S.R: Updating this one again since I still haven't figured out what kind of creature I want Erza to battle in the AU….
Natsu: Or its it because you got this back from you beta readers faster than you expected?
S.R: Nope, I only sent it to one beta reader this time since the others are busy right now. So I knew I'd get it back fairly quick.
Natsu: Oh, okay then. Since you seem to know what you're doing for once I'll get out of your way.
S.R: I realize last time I said Jura was ranked 7th. Normally I'd correct myself and move him to 5th like he's supposed to be when the GMGs came around but personally I'm under the belief that he is still weaker than Makarov who in my mind is either 5th or 6th. HOWEVER that doesn't even matter as I'll be redoing the Wizard Saint ranks, because of my plans for the story. Also I stole a character from another manga to fill in as a Saint (and possible harem member). I'll give 50 points to whatever Hogwarts House you are in if you can tell me the manga I borrowed the character from.
MAKAROV'S POV
After Warrod made his announcement the room went silent in shock, but just as people began recovering in burst Draculos Hyberion. He informed the council that during his task he was attacked by God Serena, who prevented him from completing his mission before fleeing. Apparently during their battle Serena told him that he was leaving Fiore to join Alvarez since the worlds spotlight would soon be focused upon the unrivaled might of Alvarez's emperor. This announcement once more sent the room into stunned silence.
A silence that would soon be destroyed by the remaining members of the Wizard Saints coming to give their reports. But none of the reports were given as the shocked quiet was enough to make everyone just stand there waiting for something to happen. Eventually the Council Chairman found the ability to speak again.
"Hyberion, that news is most grievous… But we cannot stand here shell-shocked! Wizard Saints we have very important things to do and discuss, so rather than receive full reports I just want a yes or no answer on if you completed the jobs you were assigned."
Hyberion's was the only no But Jura requested to speak of the ones that hadn't shown. Shortly after completing his mission the three ranked below him requested his help on their joint job. He arrived in time to make finish the job but they were fatally wounded and passed away. We had a moment of silence before the Chairman finally spoke and informed the group of God Serena's defection. He also stated Warrod's wish to retire, and the recommendations from both Warrod and myself for Natsu Dragneel to be made a Wizard Saint.
"While it's true he has the power to join us if my read on his base power is accurate, are you sure he is capable of surpassing yourself Makarov?" Hyberion questioned me.
Nodding my head I informed all members assembled that before I brought him with me on my task I was certain he could reach Jura's position without breaking a sweat…
"I see. Then you believe his potential would put him above you?"
"Not quite, at first I was just recommending for him to join, push everyone else up a rank and have him work his way through the ranks… but he gained a new power when I took him with me, along with a massive boost in strength. Once he familiarizes himself with this new power I have no doubt in my mind that he could beat me."
"And what do you think Warrod? Do you believe the boy could match you, and replace your much needed strength right now?"
"He needs less than a year to become completely superior to me. I'm old and my power and body are both failing. As it stands he's stronger, faster, and more durable than me. His magic has an advantage over mine. Also as we've stood here I got a better read on his full power. The one thing I would rate better with right now is just that I have a larger Magic Container but not by much. Within the year he'll have eclipsed me in that aspect."
After Warrod said his piece everyone in the room turned to look at Natsu most looking at him with envy since he's the youngest in the room yet has the potential to become one of the strongest. A few also looked at him wondering just how he could become a saint since his public façade of stupidity is all they know of him.
"Before any of you question if he is responsible or even smart enough to handle the position I need to state the Natsu the public knows is a facade." the Chairman hopped into the discussion once more.
Natsu stepped into the talk and gave his reasons for faking his ignorance before promising that from this point on the real him would be shown. Eventually the room grew quiet. The Chairman was silent taking a few moments to think, following which he stood.
"With my authority as Chairman of the Council I hear by state that Draculos Hyberion is now the first Wizard Saint, Wolfheim is the second Wizard Saint, Natsu Dragneel is accepted as a Wizard Saint and ranked as the third Wizard Saint, Makarov Dryear is now named the fourth Wizard Saint, Yamuraiha is named as the fifth Wizard Saint, and Jura is the sixth Wizard Saint."
The Chairman lifted his staff and slammed the butt down on the floor after making his statement, which thanks to his magic amplifying it made his words sound even more powerful and booming than his natural voice. Waiting for a few seconds of silence, he finally sat back down and continued once more.
"Hyberion and Wolfheim, you two will travel to Magnolia with Natsu and Makarov… You are to find the four mages with the most potential and train them to join the Wizard Saints. Normally you'd be allowed to search the country, but Fairy Tail is home to several young and powerful wizards with the potential to become strong enough to rank as a saint. Makarov you are to help Natsu train to master his new powers ASAP. Yamuraiha, Jura for now you two are to act on your own. You are all dismissed while the council prepares to announce all the changes to the country."
We all nodded our heads and gave slight bows to the council before leaving the room. As we did the group moved down the hall before turning, and walking to a special door. Hyberion who was in front moved his hand forward for his signet ring to be scanned before a door opened up, leading to a fairly large room.
"This is the Wizard Saints Armory. All of our special equipment is made here" I explained to Natsu as we walked through the room.
NATSU'S POV
After being led to the Armory and having all the functions explained to me I was welcomed to the saints by the others, who then shoved me into a room off to the side which lead to a tailor's workshop.
"Welcome, welcome, I assume you're Natsu Dragneel the new saint?"
"Yes sir I am. May I ask your name?"
"I'm Sampson. Now then, do you have any idea how you want your jacket to be designed? I also make outfits if you wish."
Taking a moment of thought I came up with what I wanted and gave Sampson the idea. He smiled once I was done and said it'd take no more than 10 minutes… 10 minutes later I was trying my new outfit on.
Thanks to Erza and Mira's complaints about my sandals needing replaced I decided to have some steel toed combat boots made and dyed black. Then I had a pair of black cargo pants made without the pockets on the side, but with a black steel knee pads. Then I had a sleeveless shirt made that was a nice fiery red, with icy blue trim and a black dragon design on the back. On top of that I had a black jacket with the Wizard Saints emblem on the back in the same shade of blue as my shirts trim, while the trim and fluff on the collar of the jacket were also fiery red. The jacket was created with only the left sleeve, leaving my right arm open so people could see my Fairy Tail guild mark. The left sleeve had a metal plate in the shape of a bracer attached to cover my forearm and give extra protection. I also had a pair of black leather fingerless gloves with metal studs in between my knuckles.
"Now every saint has either a medallion necklace or signet ring. Which would you like?"
"I'll take the necklace"
Once I answered Sampson's question he placed a necklace on top of the pile of clothes he had just made for me.
Thanking him I took my time to put it all on. Realizing that my scarf would be in the way and hide my new necklace, I wrapped it around my waist as a belt.
"This is a very unique look that you have created but it works really well. I had fun making it too. Not very many of the saints actually wanted anything beyond a simple jacket."
"Thanks for the complement. Now to see just how flame and ice resistant it is"
I quickly flared my magic burning one size and freezing the other. After about 30 seconds I stopped. If it weren't for the temperature rapidly changing you wouldn't have known anything was different. But the outfit survived my test. Thanking Sampson once again I left the room to show off my outfit to the others.
They all approved of the look, though Yamuraiha was drooling a little. Admittedly I only noticed because I was starring at the gorgeous bluette myself, only then noticing that her breasts were covered by seashells, and getting an elbow in the side from gramps since he saw that I was starring.
(A SHORT WHILE LATER)
We had left the council and decided to walk to magnolia as it wasn't that long of a walk and we wanted to talk a bit more.
"You know it's kinda funny, normally Yamuraiha hospitalizes people who stare at her."
"What are you talking about Makarov?"
"You didn't notice it earlier, but Natsu here was looking at Yamuraiha the entire time he was showing off his new outfit"
"Well at least he has got taste. She is beautiful, but right now I must ask you to forget about any thoughts you had. It is our job to protect this country and that comes first. That means you must grow stronger."
"I make no promises on forgetting my thoughts. But I will get stronger, I owe it to the dragons that have given me their power."
It wasn't long after this that we had entered Magnolia. Considering who we were, we drew a lot of attention. We noticed but didn't make too big of a deal until we got to the guild and walked in.
"Do you think they've made the announcement yet?" I asked, not noticing how quiet the guild had gotten once we entered, but when gramps just shrugged I noticed it.
The guild was just staring at us, especially Erza, Mira, and Gray. There was a moment during which no sound was made, before I looked at gramps and said I guess not. Right as I said this, the vision Lacrima in the guild kicked on and started broadcasting the Magic Council.
"People of Fiore, we come to you today with an announcement that must be heard. Wizard Saint's God Serena and Warrod Sequen, also known as two of the four Gods of Ishgar have retired from their positions. On top of that the eighth, ninth, and tenth Saints have passed away…. In response to these openings in the Wizard Saints, we have moved all current members up one rank from their previous spots. We have also slotted Natsu Dragneel as the third Wizard Saint."
The vision Lacrima then played the message on repeat a few times during which the entire guild went wide eyed and dropped their jaws, except Gildarts. Considering he knew of gramps, plan the only shock he could've gotten was that Serena also left the Saints though he did flash me grin after hearing my rank.
Finally once the vision Lacrima stopped playing and shut itself off there was an uproar of cheers from the guild. Erza and Mira both jumped on me, bear hugging the life out of me. The only concern was Gray. He just stood their with his head down, shaking before storming out of the guild.
Gramps, Gildarts and I were the only ones to notice. Making eye contact with them, they both tilted their heads after him. I nodded and slipped out of the hug my mates were giving me. Realizing something was up, they followed me as I slipped out of the guild and made my way towards Gray's scent. We found him sitting at the river bank, surrounded by ice.
"Gray!" - Erza
"Go away!"
"We can't do that Gray. Not till you tell us what's wrong." - Mira
"What's wrong!? My dumb-ass of a rival was made a Wizard Saint! I'm just as tough as he is, and smarter! So why him!"
At that Erza and Mira both had disapproving frowns, and made to bonk him on the head but I stopped them and shook my head. They backed off to let me deal with it.
"Who'd have thought my rival would be jealous and hurtful."
"The hell are you talking about?!"
"You are jealous Gray. We had always been equals, but now I have the title and you don't. So you want it to validate yourself as my rival. I get that, but so fucking what. It's just a title. If your going to throw a hissy fit about something so small, then why did I make you my rival?"
Gray was silent at that, but he was still shaking.
"You've always been just as good as me, so what's stopping you from busting your ass to become a Saint as well?"
"Shut up! Just shut up!"
Gray took a deep breath before continuing
"You don't understand. I've always worked my ass of to be better than you! But you just goof off, and screw around all the damn time! You didn't earn your strength like I have!"
"Now it's your turn to shut up! You think I didn't work myself to death while training with Igneel to get to where I was?! I had to nearly kill myself just to learn how to control my magic!"
Gray was quiet at that. But a moment later he spoke.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you Natsu. It's just, I've tried so hard to stay at your level, and yet you didn't have to try to keep up..."
"Gray listen to me. I get that, I really do, but there are things about me that I've hidden. I hold back in all my fights, and my stupidity is all an act."
"Bullshit"
"would you rather fight all out and have to kill someone, or fake being an idiot and exploit an opening that lets you knock them out instead? That was one of the first things I learned from Igneel when it came to fighting. I had to hold back and fake stupidity so much while he was training me that it just became a habit."
"Prove it. Fight me without holding back. Right here, right now"
"One problem with that… I gained a few new powers that I haven't figured out yet. Speaking of said powers, this stays between us." I said making Erza and Mira look at me curiously.
"First. Erza, Mira sorry about lying to you when I left, but gramps needed me to help him, and he wasn't supposed to bring anyone with him. But I went on his council job with him, because there was supposed to be a Frost Drake nest… It wasn't. It was actually the Arctic Dragon Chilthreya's den. She and I fought for a bit before she surrendered."
"You don't mean..." Erza and Mira asked in unision since they knew about Atlas Flame.
"She surrendered so what?"
"Gramps, Erza, Mira, and I are the only ones who knew this Gray but… When we were fighting the Dragons in the capital, the one I fought Atlas Flame, sacrificed his soul to give me a power boost so I could use my Dragon Drive for more than five minutes… when Chilthreya surrendered she did the same. Only she told me what happens when a Dragon King Slayer like myself devours a dragons soul."
"And that is?"
"We gain the ability to use their element. Apparently if I eat enough of any given element I can use it in a dual form with my main element, but if I eat a dragon's soul I can use their element on its own. That means with training I can use Chilthreya's Arctic Ice, and Atlas Flames pure Hellfire."
I let that sink in. After a moment Gray was looking at me with a smile, but I couldn't even guess what he was thinking.
"You need training to use that Arctic Ice right? Well I need to catch up to my rival so how about we help each other out?"
S.R: To all who thought I'd use Gray to help Natsu master his new element, congrats go eat a cookie to celebrate. But don't party too hard there's still more to come. And to all the people who said labeling who spoke broke the flow and made it seem emotionless, there you go I stopped. Yes there wasn't much action this time around, but you can't have it all the time, though this is also because that's where I really wanted to end it otherwise you would have gotten some training. But we'll save that for next time.
Edit: I was re-reading this chapter to refresh myself before writing the next chapter when I noticed a few mistakes, so I fixed them. There's probably more but I just wanted to fix the easily noticeable ones. If you find any please let me know.
