I HAVE NOT ABANDONED THIS STORY! Yes, I am back. No, I am not apologizing or anything like that for the delay on this chapter. I've said it before and I'll say it again. 1. I do not have a schedule or anything like that. This story gets updated when it gets updated. 2. Even as a hobby, I shouldn't be an author (I am not writing this story for anyone but myself because it clears my head and lets me think). And 3. If you or someone you know thinks they could do a better job with it, then by all means go right ahead. But send me a link so I can read it (I am a not so secret bibliophile).
With all that said, I do want to point out that it took so long because I got sidetracked and went on a Harry Potter fanfic binge reading spree. Why do I point this out? Because it is going to take me a bit to get back into the swing of things for this story, so even with this update, don't count on another happening for a bit. Though I will be going through all the previous chapters and fixing mistakes that weren't caught the first time around, so at least I'm doing something.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail. I do not own these characters. I do not own this story idea, at least not entirely. Then again, someone else may have had the same ideas I did. Eh, how about I don't own anything in this story. Is that a good enough disclaimer?
Chapter 15.
Promotion
"You let your guard down again Natsu."
Erza's voice cut through the air as her wooden sword stabbed into the pink haired man's shoulder. True to his words to Cana, he had approached both Erza and Gray for help in learning to use a weapon. Unfortunately, even with him explaining how the glaive he and Gajeel were crafting was different from a normal one, the two were being overly strict about proper technique.
While he really did need to know the technique, he knew that he would mix it with his own already well honed fighting style, which the two "instructors" he had chosen were against him doing while practicing. As such every time he made a mistake in their eyes, Erza or Gray and even sometimes both would capitalize on it and hound him about the mistake.
"The hell I did Erza. You hit me because I took one hand off this practice weapon to keep myself from getting knocked into the wall head first."
"Which we've been trying to drill into your head is not what you should be doing."
The redhead retorted as if she were telling him about the weather. Natsu just narrowed his eyes at that. Cana had taken Koharu back home for a nap, so he let his frustration out just a bit.
"Fuck that. Let me guess. I should have used the shaft to block your next attack while throwing myself into a roll away from the wall before springing back up to continue the fight?"
Erza nodded, as he explained exactly what she would have done had she been in his position.
"The momentum of rolling away would pull my weapon away from you and expose my back. Not to mention the fact you could have attacked again just as I regained my footing and thrown me off balance once more. Over all it would have been safer for me to use one hand to deflect your swing before using my other hand to shove away from the wall and get passed your weapon before using the shaft of my weapon as a lever to throw you over my shoulder."
"If I were swinging a weapon at you, then yes I could see it playing out that way."
Acknowledging he had a point about the safety between the two options Erza nodded.
"You were swinging at me. But the moment I moved my left hand off the shaft, you halted the momentum of your downward swing, twisted your wrist for more control, and thrust at me instead. Which is unfair really, since you're one of the few people that could perform a feint like that and get past my reflexes. Meaning you can't argue that I made the wrong call there."
This time it was the redhead who narrowed her eyes. But she wasn't given the chance to say anything as their spar was interrupted by the guild master.
"Natsu's right. You've done a decent job of teaching him the basics, but you and Gray both seem to have forgotten that Natsu has much better battle instincts than the two of you."
Thankful for the back up, and what was likely a reprieve after what was close to seven solid hours of practice with Erza, Natsu turned towards the elder wizard with a grin. Erza also turned to face the old man, though her face was blank, as she internalized his words.
"I know you really don't need the interruption during your training Natsu, but this couldn't wait."
Makarov commented before letting out a heavy sigh.
"As you know, Jose and Jellal were stripped of their status as Wizard Saints. The Magic Council has been arguing back and forth for months now about who to replace them with. It's gotten so bad that both Fiore and Bosco's Kings have ordered them to fill one of those seats with the ones responsible for bringing evidence of their corruption to light."
"And Fairy Tail was involved in both of those incidents. I take it they want Erza to step in, since she's an S-class wizard, and fought with both of them, albeit briefly?"
Natsu questioned as he picked up the water bottle that had been set nearby for him to use when he needed a drink.
"Actually no."
Both of the younger wizards went wide eyed at that.
"Then what's going to happen master?"
Erza wondered.
"Someone on the council, and they wouldn't tell me who, read through the reports of the war with Phantom Lord, the Tower of Heaven incident, and the clash over Nirvana with Oracion Seis since Jellal was involved it that fight."
"And they saw that while I hadn't fought with Jose, I contributed to the defeat of two of Phantom Lords' S-class. As well as delivered the finishing blow to Jellal in the fight I had with him, along with being the one to defeat two members of Oracion Seis."
Natsu groaned, feeling like he was about to be thrust into the spotlight by the council in an attempt to control him.
"Yes. I was forced to answer several pointed questions about your actual power level. I even had to explain that you aren't the stupid, brash, and reckless fool you make yourself out to be and why."
Fairy Tail's guild master commiserated.
"In order to even be considered for the position, you have to have completed at least one SS-class level job though."
Erza pointed out.
"They took my advice on considering at least Jackal and Silver of Tartaros' 'Nine Demon Gates' to be threats that require multiple S-class wizards to fight against, didn't they."
Natsu said even as his palm hit his forehead.
"And given the fact that you reported fending them off, along with a lower level member of Tartaros, they are considering that incident an SS class level event. You have met the qualifications, so I was ordered to bring you to the next Wizard Saints meeting so you may be inducted."
Once more the pink haired man groaned. Erza just looked to Natsu with wide eyes. She had been out on a solo mission when Natsu had clashed with Tartaros and so hadn't heard about it. However that didn't stop her from blurting out.
"But Natsu isn't an S-class wizard, so why would they listen to him about Tartaros' members?"
"Probably because once they heard that my boisterous personality was a facade for the most part, they realized I'm a larger threat than they anticipated. This isn't about giving me a position or title I've earned or deserve. It's about attempting to get me under their thumb. Not to mention that if gramps had to reveal that I was faking my idiocy, then he also had to reveal another secret of mine."
When the short elderly man nodded, Natsu turned to Erza.
"Gajeel, Wendy, and I hold back a lot more than you'd expect when it comes to fighting. The technique's you seen and heard us use are the absolute basics of our magic. After all at their core, our magics are still based off of Dragon magic. Do you really think that a dragon would lack the ability to be lethal with it's most powerful attacks?"
When she looked at him as if she had just realized that fact, Natsu had to suppress the desire to roll his eyes.
"Realistically speaking, if I were to stop holding back and fight with my true strength and stop hiding my full arsenal of attacks, I would be the ace of Fairy Tail right now. As it is, if I were to go all out and use my strongest attack without holding back, gramps, Gildarts and Cana are the only three in the guild that wouldn't outright be killed. Gramps would be weak enough that his heart problems would likely end him before he could even start to recover, Gildarts would be maimed so horrifically he would have to retire because the damage would be too severe, and Cana would only survive it because as my mate she is immune to my magic."
"Before you protest Erza, he is not lying. I forbade him from using any spell that would be lethal to a human before allowing him to fight with any of you back when he first joined Fairy Tail."
"You have to hold back that much?!"
Erza screamed in shock and awe as she looked to the Fire Dragon Slayer.
Natsu winced before replying.
"I don't have to hold back so much physically though. Just magically."
"Even so. The Magic Council now knows not to underestimate you."
The redhead retorted.
Of course they all knew that the council would still underestimate Natsu anyway. Erza because the man had a talent for going above and beyond what people expected of him. Natsu and the guild master knew the council would still underestimate him simply because the pink haired man was constantly growing stronger.
"Anyway, I need the two of you to cut your practice short. Head on home and get cleaned up then meet me at the train station Natsu. Since I was ordered to bring you to the next Wizard Saints conference, you'll need to join me for this trip."
Makarov stated, looking up to Natsu's face with a small grin. While the circumstances weren't the best, he was still proud of the fact that Natsu was being acknowledged by the Magic Council.
"Alright. Until next time then, Erza."
"Yes, I'll see you then Natsu."
-XXxxXxXxxXX-
"You know, it's a good think Koharu isn't fussing as much as she used to when you would leave."
Cana commented as she and their adoptive daughter watched Natsu pack an overnight bag with spare clothes, just in case.
"I think she somehow understands that I'm not leaving forever, so instead of panicking she just pouts."
He replied before grinning. Since he had relented to learning how to use a weapon, Erza had agreed to teach him Re-equip magic, so he now had access to his own pocket dimension to store things. With just a thought he made his bag vanish in a brief flash of light.
"Well she is scarily smart for a baby. I mean most babies don't start saying proper words until they're between 12 and 18 months old. Koharu here is around 7 months old, yet she's already keyed in on certain sounds and tries to mimic them. When you came back and introduced your grandmother to us, our little one here tried to say 'Dad! Welcome back!' Remember?"
Thinking back, Natsu did recall the babe shouting 'Daaa! Waawaa Baaa!' so he nodded at his mate's words.
"Yeah I do. But it's a good thing she's so smart. It means we won't have to struggle to teach her as she grows up."
"True. But I get the feeling it won't stop her from getting into trouble."
That made Natsu chuckle as they left their bedroom and made their way towards the front door.
"She would just be more like me than we expected in that case."
"Mavis I hope not! You caused way too much chaos."
Once again Natsu chuckled at her words, though once they reached the door he leaned in and kissed Koharu on the forehead.
"You be good for your mommy okay?"
The child merely giggled at his actions, causing both Cana and Natsu to grin.
"Since gramps and I shouldn't be gone too long, I'll try to make it up to you when we get back."
"You don't need to do anything."
The Cards magic user tried to brush his words off.
"But it isn't fair of me to leave you alone with Koharu so often. Besides, I'm sure you'd like a chance to get out of the house and spend some time relaxing by yourself."
She couldn't deny it, so rather than argue Cana just shrugged. Because he didn't know what time he and the master had to be at the assembly they were going to be attending, Natsu leaned in to kiss her. After a minute the brunette pulled back.
"As much as I wish we could continue, you have a meeting to get to."
She pouted slightly. Smirking, Natsu gave her another quick peck on the lips before walking out the door. Watching him go, Cana used one hand to raise Koharu's arm so she could wave bye. Once the pink haired man was out of sight, the brunette sighed.
"He really doesn't have to try and apologize or make it up to me for being so busy."
She muttered, having realized a few days ago that she enjoyed her slow life raising Koharu, far more than she did her life before taking the quest that lead to her and Natsu adopting the little girl. Yes she would like some time to herself to relax and do whatever she wanted, but she wasn't so stressed as to need it yet.
Of course thanks to his exceptional hearing Natsu still caught her words even as he followed the walkway back towards town. Pushing his plans to the back of his mind for now he focused on the upcoming encounter with the Wizard Saints.
Not wanting to risk making an already annoying situation even worse, the pink haired man began jogged towards the train station, hoping that he and Makarov would be on time and not make things drag on.
"Ah there you are. We've got five minutes till the train leaves."
Fairy Tail's guild master commented. Shrugging Natsu gestured for them to get on and find their seats before his motion sickness would prevent him from moving without help.
"I know it'll be rough, but I want you to pay close attention while I explain some things about the other saints."
Already turning green, Natsu had to hold a hand to his mouth even as he nodded that he'd try to listen.
"Good. As you know there are supposed to be 10 of us. Per the rules set forth by the Magic Council we are supposed to meet at least once a month. But we are not required to attend, merely encouraged to. As such there is a strong chance that at least one member, will not be present. After all the 1st ranked saint, God Serena rarely shows up, and the 4th ranked saint, Warrod Sequin is quite old and has problems getting around. Not to mention the fact that I don't know if they found someone to fill the other open slot."
Though he knew Natsu wouldn't be able to respond, or even do anything to show that he heard, Makarov paused to allow the pink haired man a chance to digest what was said. As the train started to move, he picked up his explanation again.
"If Serena is not there, then good. If he is however, I need you to behave. As a Dragon Slayer himself, he may try to provoke you into a fight so he can prove his superiority. He has eight different lacrima embedded in his body and all of them are for Dragon Slaying magics. If you fight him, you will have to showcase every bit of power you have, and we will lose all chances of keeping the council off your back."
While he had other concerns, Natsu and Serena butting heads was the biggest potential issue. So to help drive that point home, he stared the Fire Dragon Slayer dead in the eye as he spoke about the 1st Wizard Saint.
As soon as he was sure the point had been driven home he spoke about the other members and potential issues that could spring up with them, though he also mentioned that there was a chance those issues could be completely negated by the presence of the 2nd Wizard Saint, Draculos Hyberion, who was fairly stern and a stickler for upholding honor and duty. However he did make sure to ask that Natsu would try not to anger the 3rd Wizard Saint, Wolfheim, as the mans temper was rather easy to ignite.
Once he finished saying what he wanted to, the Fairy Tail guild master just settled back in his seat, knowing that it would still be a while before they arrived.
-XXxxXxXxxXX-
"Ah, saint Makarov. Right on time. If you will leave Mr. Dragneel here with me so you may find your seat."
One of the messengers the Magic Council used was waiting for the two Fairy Tail Wizards as they entered the building that served as the meeting hall for the Wizard Saints.
"Of course. I assume I am to explain to my fellow saints why the council wishes to induct Natsu?"
When the messenger nodded, Makarov sighed.
"I'm sure you'll know when to bring him in," the short mage said before turning to the pink haired man and continuing "remember what I warned you about on the train."
After Natsu nodded, the guild master strolled into the meeting room and took his seat. They had arrived a bit early though, as there was still a few minutes until the gathering was to officially start.
As he waited for time to tick by, Makarov looked about his fellow Wizard Saints, taking stock of who was present. Internally he let out a relieved sigh when he saw that the 1st saint was not present. Though he did let a pleased grin come to his face when he saw the 4th saint had made it the meeting this time. In fact, discounting the two empty seats everyone but the current 'Strongest wizard in Ishgar' was present.
When the clock began to chime, the 2nd saint Draculos Hyberion rose from his chair. He directed a disdainful glare towards the seat that belonged to God Serena before turned to face the rest of the Wizard Saints.
"As the most senior ranked saint present I announce the opening of our conclave. I'm sure you all have already noticed the markings to indicate that the seat formerly belonging to Siegrain is to be filled once again."
He spoke, and as he finished Makarov raised a hand to be recognized. When his fellow saint nodded he began his own speech.
"Over the past few months we all have heard the bickering back and forth over who will join our ranks. We've even heard the demands from both the King of Fiore and the King of Bosco to put the one responsible for revealing Jose and Jellal's corruption. As my guild was involved in both matters I was called to answer their questions regarding these events."
"And so it falls to you to be the one to introduce the one chosen to be our newest member then?"
Wolfheim, chimed in from his seat between the 2nd and 4th saints.
"Yes. However, I was also tasked with explaining a few facts before hand in order to help smooth things over in regards to the young wizard in question."
Makarov nodded.
"What's there to smooth over? It's well known the brats of your guild are rambunctious and prone to acting without restraint."
Amaris Shaw, the 5th rank saint wondered, glancing at him from her seat between him and Warrod. Her bright green eyes were glittering with amusement.
"Because this particular guild member has a reputation that precedes himself. The chairman of the Magic Council told me a bit about your report, Makarov. This young man must really be something else to maintain a facade like that."
Draculos spoke up, answering in Makarov's place. Having been looking at his fellow saints, the Fairy Tail guild master noticed with the light of understanding glinted in the 7th ranked saint's eyes.
"He is indeed. Having worked alongside the wizard in question, I can safely say that our new comrade is nothing short of remarkable."
Chuckling Makarov took control of the conversation once more.
"I see saint Neekis has figured out which of my guild members will be joining us. But really, if you would allow me to explain why he has such a reputation, so that we may get on with things?"
Jura gave him a sheepish grin in response, while Amaris rolled her eyes. Draculos nodded before gesturing for him to continue.
"From a young age, Natsu Dragneel was raised with the mentality of 'make it easier on yourself by making your enemies underestimate you'. Play the fool and make them share their plans because you are considered too stupid to understand. Act brash and behave recklessly so they hold back, because most fools like to monologue about how little effort they had to put forth to win, then blitz them with overwhelming might before they realize the mistake. Behave in a carefree manner so that you are overlooked and ignored even while listening in to your enemies plans. And those are only a few examples of what lessons were considered as he crafted this false personality that he is well known for."
The room was silent as they all absorbed the information he had shared. It didn't take long for the 3rd saint to speak however.
"I can see the merits to having such a persona. But for him to become one of us, it would make his facade worthless. After all as a Wizard Saint, there is a certain level of seriousness that is required at all times. If your words are the truth, then he has been playing the role for so long that I question if he can let it go."
"Normally I would agree with you. But due to somewhat recent events, Natsu has decided to slowly shed his persona in such a way as to make everyone believe that he is finally growing up and becoming mature. Of course in order to make his facade so successful he had to put a bit of his true self into it, so not everything will change."
Makarov retorted, before bowing his head towards Draculos. It was a signal that he was done with his explanations.
"I for one, am at least willing to give him the chance to prove himself as one of us. And now that we all are on the same page as to why he was chosen by the Magic Council to join us," Draculos commented before gesturing towards the double doors into the room. As he did a pulse of magic left his body and opened them to reveal Natsu being lead into the room by the messenger he'd been left with previously.
"Natsu Dragneel, do you know why you are here?"
Speaking with a more formal tone to his voice Draculos began the traditional induction speech.
"I have been selected by the Magic Council to join your ranks as a Wizard Saint. However I have yet to be informed of which rank they wish to confer upon me. As I am the one that defeated Siegrain, though his true name is Jellal, I suspect I am to be given his rank."
"You are correct that the Magic Council had decided to grand you the rank formerly held by your past adversary. Are you willing to accept the mantle?"
"I am."
Natsu returned, standing proud.
"Then take up your seat and join us."
The 2nd ranked saint commanded, gesturing towards the seat that Jellal had once used. When Natsu sat down, the others clapped politely, before Draculos finished the inauguration.
"Welcome, Natsu Dragneel the 8th Wizard Saint."
After that, the man sat back down. He asked if anyone else had any matters they wished to raise with the group.
"There is nothing else I feel we should be discussing at this time, so I would like to put forth the motion to end our meeting early. Myself and saint Makarov can guide saint Dragneel to the armory so he may be fitted for his robe."
Warrod promptly spoke up. As no one else had anything they felt worthwhile to bring up, his suggestion was accepted and Draculos ended the meeting. Natsu was treated to a rather quick blitz of greetings and introductions from his fellow saints. But it didn't last long as Jura had needed to return back to Lamia Scale rather swiftly, and the 5th and 3rd ranked saints left just as fast, as they were only being polite. The 10th seated Wizard Saint was already on another job so after a quick handshake and "Welcome to the saints." he was gone.
Draculos walked with them to the armory at least, but he didn't enter with them, though he did say they would have to meet up again some other time, as he was rather interested in just how powerful Natsu really was.
"It warms my heart to see Fairy Tail is still going strong. For a while I was worried that Makarov here would be the only one the guild had to shoulder the burden when things got rough."
Warrod commented when they finally entered the room where Natsu would be measured for his robe.
"Were you once a member of Fairy Tail then?"
"I was indeed."
"Gramps said you have trouble getting around anymore. But if you get the chance, you'll have to come by the guildhall. I'm not the only one that would enjoy hearing stories from a former member. Plus I'm sure we could share some stories of our own."
The gentle man that looked like an old tree laughed at that.
"I can make no promises. Old age doesn't just make it difficult to move, you know."
-XXxxXxXxxXX-
"Warrod wasn't just a former member of Fairy Tail you know. He was one of the founding members."
Makarov commented as he and Natsu strolled down the road back towards the train station. When they had finally left the armory, Natsu's Wizard Saints medallion was safely stored in his pocket dimension, but he had been told to wear his new robe as much as possible to help spread the news.
"My statement still stands. I'm sure we would enjoy hearing some of the stories he could share."
"True enough. But I feel the need to warn you. As I'm sure you're already aware, you can climb through the ranks by challenging the person in the seat above you. However, a higher ranked saint can recommend you to take their seat when they retire."
"I can refuse it though, can't I?"
"for seats 5-10 yes. For the top 4 seats? No. You made an impression on him back there. I've no doubt that when he's ready to retire completely, he'll step down and recommend you for his seat."
That made the Fire Dragon Slayer groan.
"Gramps, you're really making me wish I had turned the offer down. I've already got my hands full with training, raising Koharu with Cana, and some other stuff that I really can't share with you just yet. I only went along with it because it helps shield the guild from the Council even more. After all they only selected me for the position because they were under pressure from two kings, and they probably suspect I'll fuck up so badly they can revoke my status and disband Fairy Tail in one fell swoop."
A gentle hand was placed on his shoulders after that.
"I'm sorry you've got so much on your shoulders right now. But I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. After all you aren't doing any of it alone. The guild will always have your back."
Knowing that he had plenty of support, Natsu drew strength from the older wizard. He truly was comforted by Makarov's words, which wasn't really a surprise. The short, elderly wizard was someone he knew he could rely on and look up too, after all.