First of all, belated Happy Chinese New year to everyone :D. It's the year of the horny bunnies err rabbits I mean. I must apologize for so much delay of this chapter. I just got back home last Friday. This chapter maybe a little boring since there is no action, more on talks, character development and preparation for the next chapter. I would also like to apologize for my grammatical errors. Contrary to some beliefs, it isn't my main language. Actually, I only used it to the fullest when writing fanfic so in a way, this is practice for me. Next another apologies but I won't be getting any beta because I had a problem with my last one (My story before this one). So yeah, I wanted to work on this one with my own capabilities. Whether what happens with this story I will have no one to blame but me :D. Maybe its pride or anything but my main reason that I started writing was not to impress anyone nor to be one of the greats but to share my thoughts and see what would the other's opinion about it. Lastly, as I had said earlier this is a great way for me to practice english and also to enhance my creativity through writing. Now enough of my drama and let's go to the story :D. Oh and please Read and Review. I really do appreciate it and it really helps me to improve. Whether it was praise or criticism it does give me a path to know where to improve and what to sustain. This has gone long enough I think :P Read and Review Please!
Review Answer Corner:
panda-kun77, Miranime, Futon Lord, howlingwindofthestorm, eclipseX, Frostius, No- I'm not on facebook, bakapervert, jack, Altair, battleking, lightningblade49, mr. uroboros, Jimbobob5536, Seiko-Twin Kodachi-musina0, ArashiRendan23, Fighting Joe : A much appreciated thanks for all the reviews you gave. Thank you so much ^_^ .
Obsessive child: Haha you just have to see if your guess is correct :D . Sorry about omitting Gajeel on this story Y_Y but my muses had gone to that direction. Thanks for the compliment ^_^ .
GoldenGod Rah: Thanks :D. My apologies for the grammatical issues. This chapter will answer about Naruto's age hehe. Also, thanks for the cookies :P 'yummy' .
Silber D. Wolf: Hehe thanks. Yeah, with Naruto being on a war and taught by so many teachers, I figure he should be wise by now :D.
marc: Thanks for the flags about my grammars. I'll look into it and probably revise I have free time. Thanks again ;D .
Agurra the Darkness: Thanks for the compliment. Yeah, the Raijinshuu screwed up bad :D.
AznPuffyHair: Haha Ultear the hot chick. Yeah I can't wait how she relates with Naruto or if she is a friend of foe or if she they know each other haha. Yep in the first chapter, I had already stated that the time-space dimension separated Kyubi from Naruto. :D Wendy's importance to the arc? Umm, hehe you will just have to stay tuned. :D ANyway thanks again.
Cloves: Hehe as much as I wanted to do that (Believe me I wish she was atleast 15 yrs old on the series.) I can't. Y_Y. Is it just me or her adult form kinda resembles Ultear a little bit but nah maybe just because of the hair. Oh yeah sorry for the wait :D.
mlkoolc86: Ultear manipulating Levy? Hihi is that Ultear though? :D Thanks for the review and stay tuned for the answer :) .
God of Stories: It would be answered this chapter. :D thanks for the review.
OBSERVER01: Umm those will be answered as the story goes :P . Thanks for the review.
Drac-frst: Sorry for my grammar but actually you were right on your first and second guess. English isn't my main language and I only use it when I need to and yeah, maybe it was due to my age also. Thanks for pointing it out to me, I'll strive to improve my grammar. I am still learning how to speak english fluently.
Phew that was a long one and now unto the story
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
~0~0~0~0~ FLashback~0~0~0~0~
~~~~~~/~~~~~~ change scene
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Fairy tail and its characters. I only own this story because if I did, then Ultear will be wearing the horny bunny suit instead of that hideous suit.
Chapter 9: Calm before the storm
It was just a matter of seconds but to Naruto it was like of all eternity. This is it, the answer to the questions he had in his mind ever since he was flung into Earthland. He watched closely as his hand comes close to the barrier. His hand started to tremble and for a moment he felt fear, extreme fear of knowing the truth. To him the barrier was moving away as he tried to reach it with his hands. Then it happened, his hand reached the barrier. He bowed and dropped his hands on the side. He stood motionless in front of it and tears threatened to burst out from his eyes but years of experience strengthened him and pride stopped it from coming.
'I'll never see them again… Baa-chan, Sakura-chan, everyone…' he thought.
"Naruto? What's wrong? I thought you were going to join the fight already! Why are you just standing there? Oh you want to fight me first? Come on, let's do it! I still want a rematch with you." Natsu exclaimed.
"Idiot… this isn't a game. And it's not that I don't want to get out… Let me just show you." Naruto said as he formed his hand into fist and then punched hard towards the barrier.
To everyone's shock instead of his hand going through the barrier, they heard a loud bang like a fist hitting a concrete wall.
"What the hell?" was all Makarov could say as he looked at Naruto's fist being stopped by the barrier.
"I told you jii-chan there is something wrong with this spell. Look even Naruto couldn't go out of it. There must be something up with this!" Natsu exclaimed as he pointed at the barrier.
"No that's impossible! This kind of magic is absolute, especially with Fried being the one who cast it. He is a master of this magic." Makarov answered.
"Then maybe he hid another kind of rule in it… Like anyone who is A-class and above mage isn't allowed to go out." Reedus suggested.
"No that won't be possible since Gray and Elfman were able to go out, and they are probably as strong as Natsu…" Makarov trailed off as he tried to think deeply through this ordeal.
"No… There is nothing wrong with the barrier, the rules are what it is. There was no hidden meaning to it." Naruto cut in.
"What are you suggesting?" Makarov asked.
"Simple, the barrier thinks that Natsu and I are more than 80 years old." Naruto answered.
"What the hell? I sure am not more than 80 years old and don't even think I am a stone statue." Natsu exclaimed.
"Are you sure about that?" Naruto asked.
"I'm afraid we can't follow what you are implying." Makarov said.
"A dragon's life is very long. You lived with Igneel from the beginning. In that time, were you able to go and see other people? Were you able to go anywhere other than the place where you live? And most importantly, are you sure you were able to count the days and years right? Afterall, you never saw or heard of a clock and a calendar until Igneel left." Naruto said.
"Are you saying I was living with Igneel for more than 80 years without me knowing and my aging was slowed until he left?" Natsu asked.
"That is something only Igneel knows." Naruto answered.
"Then what about you? Don't tell me you were also raised by a dragon." Natsu asked.
"No, it wasn't a dragon that raised and taught me. And unlike you, I had contact with other humans and human civilizations." Naruto answered.
"Then what?" Natsu asked.
"I had to analyze why you are more than 80 years old, analyze mine if you want." Naruto asked.
"I don't know why!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Too bad because I don't want to tell you." Naruto answered dismissively.
"Naruto, what are you pertaining?" Makarov asked.
"How long was Earthland's history?" Naruto asked.
"About 784 years. The year count started when magic was discovered in Earthland." Reedus answered.
"So how long was the civilization of human even before that?" Naruto asked again.
"We don't know, no evidence or accounts or history were written about it." Makarov answered.
"Or maybe they were destroyed…" Naruto whispered.
"Come again?" Makarov asked.
"No nothing… Sorry, but that is something that I can't talk about." Naruto apologized to Makarov.
"Winner: Arzack!" The barrier announced.
"It looks like the match was over." Naruto said.
"Hey don't change the subject!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Idiot, instead of worrying about that, shouldn't be worrying on how to turn them back to normal?" Naruto said.
"That doesn't help us going out!" Natsu shouted.
"Would you stop shouting? And that's where you are wrong. For one, Juvia and Erza could match up with the raijinshuu not named Luxus. They were only caught off guard by Evergreen. Levy's magic is solid script so she might have a way to this kind of magic. Not to mention she and Lucy loves reading books about magic and ancient runes. Cana, Mira and Visca could help us on calming down the others since they are quite influential. Now tell me, still think they couldn't help?" Naruto replied.
"Reedus go now and find Polyushka to see if she has any treatment for this." Makarov ordered as Reedus run out to find Polyushka.
Naruto walked closer to the stone statues and looked at them. His eyes landed on Juvia.
"I swear I'll find a way to turn you back to normal, sis… Whatever it cost me…" He whispered.
"They'll be fine Naruto, I'll make sure of that. Everyone here is my children and no one messes with them and goes away without a spanking." Makarov reassured.
Then an idea pop into Naruto's mind.
"Wendy, could you try and see if your magic could turn them back?" He asked.
"Okay sensei." Wendy answered as she walked closer to the stone statue and put a hand on them one by one starting from Juvia. Wendy shook her head.
"It's no use sensei, they were completely turned into stone. I can't heal them if they aren't flesh and blood anymore." Wendy said as she bowed her head feeling useless.
Naruto put a hand on her shoulder and said.
"Don't feel down, it's not your fault."
"I'll try again!" Wendy exclaimed as she continued to survey the stone statues.
"Interesting student you have there, Naruto." Makarov stated.
"Yeah, her magic focuses on healing and support. I am currently teaching her combat skills so she could defend herself if things go wrong." Naruto replied.
"Well, she will be one mage to be reckoned with when she has mastered combat techniques, especially with the sensei she got." Makarov complimented.
"Sensei! Come here quickly!" Wendy exclaimed. Makarov and Naruto run towards Wendy who was standing in front of Erza's statue.
"What's wrong Wendy?" Naruto asked.
"This one, she still has flesh inside. It's like she was trapped inside a statue instead of turning into one." Wendy answered.
"Well, that is quite unusual since Evergreen's magic should turn her into stone like the others." Makarov said.
"What are we waiting for then, let's break the statue to free Erza! I want to fight her too!" Natsu suddenly said as he stopped trying to get out of the barrier.
"No you idiot, it's not that easy. Wendy only said that there was flesh inside but she couldn't say if the stone isn't a part of her body or skin now. If we do wrong, then we may end up breaking her and killing her in the process." Naruto said stopping Natsu's attempt to break the statue.
"Aye!" Natsu answered fearing what Erza might do if he accidentally breaks her.
Naruto only shook his head at Natsu's antics.
"As if she could still hurt you when she is already dead." He said.
"Aye… but you don't know how scary Erza is. She will find a way to punish Natsu even if she was only a ghost…" Happy said lowly, fearing that Erza might hear him.
"Victor: Evergreen" The seal announced.
"We weren't able to keep track on the fighting. What? Elfman was the one who Evergreen fought?" Makarov said agitated.
The barrier suddenly announces several fights commencing and victors.
"Stop this! Just stop it you fools!" Makarov exclaimed.
"So there are enchantment traps set up around town and when mages got stuck in there they have to fight each other? So this is what that bastard meant about battle of Fairy tail." Naruto said with gritted teeth.
"I wanna join in! What's with this invisible wall!" Natsu shouted as he try to force himself out.
"What good would be joining in you stupid fool!" Makarov scolded as he hand chop Natsu on the head.
"This is like a tournament to find out who's the strongest." Natsu answered.
"This is no tournament, comrades being force to eliminate one another. What part of this is normal?" Makarov scolded.
"Well it's just fighting, we do that all the time." Natsu replied.
"Our comrade's lives are on the line. Everybody is deadly serious! Nobody is thinking straight out there!" Makarov shouted.
"At this rate, everyone who were petrified will become dust and will never come back." Makarov finished.
"Ah come one, Luxus maybe an ass sometimes but he is still a member of Fairy tail. He won't do that." Natsu said with a grin.
"Natsu…" Makarov was about to say something but Naruto cut him off.
"Save your energy and breath, Master. I once knew a person like Natsu. Once they made up their mind, reason won't be able to reach them." Naruto said as he shook his head because for a moment he saw a twelve year old genin suited in an orange jumpsuit.
'Now I know why they called me a dumbass.' He thought.
"Reedus vs. Fried… Victor: Fried" the barrier announced.
"Shit, they've also taken out Reedus." Naruto said.
"Ugh Pretty tough aren't you Fried." Natsu exclaimed.
"This is no time to be saying stuffs like that. Reedus was supposed to get Polyushka to help us turn them back." Happy scolded.
"There's no point since he's obviously bluffing." Natsu countered.
"Oh? You think I'm bluffing do you Natsu?" Luxus said as he appeared.
"A psychic projection…" Naruto said as he stood in front of Luxus drawing his attention so that he won't notice Wendy.
"Naruto? Still lounging in here? I thought you were going to avenge your friends. I guess, you're all talk afterall." Luxus taunted.
"Shaddup, we can't get out!" Natsu shouted.
"I wasn't talking to you Natsu but this is rich. With Erza, Natsu and Naruto out of the picture, nobody out there can stand up against Raijinshuu." Luxus said.
"We still have Gray! He's about as strong as Natsu is! He'd never get beaten by Raijinshuu!" Happy exclaimed.
"As strong as me? That guy?" Natsu exclaimed.
"Well, he is right?" Happy said.
"Haha so you've got high hopes for that loser huh?" Luxus laughed.
"A person shouldn't call his own comrade, a loser." Naruto said seriously.
"A loser is a loser no matter how you look at it. There's no point of having high hopes from a loser, Phantom boy." Luxus countered.
"I wouldn't underestimate anyone if I were you, you'll lose half the battle if you do that." Naruto answered calmly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gray is currently walking along an alley but he suddenly bumped into an invisible wall.
"What the?" He said.
He punched the invisible wall and words started to print out of it.
"Whoever is trapped inside this enchantment is automatically eliminated until the game is finished or the rules were changed."
"What the hell? Luxus you coward!" Gray said as he started to use his magic to destroy the seal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Gray is eliminated due to being trapped inside an enchantment?" Makarov said as he read the report.
"Hahaha, there goes a loser for you. What did I say, huh?" Luxus laughed.
"Hmm? You're celebrating a win just because you were able to eliminate a potential threat without even lifting a finger? Brillant, very brilliant, just goes to show how much of a threat he is to you. Do I hear a sigh of relief from you, oh great Luxus-chan?" Naruto mocked while clapping his hands.
"You have the gall to mock me when you can't even get out of this simple enchantment?" Luxus said.
"Ho? If this is really that simple, why couldn't you do it yourself? Afterall, this is a magic that could be learned by anyone and yet you needed Fried to do things for you. No scratch that, you needed the whole Raijinshuu to do your dirty works for you. Tell me Luxus, how much had you already done in this game so far? Cause as far as I could remember, all you did was talk." Naruto mocked.
"No matter what you say, who's going to beat Raijinshuu now, hmm?" Luxus countered.
"Well you better hope I don't get out of here, cause I'll be your worst nightmare." Naruto said with a smirked.
"Hey I'm here too, I can beat the crap out of Luxus too." Natsu shouted.
"And what are you gonna do? You can't even get out of here, Natsu." Luxus said.
"I surrender, so please stop this Luxus." Makarov said.
"Well, that's not just good. The great master of Fairy tail, accepting his own pathetic defeat so easily? No, if you really want to resign… do it after you hand over the title of Master to me!" Luxus exclaimed with an arrogant grin.
"So that's what this is. You can't prove yourself worthy of being Master, so you're doing it by using force. You're an idiot." Naruto taunted.
"Weak people wouldn't understand me. I wonder where you get your confidence when you can't even beat Natsu." Luxus said.
"Haha… So you're telling me that just because I was beaten by Natsu, I am weak? So if I beat you, then will you be weaker than me and Natsu then?" Naruto laughed.
"I assure you that won't happen." Luxus said.
"Well yeah, because you don't have enough balls to stand up against me, you don't even have enough balls to stand up against anyone. You needed Raijinshuu for that right? I mean, you even celebrated just because Gray, Erza, Me and Natsu can't fight. Know what? I think you can't do anything without the Raijinshuu. You can't even show yourself in person. What's the matter? Afraid that we see you piss yourself when we retaliate? What a pussy…" Naruto taunted.
He was cut off though as a lightning struck coming from the sky and hitting the roof of Fairy tail's guild house and towards Naruto. Naruto though, didn't move and just swatted away with his left hand directing the lightning towards the barrier. It just passed through the barrier and destroys the wall behind it.
"That all you got? Then you really should be afraid because Natsu's magic stung more than yours." Naruto said.
"IF YOU REALLY WANT TO TASTE MY MAGIC THEN COME TO ME AND FIGHT ME!" Luxus shouted angrily from Naruto's continually mocking him.
"Why so angry? Did I struck a nerve or did I hit a home run? Honestly, I think you only have that false bravery just because you know that I can't go out of here. So what now, Oh Great Fairy tail Master?" Naruto mocked.
"So what is your decision, ji-chan? You only have an hour and a half left, I'd give it some thought if I were you. What's more important, your position or your brats? Just announce it to the whole of Magnolia that you are handing over the title of Fairy tail to Luxus and this will end." Luxus said doing his best to disregard Naruto since he is already getting to his nerves.
"Wait right there! Stop disregarding me!" Natsu said as he charged towards Luxus but he just passed through Luxus and smashed into a wall.
"I did say that he was only a projection." Naruto muttered.
"His brain is almost like brand new isn't it?" Wendy asked which surprised Naruto since Wendy isn't a person who mocks someone.
"Well he uses some but he fights more on instinct. Oh alright, yeah he doesn't use it much. But I think I'm starting to be a bad influence from you. You're starting to speak like me." He answered with a smirked.
"Well, I have the best sensei." Wendy said with a small grin.
"Damn it! Trying to act like his the strongest without even fighting me! Trying to take the Master's seat…" Natsu was cut off by Makarov.
"To be honest, I wouldn't mind giving up my Master's seat… However, I cannot place Fairy tail in the hands of Luxus. He is far to lacking in conviction and in heart to take the seat from me." Makarov said.
"Number of Combatants left: 2" The barrier announced.
"What? There's only two left? Don't tell me the only ones left are Naruto and Natsu?" Makarov exclaimed with wide eyes.
"We weren't even included!" Happy exclaimed.
'Has the whole Fairy tail fallen through friend fighting friend and the Raijinshuu taking out the rest? We have no mages left to do battle… Is this the end?" Makarov said.
"Ah there's nothing left but to revive Erza. I wanted to fight with her too." Natsu said as he marched towards Erza.
"Wait a moment, how do you think you'll do that?" Makarov asked.
"If I burn it, it'll come off right? The stone or whatever." Natsu answered.
"Are you crazy?" Makarov said.
"We don't have any choice. She's the only one who could fight against Evergreen or Fried to free us or the stoned girls. We can't know until we try." Natsu shouted.
"Well, I have to agree with him on this one, Master. Erza's our only hope now. But we do it right and not hastily, you idiot." Naruto said.
"What did you call me?" Natsu asked as he charged into Naruto pissed of being called an idiot.
Naruto dodged but he realized it too late that he was standing in front of Erza's statue because he was trying to stop Natsu from burning her.
"Shit!" Naruto exclaimed as Natsu bumped into Erza's statue and it stumbled down and cracks started to appear on it.
"Oh crap, I cracked her. Happy hurry we need glue! Get a glue!" Natsu shouted.
"Idiot, that won't fix her. Don't shake the statue too much because… more… cracks… will… form…" Naruto trailed off as he watched the crack of the statue become worse.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Natsu said as he let go of the statue and closed his palms together.
"Natsu! Don't let go…" Naruto said with wide eyes as Erza's statue again hit the ground and it broke down into several pieces but it did successfully freed Erza.
"I feel like I was bumped into so many times… was that because of you, Natsu?" Erza asked menacingly.
"What the hell were you playing at?" She shouted as she punched Natsu and Naruto got out of the way.
"Erza's back!" Happy exclaimed.
"Erza, but how?" Makarov asked.
"I don't know, maybe it is because of my right eye." She answered.
'Of course, since half of the magic was taken by the artificial eye, the magic's effect was halved!' Makarov thought.
"Erza, do you know what is going on?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, I could hear everything." She answered.
"Great, then can you defeat Fried or Evergreen for us. So we could disable the spells or turn them back." Naruto asked.
"No problem. And now that I am back into action, the remaining combatants had changed as well. Clever little set up." She said as the barrier announced three combatants left.
"So that would be Natsu, Naruto and Erza." Happy said but then the number changed into four.
"It went up?" Naruto said.
"WHO?" Natsu asked.
"Everyone's still a stone… so who?" Naruto asked.
"It looks like that man has decided to take part of this battle." Erza said as she goes out to hunt the Raijinshuu.
"Who was she talking about?" Natsu asked.
"Probably Mistgun." Naruto answered.
"Eh, how'd you know? How'd you know about them anyway?" Natsu asked.
"Oh don't compare me to you. Gildarts is on a long term mission and his magic is said to be too powerful to enter town unnoticed. So it's probably the other one who wasn't always here, Mistgun." Naruto answered.
"So what do we do now?" Happy asked.
"We wait for Erza to free us or them." Naruto said.
"Gahh waiting is boring and I want to fight. What if they cheat and were able to defeat Erza, then we won't be able to participate." Natsu exclaimed.
"Well if you have any better plan, I'm listening." Naruto answered but Natsu was only silent having no plan in his mind.
"You should trust Erza. You were with her long enough to know she won't go down with just cheap tricks." Naruto finished as he sat on one of the chairs and waited while thinking of a plan himself.
'Naruto, if only you had joined our guild so much earlier… If only you I found you first than Jose… Then maybe I wouldn't be having a problem at choosing a new Master. If I factor out all the things you have done in the past and that cursed you are carrying, you're probably the best choice for a Master.' Makarov thought as he too waited.
They waited patiently for a while and then suddenly, all the maidens turned back into their human form and the barrier announced.
"Erza vs. Evergreen… Victor: Erza"
"What's going on?" Lucy asked.
"What has Juvia been doing…" Juvia was cut off as a shadow was cast over her. She looked up and saw Naruto in front of her. Then to everyone's surprise, he put a hand on her head and ruffled her hair.
"Naruto-nii?" Juvia asked startled.
"What were you doing getting caught up on a cheap trick like that? You had me worried that..." He said as he let her go.
"Lose Juvia? No, Juvia won't die easily." She assured.
"Yeah, I can see that now." He said with a grin.
Everybody smiled at the heartwarming scene. Everybody knew how much Naruto cared for his surrogate sister but one of them felt something different inside.
'What's wrong with me? Am I jealous? Why? She's only a sister to him right? And why should I care?' She thought.
Makarov then proceeded to update them on what's happening.
"The battle of Fairy tail?" Lucy asked.
"Luxus pulled something like that?" Cana said.
"It's all over now. Now that you are de-petrified, he can't keep up this stupid game any longer." Makarov said.
"Still what about those who were hurt and got trapped." Mira said solemnly.
"Yeah, he better be punished for what he did!" Visca exclaimed.
"Oh you can be sure he would be punished for his actions and it won't be light." Makarov stated.
"Hold it a second… I admit what he did was pretty screwed up. But there's nothing wrong with his basic idea of finding out who's the strongest in Fairy tail. Don't be too harsh on the guy, everyone." Natsu cut off.
'Natsu you're really something sometimes.' Makarov thought.
"So let's start round 2, who wants to battle with me!" Natsu exclaimed as he dared anyone to fight him. He then settled on chasing Lucy, daring her to fight.
Naruto, Wendy and Juvia just looked at them.
"What's wrong Naruto-nii?" Juvia asked as she saw Naruto with a faraway look.
"No, nothing…" Naruto answered.
"Your guild looks very fun." Wendy said.
"Yeah…" Juvia answered.
"Nah, there just crazy… In a good kind of way." Naruto said.
Suddenly the guild was engulfed with so many enchantment display board. They were instantly on guard.
"Can ya hear me, old man? And everyone on the guild." Luxus announced.
When he was sure he got everyone's attention he continued.
"It looks like we lost one of our rules, so I'm going to instate a new one to keep this battle of Fairy tail moving. I've activated the hall of thunder!"
"The hall of thunder?" Makarov exclaimed.
"Only one hour and ten minutes left. Can you defeat us or will you play nice and retire, Master?" Luxus taunted.
~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Damn you, Luxus! You're going to drag even the civilians to your scheme. I can't let you do that. I promised Master that I would stop you." Gray said as he heard Luxus' announcement.
"Ice Make: Hammer!" Gray exclaimed as he produced a hammer made of ice and was about to strike the wall but instead of striking the invisible wall his body and hammer passed through it.
"I passed through?" He asked startled but then when he remembered the rules of the enchantment he smirked.
"Oh right, the enchantment is only effective until the game was finished or the rules were changed. Since Luxus changed the rules, I was freed." Gray deducted.
"Damn it, now it's time to hunt down those Raijinshuu bastards." He exclaimed as he started to hunt them down.
~~~~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Are you trying to drag even the innocent civilians? What kind of coward are you Luxus?" Naruto exclaimed.
Suddenly Makarov placed his hand on his chest and he fell to the floor.
"MASTER!" They shouted as they rushed towards him.
"This is bad he needs his medicine." Mira said as she rushed to find his medicine.
"What is the hall of thunder?" Natsu asked.
"This is terrible, everyone look outside." Mira shouted.
"What are those?" Natsu asked as they reached outside.
"Thunder Lacrymas." Naruto answered.
"Things like that…" Cana said.
"Are floating around town." Visca exclaimed as she looked everywhere.
"Tch, so this is what he was talking about hall of thunder." Naruto said with gritted teeth.
"He transformed the whole Magnolia to a hall of thunder." Juvia said.
"And it is all charged with thunder magic. If those magic where discharged…" Levy said.
"The whole town will be engulfed with thunder storm." Cana answered.
"Well I won't let that happen. Sniper rifle exquip!" Visca exclaimed as a rifle appeared on her hands.
"No don't!" Naruto said as he grasped Visca's rifle that made Visca miss.
"Why did you stop me Naruto!" Visca exclaimed pissed.
"Those aren't simple lacrymas. Luxus isn't that stupid knowing there are mages who could easily shoot it down. He probably added something as its protection or counter if someone tried to destroy it." Naruto explained.
"How can you be so sure?" Lucy asked.
"Then let me do it." Naruto said as he took out two kunais.
He threw one that was clearly going to miss the target.
"Hey, you're way of the target!" Visca said.
"Hold it, I made it miss on purpose. This is something I learned from a friend." Naruto replied as he waited for a moment and then he threw the second kunai as the first one was about to miss the target. The second kunai hit the handle of the first kunai and it changed direction towards the lacryma.
Before the kunai could even hit the lacryma, lightning shot out towards the first kunai and then another lightning shot out towards the second kunai, the result was both kunais were badly damaged by lightning.
"Those lacryma's will attack anything that is heading towards it and attack the one that attacked it. In that case the first knife I threw was the one heading towards it and the second knife was the one who made it head towards the lacryma making it the attacker. Look at what it did to the knives. It would cause too much damage if a human was hit by it." Naruto explained.
"That could've been me…" Visca said in realization.
"Yeah, so we shouldn't act too recklessly. At this rate everybody in town is a hostage. There's only one thing left and that is to take down Luxus." Naruto said as they went back inside to check on the Master.
Once they were inside they saw Mira trying her best to ease the Master's pain.
"What's wrong I thought he already took his medicine?" Cana asked.
"Yes, but the pain won't stop. I don't know what to do…" Mira answered trying her best not to cry.
"Wendy, could you try to heal Master?" Naruto asked.
"She's a medic?" Juvia asked.
"No, she's way better than that." He answered as everybody watched Wendy's hand passed over Makarov's twitching body.
"He's in a lot of pain… But my apologies, all I could do is lessen or ease the pain. His sickness isn't any disease, poison or injury…" Wendy said a little grimly as she used Troia to ease the pain Makarov was feeling.
"Wow she's good!" Lucy exclaimed as they see Makarov's twitching stop and saw his face easing up.
"It looks like the pain is going away." Mira said.
"You're really good, Wendy-san." Cana said.
"Oh you have no idea, how good she is." Naruto answered.
When she finished easing Makarov's pain, she stood up.
"My magic's effect is only temporary. What he needed isn't healing…" Wendy trailed off.
"What's wrong with him?" Lucy asked.
"His condition is attributed to his age and emotions. His body is slowly breaking down… I can only heal wounds, poisons and diseases but I can't make a human's body younger… I'm sorry I failed you sensei." Wendy apologized.
"It's alright. You did what you could. Thank you, I'm proud of you." Naruto reassured Wendy.
"Yeah, look at Master. His face looks more peaceful and he is not in pain anymore. So we should thank you." Mira said as she bowed a little while carrying Makarov towards a room.
Suddenly they heard Natsu run out and heard him shouting at how cowardly Luxus is. Levy run out to stop him but Natsu won't listen. Inside, Naruto started to walk out towards where Natsu and Levy is.
"Where are you going, Naruto?" Cana asked.
"Stopping Natsu's madness." was the only reply she got.
"Natsu come on, stop it already! Get back here now!" Levy shouted but Natsu just wouldn't listen. She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked back and saw Naruto shaking his head.
"I'll talk to him." He said almost in a whisper and all she could do was nod.
Natsu was punching the invisible wall trying to somehow destroy it and from frustration. He was about to pound the wall again when his fist was stopped by a hand catching his wrist. He looked at the one who stopped him and said.
"What the hell, Naruto? Don't stop me. We must end this. We must save Ji-chan! He needs treatment. Luxus should come and see him. He will be happy if Luxus comes. This game must be postponed… We must…" Natsu's voice died out as Naruto never let his fist go.
"Natsu, fierce bravery and determination are great things to have but there are times that you need to calm down and think instead of repeatedly banging your head on a wall." Naruto said.
"But you don't understand!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Believe me, I do. And I want to stop this stupidity and beat Luxus to the inch of his life, but as of now recklessly doing things will only consume our energy and time. Calm down and conserve your energy, you will need all of your energy when the chance of fighting Luxus comes." Naruto answered.
Natsu started to calm down and he let his hand hang to his side.
"So, what's the plan?" Natsu asked.
"It's an enchantment right? That's a form of written magic… I might be able to do something about it." Levy exclaimed stopping the conversation between the two.
"Oh yeah, I forgot you're magic is about words." Naruto said.
"Seriously, Levy?" Natsu asked.
"I… I believe that the two of you could defeat Luxus!" Levy exclaimed as she run inside and started studying the enchantment.
"Lucy, Juvia, Mira, Happy and I will go around and see if we could help our guildmates and maybe evacuate the townspeople. Visca stay here together with Levy to protect Master and Wendy if ever Natsu and Naruto are able to go out." Cana stated.
"Um sensei, would Juvia-san be able to go out? I mean she is like us right?" Wendy whispered.
"She will… Unlike you and Natsu, she only lived with a dragon for a year. She was living with her family until she trained with a dragon and when she came back, only a year had passed. Unlike you and Natsu, who lived with a dragon from day one on a secluded area." Naruto whispered back.
"I see… I wonder how old is Natsu-san and me? Or you?" Wendy asked.
"Who knows how long were you living with your dragons before they left? And who knows, I maybe older than Earthland's history." Naruto answered.
"I really find it hard to believe that we maybe older than Master Makarov and possibly Master Roubaul." Wendy said solemnly.
They watched as the girls were able to go out of the enchantment until a problem occurred. Juvia stood in front of the enchantment, perplexed.
"Juvia is confused." Juvia said.
Naruto was suddenly at her side and asked.
"What's wrong?"
"Juvia is being held back by an invisible wall." She whispered.
'Impossible! Was my deduction wrong? Was there really a problem with Fried's enchantment? No, Luxus would have made sure that nothing goes wrong. Then, my only mistake was the deduction on the dragonslayer's age. But how? Juvia wouldn't lie to me. She said that she only lived with a dragon for a year. She was born and raised from a family prior and then was able to come back to her family after that.' He thought.
"Juvia listen to me, transform into water and pass through it. You should be able to pass through it by then." He whispered as Juvia nod. She transformed into water and passed through it with no problem.
"Everyone, be careful." Naruto said to which they nod.
"Juvia why did you lagged behind?" Lucy asked.
"Naruto-nii just had to tell Juvia something." Juvia answered.
Naruto looked around and saw Levy working on some books. At first he hesitated to come near for fear of disturbing her or making her feel uncomfortable but his curiosity won out. His previous senseis, Kakashi, Jiraiya and Valandil, they were all good at magic or jutsu that pertains to seals. He walked carefully so as not to disturb her. He tried to take a peek at what she was doing but discovered that he would need to move closer to see it. He unconsciously moved closer to her materials not noticing that he was already next to her. He leaned in to take a closer look but Levy noticed a presence next to her and faced toward him. When she looked at him, she saw that he was reading the runes that she was deciphering. He was engrossed to it that he didn't notice Levy looking to at him. Levy looked at his face intently as if trying to memories every part of it. This was the closest distance she had been with Naruto.
'He really changed… So much that I wouldn't even mistake him for that same guy who attacked us…" She shook her head to cast those thoughts away but she forgot the close proximity she had with Naruto and her hair swayed along and grazed his cheek.
Naruto was startled when he felt something like soft silk grazed his cheek for a moment and by instinct looked at the direction where the sensation came from. It was probably a bad idea though as he came face to face with Levy. Their faces so close he could feel her breath hitting his face. Both of them were wide eyed in shock. They didn't move or say anything, not trusting their mouth to say anything smart or much less, coherent. Naruto saw Levy's face grew red… crimson red.
Thinking that she might be embarrassed or worse angry at him for invading her personal space and disturbing her, Naruto hurriedly scooted away.
"So—sorry… I didn't mean to… make you uncomfortable or invade your personal space… I was just curious." was the only things he could say while trying hard not to stutter.
Levy didn't answer. She was still in the same position as before and was just looking at Naruto with crimson red face, totally contrast with her hair.
'Cute just like Hinata… What the hell am I thinking at a time like this?' Naruto thought as he looked at her for a response but she didn't move or say anything.
"I was just curious, I swear. My master once taught it to me but we were only able to finish only the basics… So, I thought that it was incredible…" He said trying to appease her anger.
"Incredible?..." She asked.
"You… You're incredible… To be able to decipher and rewrite runes like this, it was incredible. I could only understand them and find out what they do but you, you could change, replace and make them… It was amazing… I mean you are…" He said trying to calm her down while looking everywhere except her. He heard a giggle and looked towards the source.
It was Levy who was giggling and at the sight of his red face when he said those things, her giggles became laughter. All the while Naruto was looking at her confused.
"I'm sorry… it's just that I couldn't stop myself. You're face, it's all red. You're like a child trying to tell something embarrassing… It's really hard to believe that you are feared by many because right now… you looked so cute…" Levy said between her laughter.
"Cute?" He asked confused.
Levy instantly put her hands to cover her mouth.
'I didn't realize that I said it out loud.' She thought.
"Um I mean…" Levy said trying to form words in her brain.
Then they heard Natsu bang his head on the invisible wall.
"Hurry up…" He said.
"Ah, I think I should hurry up and finish this." Levy said as she instantly dived back to her work inwardly thanking Natsu for bailing her out of that situation.
Silence reigned as Levy worked until she broke it.
"You know, you should try to mingle more to the guild. Juvia told me that you were always a loner even when you were at Phantom. I believe that you're not a bad person instead I think you are a great comrade actually."
Naruto stared at her in shock at her sudden statement. He sensed for her magic and felt that it was stable. He smiled for a brief moment and then said.
"I'm glad… that you could say those things without that instability on your magic." He said.
"You really have an interesting ability there. Knowing someone's condition just by sensing their magic, but see? I'm not scared or uncomfortable around you anymore. I have already forgiven you and I think the others too." She said while continuing her work.
"I find that hard to believe. After what I have done, I have a long way to climb." Naruto answered remembering Jet and Droy.
"I'm sure they would sooner or later. I'm sure one of these days; you will be able to reach their hearts."
"I hope so…" He answered.
"Are you really sure the problem is them not forgiving you? Juvia said that you couldn't forgive yourself. So she asked me that maybe, if you hear it straight from me, then it would lessen your burden."
"That girl, I already told her not to…" He was cut off by Levy.
"Actually, I also wanted to tell those things to you… because you are nakama now and it wouldn't be right to let a nakama suffer just because I didn't have the courage to tell him that I had already buried the hatchet."
"I see…" Naruto answered softly.
"You know, if you still don't believe me or think that you still owe me a favor, then do everyone a favor and stop Luxus." Levy said as she looked at him seriously.
"Huh?" Naruto dumbly answered.
"Just as what I have said earlier, I believe that you and Natsu had what it takes to defeat Luxus… No, I'm sure you would. Stop him and we are quits, deal?" She said while holding out her hand expecting a hand shake.
Naruto smiled and said.
"You got a deal, Fairy girl."
"Fairy girl?" She asked.
"Eh sorry about that, it just got out of my mouth." He said.
"I think I like that nickname but it might cause a little commotion since there are many Fairy girls here." Levy grinned a little and said as she goes back to her work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Why can't we use the guild megaphone?" Happy asked.
"There's an enchantment on it. Only the master could use it while the battle of fairy tail is still going on. They really have thought this through." Lucy answered as she and Happy are walking around town looking for their comrades.
"Anyway, we have to get these people out of town." Lucy continued.
"I've been thinking… Maybe we shouldn't do that afterall." Happy interjected.
"Why?" Lucy asked.
"Because there is a festival, there are many foreigners here right now visiting and it's really busy. It would cause too much panic that may end up causing unnecessary casualties. So maybe it wasn't a good idea afterall." Happy answered.
"That's true… but I'm glad, you actually use your brain unlike Natsu." Lucy said.
"Aye!" Happy replied.
"What should we do then?" Lucy said while thinking not noticing the floating things behind her.
"Lucy, watch out!" Happy exclaimed as he rushed towards Lucy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Juvia, how long until the Hall of thunder activates?" Cana asked.
"Around half an hour Juvia thinks." Juvia answered.
"Battle of Fairy tail my ass! Just like what Naruto said, you're just hiding and not doing a damn thing, Luxus!" Cana exclaimed.
"Where on earth could he be?" Juvia said.
"Luxus is saving up his own magic. He wants to have an all out battle with the Master. That's why he's saving his power until then." Fried said from a roof above them.
"Fried!" Cana shouted.
"So he was the one behind the enchantments?" Juvia asked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Lucy vs. Bixlow, battle commencing." Natsu read from the barrier.
"Bunny girl is going to fight? And to one of the Raijinshuu, will she be okay?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, Lucy is strong. I'm pretty sure she would be okay." Natsu answered.
"I see… I thought she was just one of the bunny waitresses here." Naruto replied.
"What makes you say that?" Natsu asked.
"You know when I first saw her in here, she was performing a horny bunny dance right?" Naruto answered.
"Oh that's just a part time job for her… I think? Well anyway, bunnies are strong you know." Natsu replied.
"Spare me with you stupid statements." Naruto said while turning away from Natsu.
"Hey, haven't you heard of the story about the tortoise and the hare." Natsu asked.
"I do and if my memory is right, the tortoise won." Naruto answered while walking away.
"Yeah, the first time but they had hundreds of rematches and the hare won it all." Natsu exclaimed proudly.
"Natsu… You're… an… idiot…" Naruto stated slowly.
"That's it!" Levy exclaimed which got the attention of both mages.
"I've done it!" She continued.
"You two just wait here and I'll overwrite the enchantment. I hope both of you are ready to participate in the battle of Fairy tail!" She said as she overwrote the enchantment.
After a few moments, she was done.
"Hell yeah!" Natsu said as he charged outside moving passed Naruto and Levy.
"Well, he is all fired up… literally." Levy giggled as she looked at the charging Natsu with flames all over his body.
"Well time to fulfill my end of the deal now." Naruto said as he started to walk towards the exit of the guild.
"Naruto, Fried's enchantments are still around town, be careful not to be trapped inside it." Levy warned to which Naruto only nods.
"And… take care." Levy said to Naruto's shock but his shock turned into a smile.
"I will." He answered.
"Wait Naruto!" Makarov exclaimed.
Levy and Naruto looked back towards the source and saw Makarov standing just outside his room, being helped by Visca and Wendy.
"I'm sorry, sensei. He insisted on seeing you off." Wendy apologized.
"Master, you should rest." Naruto said seriously.
"I know but I want to say tell you something before you go." Makarov replied.
Naruto and the others were silent.
"Beat Luxus, I know you could. I place the guild's fate in your hands. Show Luxus what a true Fairy tail mage is made of. Show him what it really is to be strong." Makarov stated.
Naruto made no response and just started towards the door but as he took a step outside, he stopped.
"Don't worry, I don't intend to lose to someone like him but you better hope the hospital prepared a few extra beds because I don't intend to hold back if I happen to meet any of them." He said seriously as he disappeared in a blur.
End Of Chapter
AN: So umm how was it? I actually don't know what to say of it so I have to leave it to you guys. Sorry for the delay of this chapter but work is necessary. Anyway, I have been writing down the next one so the update won't be as delayed as this one. Oh yeah, I hope Mira doesn't die Y_Y . I mean come on, Lissana was weaker than her and she was the one trapped inside the bomb but Mira was the one who took the attack? Y_Y nooo! . Anyway, Please Read and Review. Good or bad it is much appreciated. Until next chapter then ^_^ .