Chapter 7. The Result of Training
Naruto was standing completely still, while his arms were crossed and his eyes were glancing over each of his friends. Natsu who was by his left was eagerly bouncing on his heels, showing how excited the boy was for the fight. Standing by Natsu was Gray, who was keeping his normal cool and calm composure. Next came Cana, who had a gleam in her eye while she cracked her knuckles. She really wanted to pound her little brother figure into the dirt. Finally there was Ezra, who unlike the rest was trying to plan her battle strategy. Since the scarlet haired knight knew fighting Naruto wasn't going to be an easy task, even if they outnumbered him.
Makarov who was overseeing the fight, walked between the wizards in a calm fashion. "This is an all out one versus four matchup. Anything goes as long as you don't seriously injure one another." The master began, as he started to lay down some ground rules. "The fight will be over once one side is either defeated, surrenders or I end the match myself. Is that understood?"
The five wizards all gave the man a slight nod.
"Alright." Makarov began, while he slowly lifted his arm into the air. Then for a second a slight tension built in the air, while everyone froze like statutes. However, this all changed when Makarov thrusted his arm in a downward motion and yelled. "Begin!"
"Let's go!" Natsu shouted loudly, both his fists bursting to life in flames before he rushed Naruto.
Smirking to himself Naruto shook his head. "Really Natsu? A head on attack, guess you haven't changed that much." The blond pointed out in an almost disappointed tone.
However, to Naruto's surprise Natsu pointed a fist towards the ground and unleashed a torrent of flames. Which rose up and created a large wall of fire that obstructed Naruto's view.
"I'll show you how much I've changed!" Natsu declared, while he ran around the wall of flames and brought two hands to his mouth. "Fire Dragon's Roar!"
His eyes widening at the large twister of fire coming in his direction, Naruto quickly raised two fingers into the air. "Iron Rock Wall!" The blond shouted, while creating a large stone slab to shield himself.
"Don't forget about me!" The voice of Gray shouted from behind. "Ice Make: Hammer!"
Moving sideways, Naruto lessened the forces of gravity around his body. That way Naruto could easily increase the distance between himself and Gray. Which caused Gray to miss his attack by a mile and only strike the ground with his ice hammer.
"Not bad Gray, but not good enough." Naruto taunted, while his body started to spark with lightning. "But let's see how you like this! Chidori Current!"
Gray's eyes grew wide in shock as a large stream of lightning discharged off of Naruto's body and went in his direction. The attack was moving so fast that Gray didn't even have time to react, but luckily he wasn't alone in this fight.
"I got you Gray!" The voice of Cana called out, as she sent a wave of Crash Magic to cancel out Naruto's attack. Though she also managed to demolish the ground underneath the attack as well.
"Looks like Cana-nee has improved her Crash Magic. I wonder how she stacks up to her old man?" Naruto mumbled to himself, as he looked over his three opponents, but then he quickly realized something. He could only see three of them, so that brought the question of where was Erza?
Naruto got his answer almost instantly when caught glimpses of shadows overhead. This caused the blond to look up and see the dozens of swords being flung in his direction, while Erza floated above in her Heaven Wheel armor.
"Well shit." Naruto cursed, while diving to the side doing is best to avoid all the sword flying around him.
"Got you!" Natsu shouted, while he appeared by Naruto and tried to deliver a punch to the Fairy God's head.
Ducking under Natsu's strike, Naruto kicked the pink haired boy away with a strong kick to the chest. This caused Natsu to go sliding back a few feet while gasping in pain. Though the onslaught of attacks was far from finished, as Cana rushed towards Naruto. Her hands were radiating Crash Magic and she was planning to engage the blond in a close up fight.
"Come here twirp!" Cana shouted loudly, before she started to send punches at Naruto. The latter of whom had a vein pop out of his head at the insult.
"Who you calling twirp?" The blond yelled in rage, while he engaged his sister in a fierce trade off of punches and kicks.
Unfortunately for Naruto, as he and Cana exchanged blows Natsu regained his composure and went charging in, turning the fight into a two on one. Though as expected, Naruto was able to keep up with both of the wizards, but he wasn't getting many openings to turn the fight around in his favor.
"Heh you guys have gotten better." Naruto complimented mid fight, while he slowly started to gain the upper hand in the battle of fists.
Cana smirked and caught a punch from her surrogate brother. "Well you weren't the only one who trained these last two years." The beautiful drunk replied.
"Yeah we are just getting started!" Natsu declared with a large smirk.
Naruto planted a fist into Cana's gut, while simultaneously kicking Natsu in the jaw. "Well show me what you're made of then!" The blond challenged.
"We will!" The voice of Gray yelled from behind. "Ice Make-..."
"Shinra Tensei!" Naruto shouted, causing a wave of gravity to pulse outward and sent Gray, Natsu and Cana all flying away. However, as those three went flying a red haired blur dashed towards Naruto.
"Take this!" Erza began, as she swung her sword right at Naruto's head. Forcing the blond to duck under the blow to avoid losing his head, but he still managed to lose a few hairs in the process.
Watching the hairs float to the ground, Naruto noticed his sister was now in her Flight Armor. Which was an armor she used to increase her speed drastically.
"So looks like we are getting serious." Naruto spoke in a low and excited voice, as he flashed his sister his canines. "Bring it Nee-chan."
"Gladly." Ezra replied, while she jumped into action and started to swing her sword at the younger wizard. The latter of whom merely kept his distance and used his Gravity Magic to increase his speed as he avoided the strikes.
Over to the side, the members of the guild who were not fighting watched the two battle in awe. None believing Naruto would be able to keep up with four of the guild's best wizards this easily.
"He's amazing." Lucy praised, while she watched Naruto and Erza move at blinding speeds. She knew the Queen of Fairies was powerful, but now she was getting a glimpse of the power that belonged to the God of Fairies. "He's actually keeping up with everyone and he's even winning!"
Mira who was standing by the young Celestial Wizard smiled wide. "Naruto is quite the exceptional wizard. I mean he didn't earn the name Yōsei Kami for nothing." She pointed out in a carefree tone.
Lucy raised her eyebrow. "People call him the Fairy God?"
Elfman nodded as he folded his arms. "Yeah, Naruto's had that nickname for a few years now. What do you expect from the master's own flesh and blood? I know that I wouldn't want to fight a man like Naruto!"
Lucy smiled at the two siblings. "You both think very highly of Naruto it seems."
"We do, he is very special to our family and we owe him a lot." Mira admitted truthfully. "You won't find a better Fairy Tail wizard than Naruto."
Elfman smirked at his sister's words, as they couldn't be more true. "But you gotta wonder who is stronger, the Queen or the God?" The large man asked.
Mira grinned wide and watched Naruto turn the tables on Erza and send the girl flying. "I'll always bet on Naruto." The former S-class wizard replied.
"Hey I'll take that bet!" Jet declared, as he moved into the conversation.
"Me too!" Droy added in
"Hey sign me up, Naruto's got this." Bisca began before digging out a couple hundred Jewels.
"No way Erza all the way. Plus she has Cana, Gray and Natsu with her!" Max pointed out.
"I got a thousand Jewels on Naruto taking them all down." Macao spoke up before bringing his finger to rub his nose. "He is my former student in Fire Magic after all!"
"Hah, you might have taught him a few tricks, but that brat surpassed you a long time ago Macao!" Wakaba proclaimed loudly, which caused his best friend to face fault.
Lucy had a sweat drop roll down her head as she listened to dozens of her fellow guild mates place down bets.
Back over to the action, Naruto stood passively and watched his friends slowly regroup together. They were all a little roughed up, but for the most part completely fine. Naruto on the other hand hadn't even broke a sweat yet, which just showed the gap in power the young Wizard Saint had over his friends.
"So shall we continue?" Naruto asked, while a small chuckle escaped his lips. "Or have you had enough already?"
Natsu smirked. "As if, I've waited two years for this fight!" The Dragon Slayer replied, while both his fists caught fire. "Give me all you've got."
Naruto smirked and a thin outline of white magic appeared around his body. "Well if that's what you wish, let me show you a glimpse at my true strength." Naruto declared, as a small gust of wind started to swirl around his body. "Let me show you why I am the Fairy God."
With that being said, Naruto became engulfed in a large coating of magical power. While a strong gust of wind blew outwards from his body in every direction. The force of the wind alone was enough to force everyone present to shield their eyes from the dust and rubble being flung around.
"Such power." Erza remarked in a low voice, while she gripped firmly onto the sword in her hand.
"He was holding back that much?" Gray gasped in surprise, as the young Ice Make Wizard had been giving his all in the fight. Though now he could see the power gap between himself and Naruto. "He's been toying with us."
"Tch, that little show off." Cana scoffed in an annoyed tone.
"I'm all fired up." Natsu declared as he rushed at the blond head on. "Bring it Naruto!"
Said blond smirked and tightened his right fist, while white lightning danced around his arm. Then in one quick movement, Naruto pushed his right arm outward towards Natsu. "Spear of the Lightning Fairy!" The blond called out, before a large spear made of white lightning shot out of Naruto's fist and traveled straight for Natsu.
Natsu reared his arm back and summoned a large twister of flames around his fist. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" The teen shouted, before he sent his fist to collide with Naruto's attack.
"Natsu don't!" Erza tried to warn, but it was too late.
At the moment of contact Natsu was engulfed by Naruto's spell and was quickly brought down onto his knees in pain.
"Gahhhh!" The fire wizard cried in pain before falling onto his face unconscious.
"Natsu!" Cana yelled in worry, but she didn't have much time to focus on her friend.
"Was he just taken out it one hit!" Gray shouted in shock.
Ezra who was standing in a defensive position watched Naruto disappear in an impressive display of speed. "Don't get distracted!" The girl ordered, while she tried to locate the blond wizard.
"Inferno of the Fire Fairy!" Naruto shouted from above his friends, surprising the three remaining wizards.
"How did he get up there so fast?" Gray asked in a panicked voice.
Erza watched white flames circle around her surrogate brother and she instantly changed into Flame Empress armor. "Forget about that and brace yourself!" She ordered.
Naruto smirked sent his attack down upon his three remaining opponents. Quickly covering the three mages in a white inferno. Gray and Cana tried to use their Ice and Crash magic to counter the fire, but their magic had no effect in stopping Naruto's spell.
"And that's all she wrote." Naruto chuckled, while he landed gracefully onto his feet.
"Don't count me out so fast!" The voice of Erza shouted in a loud voice, before the scarlet haired girl extinguished the flames with a swing of her sword.
Naruto observed his surrogate sister, she was taking deep breaths and was standing over the defeated bodies of Gray and Cana. He also noticed she had mixed her armor set around at the last second, a feat that only his sister was capable of doing.
"Heh Flame Empress armor to protect you and then your Sea Empress sword to fight back the flames. I almost forgot how amazing you're nee-chan." Naruto complimented in a cheerful voice. "But looks like you still took a lot of damage."
Erza huffed and smiled at her brother, she was proud of how strong he had become. "Your fire is most impressive, you could probably give Natsu some tips." She praised in a proud tone.
Naruto chuckled and ran a hand through his long golden hair. "Probably, but why don't we end this fight Erza-nee?"
Erza tightened the hold on her sword and nodded. "Give me all you've got little brother!"
Naruto smiled and bent down, as he prepared to spring forward. "If you wish." The blond mumbled before a spark of white lightning flickered around his torso, right before he disappeared in a bolt of lightning.
Erza's eyes grew wide and she frantically searched her surroundings for Naruto. Though the young Wizard Saint was nowhere to be found. Though after a brief second the older mage smirked.
"Tch haven't you forgotten from when we were younger? No matter where you go I will always find you!" Erza declared as she gripped her sword tightly and turned around. Then by using all her strength she swung her sword at the blond who was only a few inches behind her.
Naruto grinned and ducked under the strike. "I haven't forgot Erza, but I think you've forgotten something! I'm the man who will become the strongest Fairy Tail wizard!" Naruto yelled as his fist was surrounded by a twisted of white lightning and wind. "Tempest of the Storm Fairy!"
Erza gritted her teeth, as a tornado of wind and lightning shot out of Naruto's fist and sent her flying off of her feet. She then went sailing across the battleground before landing hard on her back. Her armor was completely shredded by Naruto's intense winds and her body was riddled with pain thanks to the lightning.
'So this is what you're capable of.' Erza thought to herself, while she laid motionless on the ground. 'To think you've surpassed me by this much, I couldn't be prouder.'
Naruto placed his hands into his pockets and walked over to Erza. "Had enough sis?" The blond asked, while he stood overtop of the red haired knight.
Erza smiled and looked up to her surrogate brother. "I have some more fight in me, but I believe regardless you would win. You've sure grown Naruto."
The Fairy God snickered and reached down to give his sister a helping hand. "Thanks." The blond replied before pulling Erza up to her feet. "I trained for two years to become strong enough to protect everything I hold dear. I believe my time was well spent."
"I won't argue that, I'm proud of you little brother." Erza declared before wrapping her arm around Naruto's neck.
Naruto grinned as he noticed his grandfather walk over and raise an arm into the air. "I declare this fight over and the winner is Naruto Dreyar!" The guild master proclaimed, causing half of the onlookers to cheer and the other half to groan in frustration.
"Way to go Naruto!" Mirajane cheered loudly.
"What a man!" Elfman added in as he flexed his bicep at the blond.
"All our money!" Jet and Droy whined as they sulked on the ground.
"It's your own fault for betting against Naruto." Levy pointed out, while she tried to comfort her two best friends. "When have you ever seen him lose a fight?"
"In their defense when has Erza ever lost." Mirajane pointed out with a light giggle.
Over with Makarov the proud grandfather looked up to his grandson with the widest grin possible. "I can see you've truly grown brat. Poor Natsu, Gray and Cana are out cold." The master then turned his focus to Erza. "Looks like you were the only one he didn't completely wipe the floor with Erza."
The Queen of Fairies merely shook her head. "I may still be standing, but I was still completely outclassed today. Though when someone has the title you two possess, an outcome like that is expected." The girl replied in a low near silent voice.
Makarov chuckled and nodded his head. "Yes I believe you might be right, but go inside the guild and rest up Erza. And Naruto follow me into my office, I'd like to talk with you more in private." The master then turned to his guild members and pointed to the unconscious Fairies. "Also will someone take care of those three?"
Lucy and Happy quickly ran over to the aid of their three friends, while Mirajane lagged slowly behind. As before she helped her friends there was something she wanted to tell the boy she hadn't seen in two years. So as the white haired bar maiden passed by Naruto, she touched her old friend on the arm getting his attention.
"Need something Mira?" The blond asked.
Mirajane smiled at the blond. "Stop by my house after you're done talking with the master. I want to give you something." The girl explained in a kind voice.
Naruto nodded with a large grin. "Gotcha Mira." The blond replied before following after his short grandfather. "I'll see you soon."
"I'll be waiting." The white haired girl declared in a low voice as she watched Naruto enter the guild.
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(Makarov's office)
The grandfather and grandson duo entered the small office together and took their respective seats. Naruto reclined back and noticed the office hadn't changed in the two years since he was gone, which was nice to see. Makarov on the other hand looked to his grandson with amazement, as it still surprised him just by how much his grandson had changed.
"So tell me Naruto." The short master began, while he folded his hands over his desk. "Just how strong have you become over these last two years?"
Naruto looked to the ceiling and pondered over the question. Honestly he didn't know just how strong he had become himself, as Naruto had never had the opportunity to fully test his strength. So the blond shrugged his shoulders at the question.
"Don't know." The blond replied lazily.
A vein popped at his grandson's offhand remark. "What do you mean you don't know?" The older wizard asked.
Naruto scratched the top of his head and looked to his grandfather. "Well I learned how to wield Green Magic from Warrod. I've mastered Wind, Lightning, Fire and Earth Magic. Plus I've also learned how to control my power to amplify my spells. Which I dubbed as my Fairy Magic, you know since I'm the Fairy God and all. Then my Gravity Magic has also improved greatly along with my physical attributes. So I would guess I'm strong."
Makarov nodded with a blank expression. "Yes you're very strong, but to what extent does your power reach?"
"Uh, well I would say quite a bit. Warrod would never spar with me due to his age, while Jura on the other hand was different. I actually sparred with him many times and the only times I lost was when he would handicap me. You know give me stupid rules like only use my Earth Magic or something like that."
Makarov sighed. "So you're a monster."
Naruto laughed at his grandfather's words. "I wouldn't go that far." The blond replied. "I would say I'm deserving of my future title as strongest Fairy Tail wizard."
The master rolled his eyes. "As you are now you might be the strongest. I'd actually pay to see you and Gildarts go at it."
"Well if that old womanizer would ever come back we could see who is the strongest. Though until then I just want life to go back to what it was like two years ago… before everything happened and I left for my training." Naruto explained in a plain voice. "That's why I want my title of Wizard Saint to be a secret for awhile. I don't want to keep secrets, but I don't want everyone looking at me differently. I can already tell from what I did to the beast two years ago people already see me in a different light and I don't want that. I just want to be Naruto Dreyar, plain and simple."
Makarov folded his arms and closed his eyes. "I can understand where you are coming from. If you wish to keep your title a secret I will respect your decision."
"Thanks Jiji-chan, but tell me. How has my big brother been these past two years? I haven't even seen Laxus since returning." Naruto pointed out while looking over to his grandfather. "I'm guessing he's the same old Laxus?"
Sighing with a slight nod, Makarov massaged his forehead. "Besides being a little more vocal about how weak Fairy Tail has gotten, Laxus hasn't changed much."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Figured as much." The blond mumbled as he slightly stood to his feet. "Well is there anything else you wanted to talk about old man? If not I'm gonna head out to see what Mira wanted."
"No I just wanted to get a full scope of your abilities, since I knew you didn't show everything you've learned during your fight. If I think of anything else we can talk later at home tonight." The older wizard explained.
Naruto grinned. "Alright gramps I'll see you later then!" The blond replied before leaving the office.
Sighing to himself, as he was now finally alone Makarov grinned wide and looked up to the ceiling. "Your son has really grown Mavis, I hope you're proud of him."
"I am." A soft and gentle voice answered.
Makarov's eyes grew wide and shot down to the direction of the voice. Where to his disbelief he found Mavis sitting in the very chair Naruto was in only moments ago.
"F-first!" Makarov stammered out in surprise. "W-what are you doing here? I haven't seen you since I first took Naruto in? Where have you been and why are you here?"
Mavis gave her fellow Fairy Tail guild master a smile. "I've always been around Macky-chan, watching in the shadows to make sure my little Naruto was okay. It's the only thing I could do for my child… you've done a wonderful job in raising him, just like I knew you would."
"I don't deserve the credit, as it was the guild who really raised your son." The third master explained in a simple tone.
"You're too modest Macky-chan, I've watched my son grow these past sixteen years and I owe you an eternal gratitude for what you've done. He has become not only an incredible young wizard, but most importantly an amazing young man. So I merely wished to give you my thanks." Mavis began in a low and happy tone. "It really makes me happy to see the kind of young man he has become. One who cherishes those he holds dear and would do anything to protect them. It fills my heart with joy."
Makarov smiled. "That's a trait he inherited from his mother, no matter what influence I or the guild have had. Naruto is who he is because he is your son Mavis. He carries on your will and ideals even though he's never met you before."
"You might be right Macky-chan, but keep an eye on my son. I don't know why, but I can tell he is keeping something from you." Mavis explained in a sad tone. "I don't know what he's keeping secret, but it's obviously bothering him."
Makarov lifted his eyebrow in confusion. "Naruto seemed fine to me? What makes you so sure about this Mavis?"
Mavis allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "Like you said earlier, my little Naruto takes after his mother. He speaks and presents himself in a fashion that gives the illusion that he is a perfectly fine and happy individual. However, that's a front he puts on for others just like I use to do. He's hiding something away and all I ask is that you help him. Because if he's anything like me he will fix everyone else's problems before dealing with his own."
"I've always done my best to help and guide Naruto, and I promise you Mavis I won't stop." The short guild master declared.
Mavis smiled. "Thank you Macky-chan." The first replied before disappearing from the office.
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(With Natsu)
Currently the pink haired Dragon Slayer was just now waking from his fight with Naruto. He was laying in the guild's infirmary and as he moved slightly out of bed, the wizard groaned in pain. This action earned the attention of the only other individual in the room.
"Natsu!" Happy cried in joy, while the little blue cat flew into his partner. "You're finally awake!"
Natsu, who was a little disoriented looked at the small cat with confusion. "Hey Happy, what happened?"
Happy frowned. "Well Naruto won the fight by knocking you, Gray and Cana out cold. Then a little bit after that Erza surrendered."
Natsu tightened his fists and looked down. "So he's that much stronger than me… where is everyone else?"
"Well Gray woke up a little bit ago, but some of the girls took Cana back to her place at Fairy Hills." The small cat explained.
"I see." Natsu began in a low voice.
Happy tilted his head, he could tell his friend was troubled. "Natsu what's wrong?"
"It's just I worked so hard for two years, I wanted to prove how strong I could be. I wanted to show everyone I had what it takes to be one of the strongest Fairy Tail wizards." Natsu began in a sad voice. "But Naruto proved just how little I've grown, I mean just look how much stronger he's gotten over the last two years. He's incredible."
"Naruto has always been powerful and don't forget that you're strong too, don't sell yourself short. You just have to prove your strength another way!" The blue cat pointed out.
An idea popped in Natsu's head, causing the wizard to grin and chuckle to himself. "That's it Happy! I'll prove I'm strong by taking an S-class quest! Can you help me partner?"
"Aye sir!" The flying cat replied enthusiastically.
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(With Naruto)
Naruto was walking down the empty streets of Magnolia at a rather slow pace. While he moved the blond kept most his attention trying to figure out what Mirajane wanted him for. Though for the life of him, Naruto couldn't come up with a single reason.
"Maybe she wants to catch up?" Naruto mumbled to himself out loud. "It has been two years after all."
Passing by a small alleyway Naruto folded his arms. "That has to be it." The blond theorized before squinting his eyes. "Or is it? I've never been able to figure Mira out, so who knows."
A light scoff caused Naruto to stop walking and stand still.
"You shouldn't over think things." A cocky voice chuckled from behind Naruto.
Naruto grinned. "Hey Laxus-nii." The blond greeted, before Naruto turned around to find his brother. The latter of whom was leaning against a building at the entrance of the alleyway. "Long time no see!"
"Yeah it has." The elder sibling replied in a calm voice.
Naruto smiled wide and walked over to his brother, he then held his arms out for a hug. Though instead of being met with a brotherly hug, Naruto was kept at arm's' distance by Laxus.
"What are you too good to hug your little brother?" Naruto whined, while looking up to the S-class mage with a frown.
Laxus merely cocked a grin. "Something like that." He replied before removing his back off the building he was leaning on. "Though gotta say nice fight earlier. You did what was expected of you."
Naruto beamed with joy at his older brother's praise, it could have been more sincere. Though when dealing with Laxus, Naruto took his victories where he could get them.
"Heh, thanks Laxus-nii." The younger blond replied before pumping his fist out. "I've gotten really strong these last two years. Maybe you could find out for yourself sometime!"
Laxus grinned and placed his hands in his pockets. "I don't doubt your strength Naruto. You're my own flesh and blood after all, but I have something to tell you."
Naruto raised his eyebrow in confusion. "What is it Nii-chan?"
Laxus gave his brother a serious look and placed one hand on Naruto's shoulders. "I'm currently working on plans for Fairy Tail. I have a vision to create a stronger guild that is respected by all. A new Fairy Tail that will be lead by me of course."
"That sounds great I'm always for helping the guild, but why do I feel like something isn't right?" Naruto asked. "Have you not talked to Jiji-chan about this?"
"Yes and he didn't approve of my ideas. So I will take Fairy Tail by any means necessary. Then I will only allow the strong to stay in the guild and I will kick out all the weaklings." Laxus declared.
Naruto's eyes grew wide. "You can't do that! Everyone in Fairy Tail is our family, you can't just turn your back on them."
Laxus narrowed his eyes. "You sound like the old man, but don't you see Naruto? In my vision of Fairy Tail where only the strong are allowed, never will an incident like Lisanna's happen again. Our grandfather's carelessness allowed her death to happen. I promise you that I won't make the same mistakes."
"Laxus." Naruto mumbled in a low voice.
The elder sibling locked eyes with his younger brother. "I need to know Naruto. When the time comes and I take what is mine. Will you stand with me? Will you help me create a better Fairy Tail?"
Naruto looked down. "I don't know." The blond replied, as his brother was basically asking him to side against his own family and friends.
Laxus sighed and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Think over it little brother, I know you'll make the right choice. And if you won't do it for my sake, do it for Lisanna's memory. But I'll catch you later Naruto I got places to be. Maybe we can do a mission together soon and talk some more." The Lightning wizard then walked off and disappeared in a bolt of yellow lightning.
Naruto took a deep breath and looked up to the sky. "He's asking a lot from me. . . I mean to turn on all my friends and our grandfather. But could he really make the guild better if his vision comes true?"
Naruto shook his head and started to walk. "No I can't think like that." The blond tried to convince himself. "The whole reason I trained for two years was so I could protect everyone in the guild. Not to use my strength to kick out the weak."
The blond smiled at his reasoning, but a lingering voice in the back of his head made him frown. The voice merely asking the simple question that haunted Naruto for two years. That being what if he wasn't strong enough? Or even worse, what if he will never obtain the power he needs to protect his guild? Regardless of how hard he trains.
Naruto gripped his fists and closed his eyes. "I need to forget about all this and think of something else." The blond declared, while he tried to move his thoughts to other things. "Like what Mira wants me for."
Happy with his current distraction, Naruto thought about Mirajane's motives. While at the same time making his way to the girl's house. It didn't take Naruto long to make his way to the house that Mirajane and Elfman shared. The building was a fairly sized house in the middle of town, one that Naruto had been to on many occasions.
However, this was the first time Naruto had even approached the home since the incident two years ago. So he slightly hesitated and stopped walking, while brief flashbacks and voices of his younger self rang throughout his mind. Naruto had so many fond memories involving this house, though without the girl he shared those memories with. All those happy memories felt empty.
"Well." Naruto began, before he stopped to take a deep breath. "Let's get this over with."
Approaching the door to the house, Naruto raised one hand in the air and began to knock. He then stepped back and waited for someone to answer the door. Naruto stood in placed and waited for what felt like an eternity, but in reality was only a few seconds.
"Coming!" The sweet and cheerful voice of Mirajane called out.
Naruto watched the door open to reveal the beautiful Fairy Tail Barmaid. Which caused the blond to smile.
"Hey Mira." The blond greeted.
Mirajane grinned wide and motioned for Naruto to come inside. "Hey Naruto! Come on in, me and Elfman have been waiting for you!"
Naruto nodded and followed the girl into the house. Then as Mirajane turned to shut the door, Naruto looked over to a small table. Where he found a few decorative picture frames. There was dozens of pictures of the three smiling siblings, though one picture in particular grabbed his interest.
Mirajane looked over her shoulder and watched Naruto lift a picture up and frowned. She knew the exact picture that caught his eye. It was a picture of a smiling Naruto, while a grinning Lisanna stood closely by his side giving a peace sign.
"I remember you taking this." Naruto mumbled in a low voice.
Mirajane nodded. "Yeah it was right after the first mission you and Lisanna took together."
"Yeah." Naruto replied in a low voice as he placed the picture down.
"Well if it isn't the manliest person in the guild!" The loud voice of Elfman boomed, causing Naruto to glance to his side.
"Hey Elfman! It's nice to see you." Naruto began before walking over to the wizard and holding a hand out.
Elfman grinned ear to ear and accepted Naruto's hand. "Likewise Naruto!"
Mirajane grinned and walked passed the two men. "Why don't we go take a seat and catch up?"
Naruto nodded and followed Mirajane with Elfman tagging along. The three wizards then made their way into a small living room and all took their own respective seats. Mirajane and Elfman both shared a small couch, while Naruto took a seat across the two siblings. The three then went into a small awkward silence that made Naruto slightly uncomfortable.
"Soooo." The blond teenager began, while he started to tap his legs. "What did you want Mira?"
Mirajane smiled wide and folded her arms. "Well I wanted to give you something, but I thought why not catch up first? I mean it's been two years since we have talked to one another after all!"
Naruto nodded at her reasoning. "You make a good point, it has been two years since I've seen you both. Elfman looks about the same, but you're completely different Mira."
Giggling to herself Mirajane placed a hand to her chest and pretended to look hurt. "What you don't like the new look?"
Naruto chuckled and shook his head. "No I like this new bright and cheery Mira."
"I'm glad, but I'm not the only one who has changed. You've definitely grown these last two years. And I'm not just talking about your appearance, you've grown exceptionally as a wizard." Mirajane began before leaning in slightly. "I'm proud of you."
Naruto grinned and rubbed the back of his head. "Heh, thanks Mira. I worked my ass off these last two years and it really paid off."
"What was it like training with two Wizard Saints?" Elfman asked.
Naruto scratched his head and looked to the ceiling. "Well my first teacher Warrod was kinda strange, but besides his odd personality he was a great mentor. Then my second teacher Jura was the complete opposite or Warrod. Jura was always level headed and pretty normal. Though after spending a year with him. . . Awww never mind."
Mirajane raised an eyebrow at her friends odd behavior. "What is it?" The young woman asked.
Naruto chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head. "It's kinda embarrassing to talk about." The Fairy God began while his cheeks turned a rosy red. "It's just you guys know I've never known my father or mother. Though spending the last year with Jura, I finally got to see what having a father was like."
Mirajane and Elfman both exchanged a look before smiling wide at the young wizard.
"I'm glad you found someone who could be like a parent to you." Mirajane admitted honestly.
Elfman nodded. "Yeah, both your teachers sound like real men!"
Naruto smiled as he thought of his two teachers and the time they spent together. "Yeah they are pretty great."
Mirajane grinned and leaned slight towards the blond. "So tell me Naruto." The white haired beauty began. "After training for two years with two powerful wizards, just how strong are you."
Naruto laughed and scratched his head. "Man why does everyone want to know how strong I am? The blond joked in a carefree tone. "First the old man and now you Mira."
"Hehe, well it's a reasonable question." The girl replied, while her brother simply nodded.
Naruto sighed and looked at the two siblings, both of whom were eagerly awaiting his response. "Well I couldn't really put my strength into proper words." Naruto began as he started to dig into his pockets. "But maybe this can paint a picture for you."
Mirajane and Elfman both watched with interest as Naruto placed a small medallion onto the table before them. However, this wasn't just any medallion, in fact Mirajane and Elfman both knew exactly what the symbol on the medallion meant.
"Don't tell me." Elfman began in shock.
"You're a Wizard Saint." Mirajane finished in awe.
Naruto grinned and held the medallion by his face. "That's right, I'm Naruto Dreyar; the Fairy God of Fairy Tail and 10th member of the Wizard Saints." The young wizard declared before chuckling to himself awkwardly. "But can you guys keep this a secret? Only the master and Erza know about this and I don't want people to know yet. If people figure out I'm a Wizard Saint they might treat me differently. That's something I don't want for now."
Mirajane looked to the boy she had known for so many years with a dumbfounded expression. "You're a Wizard Saint." The white haired girl repeated.
Naruto placed his medallion away and scratched his head. "It's not that big of a deal." The Fairy God tried argue, but neither sibling bought into that.
"Naruto this is amazing! This means you're recognized as one of the ten most powerful wizards in the country!" Elfman declared at the top of his lungs. "You really are the biggest man in the guild!"
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I guess that's one way to look at things."
Mirajane smiled from ear to ear. "Lisanna would be proud of your accomplishment. I know I'm proud of you Naruto."
"Heh, thanks Mira." The blond replied sheepishly.
Mirajane nodded and stood to her feet. "Speaking of Lisanna, I have something for you." The white haired barmaid revealed before walking off.
Naruto watched his friend walk off with a confused expression. So he turned to Elfman for some answers. "Um what is Mira talking about?"
Elfman merely gave his friend a soft smile. "It's something special." Was the vague answer Naruto received.
Naruto raised his eyebrow. "And that something special is what?" The blond asked awkwardly.
"Many things." The voice of Mirajane spoke up, while she came back into the room. "But most importantly it's closure."
Naruto watched as his friend placed a small pink book before him. His eyes growing wide once he recognized what the book actually was.
"It's." Naruto's voice hitched slightly, as he felt a small build up of emotions. "Lisanna's diary."
Mirajane nodded and pushed the diary even closer to Naruto. "Yeah, she always kept all her secrets hidden away in this book."
Naruto nodded with a small half smile. "Yeah she did, I still remember the threats she gave me if I ever took a peek inside."
Mirajane smiled. "That's understandable, considering she wrote a lot about you."
Naruto's eyes grew wide in surprise, not believing Lisanna would write much about him. "But why?"
Elfman gave the blond a large grin. "A guy who gave her family a new life."
Mirajane placed a soft hand onto Naruto's own. "One who became her protector and best friend."
Elfman chuckled and shook his head. "Not to mention someone who was always a shoulder to cry on."
Mirajane opened the journal to a certain page and placed it onto Naruto's lap. "She talked about you more than anyone in this. You want to know why Naruto? It wasn't because she was your best friend."
Naruto's heart started to beat faster as he looked down and began to read. While doing so a particular sentence stuck out to him, one that caused a build up of tears to form in his eyes.
"She felt the same way." The powerful wizard declared in a weak and fragile voice. "She. . ." Naruto stopped speaking as his voice got caught up with emotions.
Mirajane placed a soft hand on her friend's shoulder to comfort the blond. "She loved you." The white haired beauty.
Naruto used his sleeve to wipe his eyes before grinning down at the small book. "Thank you for this. It's bittersweet, but at least I can move on knowing how she felt."
Mirajane wrapped her arms around the blond and gave him a hug. "She wasn't the only one who loved you Naruto. Me and Elfman love you like a brother, I hope you know that."
Naruto nodded and accepted Mirajane's embrace. "Thank you for showing me this Mira-nee."
Elfman cleared his throat rather loudly, causing Naruto to laugh.
"And the same goes for you Elfman-nii." The blond added in.
"Don't mention it, anything for a fellow man!" Elfman replied loudly before flexing.
Naruto looked to the two siblings and then to the book and his smile dropped a little bit. "Hey Mira you wouldn't mind if I borrow this for awhile. . ."
"Keep it." Mirajane replied without even thinking about it. "I was wanting you to have it. After all, there is a lot in those pages that were meant for you to hear."
Naruto scooped the book up and smiled. "I can't thank you guys enough."
Mirajane nodded and took a seat by her brother. "Like Elfman said, don't mention it. Lisanna would want you to have the closure you need to move on."
Naruto stood up and bowed to his friends. "Really I appreciate this, but I think it's time I head home. It's been two years since I've seen my room, who knows what gramps has done to the place since I've been gone."
Mirajane laughed. "Give the master my regards."
Naruto walked towards the exit of the small family home. "I will, and you guys have a nice night."
Elfman grinned. "See you at the guild tomorrow!" The loud man boomed, while Naruto gave a nod and walked out the door.
Coming on the outside of the house Naruto took a deep breath and looked into the sky. Then as he noticed it was growing into the late parts of the day he started to walk home. However, while he did this he stated to casually read through the diary he was gifted.
"Dear diary." Naruto mumbled in a low voice as he began to read in a low voice. "Today I returned from a mission with Naruto and I'm lucky he was with me. It was an A-class mission and I got into some serious trouble during the quest. Some jerks from a dark guild captured me and were going to do kami knows what with me. Though out of nowhere Naruto came to my rescue and beat every one of my captors into the ground. Then after he obliterated the dark guild he made sure I was okay. . . I may have lied and said my ankle was twisted just so Naruto would carry me! It totally worked by the way!"
Naruto took a pause and shook his head, while a small smile graced his lips. "I can't believe she would do that and here I thought I was a tricky prankster." The God of Fairies chuckled softly, while he continued to walk down the street.
"Shit it's Naruto!" The voice of Natsu Dragneel suddenly yelled.
"We are busted!" Lucy Heartfilia shrieked in fear.
"Act cool!" Happy instructed instantly, causing Naruto to glance up and notice Natsu, Happy and Lucy walking in his direction.
The Wizard Saint observed that the trio were all geared up and packed for a mission. He even got a glimpse of a rolled up mission request in Natsu's hand.
"Yo what's up guys!" Naruto began casually, while he closed Lisanna's diary and approached the group. "Headed out for a mission?"
"Yes/no/maybe!" Natsu, Happy and Lucy all yelled at the same time. Causing Naruto to lift his eyebrow and rest his hand on his hip.
"Are you trying to hide something from me?" Naruto asked in a serious and intimidating voice.
Natsu laughed awkwardly and started to walk past Naruto. "Nope we are just in a hurry to get a mission done! Lucy needs rent money by the end of the week!"
Lucy rubbed the back of her head and started to follow Natsu, while at the same time laughing in a nervous voice. "Yeah what Natsu said!"
Naruto glanced over his shoulder and watched Natsu, Happy and Lucy walk off. He knew something wasn't right, so holding his hand out to the group of wizards. Naruto channeled his Gravity Magic and froze the trio like statues.
"Now don't run off so soon." Naruto mumbled in a soft voice, while walking back around in front of the three. "I know you guys are hiding something."
"What you figured us out!" Natsu yelled in surprise, while he was unable to move.
"He's clearly a master of detection!" Happy declared loudly, while the blue cat was frozen still on top of Natsu's head.
Naruto looked at the two with a blank expression before sighing. "No you two are just idiots." The blond repiled, while he plucked the mission request right out of Natsu's hand.
Lucy shuddered in fear and watched Naruto unroll the mission request. 'I can't move at all.' The Celestial Spirit Wizard thought to herself in shock. 'Just how powerful is the Master's grandson?'
Naruto frowned softly and his magical power spiked slightly. "Natsu this might be the stupidest thing you've ever done." The God of Fairies began, while flipping the request around and holding it in Natsu's face. "You actually stole an S-class quest! And to make matters worse you're bringing Happy and this girl into your mess!"
"We can do this Naruto!" The Fire Dragon yelled back, as she was trying to reason with his friend. "I'm much more stronger than I was two years ago! Me, Lucy and Happy can do this!"
"And Mirajane, Elfman and Lisanna thought the three of them could take an S-class quest too. Remember how that turned out? Cause I can never forget it!" Naruto yelled in anger, while his magical power subconsciously cracked the ground around the group. "Could you really live with yourself if Lucy got killed like Lisanna did?"
Natsu gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. "I'd protect her."
"You couldn't even protect her from me!" Naruto shouted in anger, causing Natsu to snap his eyes and look up to the blond. "And I'm not even allowed to take S-class quests."
Natsu hung his head and Naruto released his magic, which caused all three wizards to drop onto their knees.
"I just wanted to prove I'm not weak." The Fire Dragon Slayer mumbled softly before pressing his knuckles onto the pavement.
Naruto sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "You're not weak Natsu. You're an idiot, but now I have to decide what to do with you three."
Natsu pressed his forehead down in front of the blond. "I'll take full responsibility for this. I dragged Lucy and Happy into this against their will."
"No it was my idea!" Happy shouted in the defense of his best friend.
Lucy bit her lip and looked up to the powerful wizard. "No this was my idea, I wanted the gate key reward for completing the mission."
"Well I could punish all three of you." Naruto began in an exhausted voice. "But I know regardless of what I do Natsu will try and sneak off to do the mission."
"Heh, me sneak off? No way!" Natsu replied in a nervous voice, as trying to sneak away later tonight to do the mission was his plan.
"Lie to me again and I'll break every bone in your body." Naruto threatened in a deathly serious voice, which caused the trio of Natsu, Happy and Lucy to shriek in terror.
"He's a master of detection!" Happy yelled in fear, as he knew Natsu was lying.
"Scary!" Lucy yelled.
"I'm sorry!" Natsu cried, while Naruto grabbed the teen by his head and lifted him off the ground.
Naruto tightly squeezed on Natsu's head and glared at the boy. "Since you'll do the mission despite any action I take." The blond began in an angry voice. "I'm going to tag along with you three, at least that way you won't die."
Natsu's eyes grew wide before Naruto tossed him onto the ground. "R-really? You're gonna come with us?"
Naruto nodded and a white glow radiated off of his hands. "I trained two years to protect idiots like you, so it would be a good test of my skills." Naruto explained before smirking at Natsu. "Besides if you don't die on the mission Erza-nee will kill you for stealing an S-class request. So you might as well go down in a blaze of glory."
"Shit." Natsu groaned in dread, as a fire breathing monster that resembled Erza came to life in his mind. A vision that made the wizard shutter in fear. "I want to back out!"
"Us too!" Happy and Lucy cried in fear, as they didn't wasn't the wrath of Erza Scarlet brought upon them.
Naruto laughed and lifted the trio into the air with his Gravity Magic. "No backing out now!" The Wizard Saint yelled loudly, as he started to walk off. "I've made up my mind and the four of us are going on an S-class quest!"
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(Chapter end)
Important please read
So hey, it's been awhile… if you're unaware I've taken some time away from writing and even given two of my stories away. However, I've had this chapter like 80% done for about a year now. So I got a little inspiration in me and decided to finish it and give it to you guys.
Now does this mean I'm writing again? Ehh maybe? We will see how my inspiration stays and if anyone still wants to read this story. Which if I do continue it will no longer be a Milianna pairing, but switched to Lisanna. And if I keep writing it will be just for this story. As I won't go back to any others.
Anyways if you have questions PM or leave a review. And thanks for reading, I hope to see you again.