He still shook his head though, ''don't do anything outrageous,'' he said mildly.
''Let's do this now!'' Natsu shouted, spitting flames from his mouth, but Naruto shook his head.
''No,'' the blond said. ''Now' was a moment ago,'' he said. Natsu then noticed that Naruto's right palm was placed on his chest. ''Challenge me after you've grown, then I'll bother fighting you.'' After those words left his mouth, Natsu was blasted away by an invisible and soundless blast that sent him rocketing away from the counter towards the wall parallel to the counter, and he broke through it in one swing.
''I think I overdid it,'' Naruto said, but then shrugged. ''Well, from what I hear about him, he will be fine,'' he said returning to his stool.
Makarov shook his head at the attitude, ''Wind?'' he asked, to which Naruto nodded. ''But you do know you will have to pay for the wall you just broke, right?''
''I just joined, and you're already making me pay for stuff? Besides, Natsu started it.''
Makarov shrugged carelessly, before moving onto another subject. ''Elfman is in, are you still up for what you said? If so, you can talk to him.''
''Call him then,'' Naruto said, smiling.
A day later
Concentration; it was one aspect that Naruto had in abundance. With everything that he did, he had to attain a deeper level of concentration. Without it, he may have been dead already. The concentration he had was gained through hours of meditation, and high level of emotional control. He couldn't kill his emotions like there was a kill switch, but he could hide them to a place where no one could see; that is what Naruto liked about himself, the ability to control himself and every aspect about his being.
Perhaps being infamously known as the demon god in the Elemental Nations and being that powerful had installed a god complex which made him seek ultimate control about his being. He wasn't satisfied adequate control over his power, his being, he was satisfied with perfect control over everything he was and is. It was only natural for a god to have supreme control over everything that he touches. What good was it to accept that he was god if he couldn't control what was inside of him? If he couldn't control what was inside of him, how could he control what was outside?
Natural, given his character, his desire to be in control over his being didn't extend to other people. He had no desire to mindlessly control other people. Everyone had a free will, everyone had the right to choose, he may have been called a god, but he was not a god of people, but a god in terms of power. Sometimes Naruto thought some other god had also anointed him with special powers to be in such a level that he found himself to be in while he was causing much havoc in the elemental nations. But that was just a thought.
He was now in the magic world, Earthland, stuck in a country called Fiore. Tempting as life may be, Naruto still found the desire to move on forward in doing what was right. He could have given up already in the fight against evil. How many battles has he fought? How blood has he shed? How many people did he put through pain in the fight against the corrupt souls that bleach the air he breathed with a vile stench that just didn't come off, no matter how many times he tried ridding of it. He was still fighting because he had to; it was within him to continue. It wasn't just because he had nothing better to do; if he lost hope in humanity, he lost faith in himself, and he would change his ways.
The world would never be the same after that.
Naruto shook his head; he certainly didn't like the picture that was rooted in his mind when the thought of him becoming a true evil person surfaced inside his mind. Certainly, with all the power he had, he could do so many disastrous things; he could be like a walking natural disaster. The thought made him think of the Kyuubi, and that thought gave him a sad smile. Before he was even born, Kurama was called a natural disaster, would he follow the same path? No, not to good people.
He did wonder if his former friend was still alive and still grinning maliciously when the situation called for it. It wasn't often that he even missed that smile, those big silted, blood-red eyes - that had been so full of hate and blood lust when they first talked. He missed everything about Kurama; those wagging nine-tails, the deep voice that often called him out when he was falling into the depths of abyss. The laughter that had roared across his subconscious when he had said something stupid like saying it was better to give up.
Everything accounted for, he really missed Kurama.
What he had remaining of his former friend was his chakra. Magic was one thing; his own chakra was another, combined with Kurama's chakra, that was borderline hell, and heavens powers mixed together. Still, Naruto wielded all these powers to satisfaction. He may have been irritated at first when his powers seemed out of control to the point where it could destroy his body if he released it all at once. To strengthen his body, a hardcore physical training was needed. But he didn't need a bulked up body, he only needed a body that was far stronger than it appeared, so that he could handle all his powers.
Naruto looked up in the clear sky; he was away from Magnolia, in the mountains for some personal time. He was happy to have such moments where he could feel the power inside of him welling up like an intoxicating drug driving him to a world of joy. The phantom god held out his right hand, ''now then,'' he muttered before pooling out his power.
Normally, he mixed magic with his chakra to create his lightning based attacks; elemental manipulation didn't come from his magical power, it came from his old powers; the power he gained from his hardcore training in the elemental Nations. Magic was simply used to amplify it, while ensuring that he burned little chakra. In this way, he could fight for longer periods, as long as his body could maintain all the activities. But using all three sources created something powerful, lethal, and something godly.
At first, he merely powered up. But this caused a change in the atmosphere, gravity to be precise. The overflow of power caused chunks of earth to be lifted up around him. There more he pooled his power, the more the rocks turned into dust. It wasn't all his powers he was releasing, he pooled out enough to use the jutsu he wanted to perform.
The 'spell' he frequently uses in eliminating dark guilds was lethal, and dangerous; as of now, nothing had survived upon being hit by it. If he was in the Elemental Nations, it would be one of those jutsus classified as Kinjutsu. This one had to be stronger than it since it had completed all his powers. ''Judgment of the phantom god,'' the blond clasped his hands together.
A large round, dark orange magical seal formed up in the air; lightning currents came busting around the seal. A second one formed beneath the first seal, a bit light in color, still orange. Both seals were connected by lightning currents. Not a second later, a white flash of energy blitzed from the seals, straight down the ground. The ground shook when the technique connected with the ground, and large amounts of dust were picked up around the area the technique hit.
Naruto waited patiently for the debris to clear out so that he can see the results of his technique. It took a few moments, but the debris finally cleared; Naruto was rather impressed by the result of the technique. He hadn't expected the jutsu to give him this kind of result; there was a deep hole, around 50m wide. Naruto walked up to its edge to see how deep it was - it was deep, but not that deep; his experienced eyes could still see its bottom. But it was no matter, this was the first time he executed this technique this well.
''More practice will do,'' he mumbled lowly before going through hand seals, he then slammed his right hand on the ground, and waited for a few moments, before water finally began to fill the hole.
When he turned around to leave, he was welcomed by a stare from Makarov, ''Oh my, I hadn't sensed you there, old man. Probably because of the overflow of magic,'' he added in thought. ''What brings you to this part of the town?'' He asked, smiling a bit while walking towards the Master of Fairy Tail.
Makarov shrugged, ''it doesn't matter,'' he said. ''More importantly, what are you?''
A more look of faint confusion appeared in Naruto's face for a few moments as he remained silent. He tilted his head a little before finally speaking, ''what ever do you mean by 'what are you?'' I am what you see, isn't that enough?''
''No, you're not as you appear,'' Makarov stated firmly, shaking his head firmly.
''I see,'' Naruto said, appearing thoughtful for a moment. ''I am the Phantom God; if that isn't good enough, I don't know what will,'' he suddenly flashed behind Makarov in the blink of an eye. ''I am still around in Fairy Tail, I just recently joined after all,'' he started walking away from the Fairy Tail Master, while still talking. ''I've become a very curious person with age, why don't we head back to the Guild while you tell me Fairy Tail's history.''
I'd said that I would update the story two or three times a month, but I'm faced with a challenge, to be more precise, my pc was stolen. This loss means I won't be able to keep up with my updates. I don't know when I will get a new pc. But I will be able to add a chapter to two in the next weeks because I'm currently using my sister's pc. Eventually, she will take it when she returns to varsity and I won't be able to write anything.
