I had actually planned on updating A Third Chance again before this, but I got really excited about this chapter and really want to upload it now.
However, firstly, this needs to be said. I am not going to bash anyone. There is literally only one person I would ever bash and even then, it would only be mildly and that is Sakura from Naruto.
I am not bashing Gray.
I honestly have no qualm with anyone in Fairy Tail, they are all interesting in their own unique way. Once again, Gray is not being bashed, Natsu said that stuff to him last chapter for three reasons, one, it was true, two, he was disgruntled and three, for me to give Gray a reason to get stronger.
Now, with that out of the way, there is a poll on my profile for this story and I'm getting tired of repeating myself again and again on different stories, so I'll make this brief.
Vote for Juvia if you want a single pairing, if she has the most votes this will stay a single pairing.
Whoever has more votes than Juvia will be added to the pairing/harem.
I will keep the poll running until chapter 5 for each story, then close them and reveal the results.
Also, I'm adding Angel to the poll as well, as I have an idea for her, along with Meredy and Lisanna, who can also work.
Lastly, some of you have guessed what Juvia is, with some of you guessing correctly, but none of you have figured out the reason for it, which is good, as it means I'll still surprise you all. There are a few more hints in this chapter, so for those of you that guessed correctly, I'd say you can figure out the truth with this chapter.
For now though, enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 2 – Wizard Saint
Natsu's mind was a whirlwind of images. He was seeing things he had never seen before.
'Wake up Natsu.' Said a disembodied voice, which caused Natsu's dream to change.
Natsu was now standing on a beach, fire all around him and appeared to be concentrating.
'Wake up Natsu.' Said the same voice again, causing the scene to change to a steel room, with no windows, which appeared to be flooded, with someone standing in the middle of it.
'Wake up Natsu.' Said the voice again, this time more forcefully, causing Natsu to see a pair of dark blue eyes, before waking up.
Natsu blinked in surprise, scratching his head in confusion, before looking around.
'Huh, what the hell? Why is it dark? Where is everyone?' Asked Natsu in shock, as he jumped to his feet.
'Um, Natsu, it is almost midnight now and everyone has gone home for the day.' Said a shy sounding voice, from behind Natsu.
Natsu blinked at this, before turning towards where he heard the voice from.
'Eh… who said that? There's no one here… oh no, don't tell me… I'm finally going insane!' Cried Natsu in dismay.
'Uh, Natsu you aren't insane, Juvia is just shy.' Said the voice, getting Natsu to look up.
'Oh that's good… wait, but I'm still talking to myself… oh man, I must have really gone insane.' Said Natsu, as he slumped to the ground with a sigh.
Natsu then felt someone pat his shoulder softly.
'Now I'm feeling things too.' Natsu moaned.
'Sorry, Natsu, Juvia was just shy, you're not insane.' Said the voice, and Natsu turned around to see the former Phantom Lord Mage.
'Oh Juvia, it's you… I'm not insane, that's a relief.' Said Natsu in relief.
'Wait, what are you doing here Juvia?' Asked Natsu in confusion.
'Uh, Juvia came to wake you up, so you wouldn't get sick sleeping out here.' Said Juvia shyly.
'Really? Thanks. That's really nice of you.' Said Natsu, with a toothy grin, getting Juvia to smile.
'Although, I've never been sick before… well expect for on a train that is.' Said Natsu thoughtfully, causing Juvia to become depressed.
'Oh no, Juvia disturbed Natsu's sleep for no reason!' Cried Juvia in dismay.
'Eh that's alright, Erza was supposed to wake me in an hour… oh no, wait a minute… I was meant to go to her in an hour… damn, she is going to be annoyed.' Said Natsu tiredly.
'Actually, Erza came by and saw you were still resting, so she decided to leave you.' Said Juvia shyly.
'Really? That's good then… although how did you know that?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'Juvia was watching you.' Said Juvia, before panicking at what she let slip.
"Oh no! Now Natsu will think Juvia is a crazy stalker or something!" Thought Juvia in dismay.
'Really? Thanks Juvia.' Said Natsu, causing Juvia to swoon a little.
'Juvia was happy to. Juvia wanted to make sure Natsu was safe.' Said Juvia happily.
'Thanks, although, I suppose I should head home now… where is Happy though?' Asked Natsu, as he stood back up.
'He went home with… Lucy.' Said Juvia, as she puffed her cheeks out slightly.
"Love Rival!" Thought Juvia fiercely.
'Damn it, that guy just wants a comfy bed… oh well. I might as well just head home now, since they'll probably be asleep by now anyway.' Said Natsu in annoyance.
'What about you Juvia? Where are you going to sleep?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'Uh, nowhere yet. Juvia hasn't arranged for accommodations.' Said Juvia, with a small frown.
'Hmm, I know! Since Happy isn't going to be there, you could always just stay at my place tonight… although it is a little dirty… and small.' Said Natsu, as he sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
"CHANCE!" Shouted Juvia internally.
'Juvia would appreciate that very much!' Said Juvia happily.
'Alright then, let's go *yawn* because for some reason I'm still pretty sleepy.' Said Natsu, with a yawn, before beginning to walk off, with Juvia following next to and slightly behind him.
'Um, Natsu, aren't you worried about letting Juvia be at your house, considering we were enemies before?' Asked Juvia timidly, as she looked away.
'Nah, it's fine. You were just doing what Jose told you too. Even if he was doing bad stuff, you needed to listen to him, because he was the Guild Master.' Said Natsu, with a dismissive wave.
Juvia didn't respond to this, but was inwardly very surprised at Natsu's insight.
'Ah, here it is.' Said Natsu, as the two finally reached Natsu and Happy's humble abode.
'Erm, sorry about the mess.' Said Natsu, with a nervous grin, before opening the door.
Juvia blinked in surprise at how messy the house was. Dirty pans strewn across the living room floor, the kitchen sink full of dirty dishes, clothes dirty and thrown all over the place.
'Sorry, Happy and I don't get much company.' Said Natsu, with a small chuckle.
'Not to worry Natsu, Juvia can fix this all in a moment.' Said Juvia, before raising her hands to shoulder level, shortly after which, water burst from her hands and quickly powered around the house, picking up dirty utensils and clothes, cleaning them, before laying them all in neatly made piles. After that, the sink was blasted with water and all the dishes were cleaned, before being lifted and stacked, or placed on the dish-rack.
'There, Juvia is done.' Said Juvia proudly.
Natsu gave Juvia a starry-eyed gaze.
'Juvia, you have to stay here from now on!' Ordered Natsu, getting Juvia to splutter and blush.
'N-Natsu, Juvia doesn't think she can…' Protested Juvia weakly, before Natsu grabbed her hands in his.
'But Juvia, I need you.' Said Natsu, getting Juvia's heart to race.
'Happy and I can't clean at all, and you did all that in seconds, while it would have taken us weeks.' Said Natsu in excitement.
Natsu then quickly knelt in front of Juvia and clasped his hands.
"Propose! Is Natsu going to propose to Juvia?" Shouted Juvia internally.
'Juvia, please stay here with me and Happy.' Begged Natsu.
"No proposal… but Natsu wants Juvia to live with him! Love rival doesn't stand a chance!" Thought Juvia triumphantly.
'Okay.' Said Juvia curtly.
'Awesome! Um, although I don't have a spare bed…' Said Natsu in embarrassment.
'I know, you can have mine today and I'll sleep on the couch, especially since you cleaned it. I'll get a new bed tomorrow.' Said Natsu.
Juvia blinked in surprise at Natsu's sudden mood changes, before wondering where the bed was.
'Um, Natsu, where is the bed?' Asked Juvia.
'Oh there it is.' Said Natsu, pointing to a shabby hammock, hung off a tree and attached to the roof.
Juvia sweat-dropped at this.
"Juvia thinks this might have been a mistake." Thought Juvia.
-line break-
'Eh! What the hell, how did all of that happen yesterday?' Shouted Natsu in shock, after hearing that Gray, Happy and Erza had followed Lucy home, thinking she was leaving Fairy Tail, only to find out that she wasn't. Oh, and that she was also vastly wealthy.
'It isn't a big deal Natsu. They didn't even need to come in the first place.' Said Lucy slightly embarrassed.
'What do you mean? This is huge!' Said Natsu, before dropping to the floor and bowing in apology, not too dissimilar, to the way he had when Lucy bought him food in Hargeon.
'S-stop it Natsu, I said it was fine!' Shouted Lucy in embarrassment.
Juvia meanwhile, was standing behind a tree and watching anxiously.
"Maybe Juvia needs to be more worried about love rival after all." Thought Juvia.
-line break-
'Um, Makarov you aren't sleeping are you? We're in the middle of your hearing… you're not asleep, are you?' Asked a frog-like creature.
Makarov suddenly awoke and nervously chuckled.
'Don't be silly, of course not.' Said Makarov anxiously.
A few of the Councillors looked amused, but most looked irritated.
'In any case, we have decided that Fairy Tail, in regards to the recent battle between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail is: not guilty.' Announced the Chairman of the Magic Council, Crawford Seam.
'However, there is another matter to discuss.' Continued Crawford, from his place in the shadows.
Makarov sat up a little straighter at this, in apprehension.
'From the reports, it seems that the mage known as Salamander, Natsu Dragneel, managed to defeat not only two of the Element Four, but also, the Ace of Phantom Lord, the one known as Black Steel, Gajeel Redfox.' Said the Chairman.
A few of the Council members looked disgruntled at this, especially with Natsu being a major cause of the destruction, which occurs as a result of Fairy Tail's actions.
'To defeat three S-Class mages is no mean feat. To think, he is not even one himself.' Commented Siegrain, a good looking blue haired man, with a strange marking over his right eye.
'Indeed, Gajeel Redfox is no pushover.' Added Councilwoman Belno, a rather old, blond haired woman, who had a soft spot for Gajeel.
'Yes, Natsu has proved a fierce character, even being part of the team that beat Lullaby and fought against Deliora.' Added Yajima, a short old man, with rather large eyebrows and a small moustache.
'If only he didn't cause so much destruction.' Commented Ultear fondly, a young, dark haired woman.
'Ho, that's Natsu I suppose. Although, the people do love him, even with his reckless behaviour.' Commented Makarov jovially.
'Hmm, that is an interesting point indeed, Makarov.' Said the Chairman.
'What are you thinking, Chairman?' Questioned Org, a tall grey haired man with a rather long beard.
'In light of the Lullaby incident and now this inter-guild battle as well, there have been unfavourable things said about the Council and our responsiveness.' Said Crawford carefully.
Makarov listened on in interest at this.
'However, if the Council were to have a new face representing them, one that is undoubtedly loved by most, it would do well for our image.' Continued Crawford.
"I-impossible." Thought Makarov in shock, beginning to see where Crawford was going with this.
'For that reason, in light of recent events, I suggest that we grant the mage known as Salamander, Natsu Dragneel, the Tenth Wizard Saint position, on the condition that he tones down his destruction.' Said the Chairman, getting numerous shocked looks, even from Makarov.
'Surely you jest, Chairman! Natsu Dragneel has been a thorn in our side for years now!' Said Org in surprise.
'Well, his reasons are valid. Not to mention, if he does tone down his destructive tendencies, this could make him less of a problem to deal with.' Commented Siegrain calmly.
'I agree. It would also place the Council in better stead, in the eyes of the public.' Added Ultear.
'B-but Natsu isn't even an S-Class mage!' Shouted Makarov in surprise.
'That may be the case, however, his reputation is well known… destructive tendencies aside. He is viewed rather fondly by most.' Said Crawford.
'Hmm, perhaps some responsibility would be good for young Natsu.' Said Yajima, getting Makarov to look at him in surprise.
'He is too reckless.' Grunted Michello, a short cat-like man.
'I agree, hence why I proposed this idea. Does anyone have any objection to Natsu Dragneel becoming a Wizard Saint, if he manages to curb his destructive tendencies?' Asked the Chairman calmly.
There was some discontent muttering, but no real objection, which caused Makarov to blink in shock.
'Then, under the condition that he curb his destructive tendencies, Natsu Dragneel is awarded the Tenth Wizard Saint position.' Declared Crawford.
"W-what just happened?" Thought Makarov in shock.
-line break-
'Mira, what is it?' Asked Cana, seeing a surprised Mirajane return to the bar.
'Master Makarov just contacted me about the Council's decision.' Said Mira plainly.
'What happened? Are we in trouble?' Asked Cana nervously.
'Actually, Fairy Tail was found not guilty and we can take jobs again now as well.' Said Mira, getting people to rush her in excitement, wanting to go on a job.
'What else Mira, you look surprised?' Asked Cana, which made most of the guild pause and notice the same thing.
'Well, it seems that in order to appear better in the eyes of the public, they have announced a new Wizard Saint.' Answered Mira.
'How does that concern us?' Asked Cana curiously, as she took a drink of alcohol from her barrel.
'They choose Natsu.' Said Mira, causing Cana to spit her beer all over everyone.
'What?' Shouted the entire guild in surprise, before looking at Natsu in shock.
'Him?' They all asked in unison, pointing to Natsu, who was currently looking up at the sky, with his hands behind his head.
'Hey screw you guys! What did you all do against Phantom Lord?' Shouted Natsu indignantly.
'Well, I suppose it is true that Natsu took out their Ace and two of their S-Class mages, but a Wizard Saint.' Said Cana, before a table was suddenly thrown into the guild.
'You dare say that!' Shouted Erza.
'Hmm, I'll say it again then. This guild doesn't need weaklings.' Said Laxus Dreyar, S-Class mage and grandson of Makarov Dreyar.
'You bastard.' Said Erza venomously.
'To be looked down upon by a guild like Phantom Lord… how embarrassing. I couldn't face anyone.' Said Laxus, before turning to Team Shadow Gear and harshly insulting them.
Natsu clenched his fist, hearing Laxus' cold words.
'Laxus this matter is closed. There was no talk of blame from the start. You didn't participate in the fight and you don't need to add oil to the fire. Master said that.' Said Mira, all the while, Natsu was beginning to have heat and steam, waft off his form.
'Of course it doesn't have anything to do with me… but if I was there, I wouldn't get beaten up horribly.' Said Laxus, causing Natsu's rage to reach boiling point.
'But you weren't there.' Said Natsu quietly, as he stood up and walked towards Laxus.
'Ho, what's this Natsu? Do you suddenly think you can match me?' Asked Laxus, goading Natsu.
'You weren't there. You were too good to defend your guild.' Said Natsu quietly, getting many of the guild to look at him in surprise.
"T-this is just like before." Thought Happy nervously.
'What guild? A bunch of weaklings is no guild of mine.' Laughed Laxus.
Laxus then blinked in surprise, as he just narrowly avoided a fist, which slammed into the bench he was sitting on, obliterating it.
'If you keep badmouthing the guild… I'll knock your lights out, Laxus.' Growled Natsu angrily.
'Haha you think you can touch me?' Questioned Laxus mockingly, before feeling a fist plant itself in his gut and launch him into a tree.
'Just did.' Said Natsu, as the steam coming off him intensified.
The guild was shocked at this new development, barring Happy.
"It's happening." Thought Happy nervously.
'Tch, you got a lucky hit there, Natsu. Although, I'm surprised you even managed to hit me once. I guess you have gotten stronger, unlike the rest of this weak guild.' Commented Laxus appraisingly.
Natsu didn't respond and merely stared Laxus down, his eyes beginning to turn white.
'What, no snappy retort?' Questioned Laxus, before dodging another fist from Natsu, which smashed through the tree behind him, sending it crashing to the ground.
Laxus opened his mouth to taunt Natsu, but a kick suddenly slammed into his chest, sending him flying back.
The heat swirling around Natsu was so intense now, that most of the guild unconsciously stepped back.
"So this is the power that Natsu defeated Phantom Lord with." Thought Erza in awe.
'That's twice now, Natsu. Do you want me to get serious here?' Asked Laxus menacingly, as he flung his cape off his shoulders.
Natsu didn't respond, but the steam swirling around him intensified, with small flames beginning to emerge.
'Don't ignore me, Natsu!' Shouted Laxus, as he turned into lightning and quickly launched an uppercut to Natsu's gut, which caused him to double over.
'Laxus that's enough!' Shouted Erza.
'Heh, all talk after all.' Said Laxus, before Natsu looked up and blasted him with a wave of blistering fire, from his wide open maw.
Laxus roared in pain, as he used his arms to block the attack, just in time to protect his face, before he turned into lightning again and retreated. Laxus looked at his forearms, and saw his shirt had nearly been destroyed by that last attack. Angrily, Laxus gripped his shirt and tore it off, revealing his muscular upper body.
'Do you want a fight that much, Natsu!' Shouted Laxus, as sparks of lightning started to cover his form.
The guild looked on nervously. Laxus had never taken Natsu seriously before and no one had ever seen Natsu like this before either, excluding Lucy and Happy.
'I said that's enough!' Shouted Erza, as she walked closer to the pair.
'Don't try to order me around Erza! You might have the rest of this guild cowering in your wake, but you are nothing to me!' Shouted Laxus angrily.
'No, she is right, this is enough.' Said a voice, immediately after which, most of the guild started to feel sleepy.
One by one, everyone started to drop where they stood, falling asleep. Erza struggled to stay awake, but couldn't. Using some of her remaining strength, she saw Natsu wasn't even affected at all.
"Natsu… just how much have you grown?" Thought Erza, before falling to the ground asleep.
A man wearing a dark blue cloak, a bandanna and bandages wrapped around his limbs, emerged from the tree line.
'The guild is still recovering, Laxus. This isn't the time for this.' Said the figure.
'What are you doing here, Mystogan?' Asked Laxus, calming down somewhat.
'I came here… after I had destroyed all of Phantom Lord's subdivisions.' Said Mystogan simply.
Laxus merely grunted.
'If you didn't fight Laxus, you shouldn't be provoking the others at this time.' Said Mystogan softly.
'This guild is weak, full of weaklings.' Retorted Laxus, getting Natsu to growl.
'Be that as it may, your opinion of weak is rather biased. This guild is strong Laxus, you just don't see it that way.' Said Mystogan, as he walked over to Natsu.
'Why are you turning your back on me Mystogan? Do you not view me as a worthy opponent?' Questioned Laxus.
'You are a worthy opponent, but this is not the time, Laxus.' Said Mystogan, as he glared at Laxus.
'*hmph* Fine then, but our time will come.' Said Laxus, as he walked over to his cloak and picked it up, before walking off.
'Indeed.' Said Mystogan with a nod, before he placed a hand on Natsu's head and disappeared with him, in a miasma of mist.
The members of the guild groaned, as they came to their senses.
'Ugh, what happened?' Asked Lucy.
'Mystogan.' Said Erza, loud enough for everyone to hear.
'What happened to Natsu and Laxus?' Asked Gray.
'I don't know… but Natsu didn't fall asleep when Mystogan used his magic.' Said Erza.
'Whoa really? Guess Natsu has become stronger than we thought, especially with him being a Wizard Saint now.' Said Cana, which caused both Gray and Erza to clench their fists.
'Gray, Lucy, let's go on a job.' Said Erza suddenly.
'Eh?' Said Lucy in surprise.
'Ever since Eisenwald, the three of us, along with Natsu and Happy, have kept gathering together, almost like a team.' Said Erza.
'What about Natsu though?' Asked Happy.
'I'm not sure, but he will be fine if he is with Mystogan. We even have a job already! Attack the illegal magic school in Lobinasu City's rural district. Let's go.' Said Erza.
Not wanting to anger Erza, the two mages and flying cat agreed.
After the rest of the mages had all taken jobs, Mira was left alone at the bar. A short while later, Mira heard grumbling.
'Stupid Mystogan, taking me to the edge of Magnolia.' Muttered Natsu.
'Oh, Natsu, we were all wondering where you went. Erza, Gray, Lucy and Happy even went on a job already.' Said Mira chirpily.
'Seriously! They all left me here….' Ranted Natsu sullenly.
'Yes and most of the jobs are gone now too.' Said Mira, with a smile, causing Natsu to groan.
'Are there any left?' Asked Natsu in exasperation.
'Well, there is one, but it might be dangerous for you on your own.' Said Mira worriedly.
'Don't worry Mira, I can handle it.' Said Natsu proudly.
'Ok, but it is a job to take down a large group of bandits, which have been roaming around Crocus.' Warned Mira.
'That's fine, I'll take care of it easily!' Said Natsu happily.
'Ok Mr Wizard Saint.' Giggled Mira, before remembering something.
'Oh, but I just remembered, the Council apparently said that if you are overly destructive, they'll take the title back from you.' Said Mira.
'Oh man, really? That's fine I guess, I'll just be careful.' Grumbled Natsu.
'Have fun.' Said Mira.
'Yeah, see you soon, Mira.' Said Natsu, with a wave, as he headed off.
-line break-
Makarov was sitting on a high ledge of the guild, drinking a mug of beer.
'Retire eh?' Muttered Makarov, remembering what his old friend Yajima had told him.
'The guild building has been changed to a new one… if that's the case, the master should be new too.' Said Makarov thoughtfully, before going over the list of possible candidates in his mind, before a cheerful voice snapped him out of it.
'Master, so you were hiding here.' Said Mirajane pleasantly.
Makarov grunted in surprise.
'It looks like something happened again.' Said Mira, with a smile.
'Hmm?' Said Makarov questioningly.
'It seems Erza and gang destroyed half a stretch of road doing their job.' Said Mira, getting Makarov to blanch in shock.
'What about Natsu?' Asked Makarov quickly.
'Oh Natsu, he went on a different job.' Said Mira.
'What happened? Did he destroy anything?' Asked Makarov anxiously.
'Ara, well actually, he completed the whole job without causing any damage. He just knocked all the bandits out quickly and tied them up.' Said Mira, with the same chipper expression as always.
Makarov nearly fell of the ledge in disbelief.
'S-seriously!' Shouted Makarov in shock.
'I know, it is surprising, isn't it? He even fought with Laxus before, when he started badmouthing the guild. He even hit Laxus twice and made him get serious.' Said Mira pleasantly.
Makarov keeled over in shock.
'Ara, Master, are you ok up there?' Asked Mira cheerfully.
"W-what… what happened to Natsu?" Thought Makarov in shock, before leaping into the air.
'Woohoo! No more compensation payments from the Council!' Shouted Makarov in joy.
'But Master, as I was saying before, the Council is requesting compensation for Erza's job.' Said Mira, causing Makarov to drop again.
'Of course, even if Natsu was the biggest problem… the whole guild is a problem! How can I retire like this?' Shouted Makarov in dismay.