AN: So here we are with the next chapter, sorry for the wait but I have quite a few active stories. Still though I made sure to get this one out before Christmas as this is one of my favourite stories. I just hope you all enjoy the chapter.
So without further ado I hope you all enjoy the chapter and leave a comment or a review at the end.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or Percy Jackson.
( - )
(Last Time)
Not skipping a beat Natsu rolled back to his feet, his eyes narrowed before he rushed in again, using blasts of fire from his hands to propel him forward. Twisting in midair as he did so, before attempting to kick Percy with a flame cloaked foot.
Percy however sighed before he moved in close, his clenched fist connecting with Natsu's gut, even as the flat of his blade slapped the dragon slayer's leg. "Don't let your frustration get the best of you Natsu. Rushing in will just get you hurt."
Natsu growled at that, before he leapt back sending a blast of fire at the sand, shrouding the area in sand. Not skipping a beat Natsu attack Percy again, his fist covered on fire as he used his enhanced senses to track Percy in the cloud of sand.
"Clever." Percy said as he dodged Natsu's attacks. Moving easily through the sand despite not being able to see. Whipping his sword around Natsu then drove the hilt into Natsu's gut, grabbing his right wrist as he did so before he twisted it.
With a grunt Natsu collapsed backward, his eyes wide as he suddenly felt a boot land on his chest followed by a sword being pointed at his neck. Natsu let out a sigh at that, even as the cloud of sand dissipated and the sounds of the cheering crowd grew louder.
"I lost." Natsu muttered looking down as he did so.
"You did." Percy acknowledged glad Natsu was able to accept his defeat gracefully. "But you put up a good fight."
"It wasn't good enough though." Natsu replied, his voice low and a note of disappointment in it as he looked away from Percy.
Percy smiled softly at that. "You're young Natsu. Give it time. And if you ever need any help, feel free to ask."
Natsu looked up in surprise at that, having thought he had failed whatever test Percy had set for him. Only to see Percy's hand outstretched, offering him a hand up.
( - )
Chapter 11
( - )
(With Percy and Erza)
"So how are you handling everything then?" Percy asked as he glanced sideways at Erza, a soft smile on his face as he looked over at his beautiful companion.
The two of them currently sitting opposite each other, riding the direct train that went from Magnolia, through Oshibana and then on to Clover Town.
"What do you mean?" Erza replied a curious look on her face as she met Percy's kind eyes, not entirely sure just what the older man was getting at.
"I'm just a bit concerned really, it's been a busy few months for you. You have a new team, have been on a lot of… adventures, you've reconnected with old friends and well…" Percy said before trailing off at the end.
"And I killed Jellal?" Erza asked her face firm.
"Yeah." Percy replied with a faint shrug. "It's just you've been through a lot in the last few months and I just want to make sure you're handling it."
Erza smiled at him as she heard that, touched by how much he cared for her. That was the thing about Percy, with all of his power and experience he could probably become one of the God's of Ishval or the Leader of the Magic Council if he wanted, gaining a position of great power and authority. Despite that though he chose to stay at Fairy Tail, helping and looking after the members, occasionally using his influence and power to help the people of Fiore when needed. It said a lot about him as a person.
"Yeah I'm fine. I love my new team, Natsu, Gray and Lucy. We've built up a good relationship, we work well together. And, well for the first time since you left I've actually found myself enjoying missions again. Before they had just been jobs, I went out alone and finished them as fast as I could so I could get back to Fairy Tail. Now though, despite how dangerous some of them have been, I'm having the best of times." Erza replied, a large smile on her face as she thought about her odd team, and they certainly were odd. After all she had an immature, hot headed dragon slayer, an overconfident stripping ice wizard and an entirely too naive and innocent celestial mage.
Or at least that was what they were in the beginning, now after months of missions and the hardships in the Woodsea Forest she could safely say they had all grownup a lot. Natsu was now so much more mature, and was actually taking the responsibility that came with his powerful magic seriously. Gray had been somewhat humbled, having realised there were stronger wizards out there and was now working to get stronger himself, not that he had stopped stripping though. And Lucy, well Lucy had changed the most from the girl she had first met a few months ago, she had truly come into her own as a wizard.
Smiling at the thought of her team, the expression slowly dimmed as she continued speaking. "As for Jellal, I am just happy I finally got closure and can put the past behind me and look forward to the future."
"That's good, I'm glad you've got a good group together." Percy said a smile on his face as he looked over at Erza and saw how happy she looked with her new team. Also glad that she was not beating herself up over the death of Jellal, the man had already haunted so much of her life, Percy didn't want him to do the same with her future.
"Yeah, what about you though? What are you going to do now you're back?" Erza asked changing the subject as she instead focused on Percy. She had asked him this before and had been around when others had asked him, but had never really got a real answer from him over it.
Percy shrugged as he heard her question. "Not sure really. Don't think I will be taking any Decade or Century Mission for a while though. I've just got home and am not looking to leave again for a while."
Erza smiled as she heard that, glad that he would be sticking around for the foreseeable future. Reaching out she took his left hand and gave it a squeeze, getting his full attention on her, his sea green eyes meeting her own hazel ones.
"I'm really glad you're back Percy." Erza said, trying to convey her happiness to him as she did so.
"Yeah me too." Percy replied with a crooked grin, taking her hand in his own as he began to idly trace her palm. "This last mission was rough and went on for far too long."
"So what are you going to now you're back? Do you think you'll join a team and start taking regular missions again, or just hang around the Guild Hall" Erza asked curiously, fighting back the slightest hints of pink from her cheeks as she realised that the two of the were still holding hands.
Giving Erza's hand a final squeeze, Percy let out a slight chuckle as he let go of it and instead ruffled his short black hair. "Honestly I'm not sure. I can't see myself sitting around the Guild Hall all day doing nothing, I've never been very good at sitting still, ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is what they used to call it back in the day." Percy replied with a slight chuckle.
Erza smiled in response, internally wondering just who 'they' were, as despite knowing Percy since she had first joined Fairy Tail as a child, she still didn't know much about his life before then. She knew he was older than he looked and had been a member of Fairy Tail for a very long time, Makarov had eluded to that much. But that was about all she knew about his past apart from a few stray comments and analogies he had made over the years and the rumours that circulated about him, most of which were quite suspect. That's not to say that he purposefully hide things, it was more to do with the fact that she never asked or when she did ask something their conversation ended up getting off track and they ended up talking about something else.
It was all a bit confusing for Erza, she loved Percy. He had been her first and only crush as a girl, and the years she had spent with him since being his student and later his partner on missions had only cemented her feelings, changing her childish crush into love. Despite that though she was confused, there was so much she didn't know about him.
"ADHD? It sounds like something Natsu might have." Erza commented with dry amusement, not revealing her inner thoughts to the object of her affection.
Percy let out a loud laugh at that, "Yeah you're probably right, it sure would explain a lot about him."
Erza smiled as she heard the sound of his laughter, "So if you can't see yourself sitting around the Guild do you think you'll join a team or take on missions alone?"
Percy shrugged in response, his left hand idly playing with the pommel of his sword a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Probably individual missions, might be a bit selective and get the ones that peak my interest. Just to keep busy you know, that and make sure Fairy Tail's reputation is still good despite all the collateral damage some of the teams leave…."
Erza winced at that, letting out a soft laugh. After all her team were responsible for a lot of the damage that Percy was talking about. Not that they did it on purpose, it was mainly caused by fighting between their team and Dark Wizards, most of which was the fault of the Dark Wizards, though they were all also partially responsible. TO be fair to her team though, afterwards she usually forced the rest of her team to help repair some of the damage, or donate a bit of the money they received from the reward to repair the damage or recoup people's losses.
Percy smiled faintly as he saw her expression, knowing exactly what was on her mind. After all it was always the same when it came to powerful young Fairy Tail wizards, often times they got over enthusiastic and caused chaos, and Erza and her team were all young, skilled and very powerful.
Over the years he could remember drinking till the early hours of the morning with the Fairy Tail Guild Master, commiserating the bills that had been sent to Fairy Tail due to the actions of some of their overenthusiastic members. First with Mavis, and then with Precht and finally with Makarov, no doubt a few years from now he would be doing it with Makarov's successor.
"You know if you want you could always join our team? Or I could become your partner again?" Erza asked with a smile, hiding the hopefulness in her voice as she instead looked out of the window, glancing at Oshibana as they passed through it, this train being a direct one from Magnolia to Clover Town.
"Thanks for the offer, but I don't think it would be good for your teams dynamic if I joined. You're all up and coming, getting better, stronger and more capable every day. If I were to join it would stilt your growth, it would be like adding a safety net, you wouldn't learn as much or develop as much with me there." Percy replied with a gentle smile. Knowing as he did that if he joined up with a team he would invariably be looked upon as the defacto leader. His skills, experience and natural leadership abilities putting him in that position even if he didn't want too. No it was much better if they didn't have him, if they made their own mistakes that they could learn from, just as they could work out what each of them are suited to from trial and error.
"Then I can join you, we can be partners again!" Erza said in a strong tone, her decision already made, because as much as she loved her knew team she wanted to be with Percy more.
Percy cocked an eyebrow as he heard the tone of Erza's voice, he could tell she had already made her mind up, she was stubborn that way. If he was honest though that was just one of the many things he like about her, her strength of will, her confidence, her passion.
"Tell you what when I go on a mission we can team up, maybe bring along Wendy or one of the others too if you want. We could make an adventure out of it." Percy said with a genuine smile as he once again met Erza's gaze. "But otherwise you should stick with your new team."
Erza thought about that for a few seconds, realising as she did that this gave her the best of both worlds. She could continue going on requests with Natsu, Gray and Lucy, and could also go on missions with Percy as well. A real win, win situation.
"Sounds like a good plan to me." Erza said with a nod, sending Percy a warm smile as she swept her long crimson hair over shoulder.
"Good." Percy replied with a faint smile, noticing the waft of Erza's scent hitting him, cinnamon.
Turning away Percy then glanced out of the window of the train, noticing as he did that they were swiftly passing through a very mountainous region of Fiore. "Looks like we're almost at Clover Town."
Erza turned in surprise as she heard that, turning to look out the window, she quickly recognised where they were. After all not that long ago she and her team had fought the Dark Wizarding Guild Eisenwald in Oshibana, with Natsu and Ace of the Dark guild facing off on the very train tracks that they were now travelling on. "Yeah should only be a few minutes now."
Turning away from the window she once again looked at Percy before she continued, asking a question she had been pondering about for a while now. "So when we do get to Clover Town, how are we going to find Laxus?"
Percy shrugged as he heard that, "Shouldn't be that hard, Clover Town isn't exactly that big. Besides Laxus is hardly the most subtle of people, all we have to do is ask if anyone has seen a massive guy, with spiky blonde hair, 'Lightning Magic' and a bolt like scar over his eye…."
Erza shrugged at that as Percy had a point, Laxus did stand out in a crowd.
( - )
(In Clover Town)
In the end finding Laxus it seemed was easier than even Percy had expected. The minute Percy and Erza stepped off the train, Percy wearing a baggy red T-shirt, black jeans and brown leather boots, his sword Backbiter sheathed at his waist, and Erza wearing her normal Heart Kreuz armour, with her blue diamond earrings, knee high boots and blue skirt.
The two of them immediately noticed Laxus, the person they had been looking for standing a dozen or so metres away. The heavily muscled, twenty six year old wizard waiting patiently for the train to arrive. His thick corded arms folded in front of him, his golden coloured hair glinting in the late afternoon sun. A look of boredom on his rugged face as he patiently waited for people to disembark the train so he could get on. The man was wearing a pair of black leather trousers, a purple button up shirt with the top two buttons undone and finally a knee length black coat with a fur lining.
"Well that was easy." Percy said blandly as he and Erza looked over at Laxus. "Looks like he was waiting to catch a train out of here."
"We got here just in time then." Erza said as she raised her hand, drawing on her magic as she prepared to summon a sword. Before she could though Percy's hand closed gently around her wrist, pushing the arm down and getting Erza's attention.
"Maybe fighting in the middle of a busy station is not the best idea…" Percy said lightly, getting a blush from Erza as she remembered the last time she got in a fight at a train station. Suffice to say Oshibana Station never looked the same after.
Giving her a smile Percy released her wrist, before turning around and calling out to Laxus. ""Oi Laxus you big baby bitch!"
( - )
(With Laxus)
"Oi Laxus you big baby bitch!" A familiar voice suddenly called out.
Laxus twitched as he heard it, whirling round and glaring as he looked for the ones who had insulted him. Only to find himself looking at an amused looking Perseus and frowning Ezra.
"Perseus?" Laxus muttered, his gaze fixed on the older man. He had not known that Fairy Tail's Ace, and his former mentor was back. Suffice to say Laxus was almost immediately feeling a little nervous, especially considering his fuck up that got him exiled from the Fairy Tail guild. Not because he thought Percy was about to attack him though, no that just wasn't the type of person he was.
No, he was nervous about seeing the disappointment in Percy's eyes, the man had practically been like a father to him. Taking the role that his actual father Ivan Dreyer failed at.
It had been nearly two years since he had seen the man, but despite that though he looked the same as ever. In fact Percy now looked young than him, which considering Laxus suspected the guy was older than his grandfather was pretty damn annoying. If he was honest with himself, Laxus knew that he would rather face Erza or Mira's anger than have to see the disappointment in Perseus's eyes.
"How've you been Laxus, it's been a while?" Percy asked as he began to walk towards him, his hand idly resting on the hilt of his sword.
"Perseus…" Laxus said again, an uncertain expression on his face as Percy walked confidently up to him, the man not missing a step as he stopped directly in front of him.
"You've grown." Percy commented idly as he looked up at Laxus.
Laxus knew what Percy meant, before Fairy Tail's Ace had left they had been around the same height and build. Now though Laxus was a couple of inches taller than Percy, and much broader in the shoulders.
"When did you get back?" Laxus finally asked.
"Came back to Fiore a couple of days ago." Percy commented as he looked Laxus up and down. "Have to say I was surprised you were not at the Guild when I got back…"
Laxus frowned as he heard that, Percy clearly knew what had happened but it appeared he wanted Laxus to say it. "I got banished."
"Really?" Percy said with mock shock, before his face became stoic. "And just what did you do to deserve banishment?"
"I was an idiot." Laxus replied bluntly. "I did something very stupid that put the members of the Guild and the people of Magnolia in danger, and rightly so Makarov banished me for my actions."
There was no point in lying, Percy would be able to tell if he did. All he could do was admit to his fuck up and hope for the best.
"Well I had assumed that much." Percy said dryly, putting his hand on Erza's shoulder when she made to take a step forward, an angry expression on her face. "But I was more curious about what the fuck was going through your fucking head when you decided it would be a fucking good idea to usurp Makky's positon!"
Laxus flinched as he heard the sudden anger in Percy's voice, plus that was a lot of 'fucks' it surely meant that Percy was pissed. "I was stupid I know! I thought Makarov was getting to old to run Fairy Tail, I thought it would be better for the Guild if I took over the role of Master. It was arrogant and foolish! I know that now, I know I went too far and I know I deserve the punishment I got!"
Erza's eyes widened in surprise as she heard his admittance. No doubt she thought he was incapable of things like regret, guilt and self-loathing. Well she would be wrong, even now he couldn't believe just how badly he had screwed up. How badly things had gotten out of hand.
Percy's expression however was as stoic as ever, his sea green eyes boring a hole through Laxus.
"No." Percy suddenly said.
Laxus blinked in confusion as he heard that, not really sure what the older man was talking about. "No?"
"You didn't deserve the punishment you got." Percy said instantly making Laxus nervous. "You got off easy I think, you got to walk away scot free with only a simple banishment."
Laxus stood up straighter at that, his heart sinking. Letting out a sigh he nodded his head. "You're here to kill me aren't you?"
If that was the case Laxus knew he was dead. He was confident enough in his own abilities, but Percy he knew was on another level. Laxus was many years too early to be taking on someone of Perseus caliber.
Percy tensed as he heard what Laxus said, his left hand closing in a fist on the hilt of his sword his other hand shooting forward to grab Laxus by the front of is shirt. His sea green eyes flashing dangerously. "Is that what you really think of me?"
His voice was quiet, but to Laxus it felt like he had bellowed the words. "No, but I fucked up badly I put the entire Guild in danger."
"Yes you did." Percy said his voice mellowing out as he let go of Laxus's shirt and shoved him away. "And that's why I am here. I am taking you back to the Guild?"
"You're taking me back to the Guild?" Laxus asked in confusion, looking between Percy and Erza, trying to work out just what the hell was going on.
"Yep." Percy said a nasty grin on his face. "In my mind you got off easily, as did that Thunder Legion group of yours. That's why I am bringing you back, and when I do you and your three friends will all be on probation for the next three years, do you know what that is?"
"No?" Laxus said a frown of confusion on his face.
"Well lucky for you I'm here to explain. It means that you and your three friends will be restricted from doing any mission above a B-Class for three years. It also means your Guild dues will be increased over the three years and all four of you will be banned from any S-Class events, like the S-Class Exams. Which also means for you that you will be stripped of your S-Class ranking and reduced to an A-Class Fairy Tail Wizard. Also you won't be able to become an S-Class again until your probation is over and you have proven yourself worthy and retaken the trials." Percy said his tone amused, even as there was a note of challenge in his voice.
Laxus frowned as he thought about what Percy had just said. It meant he could go back home and could really begin to make amends to those he had hurt. On top of that it meant he would be able to reunite with Freed, Bickslow and Evergreen, the Thunder Legion, his three closest friends and the members of his Wizarding Team.
At the same time though he would be stuck doing shitty poorly paid B-class jobs. Of which he would have to do even more than usual as his Guild dues would be higher. This meant that the next three years would be rough, and a real pain in the arse. Then again he wouldn't be suffering through it alone, he would have his friends there to help him. Plus who knows Percy's attempts at humbling him might actually work, he might be able to work through his impulsiveness and hotheadedness and become a better friend and wizard because of it.
In fact the only part of it Laxus didn't like was losing his S-Class ranking. He had worked hard to attain it, and losing it now would put him on the same level as Natsu and the others. That would just be embarrassing, especially as he knew some of the more snotty members of the Guild would tease him over it. It would also mean a loss of prestige for Fairy Tail as they would be one S-Class mage less.
"Can I think about it?" Laxus said slowly.
"Aww isn't that cute!?" Percy said with a grin as he glanced over at a faintly amused looking Erza.
Laxus scowled as he heard the mocking in Percy's voice, confused as to what the older man meant. Looking to Erza he soon got his answer.
"He finds it funny because you think you have a choice in the matter." Erza said in amusement, a smile on her face as she saw Percy's wicked grin.
"What you think you can force me too?" Laxus said his tone turning challenging, even as he straightened up and locked eyes with Percy, folding his arms in front of him and emphasizing the size difference.
"Of course I do, though I think the term I actually used when I discussed the idea with Makarov, was that I would be dragging you back to the Guild kicking and screaming like a big baby bitch!" Percy commented, whether this was true or not Laxus wasn't sure. Put the provocation behind the comment was easy enough to interpret.
Static lightning began to run up and down Laxus's body as he slammed his hands together in front of him, sheathing his body in powerful 'Lightning Magic'. "Big words coming from a senile old man!"
"Ooo, you've grown a spine Laxus." Percy commented idly.
Beside him Erza rolled her eyes before elbowing Percy in the ribs, getting the older man's attention. "I though you didn't want to fight in the train station."
Percy cocked an eyebrow at that before he looked over at Laxus a grin on his face. "How about we take tis outside. From what I remember there is some open space near to the train station."
"Just outside, yeah." Laxus replied, the lightning still running up and down his body. "So you want to fight?!"
"Yep, if I win you come back to Fairy Tail and serve your probation. In the unlikely event that you win, you come back to Fairy Tail and serve your probation." Percy said in amusement.
Laxus let out a slight bark of laughter as he heard Percy's terms before he shook his head. "Challenge accepted."
( - )
(With Percy on the outskirts of Clover Town)
In a small grove not too far away from the Clover Town station both Laxus and Percy stood facing each other. Percy standing casually a bored look on his face, with one hand idly resting on the pommel of his sword, the other hand moving to his mouth to stifle a slight yawn.
Hs opponent however looked much more prepared, his legs bent slightly, his fists up and at the ready. Laxus's gaze was also fixed on Percy, his hands clenched into tight fists and his body coated with lightning as he prepared to attack or defend at any moment.
Standing off to the side was Erza, the crimson haired mage frowning as she watched the display. Her brow furrowed as her gaze move from Percy's nonchalant stance to Laxus's more prepared one. Not entirely sure what Percy was playing at.
Just as the tension was reaching an intolerable level Percy suddenly grinned, standing straighter before shouting out a single word, "Begin!"
That was it, as soon as the word 'begin' left Percy's mouth Laxus leapt into action, his body completely enshrouded in lightning.
Smiling Percy took a step forward, his sea green eyes easily following Laxus's movement, watching carefully as Laxus moved in close. A fist coated in yellow lightning magic reared back to strike Percy. A swift and straightforward attack, one which could be used to finish a fight before it began, as when it came to battling with powerful magic sometimes the first one to land a hit won.
If Laxus were to land that punch, the lightning running up and down it would likely paralyze a person's body, if only temporarily leaving them open to further attacks. On top of that the sheer strength of the charged up blow would probably break some bones further incapacitating them.
Laxus's attack may look simple and straight forward but it wasn't, the 'Lightning Magic' around his fist was highly concentrated and perfectly controlled. For all intents and purposes Laxus was about to hit Percy with what was basically an electrified battering ram.
Smiling at Laxus's attack, analyzing it in an instant. Percy narrowed his eyes as Laxus closed in on him. Tensing as the lightning infused punch shot towards him.
Grinning suddenly Percy's arms shot forward, his left hand slapping Laxus's punch wide before it could hit him, with his right hand closing into a fist and plowing forwards into Laxus's gut.
The blow caused Laxus to double over the breath knocked out of him, his eyes wide as Percy then proceeded to grab him by the front of his shirt and hurl a couple of feet back. The large man hitting the floor and using the momentum of his landing to roll to his feet, his breathing ragged and his chest aching as he tried to get his breath back. His blue eyes fixed warily on Percy, who just gave him a smile.
Despite taking a heavy hit though, Laxus grinned confident as he did that he had caught Percy by surprise.
Percy cocked an eyebrow as he saw the amusement on Laxus's face, before a look of realization crossed his face. Noticing as he did the static running over his body, caused by Laxus's lightning charged fist making contact with him.
Pushing himself to his feet Laxus quickly barreled forward, hoping to take advantage of the paralytic effect of his lightning whilst he could. After all with someone like Percy you could never be sure how fast they would recover, or whether they would have some trick that would allow them to quickly dispel the effects.
Getting in close, his magic running through his body supercharging him, enhancing his muscles and reflexes. Laxus was a blur as he appeared in front of Percy mid axe kick, a lightning enshrouded foot aim straight at the older man's head.
Smiling as he saw the attack coming Percy's right hand shot out grabbing Laxus's leg, catching his foot and instantly putting S-Class wizard off balance. As he did this dust and rocks exploded around Percy from the force of the blow. With a grunt Percy gripped Laxus's leg tighter before he swung him round and slammed him into the ground, not releasing his leg Percy then swung him round and hurled him another few feet away.
Twisting in midair, none the worst for where despite having taken several heavy hits, Laxus once again regained his feet. Not pausing as he proceeded to unload a massive blast of lightning directly at Percy. It wasn't a spell so to speak, just pure manipulation of the lightning element.
With a loud shout and all caution thrown to the wind, Laxus began to hurl a powerful and precise bolt of pure electrical energy at Percy.
Narrowing his eyes at the onslaught Percy raised his hand, two fingers extended towards the bolt, a look of concentration on his face.
At the side Erza frowned slightly as she saw this. Unsure what Percy was up to?
As the bolt struck Percy's extended fingers, Percy drew his hand back into his body lightning now enshrouding his hand before he thrust his hand back at Laxus his fingers extended as he redirected Laxus's own lightning back at him. The bolts arcing off his finger and cutting through the air as it struck Laxus square in the chest, the force of the blast knocking Laxus off of his feet.
With a crash Laxus landed on the ground, a rough cough tearing itself form his throat. Caused by his attempt to eat the lightning when it was redirected at him. An ability all dragon slayers have, the ability to eat their own element. That being said the lightning Laxus tried to eat was of his own creation, and eating that had been a lot rougher than normal.
Standing up straight and shaking the last stray bits of static off of his hand, Percy began to walk towards Laxus. The ability to use lightning and air, a handy little trait he had discovered within his own set of Demigod abilities over the years. His father Poseidon, he was the god of not just the sea but of earthquakes and storms too. Meaning that as his son Percy also had power over those domains, hence his complete and utter mastery over water, his advanced ability to create and control earthquakes along with other advanced geokinetic abilities, though not on the same level as his affinity to water. On top of that though was his control over the domain of storms, hence his ability to control lightning and wind, though not to the same degree as a Child of Zeus or a talented elemental wizard.
"How?" Laxus asked his voice raspy as he pushed himself to his feet. Confused as to what Percy had just done.
"I've been around for a while Laxus, do you really think you've seen all my tricks?" Percy asked in amusement. "Now I thought we were fighting? Or have you decided to give up?"
Shaking his head a bemused expression on his face, Laxus once again took up a fighting stance. His mind racing as he tried to work out a new angle of attack, especially now he knew Percy could redirect his lightning. Whether there were limits to his trick Laxus wasn't sure, but what he did know was that he would have to try a different tactic.
Smirking Laxus shot forwards, now completely coated from head to toe in lightning, his gaze sharp as he closed in on Percy. Leaping backwards to give himself some room, Percy proceeded to dodge and avoid the rapid barrage of punches and kicks Laxus sent his way. Laxus now storing up his lightning and using it to increase his speed and strength, as oppose to before when he released lightning with every punch and kick.
Narrowing his eyes Percy took his hand off the hilt of his sword as he continued to move. Keeping light on his feet as he weaved through Laxus's onslaught. Having to actually put some effort into avoid Laxus's strikes, his sharp green eyes analyzing Laxus's attacks, breaking his form down and looking for a pattern and a subsequent gap.
It was obvious that Laxus had gotten a lot stronger in the last two years, his attacks were as fierce as ever, but now they were more polished. His power tempered by experience as he didn't just focused on raw power but instead on accuracy, speed and strategy.
It was impressive, especially combined with his dragon slayer attributes and the versatility of his magic. Unfortunately for him though Percy was far more experienced, and as such the moment he saw a gap in Laxus's attacks he shot forwards. His fist clenched, drawing on his geokinetic abilities as he landed a blow into Laxus's gut. Releasing a controlled earthquake from his fist to give it extra 'umph', overcoming Laxus's dragon slayer based durability with a single punch.
The blow sent Laxus flying backwards through the air a trail of blood leaving his mouth, before he struck the ground behind him with enough force to crater the ground. Rolling over Laxus immediately started retching, a mixture of brown bile and blood leaving his mouth and pooling on the floor as he morosely clutched his stomach.
"You've gotten better Laxus." Percy commented idly, knowing as he did that he hadn't caused any permanent damage. In fact with a constitution like Laxus such a blow wouldn't keep him down for long.
The use of geokinetic power in his strikes was a little trick Percy had developed over the years, a way to keep up with the more physical wizards. After all he might be a Demigod but without his water based enhancements, his strength was only maybe two or three times that of an ordinary human, compared to him there were a lot stronger people out there. As such he came up with this little technique to even the playing fields.
Percy sighed as he again waited for Laxus to stop retching. Seeing the death glare he was receiving, Percy sighed out. "Oh come on it is not like it is my fault you have a weak stomach."
Laxus let out a rough chuckle at that, pushing himself to his face. "You really did use to hold back, back in the day didn't you?"
"Well of course, you, Mira and Erza were all kids. I couldn't exactly go all out on you. Imagine the lecture I would get from Makky for doing that." Percy replied with a shrug, not needing to state the real reason, for Laxus already knew it. Percy always held back because he didn't want to hurt his loved ones.
"So now we got the practice over, are you ready to fight properly?" Laxus said, wiping away the bile from around his mouth with the back of his hand and glaring at Percy. His body crackling with lightning even as his mind raced. Trying to think of any opening he could find and exploit.
Laughing good naturedly at his bluster, Percy gave him a slightly condescending look. "You want me to get serious? Really?"
Laxus didn't falter for a moment, his grin turning challenging as all thoughts of shame over his past actions and concerns for his future vanished. Wiped away by the indomitable challenge Perseus embodied, a literal force of nature against which hundreds of wizards before had fallen. Oh he was definitely sure about this, he might get beaten and battered, but he would give it his all and try to give back as much as he got.
"Oh I'm sure." Laxus said bluntly, his body shifting slightly as he drew on his dragon slayer abilities. His chest broadening, his height increasing and his eyes turning a glowing golden colour, lightning crackling across his entire body.
The magical power Laxus was now releasing was enough to crack the ground at his feet, his body becoming a literal pillar of golden energy.
All around Clover Town Laxus's actions were noticed, as both magic users and non-magic users looked in the direction of the fight.
Standing on the sidelines, Erza tensed slightly as she felt the magic in the air getting thicker and thicker, her crimson hair beginning to rise from the static energy Laxus was creating. Erza's fingers twitched at this, completely taken aback by how powerful Laxus was. Previously she had thought him on the same level as Mire and herself, now though, now she realised he was more powerful than her. Not quite at the level of Gildarts or Makarov but probably on a par with the Wizard Saint Jura Neekis.
Narrowing his eyes at this display, Percy decided to get serious. Drawing on his abilities he condensed the water in the air, covering himself with a barely visible cloak of water. The presence of the water enhancing all his reflexes and physical abilities and bringing greater clarity to his mind.
Shifting his feet so his right foot was now extended slightly forwards, his left foot held back and angled a bit to the right. Percy proceeded to extend his hand, once again drawing on the moisture in the air as he created a four foot long sword of water, before he froze it. Condensing the ice as much as possible, making it harder than stone but sharper than steel.
Grasping the blade in his hand and slashing it in front of him, Percy then met Laxus's glowing golden eyes. A crooked smirk crossing his face. "Come on then kid, come and have a go if you think you're hard enough!"
Laxus let out a roar of challenge, before he charged. A crack of thunder sounding as he exploded forward, the earth beneath him shattering.
Watching this Percy's eyes widened as for the first time in the fight he lost track of Laxus. The man having literally taken on the form of his element, moving as fast as lightning. Far faster than Percy could move himself on his best day.
"Lightning Magic: Lightning Rush"
As he heard Laxus's shout Percy quickly scanned the area looking for his opponent spreading his senses through the moisture in the air. Before he could find him he suddenly heard a sudden crash of thunder and felt a powerful elbow smash into the back of his head, the blow making him fly head first into the ground, consequently shattering it and digging up a large furrow of earth as he landed.
Luckily for him though the Curse of Achilles protecting him from any real damage, still the fact Laxus had been able to land a hit like that was impressive.
Standing up and shaking his head slightly, Percy looked back over at the now laughing Laxus. The man had moved so fast he hadn't seen him, which was something that genuinely impressed Percy. It seems he had underestimated just how much Laxus had grown in the two years Percy had been gone.
Trailing his hand along the pommel of Backbiter, Percy had to fight down the urge to use some of its abilities. Laxus might have gotten a lot stronger, but Percy didn't think he was quite ready to deal with the weapon that once belonged to Kronos, the Titan Lord of Time.
Standing up straight, Percy let out an audible and clearly disappointed sigh, attempting to bait Laxus so he could see just how far he had progressed in Percy's absence. "Well don't get me wrong you were fast, I almost felt that, it's just a pity your attack wasn't quite strong enough. You need both strength and speed if you want to take me out kid."
The jab cut Laxus's laughter short as the man came to a halt just in front of Percy, the challenging grin on his face growing.
"You're playing a dangerous game here old man!?" Laxus said good humouredly, his previous worries gone as the thrill of battling a powerful opponent filled him.
Percy held his arms out wide, his ice sword still held in his right hand. "Do your worst, you little bitch, if you ask me you're all bark and no bite."
Gritting his teeth Laxus began to channel magic through his body as lightning began to crackle around him.
Swinging his sword around, Percy spread his senses through the moisture in the air. Not willing to give Laxus the chance to catch him off-guard with his speed again.
Laxus narrowed his eyes cautiously as he saw this quickly gathering his magic and unleashing his attack.
"Lightning Magic: Lightning Punch!" Shouted as he charged forward his fist was enveloped in an orb of lightning as he shot at Percy with incredible speeds. Hoping to use his speed to catch Percy off-guard again and land a direct lightning infused punch, using his speed to mitigate Percy's ability to redirect his lightning.
Percy didn't even bat an eyelash at the speeds in which Laxus was travelling having now become accustom to his lightning enhanced speed, tracking his movement through the moisture in the air. It may not be one hundred percent accurate but it was a better way of tracking the man then using his naked eye. It allowed him to keep track of the faster man, even if he couldn't see him.
"You're good Laxus, I'll give you that much." Percy said as he suddenly stepped to the side, his blade swinging through the air, striking Laxus's lightning infused fist mid swing. Knocking the man off balance, as Percy changed the direction of his sword.
Before proceeding to ram the icy hilt into Laxus's sternum making the man lurch forward, only for Percy to swing his head forward and head-butt Laxus. Dazing the man, and leaving him open for Percy to swing his sword down and sweep Laxus's legs out from under him, resulting in the lightning user falling flat on his back with a pained grunt.
As he fell the lightning around Laxus's body began to dissipate, a groan leaving his mouth.
"But not quite good enough, not yet." Percy continued cheerfully, staring down at Laxus's fallen form.
From the sidelines Erza winced a bit, barely paying attention to the small crowd of Clover Town residents that had been drawn to the area by the magic being thrown around. Instead she just winced as she saw Percy once again knock Laxus down.
Turning away Percy dispelled his sword of ice, giving Erza a warm smile as he did so.
"It's not over, not yet!" Laxus gasped out as he pushed himself to his feet, his gaze fixed on Percy.
"Lightning Magic: Thunder Wave!" Laxus bellowed as he formed a magical circle in front of him before he sent a wave of fast moving lightning bolts all of which shot at Percy at high speeds, the bolts causing electrical explosions as they struck.
"Finally!" Laxus said tiredly as he stepped back winded from his last attack, yet still jubilant that he got another hit in.
"Nice shot kid, I thought you were out of juice!" Percy said with a grin, idly stepping out of the cloud of dust and smoke Laxus's attack formed. His body once again charged with static, which even as Laxus watched dispersed revealing Percy completely unscathed. "But I think we should call it a day, I don't want to drag your fat arse back to the Guild because you exhausted yourself trying to fight me!"
Laxus groaned as he saw this, it was almost like Percy was deliberately mocking him. Taking a deep breath and then releasing it, Laxus began to channel as much lightning as he could around his body going for broke this time, "This is it" He said with a gasp the magic around him becoming even denser, something all of those now present could both feel and see.
"One last attack then I think I'm done!" Laxus continued channeling even more of his magic into his last attack.
Erza twitched at that, re-equipping her armour and donning her 'Adamantium Armour', already prepared to conjure a magic barrier if necessary to protect the curious onlookers in case Laxus went too far. Something the energetic grandson of Makarov had a tendency to do, as was evident by his fuck up at the Fantasia Festival where he ended up inciting a Fairy Tail civil war. It was likely that Laxus was currently oblivious to all else, just entirely focused on the fight, hence her preparation.
The armour that she now wore she had once used this armour to stop a direct blast from a Jupiter Cannon, she was pretty damned confident the onlookers around her were completely safe.
Percy also became cautious, his hand creeping down to rest on the hilt of his sword. After all he had known Laxus since he was born, and knew that he could be an idiot sometimes. Percy only hoped he had enough sense not to go too far, the last thing Percy wanted to do, was to have to shell out some of his hard earned cash to fix up Clover Town.
Hearing a loud rush of energy, Percy focused on the lightning wreathed form of Laxus, frowning as he noticed a large amount of electricity forming in Laxus's raised hands. And feeling the hair on the back of his neck stand on end as he recognised some of the energy now circulating Laxus, it was very draconic in nature. It could only mean one thing, a Dragon Slayer Secret Art spell.
Narrowing his eyes as the lightning rapidly began to condense above Laxus's hands, Percy decided to take action. Despite his ability to redirect lightning, his actually control over lightning was nowhere near as masterful as his control over water or adept as his power over earth. With lightning in fact being his weakest element, and with the sheer scale of this attack there was a very real possibility he would not be able to redirect it.
Crossing the distance between them Percy swiftly closed in on Laxus, water forming around him as he drew it out of the ground and the air around him.
As Percy did this Laxus prepared to unleash his spell. Already he could tell that Laxus was putting his everything into his attack, whatever it was that was coming Percy knew that upon completion it would be massive. With that said Laxus let out a final roar as he hurled his attack straight at Percy.
Percy ground to a halt, his eyes narrowed with one hand moving down to the hilt of his sword as he extended his other hand, ready for anything Laxus threw at him.
"Heavenward Halberd" Laxus roared as he threw his attack at Percy, a very large trident formed entirely of lightning exploding forth, the sheer amount of power it exuded was huge.
An explosion went off a split second later as the powerful attack struck the God of Fairies head on, Percy being swallowed within a massive explosion, the bright light making all the onlookers turn away. The ground all around him getting completely shattered and a wave of power being released from the point of impact, the wave of power going so far as to throw more than a few of the onlookers off of their feet.
Erza weathering it easily though, re-equipping her standard armour as she saw that the danger was passed. It seemed she had underestimated Laxus, he had not been as foolish to put the bystanders in danger.
"H-ha, ha did it work?!" Laxus gasped, completely drained now as he stared into the large cloud of dust and smoke that centered on where Percy was previously stood. "Did I beat him?"
"I doubt it…" Erza said dryly, rolling her eyes as the seconds passed on. Percy really could be a bit dramatic sometimes, still though the fight was entertaining enough. Certainly worth the effort of joining Percy on his mission, even if it was much shorter and easier than she had first thought.
"Yeah nice try kid, but you're not quite there yet." A familiar voice said, the dust and smoke clearing away to reveal Percy casually standing where he was before, a single bead of sweat trailing down his face. A miniature cyclone of swirling wind, water and lightning spinning in front of him, forming a shield that had taken the full brunt of Laxus's attack, absorbing the energy.
Or at least mostly absorbing the attack, as all around Percy were small, smoking craters, created by arcs of lightning that couldn't be contained by the rapidly swirling maelstrom in front of him.
Laxus wasn't given a chance to respond as Percy suddenly slashed his hand through the air. The maelstrom forming into the shape of a giant fist as it tore through the air hitting Laxus in the gut before arcing up and then down. Slamming into Laxus and sending him headfirst into the ground.
"Ouch…" Laxus groaned weakly. The man feeling completely battered and exhausted both physically and magically. This was it he couldn't carry on, he wasn't strong enough, not yet.
"You finished now?" Percy asked with a faint smile as he walked to stand over the exhausted Laxus.
"Yes…" Laxus groaned weakly, his vision blurring as he fought to keep Percy in sight.
"You ready to come back to Fairy Tail and do your penance?" Percy continued to ask, his tone kind.
"Yes…" Laxus replied softly, his face twisting into a smile despite his exhaustion. "I'm ready to come home…"
( - )
AN: So another chapter over and as always I have to say I really enjoyed writing this one. Though I will say it ended up becoming far longer than I expected. I ended up having to cut it off here, which means there will be another chapter now before the next arc properly begins. Still though I am looking forward to writing it, as I enjoy the Fairy Tail interactions.
Laxus as a character I really found interesting, he is one of those characters who you either like or you dislike. I personally like him, I think he has potential, but just lacked a father figure which made him act out, only really becoming decent once he had had the shit kicked out of him and had been humbled. Here he has had a father figure in Percy, still though in the two year of Percy and Gildart's absence he got a bit full of himself. No doubt because now he was seen as the strongest in the Guild it went to his head, it doesn't excuse his actions but does somewhat explain his reasoning. As does the way things got out of hand, which I genuinely think they did. Agree or disagree that is just my opinion.
Still as you can see he has been brought back to the guild but he is not getting off scot free. He is on probation as his accomplices the Thunder Legion, which will drastically impact some of the upcoming arcs.
After that we have a bit more interaction between Erza and Percy which I think was important going forwards. So yeah hope you all enjoyed the chapter and leave a comment or a review at the end as I really enjoy reading what other people think.
On another note though this will probably be my last update before new year as I am going away for Christmas and won't be doing much writing as I doubt I will have a spare few hours to write and edit a chapter. As such I will probably just post a little update here on where I am with some of my chapters for those who are interested.
Road To Hell – completed and with my beta.
Limitless – completed and awaiting editing.
Harry Potter: Gods and Angels – About halfway done.
Carpe Diem – Probably around 70% done.
Dead Man Walking – Started and about 80 - 90% done.
Sage of the Hunt – Started and partially written.
The Power He Knows Not – Started and partially written.
Hope that is useful.
I also hope you all have a good Christmas and new year and I will see you all later.
Seagate.