Chapter 21
''Oh come on Naruto, it's not that small. It fits in perfectly.''
''I don't know about perfectly. Regardless, I don't know about putting it on. It just doesn't feel right.''
''Do I have to force you?''
''Please don't. You know I'm stronger than you, physically, but I still wouldn't be able to stop you.''
''Then just put it on so we can get this part over with. If you don't put it on, we're just going to stay in here. Once it's on, you'll like it.''
''You say it like you've put it on...''
''Ag. Come over here. I'll do it myself. You're acting like this is the first time you try something new!''
''Princess!'' The doors to Hisui's quarters burst open as her current guard rushed in. He blinked when he saw Hisui forcing Naruto to wear a new royal coat. It was slightly different from the one he usually wore. This one was a bit formal looking, yet still long, reaching bellow his knees.
''Oh sorry,'' Arcadios said.
''Oh good timing, Arcadios,'' Hisui said to the big man. ''Help me out here. He doesn't want to put on this coat we made for him. It is absolutely necessary for someone in his position to appear dignified.''
Arcadios shook his head. In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with Naruto's attire. In fact, the blond dressed perfectly. He was a member of the Ten Wizards Saints, and wore suitable clothes. Hisui just wanted him to look a bit royal. Well, there was nothing wrong with that. Naruto was bound to move in here soon, so it was no harm in him getting accustomed to wearing royal clothing.
''Hai princess,'' the man said, walking over.
Naruto raised his hands in a defensive manner. ''There is really no need for you to do this. I will put the damn thing on,'' he said quickly and put on the coat. ''I dislike the gold though.''
Hisui nodded, ''I know,'' she said. ''That is why I got you this,'' she said handing the blond a silver necklace. ''This is a symbol to show that you're mine.''
''Careful what you say, hime,'' Naruto said in a teasing tone. ''Arcadios will get funny ideas.''
Hisui responded by hitting the blond on his shoulder. ''You know what I mean,'' she said. ''When are you going to come back again?''
Hisui stared at him. He did have a tendency of leaving for a 'long' time. She didn't like it. Especially when she enjoyed being in his presence. Besides, he was her Knight. He had to be in his presence at all times. She understood that she couldn't have him always at this present time, but she still wished for more than he was offering.
She could be excused for wanting more of him, couldn't she?
''I don't know. Can't make any promises,'' Naruto said, his eyes at Arcadios rather than at Hisui - whom he was speaking to. He then turned to face eye, seeing her expression, he smiled. ''What, don't want me to leave?''
Hisui nodded. ''I'd be happy if you didn't have to,'' she said firmly. ''But a girl can't get everything she wants,'' she smiled sadly at the last thought.
''You could just order him to stay,'' Arcadios offered, but then he remembered, the King had done the same but the blond had said no.
Since it was obvious to everyone that the Blond wished the Princess no harm, Arcadios had no problem with Naruto being here. He was happy to see them together. Why would he complain if the blond made the princess happy and got her to work? His understanding of magic certainly did help Hisui in her work, and the security he gave was undeniable.
''That wouldn't work,'' Hisui said. She then put on a thoughtful look on her face. ''I should have just chained you while you were asleep. I'm sure there are chains in the dungeon that could keep even you in one place.''
Naruto stared. ''Where you watching me while I was asleep?''
Hisui looked down, ''N-no'' she said mumbled. ''As mandated, I always sleep before you. That was just a thought...''
Naruto grinned. ''Are you sure?''
''Of course I am,'' Hisui said in a low tone. ''Are you going to give me a straight answer?''
He still had to leave the country. That would make him unavailable for a little while. He couldn't tell Hisui that. Even she had own secrets. Teleportation did make it easy to travel for him, but having to teleport from outside the borders of the country would be a chore. Well, he wasn't going to leave until a week at least. So there were still days.
''I'll come back in a few days,'' Naruto said, seeing that Hisui wasn't satisfied. He sighed before giving a precise answer. ''In two days, unless I don't get stuck doing a mission. The Council might throw something in my face.''
''Good enough for me,'' Hisui said with a bright smile. ''Come on, Arcadios, father must be waiting for us. It's not always that we get to have breakfast together,'' although she was talking to Arcadios about going, she held out her right hand to Naruto.
Naruto smiled and gently took the hand. ''Let us,'' he said walking beside the princess.
The three walked towards the King's dining room in silent peace. Everybody was content with their thoughts. It took just a couple of minutes for them to reach the large room full of food. Arcadios stayed at the entrance while Hisui and Naruto walked in. The blond pulled a chair for Hisui to sit, once she was settled, Naruto went to the other side to sit across her.
''Your Majesty,'' Naruto greeted the King with a warm smile.
The man waved his right hand dismissively. ''I see you're being the gentleman,'' he said. ''But that is to be expected.''
Naruto responded in a calm tone, his smile never disappearing. ''Well, she is a princess. Anything less would be... Well, I don't know the right word for it. Nevertheless, she deserves nothing less.''
Toma E. Fiore nodded with a smile. ''What took you so long?''
Naruto put on a nervous smile while Hisui responded. ''He didn't want to put on his new cloak,'' she said. ''But that was settled. Why did you request we have breakfast together, father?''
Hisui attempted to be sweet about it. But that was something just wrong to ask in Naruto's opinion. But then again, who was he to say? He didn't fully understand the dynamics in the relationship between the princess and her father. What he did know was that they didn't spend much time together but still maintained communication like father and daughter. The trust between the two couldn't be question.
Saying that the question had been wrong to come from Hisui's mouth didn't necessarily mean it was wrong. If it was coming from him it wouldn't be wrong. He was nowhere noble enough to be eating in the same table as the King after all. He wasn't royalty or noble, just a good friend of the princess. Perhaps even something more, but still...
Toma looked at his daughter with a raised eye brow. ''Can't a father request to have breakfast with his daughter and her knight without any other motive other than bonding?''
He sounded too innocent, but Hisui didn't refute his words. ''There is nothing wrong with it,'' she said and returned to her food.
''Then let us just enjoy the food and some pleasantries...''
How things could change. Naruto never imagined that he would end up having breakfast with royalty. If he had been back in the Elemental Nations, 'friends' would be all over him, especially when he was with a princess. Back in his former world, such things were very rare and one could be seen a 'hero' of some sort.
Naruto even wondered what an idiot like Kiba would be saying at this stage. It was a pity he didn't have such friendship in this current life. He'd sacrificed everything for the ideal of peace. But it was alright. He could still make something happen in this world. Not all hope was lost after all. This was a second life, a second chance to live amongst men. Perhaps he ruined it all by being god. Well, that couldn't be helped.
Tomorrow looked pleasant enough. There was hope. If he could form such strong bonds then the future within this world could be a lot happier than he'd thought. Yes, things would be alright. Although he couldn't quite connect with the fairies as much as he would've liked, they were comrades, people he could live with, and after everything he'd done, that was more than enough.
What could be missing in the days to come? He couldn't hope to be fooling around like an idiot because he'd grown. He wasn't a child. He may not look like it, but he was a grown up, and perhaps it was time to live up to that. His youth days couldn't be recovered. He'd lived through those days and it was time for a new phase and he could make this a better one.
''Naruto,'' Toma called, earning the blond's attention. ''Something on your mind?''
Naruto shook his head. ''Nothing serious,'' he said smiling. ''I'm just happy to be experiencing this moment. I think that the future isn't as bleak as I thought. And I guess I can thank the two of you for it.''
''You've offered us more,'' Toma said. ''We can enjoy the safety this castle because you have fended off the enemies and I can sleep in peace knowing that my daughter is safe in your care. This is why I always that if there is something you desire, you can ask,'' the king added a smile for measure.
''I'll be sure to take you up on that,'' Naruto said quietly.
''Of course we'd have more of these moments if you just moved in already,'' Toma couldn't help himself. There was just so much that Naruto offered. He liked interesting stuff, and Naruto was definitely a person who could offer things that could prove to be more entertaining.
Toma couldn't have any complains when things were like that.
''I'd be happy as well,'' Hisui said. ''I'd even allow you to live in my quarters,'' she added with a smile.
''The offer is appealing, but I will still have to refuse,'' Naruto said. ''Though, the idea of waking up and seeing your beautiful smile is very difficult to turn down,'' the blond sighed. ''I hope I can wrap up things quickly. Well, time will tell.''
He was talking to himself by then...
''What are you going to be busy with in the next couple of days?'' Toma asked.
''I'm not sure. It will depend on what the Magic Council has for me, aside from the preparations I have to make for my departure,'' Naruto said. ''Was there something you wanted me to do?''
Toma nodded. ''All Guilds within this country might participate and as you know, not everyone in legal guilds has good intensions. While I like entertainment, I cannot risk the safety of my people by choosing to be ignorant of the threats that may arise...''
Naruto nodded, accepting the man's words. It was good for a king to be worried for his people. It would be careless to ignore doing what was necessary to insure that the capital would be safe from any form of attack.
''Do you want me to gather information about all legal guilds and other dark guilds that may decide to present themselves?'' Naruto asked.
The King nodded, ''I'd appreciate it if you could do that,'' he said.
''I will,'' Naruto said. ''Are you going to stop people with other intensions from coming?'' he had a feeling the man wouldn't do so.
''Of course not,'' Toma said. ''I have people like you to take care of things should problems arise. Understanding the threats is just a necessary step that we will take to set up measures to counter them.''
Naruto sighed, ''That will make work difficult,'' he said. ''But I do see your point. Things will be interesting if left alone. Nothing adds spice to a story than a few plot twists...''
''You're talking my language,'' the King said excitedly. ''Perhaps it's best I don't even know if someone is planning something. I can leave all to your hands to do damage control. I'll be surprised that way.''
Hisui sighed. Once again, her father was being like that. She really wished he would do things differently, but she really couldn't change him. It was even more so difficult when Naruto didn't encourage him to be serious, but actually seem to condone his behavior. At least no harm was being done.
''That will be hard work,'' Naruto said. ''Well, it will depend on the level of threat. If it's moderate, we can make an arrangement. We don't want to do anything that will leave the people at risk.''
''Naturally,'' Toma said with a nod.
''Well, your Majesty, thank you for the food. But I must get going now,'' Naruto said getting up. He was done anyway. He had an appointment before heading back to Fairy Tail – one that he couldn't miss, for the good of tomorrow.
''Yea yea. I hope to see you soon...''
''You will,'' Naruto said with a smile. As he walked away, Hisui called him, as she followed him from behind. ''Is there something else, your Highness?''
''You're going to call me that now?''
Naruto smiled, ''I think it's appropriate and saying your Highness has a nice ring to it,'' a thought came to mind. He was the one who had some god-complex; it wouldn't hurt to hold another tittle. ''Say, if we became engaged, I would be called your Highness as well, no?'
If Hisui had food in her mouth, she'd have spat it out. She did think about that possibility – her and Naruto being something more. She liked the idea. It made her fluster slightly.
''W-what brought that up?'' Hisui more or less blurted, eyes averted away from Naruto.
Naruto looked at Arcadios who had a surprised look on his face, and then faced Hisui head on. A warm smile graced his lips as the distance between him and Hisui became just inches. He placed a hand on her chin, lifting up her face so she could look at him.
''Oh... I thought you liked me, dear... Perhaps I was wrong...'' Naruto said in a whisper.
Hisui quickly held up her hands, waving them quickly. ''N-no, you a-are n-'' she quickly placed her hands on her mouth when she realized what she was going to say.
Naruto laughed. ''Adorable,'' he said before turning around. ''Walk with me...''
Unknown Location
Gajeel was slightly surprised when he found himself staring at a small hut in the middle of a forest. The hut had no windows whatsoever, but the entrance was just hung open. It was creepy. But this was the place he had been directed to come by Naruto. With the blond saying he would be meeting some his 'comrades' and all.
He hadn't been sure about making his way here, but there had been nothing better to do, and this was best for him. He was looking forward to be doing challenging activities and whatever Naruto had in mind was bound to be challenging. The blond had said it would be nothing that would get him into trouble and that if anything does come, they would have his protection. Having seen the blond in action, Gajeel had no illusions about the blond's power.
He didn't seem like an untrustworthy person either. Yes, he was scary when he chose to be, but he was overall a good person when you go to know him better.
Gajeel sighed and walked towards the hut. There was nothing inside, just dust and silence. He couldn't hear a damn thing coming from the outside. It seemed that there was something that was cancelling the noise outside. Runes? Possibly. Gajeel didn't get to think more about it as the moment he stood in the center of the small room; marks flickered to light beneath him.
What stopped him from freaking out was that he recognized the marks as the same that appeared in Naruto's teleportation spell. As he calmed down, Gajeel was zapped away to another space. The first thing he noted was that it was cold. As he looked around, the space was somewhat similar to the room he'd just left, but the exit led to a different place.
Gajeel walked towards the exit, and stepped into a brightly lit large hall: it was empty. The Iron Dragon Slayer was sure the hall was large enough to host a dragon.
''Come this way,'' a voice called out.
Gajeel twisted around and so a young man standing at one of the entrances that led to the hall. Without much of a choice, Gajeel walked towards the man – who didn't say a word to him, but just led him through the passages until they reached a room: the room had a large table beside at the center, and the was a bar counter on the side with various drinks put on display on the shelves behind the counter.
There was a woman sitting beside the counter on a stool, nursing a drink. Her eyes snapped at him. ''Let us get this started,'' she said a bit forcefully.
It seemed that she would rather be somewhere than be here...
Just from her tone, Gajeel was certain he wouldn't get along with that woman. She seemed rather bossy. Not his kind.
''Shouldn't we wait for, Naruto?'' Lyon asked quietly, he was sitting on a chair beside the large table, reading a magazine – he called it keeping in touch with reality.
''What the hell is going on here and who are you people?'' Gajeel more or less demanded from no one in particular.
''I assume this is our hideout of some sort,'' Lyon responded – his tone felt indifferent. ''The only reason we're all here is because we were called by Naruto... The Phantom if I could add. I'm Lyon by the way, and that is Minerva, she is from Sabertooth. You must be Gajeel, a Dragon Slayer.''
Gajeel narrowed his eyes. ''How do you know me?''
''I know all known Dragon Slayers,'' Lyon said with a shrug. ''And besides, you're not that anonymous. You have become quiet since Phantom Lord was disbanded though.''
Minerva was amused, slightly. ''You've been digging up a lot,'' she said to Lyon.
Once again, Lyon shrugged. ''This is nothing hidden. Anyone who looks can find this information. But it is as Naruto says, 'many mages are ignorant of what happens outside their guilds.' and so knowing a few things makes you seem like you know a lot.''
Gajeel frowned at Lyon. ''You sound like a know-It-all,'' he said calmly. He didn't like those kind of people.
A clap of hands made the three quite down as Naruto walked into the room. ''You've all been introduced... That's good,'' he said taking a seat beside the table. ''I didn't really want you all to meet. But I thought this was all good. Perhaps we could all become real friends.''
Minerva snorted.
''I don't like that attitude, dear,'' Naruto said to Minerva with a smile. ''Gajeel, Lyon, your pasts have already been cleared. Minerva, do you wish to tell the others yours?''
''No,'' the answer came in a snap.
Naruto nodded, his eyes looking straight at the woman. ''Understandable. It isn't something pleasant after all,'' he said with a sad smile.
Naruto actually felt sorry for what the mage had to go through in her life. What had been done to her hadn't been pretty. When Naruto saw it, he really had stopped himself from going on a rampage and kill that man. Still, even though he hadn't done anything, yet, he was certainly going to do something in the days to come. Such injustice couldn't be left alone.
''What do you know?'' Minerva questioned with narrowed eyes.
''Most things,'' Naruto said waving his right hand. ''That man you call a father did something horrible. I'm thinking of spanking him for it. But that is a matter we will discuss alone... Just the two of us.''
Minerva frowned. She didn't like this one bit. He seemed to know about her past. A past she has kept fairly hidden and she was sure nobody knew aside from that man. What could he offer? She was only here for power and this was certainly interesting. It kept her doing things that intrigued her and could land her in trouble. Her life wasn't boring.
''How do you know?''
Naruto gave Minerva the same sad smile and it annoyed her, more than his response. ''I'm nosey,'' the blond merely said.
Minerva looked the other way.
Lyon threw the magazine he was reading at Naruto – who caught it. ''Oh my,'' he said smiling. ''Well I wasn't expecting it to remain a secret forever. News does travel fast...''
''That's all you can say?'' Lyon asked with a raised eye brow. ''You defeated Oracion Seis, and that's all you can say?''
It shouldn't have been possible for just one man. Then again, Minerva wasn't sure if the blond was human. From what she had seen of him, his power to be precise, it was unlike anything. It defied all laws of nature. Minerva had been the one to grow excited at such things, but at that day, she'd been frightened.
So, she wasn't that surprised that he'd done it and wasn't even making a big deal out of it. To him, it was nothing. Just his daily bread.
''What more is there to it? It is the truth, ain't it?'' Naruto said to Lyon. ''I only brought you here so that you can grow acquainted with each other, and to show you your safe house. If you have the need to let up some pent frustrations, come here. I will show you a way to reverse summon yourselves here through a teleportation seal I will print on all of you.''
''Is it really necessary for us to become acquainted?'' Minerva questioned. ''I like the place. It could offer me some place to quiet down and release some pent up energy, but I don't need to be acquainted to them.''
''The feeling is mutual,'' Gajeel said, staring directly at Minerva.
Naruto sighed. ''Why can't you be more relaxed like Lyon?'' The blond more or less whined like a child. ''We are a team, and for us to work together, we will need to know each other. And as I said, I'd like for all of you to be my friends. You all need to get along for us to work together.''
''It's going to be difficult,'' Lyon said. ''There are some big personalities here..."
''I know, but you'll try. I'm not afraid to beat it into all of you.''
He stopped there and allowed them to chew on it before smiling. ''But of course, I'm just kidding. Friendship isn't forced but a choice.'' Naruto looked at Gajeel. ''Dragon Slayers; All of you have no recollection of your parents. The dragons are your parents and only you seem to hold a firm belief that dragons do exists, why is that, Gajeel?''
''How am I supposed to know that?''
''Because you're a Dragon Slayer,'' Minerva said flatly. ''Sting and Rogue say they have killed their dragon parents,'' the woman said. It was obvious from her tone that she didn't believe what she was saying.
''I have looked at them, they don't enough power. It's unlikely, but who knows?'' Naruto said turning back to Gajeel. ''So, do you have an answer?''
Fairy Tail
''Things are really getting interesting,'' Makarov said, reading an article about Naruto and his recent victories and as well as the connections with the royal family. ''Don't you think?'' The Guild master asked Mira who was standing beside him within the quiet guild hall.
Most of the fairies had gone away for jobs and some had gone on for vacations. They had to make a living and that living was made through doing jobs. While Makarov may not say it aloud, he felt a bit lonely seeing the desks and chairs empty and his Guild without the usual bickering between his children. The loudest of them all was gone as well. It was a bit lonely. The only person who was left that he could actually start a conversation with was Mirajane.
Perhaps this quietness wasn't so wrong. When did he get some time to rest when his kids were present? They certainly gave him a headache, but he liked them as they were. He hoped some would learn some responsibility, but they were still his beloved children.
In response to Makarov's question, Mira nodded. ''It makes you wonder how they were able to get this quickly printed,'' she said in thought.
It hadn't been a week and already this information was hitting the newsletters. Perhaps it was because Naruto was relatively unknown within the magic world. There was no known past about him and there were still so many things about him that were unknown even by the Magic Council.
The blond didn't help matters because he didn't talk about his past. He did give hints every now and then but it was all vague and nothing that could one a clear picture. Thinking of it, Mira got curious. The more the blond hit the news, the more she wanted to know about his past. He had shared some things with her, but there were still so many things she didn't. Naturally, she couldn't go to him and outright question him.
He would tell if he wanted her to know.
''Someone within the Magic Council's HQ must have leaked the information,'' Makarov said. He frowned, ''The other Wizards Saints are growing wary as well...''
Mirajane raised an eye brow. ''Why?''
''Naruto has yet to appear before the others,'' Makarov said, ''and he continues to rise in power. There is just no knowing how powerful he is. Anyone would be curious and worried at the same time, especially when the motive is unclear.''
''People are not always as they appear or paint themselves...'' Mira said. That could be the only worrying thought. People did smile and act like they were angels and saints, but yet hiding a sinister mask behind all that fabricated kindness they showed.
Of course Mirajane Strauss didn't believe the same for Naruto. She truly believed that he was a wonderful person and kind. Yes, they could be something he was hiding. She had seen it in his eyes – he had his secrets, but it was nothing that made her worried that her thought about him was wrong.
''Yes,'' Makarov said. ''I suggested that they shouldn't worry about anything, but they'll unlikely take my word for it until Naruto decides to show himself to his fellows Saints.''
Mirajane raised a curious eye brow. ''What do you mean 'decide?'''
''I mean that we'd held a meeting for him to be introduced, he didn't pitch, and after this Oracion Business, we held another one, he didn't show up,'' Makarov said with frown.
''Ah, speak of the devil,'' Mirajane said with a warm smile as Naruto walked into the Guild. She was quick to notice the red cloth around his left shoulder – it stretched down towards his waist and around his elbow. As he got closer, she noted the Wizard Saint badge on the cloth.
''It's awfully quiet here,'' Naruto said as he sat down beside Makarov - on his right side to be precise. ''Where are your beloved kids?''
It was something nice. Being locked up in the royal castle meant he could only hear a few voices, and when outside, he was mostly alone so it was just his thoughts making all the noise. It was almost sad though, finding this place so calm and quiet. You certainly felt that there some something missing. In this case, the people were missing.
If they had been present and quiet, one wouldn't be at fault for asking who had died.
''Out on jobs... Natsu and the others are on vacation,'' Makarov said, his eyes subtly examining Naruto's new attire. It certainly had some royal flare about it, and it was a nice change seeing the blond putting on his badge.
''Oh, even they take vacations. Lovely surprise. Then again, we're all humans. We need to rest and refresh every now and then,'' Naruto said in thought. ''Perhaps I should join them as well. My schedule ahead is crowded, so I could use the next few days resting.''
''Do you take time to rest...?'' Makarov said in a surprised tone. ''I thought you were a robot with how you always keep yourself busy. I mean you're never around here.''
Naruto smiled at Mira – the smile was sweet. He hadn't greeted her yet, and so he put aside Makarov's statement and focused on the mage before him. ''Hello, dear,'' he said quietly.
'Dear?' Mira wondered in thought before shaking it off. ''Naruto,'' she said, returning the smile. ''It's been a week,'' she added.
Naruto nodded, ''Had some rough work with me, and when I returned to Mercurios, there were more tasks waiting for me. My hand is needed almost everywhere,'' the blond explained. ''How has the week been for you? Something interesting happen?''
''Nothing interesting happened,'' Mira said with a shake of her head.
''Did you at least miss or think about me? With the progress we made, I'd be sad if Naruto Uzumaki wasn't in your thoughts,'' Naruto put on a large smile on his face.
''I don't think I would have kept you out of my ahead even if I wanted to,'' Mira said before changing the subject. ''What can I get you?''
''Whatever the old man is having,'' Naruto said. ''I think I would go bananas if I don't work. I'm used to being active, always. My body is used to it as well, so it doesn't complain.''
''Not yet,'' Makarov said. An experience was speaking on that matter. ''You were supposed to be present for our meeting...''
''I know,'' Naruto said. ''I will make the next one. I got held up in Mercurios doing other things. I couldn't send a mere clone to meet my fellow Saints. Well, being like this will reveal everyone's true faces. It will be difficult to hide your true feelings to someone who frustrates you.''
Makarov sighed. This was a problem. No, just troublesome. The other members couldn't do anything against his no show. And judging from that statement, even if the blond had been busy, he could have made some time. He just opted not to because he was playing. Well, not playing exactly, but this was a gamble, and Makarov didn't want to say it may end badly for Naruto.
''Be present in the next one,'' Makarov said firmly.
''I will. You can count on my word. I'm excited to see if the so-called Gods of Ishgar are really powerful as they are famed. I'm afraid I might get too excited and challenge number one in the rankings,'' Naruto said with a smile.
''Please don't,'' Makarov more or less begged.
''I have I certain belief, and I really wish to see if these people called gods really do deserve the title of it is just for show. I don't want anyone blaspheming that title,'' Naruto said in a firm tone that just made Makarov all the more worried about the ruckus the blond would pull out during the next meeting.
Mira looked at Naruto curiously. ''Blaspheming? Do you see yourself in that rank as well?'' Mira asked, sensing the firmness of his tone could only mean so.
While Naruto smiled pleasantly, Makarov responded, ''You notice it now?'' He asked as if it had been the most obvious thing.
Mirajane put on a thoughtful look on her face, ''Well he is certainly strong. There is no doubt about that, but god? I don't know. The power he has shown can be classified as inhuman because of his appearance, but that...''
''You've never seen him fighting with all his power,'' Makarov said. Given what he knew, he doubted that even against Oracion Seis the blond was fighting at full power.
Mirajane looked at Naruto for a moment before turning back to Makarov. ''Do you know something I don't?''
The old man shrugged. ''I do wonder why you never go all out though...''
''It's not necessary to go all out if I can still win with moderate weapons,'' Naruto was quick to say. ''Besides, if I go all out against a human, I'd simply annihilate them. Imagine if I did that to everyone I fought. What would be the image painted? I would simply be seen as a murderer or a demon and the Magic Council would be out for my head – not that it scares me...''
Makarov understood. Going all out would only be an option if he was forced to do so. He had been called a demon back in his world, but the fact that he wanted to do things differently meant that he couldn't allow himself to be painted in the same image as before. That would mean failure. It would mean he was no good at anything but killing.
Perhaps there were fears as well. Overwhelming power did get on people and it heavily influenced their actions. Still, Makarov believed that Naruto had experienced enough to resist the urges of his power.
Destructive was for destroying, not building. Makarov assumed this power Naruto held back was a force of nature that just destroyed everything on its path. If he was saying he could stand in the shoes of Zeref, then there would be trouble if he went on the destructive path.
At least he was conscious about his self, and that was a character worth noting.
''I sure hope I don't get to see the day you go all out. I don't want to be close to it,'' Makarov said.
''It wouldn't be safe for bystanders,'' Naruto said with a smile, imagining the kind of a battle that could change the landscape. Yup, that was his main dish. ''Can't wait for that day,'' the blond added in thought.
''You seem excited,'' Mirajane said, looking at the blond carefully.
''Wouldn't you be?'' Naruto said. ''You have all these powers... It's a waste not to use it. I want to go all out one day. It would be fun fighting someone who can take my punches and still stand up as if it was nothing,'' the blond said.
It was just impossible for someone to take his punch and remain on his feet. Naruto couldn't foresee that possibility. Perhaps it was the arrogance speaking, but Naruto would go all his way to try to prove it.
Mirajane shook his head. ''So you're like Natsu and his kind. Just have the appetite for a much bigger plate,'' the white haired mage said, still shaking her head.
''It's not a bad thing, you know,'' Naruto said. ''So long as you know your limits,'' he added.
Makarov nodded. ''How are things in the royal castle?'' The old man asked curiosity.
''Curiosity killed the cat,'' Naruto said to the old man with a pointed look. He then looked at Mirajane, smiling – apparently he wasn't going to answer the old man's question. ''So, Mira... We good?''
Mira raised an eye brow, ''Why wouldn't we be?''
Naruto waved his right hand. ''Who knows? After what happened, I'd assumed something would be up...'' he said with a nervous smile. ''I'm not very good with this sort of thing...''
''Really?'' Mirajane didn't seem to buy it, for a moment. ''You don't seem that way... You handle yourself well. I thought this was your territory.''
Naruto shook his head. ''I'm just confident,'' he said. ''But not that experienced. I can be clueless on certain things, ya know. I'm good with fights and reading people. But I do face challenges about myself.''
''Apparently,'' Mirajane gave the blond a sad smile. ''We are alright. I don't know where we stand though. But I don't have any problems.''
''Wonderful,'' Naruto smiled before turning to Makarov. ''You really should know that there are things such as private conversations.''
''I like to know things too,'' Makarov said, taking in a sip of his beer.
Naruto sighed. ''That is obvious,'' he said. ''Mira, I wa-'' he stopped in midsentence as his face twisted slightly. ''This isn't good…" he said to himself.
''What's wrong?''
Naruto just turned around. ''Later; Gotta go,'' he disappeared into thin air.
''What was that about?''
Makarov shook his head. ''It must be something serious for him to leave like that,'' the old man said. He fixed Mirajane a look. ''Don't forget what I said,'' he said firmly.
Team Natsu
''What the Hell?!'' Natsu shouted, glaring at the man standing behind the rip-off table. ''Are you ripping me off?''
He had to be cheated to lose three times in a row and he was losing big. How could that be? He wasn't that much of a bad gambler. He was certain of it. He wasn't angry at losing money. Sure money was going away, but he could always ask Lucy for money or Gray... Or Erza... Natsu shivered. He let that thought disperse into nothingness before it gave him nightmares. What he was mad about was losing. He hated losing and losing in the way he was wasn't funny at all.
''You lost fair and square, sir. There are no tricks here,'' the man said as quietly and polite as he could, given the threatening look he was getting from the Dragon Slayer.
''You just suck at this Natsu,'' Happy offered his cents. ''We should go do something we won't lose money.''
Natsu ignored Happy for the moment. ''You must be cheating me somehow,'' Natsu was adamant about that. Even though Happy was offering his brutal opinion, Natsu was sure it wasn't as the blue neko thought.
''You're just a bad gambler,'' Gray said, walking past the pinkette. ''You should stick to throwing flames around. Your head is full of them anyway...''
''What did you say, teme?'' Natsu demanded, twisting and grabbing Gray by his right hand. ''Like you can do any better...''
Gray merely smiled and narrowed his eyes towards his free hand. It was holding his winnings. ''What the hell?!''
Gray brushed off Natsu and turned away. ''I told you: your mind is not suited for this,'' he said walking away, leaving an infuriated dragon slayer. If it wasn't because of his thoughts for a re-match, Natsu would have attacked Gray, without doubt.
He turned around to the man behind the rip-off table. ''One more round,'' he demanded.
Happy sighed. Natsu was going to lose all their money and they would soon be without money for food. Well, it wasn't an unfamiliar story. Natsu was mostly begging for food, while he ate his fish. When those wells dried out, he too had to follow Natsu in that path. Well, Lucy was around. She always had money and her fridge always had food. That gave the cat some peace of mind.
Just then, a big man came up. ''Something wrong, Natsu Dragneel?''
''I'm being ripped off!'' Natsu shouted in frustrations. He then blinked. ''Wait, how do you know me, and do I know you?''
''No you don't,'' the man said, pulling at a gun and he pointed it at the dragon slayer while smiling.
Upon seeing the gun, the civilians erupted in panic and started to run about, fearing for their lives. Although people were falling all over as they pushed towards the exit, the place was cleared within a few moments and only the mages remained.
'Great,' Happy thought. 'Just when he thought it would be a free vacation...'
With Gray
''You're really good at this,'' Lucy said to Gray - who was playing slots. ''Have you played it before?''
Gray shook his head. ''Just lucky,'' he said, and then looked at the blonde haired girl curiously. ''Shouldn't you be cheering or trying to calm Natsu down? He has a tendency of starting trouble everywhere he goes.''
''That's the reason I'm not with him,'' Lucy said.
Even she needed to enjoy herself. They came here to enjoy themselves in this wonderful resort and although Natsu was a good friend, he had the urge to destroy good things. Lucy wanted to have fun and being around the pinkette Dragon Slayer would only give her a head ache as he would start trouble and fights would surely break out.
Gray merely nodded. ''Aren't you playing?''
Lucy shook her head. ''I'd rather not,'' she said.
''Where are Erza and Juvia anyway?''
''Don't know,'' she said. ''I left Erza trying to change. I'm sure she must be somewhere around here. Juvia was just moving around... She isn't really familiar with anyone as of yet,'' she said.
Well, at least she was trying and everyone was a lot friendly. Lucy had no doubt she would get along with everyone quickly. She was a lot different from Gajeel, but both were good people in her eyes.
When the noise started with people running around, Gray started looking around. ''Ah, what did Natsu do now?'' He asked, particularly to no one.
''You're Fairy Tail mages,'' a man said walking up to both Gray and Lucy. ''Where is Erza?''
''Who are you?''
''I'm the one asking the questions: where is Erza?'' he demanded in a hardened tone.
Lucy moved closer to Gray and whispered, ''I don't think he is a nice person,'' she said.
Gray merely nodded to her. ''What do you want with her?'' The good thing was that, at least it seemed like Natsu wasn't the one who started with all the troubles. Trouble seemed to have been caused by this person, who was obviously not on his own. And for whatever reason he wanted Erza, it wasn't good.
''I'm her old friend. Now where is she?'' No one responded. The man tried to attack with his right fist, but Lucy quickly placed a reflective mirror to block the blow.
She was relieved. Thank Naruto, she thought. Where was he anyway?
The man stopped attacking as he placed his right hand on his right ear. ''Got it,'' he said to himself.
''Dark Moment!''
Everything went dark as if the lights had been switched off. Right then, there was the bang - the sound of a gun going off. When the lights came back, there was no one in front of them. The man had disappeared.
''What happened?'' Lucy asked, trying to regain her senses.
Before Gray could respond, there was an explosion of flames. ''Where the hell is that bastard?'' He questioned, looking around for the teme who shot him in the mouth. Who the hell did that anyway?
''What did you do Natsu? You didn't piss of anyone with you complaining did you?''
''Why do you think it's my fault?!''
''Duh, you're always starting trouble...''
''Umm, Natsu…'' Lucy interjected. ''Where is Happy?''
It seemed to click in Natsu's mind that his beloved neko was missing. He looked around frantically for a few moments before calling out Happy's name. ''That bastard must have taken him!''
Juvia ran up to the group, looking tired. ''Erza has been taken,'' she said, shocking the group.
Gray frowned. ''They were working together. That guy was asking about Erza and probably used that spell to escape. We have to find them...'' he said in a matter of all seriousness.
''How?'' Lucy asked.
''Leave that to me!'' Natsu said, fist pumped ready for action. ''I'm going to pummel that guy to the ground when we find him! Come on, lets go. I've got both Happy and Erza's scent. We can find them!'' he was already running off when those words left his mouth.
Erza
Titannia was tied to a pole inside a cell at a place she never thought she would ever have to return in her life. The last time she was put in the place like this was when he was still a slave of the tower. That was her past. A past in which she left her dear friends behind and entered a new world where she made new friends who she cherishes above her own life. Still, Erza never thought that her 'friends' would bring her back to this place in this manner.
Something must have happened. Something very wrong. She hadn't abandoned like they were saying. She hadn't betrayed them. Jellal had to have lied to them to turn them against her. But why would he do that? As far as she remembered, he wasn't that kind of person.
Erza looked up as someone entered her cell. Millianna.
''You comfortable?'' The cat loving mage said to Erza.
Erza frowned. How could she be comfortable when she was tied to a pole against her will and wishes? Really. Perhaps the question was rhetoric, and so, Erza decided against answering. ''What happened to my friends, Millianna?''
''I thought we were your friends,'' Millianna said with narrowed eyes. ''I guess you have replaced us with new ones huh. Right after abandoning us.''
Erza swallowed hard as she tried to free herself. ''What happened to them?''
''They are fine. We had no business with them,'' Millianna said indifferently. ''We only wanted you, Erza. I must say, I have really missed you,'' she added with a small sad smile.
''Then why are you doing this?''
''Because you betrayed Jellal... You betrayed us, Erza. After everything, I still can't believe you'd do it.'' Millianna said before walking away from the cell. She stopped just after closing the bars. ''Stop trying to struggle. You won't get loose,'' that said she walked away.
''Millianna, come back here!'' Erza shouted, but she was ignored. She shouted again, but still no answer came. That didn't stop her from shouting again. ''What did I do, Millianna?!''
If those people were fine, then they would no doubt be coming for her. Erza wanted to handle things by herself, but if they came there would be no helping it. Still, Erza hoped they were fine wherever they were. She didn't want them to get hurt in her past.
'Jellal,' Erza thought sadly. What happened?
Magic Council
''I'm very serious. The R-system still does exist,'' Siegrain repeated to the Magic Council.
It seemed difficult for them to swallow the fact that the system still existed even though he a member of the Council was telling them one was operational. Perhaps it was because this was truly a serious case for them. People had the difficulty in accepting things that they didn't want to believe. Good news was easy to believe and accept. However, unwanted discoveries brought out the fears of men and the heart did everything it could to discredit the knowledge so that it doesn't believe.
There was no other choice here than to believe that he was saying. He wasn't going to allow them to say otherwise. He needed them to do as he wanted for his plans to move accordingly. He hoped things didn't go awry along the way.
''I thought we destroyed all the systems...'' one member said in thought. ''No, we destroyed all of them.''
''There is one left,'' another said. ''But I thought it was operational because it wasn't fully built when we destroyed the other systems...''
''It was rebuilt and completed secretly,'' Siegrain said in a firm tone.
''How do you know this?''
''I really didn't want to say this,'' Siegrain paused for a moment, merely to be dramatic. ''The one in control of the system… Or as it called, the Tower of Heaven is my twin brother. Believe when I say that the technology is too dangerous to be left alone. We must take measures to destroy it.''
''We still do not have enough information to do anything at this stage. Shouldn't we investigate before making a decision?''
''We have information,'' Siegrain stressed. ''They are trying to revive Zeref through the Tower of Heaven. We must destroy it now before they succeed!'' He paused before speaking calmly, yet in a very serious tone. ''We must destroy it with Etherion.''
''Are you mad?''
''Etherion is our secret weapon. It is too powerful, there be innocents caught within its blast. We can't risk it. Etherion is much more powerful than the R-system. We can just send Rune Knights to destroy it.''
''The Tower has already been completed. Do you think the Rune Knights will get there before the tower is activated? I brought this because it is a serious matter and we must act quickly,'' Siegrain said. ''We are the Magic Council we must secure balance. Do you think that balance will remain intact if we ALLOW Zeref to be revived?''
''I agree with him,'' Ultear said. ''The R-system is too dangerous. I vote we use Etherion.''
Ultear was positive that they would end up convincing the old fools to fire Etherion. Of course, that wouldn't destroy the tower. They would be just falling into their plan... Well her plan. Siegrain may not know it, but it was her plan and she would play the supporting the role to ensure that things worked out.
Despite having those positive, there was a negative that was surely likely to happen.
''If it is too dangerous, then we can't have it left standing. I vote for the use of Etherion.''
''We need two more votes. Think carefully because th-'' Siegrain was cut off when Naruto suddenly appeared in the center of the Magic Council members. He'd just appeared out of nowhere.
''Hold it,'' he said. ''There is no need to do what he says. The Phantom can destroy the Tower.''
Siegrain frowned and narrowed his eyes at Ultear who pretended not to sense that he was looking at her for answers. What was this man doing here? He thought Ultear would've had things under control but now this would just ruin everything. All the work he had been doing. He had to play things carefully.
''What are you doing intruding in our meeting?!''
''Be still,'' Naruto said quietly. ''I understand that I may be overstepping my boundaries, but I can't let you use Etherion. I have proved to be strong enough, so you have my word when I say I will destroy the Tower within an hour.''
''Don't be stupid. You don't even know where it is...''
Naruto smiled. ''I know where it is. It is in the ocean,'' he said walking over to Siegrain. He swiped his hand towards the man and he disappeared. ''You were being tricked. That man is the one the one controlling the Tower. You see, to activate it, the tower needs large amounts of magic, and were to get it than Etherion?''
''Do you have any proof?''
''I'm already there at the tower,'' Naruto said to the Council, turning to Ultear. ''I will give further details when I return from destroying it. The fact that this Siegrain is not here, but a mere projection should be proof enough, no?''
''Perhaps,'' The chairman said. ''I'm inclined to trust your word, but how did you know this was happening? How?'' He asked with narrowed eyes.
''We can deal with that later,'' Yajima said. ''Right now, we should be focused on getting the R-system destroyed. We cannot allow Zeref to be revived.''
''We are not holding him from going anywhere,'' another member said. ''This man said he was already at the tower. So I presume this is just one of his abilities and since you're able to talk, you should be able to answer questions.''
''I will answer them after completing my job,'' the clone said. He stood in front of Ultear but before he could say anything, the woman stabbed him, ''Oops,'' she said with a smile. ''Shouldn't have told me you're a clone,'' she whispered before the blond disappeared in a puff of smoke.
As he disappeared, Naruto had nothing but disappointed look on his face.
''Ultear, what did you do?'' The chairman
Ultear let out a full blown laughter... Before grinning madly as she spoke. ''Isn't it obvious?''
Tower of Heaven
''Finally!'' Natsu cried out, looking at the tall tower ahead of them. ''Erza and Happy are inside there,'' he said, already thinking of jumping into the water. But before he could do anything, his motion sickness kicked in once again causing him to fall down into the boat.
''Just pathetic,'' Gray couldn't help but say, just for the fun of it.
At least they'd reached their destination. Natsu had been crying foul and in frustrations as they couldn't go fast enough and he was certainly worried about his friend neko. Gray was concerned, but there was Erza to think about as well. He didn't think she was weak enough to be defeated easily. He believed that wherever she was, she was still fighting. That was the type of person Erza was.
''This tower gives me the creeps,'' Lucy said, feeling a cold shiver run down her spine. She wondered what sort of things they would be confronted with when they do get in.
''We have to go in, regardless,'' Juvia said, earning a nod from Gray.
Once the group reached the tower, they were greeted by a standing Naruto. He was standing atop of the water as if it was the ground. The blond didn't have his usual smile - that's something that everyone was quick to notice. ''Yo little ones. I have been waiting for you.''
''What are you doing here?'' Lucy asked.
Inside, she was dancing in relief. There was someone strong to shield her if danger does come and that was something to be happy about. She didn't think the blond could be defeated after all. So, with his presence, her earlier chills were no longer of concern. She could happily walk into the tower.
''I have to destroy this tower,'' Naruto said. ''What are you doing here?''
''Didn't you just say you were waiting for us?'' Gray asked before shaking his head as he answered Naruto's question. ''Erza was captured along with Happy. We are here to retrieve them...'' the Ice-make user tilted his head to the side as he asked. ''Why do you have to destroy it?''
''It's dangerous and the Magic Council wants it destroyed,'' Naruto simply said. His tone was a bit flat. There weren't too many emotions in his face, something Juvia was quick to notice.
''Is everything okay?''
Naruto turned to Juvia, head tilted to the side before shaking his head. ''I'm immensely disappointed in someone. Despite my warnings, they chose to do what is wrong. After everything I did, all my firm warnings and the time I spent with her - she has still chosen to wrong path: that has put me in a foul mood.'' The blond said before turning around. ''Come on,'' he said before blowing a hole in the tower.
Everyone blinked for a moment... Well except for Natsu who wasn't surprised. It was something that he would do. The others were surprised because that wasn't something that Naruto did. Perhaps he was really in a foul mood.
As soon as they stepped into the ground floor, the group was welcomed by a booming voice, ''Welcome Fairy Tail to the Tower of Heaven,'' the voice said in a relaxed tone. ''You must be looking for Erza. She is at the top floor. You have to climb up to get to her, however, each floor represents a task you must complete and the higher you get the more difficult the tasks become.''
''Come out here you coward!'' Natsu shouted.
''And oh, glad you could make it Naruto. Don't think about launching one of those fancy spells of yours at this place. I have a hostage and I'm not sure she could survive...'' the voice said. Having ignored Natsu. ''Now, entertain me.''
''Annoying little pest,'' Naruto said distastefully, looking up. ''I'll go from the outside straight into the top floor,'' Naruto said walking away from the group of Fairy Tail Mages.
''Wait,'' Natsu said running after Naruto. ''Take me with you!''
''Don't you have to search for Happy and the person who took him? I'm sure the tasks are the people who took Erza away,'' with that said, Naruto blasted off like a bullet.
''He's not really happy, is he?'' Lucy said.
''Obviously,'' Gray said. ''We should take separate paths to cover more ground. Lucy, go with Juvia, I will take this way, and Natsu will take the other way,'' he ordered, already taking his chosen direction.
Top Floor
Naruto burst through the steel walls carelessly and landed on the floor with a straight look on his face. He didn't move a muscle as his eyes wondered around the space that surrounded him. The man that was his opponent was just right of him, but Naruto wasn't looking for him. He couldn't move without him noticing him anyway and it didn't seem like he was going to attack him any time soon.
He found Erza, bound and out cold. It was distasteful. Yet, he couldn't be too mad at Jellal. He was just a puppet who got tricked by Ultear. He thought he was doing the will of Zeref. He thought he was going to try to revive Zeref, but that wasn't the reality of things. Stupid mage. He didn't know that Zeref was very much alive and didn't need to be revived. Then again, Ultear was the stupid girl as well. She was trying to reach into lands she didn't understand.
That woman; She really needed a strong beating.
''What were you planning on doing with her?'' Naruto asked with his eyes still on Erza rather than Jellal.
''Not were, but I am planning on using her as a sacrifice. Of course you derailed my plan in using Etherion, but there are still other ways to go about things,'' Jellal said, still sitting on his throne. ''I can still do what I wish. But I must remove these pieces that have become a disturbance, including you.''
Naruto tilted his head to the side, eyes narrowed. ''Do you know why I never took interest in even starting a conversation with you, Siegrain... No Jellal is your name, right?''
''Oh, do tell...'' Jellal said with a smile. He felt no need to confirm his name to the blond. It didn't matter at this stage. Whatever he was addressed was fine. It wasn't like he was going to live for that long anyway.
''You're just a mere puppet; A foolish little boy who couldn't even realize that Ultear has been the one who has been manipulating you, not the other way around.''
Jellal laughed. ''What are you talking about? Ultear is my subordinate.''
The idea that Ultear had been the master was just ludicrous. It didn't even cross to Jellal's mind as to why Naruto would say that or question if Naruto had a reason to lie about this. It was because, he had watched Ultear's movements. She had been his faithful servant. Things were not the other way around.
Naruto shook his head. ''You pitiful boy,'' he started in a cold tone. ''She told me of your encounter with 'Zeref's spirit' and your taking control over the tower and finishing it to revive Zeref. Erza is the sacrifice as you said.''
Jellal stopped his laughing and narrowed his eyes at Naruto. He then shrugged. ''It doesn't matter at this stage,'' he said standing up. ''Your power has exceeded many expectations, and I hadn't thought you'd get here before this. It doesn't matter though,'' he paused, looking at the pieces on his board. ''Can you perform against me?''
The Rinnegan came to life.
''I'm not going to fight you. I'm afraid I'm a bit disappointed with Ultear. This is her work, since you're a victim of her schemes, I'm afraid I can't take the chance of fighting you. If I do, I will kill you. Besides, I have other matters to attend. Fighting you will only waste my time as it won't even be fun. But if you really want to fight, we can do this some other day…'' Naruto said calmly.
Jellal snorted. ''As if you could,'' he said before activating a spell. ''Meteor.''
Jellal disappeared in a blur and appeared just above Naruto. He sent a right footed kick and hit Naruto on the side of his head, causing him to slide the other side under the force of the kick.
''Impressive,'' Naruto said. ''You're fast enough to actually make me think twice. But as I said: I will not fight. I have to get back to the Magic Council HQ quickly to assess the situation. I'm afraid Ultear will do something stupid.''
Which would be against his wishes. He'd told her not to do anything stupid. But the woman had stabbed him. Really, Naruto hadn't expected her to be so stubborn and do something like that.
Jellal went on the attack again, and tried to slam his left foot on Naruto's right shoulder, but the blond moved back to avoid it. Jellal drove a punch that went straight at Naruto's chest and connected. There was a boom that tore through the floor, but Naruto didn't move.
Jellal found himself staring at these large hypnotic eyes and for a moment, he couldn't move. Something was holding him. Something he couldn't see. It had happened the moment his punch connected with Naruto's chest. It was as if the blond had let him hit so that there could be contact and his movements would be stopped for a moment.
Those eyes that had stared at him. They'd been hypnotic. He couldn't tell how much time had passed as he was staring into them. It had been a frightening experience.
''You're fast that I can't catch you at this level. So I just let you come to me,'' Naruto said placing his palm on Jellal's forehead.
''What are you doing?!''
''Don't worry,'' Naruto said, still no smile. ''This may hurt,'' Jellal cried as both his hands were broken by the things that were holding him. Naruto took the chance to remove the man's soul from his body before storing it for safekeeping.
Once done, he created several clones. ''Get everyone out of here,'' he ordered. The clones disappeared in a blur and Naruto created one last more which took Erza and Jellal's body out of the tower through the hole he created.
''Now then,'' Naruto said looking down. He bust through the floor, going downwards. He only left a cloud of debris as he destroyed everything on his way to get to the center of the tower.
Once he was sure everyone was out, he stood at the center of the tower, hands held out.
''Shinra Tensei.''
Chapter End
Didn't come out the way I wanted. You might have noticed that every time I have to do a chapter that follows cannon, I take a long time to update. The thing is I suck at writing cannot events. This is why I prefer not to include much of cannon story lines.
In any case, I will make sure that the next chapter follows through next week.
I think I responded to everyone with a question. And once again, thanks for your reviews. They really give me a pat on the back.
Sonicdasshh: depends on how long it takes me to put up the chapter together.
The Omnipresent Sage