Hello everyone, welcome to a new chapter of RDK! Now I was hoping to have more chapters to update more than two stories, but delays and my current job have prevented me from working on the other chapters. Most of my others have at least outlines or first drafts but will take too long to get into a decent shape as a chapter to publish. So RDK and GITM will be the only ones updated this time. Though I promise to get one to two more updates for all of my stories before the year ends and really wish December comes soon.
Now this chapter signals the official end to the GMG Arc and set up for the next upcoming arcs and foreshadowing for events that are to come. Enjoy some wholesome moments and many other events to enjoy.
Hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween and had some sweets to enjoy with their loved ones.
Also, I have a few other story ideas and which one will interest you guys, but I will give more details at the end. Also, I have a special update to commemorate Halloween. I know it's late, but late than never right.
Now on with the chapter!
Celebrations and a Declaration of War
It was late into the evening as the capital of Fiore was illuminated by the lights of every tavern, store, and restaurant across the city. People drinking, eating, and celebrating with friends and loved ones to enjoy the end of this year's grand magic games. This had become a tradition since the first year when the GMG was established. However, this year's after-party was shaping up to be the biggest as the celebrations had started early in the morning and have continued into the dark hours while showing a little slowdown.
"Man, these year's games were something else." a middle-aged man commented as he gulped down some of his ale.
One of the man's friends cackled with his face nearly red. "I know right? Especially with Fairy Tail's comeback."
One of the other occupants in the table, a woman in her forties, "That Wendy girl was the biggest surprise of all. Who knew that little girl had it in her?"
The middle-aged man nodded. "Not to mention the big reveal of who her father was. That was the biggest surprise of all."
A waitress who nearby quickly took the empty mugs as she put newly filled ones on the table. "Yeah. No one is going to look at those two the same again." the woman said with a giggle as she blushed a bit remembering Naruto's face.
"Hey did you hear rumors that the mages fought a bunch of dragons and that Acnologia appeared to help?" One of the men asked.
Everyone looked at him as if he grew two extra heads with horns. "What the hell have you been drinking to believe that crackpot of nonsense? Hell will freeze over before Acnologia helps humanity. There's no way the mages would accept his help, especially the Fairy Tail mages."
The irony of this statement was staggering unbeknownst to these unaware citizens.
"Speaking of the mages. Where are they?"
"I heard they were invited to the king's castle for a royal feast."
The middle-aged man cursed. "Damn! I envy them. Those guys are probably having the time of their lives."
[Meanwhile at the castle]
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!" the members of Fairy Tail exclaimed.
"This is absolutely amazing!" Wendy gushed out. 'Damn right it is.'
"Pretty.~" Lisanna gushed.
"Ugh," Eclair grumbled as she saw many people staring at her elegant dress that was a fiery red and yellow.
"Don't be so nervous. They're just admiring us." Mira assured.
"I am not used to such attention," Katja said nervously to all the looks they were getting.
"You get used to it after a while." the she-devil giggled.
"That's because you're a model with a body most would die for." the two retorted.
"OI! Over here everyone!" Elfman called out from his table.
Gray gave Gajeel a once over. The iron slayer had his hair combed down into a ponytail and he was wearing an actual suit. "That look does not suit you at all." he finally said.
"That's the last thing I want to hear from you, stripper," Gajeel growled to the half-naked ice mage.
"The other guilds have gathered as well. Enjoy yourselves and try not to go too extreme with the festivities." Erza advised.
"Like that's likely to happen." several members replied.
"Men should eat!" Elfman cheered as he stuffed his mouth with food.
"Chew your food, you big oaf!" Evergreen reprimanded.
Elfman gulped his food down. "Sorry."
"Awwww. Such a caring sister-in-law I will have." Mira teased.
"MIRA!" the two exclaimed in unison.
Wendy looked at the blushing duo in confused amusement. "How long has this been going on?"
Mira giggled. "For a while. We're just waiting for them to confirm it."
"Bring on the booze!" Cana and Gildarts cheered in unison.
"Easy you two! We don't need you two passed out so early in the celebrations."
"OI CANA!" The card mage turned to see a familiar face approaching him.
"Bacchus! Wanna have another game?" she challenged with a confident smirk.
The drunk fighter smirked. "You're on!" the two cheered together. "And this time I won't lose!"
"SO WILD/GO CANA!" the members of Quatro Cerberus and Gildarts cheered in unison.
Meanwhile, Erza is having a very uncomfortable conversation with her mother and Jellal. Irene was wearing a gorgeous black dress that looked similar to the one Erza was wearing, but the colors were mostly black, white, and a deep shade of red.
"So this is the young man that stole my daughter's heart?" Irene asked in a teasing tone.
Jellal and Erza blushed as the bluenette stellar mage gulped. "Y-Yes."
"Mother, please. Father already scared him. Please don't do the same." Erza begged.
"Oh come now, Erza I am not that drastic. Plus your father covered all the bases. He can't stand anyone harming his red princess." Irene then gave the two a coy smile. "Though please don't wait too long to give me some grandchildren to spoil."
"KAA-SAN!" a red face Erza exclaimed. An equally red Jellal stuttered out, "I promise it won't too soon nor too far in the future."
Irene clapped in excitement. "Excellent! That's what I wanted to hear."
"Someone end my misery, please," Erza begged.
"Aw the joys of embarrassing your children with their loved lives." Goldmine commented.
"It reminds you of our youthful days." Master Bob reminisced with a nostalgic smile.
"I never thought I would be able to sit in the castle of Fiore for a feast." Makarov laughed.
"It's good to live a long life," Yajima replied.
"I am so glad to see you free, Eric," Kianna said in a happy tone.
Cobra turned his head as he took a bite off of his pork chop. "It's Cobra, Cuebellios."
Kianna hummed with a smile as she poked the poison slayer's chest. "Hmm. Then it's Kinana, Cobra-kun."
Cobra blushed a bit much to the amusement of his Nakama. "Aw look at that, Cobra's blushing. I guess even the cold-hearted Cobra can't help but melt his heart for his woman." Sorano teased.
"It's LOVE!" Richard proclaimed.
"Piss off all of you!" Cobra roared comically.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" the members laughed as Kinana held Cobra from attacking them.
"Akame-chan slow down on the food." Wave advised, "No one will steal it from you."
"He's right nee-san." Kurome agreed.
Akame shook her head. "Not taking any chances."
"So this is the one you were talking about Dimaria?" Brandish asked innocently as she held Laxus's left arm.
"Isn't he something?" Dimaria asked. The green-haired mage nodded. "Yes, he is."
Laxus grunted. "While I appreciate the attention. I will like a little space."
Dimaria tilted her head in amused confusion. "Not enjoying the view?"
"I would be lying if I said no."
Brandish nodded. "Good."
"Then no complaints," Dimaria said as she and Brandish snuggled into his arms.
Freed chuckled in amusement. "Girls! Easy with him! He's easy to crack."
The lightning slayer snapped his head towards his subordinate. "Freed!"
"He's a big old softie." Bickslow teased. "SOFTIE!~" Bickslow's puppets mimicked.
Laxus gave the two a dead glare. "You two are dead."
Dimaria and Brandish giggled. "Don't worry, we'll treat him very nicely." Brandish promised.
"I won't go easy on you two," Laxus warned.
"I hope you won't." the two said in unison.
Bickslow gave a fake sniff. "They grow up so fast don't they Freed."
The script mage nodded. "It's like he just left the nest."
"Grrrrrrrrrr."
"See even Zeke agrees!"
"Your mother told me so much about you! You were such a curious little thing about the world around you. It made me nostalgic about how Wendy used to be." Anna gushed as she sighed warmly. Anna is wearing attire similar to what she wore 400 years ago (basically her attire in Chapter 512).
Lucy gave an awkward laugh. "Oh, I hope she didn't say anything too embarrassing."
"I wonder if this is how a parent embarrasses their child," Katja asked with a sweatdrop.
"I hope you're ready for your turn, Katja." Momon.
The bluenette sighed, "Don't remind me." The yellow bird turned to their other companion. "What will we do, Eclair?"
"I think we will stay. Something tells me I will get my answers from Naruto about my past." Eclair affirmed as the other two nodded.
"Anna-sama! Lucy-sama!"
The two Heartfilia women turned to see the princess of Fiore heading towards them. "Hisui-hime! You look absolutely stunning."
The green-haired princess bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Anna-sama."
Hisui then frowned as she bit her lip. "I want to personally thank you for helping my family and kingdom. Even though we caused so much trouble for all of you," she said in a regretful tone.
"Don't worry about it. I am kinda used to trouble since I have joined Fairy Tail." Lucy replied.
Anna shrugged. "I have been used to trouble ever since I met my lovely husband."
Both girls looked at the older blonde. "Is it that bad?" Hisui asked.
The blonde giggled. "Let's just say that we used to think that Naruto had the worst luck due to how many enemies he made in his life. We actually considered making an album that lists all of his enemies."
The two girls sweatdropped in unison. "How thick would it be?" Hisui finally asked with some trepidation.
Anna tilted her head in thought. "A few volumes. I think." This answer caused the girls' sweat drops to grow. Hisui was concerned at the number of individuals who would want Naruto dead. Lucy was just concerned about the trouble that Fairy Tail will have to face in the future.
Meanwhile, Wendy, Sherria, and Romeo were looking in wonder at some fantastic desserts at the party. In particular, the three were entranced by a very delicious looking jello.
"Hooooo. It looks like a jewel." Wendy complimented.
"I can even see it sparkle," Sherria said.
"I wonder what it tastes like?" Romeo asked.
"Let's find out," Wendy said as the three took a bite out of the shiny jello.
"So good!~," the three said in unison. 'Damn it's amazing.'
Wendy turned to see Romeo and Sherria gushing at how delicious the jello was.
'They look so cute.' Wendy blushed a bit as she shook her head. 'Not now Dark.'
"Looks so good." a voice spoke behind Wendy. The bluenette and Romeo jumped in fright as they turned to see Mavis staring at the dessert with drool coming down her lips.
"Shodaime!" the two exclaimed in unison.
"What's wrong you two?" Sherria asked in confusion. The two mages shook their heads. "Nothing."
'I forgot that no one besides guild members can see them. Except for dad/Naruto.' Wendy and Romeo thought.
'Careful, don't want her to think you're crazy.' Dark teased.
"Wendy, have you seen your father or Natsu?" Mavis asked.
Wendy hummed in thought. "Not that you mention it. No, I haven't."
"Wendy! Romeo! I feel a chill near my shoulder!"
"Auntie! Ease up please." Wendy said slowly so Mavis only heard. Mavis pouted. "Okay. Okay."
With Mermaid Heel, the girls were enamored by their team leader, Kagura. The sword mage wore a beautiful sleeveless, violet, and gold dress that showed her beautiful blossom. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and with a ribbon around her hair.
"Wow, Kagura, you look absolutely stunning." Arana gushed.
Kagura grunted with a blush across her face. "I told you this doesn't suit me," she replied with her eyes closed.
"What are you talking about? You look amazing!" Beth countered.
"You underestimate yourself too much." Kagura looked down so everyone could not see her bright red blush. The other members of Mermaid Hell giggled in amusement. One of the members then noticed a certain mood demon behind the embarrassed sword mage.
"Seilah come on out from behind Kagura-chan!"
The shy moon demon shook her head. "No this is too much for me."
"You were standing in front of an entire stadium filled with people!" most of the members protested.
"That was different! Plus I didn't have to wear a dress." Seilah replied though that argument was rather weak as her normal attire was equally if not more revealing than her current attire. Seilah's attire was similar to Kagura's but the colors were more of a dark navy blue and violet combo.
Risley gained a large smirk. "Oh, I see. You're embarrassed that Naruto will see you."
"Eeep!" Seilah squealed as she stiffened. The other members of her guild smiled.
"Aw. How cute." Arana teased. "I am sure Naruto will appreciate the dress."
"I wonder if Kagura is feeling the same?" Beth asked. Kagura froze at the mention of her being courted by Naruto.
"You did seem flustered after Wendy's talk." Milliana teased.
Kagura turned to glare at the snickering members of her guild. "Please don't remind me." the embarrassed girl begged.
"Hooray We finally have something on Kagura!"
"And since Seilah likes the same guy, we can help both of them get the man of their dreams!"
"Here! Here!" all the members cheered.
"Oh someone help me." the two embarrassed girls begged in unison.
"What seems to be trouble girls?" All the members of Mermaid Heel looked to see their two guild masters approaching.
"Anna-sama. Irene-sama," they said in unison.
"Are you enjoying embarrassing Lucy and Erza?" Milliana asked.
The two women smirked. "Oh yes, we've had plenty of fun with the girls," Anna said.
"And hopefully many more days to come." Irene continued.
"Have either of you two seen Naruto-sama?" Seilah asked.
Anna and Irene shook their heads. "Actually no. We haven't seen him yet."
"Oh," Seilah muttered as she looked down. Kagura also seemed to be a bit disappointed as well, though she hid it better.
Anna brought the sullen demon into a hug. "Not to worry, Seilah. Naruto promised he would show up. My guess? He'll probably come in soon enough."
Irene also brought Kagura into a hug as well much to her chagrin. "You don't need to hide how you feel Kagura-chan. I know you wanted to impress my husband as well."
Kagura blushed as she buried her face into Irene's shoulder. "No I did not." she moaned out.
The dragon queen giggled in amusement. "I have never seen this side of you Kagura. You usually only show it for cute things. It's so adorable. Oh, how my husband loves attracting tsunderes to him. I guess Erza will be calling you Auntie or perhaps sister as you two are similar in age, technically."
"Please stop. This is embarrassing." Kagura begged, much to the amusement of the other members of the guild, except Seilah who was equally embarrassed due to Anna's teasing.
"Don't worry, I am sure he'll notice you two."
"And we'll be willing to help."
Seilah could no longer handle all the teasing, quickly rushed out and blindly ran, right into an equally embarrassed Kagura that finally got out of Irene's hold.
"Oh!" the two grunted as they slammed into something hard.
"Ow." the two girls said in unison.
"Sorry, Kagura." Seilah moaned from Kagura's back.
The sword mage sighed. "It's okay." As she mumbled her reply, Kagura felt herself on something hard and warm.
"What did I crash into?" She asked out loud.
"Ah-hem." a familiar voice grunted. The girl's eyes widened as they quickly stood up. The two blushed as they realized they had crashed into Naruto.
The blonde king was wearing a dark blue, almost black coat with three separate coattails. A stylized white serpentine pattern with the head going down the left shoulder and the tail down the right. The coat has a silver lining running across the attire with a silky silver flower blossom pattern decorating the interior lining and the cuffs had five buttoned straps with silver lining with the shoulders also having straps on them. Underneath the coat, the blonde wears a navy blue ascot wrapped around his neck. Below that Naruto wore a long sleeve navy blue formal shirt that was covered by a black sleeveless vest. Finally, Naruto was wearing charcoal grey fingerless gloves, black formal pants, and dark boots covered by teal gaiters with several straps.
(Naruto's attire is Vergil's from Devil May Cry 5 with a few details from the one in DMC 3 and DMC 4 SE.)
Naruto smiled at the two, tomato red girls. "Are you two alright?"
"Y-Yes." the two sturred out in unison. Naruto smiled as he looked at the girls' attire which caused their blushes to increase. "You both are very beautiful tonight." Naruto complimented.
"Thank you, Naruto-sama." Kagura and Seilah replied.
"Please. Simply call me, Naruto. I prefer it that way." Naruto smirked as he leaned forward to whisper into the two girls' ears. "I will say that despite what I said during our talk from the previous night, I am not against your courting. Perhaps after this ball and we have settled back into a sense of normalcy, we can learn about one another…..in a more private location."
Kagura and Seilah shivered at Naruto hot breath near their ears as he leaned back to hear their reply. "I would like that," Seilah said with a crimson red face.
Kagura turned her head as she tried to hide her blush. "I would not be…..completely against."
Naruto smirked in amusement at the two's reactions, especially Kagura's. 'Oh how cute, she has a tsundere side. This ought to be as amusing as Tsukimi was with her affections towards me.' he thought nostalgically.
"Well, I must go to my wives. But I hope I may offer my hand in a dance later on."
"Of course." the two said in unison. Naruto smirked. "Then it's a date." Naruto walked towards his wives as he noticed them with coy grins.
"Hmmm." the two hummed in amusement. Naruto smirked. "Now what are those smiles for?" he asked.
"We both saw you with the two girls. I must we're pleased you're taking their interest with you so enthusiastically." Anna said.
Naruto shrugged. "I promised Hinata and Wendy that I would try to live again. Which included falling in love again. Plus I doubt you two would enjoy me breaking their hearts."
"Oh, we would break your bones," Anna said cheerfully. "And maybe some other parts."
"Then we get you to apologize before letting you heal very slowly." Irene followed up.
Naruto chuckled. "And I thought I would be the sadistic one in this relationship."
The two shrugged. "Oh, we picked up a few things from you and these past decades," Anna explained.
Naruto nodded. "Fair enough." He then brought the two into a tight embrace. "Fourteen years ago I would never dream of being here with the two of you again. And I would not change it for the world."
Anna and Irene smiled as they returned the hug. "Neither would we."
"Hello everyone!" a familiar voice shouted. The three turned to see the five dragons in their human forms walking into the ballroom.
"Well, you know to clean up very nicely." Naruto complimented.
"To be fair, Metalicana, Weisslogia, and Skiadrum were usually the ones that had more etiquette compared to other dragons." Anna teased.
Igneel merely pouted as mumbled indignantly.
"Hey what about me?" Grandeeney demanded.
"Oh, you and my wives were always a trio, Gran. I don't think I need to explain to you." Naruto explained.
"Hmph." the sky queen pouted. "Speaking of which, you look stunning, Grandeeney." Anna complimented.
"Yes, though her normal outfit also showed her natural beauty quite as well." Irene giggled.
Naruto snorted. "Oh yes, especially how it resembled…"
"Please don't remind me," Grandeeney begged with a large blush.
By this time Wendy showed up to see her two mothers. She looked enamored by the sky dragon's appearance. "Wow, kaa-san, you look amazing. I bet daddy will surely go head over heels for you."
"Wendy." Grandeeney moaned.
"Oh, I am definitely feeling something," Naruto replied. Grandeeney glared at Naruto, but before she could say anything, Irene spoke up. "Okay, we can tease Gran later. Especially in more private quarters."
"Irene!" Grandeeney exclaimed. Anna giggled. "Oh, yes we will."
"Oi! Don't I get a say in this?" Grandeeney asked.
"No!" the two ladies of the apocalypse said in unison.
Grandeeney glared at Naruto. "You're not helping."
The blonde king shrugged. "Like I would be ever to sway them. You know when they set themselves to do something, they won't stop. Nothing I ever said would change that."
"You're so insufferable when it comes to them." the sky queen grumbled.
Naruto gave her a coy smile. "Play your cards right, Grand, and you may join them."
Grandeeney became an atomic red. "Uhhhhhhh." she stuttered out much to everyone else's amusement.
Meanwhile, Sting was attempting to celebrate with the other slayers.
"Natsu, I have a toast for us to share!" the white slayer said cheerfully.
"He isn't here," Gajeel replied.
"WHAT?!" Sting exclaimed comically. "But I had a speech planned and everything!"
Rogue shrugged. "Bad timing I guess."
"Fro thinks so too." the exceed said.
Gajeel looked at the shadow slayer. "Ryos."
Rogue shook his head. "My name is Rogue. That's who I am now."
Wendy came over to her fellow slayers along with the humanoid dragons, Anna, Irene, and her father. "This weird Natsu can't be found anywhere," she said.
This got the three slayers' attention. "I thought for sure he'd be with you Igneel-san," Sting said.
Igneel shook his head. "Nope. Surprisingly the brat left before any of us were done." the fire king turned to his king.
"Naruto you sure you have no idea where he is?" Igneel asked. Naruto merely shook his head.
"No. The last time I sensed him, he was heading to this location. My guess? He's somewhere planning something."
'Hopefully nothing too destructive.' Wendy and Gajeel thought, but deep down they knew exactly what was going to happen.
SLAM!
Suddenly, everyone quieted down as they turned to see Najenda above on the canopy looking down at them, "Quiet all of you! His majesty will now make his appearance!" she announced.
As everyone stayed silent for the arrival of the king of Fiore. However, to the shock of everyone in the ballroom, the person that came out was not King Toma, but Natsu with the crown on his head!
"Bow down to me my loyal subjects! For I am here!" the fire slayer exclaimed loudly.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!" the entire audience shouted.
Natsu lifted his arms outward. "I am the king now! GAGAGAGAGAG!"
Erza merely facepalmed. "Oh for the love of…"
Makarov was merely shaking as his hair fell off his head. "Gahhhhhhhhh!"
"Master Makarov!" shouted in concern.
"That's my boy!" Igneel shouted in pride.
"Don't encourage him, Igneel!" Grandeeney admonished, though the other dragons were snickering in amusement.
Anna and Irene shook their heads as they reminisce how energetic the boy was when he was little and still is now.
Suddenly a loud voice began to laugh uncontrollably and they all turned to see Naruto bursting. "HAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice prank there. That brings me back." he said in an amused and nostalgic tone.
[Several Minutes Later]
Once everything had calmed and Natsu reluctantly gave back the crown and went through a quick change of clothes, the king gave his commemoration speech. He thanked the wizards for their spectacular performance in the Grand Magic Games and for their heroic deeds during the dragon invasion.
This feast is to celebrate the mages, but a thank you to all of them. This feast was also to show the new allies they gained in Acnologia and the newly revealed dragons. It was a feast to commemorate a new age. The age of humans and dragons living together once again.
Naruto looked rather uncomfortable to all the attention, much to several people's amusement. It was after this speech that the festivities resumed. Once nearly everyone had their fair share of the feast, the attendants began taking partners to the dance floor.
Makarov, Yajima, and most of the other masters were smiling ear to ear as they watched the mages, young and old, were enjoying each other's company as they danced within the ballroom.
"Ah. To be young again." Makarov sighed in bliss.
"Reminds of your younger years, Maki?" Master Bob teased.
"I have lived for well over 80 years. And seeing this where everyone is enjoying each other's company and able to work together. It feels like my brats are beginning to fly out of the nest."
"Feeling nostalgic?" Goldmine asked.
Makarov nodded. "Oh yes, it reminds me of our younger years when we were all part of Fairy Tail."
The former members sighed in nostalgia. "Those were some good years back in the day." Goldmine said.
"Regretful, Goldmine?" Makarov asked with a raised eyebrow.
The Cerberus master shook his head. "Oh no. I am quite content with how my life has gone."
"I have no complaints. I have a great life and I have a wonderful guild that I can eventually trust to the next generation." Master Bob said.
The Blue Pegasus master turned to the titan mage. "What about you, Maky? Any plans for choosing for a successor?" he asked.
Makarov shook his head. "Considering what Gildarts did to me, I am willing to postpone any kind of retirement for a bit. However, if I have to choose someone, Erza or Laxus would be my choice. Those two are the only ones I can trust to keep the guild intact and stop it from self-imploding."
"You could always go with the twin master path that Mermaid Heel has? It seems to be working with them quite well." Yajima suggested.
Makarov scratched his chin in thought. "Hm, maybe, but I will have to speak with them later on the subject."
"Don't hold that talk for too long, Maky," Porlyusica warned.
"I am not that old! I am quite fit to still be a master!" Makarov shouted indignantly before he began to go into a coughing fit. The others merely watched with sweat drops.
"That cough says otherwise Makarov." Goldmine said in a worried tone.
Makarov waved off the looks he was getting. "Calm yourselves. I am well aware I should choose a successor soon. But I will like to see how they grow in these coming months before making a decision."
"I am surprised you didn't consider Naruto?"
"Technically, he's not a member of my guild and even if he was, I doubt he would accept, especially since he is the dragon king," Makarov explained. Plus he was not sure how the rest of his guild would feel about the decision.
"If I recall seven dragons don't make much for a kingdom, even if you also include the slayers." Goldmine remarked.
"Let's call this an old man's intuition. I have a feeling that dragons will be coming back soon." Makarov explained.
"Speaking of the dragon king, Naruto seems to enjoy this dance the most." Master Bob said. The group turned to see several Narutos around the dance floor with a different partner.
"Damn clones make things easier." Goldmine envied.
"Looks like Naruto is not the only one enjoying the use of clones," Porlyusica remarked with an amused tone. Everyone silently chuckled as they saw Wendy with two different dance partners.
Makarov shook his head. "Like father, like daughter I suppose. Things are definitely going to be more interesting when we head back to Magnolia."
A sullen Sting was looking softly at all the mages dancing with one another. Fro was keeping him company as the exceed cheered for Rogue as he danced with Minerva. The white dragon slayer would have been perfectly happy staying on the sidelines and watching everyone enjoy themselves.
Fortunately, life had different plans for the young blonde. Sting turned to see a brunette girl in a yellow dress approaching him. If he remembered correctly, her name was Millianna. However, he quickly sweatdropped as he saw the feline mage tightly hugging the three exceeds of Fairy Tail as she sang a merry tune about cats.
"Hey. Your Milliana, right?" Sting asked.
"That's right!~" Milliana replied.
"So what are you doing with all those exceed?"
"Oh just hugging these adorable kittens!" the cat-like mage gushed.
Sting sweatdropped. "I can see that."
"Fro is a cute cat as well!~" the exceed said.
Milliana immediately squealed and clomped him along with the other three. "Yes, you are!" Sting watched in awkward silence as Milliana continued to hug the four exceed until she paused and looked at him in confusion. "Now why are you here by your lonesome?" she asked curiously.
Sting shrugged. "I'm not much of a dancer, so I am fine just watching the festivities. Plus no one is available as a partner."
Milliana gave him a cheshire smile. "Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that." She dropped the four exceed and grabbed Sting and began dragging him to the dance floor. "C'mon! Let's dance."
"Wait I suck at it." Sting tried to protest, but Milliana would not budge. "Don't be so shy, I'll lead you," Milliana assured.
The white dragon slayer sighed as they reached the dance. No way of getting out might as well get this over with. "Don't be mad if I step on you," Sting warned.
Milliana giggled and gave him a cheerful smile. "I am already expecting it." Sting couldn't help but smile at the girl's positive deposition. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
"Gray-sama I am surprised you accepted my proposal," Juvia said in a joyous tone.
Gray rolled his eyes. "Well, my immediate partner was taken so I needed to take another."
Juvia puckered her cheeks in faux annoyance. "So mean."
Gray chuckled in amusement. "I'm kidding."
Juvia continued to pout. "You better be."
"I never expected you to be such a dancer, Natsu! I guess those lessons with Erza helped out." Lucy teased.
Natsu cringed remembering those lessons with the red-haired mage. "Please don't remind me. I still have sore spots from the last time she spun me," he whined.
Lucy rolled her eyes. "You are such an old man, Natsu." Natsu pouted. "Well that's isn't off the record considering how old I really am."
The blonde bombshell looked to see Natsu deep in thought. It's not every day you hear that you're originally from 400 years in the past. She wondered how the other slayers are taking the news and just what is going through Natsu's head.
Meanwhile, Natsu was unsure how to feel about learning that he was originally from 400 years in the past. If he had to be honest, it does not bother him that much. He has no memory of anything that happened back. Perhaps that is a blessing in disguise for him. But he still feels that there is some part of his past that he has to remember and why does he feel that it has to do with the power he used against Future Rogue.
Cursed Flames, Natsu mused. He feels a bit form in his stomach as the words resonate with his body. Something was scratching at the back of his mind that he should know where these flames came from, but whenever he tried to reach a breakthrough, it disappears. It was frustrating to be so close, but so far at the same time. There was also the frustration he was feeling that his power may have a connection to Zeref. Something in him told him that Zeref was connected to this power, but he had no desire to investigate that connection. Hell, he was hesitant to try and use that power again, especially after what it cost him the first time.
Natsu turned to Lucy who was looking at him with her big brown eyes. He lost her to that bastard. Future version or not, he failed to protect his partner. His nakama. He was too weak and that power barely managed to help him. He needed to get stronger. He won't fail again. And he knew two people that could help with that.
"Natsu, what's wrong?" Lucy asked in concern. Natsu gave her a deep stare that worried her. That worry turned to surprise as Natsu brought her into a tight hug. Lucy blushed as she felt the warmness emitting from his body and wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
"Nothing," he said. "Just thinking about how I will get stronger so that I never anything happens to you...Never again." He swore. Lucy blushed at Natsu's words as she was touched at how protective he was of her. It reminded her of how Naruto reacted to her injuries. Just her luck to have such overprotective dragons close to her. She wrapped her arms around his back.
"Thank you, Natsu."
"Hmm. Who knew you could be such a dancer. Did my mom teach you some moves?" Ultear asked as she danced with her partner.
"Ur was many things, Ultear. A dancer she was not." Lyon replied.
The time mage giggled. "You know I don't know much about her. It was mostly word of mouth I heard about her. I was wondering if you and Gray would mind telling me some stories?"
"Of course we would. Though I have to ask. Why don't you ask Naruto?"
"Oh, I plan to ask him as well. I can tell my mother meant a lot to him."
"Hmmm." Lyon hummed in amusement. "Sounds like someone is eager to speak with their father." he teased.
Ultear snorted in amusement. "Well, you're not wrong. I've already been practically adopted by him, and I would not say I am against it."
Lyon raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Hoh?"
"I never really had a father figure. The closest would be Hades, though most would agree he would not be the best father figure."
"Most would say the same about Acnologia." an amused Lyon retorted.
"Most don't know him either." Ultear countered in amusement. She turned to see one of the Narutos on the dance floor with Anna. "It's probably the first time I've had an adult figure worry about me like he does. Or lecture me as if I was his child. It felt weird, but nice as well."
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind."
Ultear shook her head. "No he wouldn't." the daughter of Ur gave Lyon a sincere smile. "I appreciate you listening to me drabble on."
Lyon smiled. "It's the least I could do."
Ultear gave a sly smirk. "Hmmm. At least I know the one crushing on my daughter is such a gentleman." she teased.
Lyon tensed as he blushed slightly. "You noticed huh?"
"I am her mother, so I know when someone is interested in her. I am pretty sure, she noticed your glances, so who knows."
Lyon gave an exasperated sigh. "Considering she is now unofficially Acnologia's granddaughter, I am going to be on thin ice."
"Try being his daughter, let's see how that feels," Ultear replied.
"Then Natsu, Jellal, and perhaps Romeo and/or Sherria have my sympathies." Lyon joked.
Ultear gave a false glare. "Don't be a pervert."
Lyon just gave her a smirk. "Like you weren't thinking the same thing."
"Grrrrr," Gajeel growled as he glared at his father, who was giving him a smug look of satisfaction.
"Don't be such a grouch." Levy admonished.
"I am not." Gajeel denied. "I just hate that gloating look on that bastard's face."
Levy blushed as she attempted to give a sly look. "That wouldn't have to do with him calling me your mate, right?"
Gajeel blushed as he turned his head. "None at all." Levy merely giggled at this.
Meanwhile, Evergreen and Elfman were dancing together but looked in different directions to avoid staring at one another.
"You know the two of you could smile a bit more. It makes it more enjoyable." Lisanna teased.
"BE QUIET!" the couple exclaimed.
"Did you ever think we would ever be like this?" Erza asked Jellal, her dance partner.
"Only in my dreams," he replied with a smile.
Erza giggled. "Aren't you the charmer." she teased.
"I am hoping to make a good impression."
"To me or my father?" Erza asked.
Jellal looked sheepishly at his partner. "To be honest, both." Erza hummed as she laid her head on Jellal's shoulder. "Hmm. I can't argue with that."
"I hope I can accommodate you for the next dance," Bickslow told his dance partner, Brandish.
"You're doing quite fine and your so-called babies are cute." Brandish giggled. "Though I must thank your leader."
The two turned to see Dimaria and Laxus dancing rather enthusiastically. "I haven't seen Dimaria enjoy herself this much in a long time."
Bickslow raised his head high. "Well, my Laxus has always been amazing. But now, he's just the best. And I know the others will agree as well."
"I know the feeling."
"Hmmm." Freed hummed.
"You know it's rude to stare." Bulat lectured.
"I am just making sure that Laxus is doing well with his partner," Freed affirmed.
"Someone is clingy to their leader." the wielder of incursio teased.
"I am protective of him. All of us are!"
"Now that is loyalty I can respect and….desire."
"Wait what?" Freed asked in confusion. "Nothing. Nothing."
A few feet away, Wave watched the interaction with an awkward chuckle. "Looks like Bulat has found a crush."
"Never thought he would find anyone that could handle him," Kurome replied.
"Guess he has."
Kurome looked at Wave with a coy smirk. "Like how you handle me?"
Wave nearly choked on his air. "Please don't say out loud. You know how your sister is."
"But it's fun to see you squirm." Kurome teased.
"You and your sister are such sadists to me," Wave muttered as he continued to dance with his girlfriend while watching his armored partner dance with his potential crush. He also took notice of Lubbock dancing with a familiar silver-haired commander.
[Wendy Clone 1]
"Hey, Otou-sama," Wendy asked the clone of her father she was dancing with.
"Yes, my chibi-hime?" Naruto teased as he saw his daughter pout cutely.
"Is there anything else you're hiding from me and everyone else?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You're going to have to be a bit more specific."
Wendy narrowed her eyes. "You said we need to be ready for war. But I know you're still keeping something from us. Like there is something you don't want to talk about or you're too scared to."
Naruto stayed quiet as he heard his daughter's thoughts. It will never cease to amaze him how perspective his daughter like her mother was with him. It was like both could tell when something was different about him. He mentally shook his head as he refocused on his daughter.
"Wendy." Naruto began as he tried to articulate what he wanted to say. "You must understand that it may seem odd for me of all people to hold onto secrets, there is a reason why I keep some things to myself until the appropriate time." Wendy raised an eyebrow to that. "Some secrets are not really ones as they begin with a theory I may have. The dragons are a prime example of this. I was not one hundred percent sure they were in you slayers, let alone where they could have been. That's why I kept that to myself until I confirmed it and promised to tell you and others. And I kept my promise."
Wendy rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Though a little warning that they would have come out of our bodies would have been nice." Naruto rolled his eyes.
"Then comes the secrets that are pertaining to specific individuals. Until I speak with said individuals to get their consent to even speak about the topic."
"What's the third reason?" Wendy asked.
Naruto sighed. "The third reason is that I have a theory on a possible future threat but until I am one-hundred percent sure about it, I won't bring it up as I do not want to mortify any of you. I want to be ready for any and all possible threats, but I want to also be sure that the threats are coming. But I will continue to get you all ready for whatever that may come."
Wendy looked a bit concerned. "You're not talking about Zeref, are you?"
Naruto shook his head. "No, I am thinking about someone else. But I won't know until I investigate further."
"How are we supposed to be ready for that?"
Naruto gave his daughter a confident smirk. "We will be ready my dear. I have a plan to bring some old friends back into the front lines."
Wendy looked at her father in suspicion. "Just what are you planning?"
Naruto gave a fanged grin. "Oh my chibi-hime, where's the fun in spoiling the surprise."
Wendy pouted. "Meanie."
Naruto rolled his eyes and smirked. "Now let's get into some more positive topics." at this, his smirk turned mischievous. "Now how are doing with your boyfriend and girlfriend?"
Wendy's face went completely red. "TOU-SAN!" she whined as Naruto laughed. Life was going well for the father-daughter duo.
[Wendy Clone 2]
"You're an amazing dancer, Wendy!" Romeo complimented.
Wendy giggled. "Why thank you, Romeo. You're not so bad yourself," she replied.
Romeo chuckled awkwardly. "I wouldn't be so sure. My dad barely taught me anything. Plus I am sure I stepped on you a few times."
"Oh come on. You're not doing so bad. I am enjoying our dance." Wendy said.
"Speaking of our dance, where did you learn how to dance, Wendy?" Romeo asked in a curious tone.
Wendy gave a big smile. "Why my dad gave me lessons!"
Romeo looked a bit surprised. "You know. I kinda expected that answer, but it's still surprising to hear."
"Yeah I know, but my dad was full of surprises during our training trip. He wanted to have some quality father-daughter time. So he thought he could teach me dancing." Wendy explained as she smiled at the memories.
"At first I was really nervous as I was never much of a dancer, and would only do it for a mission. But my dad said he used to be like that until mom and auntie got their hands on him." Wendy giggled. "After that he got me to try it out. It took a few lessons, but I managed to learn a bit."
Romeo sweatdropped. "I will never get used to the fact that Acnologia is your father and taught you how to dance."
"I am pretty sure nothing of our current situation is normal," Wendy said in a cheerful tone.
The two stayed in relative silence as Romeo seem to debate something within his mind. Though Wendy noticed his deep thinking due to the frown on his face.
"A jewel for your thoughts?"
Romeo blinked as he shook his head. "Sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you."
Wendy shook her head. "Don't worry about it. I know you didn't mean it. So what was on your mind?"
Romeo blushed as he tried to stammer out a response. "W-W-W-Well y-y-you see I was wondering if you could..."
Wendy tilted her head cutely "If I could..."
Romeo closed his eyes and said, "If you teach me how to dance."
Wendy smiled at Romeo. "That's what got you so flustered."
Romeo's blush became a darker shade of red. "Well it was not just that." he swallowed thickly. "I was wondering if we could do it somewhere private after we hung out a bit and got something to eat or walk around the city."
Wendy's eyebrows went up as a blush dusted her cheeks. Meanwhile Dark was cheering her to take the dive. "Romeo, are you asking me out on a date?"
Romeo was completely crimson. "Y-Yes."
Wendy smiled. "Sure!"
Romeo blinked a few times before they widened. "Wait really?!"
Wendy giggled. "Of course silly. I just have one condition."
Romeo nodded rapidly. "Sure. Anything!"
Wendy smiled. "You also have to take Sherria on a date and have a date with the two of us!"
Romeo blinked a few times before his blush came back full force. "EH?!"
[Original Wendy]
"You are amazing Wendy-chan! You truly know about love!" Sherria cheered.
Wendy giggled with a blush. "Thank you, Sherria-chan!"
"I am having so much fun, Wendy. I feel like I have met someone that can truly connect to. And just about our magic!"
Sherria then gained a bright blush. "And maybe not as just as nakama." she whispered.
Unfortunately for her, Wendy heard her as the sky dragon slayer blushed a bit. That blush became neon red when Dark told her what her clone accomplished with Romeo.
Wendy shook her head to rid herself of the blush, but Sherria caught it. "Oh?" the sky god slayer teased. "What's that blush about?"
Wendy gulped. "My father embarrassing me, and let's just say that my clone made a move on Romeo."
Sherria's face dropped. "You...You like him, don't you?"
Wendy nodded. Sherria was in complete turmoil. She thought she had finally found love! Someone she could connect to in a way she could not with Leon or her cousin. But Wendy there was something different about her. When they first met, she felt something new. Something exciting. Maybe it was their magic or maybe it was something else. But even if they couldn't that connection, they will still be friends and if that was all this love was then so be it, she just wanted to maintain this connection with Wendy.
Wendy seems to sense something was off with Sherria and decided to help get her back to normal. "There is one condition to that."
Sherria blinked before looking at Wendy. "What's that?" she asked curtly. Wendy smiled as she leaned in (which caused Sherria to blush a bit) as she whispered into Sherria's ear.
The sky god slayer froze as Wendy lean back as she allowed Sherria to fully comprehend what she told her. As for Sherria, it took her several minutes to process what she was just told. When her mind finally caught up with what she was just told, her entire body went completely red. "I..I...I...You...Romeo...Me...You...Us." Sherria could not even form a coherent thought, which Wendy found rather adorable.
"So what do you say?" Wendy asked.
Sherria shook her head as she took a few deep breaths before looking up at Wendy with a bright smile. "Okay."
[Naruto Clone 1]
"Ow!"
"Are you okay?" Naruto asked Kagura as she stumbled on her turn.
"I told you," Kagura whined. "I'm horrible at wearing these types of dresses and shoes. All I am good at is fighting and using a sword."
Naruto chuckled. Tsuikimi said something similar to him when they danced for the first time. Life really works in strange ways. "Oh, come now. You're not horrible. Though I am surprised Anna and Irene didn't give you lessons."
"They actually did, but that doesn't mean I am remembering anything right now."
"It's not a shame to be embarrassed about what we can or can't do."
Kagura gave him a skeptical look. "Have you been in a situation like this?"
"I'll be honest, I was downright scared of ever dancing with one of my lovers and embarrassing myself. Anna and Irene were greatly amused by my fear and forced me to learn from them."
"They can't take no for an answer when it involves you." Kagura quipped.
Naruto shook his head. "No they can not." the blonde dragon then noticed that Kagura was keeping up with the dance rhythm. "Hey look at that you're not tripping."
Kagura blinked as she looked down at herself and saw that he was right. She was able to keep up and match his rhythm and the music's rhythm.
"See take away a bit of your tension and you can do it." Naruto complimented. Kagura blushed a bit at her lip as she held her head down as her bangs covered her eyes. "Thank you," she said shyly.
"My pleasure, my dear sword princess." Kagura looked completely red with wide eyes.
Naruto raised an amused eyebrow. "What? Too soon?"
The sword mage shook her head. "No, I like it, but can you not say out loud. It would be too embarrassing."
"Hmm.~" Naruto hummed as he caressed Kagura's cheek, which caused steam to bellow out of her head. "I don't know. You are too cute with that blush on you. I think I like you like this."
"B-Baka." she stammered. All in all, it was a good start to a budding future relationship between the two.
[Naruto Clone 2]
"I see you are a graceful dancer."
"Thank you, Naruto-sama. I learned from many books and practiced on my own. Anna-sama and Irene-sama also helped a lot." Seilah said in a very happy tone.
Naruto gave her a playfully annoyed grin. "I thought I said you don't have to give me that suffix."
Seilah shook her head in defiance. "But I feel it's appropriate to give you it."
Naruto sweatdrops at the response. 'Oh great. I have another Kazehana. Or would Anna and Irene say Tsukiumi?'
"I must say your dancing reminds me a lot of my dear, Hinata."
Seilah looked up in surprise. "Really?" Naruto nodded. "Yes. She was as graceful as the moon and her movements were fluid and flexible like water."
Seilah stayed quiet for a few seconds before gaining a very wide smile to spread across her lips. "I thank you for such a great compliment. I know how highly you regard Hinata."
"I thank you for your words. But I am merely stating the truth."
"I still wish to thank you." Naruto sighed, knowing he was not going to change her mind. "As you wish."
[Naruto Clone 3]
"Hmmmmm." Mirajane hummed in delight. "Who knew that the black dragon could be such an amazing dancer."
"As I told my darling Wendy, in the 400 years I have been alive I found other activities to occupy my attention besides destroying everything in my line of sight."
Mira raised a curious eyebrow. "Does this include dancing?"
Naruto shook his head with a smile. "Not exactly. I learned how to dance from my wives and my draconian mother," he replied with a nostalgic tone.
"Were these sessions voluntary or required?" Mira teased.
"I will be honest, it was a bit of both. Saphira would say I needed to be a properly educated man if I was going to court Anna and Irene. She said she will not have her beloved son embarrass himself and his future mates. Anna and Irene wanted to share those moments with me and they found it amusing. The other girls followed suit after."
Mira giggled. "Ara. Ara. Who knew Acnologia would enjoy being dominated?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Very amusing." they shared a laugh as they continued to dance.
The blonde king then decided to ask something that he had been wondering about his current partner. "Mirajane."
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you a question?"
Mira nodded. "Of course."
"Why did you look so worried about me after the invasion? In fact out of all the members of the guild, besides my daughters, you have been the one most actively trying to be close to me. Why?"
Mira blinked as she never expected Naruto to ask her this. Though maybe it has to do with his isolation. He's been so alone for so long for someone that knows nothing about history to be so kind to him and continue to do even so after it came out, it must be very confusing.
"Because Naruto." Mira began as she gave him a warm smile. "It's the right thing to do."
At his confused frown, she elaborated. "I won't say much now, but I to an extent understand what you have been through. I understand what it's like to be hated for something beyond your control. To be seen as nothing but a monster. I could empathize with your plight. And I could see why you ended the way you did. But despite all that you still try to be there for your daughters. And you went through all hell to save all of us and protect us from the dragons. I could see you are not the monster that attacked us on Tenrou, and after hearing your history, I know who you are." She raised her hands to grasp his cheeks, which slightly startled him, due to not expecting this action.
"You are a person that was deprived of love and acceptance throughout most of his life and you lost it for some time due to mistakes you made. But the fact you chose to change. That you chose to reconnect to those who were close to you. You did not falter. You did not let your fears and insecurities control you." Mira looked down at this point. "Like I did."
Naruto frowned. "Are you referring to what happened to Lisanna?" Mira nodded. "I gave up being in the front lines. I became a waitress for the guild. I became a rock of support for the guild. I will never regret that, but it came at the cost of my fighting spirit. Had I kept it, a lot of pain my nakama suffered could have been avoided. But it took my brother nearly dying for me to get back into fighting. I should have..."
"Mira," Naruto stated calmly. Mira paused as she looked up to see Naruto's gentle and sympathetic gaze. "Mira you should not have to be obligated to fight. No one should be forced to fight or do anything they have no desire to do. It does not make you weak for not wanting to fight. Fear is something we can all feel Mira, even I have. You faced that fear and became stronger from it. You became the person you are now."
Mira looked up at Naruto. No one had ever told her something like this. Her guild never bothered her for quitting the frontlines. They always were so understanding and supportive of her. Hell, even Laxus during his arrogant years never bothered her about it. But this was the first time since maybe Makarov that someone called her stronger for coming back. She gave the blonde a dazzling smile. "Now you sound like Master Makarov. I honestly never expected the dragon king to say something like that."
Naruto smirked. "You must understand that despite who I am now, there was once a time when I did not enjoy fighting. All I cared about was protecting my nakama. I only joined the civil war to protect my comrades, but for a time I did not want to fight. I just wanted to live in peace with my loved ones. But during one raid, we all nearly died. I could have stopped it if I was stronger. So from then on, I kept on fighting until it was one of the only things I knew how to do. Then I screwed up and you know how history sees me now."
"And how do Wendy and the other girls feel about this?"
"All of my girls seem to have the desire to fight and become stronger so that they can protect their nakama. Wendy was...different. She never liked fighting, she simply wanted to be helpful and protect her nakama. I told her I wanted to train her, but it was her choice to accept it. She chooses to accept my offer because she wanted to learn how to fight. But I would never force her to fight as no one should be forced to do something that they don't wish to do. I saw that happen with my wife, Hinata, and I was not going to let that happen again with Wendy."
Mira couldn't help but give Naruto a warm smile. "You really are a good father. A girl could almost fall for that."
Naruto lifted an eyebrow. "Is this you admitting you are interested in me?"
"Well I will say yes, but I would like to know a person first before I make any commitments with any man. I hope this is okay with you?"
Naruto smiled as he brought her closer for a slow dance. "I can work with that. Let's just enjoy this for now." Mira smiled. "I agree."
[Naruto Clone 4]
"You have a lot of questions," Naruto remarked.
Eclair nodded. "Yes, I have so many but I am unsure where to start."
"As I told my daughter before, the beginning is a good place to start."
Eclair glared at him and the smirk he was giving her was not helping. "I...I...I don't have a lot of memories of my past. All I have are bits and pieces, but they are too incoherent to make any sense of. But I know one thing for sure. When I saw you, I felt my mind was on fire and then the images began appearing, but I could not figure anything out from them. But I knew one thing. You may be the key to my memories. So I have to ask do you know who I am?"
Naruto continued to stare at her as he thought about how to approach this. He wanted to slowly ease her in and indulge her curiosity for now, and save the more serious revelations for a more private location. "To appeal to some of your curiosity, I have to ask something. Are you aware of the power you wielded during the invasion?"
Eclair thought back to how she wielded those majestic flames and how they formed into the shape of a bird. She also remembered what the dragon she fought called them. "The power of the phoenix."
Naruto nodded. "Yes. You are a phoenix priestess. You are part of an ancient tribe that worshipped the legendary bird and due to their loyalty, it's said a phoenix blessed the members so that all members and their descendants will have its powers. They have existed for a very long time. Even older than me by a semi-large margin."
Eclair stayed silent as she processed everything she was told. "Phoenix Priestess." the term resonated with her as she felt something within her stir in acknowledgment and...excitement? She was not sure. However, something also seems to click in her mind. "Now it all makes sense..." Eclair gulped. "Why I stayed the same throughout the years but everything else changed."
Naruto gave her gentle squeeze which caused her to look up to his gaze. A gaze that was very comforting and held understanding. "You have been alive for a very long time haven't you?" he asked softly.
Eclair gave a slow nod as she bit her lip. "I have been so alone for such a long time. I thought it would be better if I closed my heart I could lessen the pain, but all that did was make me feel even more empty inside."
"Until you met Mamon and Katja?" Naruto asked. Eclair smiled as she smiled. "Momon was the first friend I made in a long time. He kept me safe and protected something important to me. We found Katja a bit after that. She wanted to go out and see the world, and she knew more about the world at the time than I did. From then now, we just became inseparable. I owe those two a lot."
Naruto nodded. "I know what that's like. The emptiness, the loneliness. It can overwhelm you and could drive most insane." Eclair looked at him with a frown. "And once you've been into that abyss, you never really get out. A part of it always lingers with you." she followed up.
Naruto nodded. "But so long as we follow our light, we can get through anything we find in the darkness." Eclair as she thought about her friends and now her extended family with fairy tail. Family. She never thought about having one in so long, but now realize she has one, it was such a warm feeling. It felt so comforting.
She looked at her partner again. "Is there something else you want to tell me? Do you know anything about my past or my birth parents and family?" Naruto stared as his eyes seem to become blank and glossy, which worried Eclair for a bit until after a moment of silence he answered. "There is much to discuss, but let's put a pin on this conversation for another time. It's best we keep this for a more private place to speak with."
Eclair frowned. She knew Naruto was hiding something, but he did answer some of her questions and he did agree to speak again. This was a chance she could not skip out on. Plus, he was right, maybe it was best to leave such serious talks for later and enjoy the celebrations.
[Naruto Clone 5]
"Hmmmmmm." Naruto hummed a cheerful tune all the while his dance partner tried to burn holes into his head.
"Now how long do you plan to glare at me?" Naruto jokes.
"Until you melt away." Grandeeney retorted as she continued her death glare.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Must you be so cruel? I have done nothing to warrant such animosity from you."
"All you have done since I have come back is tease and embarrass me!" the sky queen hissed.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Oh come now. You have been teased far worse than this. Plus you should know when Anna and Irene noticed anyone interested in me, they immediately began to tease that person and myself. This is nothing new. The only reason I didn't do it earlier when we met in your mindscape, was because I wasn't really thinking about it plus it was the first time we've seen each other in years or centuries in my case." he reasoned.
The blonde then gave her a rather mischievous smirk. "Plus if I recall, you were the one nuzzling me."
Grandeeney was boiling red in anger and embarrassment. "I really hate you."
Naruto smirked. "Same here Gran."
The two continued their amused/angered staredown before Naruto gave a sigh as he gave Grandeeney a more calming gaze. "All kidding aside I am glad to have you back, Gran. I am glad to have all of you back."
Grandeeney sighed as she laid her head onto Naruto's shoulder. "I feel the same, Naruto."
"And soon the others will as well," Naruto said in a resolute tone.
Grandeeney looked at Naruto in suspicion. "What are you hiding?"
Naruto gave her a smirk. "It's a secret surprise. I promise it's nothing bad."
"Is there anything bad you have yet to tell us?"
Naruto tilted his head in thought. "A possible theory I have been thinking about for a long time. But I will save it for another. This is a time to enjoy yourselves."
Grandeeney stared at Naruto in suspicion but decided to drop the topic for now. Better to enjoy the night of peace. They can focus on their adversaries afterward.
[Naruto Clone 6]
"Hmm." Irene hummed as she saw another clone with the sky queen. "I see, Grandeeney, and you are reconciling very easily. She always was a marshmallow under her rough exterior."
"One could argue that Kagura is the same," Naruto replied.
"Nah. She's more of a minor-tsundere if anything, but they are all sweet girls. Kagura. Seilah. Grandeeney. They are all good girls for you."
"I appreciate the help. I really do. Just let me do it at my own pace."
Irene smiled softly at her husband. "I know. You may be teasing and flirting, but I know it's just to help ease them in."
"Never thought I would ever be in a position like this again," Naruto mumbled in amusement.
"On the plus side, you're actually aware of your growing harem." Irene teased.
Naruto rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, how was I supposed to know that so many women would have feelings for me. Especially since back then, I didn't have much to offer?"
"Your bed skills beg to differ." Irene flirted with a very coy smile.
Naruto deadpanned his wife. "Sex skills aside and my reputation as a warrior aside, I just didn't understand what attracted everyone."
The dragon queen gave a gentle and sincere smile to her husband. "Your undying loyalty. Your desire to protect those close to you. Your big heart can have love for so many people. And we all saw how much of a loving father and husband you can be."
Naruto smiled softly at his wife. "Thank you. Just really thank you."
Irene rested her head on his shoulder. "And you never need to always say thank you."
"Still I appreciate everything everyone has done for me. To have this second chance."
Irene nodded. "Yes, second chances." she turned to see Erza dancing with Jellal.
"She's grown up so much without us."
Naruto nodded. "Yes, she has. But she is and always will be our daughter. She can always need a guiding hand and we'll be there to offer it."
"I just hope she doesn't make us grandparents too soon or late."
"Considering our ages, that seems normal in comparison."
Irene raised an eyebrow. "Are you calling me and Anna old?"
"And there is no one else I would wish to grow old with. Present company aside."
Irene giggled. "Flatterer." she then gave him a quick peck on the lips as she laid her head on his shoulder again. "Thank you for coming back to us, Naruto."
Naruto smiled as he held Irene tighter. "Always Irene."
[Original Naruto]
"Hmmm." Anna hummed as she danced with her husband after being apart for centuries. "How long has it been since we dance liked this?"
"I believe the last time was the ball we attended before the start of the dragon civil war."
Anna hummed in acknowledgment. "Oh, yeah. So odd to have a ball before the war."
"More than likely it was to get rid of pre-war jitters."
"That feels like such a lifetime ago," Anna said softly.
"I understand that feeling all too well. But in that long lifetime, our little family has grown so much."
Anna wraps her arms around Naruto's sides in a tight embrace. "Yes it has and I would not have it any other way. Though I must say Wendy getting a mini-harem was not something I expected and slightly unsure how to feel about you influencing her in that way."
Naruto rolled her eyes as he looked at Anna in amusement. "I did not do anything to influence her. She chose to do so on her own."
"Is that a Hinata trait?" Anna asked curiously.
Naruto shrugged. "Maybe. But I say it's something she has from all three of her mothers." Anna merely rolled her eyes in amusement at that remark.
"Hinata is her birth mother. You, her surrogate, carried her for nine months. And finally, Grandeeney raised her when we were preoccupied with the war. All three gave her something important. Like I told her before. There are no other women I would trust with raising her or being her mother."
Anna gave him a sincere smile. "Thank you."
"Regardless of her choices, we will support her all the way, along with the rest of our children," Naruto said.
Anna nodded as the two tighten their hold on each other. "Yes, we will. All of us."
[A Few Hours Later]
It's been a few hours since the ballroom dancing as nearly everyone had gone to sleep. Naruto enjoyed a dance with his wives before switching to have a dance with his other daughters and single granddaughter. It was slightly embarrassing for some of the girls, but they got around to enjoying their dance with their father (grandfather in Meredy's case). Naruto even shared a dance with Hisui and Yukino. Both were rather embarrassed, especially remembering Wendy's words, but Naruto helped them relax and enjoy their dance.
We now find Naruto, Anna, Irene, Wendy, Erza, Katja, Lucy, Ultear, and Meredy getting some fresh air from being inside for so long. Lucy, Erza, Ultear, and Meredy were a bit buzzed due to the alcohol they consumed (though thankfully Erza was prevented from drinking too much). Wendy and Katja were forbidden from drinking anything and Naruto and his wives barely felt anything. It wasn't they couldn't get drunk. They still can get slightly buzzed, though they usually have to enhance their drinks to even get that effect.
The blonde king was currently cuddling with his two wives under a tree with the girls watching from afar with smiles on their faces. Anna then stood as she needed to get some air. As he watched his wife under the veil the moonlight, an idea came to Naruto. It would be the perfect way to end the night of festivities.
He begins to whistle a soft melody, one Irene instantly recognized. The redhead smiled, "Oh, I love this one." she said happily. The blonde smiled at his crimson queen's excitement.
Continuing to whistle, Naruto walked up behind Anna and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Remember our song Anna?" he whispered into her ear softly. Nobody said anything as he continued, only this time his voice was soft and kind, unlike anything they had heard from the King of Dragon's, "I'll swim and sail on savage seas, with ne'er a fear of drowning. And gladly ride the waves of life, if you will marry me~." he sang softly as he raised a hand and pressed the back of his fingertips to her cheek and softly rubbed them across one another, "No scorching sun, nor freezing cold will-" he continued to sing only to stop as Irene walks up to the two and takes Anna's other side and boldly exclaiming, "Will stop me on my journey." she says.
Naruto smiles before turning to his second wife and continues, his voice still holding the tenderness it had when he first started, "If you will promise me your heart," he sings as he gently grasps her hand in his own, the others watching in silence as he waits for her to begin singing, as her part was right after his own, "And love." he urges her softly.
However, when Anna stays silent, Naruto frowns sadly. She had forgotten their marital song and dance after all...he can't really blame her though. It took him years to even remember the lyrics. So he had no right to judge, but it stung his heart that she forgot their song. The one the three of them created to show their unbreakable bond.
However, as he goes to turn away, Anna's voice gently begins to sing, "And love me for eternity." her voice instantly making him perk up in excitement and joy, something the group (except possibly Wendy) hadn't seen before and, "My dearest one, my darling dear, your mighty words astound me. But I've no need of mighty deeds when I feel your arms around me." she says as she raises her arm up which he mimics where the group watched as they placed their forearms together with Irene taking Naruto's other forearm before they suddenly, much to the surprise of everyone watching, began to actually dance. Naruto's voice held a tone of joy and laughter in it as he began to kick his legs in time with Anna's and Irene's, "But I would bring you rings of gold, I'd even sing you poetry (Anna and Irene chortled in joy, "Oh, would you?" she asked happily.)
And I would keep you from all harm If you would stay here beside me." he sang out excitedly. Anna had placed her back against Naruto's chest and held her hands across her chest while holding her husband's left hand and Irene held Naruto's right hand as they seemed to bounce side to side, "I have no use for rings of gold. I care not for your poetry. I only want your hand to hold." she sang as Naruto began to spin around with her in his arms. Naruto's grin of joy was very noticeable now as he sang, "I only want you near me!" he proclaimed proudly. However, the two suddenly began to sing together at a much faster speed to the shock of the others of the group, "To love, to kiss, to sweetly hold!" they called out happily while Erza begins dancing in joy as she cries out, "Hey!" with a large smile on her face, "For the dancing and the dreaming." they sing while Erza grabs Wendy's and Katja's hands and Ultear grabs Meredy's as the two groups begin to twist around in a dance with a laugh, "Come on Wendy-chan! Meredy-chan!" she cheers out happily. While this happens Naruto, Irene, and Anna continue singing, ignoring the interruptions as their joy wraps them up and occupies them.
"Through all life's sorrows and delights, I'll keep your love inside me!" they call out together as this time Erza begins to sing with them, though she continues to dance with Wendy in her arms.
"I'll swim and sail on savage seas, with ne'er a fear of drowning. And gladly ride the waves of life if you will marry me!" Naruto, Irene, and Anna finish as Naruto hoists his wives up into the air and spins her around happily.
Calming down Naruto sets his wife down with a look of satisfaction in his eyes and a smile of enjoyment on his face, "I thought I'd have to die before we'd have that dance again. Or at least the closet thing for death for me anyway." he said softly. Anna and Irene gave a chortle, "Oh there's no need for such drastic measures Naruto." she told him with a smile of her own.
Naruto smiled, "For you, my dears... anything." he tells her softly as he grasps their hands in his own once again, "Can I come home, Anna? Irene?" he asked them.
The two women smiled sincerely as they gave him a kiss on the lips. "Silly Naruto, you don't have to ask a silly question."
"You are already home. With us. You were always welcomed to come back anytime."
Naruto smiled as he brought his two wives into a tight hug as they equally returned it. "Thank you," he whispered.
"You're welcome," they said in unison. The two then looked up to see their daughters and granddaughter watching the scene with big smiles. "And our home has gotten bigger."
Naruto turned to see his daughters watching them. He gave them an incline with his head. The girls were unsure but Anna and Irene nodding told them it was okay. The girls rushed forward to join the group hug. They were truly a happy and whole family once again.
[Few Days Later]
"Man what a mess this has become. I wished things went back to being easy." Doranbolt grumbled as he walked near the outskirts of the capital city.
"Since when has this ever been easy?" a familiar voice said. Doranbolt turned to see Ultear, Meredy, Jellal, and the rest of the released Oracion Seis approaching him.
The memory mage gave them a dull look. "Oh, it's you." Meredy pouted at the attitude Doranbolt was giving them. "Don't act like you're unhappy to see us. You did call us here."
"Yeah." Doranbolt nodded as he looked around. "Are you sure Naruto is not here?" he asked nervously.
Everyone shook their heads as they looked amused at the fear Dorabolt was oozing at the thought of Naruto being close.
"Relax, I think he's preoccupied with his wives and making sure he doesn't disappear again," Meredy explained.
"I doubt father is stupid enough to try," Ultear said in an amused tone.
"Already a daddy's girl, Ultear." Jellal teased. The blue-haired mage was rewarded with a glare from the time mage.
"Don't test me," she warned with Jellal raising his arms in defeat.
Meredy giggled. "Grandpa can be persuasive." Ultear's glare turned to her daughter and the others as they quietly chuckled in amusement.
"Anyway, what news do you bring?" Jellal asked as he tried to get the conversation back on track.
"Just to inform you that the job has been done. The memories of Lahar and the entire council have been reworked. They now think the members of Oracion Seis were offered a deal. If they allowed themselves to become a guild under the council then they would be allowed their freedom and a full pardon for their crimes. They even think that they allowed the Oracion Seis to join together with Crime Sorciere. As of this point, Crime Sorciere is an official guild and a division of Fairy Tail."
The mages all smirked at the devious plan Naruto conducted to get them freed and absolved of their crimes. For a person that has lived a rather reclusive life, Naruto was a rather crafty individual. "We also managed to reinstate Ultear and Jellal as wizard saints. Which is a good thing as we could never get anyone to fill in for your spots. And the king asked for one other person to be considered."
"That must have taken a lot of work," Sorana said.
Doranbolt shook his head in exasperation. "Naruto was a godsend for making this plan work. I seriously wonder if there's anything he can't do."
"Probably minding his own business."
"Considering this involved his daughter, blood or not, you bet he would get involved," Cobra muttered with Ultear giving him a look.
Doranbolt turned to the poison dragon slayer. "So Cobra, I know you all plan to head out to gather intel again, but I need to ask you something. You have the best hearing here. Have any interesting information to inform us of?"
Cobra scoffed. "The Gates to the Hell of the Underworld is about to open."
Doranbolt looked confused before it hit him. "Hell? You mean Tartarous?" Cobra nodded.
"The last of the Balam Alliance. Makes sense they will eventually make a move." Ultear muttered aloud.
"Anything else to add, Cobra?" Jellal asked.
"I have heard that all of Tartarus are demons from the Books of Zeref himself."
The tension around the air thickens as the gravity of what their enemy could be capable of. Doranbolt dragged both his hands down his face. "We really have a full-scale war coming," he said in a terrified tone.
"And we will be ready when it comes," Meredy said in a resolute tone.
Ultear and Jellal nodded as they looked at all of their allies around them. "Yes we will be." the two agreed in unison.
[Days later in the Middle of Magnolia City]
"THEY'RE BACK EVERYONE!"
"WELCOME HOME EVERYONE!"
"EVERYONE LET US WELCOME THE WINNERS OF THE GMG WITH A ROUND OF APPLAUSE!"
"WELCOME! FAIRY TAIL'S GRAND RETURN!"
"We're back, everyone!" Natsu exclaimed.
"Aye!" Happy cheered.
"There are so many people….." Katja said in awe.
"I believe that there are many from outside of Magnolia," Momon replied.
"YAY! We won!" Makarov cheered with Asuka on his shoulders cheering loudly.
"Mira-chan! Look over here!"
"Hai. Hai." Mira waved to her many admirers.
"Man what a welcome." Lisanna marveled.
"We did win the games after all. And fought a dragon army."
"That too." Evergreen agreed from Elfman's left.
"Wow. This is amazing." Lily said.
"Heh. We're the best!" Gajeel boasted.
"Let's all drink to celebrate!" Cana cheered.
"Easy with the booze, Cana." Laxus lectured.
"That fight was awesome Wendy!"
"Your first round was incredible. You were like a ninja, Wendy!"
Wendy giggled as she waved at her new fans. "Thank you everyone for your support!"
'That's right. Bow down to us!' Dark exclaimed as Wendy mentally rolled her eyes to her.
"Good job, Lucy!"
"Thank you, landlady and fisherman."
"You still need to pay rent."
"*SIGH!*"
Naruto patted her shoulder. "If you ever need help just holler."
Lucy nodded in appreciation. "Thanks but I can handle it."
"As you wish," he replied.
"Erza! You were amazing at Pandemonium!"
"That battle with Kagura was incredible! "
"You are just as pretty as your mother."
"Your father is awesome too."
Erza gripped the sides of her arms. "This is all too embarrassing."
"Everyone is watching you." Levi joked.
"Hail the dragon slayer king! Hail the king!"
Naruto groaned. "I am not Tomoe. Don't shout that."
Natsu began to dig into a large bag he brought with him. "I got something to show all of you! TADA!" In his hands was the crown of the king!
"THE KING'S CROWN?! HOW DID YOU GET THAT?!" several members of fairy tail exclaimed.
Natsu quickly shoved the crown in the bag. "Whoops. You weren't supposed to see that."
"Natsu if you get arrested, we are not helping you." Wendy deadpan.
Natsu lifted a large trophy above his head. "The proof of our victory! The King's Cup!"
"I still can't believe it," Droy muttered with tears.
"After ending up in last place for so many years….." Jet continued.
"This still feels like a dream." Warren finished.
"Hooray!" Kianna and Laki cheered.
"Lift it higher, Romeo!" Natsu ordered as he lifted the young fire mage on his shoulders. "Hai!"
"As the mayor of Magnolia, I wish to award you all with a commemorative item."
Makarov scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "An award? You shouldn't have."
"Right this way. Behold! The pride of our town. The fairy tail guildhall is completely restored!"
All the members of Fairy Tail were speechless. Makarov was on the verge of tears. "Mayor, you really are…."
The mayor chuckled. "Oh it wasn't just me." he then turned to the large crowd around them. "The citizens of this town in the restoration, along with a bountiful donation from a certain slayer king."
All the members turned to Naruto. The blonde shrugged. "What? I said I will back my debts. I thought this could be the start of it. Not including what happened in the capital. I also paid off your debts and of all the members, while also leaving a good deposit for everyone. Don't go crazy with it."
Makarov couldn't hold it in anymore and screamed at the top of his lungs. "Everyone here is the absolute best!" Everyone cheered in unison to the return of Fairy Tail to their home and their former glory from seven years ago.
"Hm?" Naruto turned his attention to something he sensed. He felt a pull and looked down to see Wendy looking at him in confusion.
"Something wrong?" she asked. Naruto shook his head. "Nothing important, I just need to get some air, I'll be right back." He quickly disappeared in a black blur.
Wendy tilted her head in confusion but shook her head. Her father just wanted to be away from the large crowd for a while. Plus if anything was bothering him, he'll tell them eventually.
Unknown to Wendy and the others, a familiar black creature was watching the festivities from afar.
"KIKIHIHIHIHIHIHIHI." the black imp cackled as jumped away.
[Deep in the Forest of Magnolia]
Mavis floated above the forests of Magnolia searching for the person she sensed. Someone she had not felt in some time. Soon she found who she was looking for in a clearing surrounded by a black ring where the grass was dried up and dead. "So I was right, you were watching the GMG….Zeref."
"I neither see nor hear you, but I can feel your presence my beloved Mavis."
"Seven years ago you were near me."
"I was near you seven years ago."
"Have you chosen the place you wish to die?"
"I have indeed chosen the place of my death." Zeref looked up in the air.
"For 400 years I have watched the beginning and end of many eras. They always begin and end the same. Prosperity, then envy, then anger, then hatred, then suffering, then war, then death, and then there's anger once more as the cycle begins anew. Whether it was through wars or by Naruto's hands. It always ended the same way. I had hoped that humanity would change, but they simply cling on to the same natures." Zeref frowned as he looked down.
"Humanity will always continue to make the same mistakes." the black mage concluded in a dark tone.
"There are those that continue to live through those mistakes and strive to make this world," Mavis replied.
Zeref snorted in dark amusement as he turned to the spot he felt Mavis was standing in.
"Oh come on, those idealists are some of the worst. They lie to themselves and to the people around them. They say sweet words to wow the crowd, but even they don't believe them as the pressure is placed on them to make good on their promise. And when they crack it all comes falling down around them. Naruto is a prime example of that."
Mavis frowned. "So you will no longer wait?"
Zeref nodded. "Yes, I have made my decision. If the world…..no this universe...perhaps even this reality itself rejects me, then I shall reject everything about it and everyone who lives in it."
"Fairy Tail and to an extent Fishy-nii accept this world as it is and the flaws that come with it." Mavis countered.
"This is my gift to no one. A new world shall be born from the old world's destruction. Free of humanity's hypocrisy."
Mavis looked sadly at her old lover. "I assume that there will be a war?"
Zeref gave her a cold glare as his eyes glowed a dull red as the forest around him died. "No, not exactly. This will be a one-sided annihilation. Not a single being will be spared from my slaughter."
Mavis gave an equally fierce glare in return. "I swear that I, Fairy Tail, and Naruto will stop you. It's you that will be annihilated."
"Alright, are you two done declaring war?" a voice suddenly spoke.
The two were jolted from the one-sided staredown as a familiar dragon king walked forward to them.
"Fishy-nii?" Mavis asked with some hesitation.
Zeref gave the blonde king a nostalgic smile. "Hello, Naruto. It's been a long time."
Naruto nodded. "Indeed, it has been….old friend.
"Are you not going to try and kill me? Have you lost your anger towards me?" Zeref teased.
Naruto felt a vein pop on his head. "Zeref, I was mad at you for resurrecting your brother as a demon."
Naruto glared at the black mage. "I was angry that you made it that if he kills you, he goes with you."
Naruto's whisker marks became darker and more defined as his pupils glowed a deep blue. "I was pissed at you when you turned me into a monster and did nothing to stop me during my massacre."
"I was furious to hear that you seduced my sister's heart." Naruto's growl was inhumane at this point as his eyes glowed white. But he finally sighed to calm himself down as his features returned to normal. He glared at the mage once more.
"Calling me angry at you would be a HUGE understatement. Trying to kill you now would be redundant, and this is not the time or place for that".
Zeref chuckled in amusement. "Despite what you believe, Naruto. I am glad to see you like this again. I prefer you like then your rather reclusive self."
"I watched your battle with Ghidorah. I must say I have not been entertained in a long time. I am sure the other individuals that watched your battle will be interested in Fiore again."
Naruto frowned. "And they are….?" he asked, but Zeref shrugged. "Now why would I spoil it for you?"
Naruto sighed as he decided to see if he could have one question answered.
"Then tell me one thing." the blonde finally said.
"What's that?" Zeref asked.
Naruto glared at the immortal mage. "Who cursed you?"
Mavis looked confused by the question. Everyone that heard the legend of Zeref would know the answer. Zeref looked amused. "You should know about that. Ankhseram."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "That is what you say. That's what the history books say. But I have lived long enough to know the truth. There is no god with that name. That is an alias that the individual used to hide their identity. The entity gave the people of Mildian that false name to worship him under and to hide his true identity."
Mavis looked completely shocked by this revelation as it basically changes aspects about history that have been known for over 400 years. Naruto then spoke up again. "I once asked the primordials why they didn't lift your curse, but they said they were unable to. That should be impossible as the primordial dragon-gods are the peak of power in this reality. The fact they failed would mean that it was another primordial who cursed you. Or at least something just as powerful if they could match the four great primordials of my pantheon."
Zeref chuckled in amusement as he gave Naruto a slow clap. "So you figured that out. Well, I must commend you, Naruto. You are the first to figure it out."
The black mage gave the king a humorless smile. "Then you must be wondering who did this. I will give you a hint. It's someone that you are unexpectedly close to. He was once a member of your pantheon before he was banished for his sins and seemingly killed. But his spirit lived on. He has been here all this time collecting more and more power. His resurrection is inevitable."
Naruto frowned. Who was Zeref talking about? As far as he recalled there have only been three banishments in his pantheon. One was Malefor, the father of the fourth dragon king Spyro. The other was Sketmen. But neither would be strong enough to curse Zeref like this, especially prevent the primordials from lifting the curse. The only other option would be…
Naruto froze. He recalled what Zeref said. They had a connection. How could they not? Naruto carries the will of one of his sons. One of a pair that fought and defeated their father after his sins on early dragon kind and humanity could not be forgiven. His body was turned into dust and sent into the four corners of the universe. How could he still be alive?!
Mavis was shocked to see her brother's face turn a sickly pale white as he began to shake in unmistakable fear. Just what kind of being could make the black dragon of the apocalypse?
"It can't be him. No, he can't be coming back." Naruto denied vehemently. He can't be coming back. That would be worse than any of the worse case scenarios that he had plotted out! Were things spiraling so much out of control without him controlling?!
Zeref looked at Naruto in sympathy. "I don't blame you for your fear. I was just as terrified. Then again most living beings are born with the instinct to fear this being. Even the gods fear him."
"You can't let him return Zeref. If he truly comes back, it will be the end of everything."
Zeref gave him a sad frown. "I am afraid I can not do much. He is using my body as his messenger for a lack of a better term. I can't control or stop his influence or that of the curse he placed on me that has warped my mind, morales, and sanity. He is in complete control of me. He lets speak my mind and move of my own accord, but no deity is able to kill me or track me."
Zeref gave him a tired smirk. "He doesn't see you as a weakling though. He finds you...amusing. He wants to play this game of ours for a bit longer. He wishes for you to get stronger. MUCH stronger. And when you have the power we will face each other."
Zeref then turned away to make his departure. "With that, I will take my leave, Naruto. Train my brother well, and the others. They will need you for what is to come. One last warning. My master's other son will rise soon as well. And he will come after you. The one who holds the will of the younger brother. Good Luck, Naruto." With that, the black mage disappeared into a black portal.
Naruto groaned loudly as he facepalmed and dragged his hands down his face. "Fucking dammit. This is worse than I thought."
Mavis looked concerned as she had never seen Naruto worried/scared about facing someone. "Fishy-nii, what was that about?"
Naruto sighed deeply as he looked at his sister. "Not now Mavis. I will tell you and the others about this another time, I swear, but this is not the time yet. So let's keep this talk a secret." He promised.
Mavis frowned. She really wanted to know what that conversation was about, but she knew that everyone was entitled to their secrets. Plus she knew this would come out eventually.
"Alright." She finally relented. "Let's head back."
Though she really hoped he came clean about ever before things went too far off the rails.
[Unknown Location.]
"Hmmm." A creature's eye briefly opened as it took its surroundings in. A bright orange glow filled his gaze. An incredible heat covered his entire body. It felt as if he was beneath the very crust of the earth, but the heat did little to him.
He felt a pulse of power. Two individuals had fought against one another. Mere ants to him. Rarely would he pay such battles any type of attention, regardless if they were dragons.
However, one of the combatants piqued his interest.
To be more precise, the power he was emitting. It had traces of HIS power. The power of his traitorous little brother. To have the power of his brother, that would mean it was one of his brother's legacies. The so-called dragon kings.
A false king of the highest degree. None of those kings that came after his brother has matched his power, his ferocity, or his majesty. They were frauds. Complete jokers to the name of the dragon king. This current one was no different.
Calling himself the apocalypse dragon? Hah! That hatchling knew nothing of true armageddon. The fact that this dragon was a former human was even more insulting. Those pathetic, squishy insects were good for nothing except for food and target practice. For a pathetic former human to claim his brother's title was infuriating.
No matter, the time of his awakening was fast approaching. Soon he will rise and take this planet from his brother's legacy and make it rightfully his. He will usher in a new era. And when he has gained enough power he will destroy the primordials and take their power before he goes to the very source of all power. The source of all power in this universe. The source of all magic.
As his eyes began to close again as the dark mass sank back into the molten river, one last thought passed before the creature's mind.
"Everything will SHATTER from my awakening as I bring forth armageddon to the land!"
Now I am gonna be preoccupied for a while, but I promise that the next update will feature all of the stories getting updated. I just need to write out a few details, outlines, arcs, etc. before we get to writing. I will make sure that some of them are at least ready before the year-end. So please just be patient.
Unto the next bit of news. I have something special that would be published to celebrate Halloween due to how lackluster it was this year. But I still want to do something to celebrate it. Be on the lookout for that.
Next bit of news. While working on this and the update for RDK, I have brainstormed a lot of other story ideas. So I am wondering which one sounds more interesting for you guys as a concept for a story you would like to see. I would like to say that all these ideas will eventually be published, I just want to know which ones you would like to see first. Here are the ideas:
Legendary Uzumaki: Naruto/DBGT/DBSuper/Maybe Heroes with a minor crossover with Bleach. This will take place near the start of GT, but will also delve into the arcs in dragon ball super. This begins during the Chuunin Exams.
Dragon-fox god: Naruto/DBZ/Super. This story begins from the Last Naruto the Movie and goes from DBZ to Super. Also, minor things from Blue Dragon and D&D will be here. You will understand when you see it. I may use heroes here and not in the DBGT story.
Shaman King of the Leaf: Naruto/Shaman King. This will take place at the end of the Tsunade Arc and go through Shippuden. I will say this will technically take place after the end of Shaman King but there will be a twist. Also minor Bleach elements and other ideas/concepts from other series.
Golden Sun of the Mutants: Naruto/MCU/Xmen. I have always wanted to do an MCU story that includes the Xmen as I really wished they could have connected the universe. Not I will say Only First Class, X1 and X2 will stay intact. Last Stand will be very different. Xmen Origins that ending and the movie overall. No to Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, and Logan (I loved this movie). Like I said things will be very different just with the MCU.
Kaiju Prince: Naruto/Fire Breather/MHA. I just remembered about the Firebreather after watching a bit of the movie and the comics and remembered how cool it was. So I decided to make a story involving my hero academia where they could mix well.
Mystical Kaiju Adventures: Naruto/Godzilla. I was thinking about making this as a story with Dragonball but I am willing to hear other options.
Naruto/Akame ga Kill: Not much to say about this one. Will go through Naruto and into the akame ga kill plot. Will follow the manga for the most part and only some parts of the anime. May bring in certain items from other series as teigu.
Naruto/Legend of Zelda: I don't have a lot of ideas, but this will begin after part I.
Naruto/Hitman Reborn: Minato will be part of the Vongola Family and Naruto will learn to rebuild the Mafia family while slowly expanding its influence throughout all of the elemental nations. Start from the beginning of the series, maybe even before then.
Hakaishin Heir: Naruto/Dragon Ball Super. Yeah, another one. Naruto's world resides in Universe 8, Naruto will be taken as the apprentice of Liquiir. He will train him to eventually replace him. Multiple crossovers in the new Universe 8 with Naruto, Rwby, Fairy Tail, and many more.
Yoko Fox Heir: This is a Naruto/YuYu Hakusho story. This will either begin at the start of the series or be a reincarnation story. There will crossovers with several other series regardless of which one I decide on. Naruto will still have Kurama as his partner, whether it's two or one is up to you guys.
Dragon Container: This was a challenge taken by NaruHina and written by Ferduran. The dragons of Fairy Tail (Igneel, Grandeeney, Metalicana, Weisslogia, Skiadrum) after passing go into the Narutoverse and merge into one dragon and sealed into Naruto. the fox will be sealed in Naruto's sibling in this. My twist is that I will include a few more dragons into the mix. These are Acnolgia, Irene, Aldoron, Atlas Flame, and Animus. They will all combine into a new dragon. Naruto will have the abilities of the original dragons.
A POLL will be up as soon as I update today.
Be on the lookout. Please LIKE, FAVORITE, AND REVIEW! I WILL SEE YOU IN THE NEXT UPDATE!
