Heyo guys, what's up? I know I haven't been doing this since the story started (pfft, author's notes? who needs 'em?) But I figured I should give a quick shout out to all of the lovely people reading this story and say 'Thanks!'
... So thanks. A lot. Writing this story was the only thing keeping me sane before school finally let out, which brings me to my other point. Now that I've graduated, I don't know how often I'll be able to update, so bear with me. I ship out for basic training with the Navy up in Illinois, starting in July, so I'll do my best to give y'all another chapter of at least this length and quality before then. After that, it'll be two months - at the least - before I'll be able to sit down and write again. Thank you all for reading and giving me the motivation to keep writing, and please be sure to leave any reviews on the story. (Ask mellra, I love hearing from y'all.)
So, without further ado, here you go! (Hope you like)
The thrashing motion of Naruto's three tails sent waves crashing in their wake as the group sped smoothly through water. From what little information Naruto had been willing to part with during the journey, the rest of the group could only guess that the gargantuan structure looming in the distance was there destination. Unless, and Naruto had been sure to point this out when asked, there was some other giant manmade tower on an island in the middle of the ocean off the coast of Fiore. The deadpan in his voice made clear that there wasn't.
As they drew ever closer to the tower, Naruto rumbled uneasily beneath them. What is this feeling? My back is killing me. Alone with his thoughts, he couldn't keep his gaze from roving over the source of his less-than-satisfactory childhood. To think that the construction has come so far… How hard did you push our friends to complete this, Jellal?
Another sharp pain lanced down his spine, causing him to nearly lose the rhythm of motion with his tails, but the tremor it caused did not go unnoticed by his passengers.
"St- stop moving so much, Naruto… Someone, please just throw me off!" Natsu groaned from atop his back, the constant motion of the waves, coupled with Naruto's forward momentum playing grand havoc on his motion sickness. "I swear- oh geez – I'm gonna make you pay for this when we fi- uggh." He moaned out weakly as Naruto shuddered again, alerting the rest of their merry band to his growing plight.
"Oi, Naruto!" Gray called down loudly, hoping to make himself heard over the wind rushing past them as Naruto plowed onward. "What's going on? You alright?"
"I… do not… know." He replied shakily, his already slow manner of speech halting each time ever-growing pain fired down his back, coalescing in an almost molten pain at the base of his spine. "Something is… wrong… I do not… feel… well." His soft voice – surprising, given his size – grew weaker and weaker as he spoke, and the motion of his tails slowed the closer they drew to the tower. What is this pain? He wondered idly as his tails finally ceased to toil, his semi-conscious form drifting in the waves before coming to a not-so-gentle stop against the docks, the abrupt halt unceremoniously throwing his miniature crew ashore. "Release!"
A blast of smoke and wind buffeted the group, forcing them back to the ground as Naruto's form was released. Rather than bounding ashore and whipping them all into a frenzy to find Erza, he remained where he lay, his form sprawled half in the water and half out.
"Naruto?" Gray called out softly, a heavy air of discomfort settling over the group. Naruto did not move. Sharing a nervous glance with Lucy and Juvia, the three moved to Naruto's downed form, pulling him from the water as Natsu struggled against his stomach. Laying his prone body on dry ground and propping his head against a piece of driftwood, the three – finally joined by Natsu – surrounded the blonde takeover mage, concern written across all of their faces.
His features were drawn up in a grimace, eyes screwed shut and lips trembling. His skin was unnaturally pale and his entire body was shaking violently, tremors wracking his body every couple of seconds, belaying the scorching heat emanating from his body – as if he were running an inhumanly high fever.
"What happened to you, Naruto?" Natsu asked shakily. He'd seen the man before him bounce back from Crash-infused punches like they were a light breeze; to see him laid up, unable to speak or stand… it was sobering to realize your heroes weren't as invincible as they seemed.
"My… back." He managed to whisper, cringing even as the words passed his lips. "Take off my shirt… and roll me over. Check the base of… my spine." As he grew silent, the others shared a glance.
"Will you be alright?" Lucy asked, concern evident in her voice.
"I dunno if that's a good idea, Nar-" Gray never finished his line of speech as he felt a dark pressure settle over him. Judging from the slack expressions on the faces of the others, he wasn't the only one. Eyes that were not his own glared out from the shadows covering Naruto's face in the setting sun, pinning Gray in place; he doubted he could have moved if he had tried.
"Flip me over, or so help me-" The scream the rent the air was powerful enough to wake the dead, and filled with so much agony as to send them running straight back to the beyond. Naruto thrashed about wildly as the strange light in his eyes died out, limbs lashing outward and down, cleaving deep furrows in the ground as he clutched for something, anything that would not yield to his sudden surge of inhuman strength. His efforts were for naught as he continued to shake and tremble until finally, blessed black unconsciousness claimed him.
His body stilled and his comrades finally felt it was safe to approach from their positions of imagined safety. "Juvia is confused…" The water mage stated as they gathered around their fallen friend once more. "Are we flipping him over or -"
"Aye!" The other three squeaked in unison, quickly working to divest Naruto of his upper body garments. Flipping him onto his chest, the sight that greeted them left an awful taste in their mouths. A lattice of runes formed an odd, spiraling circle around a star-shaped scar at the base of Naruto's spine. It pulsed angrily as they watched, the blonde's body seizing in tandem.
"Naruto…" Lucy let out softly, her heart wrenching in her chest as she witnessed the cause of her dear friend's plight.
"I've never seen anything like this." Gray whispered in despair. "Natsu?"
The Dragon Slayer could only shake his head. Things like this were far beyond his skill set.
With their most powerful friend defenseless and out of commission, the only question they could think to ask hung over their heads like a curse.
Now what?
. . .
"Well now," a dark voice rumbled, rousing Naruto from his slumber. "How do you expect to accomplish anything just lying there, brat?"
"Oh, let him be, you grouchy fox. It's not his fault that boy managed to place such a complex seal. Even we were not sure what sort of effect it would have on his body." Another voice resounded in the darkness surrounding him, this one soft and reassuring, almost a purr.
Where have I heard that voice before? He pondered to himself as yet another voice made itself known.
"Kukukuku, not that knowing does him any good now!" This one was light and raspy, dripping with an almost palpable sense of madness. That one is familiar too.
"Must we… waste time bickering? In case you had not noticed… he is awake."
And that one as well… Oh, no. No. Nonono, this can't be happening. There's no way that they could be here, they're just-
"Memories?" The first voice interrupted him. Silence followed for a moment, soon replaced by the laughter of nine different voices. "You could call us that, I suppose. After all, it's only because your consciousness withdrew into the deepest recesses of your mind that we are able to speak together like this. In your mindscape, we are able to take form."
As if a magical phrase had been spoken, the darkness in the room was replaced with light, and Naruto found himself at the center of a circle of massive beings, and he suddenly felt that he had an appreciation for the effect his third stage of magic had on others. He was finally able to see with his own eyes, the nine tailed beasts whose memories inhabited his mind.
They were magnificent, each and every one of them, towering above him higher than even Makarov could manage with his full might. And they were just lounging about! In his head!
"So, what's this about a seal…?" He spoke slowly, hoping to get some sort of understanding of whatever they knew and he didn't, and mask the sheer excitement coursing through his body. Don't freak out, don't freak out. So what if they have form? You knew they were here, so you shouldn't be surprised. Beings of limitless magical energy, taking up residence in a mortal man's body, and I'm worried about whether or not they have faces? After the lecture I gave Lucy, what am I doing acting so surprised?! Besides, mom said that this could happen… Not that I believed her but-
"If you're quite done with your aneurism... Gyūki, what are your thoughts?" The massive nine-tailed kitsune interrupted Naruto's mental tirade as he addressed the eight-tailed… octopus/bull cross? How weird-looking.
"Ahem. We can hear your thoughts, you know." He growled out, trying to drown out the sniggering of his siblings. He moved towards Naruto, his body shifting in shape and size until he had taken on the form of a tall muscular man with blonde hair combed towards the back of his head. He had a small, neat mustache and beard, giving him a distinguished appearance without making him look like a grandfather. Four horns protruded from the side and back of his head in the same positions of his beast form.
He knelt down to come to face-level with Naruto's navel before man-handling him to see his back and the seal. "Interesting… Not too shabby; I'm surprised he managed something so impressive at such a young age… Uh-oh."
"Uh-oh/Uh-oh?" Naruto and the others echoed. "Whaddya mean, 'uh-oh?'"
"Two things. The first is that the seal is linked directly to the tower that dominates the island you are on. The closer you are, the more profound the effect of the seal."
"Uh-oh." Naruto mumbled sheepishly.
"Yeah… That's not the worst part. The effect of the seal is linked directly to your takeover magic, namely full-body takeover. Apparently, this kid knows a thing or two about the magical pathways required for your magic. If at any point after you come within a certain distance of this tower, all of your pathways are activated at once, you will be subjected to excruciating pain, similar to what happened on the beach."
"Well, I'm sure I can just muscle through it; I've got a good tolerance for pain and-"
"Bakayarou, konoyaro!" He nearly shouted as he swatted the back of Naruto's head none-too-gently. "Excruciating pain will be the least of your worries now that you're actually on the island, and especially if you plan on fighting inside the tower. If you were to attempt a full-body takeover… The effect would likely sunder your pathways beyond repair."
Naruto remained silent as the words sank in. "You mean, if I go full-body…"
The eight-tails frowned, not out of sadness, or pity, or even sympathy. This seal left a bad taste in his mouth, and he did not like it one bit.
"If you are not killed outright, which is highly probable… You will likely never use magic again." He stated matter-of-factly. "Luckily for you, there is a way to nullify the seal entirely. Two ways actually, but only one is feasible. And, even more luckily, the boy seems to have designed the seal with only your full-body techniques in mind; exerting use of only partial takeover should have no effect on you."
"Eh!?" Naruto shouted in surprise, the other tailed beasts flinching in surprise at his outburst. "If there's a way to get rid of this thing, I'm all ears. I can't risk the seals being replicated and modified, otherwise the entire magical community could be at risk." He paused with a start as the rest of Gy ūki's words sank in. He smiled infectiously. "I'm still good for partial takeover? Big mistake!" He crowed, fist bumping the air.
"Your concern for others is admirable. That's good. Hold on to that." He smiled warmly before growing serious again. "Once I tell you, you'll need to wake up. The after-effects of the seal should have died out by now, and I'm sure you'll want to move quickly to get this taken care of, neh?"
"Hn!"
"Right then, listen closely. The first way to nullify the seal is simple; destroy this 'Tower of Heaven.' Without the lynchpin, the seal will fade away."
"Right, that makes sense… And the second?"
"Heh, that one… Well, that one will require a bit of – what did you call it?" The eight-tails smiled mischievously. "Finesse."
. . .
"Hey, everyone calm down! He's waking up… OW! Not so rough Erza, he's right here!"
Naruto eased his eyes open, taking in the circle of faces surrounding him. The sky above was no longer a sky at all; somehow he was now inside a dining hall of sorts. Focusing on the faces above him, a certain red-haired woman was fixing him with a glare that made him want to crawl back into his mind.
You wish… A cacophony of voices seemed to whisper at the very corners of his thoughts.
"… Don't suppose anyone got a good look at the magic mobile that hit me?" He croaked sheepishly. And just like that, the concerned faces shifted to relief, and then joy. He found armor plating greeting his face as his adopted sister embraced him, and numerous other arms encroached from all angles, pulling him every which way in an attempt to pronounce their happiness.
"When you passed out…" Lucy began. Naruto's hand rested on her head, silencing her.
"I'm alright. The universe will have to try a little harder than that to get rid of me." He allayed her fears with a smirk.
Gray was in front of him suddenly, fear evident in his dark eyes. "There's some sort of marking on your back. We aren't sure what to make of it, but I get the feeling it's what caused your break down."
"Don't worry about it. I've got that whole thing figured out. As long as I'm mindful of how I manage my magic, it won't be a problem." He clasped the ice mage's shoulder warmly. "Thank you for your help, Gray."
Gray seemed startled by the blonde's words, but he smiled nonetheless and nodded, happy for the praise.
Naruto turned to the young water mage standing at Gray's side and grinned at her. "Thank you for coming with us." He leaned in close to her and whispered quietly enough for only Juvia to hear. "He likes girls who are forward. Sneak into his bed while he's asleep, and you're guaranteed results when he wakes up." She nodded sagely at his words, no doubt filing away what she undoubtedly viewed as sound advice. Gray looked decidedly less comfortable upon noticing the glint in the blonde's eye.
"Have fun." Naruto murmured wickedly as he edged towards Natsu, his final stop before confronting his sister and the two men who accompanied her, one of which he instantly recognized as Sho.
"Natsu…" He called softly. The pinkette's head was hung low, and he refused to meet Naruto's eyes. "Talk to me buddy."
The dragon slayer refused to make eye contact, turning away from Naruto as he drew closer. Naruto sighed at his friend's behavior as he crouched down beside him.
"If you're just gonna sit there and pout, then I don't see how you expect to get anything done, Natsu. And I'm not going to sit here and be ignored, so you should probably start talking." He spoke quietly, good-naturedly. "What's eating you?" Natsu's reply nearly dead-silent, yet it carried to the far corners of the room.
"I thought you were strong…" Was the response, barely above a whisper, yet everyone heard it.
"Oh?" Naruto replied just as softly. "You 'thought', huh? I take it you no longer think so?"
"I've… always looked up to you Naruto. You've always been the obstacle that I need to surpass to become strong. When I can beat you… If I can beat you, maybe I'll be strong enough to see Igneel again." He turned to face Naruto, and now the blonde could see the cause of his shaking voice and the reason he had refused to look at him. "That's what I've always thought. But how the hell am I supposed to surpass someone that's strong enough to go through that kind of pain with a smile?" He asked as tears ran down his face.
"I know that you're strong Naruto… Just don't go out of your way to prove it, you know? You're like a big brother to me, and if something were to happen…"
Naruto was taken aback to say the least. Natsu was always a little ball of hellfire before he had left, always picking fights. To see Natsu concerned about his well-being, about his safety…
"Geez, Natsu." The blonde said with a grin. He reached out gingerly and ruffled the dragon slayer's hair roughly. "You really did get strong while I was gone, didn't ya? Taking your friend's lives into account, making their problems your business, helping them even when they say they don't need it. Things like that are what make a strong wizard; the bonds of friendship that we forge in life are our strength. You are well on your way to catching up to me…" He trailed off, watching with growing mirth as Natsu's outlook shifted from depression to awe.
"Really? Wow Naruto, do you really-"
"Surpassing me, on the other hand… You're a few thousand years too young to think you could surpass me!" The takeover mage crowed out as the rest of the group toppled over in disbelief.
"Only you could ruin a moment like this, Naruto…" Lucy stated in wonder as Gray nodded in affirmation.
"Naruto!" Erza's voice cracked like a whip through the room, curbing his shenanigans to a halt. "All joking aside, this is serious. Simon just told me that-"
"SIMON?!" The blonde's own voice rang out again as he eyed the massive fellow at Erza's side. "What the hell have they been feeding you here? Steroids? I've never been able to get that kind of definition in my core… Did Jellal give you guys spending money for personal trainers and gym equipment, because-" An armored fist to the crown of his skull brought any more questions to a grinding halt.
"Focus, Naruto. Simon was able to give me insight into that seal on your back. Apparently, it's-"
"-linked to the Tower and my magic? I already know that." Despite his effort to save time from a lengthy explanation, Erza glaring bloody daggers at his interruption motivated him to offer some form of placation. "I spent the past few hours with the voices in my head. It was…very insightful." Her glare turned to a look of surprise.
"They spoke to you? But I thought that they were just memories and residual thoughts?"
Naruto could only grin uncomfortably as several of the aforementioned residual thoughts made their displeasure at being referred to as such known within his skull.
"Yeah, not so much. Anyways, if we want to get rid of this stupid thing, the Tower needs to come down."
"Indeed." Simon added in as he stepped past Erza to gain the attention of the others in the room. "Although that isn't the only reason. The Tower of Heaven as you all know it, was designed with a singular purpose. The resurrection of someone long deceased."
Erza and Naruto silently nodded while the others listened on in shock. The art of raising the dead was one of the darkest arts in existence, a taboo subject in nearly every circle of magic.
"The target of the resurrection… is the Black Wizard Zeref." He continued seriously. Images of the Deathsong Lullaby and Deliora the Destroyer flashed through the minds of the present mages. To think that someone would want to bring the creator of those monsters back to life…
"That bastard…" Gray muttered angrily as Natsu clenched his fist murderously. Lucy found herself trembling on the spot.
"Luckily for us," He plowed onward. "The Tower requires a human sacrifice with power comparable to that of one of the Ten Wizard Saints. Jellal seemed to have you in mind, Erza…" Simon finished, his tone sounding almost apologetic.
"I see." She stated neutrally before turning to face the mages who had not been privy to the truth of the Tower. "You all know the stakes. I ask again that you all return to the guild while we handle this. This is personal, and has nothing to do with you… I'd rather that none of you were drawn into this."
"No way!" Natsu shouted indignantly, a grin plastered to his face. "We're Fairy Tail Wizards! There's no way we're gonna leave our pals to deal with something like this alone." The others nodded as well, echoing his determination. "Besides," Natsu paused to sniff the air. "I need to go find my little buddy!" He shouted as he suddenly flew down the hall branching off from the room. "HAAAAAPPPPPPYY!"
"Oi!" Naruto cried out as the pinkette sped out of sight, before shrugging with a chuckle. What am I gonna do with that kid? A light lacrima suddenly blazed in his mind.
"Say," He wondered aloud as he eyed the remaining three who had not spent their childhood in the Tower. "Did I miss something? First off, you all seem pretty nonchalant about the fact that Erza and I were enslaved as kids. And," Here he turned to face Erza. "Last I checked, you were still being held captive, and the two of you were bad guys." He finished with a motion of his hand towards Simon and Sho, the latter of which ducked his head uncomfortably.
"I am responsible for that." Erza cut in. "While you were unconscious, I filled them in on our shared past. And as for Simon and Sho…" She motioned for them to speak. Simon was the first.
"I never once believed Jellal when he said that you both abandoned us. I've been working to become strong enough to leave and warn you both for a while now, but things were set into motion too quickly. The best I could do was hope to aid you once you arrived."
"And we appreciate every bit of effort, Simon." Erza said warmly. If not for the strange plating covering his jaw, everyone might have noticed the way his face brightened at her words.
"Big sis nearly busted my jaw when I was locking her up…" Sho said quietly. "She brought me down here to keep an eye on me, and then Simon told me the truth when I woke up." He gazed at Naruto sadly, clearly ashamed by his actions. "I am so sorry for ever doubting the two of you."
"Eh, it's in the past." Naruto said good-naturedly as the rest of the group moved to follow Simon towards the heart of their problems; Jellal. "I mean, it's not like you're gonna go all wonky on us now, kidnap Erza with your magic, and then run off and try to beat Jellal on your own, right?"
. . .
"I… I walked right into that one, didn't I?" Naruto felt obligated to ask the others after Sho mysteriously disappeared along with Erza. "Well, at least things couldn't get any… worse?" He asked the empty hall. Oh, right. We all split up after Jellal decided to play chess with us… Not to mention he has the Council launching Etherion within the next fifteen minutes or so… Pretentious prick.
Pretentious? That's a big word for you, brat.
Aaand now the voices are back. Wonderful. You know, I think I liked this story better before you guys could talk to me whenever you felt like it.
Hey now, you better be careful that.
Yeah-yeah, it's just this once, I swear. Now, do mind leaving me alone with my thoughts?
We are your thoughts…
I really don't feel like having this creepy existential discussion right now, so would you pretty please stop bothering me for right now?
Suit yourself… The voices growled from within his mind before he felt them fade into the background.
"Beyond creepy." Naruto muttered with a shiver. A sudden flash of golden light drew his attention ahead. Naruto felt himself tense up unintentionally at the sight before him.
"Hello there, Naruto. It's certainly been a long time, hasn't it?" The unmistakable figure of Jellal called from a few meters ahead. "Fancy meeting you here." He was garbed in a fancy dark-blue hooded robe, hands covered by black gloves that were matched by his pants, boots and shirt.
"'Fancy meeting you here?' Is that the same thing as 'I'm surprised my seal hasn't killed you yet?'" Naruto called back menacingly. He had hoped to have a little backup if he was going up against Jellal with his powers so seriously lacking. Jellal's twin on the council was considered a Ten Wizard Saint, but Naruto had the inkling sensation that Jellal himself was far stronger.
"Take it as you will, I am truly happy to see you. It's been – how long has it been?" He asked coyly as he moved closer to Naruto who refused to budge from his position.
"Not nearly long enough, you traitor!" Naruto practically snarled. He caught himself quickly as his blood began to run hotter. I can't afford to lose control now, nothing good will come from it.
"Oh?" The blue-haired mage chuckled knowingly. "I'm surprised you can keep a handle on yourself like that… Although I would be disappointed if you were to kill yourself now. Erza was my original choice as a sacrifice, but with you back on my radar… I may very just kill her and use you instead." He smiled coldly.
Naruto's stance shifted and before Jellal could process anything else a fist coated in molten glass collided with his face, launching him bodily down the hall as the molten liquid cooled across his face, solidifying into a harsh half-mask that molded into his skin.
It all happened so quickly, Naruto was already on him again before he registered the fierce agony etched across his face.
"GAH!" He cried out, clutching at his right eye that was now glassed over. He was incapable of moving the majority of the right side of his face, encased in glass as it was, and his momentary shock at the no doubt permanent burns to his face was all Naruto needed to continue his surprise assault.
"How dare you!?" Naruto howled as his foot, trailing steam and travelling faster than the eye could follow, collided with the undamaged side of Jellal's head, violently snapping it to the side. The blonde meant to follow up with a steaming overhead fist to send Jellal crashing face-first to the stone floor, but the bluenette burst into a blazing aura of gold as he flashed behind Naruto's back and delivered a punishing blow to the tender spot at the base of his spine.
Sent flying by the kick, Naruto managed to right himself in midair and belched a barrage of blue and black flames to engulf the hall – and his enemy. He alighted on the ground softly, and readied himself in a defensive stance.
The ferocity of the flames died away slowly, leaving a cloud of steam and ash in its wake before Jellal strode from the cloud, his clothing in tatters and his body littered with minor burns. He smiled the best he could manage with the glass covering half of his face melting and draining between his parted lips.
"Incredible. To think that even with your powers limited, you would be able to go toe-to-toe with me like this… Yes, you will do nicely, Naruto." The tower shook suddenly and Jellal's grin seemed to widen. "It would seem the others in your group are progressing along as well. I'll see you at the top of the tower, Naruto. And move quickly; the time until Etherion strikes is steadily diminishing. " He finished with a grin as his body suddenly dissipated into golden dust.
Realization dawned on Naruto as the glimmer in the air faded. "It was… a thought projection?" He glanced around at the charred walls as the pain in his back faded. "A solid thought projection was able to stand up to those combination attacks?" I knew you were strong, Jellal, but…
That boy… One of the tailed-beasts intoned for Naruto to hear. That boy is dangerous. His brother's reputation as one of these so-called Wizard Saints appears to be well deserved if the two share any inkling of power.
Indeed. Another replied. This one Naruto recognized as Matatabi. Little one, you would be wise to end that one before he becomes too troublesome. Given the opportunity, he could become a serious threat.
Kill Jellal? He asked with a start as he dusted himself off and continued down the corridor. I know he's travelling down a dark path, but –
You wish to redeem him? The unmistakable scorn of the fox reverberated in his skull. How naïve. I am able to sense the ill intent of others, and there was nothing but malice in those words. Whatever foul entity corrupted your little friend, it no longer holds sway over him.
'No longer holds sway?' What are you –
Fool! The eight-tails thundered. Everything that boy has said and done since the day he first attacked you, he has done of his own volition! He is acting under his own will.
He wants to resurrect Zeref.
He wants to sacrifice you to do it.
He will murder your friends in cold blood if given the opportunity.
But… but I want to -!
Want?! All nine raged at once, forcing him to fall to his knees, halting his progress up a flight of stairs.
Silence pervaded his mind for what seemed like days, but was truly seconds. Finally, Kurama broke the tense silence.
Individual 'wants' are irrelevant for one with power such as yours. Within you lies the collective power to shape the world as you know it. You do not have the commodity of wanting. You must do what is best for the majority of the world, not what makes you happy. That is your responsibility.
He was a good person! If it wasn't for those dark mages, he would have –
The soft, pleasant voice of Matatabi halted his would-be tirade. No one here is calling his past self into question; we were all there, you should recall. But think on this… If you were in his place, what would you wish for him to do?
Naruto opened his mouth to reply, and promptly clamped it shut. If I… If I had attacked Erza, and enslaved the people I was supposed to protect? The gravity of all of Jellal's misdeeds settled heavily on Naruto's shoulders as he became painfully aware of the decision he held in his hands. Ensure the safety of countless lives, with the death of a childhood friend who never wanted to travel this path?
The world… is a cruel place, young one. Isobu said sympathetically. But… if you have the… opportunity to remove some of that darkness… Do you truly… plan to ignore it?
But killing him? Isn't there some other way?! He cried out mentally, the pressure growing unbearable. I… can't kill my friend… I can't…
The nine were silent as they all deliberated the possibilities. Imprisonment would only last as long as he could be held, and he was too dangerous to risk simple exile, and it wasn't as if there was a way to remove his…
Oh. The general consensus rang out. That… that is plausible…
"Eh? Oi! Don't you start leaving me out of the loop now!"
Quit shouting out loud, brat. People will think you're a madman.
…Says the ancient fox memory…
Ignoring the jab at their state of existence, Gyūki filled Naruto in.
There is… one way to ensure he is never able to harm others again, at least on a massive scale, although some would argue that death is the more humane option…
… Well, don't leave me in suspense…
~huff~ If you are truly set in allowing him to live… We nine believe that the only viable method you can enact would be to remove his affinity and ability for magic…
"…"
Pardon?
We will imprint the knowledge into your mind. All things considered, you should find that it comes quite naturally.
Excuse me?
This technique is more ancient than even we nine. Needless to say, you should not use it carelessly.
Before Naruto could even hope to muddle through another response, a blindingly white light shown in the sky outside the tower. The Etherion cannon was preparing to fire.
Dammit you brat, this is no time for small talk! Get to the summit of the tower and remove his power! Or, man up and kill him, I really couldn't care less.
Snapped from his daze, Naruto began bounding up the stairs. He felt an oddly warm sensation at the back of his mind, as if an old memory had just resurfaced.
It is done. Good luck to you, Naruto. With that, the nine tailed beasts grew eerily silent. He almost missed their clamoring voices.
The ability to remove one's magical power… permanently? I guess if that's what it takes… I'm sorry Jellal, but my only other option is to kill you.
"I hope you'll forgive, but after everything you've done, I can't forgive you."
He rounded another bend and found himself face-to-face with Jellal – the real Jellal – who was embracing Erza as the light of Etherion arced downward. As the two of them made eye contact, Naruto couldn't help but wonder if the nine-tails had misjudged Jellal. He seemed so forlorn now, distraught even…
Then, just as quickly as it had come, the thought was gone as Jellal made an odd motion behind Erza's back and grinned wickedly. Before Naruto could think to shout a warning, his entire world exploded in white light.
Etherion had struck dead-on.