I do not own Fairy Tail, Naruto or the Nasuverse.
Shift In Fate
/Natsu's POV/
It had been several days since the utter massacre that was Natsu and Erza Knightwalker, the moment Yagura was killed his forces had all but surrendered leaving victory to the rebel faction.
Upon returning to the camp Mei was shocked to find that all the Elders had been confined to the medical tent however by nightfall they had all died slow and painful deaths. Natsu knew Yugao was behind it and planned on asking her about how she took them all out but he knew it would have to wait until they had left Kiri.
The rebel faction reclaimed the capital by the day's end and had already set about planning for Mei's ascension as the Fifth Mizukage. As for the others it was time for them to move on since according to the orders within the scroll Tsunade gave them they had business in the Land of Rock that demanded their immediate attention.
This brings us to the present where Team Natsu, Mei who was wearing the Kage hat for the Mist as well as her ever faithful guards Ao and Chojuro stood at the edge of the capital to see the group off.
"Are you sure you cannot stay for another few days we weren't even able to reward you," Mei asked as Natsu shook his head.
"Sorry but we have our orders Lady Mizukage," Natsu replied as Mei gave him a playful swat on the arm.
"To you three it is simply Mei after all you quite literally crushed Yagura and his forces, without you none of this will be possible."
"Very well then Mei I shall refer to you by name from now on, now about that alliance between Mist and Leaf …?"
"Of course I have the document right here," Mei replied taking out a small scroll meant for Tsunade's eyes only. "Present this to Tsunade and she will know what to do with it."
Natsu nodded as the two shook hands before turning to depart but not before Natsu said his final piece.
"By the way I should probably inform you that the Akatsuki organization will be sniffing around Kiri in around two years time looking for the reformed Three Tails so you may want to keep an eye out."
"Did Yagura tell you this before you killed him?"
"No actually it was the Three Tails himself he said they were after him and his brethren so expect them to come for it, better Kiri has it than them right?"
"Indeed," Mei agreed as Natsu gave her a silent wave before turning and walking away with Erza and Yugao flanking him.
Once the capital was no longer in sight Natsu let out a sigh and promptly sat down on the first rock he found getting the attention of his two companions as he withdrew the mission scroll.
"So I really hate to bail on you all but there are matters back in Equilibrius that I must be present for that I've been putting off, Yugao here is the mission scroll in case you reach Rock before I get back."
"What business have you been putting off," Erza asked as Natsu seemed to frown.
"Supposedly Lady Fate has died which has set off a series of events that are definitely not good."
"One of the Gods died!"
"Holding back an event yes," Natsu sighed as he snapped his fingers opening a portal. "Right then I'll see you both later hopefully with a bit of a smile on my face eh."
"Be safe Natsu," Yugao said softly as he placed a hand on her shoulder before walking through the portal and into a shitstorm.
The moment he emerged from the portal he was swamped by Gods and Devils asking him questions regarding the position of Fate and who he supported for it until a loud bang sent everyone packing.
"MAKE WAY THE HIGH ARBITER HE HAS A JOB TO DO JUST LIKE THE REST OF YOU!"
Natsu was relieved to see a friendly face as a man with medium length shaggy hair and three scars over his eye emerged through the crowd.
"Hey there High Arbiter the Council sent me to cut a swath through these guys because you know I have that presence to make people move."
"How goes the life of a pirate, judging by your missing arm I'd say not very well?"
"Ah see I bet this arm on the future of my world but that is a story better discussed over drinks."
"Of course and don't call me High Arbiter it's just Natsu unless we're in the chambers Shanks."
"Oh nice do I finally qualify for the friend position?"
"Well you aren't a dick so … yeah, come on idiot let's go."
Shanks just chuckled in amusement as the pair made their way to a large set of double doors where Natsu paused to shift into his Hybrid outfit consisting of the half black half white suit.
"Is this gonna be all the Gods and Devils or just the Council itself?"
"Full turnout I'm afraid," Shanks replied as Natsu kicked the double doors open and walked inside with an aura of power surrounding him as the hall fell silent.
"Enough talk there will be silence in the chamber," Natsu's voice boomed as he stepped up to his podium that was just below that of the Gods of Creation and Devils of Destruction.
"Your gavel High Arbiter," one of the Gods below him said as he passed a diamond gavel to him as the gathered pantheon began to chatter amongst themselves once more.
"I called for order in the chamber," Natsu roared as he smacked the gavel down sending out a loud chime that instantly silenced everyone. "Now we all know why we are here and I apologize for my absence but let us get this meeting to order!"
"You seem to be a natural at this Natsu," one of the Gods of Creation snickered as Natsu shot a withering glare his way.
"Remember I have the authority to silence you as well, anyway let us begin. I call this emergency session in regards to the death of Lady Fate and the circumstances surrounding her death!"
"It is as the High Arbiter decrees, the session to determine the course of action regarding the seat of Fate and the shift in Fate itself shall now begin," one of the scribes called out as Natsu leant back in his chair.
"Let us hear the circumstances surrounding her death, who was the one to perform the autopsy?"
"That would be me High Arbiter."
"And what did you find Lady Time?"
"Upon reversing Time to find the cause of death I discovered that Lady Fate had been purposely preventing a strand of Fate from progressing as it should have been."
"And what exactly was this strand of Fate," Natsu sighed already knowing the answer.
"The strand in question was pertaining to your own personal history High Arbiter regarding an event the Fates have dubbed the Realis Holy Grail War."
"I believe this event was already recorded in the archives my Lord would you permit me to discuss the details amongst those of us gathered here today?"
"Indeed you may Grand Archivist," Natsu said motioning for the elderly looking God to speak.
"The event known as the Realis Holy Grail War is an event brought about in direct consequence to the actions of the first Hybrid Ahnkseram during the War of Hybrid and Apocalypse. During the event Ahnkseram abused his power and summoned Natsu Dragneel from his post in the Throne of Heroes in an attempt to subvert history and as a result the living Natsu Dragneel was granted the power to summon a direct countermeasure in the form of Merlin the Mentor of Heroes."
"Let the record show that we do indeed have recorded evidence of the event in question and that Lady Fate was indeed preventing the flow of Fate despite knowing that Time was currently unstable which could have caused irreparable damage to Space and Time as we know it," Natsu said as the scribe beneath his podium began scribbling furiously.
"My Lord there is one other piece of information we have managed to gain in regards to why Lady Fate chose to stall the coming of the Grail War as long as she did."
"I wish to hear this Lady Time so please enlighten us all as to why Lady Fate was so irresponsible with her station."
"According to her memories the Realis Grail War is only the beginning of an event that puts the timestream under constant siege by the one in control of the Demon God Pillars of old."
"You mean Solomon correct?"
"Indeed I do High Arbiter it appears that the instability allowed Solomon to escape his prison and that the ring visible in the sky in the world you are currently in is of his doing through the use of a Noble Phantasm."
"Do we know what his goal is?"
"No one has even heard of Solomon the information comes from the memories of Lady Fate my Lord."
"So Lady Fate attempted to use her position to delay the beginning of this war in an effort to stall Solomon … Lady Time are you certain that the actions of Lady Fate weren't already predestined by Fate itself?"
"Time shifted as a result of her actions and my department which was already over clocked as you know was on the verge of collapse as a result of the chaotic shift so I can say with absolute certainty that the actions of Lady Fate were of her own accord."
"Does anyone else have anything to add in regards to this matter," Natsu asked as the room remained silent. "Very well then let us await the verdict of Creation and Destruction in regards to the actions of the former Lady Fate."
The long bench that the Gods of Creation and Devils of Destruction sat behind was covered by an invisible divider wall that blocked out all sound as they discussed the topic for several minutes. The barrier lowered as a slip of paper was passed to Natsu who sighed but nodded in agreement.
"I have no issue with the verdict reached by the Council therefore I shall hereby confer the judgement as is my right as High Arbiter. Lady Fate did willingly abuse her position in order to directly interfere with the affairs of the mortal realms which carries the punishment of erasure from the Grimoire of Deities."
The hall broke out into whispers which Natsu allowed to go on before raising his gavel which silenced the hall once more.
"However given the rather unique circumstances regarding her actions and that of the unknown rogue Servant Solomon the usual sentence will not be handed out. Since Lady Fate has paid the price of meddling with her life the Council believes this to be of a sufficient trade however the record will forever state that she did indeed break the rules staining her memory for eternity."
Natsu raised his gavel and slammed it down as a pulse of power shot out of the room as he leant back in his chair once more.
"Now then let us move onto the next item on the agenda and that is the now vacant seat of Fate," Natsu said as the room erupted into hushed whispers once more until Natsu's chuckles silenced them all.
"I believe that your amusement means you read the new rulebook we sent you High Arbiter," One of the Devils of Destruction chuckled in amusement as a puff of smoke escaped his hood.
"Indeed I have though I will admit it was a rather rushed reading due to my current tasks but I still know the laws of this Council well enough. According to revised law 93 subsection 12 of the Pantheon Appointment Act due the inevitable infighting between the seats of Creation and Destruction to decide a successor the task falls upon the High Arbiter."
"Surely the High Arbiter does not wield that much power," a God roared as he shot up from his seat only to be forced back into it by the gavel in his hand.
"This is my first time officially acting as my position demands so I do not blame you for your outburst and so I shall let you off this time. Know that my position stands alongside Creation and Destruction as mediator and Arbiter to the Council. Due to the ever present conflict between God and Devil I act as the final voice and in this room I pass the final verdict."
Many of those who didn't know Natsu too well seemed rather unnerved by the prospect of a Hybrid wielding that much power though the rest who did know Natsu simply sat back in their chairs amused at how he'd chosen to simply show off.
"Be aware that it was the Council itself that appointed me to the position for this precise purpose not to sow discord but to promote unity. I am half of each of you and therefore I can listen to both sides of an argument and bring down definite judgement whereas before decisions could take months or even years to be handed down."
"Can we get on with this some of us have better things to do," Aizen yawned only to have a brick tossed at him from across the room by Salem which was jammed into his throat by an unseen force.
Many couldn't help but chuckle at the display as Natsu shook his head allowing a small smile to tug at his lips.
"I would ask that our esteemed heads of our news publication not toss things around the Council Chambers however Lord Aizen does indeed have a point I am sure many of you have things to be doing especially you Lady Time."
"Oh shut it you're the entire reason why I have so much work!"
"Indeed," Natsu replied with a smirk as the mood in the chamber seemed to lift with Natsu leaning forward in his chair. "Now then the position of the next Lord or Lady Fate is one that must be filled immediately due to its importance in the fabric of all realities therefore my decision is this …"
The whole room waited in baited breath for Natsu to announce the next Lord or Lady Fate unaware that Natsu was purposely dragging it out because he was too busy trying not to laugh at Aizen trying to pull the wedged brick out of his mouth.
Eventually he decided to do his job and looked around the room until his eyes fell on one God in particular as he raised his gavel and pointed it at her.
"You."
All eyes went upon a rather timid looking girl who didn't even appear to be out of her teens; her eyes darted around her signifying that she hadn't realized Natsu picked her until her eyes locked with Natsu's own.
"Y-you mean me my Lord?"
"Yes I do indeed," Natsu replied with a smile as the whole room seemed more or less confused expecting him to elaborate. "One thing I noticed the moment I set foot in this room and laid my hands upon this gavel was a strange connection to everything and everyone within my realm. It is not invasive enough but it allows me to understand you all as you are in your most basic forms and you are indeed the one most suited to be the next Lady Fate."
"B-but I can't be I'm merely a lowly scribe for the Department of the Fates!"
"And yet you are the one most heavily steeped in Fate miss …?"
"Khaleesa."
"Miss- my apologies I meant to say Lady Khaleesa our new Lady Fate, yes you are indeed the best suited for the position even if you do not yet realize it. Naturally you will be getting help to grow into the position so I hereby assign one of the old fossils up here to be a mentor of sorts for you since they all are well versed in the Fate of their own Universes."
"Protocol High Arbiter," one of the Gods coughed as Natsu chuckled.
"Ah yes my apologies I shall assign one of the Gods more specifically the one that just addressed me on protocol to aid you in your new position. Anyway time to make this formal, I do hereby assign thee Lady Khaleesa to the plane of Fate," Natsu said as golden strings shot out from the tip of the gavel and wrapped themselves around Khaleesa as her clothes began to morph into golden robes with her eyes adopting the same colouring.
"Y-you actually-!"
"To all gathered here today from this day forward you are all to acknowledge Lady Fate as is her right assigned by the authority of the Council of Twenty Four and High Arbiter under punishment of banishment or death!"
"Here here," the room called out in unison as they all became surrounded in a faint glow of white momentarily.
"Now then I would like to personally apologise for thrusting you into the spotlight since it is clear you were not prepared for such a position however know that you are the best possible choice amongst all those gathered here today including the Council themselves."
"My Lord High Arbiter I-I'm so sorry," Khaleesa said as tears began to fall from her eyes much to the confusion of most Gods and Devils. "I can see why the former Lady Fate meddled in the affairs of your Fate the journey is long and arduous and does not follow the path of Fate but seems to hold great-!"
"Lady Fate I would ask that you say no more about my future," Natsu said firmly but not unkindly as Khaleesa promptly shut her mouth. "Whilst I do appreciate your willingness to share I'm afraid that I cannot listen to my own Fate otherwise it could cause more damage to Lady Time's domain and judging by the strained expression on her face what little you have said has already altered something."
"My apologies my Lord-!"
"It is quite alright I don't doubt having all of Fate running through you is a jarring experience, take your seat amongst the pantheon so that we may bring this to an end and you may see about getting to better acclimatize yourself to your new position."
Khaleesa nodded and slowly made her way to the seat of Fate still somewhat confused at her sudden promotion as Natsu twirled the gavel in his fingers.
"Now this brings a conclusion to the emergency session, all Gods and Devils who do not serve as either a Cosmic force or the Council itself may leave as there are other matters pertaining to events that must be discussed."
There was a lot of noise as many began to file out until only the Council and the Cosmic forces remained behind as the doors were sealed shut. The moment the doors were sealed Natsu sighed and leant back in his chair much to the amusement of the veterans of the Council.
"You did rather admirably Natsu for your first major duty as High Arbiter one would almost assume you had prior experience," Eliza teased as Natsu considered the ramifications of pegging the gavel at her.
"Thanks for the compliment but we need to get down to business Lady War, Lord Space and Lady Time I would ask if either of you could explain to me how the counterpart to my wife has arrived in the Elemental Nations and not for a brief stint like my deceased brother."
"Yes I don't blame you for being confused about that one High Arbiter we've been scratching our heads on that one ourselves," Felicity sighed.
"Not only would she have had to have escaped the segregation of her own reality but it is known that she exists in the parallel world of Edolas making the feat all the more mind boggling," Lord Space added.
Natsu looked at the rest of the Cosmic forces to see if they had anything to add when his eyes landed on Khaleesa who looked like she wanted to say something.
"Anything to add Lady Fate?"
"Uh- well perhaps her arrival is the direct result of my predecessor L-Lord High Arbiter sir!"
"Actually that isn't such a bad theory," Felicity mused. "She arrived not long before her sudden death and the delay could be attributed to mere backlash in the Strings of Fate."
"Indeed the idea does hold significant weight however what was the catalyst?"
"I am the natural catalyst Lord Space I thought this was a fact that should have been engraved in all logic and reason. Where there is chaos and strife Natsu Dragneel will not be far behind!"
"For the record High Arbiter we cannot send her back," Felicity said as Natsu nodded.
"Yes I figured as much we can't risk damaging things in that reality when it already hangs by a thread. I shall look after her for now but eventually she will have to return to her own world."
"Can we also discuss this Grail War that the previous Lady Fate got herself killed over I would like to be informed of such an event as it not only holds the title of War but it is one I didn't authorize!"
"I doubt anyone knows much of anything at this stage however I have already been contacted by a Servant who summoned herself just so she could talk to me," Natsu said much to the surprise of everyone present.
"But for a Servant to summon themself from the Throne of Heroes why that would take-!"
"Remember my dead self ended up there alongside Merlin and I doubt I'm not heavily involved in all of this," Natsu sighed. "But to answer your questions I have been contacted by Scathach the Queen of the Land of Shadows."
"Ah I remember Scathach she was my predecessors work and a bit of a role model for me," Eliza said with a slight blush. "She was responsible for training Cu Chulainn in the art of warfare and to say he went on to do great things would be like saying any of us are powerful."
"Yes well she's offered me her assistance because she believes me to be the best choice for the Grail since she knows something is wrong with it. Once my business here is done I am going to her realm to discuss the Grail War in detail which I'm more than grateful for."
"Then we'd better not keep you High Arbiter," Eliza said with a small smile as Natsu nodded.
"Indeed I'll call an end to this meeting however I would like to know the opinion of you two before we put an end to all this," Natsu questioned as both Micheal and Lucifer materialized before him.
"Your actions in regard to the position of Fate were without error and you commanded the attention of all present without question."
"Indeed as Micheal so eloquently put it you cemented your position quite firmly and proved that you do indeed know the rules and how to lead this Council," Lucifer added as Natsu nodded rising from his seat.
"Very well then I call an end to this meeting but uh where do I put this?"
"Just will it and it will seal onto your person," Lucifer replied as Natsu willed it to seal on his arm as a tattoo look alike of it appeared.
"Right then I'd best be going but not before I do one last thing."
"And what is that," Lucifer asked already knowing his answer.
"I believe my assistant has had more than enough bed rest and should be fit to return to her duties," Natsu said with a small smirk appearing on his face as he vanished through a portal.
Sometime later Natsu was standing in front of a drenched and shivering Seilah who was glaring daggers at him. Deciding that it was only fair she be adequately taught not to overexert herself again Natsu dispensed swift and freezing justice … by dumping her into a freezing lake on a random world.
"Are you going to go weeks without rest and then sleep for over a month in real time again," Natsu asked playfully as Seilah threw a snowball at him that melted before it even made contact. "Sorry I didn't quite catch that I thought you just said you wanted to be dumped in the lake again?"
Natsu went to open a portal underneath him as Seilah swiftly grabbed his arm practically begging for him not to send her back in.
"Master I apologize I did not mean to cause you any trouble it won't happen again!"
"Now look I'm not angry with you Seilah you were only trying to do your best knowing I was under a lot of stress but you neglected your own health as a result. How do you think I felt knowing you'd worked yourself to such a state especially when I had a lot on my mind at the time?"
"Not very good," Seilah sighed as Natsu motioned for her to come closer as he began drying her using his natural heat.
"Seilah you must understand that as you are technically my Servant I hold your very life in my hands and given all that I have gone through I see your health and safety like I would any of my closest family. I want you to promise me you won't work yourself to such a state again."
"I promise Master," Seilah said sincerely as Natsu brought her in for a hug that seemed to remove the rest of the water almost immediately.
"Now I'm going to hold you to that Seilah now we have work to do and trust me things have escalated since you fell asleep so I want you to open your mind so that I can show you."
Natsu showed Seilah snippets of what had occurred since she went to sleep and by the end of the memories Seilah was as white as a sheet.
"So it has begun Master, how does Erza Knightwalker fit into all this though?"
"Possibly ripped from her reality due to a faint connection with my Erza the moment the former Lady Fate died," Natsu replied casually. "I want you to return to Yugao's side as I have business with Scathach in the Land of Shadows, you have access to 25% of my power until I return."
"Understood Master I will not fail to defend them!"
"Erza despite not having wielded her Spear of the Ten Commandments for at least a decade or more is still frighteningly powerful so don't worry about her too much and even Yugao has some hidden talents I wasn't aware of in the art of stealth and assassination."
"Even so I shall do my best not to disappoint you again Master."
"I know," Natsu replied as he placed a hand on her head and to her shock her horns vanished. "The shard Eliza brought me during the Chunin Exams had the knowledge to project my Transformation Magic onto others in the form of a seal so don't worry about it breaking."
"Thank you for the gift Master now I don't have to wear the hood in public anymore I truly appreciate it."
Natsu nodded as he opened a portal for her and handed her a letter explaining her presence to Yugao and Erza as she walked through in a cheery mood. Looking around at the snowy terrain before him he was about to leave himself when he sensed a presence behind him.
"Not many can sense me right as I appear but then again not many are as interesting as you are."
Turning around Natsu came face to face with what was clearly some kind of Vampire though he didn't seem all that interested in a fight if his currently relaxed posture was anything to go by.
"I take it you are wondering why I haven't tried to chomp down on you yet?"
"The thought had crossed my mind yes but my primary question is who are you?"
The man grinned as he stood up and did a mock bow before him which didn't really amuse Natsu as much as the man thought it would.
"Well aren't you a cheerful one, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg Master of the Second True Magic, the Kaleidoscope etcetera and all that nonsense at your service!"
"You seem sick," Natsu said sniffing the man as a grin appeared on his face.
Zelretch was a man of elderly appearance with messy grey hair and beard, his eyes glowed red as did all Vampires though his held power behind them that Natsu had not seen since Alucard.
"So it seems you always were perceptive, I have to say it is rather amusing to meet you in what beings like us would refer to as your infancy."
"So you know me then, a future version of me anyway?"
"One would say we are quite good friends in the far future though how you define going out drinking and becoming right menaces to society in regards to friendship I don't truly know."
"If we are friends tell me something I said that I would never tell anyone else that I would know based on my current age."
"You married Erza Scarlett on the island of Dressrosa because you saw it was aptly named the city of love and passion and found it fitting," Zelretch replied which surprised Natsu since he hadn't even mentioned that to Seilah.
"Well that … indeed it appears we must at the very least be good friends or damn close acquaintances."
"HAH even now you still have that damn habit of rubbish jokes it's nice to see some things never change, close acquaintances that's a good one!"
"Indeed," Natsu replied as he sat down on a rock with Zelretch doing the same. "So why have you come before me?"
"Why indeed Natsu well to put it bluntly I'm here because you said this was where I needed to be."
"And why would I say that?"
"Because your older self informed me of an event that I find most interesting an event named the Realis Holy Grail War."
"I take it you know of these Grail Wars?"
"I set up the system for a recurring one in a city known as Fuyuki so yes you could say I have experience with them but that isn't entirely why I was sent here."
"Then why were you sent here Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg?"
"Just call me Zelretch it's what your future you calls me," Zelretch replied as Natsu nodded. "I'm here because I heard you are still scattered about time and conveniently I had this sitting on my desk for years not knowing what it was until future you pointed it out."
Natsu's eyes nearly burst from their sockets as Zelretch pulled out a piece of himself with an amused smirk.
"I was told that I get to use this to barter for something and before you get mad future you told me to do this."
"And what is future me promising?"
"Supposedly you can cure the sickness that currently plagues me for you see despite my currently dashing appearance I really shouldn't look like this."
"And why is that?"
"It came about as a result of a battle between myself and a Vampire King who I fought because I didn't like him. He bit me which really wasn't all that bad but something happened to me that has forced me into this pathetic state."
Natsu activated his Hybrid's Aura and looked at Zelretch who didn't seem all that surprised by it. His eyes went over Zelretch's form until he deactivated them rubbing his forehead with a tired expression.
"Future me is a right prick sending you here when he could just fix you himself," Natsu sighed. "There is a powerful curse running through your very blood I'm not surprised you failed to notice it."
"A curse in my blood?"
"This Vampire King when he bit you clearly was resentful that you would get to live whilst he died so he cursed you as he bit you. You gain the immortality that comes with being a powerful Vampire however your magic is being drained at an alarming rate though it also appears to be regenerating at a rapid rate as well which gives you the appearance of an older man since your body is straining to return itself to normal."
"I have to say I'm not all that surprised something like that occurred the bastard didn't believe it when I used magic to defeat him, the unknown variable as it were."
"Yes well in any event I can fix you but I'd need that shard to do it, if we truly are friends in the future then you'll trust me to do the right thing correct?"
"We've fought against Dead Apostle Ancestors Natsu we're basically brothers in arms even if you have yet to do so," Zelretch said handing him the soul shard.
"I thank you for your trust Zelretch though I would ask that you take me back to wherever it is that you reside since you'll be bedridden for weeks once I fix you. Also I have a meeting with Scathach from the Land of Shadows so I also need to do that before we get this process underway."
"That's fine I need to kick future you out anyway, overlapping timelines and all that."
"Did I send you here by the way?"
"No I have my own method of getting around and don't worry I'll explain it later when you come to my reality. I'll ask future you when it is appropriate to appear before you again so just make sure you are alone and not in the higher realms when you are finished with Scathach."
"Very well Zelretch I'll see you later," Natsu said as Zelretch simply vanished before his eyes much to Natsu's confusion. "Now that is a handy method of transportation, now then onward to the Land of Shadows," Natsu said as he opened up a portal and prepared to meet with the Queen of Shadows herself.
Hope you all enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one!