Fresh new chapter to kick of the fresh new year. As always, I'm still working away here. First year as a doctor… did not expect to start with a pandemic, but hopefully things will be a bit better this year. Again, stay safe everyone and look after yourselves and each other.
On Fairy Tail news, I'm mid-way through my Fairy Tail update slog. I've got two updates proofread for WOF done and uploaded to you-know-where, and as I finish typing this note, I'm about to start on the next chapter for AJPD.
Nothing will ever be abandoned, but again, deciding to do 7 different Fairy Tail stories at the same time (not to mention the other 13 stories I'm writing), means updates for specific stories may only come once a year. I do appreciate the patience it requires to wait for this, but if I do have the opportunity to get a lot of chapters done, I will upload sooner, but if 2020 has taught us all anything, the world is unpredictable so you never know what may happen.
In any case, enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Erza returned from her mission only to find Natsu had not returned, prompting Erza and Happy to set out on a search for Natsu. Natsu, meanwhile, had found the Tower of Heaven and was systematically destroying it searching for Jellal. Brushing Wally and Shou aside with ease, Natsu eventually reached Jellal. While Jellal initially put up a fight, when faced with Natsu's overwhelming might, Jellal became afflicted with a deep fear of the Dragon Slayer. With the arrival of Erza and Happy, Jellal threatened to kill an unconscious Shou if he wasn't allowed to escape, which Natsu reluctantly allowed at Erza's request.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 6 – New chances
As Natsu and Erza both took comfort in their hug, with Happy snickering to himself in the background, Erza's remaining childhood friends froze, not sure what was happening, or what they should do. On one hand, they had just been abandoned by their friend and saviour, who also threatened to kill one of them, who was still unconscious at this moment. On the other hand, the childhood friend that they thought had betrayed them had just arrived to stop a monster from killing them. To say things had been flipped on their heads was an understatement. The first to recover from the confusing situation was Simon.
'Erza, have you come back for us?' Asked Simon.
Erza heard the question and was torn between responding to her old friend and enjoying the comfort she was currently receiving from Natsu. Eventually, her sense of duty won out over her desire to be selfish, and she broke the hug before turning to address Simon.
'I would like to say that was my primary reason for coming back, but the truth is I came to stop Natsu from doing anything he would regret. I am happy to see you are doing well though. I suppose Jellal was at least honest when he said he wouldn't hurt you all if I stayed away.' Admitted Erza.
Natsu frowned at hearing Jellal's name, but given Erza had already talked him down once, getting angry again, especially when he was no longer here, wouldn't have helped.
'I always knew you'd come back for us eventually, I just didn't think it would be quite as dramatic as this.' Admitted Simon.
'What do you mean Simon, you always knew Erza was going to come back, nya?' Asked Millianna.
'Of course, I never believed Jellal for a second when he said Erza had betrayed us.' Answered Simon.
'Why not, how could you be so sure?' Asked Wally.
'Did you really think someone who sacrificed both life and limb to save her friends and complete strangers from a life of slavery would turn into a monster. Even Jellal, although he turned on Erza… he was at least fair with all of us that stayed. No one can remain unchanged from slavery.' Explained Simon.
'But why did Jellal become evil then?' Asked Millianna.
'Jellal isn't evil, Millianna, he is just as lost and confused as we all were back then, maybe even more now.' Said Erza.
Natsu silently stewed at this conversation topic and walked off towards the water. Happy followed after a moment later, leaving the former childhood friends to speak privately.
Natsu stared out at the water stoically, with Happy standing in vigil beside him. Eventually, Natsu gave a slow exhale and sat himself down on the sand.
'Hey Natsu, how did you get here anyway?' Asked Happy, seeing Natsu had calmed down a little.
'I flew.' Said Natsu.
'No, I get that you flew, but how did you find this place?' Asked Happy.
'I just had to find Erza's old scent. Believe me, it wasn't easy.' Explained Natsu.
'Is it because she showered?' Asked Happy, causing Natsu to laugh.
'Not exactly.' Said Natsu, causing Happy to beam.
'Well, at least this means you'll be coming back soon. It's about time we got to go on a full team mission again!' Cheered Happy.
'Yeah, I guess so. I'm not sure we've heard the end of this though… or a few other things for that matter.' Said Natsu thoughtfully.
'What do you mean?' Asked Happy.
'I mean, I didn't just get here without a few stops on the way. I ran into someone, and it made me a bit worried.' Revealed Natsu.
'You can handle it though, right?' Asked Happy.
'Maybe, but this isn't just going to affect me Happy. I think we need to head home soon though, there is a lot I need to check up on.' Said Natsu, before walking back over to Erza, who seemed to still be in a lengthy conversation with her friends.
'Erza, we need to head back to Fairy Tail now. I need to check on a few things and speak with gramps.' Said Natsu.
'What is it?' Asked Erza.
'Not now. I will tell you, eventually, I just need to speak with a few others first. Don't worry, I'm not going to keep secrets from you, but one of them should have never been mine in the first place, so just give me a bit of time first, okay?' Said Natsu, pre-emptively cutting off Erza's sure to follow protest at being kept in the dark.
'Okay, I understand.' Said Erza, surprisingly calm.
'So, how are we going to do this? I can easily fly the two of us back, but I'm guessing we shouldn't leave them here.' Asked Natsu, gesturing to the four.
'I suppose we can't just get them to shore either. I doubt they'd be able to survive on their own as they are now.' Agreed Erza.
'Fairy Tail?' Suggested Happy.
'Fairy Tail.' Agreed Natsu and Erza.
'Who said anything about us doing what you want?' Asked Shou suspiciously.
'I mean, you don't really have any other options. The guy you served just used you as a hostage to escape and I've blown your home to dust. So really, you either come with us, become really good at swimming, or die out here.' Said Natsu uncaringly.
'That's right! You destroyed all my kitties!' Exclaimed Millianna, causing Natsu to look at her in disbelief.
'What? That's what you took away from what I said? Not that you are essentially homeless and jobless, but that I destroyed some toys. Ugh, I can already feel myself getting a headache by the end of this. I'm going to go find a boat somewhere nearby.' Said Natsu, flapping his wings out and flying off.
'That guy just isn't dandy.' Commented Wally.
-line break-
The Magic Council headquarters were quite a majestic site. A location where some of the greatest and most important mages in the entire country gathered. Currently, one of them was throwing a childish tantrum. The blue-haired councillor known as Siegrain was making a mess in his office, throwing books and papers around the room. The noise was not overly loud enough to send guards to the source of disturbance, but it was loud enough that a messenger had heard it in passing and told a councillor of this information. A knock on Siegrain's door was enough for him to pause. Given his status, the only people who could get away with knocking on his door right now would be another councillor.
'Come in.' Said Siegrain sourly.
'Well Siegrain, you've certainly made a mess of things here.' Said Ultear, Siegrain's fellow councillor.
'What do you want Ultear?' Grumbled Siegrain, even as the councillor used her magic to repair all damage that had been done to the room.
'I've come to give you some advice.' Said Ultear, closing the door behind her as she entered the room.
'Oh really? Just what advice do you have for me?' Asked Siegrain sarcastically.
'For one thing, considering your plan to use the Tower of Heaven has failed so spectacularly, maybe you shouldn't speak so rudely, to one of your only remaining allies. Especially so, when they may be able to get you in touch with the Balam Alliance and help you extract revenge on the one who destroyed your tower. You know, just general lifestyle advice of course.' Said Ultear airily.
Siegrain narrowed his eyes at this.
'That's right Jellal, you weren't the one in charge here, I was. Now, since the plan you spent almost a decade working on has been crushed in one day by one person, I think you need to start working in a team to really achieve anything. It also just so happens that your old mentor, Brain, is working on his own plan at the moment and it seems you might be able to help with things.' Said Ultear.
'Brain? Why would I want to do anything with Brain, a person who hides himself away due to fear?' Asked Jellal.
'Well, you'll forgive me for sounding foolish, but that's exactly what you've done here Jellal, with Siegrain.' Retorted Ultear.
'Fine then. Let's say Brain is interested in me, why would he come to you and why should I believe you anyway?' Asked Jellal.
'Because those in the Balam alliance don't fear the others in the Balam alliance.' Said Ultear tauntingly.
'What do you mean by that? You are part of the Balam Alliance?' Asked Jellal in disbelief.
'Obviously. You didn't really think I was your lacky, did you? Don't forget, I was on the council before you. That's not too important right now, what is important, is I can set you up with Oración Seis very soon.' Explained Ultear.
'What about the Council?' Asked Jellal.
'Just because you planned to leave by the end of this, doesn't mean you have to now. You can still remain and use your position to your advantage.' Suggested Ultear.
'There isn't a lot I can get away with now. Especially given that I've backed myself into a corner by supporting Fairy Tail so often just to keep Erza within reach.' Said Jellal.
'You are thinking too narrow-mindedly right now. Don't think of Fairy Tail as the enemy, they are a pleasant distraction, keeping the others busy and leaving you to do what you want in the background, case in point, no one noticed your little tower, well, before today at least.' Said Ultear.
Jellal frowned at the reminder of his most recent defeat, but realised he did have a good opportunity at present.
'You're right. I am a councillor and I think this councillor wants to meet the former leader of the Magic Bureau.' Said Jellal.
'I'd be happy to arrange that. Consider it a final present of mine. Unfortunately, being aware of the situation means I won't be acting as your number two anymore, but I will keep you abreast of the Balam Alliance if you wish to move around. Good luck, Jellal.' Said Ultear, before exiting the room.
The sound of the door shutting as Ultear left seemed to echo in Jellal's head, for while a door had just closed, many more had just opened for the man.
-line break-
Having finally gotten to land, the ragtag group of mages exited their naval vessel.
'Of everything you could have found, you grabbed a rowing boat?' Asked Erza.
'It's only fair that they fight for their newfound freedom. Besides, they might be your friends, but I don't trust them yet, except for maybe that Simon guy, he seems cool.' Admitted Natsu.
'We can hear you?' Pouted Millianna.
'Good, I wasn't whispering. I only care about Erza right now and it seems like you three were against her, so I'm not taking my eyes off you until I know you won't try anything. Especially if that guy was someone you considered your friend and he threatened to kill you. Hate to see what you would do to your enemies.' Said Natsu.
'It isn't like we knew he was using us.' Said Wally.
'Obviously, no one ever knows when they are being used, that is why it is called being used.' Said Natsu.
'Does that mean I'm not using you Natsu, since I ask you for fish, but you know I will ask you for fish?' Asked Happy.
'Of course, that's called taking advantage of someone. I know you are asking me for fish, but I still get it for you, in other words, you are taking advantage of my kindness, but then again, I suppose it is my job to look after you as well.' Explained Natsu.
'So what now then?' Asked Simon.
'Well, if I've read Erza's intentions right and I usually do, you'll all be coming back with us to Fairy Tail for a little bit. I'm guessing you'd be able to do your own thing after a few weeks, once you have some money and direction in your lives.' Said Natsu.
'That's right, since you need some time to gather yourselves, we will take you in and get you to help out with the Fantasia Parade preparations.' Said Erza.
'What? More work?' Asked Millianna.
'Hey, at least this work is fun and helps everyone out.' Said Natsu simply.
'It's all right, you can help decorate.' Said Happy, causing Millianna to instantly be happy due to the interaction with the cat-like creature.
'How can you all be so okay with all of this? It's too fast.' Said Shou unhappily.
'Well, did you want to die on that island? You've got to move on sooner rather than later, might as well be sooner.' Said Natsu uncaringly.
'While I wouldn't frame it like that, Natsu is right Shou. You have a chance to move on from a difficult past to a hopeful future.' Added Erza.
Shou looked conflicted at this, but didn't respond any further.
'I guess we'll have a bit of time to sort things out now.' Said Wally.
'Exactly. I know you've been disconnected from the world for a long time now, but we'll be sure to help you back on a path of your own making.' Said Erza.
-line break-
After a long journey, the group eventually arrived at Fairy Tail. The former inhabitants of the Tower of Heaven were impressed at the rebuilt structure.
'It looks different.' Commented Natsu, noting their previously simple guild had become a two-story building with a souvenir store outside.
'Yeah, the inside isn't finished yet, but we're almost there.' Said Gray, exiting the guild, Makarov beside him.
'So Erza, seems that you found Natsu after all. Who are these four however?' Asked Makarov, noting the extra people the knight had returned with.
As Erza started to explain the history of her friends and Natsu's recent actions, Natsu walked over to Gray.
'Hey Gray, you got a minute, I need to tell you something?' Asked Natsu.
'Sure, what's up?' Asked Gray, somewhat confused at how reserved Natsu was being.
'Happy, why don't you head inside and get some fish, you can tell them it's my treat.' Suggested Natsu.
'Yay! I like taking advantage of you Natsu, bye.' Cheered Happy, flying into the rebuilt guild.
'You realise you didn't set a cap on how many he could have.' Pointed out Gray.
'It should be fine; this won't take too long, and he probably deserves a few since it seemed he came all the way from here to find me.' Said Natsu, before turning on his heel and leading Gray away from the guild.
Leading Gray to the space behind the guild, Natsu walked the two of them into the shade of the tree line. Natsu leaned back against a tree, before sighing and letting himself slump down to the base of the tree, one leg bent, and the other stretched out straight. Gray also sat himself down crossing his legs and resting his back against a tree.
'Gray, I know we both came to Fairy Tail when we were both really young… while it is pretty obvious most of us in Fairy Tail had some issues in the past, most are usually kept secret. I know I always talked about Igneel and my family, but not a lot of others talked about their own. We only found out about your link to Deliora when we came face-to-face with the demon itself.' Started Natsu.
'Where are you going with this Natsu, did you find something about Igneel?' Asked Gray.
'No… not exactly. Tell me Gray, what happened to your family before Ur? I think it is pretty clear that Deliora had a big part in it, but what happened, really?' Asked Natsu.
'I don't really feel like talking about all of that.' Said Gray, which Natsu nodded at.
'Yeah, I thought so. I didn't really want to tell you about this, knowing it'd probably reopen a few wounds that are still fresh and maybe even some older ones… not to mention, you might not want to hang around with me for a while and I'm already running short in that department, but I guess you deserve to know.' Said Natsu, confusing Gray.
'I think those flames finally roasted your brain. I didn't understand any of that.' Said Gray.
'That's fine, you don't have to. Just one thing though, does the name Silver Fullbuster mean anything to you?' Asked Natsu.
Gray froze, slowly processing Natsu's words, before adopting a very stoic expression.
'Why?' Asked Gray.
'During my trip, I got lost along the way. Eventually, I ran into someone, someone who as it turns out, was sent to find me. We fought for a bit, and they used ice magic and then after that, told me their name was Silver Fullbuster.' Explained Natsu.
'My father's name was Silver Fullbuster, but he didn't know any magic.' Said Gray as he stood up.
'If he was trying to find you, he couldn't be my father, besides, he died before I ever met Ur.' Said Gray.
'Gray… I never said he was alive.' Said Natsu slowly.
'What do you mean?' Asked Gray after a long pause.
'He told me he was reanimated by someone. He isn't alive, he is the walking dead. His mind seems to be there though at least.' Explained Natsu.
'So a zombie?' Questioned Gray in disbelief.
'Well zombies don't really keep their minds, but close enough I guess.' Answered Natsu.
'Why would a zombie be looking for you?' Asked Gray.
'Because the people who made the zombie are looking for me.' Said Natsu.
Gray mulled Natsu's words over for a long time. The two remained in silence for a few minutes, neither saying a word, or even making a move, aside from slow steady breathing. Eventually, Gray started to walk off, with Natsu standing up and following him a moment later.
'So?' Asked Natsu.
'What? We're a team, so let's go on a mission. Besides, I'm kind of stuck with you, not like anyone else is going to team up with you.' Said Gray.
'I guess not, aside from Erza of course.' Said Natsu, before throwing something at Gray, which he saw coming out of the corner of his eye.
'Here, go give this to Mira for me, to cover Happy's fish gorging.' Said Natsu, as Gray opened the bag and saw a stack of jewels, before Natsu walked off, leaving Gray to return to the guild alone.
'So, you came back.' Said Natsu, seemingly to himself as he looked down an alley.
'Why did you coming looking for me?' Asked a voice from within the shadows.
'That's a pretty stupid question to ask. Of course, I'd come and find one of my own.' Said Natsu.
'I didn't think you'd still see it that way after what happened to your guild.' Said Gajeel, walking out of the shadows and partially revealing his form to Natsu.
'True, not the most ideal circumstances, but you were just doing your job. Don't think that means I'd let you try something like that again.' Warned Natsu.
'So why are you here for me?' Asked Gajeel.
'You should come join Fairy Tail.' Said Natsu.
'I don't think that is a good idea. Also, I doubt anyone in your guild would be on board with that.' Retorted Gajeel.
'Well, I'm not exactly the star of the show at the moment, but I still have sway though. Besides, dragons may be solitary, but during times of near extinction, it only makes sense to work together.' Said Natsu.
'You're not wrong there… fine, I'll come. Do you think Fairy Tail will accept anyone from Phantom Lord though?' Asked Gajeel.
'Yeah, I'm pretty sure your blue-haired friend will find it even easier to be accepted than you… and there she goes. We better hurry.' Said Natsu.
'Fine, let's go.' Said Gajeel, before emerging into the light and following Natsu back to the guild.
After a short walk, the two noticed Juvia was standing off to the side, just outside the guild.
'What's wrong?' Asked Natsu, startling the girl.
'There is a reporter in there. Juvia thinks this might not be the best time to join Fairy Tail.' Said Juvia.
'Nonsense, this is the best time to join. That is the best example of what Fairy Tail embodies.' Said Natsu, striding towards the guild, Gajeel behind and Juvia hesitantly following after a few moments later.
Natsu walked through the already opened doors of the guild and made his way to the centre of the newly designed guild hall. A few odd glances were sent Natsu's way, before a few others noticed the two arrivals. Mumbling started to spread through the crowd, before Natsu spotted Makarov.
'Gramps, we've got two new people wanting to join the guild!' Said Natsu loudly, drawing everyone's attention, including the attention of the reporter.
'Gajeel Redfox and Juvia Lockser. Cool. Natsu Dragneel. Cool, cool, cool!' Exclaimed Jason, the animated reporter of Sorcerer Magazine.
Makarov took a moment to survey the guild, noting the small amount of dissension at the prospect of two former enemies joining them, before looking back to Natsu.
'Fairy Tail has never been one to turn away those in need, welcome to Fairy Tail!' Declared Makarov.
Jason snapped a few pictures as the guild cheered. Jason was ready to publish his article and now had the perfect picture to feature.
-line break-
A few days later, a certain blond Fairy Tail mage overheard some comments on Fairy Tail due to the article Jason had written.
'What a bunch of idiots. It is one thing to be carefree, but how dumb can you be? Accepting people into a guild after they just tried to destroy it, that's exactly what a stupid Light Guild would do.' Laughed the man.
Laxus was never one to let someone besmirch the name of Fairy Tail, but what had been said caused Laxus to hesitate.
'And look, not only accepting one, but two members who attacked their guild, that's just ridiculous. How much of a bleeding heart can you have?' Continued the same man, only for Laxus to stand up from his stool at the bar and march over to the man.
The man and his friends, noticing the irate Laxus, quickly ran for it, leaving behind their article. Laxus looked down and picked up the article. The title read "Fairy Tail Accepts All!" and right under the heading was a picture of Natsu, standing with Gajeel Redfox and Juvia Lockser.
'That's it. I will clean up Fairy Tail and I'm starting with you, Natsu.' Declared Laxus.