Present
"I'll never forget." Elfman thought as a tear ran down his cheek. "I was too weak. Lisanna died because of me. If I can't stand as a real man now…" Images of everyone in the guild ran through his mind. "Natsu, Mira, and everyone else in Fairy Tail may very well meet their end after me."
"Oh my, look at the 'man' over here." Mizuki assumed he had finally broken him. "Shedding tears over the loss of another. It is just as I said. Other people only make you weak."
"You are wrong." More magic than he's ever used in years welled up around Elfman. "I will achieve a Full-Body Take Over because of my ties to others!" He stood and yelled. "We're taking Natsu back home, and I will never let you lay a finger on any of them!"
"Oh, looks like I wasn't able to break him." Mizuki smirked. "In the end, I'll just have to settle for showing him that no mere transformation will beat me."
Elfman was now a large, bipedal beast with large arms, thick fur, and horns pointing upwards. He just roared at Mizuki indicating that the mage wasn't in control. Still, Mizuki felt going up an extra gate or two would help him combat this.
"Eight Gates: Pain!" Mizuki declared.
He skipped right over the third gate and entered the fourth as his skin turned red, eyes white, and hair stood up. Elfman punched at Mizuki who managed to cross his arms taking the hit. He managed to maintain his ground before being hit by the other fist.
This knocked Mizuki into multiple crates destroying them before he slid into the wall. "That strength…I'll exceed it by going to my current maximum!" Mizuki jumped to his feet as Elfman approached and crossed his arms. "Eight Gates: View!"
Green magic ran wild around Mizuki, and he could feel the strain this put on him; however, the guy just did not care. As Elman loomed over him, Mizuki seemingly vanished from sight as he bounced along the walls before ending up above him.
Mizuki held out his limbs before punching down at the beast. "Morning Peacock!"
The former Chunin began punching with such ferocity that his fist caught fire. Each attack was clearly devastating to the larger adversary. Elfman was eventually brought to his knees, but he continued to endure the rapid succession of strikes.
While Elfman couldn't act, these strikes did manage to knock some sense into him as the beast eyes became his own. In a last, desperate attempt to end this, he pushed through the barrage standing once more.
"I promised I'd never try a Full-Body Take Over again." He managed to grab Mizuki out of the air. "You made me break that promise, so I at least won't lose to the likes of you!"
Just as how this fight began, Elfman rushed forward with Mizuki in his arms. The toll of the pummeling, attempted transformation, and being in this form finally took its toll as Elfman transformed back. Even then, he tightened his hold and continued running with all his might.
"Let me go, you big idiot!" Mizuki exclaimed.
He transformed back to normal as well since his body just could not handle the strain of going all out. Elfman didn't obey and simply held Mizuki out as he rammed the former Chunin into the wall with all his might. While it cracked, the wall held firm.
Elfman then let go. "Never underestimate this man again!" He clenched his fist. "Never threaten my guild in my presence either!"
As Mizuki fell, Elfman landed a devastating right hook keeping his fist applied until he slammed into the ground. Once Mizuki was out for the count, Elfman panted and walked a few feet. He didn't get far before blacking out.
Natsu's Mind
Natsu hadn't heard anything more since he started running again, and he was wondering if perhaps he was too late. For all he knew, his body could already be under Hephaestus' control, and that voice he heard was some elaborate distraction.
That thought was quickly dashed as he came across a giant, red man wearing blacksmith garbs and carrying a large hammer on his back.
"Well met, dragon kin." Hephaestus stated. "Your speed was adequate to arrive on time."
"Uh, thanks." Natsu stated. "Are you Hephaestus?"
"That is right." Hephaestus nodded. "Ages ago, there were omens indicating disaster, so we gods moved to preserve ourselves and our knowledge. We await the day when our power is needed. Problem is, I'm being pulled out by a want rather than a need, so I can send you back."
"Really?" Natsu smiled. "Great, just what I was hoping for. You're alright."
"I'll even impart to you a gift." Hephaestus stated.
"A gift?" Natsu questioned.
"Fire God Slayer Magic will be added to your arsenal." Hephaestus responded.
"Fire god Slayer Magic." Natsu was eager. "With that added power, I could show Mizuki and Akahoshi why you don't mess with Fairy Tail." Natsu stated eagerly. "After seeing what Romeo could do with his, I'm excited to try it for myself."
"I'm glad your willing to take it." Hephaestus nodded as a black, fiery sphere left him and entered Natsu's chest. "Do not thank me with words." Natsu glowed red as his Second Origin was unlocked form the influx of power. "Only use this power wisely."
"You got it!" Natsu gave them a thumbs up.
He turned into black fire particles which floated into the air.
Basement
Kakashi and Erza were facing off with Orochimaru while Happy was laid up against a wall after having tried to free Natsu. Just as Orochimaru reached into a pouch for something, an expected event occurred. The ritual circle vanished and Natsu stood up while groaning.
"Impossible." Orochimaru thought. "There are still hours before the ritual is complete."
Erza and Kakashi looked from each other to Natsu in worry. While Orochimaru knew the ritual couldn't have been completed, they weren't certain. After all, they only had what Kageyama told them. Soon, their fears evaporated as Natsu regained himself and acted as one would expect.
"Gah, where are you Mizuki and Akahoshi!? I'm ready to kick your asses this time!" Both of his guildmates were relieved as he now noticed where he was. "What? Kakashi, Erza, Happy, and some snake guy?" He looked to his guildmates. "What's going on?"
"Hm, a peculiar turn of events, but not unexpected given the traits he shares with Naruto Uzumaki." Orochimaru stated to himself. "Seems it's back to the drawing board."
"Natsu, that's Orochimaru." Kakashi quickly explained. "He leads Sound's Desire."
"Oh, so you're the person in charge of Mizuki and Akahoshi." Natsu smirked. "Alright, looks like I can take this straight to their leader." He punched his fists together. "Get ready you snake looking guy."
"As much as I'd like to test my magic against you three, there isn't much of a reason at this time." Orochimaru retrieved Lullaby. "Not when this can give me at least some indication of where you all stand."
"Quickly you two!" Erza rushed forward. "We need to stop him from playing that flute!"
Before she could reach him, the entire room was bathed in purple magic coming from a magic circle beneath Orochimaru. The glow faded revealing that only the statuette remained in the room. Not even a moment later, Madara appeared, grabbed it, and vanished himself.
Dead Forest
Erza, Kakashi, Natsu, and Happy ended up grouped together within a rather large clearing surrounded by those dead trees. Happy had finally woken up and noticed Natsu before flying into him with tears in his eyes.
"Natsu, you're okay!" Happy shouted joyfully while hugging his friend.
Natsu gladly hugged the little guy. "Sorry for worrying you buddy, but I'm fine now."
Erza was quickly scanning their surroundings. "Do any of you see Orochimaru!?"
"No." Kakashi had been a bit more careful, putting his skills as a Shinobi to work, in trying to find him. "I don't see him anywhere."
Suddenly, Lullaby was thrown into the clearing, but before anyone could move to catch it, they heard a voice. "I am sick of these antics and being thrown like this is the last straw!" To the shock of the gathered Wizards, a huge, purple magic circle appeared above the clearing.
"I shall no longer hold back! I will devour you myself!" The flute transformed into a massive, wooden demon that looked down at the gathered group. "I shall feast on all your pitiful souls and make it true agony!"
"That's about as big as a Tailed Beast." Kakashi commented.
"That has to be a demon from the book of Zeref." Erza stated.
"Now, which delectable soul should I dine on first?" The demon asked.
"Delectable huh?" Natsu seemed firm, but he quickly smiled before looking at Kakashi. "Do you think souls are really that tasty?"
Kakashi gave him a deadpan stare. "Not the time Natsu."
"Kakashi and Natsu, we must forget about Orochimaru and focus our efforts on bringing this demon down before it can hurt anyone." Erza stated firmly.
"Well, this isn't exactly how I planned on using my newfound power but testing it against a demon should be a good test run." Natsu declared with a grin.
"What are you talking about?" Kakashi asked.
"Just watch because I managed to pick up a little trick from a new friend." Natsu declared.
The Dragon Slayer stepped forward as he was cloaked in black fire. Kakashi's eyes activated, and he immediately understood. Well, he didn't know how, but he knew what Natsu had gained.
"What's happening to Natsu?" Erza pondered confused.
"Oh, your soul…" Lullaby laughed. "Yes, your soul will be quite tasty."
"You can't have my soul, but if you really want to eat that badly, I'll give you something to chew on." Natsu's fire was added to the mix as it spiraled around him with the black fire. "Dragon or God Slayer? No. I'm a Dragon God Slayer. Fire Dragon God Mode!"
"Well then, let's put your power to good use." Erza requipped a couple of swords. "It's time we take this demon out!"
She rushed forward while Kakashi and Natsu followed her. Erza immediately requipped into her Heaven's Wheel Armor before slashing into the demon.
The Copy Mage slammed his palms on the ground creating a brown magic circle. "Earth God's Okuninushi!"
Many black spears of earth rose from the ground and shot into the demon.
"Now, it's my turn." Natsu declared before jumping. "Fire Dragon God's Spiral Fist!"
Natsu's enhanced fist slammed into Lullaby's check hard enough to make her stumble. From there, the trio laid into Lullaby. Erza requipped her weapons and armor, Kakashi used Ice-Make, Fire Dragon, and Earth God Magic, and Natsu continued testing his Dragon God Magic.
"You are making me angry!" Lullaby shouted.
She swatted her arm at them, but the Mages simply lept back avoiding her. From there, they kept laying on the power. Eventually, Lullaby decided it was time to end this by playing her song.
"Oh no." Happy was looking around. "She's sucking out what little life there is."
"Just one note, and all your souls will be mine." Lullaby declared.
She tried to play, but all that came out was air.
"Nothing's happening." Happy declared in shock.
"That's because we've been creating holes with every attack." Kakashi declared. "With all those holes, she can't play a single note." He ran at the demon. "Erza, cover me!"
"Right." Erza nodded.
Erza requipped into her Black Wing Armor and flew at Lullaby who tried to punch down on the oncoming Mage. Erza flew by slashing her blade into the demon's face distracting her. Kakashi then stopped by her feet and let his magic run wild.
"Ice Make: Shield!" Kakashi created a massive shield covering the demon's legs and keeping her in place. "Natsu, finish this!"
"You got it!" Natsu jumped into the air. "Flames of a dragon in my right hand and flames of a god in my left. Put the two together…" He slammed both fists creating spiraling black and normal fire before lifting it above his head and letting it grow. "…this is what you get! Fire Dragon God's Brilliant Flame!"
The sphere washed over the demon sending her crashing to the ground in a spectacular display of magic. The flute hit the ground, dead center in the newly created crater, completely cracked. Safe to say it was just your ordinary, damaged flute now.
Happy flew over to them. "You three really showed that Demon!"
"Ah, it wasn't a big deal." Natsu stated as he powered down.
Kakashi nodded. "It was easier than fighting a Nine Tailed Beast…" He looked back at the crater. "… or one comprised of nine different beasts."
Erza had retrieved the flute and rejoined the group. "With the flute secured, we just have to check on everyone else and secure that statue of Hephaestus." She looked off in the direction of the guildhall. "I doubt Orochimaru will have stuck around, so that's a loss."
"Huh, oh yeah Romeo and Gray weren't with you guys." Natsu realized. "Where are they?"
"I think we have a lot to catch each other up on." Kakashi started moving. "It'd probably be best if we were all together. Just, don't attack Kageyama when you see him because he's on our side now."
"What?" Natsu asked. "What do you mean he's on our side?"
"You heard Kakashi." Erza walked with him. "We'll explain once we're together."
Natsu didn't get it, but clearly, he had missed a lot. He shrugged and followed them while Happy rode on his shoulder.
Eisenwald Guildhall
Upon reaching the guildhall, the group found not only Sound's Desire members being loaded up by Rune Knights, but their own guild members as well. At least their guildmates weren't cuffed. Well, Kage was, but that was kind of understandable given he was affiliated with Eisenwald.
"What the heck's going on!?" Natsu shouted alarmed.
He would have run in there if not for Erza grabbing him by the back of his vest. "Easy Natsu."
A bipedal frog person in scribe robes approached. "Ah, you must be the remaining wizards from Fairy Tail. We received word from a Kakashi Hatake about the Eisenwald incident. The council moved that all criminals be taken in while those who participated be brought in."
"Huh, but we did nothing wrong!" Natsu shouted.
"Natsu, we're just being brought in." Kakashi reasoned. "Keep calm."
"Exactly." Erza stated. "Keep yourself in check and don't do anything reckless."
She put a little of her threatening side into it which helped put Natsu in check.
Era: Magic Council, Next Day…
"The Eisenwald Guild may have been defeated, but that is one small victory in a much larger battle."
"The number of Dark Guilds has been growing at an alarming rate."
"We must come up with a plan to eliminate them all."
"Yes, but how would we do that?"
"Whatever way we go about it, we cannot allow Zeref's magic to fall into the wrong hands. Additionally, we cannot allow these statuettes to vanish like Hephaestus seemingly has."
"Even knowing how it happened, I still can't believe Lullaby and Hephaestus fell into their hands." Yajima stated.
"I hate to say it, but the blame may extend to the highest levels."
"Whatever the case, I do believe Fairy Tail is owed a great deal of praise." Seigrain informed. "True, we may have lost Hephaestus, Orochimaru, and Erigor, but I believe they are quite useful."
"Not to mention, they did capture everyone else within Eisenwald." Ultear stated. "Not to mention our test on Kageyama revealed his ideals don't align with his old guild, and the Memory Lacrima shows a wizard on par with Erigor the Reaper."
This brought an uproar from six of the nine council members.
"You may not want to accept it, but this is the reality of the situation." Seigrain smiled. "Of course, I've always been one of Fairy Tail's staunchest defenders, and this time there is little collateral on their end to speak of."
"Enough of this nonsense. I know what you are getting at, and we will not allow it. The Shadow Mage must serve his time, and no good deeds from Fairy Tail will persuade us."
"While I would like you to reconsider as a way to reward their good behavior, I believe I have an offer we can extend to them." Seigrain informed. "Something which we want and one of them can provide. We'll call it a trade and have them hold the shadow user responsible…"
Rooms: Night…
After being led to Era and into the council building, the Wizards of Fairy Tail had been led into a living area with multiple doors leading to bedrooms. It was made clear that this was where the group was meant to be staying for the time being.
Naturally, Kageyama had been put away upon arrival considering his status. Once they entered, the group went about explaining everything that happened from their ends with the group particularly interested in Romeo's tale.
"Izuna Uchiha…Sukea." Both these names worried Kakashi for different reasons.
"Oh, so you know who those two are?" Cana asked.
"I do." Kakashi nodded. "Izuna Uchiha was the younger brother of Madara Uchiha. During the Waring States period, he was the second strongest Uchiha and could match Tobirama. That man would go onto become the Second Hokage after his older brother's passing."
"What about Sukea?" Gray asked. "I noticed you seemed even more shocked about him."
"That's an understatement." Kakashi stated. "Sukea was nothing more than a disguise I employed to teach my Genin teamwork. A way to guide them in the right direction using the subterfuge of a Shinobi."
"If Sukea is you, does that mean you weren't really in the basement?" Natsu accused.
"Your theory would be sound if I had a magic which allowed me to create duplicates." Kakashi stated. "The closest I have is Ice Make and Body Flicker. They create a stand in to take the hit or momentary clones that only have physical mass if I flicker into their position."
"If he's not you, who could he be?" Cana asked.
"I'm uncertain." Kakashi stated. "No one particularly knew I employed such a disguise save the Third Hokage, and I do not think he would employ Celestial Dragon Slayer Magic."
"That's another thing." Gray looked at Natsu. "Flame Brain, you know anything about a Celestial Dragon?"
"What did you call me, Ice Stripper!?" Natsu retorted.
"Now is not the time you two." Erza commanded. "Natsu, explain what you know."
"Aye!" Natsu laughed nervously. "Well, I don't know much, but Igneel did talk about a dragon which resides deep within the Celestial Spirit Realm. According to him, the dragon was named Draco, and he has an excellent relationship with the spirits. Said he was powerful to."
"Anyone who could fight off Izuna must be." Kakashi stated. "At the very least, whoever this Sukea is seems to be on our side."
"Man, what I wouldn't give to meet him." Natsu look to the ceiling. "That Zabuza guy may have turned out to be a false lead, but this Sukea must know something about my dragon's disappearance."
"On the note of everything that happened, what do you think tomorrow will hold?" Romeo asked. "Are we in trouble?"
"We shouldn't be." Cana replied. "Sure, we aren't allowed to leave the room, but given Fairy Tail's pension for destruction, that's reasonable. We aren't cuffed, and this place is rather nice even if there isn't any alcohol around."
"We may not be in trouble, but what about Kageyama?" Happy asked. "He did put in a genuine effort to help us, and he even fought his own ace."
"We hope the council sees reason, and if all else fails, I put my unique skill set to use." Kakashi stated. "After all, it was the reason I got paid for that Hargeon job."
"I suppose we can only hope for the best." Elfman stated. "Still, a real man like that should be in Fairy Tail."
"For now, we should turn in." Erza focused her attention on Natsu, Gray, Happy, and Romeo. "If I hear anything about anyone leaving this room, there will be consequences!"
The four of them gulped as they did not want to face an angry Erza. "Aye sir!"
Era Halls: Morning…
The small band of wizards had been let out of the rooms and down the hall. Rather than be led to a meeting with the council, they were instead led to the entrance where Seigrain, Kageyama, and Makarov were waiting for them.
"Master!" The wizards all exclaimed in shock.
"Well, I go to one guild master's meeting only to find out you kids took it upon yourselves to take on a Dark Guild." Makarov smiled. "Normally, something like this would raise my blood pressure, but it seems you managed to keep the collateral damage low. Good on you."
"It was no problem gramps." Natsu commented with a smile.
"Well, I assume there is more your guild master would like to say, and no doubt you'd all like to return to your guild after a job well done." Seigrain had stepped forward. "Make no mistake as you all did an exceptional job.
Before you're allowed to leave, we must discuss what happens to this former Dark Wizard here." He looked at Kakashi. "More specifically, it all comes down to what you decide as Makarov is already willing to take him in and keep an eye on him."
"No one needs to keep an eye on Kageyama." Gray stated. "Yeah, he was involved in freeing Lullaby and capturing Natsu, but the guy made up for his mistakes. The fact that he didn't shy away from fighting Erigor is only further proof in my eyes."
"That might be how you feel, but the council can't take any chances." Seigrain stated. "Honestly, we have every right to lock him up, but his actions during the event did make us reconsider."
"Alright, what choice do I have to make?" Kakashi questioned.
"As you may have heard, our world is no stranger to people from the Elemental Nations." Seigrain smiled. "It's something we've simply become accustomed to, and we have our ways of gathering information. Some information on our own world is harder to acquire."
"I understand." Kakashi nodded. "You want me to put my Copy Magic to use filling out books on Lost Magic."
"You are a sharp one." Seigrain smiled. "The world is constantly becoming more dangerous, and we need the manpower where we can get it. In addition, I do have a fondness for Fairy Tail and have often trusted in their judgment.
If Kage is starting down the path of reformation, I personally believe we'd be fools not to acknowledge that. As such, we'll work with your guild on Wizards you believe deserve a second chance. We'll put them in a legal guild willing to take them.
At such a time, they will be observed by their fellow guildmates and master for six months with reports filed regularly on their activity. All we ask in return is one book written out on lost magic or two books, just as detailed, on current magic."
"I did make a promise, and I do trust in Kageyama." Kakashi retrieved a book from his person and gave it to Seigrain. "Here, it's a book on Water Dragon Slayer Magic. Hopefully, it's up to the standard you want."
"It is." Seigrain had flipped through it. "Each page is just as detailed as that one you left in Hargeon." He closed the book. "Any time another person of interest to you comes up, give a book or two like this, and they'll be integrated into a legal guild. That is, if they want it."
"I'll keep that in mind." Kakashi replied.
"I'm free?" Kageyama couldn't believe it. "I'm really free?"
"Not entirely free my boy, but if you do join Fairy Tail, as the council decrees, you'll be freer than you are." Makarov smiled. "After six months, you'll be a truly free wizard."
"I wouldn't have liked any of this a few days ago, but your wizards have convinced me." Kage nodded. "Fairy Tail is a place where I can become stronger, and that sounds more enticing than any assassination mission. Given I don't feel like jail, I'm in."
Most would probably think he was backed into a corner. While that was the case as it was either jail or Fairy Tail, he was quite happy with this choice even being presented to him. He had just gained his father's eyes and mother's magic, so it was time to start anew.
"Well, I believe it's time we head home." Makarov stated. "Come along all of you."
Fairy Tail Guild Hall: Days Later…
Upon returning to the guild, Natsu kicked the door open. "We made it back alive!"
"Aye!" Happy chirped.
Even though Makarov had informed the guild that everyone was safe and sound, the gathered wizards still burst into a cheer for their returning Mages. Natsu was especially greeted since he was the one, they had worried about the most.
Kageyama took this atmosphere in with amazement. It was certainly a change of pace from the rather quiet time he experienced with Eisenwald. Makarov made his way over to the bar and jumped on it.
"Alright brats, listen up!" The guild master addressed everyone getting their attention. "That strange man you saw arrive with us is Kageyama. He's an Ex-Dark Wizard who worked for Eisenwald."
"Does that mean he's a criminal?"
"Why would they let him in here?"
"Should we attack him?"
"Hey, there will be no attacking him as the council has decided he's a wizard worthy of a second chance, and I agreed to bring him in." Makarov declared. "Remember, yesterday's enemy is tomorrow's friend.
Starting today, he'll be a member of Fairy Tail, so he's family. Understand?" The guild still seemed unconvinced. "I know you have your reservations, but Kageyama is a young man who went down the wrong path. He now seeks to right his wrongs as one of us."
The others who had been on that mission with him decided to vouch for the guy.
"He did make amends for the very small part he played in catching Natsu." Romeo voiced.
Gray put a hand on his shoulder. "The guy beat his own ace while working with us."
"Not to mention, his information was highly accurate." Erza added.
"It was his Communication Lacrima Erza used to contact the guild for back up." Natsu admitted.
The Fire Dragon Slayer wasn't all that certain about this, but if this group could vouch for him, he could try to give the guy a chance.
"Kageyama…" Elfman patted his back. "…is a real man."
"Plus, our master didn't have to bring him into our guild." Kakashi reasoned. "We should heed his words. Yesterday's enemy can be tomorrow's friend."
Clearly, it would take time to warm up to Kageyama, but the guild was willing to give it a shot. They went about amicably talking while the shadow user was led over to Mira. There he got a black fairy tail mark on the back of his left hand making it official.
Kageyama then looked from the others to those who spoke on his behalf. Yeah, maybe he wouldn't be accepted right away, but it's not like he expected anything different. Still, he had more people who would vouch for him than he thought, so it was a start.
Magnolia Train Station: Next Day…
Word had spread the previous day of Natsu and Erza's fight, and it was scheduled to take place the next day. As a result, the whole guild had turned up to watch. No one was going to miss it especially after hearing about Natsu's new Fire Dragon God Slayer Magic.
Team Shadow Gear pushed through the crowd mainly led by Lucy who couldn't believe this was happening. "They're really going to fight!?"
"See, we told you it was happening girl." Levy stated. "You'd have known if you didn't want to head straight home after our last mission."
"How is this even happening?" Lucy asked.
"Natsu challenged Erza at the train station as we set out on our job." Gray replied.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
"Show him whose boss Erza."
"Come on Natsu!"
The two Wizards in question stood across from each other. Erza was calm and collected while Natsu was ready to fight.
"Oh yeah, this will be a good fight." Elfman stated. "I give props to Erza that she accepted. What a man."
"Elfman, I'm pretty sure Erza's not a man." Romeo voiced.
Lucy immediately looked from her team to Kakashi and Gray. "Aren't you guys worried that this could tear your team apart?"
"Well, in my time I've seen plenty of fights." A certain fight on Konoha's hospital roof came to mind. "Personally, I see no signs that a victor between these two will leave any bad blood. Trust me on that. In that sense, a fight like this can be rather cathartic."
"You talk as if Natsu has a chance." Gray smiled. "No matter what he's gained, Erza will still wipe the floor with him."
"It's been quite a while since we've squared off like this, hasn't it Natsu?" Erza questioned.
"I was just a little kid back then." Natsu got into a stance. "Today will be different because I'm taking you down Erza."
"Well, I certainly won't go easy on you." Erza smiled. "In fact, I believe I have the perfect armor to start this off."
Erza requipped into a new armor. This armor was black with red and orange trim. It had long gauntlets and boots that looked vaguely like the limbs of a dragon. She wore a revealing chest piece and had a long red sword in her hand.
"That's Erza's Flame Empress Armor."
"She must really be taking this seriously."
"With this, Natsu's flame attacks will only be half as effective."
"Flame Empress Armor, huh?" Natsu smirked and cloaked his fist in fire. "Great for me because I can now turn up my flames to their max without a worry."
The master said, "Begin!"
Natsu charged her and swung his fist; however, Erza dodge and swung her sword sending out flames herself which the Dragon Slayer ducked under.
Natsu then jumped back and took a deep breath. "Fire Dragon's Roar!"
A large stream of fire moved straight for Erza who dodged out of the way. Natsu cut the flames and charged in once more only to back flip as she swung her sword. They then engaged in more combat. With both continuing to dodge the other in a spectacle of a fight.
"Erza's is as strong as ever." Natsu jumped back and stood across from her. "Looks like I have no choice." Black and normal flames sprung to life around him. "It's time I got serious, Erza. Fire Dragon God Mode!" He then charged her. "Fire Dragon God's Sword Horn!"
Erza attempted to block the charging Dragon Slayer with her blade, but she was pushed back. When the magic began to dissipate, Natsu jumped back to see the results of his attack. Erza stood there looking singed.
"Alright, I actually damaged her!" Natsu thought triumphantly.
"I see you're strong enough to get through my Flame Empress Armor." Erza nodded. "I shall have to try something different." A light surrounded her. "Requip: Heaven's Wheel!" When it dissipated, she was in her Heaven's Wheel Armor. "Dance, my blades!" Swords appeared behind her, spinning in a circle, before she launched them at Natsu. "Circle Sword!"
She sent her circling swords at Natsu who jumped into the air avoiding them. They impacted the ground creating a large crater and sending a plume of dirt into the air. Erza came through the cloud landing a devastating blow which sent Natsu hurtling to the ground while she landed.
Without a moment's hesitation, Natsu was on his feet charging her again. "Fire Dragon God's Spiral Fist!"
Natsu punched at Erza who brought her sword around to block the attack. She was only partially successful in blocking it as the force of the attack sent her reeling. Natsu seized the advantage, but Erza deflected him to the side.
Natsu entered a solid stance and took a deep breath. "Fire Dragon God's Roar!"
"Requip: Adamantine Armor!" Erza declared.
The Requip Mage's armor became a bulky, white, and blue set with two halves of a shield on either arm. She brought them together blocking the roar in its entirety. Natsu could feel himself quickly losing steam, so he decided to up the output.
He charged in while collecting his power to his hands. Dragon God Slayer's Secret Art!" He slammed his two fists together while Erza moved into her defensive position. "Flame Eruption!"
The area of their fight was immediately covered by black and normal fire which exploded in a spectacular display obscuring both fighters. The entire guild watched on with bated breath. The dust and debris soon vanished revealing a worn out Natsu.
Erza's armor was shattered leaving her in greaves, gauntlets, and a black one piece "I commend you for such a powerful attack Natsu." She looked at what remained of her armor. "It's not every day my Adamantine Armor is overwhelmed."
"What was that armor?" Natsu questioned.
"Adamantine Armor increases my defensive power immeasurably." Erza clarified. "You've done well, but this is the end." Light surrounded her. "Requip: Black Wing Armor!"
Natsu was determined not to give up, and as she launched at him, he moved to meet her head on. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist."
They collided in midair and caused a massive explosion which knocked both wizards away from each other. Natsu slammed into the ground and went unconscious while Erza stood victorious. Everyone cheered.
Next Evening…
After the rousing fight yesterday, things were officially back to normal, and it was a rather standard day at the guild. Then, Mystogan came in putting practically everyone, save the guild master, to sleep before taking a job. Once he left, everyone woke up.
"Oh man, was Mystogan here?" Droy questioned.
"What a jerk." Jet stated.
"Does he have to put us to sleep every time he comes here?" Levi asked.
"Whose Mystogan?" Lucy asked.
"For one, he's a candidate for strongest wizard in Fairy Tail if you don't count our ace, Gildarts." Elfman stated.
"Gildarts." Kageyama nodded. "I've heard of him. Not even Erigor thought he could take him."
"What exactly is the ranking system within the guild?" Kakashi questioned.
"It's not too hard to understand." Cana stated. "Practically every wizard within the guild ranks from D to A with that not really impacting your standard mission. Then you have Erza, Mira, Mystogan, Laxus, Minato, and Neji."
"So, Neji Hyuga ended up here as well." Kakashi certainly took note of that. "Is he like Minato or Zabuza?"
Cana continued. "Those six are our S Ranked Mages which allows them to accept S rank quests up there on the second floor. Finally, we have our SS Ranked ace, Gildarts. He's the strongest mage in Fairy Tail meaning he's cleared to take quests above S rank."
Kakashi took note of a particular sadness in Cana's eyes when she mentioned Gildarts, but it wasn't his place to say something. They have only known each other for so long. Still, it was good to know how the rankings worked.
A new voice spoke up. "I'll admit Gildarts is strong, but I think I can take him."
While this new voice didn't sound like Sasuke, the tone reminded Kakashi of his student. He looked up at the second floor where he saw a tall, muscular young man with orange eyes and slicked back blond hair. He has a distinct lightning bolt-shaped scar on his right eye,
He wore a leopard-print, orange tunic with dark-lined sleeves reaching down below his elbows, a bright red cape which bore a large, lighter Fairy Tail symbol on the back, and loose, baggy dark pants tucked inside light metal greaves.
Natsu immediately stood and looked up at him. "Alright Laxus, you and me right now!"
"Getting your butt kicked yesterday wasn't enough?" Gray questioned.
"Yeah pal." Laxus put his head on his hand. "If you can't even win against the red head, why bother with me?"
That certainly got to Erza. "What are you trying to say?"
"Easy Erza." Kakashi put a hand on her shoulder. "In my experience, someone like him only talks like that to rile people up." Further study of Laxus, his eyes mostly, indicated to the Jonin that this S Rank needed to be watched. "He's just trying to get a rise from you."
He may not have lost his clan, but there were red flags abound. Kakashi could tell Laxus would do something. Perhaps not what his student had done, but it certainly wouldn't be good.
"Oh, you must Kakashi Hatake." Laxus smirked. "Minato's spoken about you." Clearly, Kakashi's words didn't bother him, but the Mage did seem to take some interest in him. "He said you were an Elite Jonin."
"Hey, don't ignore me Laxus!" Natsu shouted.
Laxus smirked. "Well, you are all bark."
"That does it!" Natsu shouted.
He tried to run to the second floor, but Makarov smashed a fist down on the boy before he could reach the stairs. "You're not allowed on the second floor Natsu…at least, not yet. Only S ranks and above are allowed to set foot up there."
Minato entered the building with a bag over his shoulder only to notice everything. "Are you really riling people up again Laxus?" He shook his head. "What happened to you?"
Laxus just scoffed before using his magic to come down to the first floor. "I'm making sure people know their place." He put his hands in his pockets and walked by Minato. "I suggest you learn yours."
Minato gave him a firm look. "If you really want to try me again, we can go at it right now. You and I know I can't beat Gildarts, so what does that say about you?"
Laxus grit his teeth while glaring at his fellow blond. Eventually, he walked out of the guild without dignifying him with a response. Once he was gone, Minato approached Makarov and the guild welcomed him back.
This section goes out to anyone reading this story. I have recently posted a Dragon Ball Z x Fairy Tail crossover. If that story, Fairy Tail's Saiyan, ends up doing better than this story, then this story will be deleted, and that story becomes my Fairy Tail story. If this story ends up improving in popularity among anyone who reads it, then that story will be deleted.
