Chapter 8 - A Battle Between Brothers
Magnolia town
Siegfried grunted as he could still feel the pain around his body. He may have regained consciousness, but his body wasn't meant to continue fighting right away. It was a giant risk to be running out as his muscles had just repaired themselves and were just going to be teared open again if he did anything taxing on his body again. So all he could do was hope that his enemies would be worn out.
Then he shook his head, "No, I'm putting less faith in myself and underestimating the enemy. I do this all the time. A couple individuals lead by a maniac relying on brute force and deception is no different." he told himself before moving forward.
His first step was to find the nearest path of destruction.
With Erza, a little while later
Erza managed to break free from her petrification. It was most likely due to a side effect of the eye Porlyusica gave her as a child. After that she went out to stop Laxus and his fan club. It was a funny idea really, Bickslow is the mascot, Freed is the president and that leaves Evergreen as the secretary. Speaking of Evergreen, she was the first person Erza ran into.
Evergreen was a bit of a pain to deal with. She was arrogant and conniving and going on about why she deserves the title of Titania. Along with boasting about turning everyone to stone and keeping them as hostages. Though it did make things easier seeing as Erza had greater endurance and versatility. So it was only thanks to Evergreen's arrogance that Erza was able to catch her off balance. However the real shock was who actually caught Evergreen again.
"I think that's enough."
"It can't be! Y-You're still s-supposed to be in a coma!" Evergreen exclaimed.
"Naruto?" Erza asked.
"I heard everything." Siegfried said as he lifted Evergreen up by the throat and slammed her against a wall. "You are releasing my little sister and everyone else NOW!" Siegfried demanded.
Evergreen snorted, "As if you're in any position to force me to do anything. You are as weak as you are lazy. So how about you and Erza here get down like little dogs and..."
*CRACK*
Erza winced as she witnessed Siegfried headbutt Evergreen. Though she could tell her former victim was hurt, Evergreen was the one in real pain as her forehead started to leak a small amount of blood. It didn't stop there as Siegfried slammed her body against the wall.
"That was not a request." Siegfried said as Evergreen gritted her teeth in pain.
"You little... when I get out of this..." Evergreen was cut off as Siegfried let go of her neck and started squeezing her head.
"If people get hurt you WON'T make it out of this alive." Siegfried said as he adjusted his strength to start crushing her skull.
In a desperate attempt, Evergreen removed her glasses hoping to petrify him only for the Sharingan to somehow negate the ability. Evergreen quickly found this to be futile as she desperately tried to peel off Siegfried's fingers. Only to be surprised by the brute force that prevented her from doing so.
"H-Hey, l-let me go. T-This hurts! T-This really hurts!" Evergreen pleaded only for Siegfried to squeeze harder. The false fairy queen was then hit by a harsh reality, "Y-You're r-really trying to kill me! Y-You monster! Let me go!" she pleaded as she lacked the strength to remove Siegfried's arms.
"And Laxus isn't? What do you suppose will happen when those lacrima go off?" Siegfried asked as Evergreen was too fearful to answer.
"E-Erza? H-Help me, we're f-family after all right? Isn't that what Fairy Tail is all about?" Evergreen asked with a scared smile.
Erza didn't like the sight of what was happening. However she didn't wish to help Evergreen as her group's actions were putting lives in jeopardy. It was hypocritical for Evergreen to speak of the guild's philosophy when she is more than willing to harm others for personal gain. Erza merely glared and shattered any hope for Evergreen to come out of this unharmed.
"OK! OK! OK! YOU WIN!" Evergreen screamed as she undid her spell. Siegfried loosened his grip just as more blood started to leak out, "Am I free to go now?" she asked fearfully.
Siegfried stared at her in silence and just let Evergreen live in her own fantasy world until her punishment arrived. Looking down at her arms, Evergreen was horrified by what Siegfried had done. Her arm was turning to stone and started to spread throughout her body. The rogue mage was clearly in absolute fright. How did Siegfried recreate her magic? Even worse, how was she going to get out of this now?
Evergreen could not find these answers as she was left frozen in front of Siegfried and Erza.
"Keep this contained somewhere." Siegfried said.
"Naruto wait!" Erza called out to him.
Her call was left on deaf ears as Siegfried had already left her alone. All Erza could do was watch as Siegfried hopped between rooftops towards his next fight. Leaving the true Titania to reflect on her past actions.
Flashback, the night Siegfried left
Erza felt satisfied as she had believed she had properly disciplined Siegfried for his misactions. Having done that, she saw Gildarts enjoying himself a round of alcohol.
"Hey if it isn't the girl who lived." Gildarts said as the alcohol was starting to take effect on his mind.
"Well I am alive thanks to you." Erza said as Gildarts laughed.
"I wouldn't be there if Naruto didn't send that clone here." Gildarts said as Erza wasn't in the mood to play along.
"Gildarts there's no need to defend Naruto. When he clearly got in the way." Erza said as she was slowly becoming more serious.
"Hey, just because he couldn't do anything but be a meat shield. It doesn't make my godson any less useful." Gildarts said before looking the other way. "I think I can see why Mordred loved that pale guy. You don't need to have a sword when you can be a shield to save others." he said as he noticed his mug was now empty.
"Gildarts you really shouldn't be praising Naruto of all people. He just interrupted my mission and got himself hurt in the process where you had to save us." Erza said stubbornly.
Gildarts wasn't entirely drunk as he could hear some malice in the girl's words, "Erza, I know I had single drink..."
"A barrel doesn't count as a single drink." Macao interrupted as Gildarts brushed him off.
"What I'm saying is that I might be somewhat drunk, but it clearly sounds like you're the crazy one little red." Gildarts said as he turned to her. "Last time I checked, Naruto found you unconscious and tried his best to drag you away from a bandit camp. So don't act high and mighty when he was being kicked to death by being a human shield for you." he said as he kept some restraint from yelling at Erza.
By now, some of the adults were concerned that Erza was becoming rather prideful. It didn't help that while she kept most of the children in line. Erza herself would often let herself get into fights with Mirajane. It wasn't that Erza was acting like she was a superior being like Laxus has been lately, rather that things should run her way and that everyone else is wrong.
"You can't be serious." Erza said in disbelief.
"Erza, no matter how badly you want things. You can never have them if you don't work for them or just try to force them to happen." Gildarts said.
Erza had to agree to that, begrudgingly, "Well I suppose I owe Naruto an apology for what I said to him." she said.
This caught the attention of Gildarts and a few others, "Apologize for what?" he asked before hearing some glass break.
"What the hell was that?" Wakaba asked.
Makarov went to investigate when he saw a frantic Porlyusica run out, "Is something wrong?" he asked.
"It's Naruto, he's gone! His mattress was flipped and all I could see was a blood trail leading to the outside!" Porlyusica said as sweat started to run down her face.
"The kid's gone?" Macao asked as he stood up.
"Everyone go look for Naruto. In his condition, he's in no shape to survive outdoors. Hurry up too! It's raining and it could wash away any chance we have of finding him!" Makarov yelled as the adults started to get up and seek out Mordred's son. He then turned back to Porlyusica, "How bad is it?" he asked.
"Very bad, Naruto's wounds are opened again. He was lucky that Gildarts found him and brought him back in time, but I'm not so sure how it will look if they don't find him in time." Porlyusica said as things looked morbid.
Before Erza said anything, Levy approached them first, "Is Naruto going to be fine?" she asked worriedly.
"He will when we find him. No need to worry Levy-chan." Makarov said hoping to comfort the girl.
Sadly other people felt differently, "Who cares if the loser left. Just leave him." said none other than Natsu.
"Natsu how rude of you!" Makarov berated.
"Hey it's not like the idiot is wrong. Naruto is just holding us back." Gray said uncaringly.
"A spoiled kid like Naruto needs some humility anyways." Mirajane said with a smirk.
For once Erza realized that she wasn't the only one going too far with Siegfried. Had she honestly tried using her power to discipline everyone that she ignored bullying?
"Yeah old man, why should we be worried about Naruto anyways?" Natsu asked as if Siegfried was a waste of resources.
"Natsu how dare you say that!? You two as well! He's your friend and you couldn't care less that he's hurt!?" Makarov asked as he was in no mood for shenanigans.
However all he heard was scoffing, "Naruto's just an annoying puppy. He can't even respect personal space. Especially since he follows Erza around like a love struck puppy." Mirajane said.
"Yeah the guy doesn't leave us alone." Gray said in an annoyed tone.
"Where is all this behavior coming from?" Makarov as if he was confused.
That's when Cana spoke up, "Naruto's being bullied this whole time!" she said.
Mirajane glared at the girl, "Liar!" she yelled.
Cana glared back at the girl, "Naruto didn't want to say anything because he didn't want to get anyone in trouble." she said as Makarov turned to the children with a disappointed look.
"Well he's not innocent either! He's always looking smug and flashing his money around!" Mirajane said as most of the guild looked at her like she was delusional. Mirajane noticed this and looked confused, "What? It's true!" she exclaimed.
However Lisanna also decided to be brave, "You're lying big sister! Naruto is the nicest person here and you keep pushing him away! He even gives you his allowance so you can feed me and Elf!" she accused as Elfman nodded in the distance.
"Are you seriously accusing me!?" Mirajane asked as she was mad that her little sister would say things despite the truth behind her words.
"It's the truth big sister and you're just too proud to admit it." Lisanna said no longer wishing to remain silent.
Before Mirajane could retort, Makarov had enough, "Well once we find Naruto and make sure he's fine, you are all going to apologize to him!" he told them as Mira sulked along with the boys.
"So it's our fault the idiot got a leg cramp?" Natsu asked unaware of the situation.
"Naruto was bleeding from the back and had a large scar on his back that may never heal! So don't act as if my adopted daughter's child is that frail Natsu Dragneel!" Porlyusica yelled making Natsu stumble back.
"S-Scar? What exactly did he to get a scar?" Gray asked rather nervously.
"He saved Erza from being kidnapped from bad men and used himself as a human shield until Gildarts found him." Porlyusica told them. "Even worse, his wound must have reopened and it might get worse if we don't find him in time!" she added as she prepared to leave.
"It can't be that bad can it!? I didn't think I would hurt him that bad!" Erza said.
"What do you mean Erza? It wasn't your fault..." Gray was cut off by another outburst.
"No I mean I hit Naruto. I was disciplining him as I thought he ruined my mission and tried to take credit for himself. So I left him there on the ground!" Erza said which earned her a slap across the cheek by Porlyusica.
"Do you realize what you've done!?" Porlyusica yelled.
"Erza Scarlet! I've tolerated you disciplining the guild but to use violence on others is inexcusable!" Makarov yelled as Erza winced and started to tear up.
"I didn't mean to." Erza said now regretful.
"Erza if it weren't for the fact I'd disrespect Rob's memory, I'd remove that mark and let you fend for yourself elsewhere." Makarov said seriously making the guild looked shocked at how serious Makarov was. "However, that would just encourage you to act the same at someone else's guild. Instead you will face a punishment that will teach better." he said.
Erza wiped away her tears and nodded, "I accept Master." she said.
"Erza Scarlet, for an entire year you will not be allowed to use your magic and see the world through Naruto's eyes." Makarov said.
It didn't sound fair and while others argued that Siegfried had magic through his clones. They were pretty much just meat shields and couldn't perform magic of their own and only lasted longer depending on how much magic they were given. It was a punishment that would cripple Erza if she didn't shape up. It wouldn't be much easier for anyone else either.
Back to reality
Erza shed a tear remembering her stupidity. The day that her pride was a danger rather than a benefit to the guild.
Back with Siegfried
As he slowly regained his strength, Siegfried watched as two large blobs were fighting in the distance. Naruto's second incarnation could only assume that one of Laxus' lackeys got themselves in a fight against an opponent that was equal or greater strength than them. It was rather amazing to witness for anyone in awe of such force. For the ninja lands and the experienced, the attacks would be faster and leave smaller impacts. Until the dull era that came after the third but prior to the fourth shinobi war.
A shinobi's job wasn't to show off power or unleash destruction against a single opponent. So it's more natural to be faster, but cause less destructive attacks. You needed to win the fight with a kill, not blast the entire battlefield. Someone was getting reckless.
The fight ended once the combatants had crashed into the ground. Siegfried approached the crater and witnessed Mirajane had regained her control of her magic and was pummeling Freed who was transformed as well. However instead of anger and discipline that was being dispensed. Mirajane was unleashing her hatred and intent to kill. Siegfried used his sensory and could sense bloodlust and could see very clearly that Mira wanted Freed to suffer.
'A lot of dark mages are better off gone and without a proper funeral. However a few like Freed deserve worse.' Siegfried thought as he approached the beatdown.
Mirajane's frenzied state left her unaware of everything else around her. All she was focused on was Freed's face and how badly she wanted it to explode. Wishing that her fists could deliver more power. Meanwhile Freed was too shocked and in too much pain to move away. His suffering briefly ended once Siegfried interfered and grabbed Mirajane's wrists and pulled her off of him.
"Naruto let me go! I'm not done with him yet!" Mirajane yelled as she tried to pull away. Siegfried however activated the circuits in his arms to enhance his grip, "Let me go, I'm need to..."
"Torture Freed like the sadist you were to me?" Siegfried asked.
There are two sayings in this world. "The pen is mightier than the sword." and "Whoever holds the sword, holds the pen." but in this case, Siegfried held the pen and ripped away the sword. Perhaps in a twisted way, Siegfried stabbed Mirajane with the metaphoric pen. For Mirajane's view was shattered.
"Do want this path Mirajane Strauss? To end someone's life? Will it satisfy you? That your inferiority complex makes you want to celebrate killing Freed?" Siegfried continued to ask. So many questions in quick succession, "If that were me, I would have ended Freed's life, but I'm different. People don't expect less of me. I get rid of dark mages all time, so people don't suffer like I have to." he said before letting go of one of the hands and tossing a kunai.
Mirajane turned her head to see Freed screaming as the kunai impaled his hand into the ground. From the looks of it, Freed was trying to stand up and is now restrained.
"If you are willing to live with the fact that you killed someone out of hatred. To live the rest of your life knowing having unleashed your hatred to purposely harm someone. Then go right ahead. Your prey is caught in a snare." Siegfried said as he shoved a kunai in her hand.
Mirajane's transformation went away as her eyes dilated. She began to get teary eyed as she looked down at the weapon before Siegfried left. Turning to Freed, Mira covered her mouth in horror as she saw Freed's current state. The man was clearly in fear and panicking for his life as he tried to remove the kunai without severing his arm off. Seeing Mira's shadow, the green haired man started to cower like the lowlife he is and used his good hand as cover.
Only to hear Mira toss away the blade and cover her eyes. As she let out a loud cry of sorrow.
Siegfried closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he drowned out Mirajane's sorrowful regret. After leaving the crater, Siegfried turned his head towards Elfman, Cana and Juvia who were all injured. Siegfried sighed as he created three clones to start treating them with the little medical techniques he was taught. Seeing that they were in good hands, Siegfried turned his attention to the final battle.
Cathedral
Upon entry, Siegfried was greeted with the sight of Natsu crashing into a wall beside him. Then Gajeel being kicked away. Gajeel? Siegfried looked at the sight of Gajeel and noticed a the Fairy Tail emblem on his shoulder. Siegfried shook his head, he would have to ask about that later seeing as he had the real threat.
Standing a couple meters in front of him was Laxus, bearing a heavy sword and some armor. It was a strange phenomenon, but Siegfried had to be prepared for any enemy regardless of what skills they were hiding.
"Damn it Laxus! First Erza, then Naruto and now you!?" Natsu asked before noticing Siegfried as he climbed out of the wall. "Now you decided to wake up from your nap!?" he asked as he went up to Siegfried's face.
Siegfried lifted up the dragon slayer by his head, "Natsu, what is that armor?" he asked as he heard Laxus laugh in the distance.
"Stupid Laxus got some fancy shiny armor and a sword and for some reason I can't burn it!" Natsu answered angrily.
Siegfried nodded as he tossed Natsu outside, "Magical resistance? It must have come at a heavy price." he asked as he started walking closer.
Laxus moved closer as he dragged his sword behind him, "Only for the best and it's time I got rid of the trash and finally make this the real guild it should be." he said arrogantly.
Siegfried scoffed, "Pitting guild members against each other? Trapping citizens in a situation where they could die? You will be a hunted down like a dog before this nation sees you as a guild master you fool." he said.
"A real master isn't afraid of what some stupid pencil pushers have to say." Laxus said as he swung his sword down on Siegfried.
Using all his speed to slash at Siegfried to signify that the time for chatting is over. Siegfried managed to side step out in time and summoned Excalibur Mimic to his side and blocked the next heavy strike. Siegfried could sense the excitement leaking from Laxus as he applied all his energy into the sword. Most likely from the thought of an easy victory knowing that he had just awakened from his coma. However the Azure Knight was in no mood to be dealing with an upstart wishing to take a guild by force.
Siegfried activated Excalibur Mimic's ability to transform and turned it into a claymore to push back against Laxus' own blade. Laxus continued to swing down his own sword with great precision and speed. Siegfried struggled as his body wasn't used to moving so quickly yet but at the same time he felt strange. Siegfried knew Laxus was fast due to being a lightning user, but his style was still sloppy. Capable of fighting, but his skills alone wasn't that of someone deemed S class.
(Fate Apocrypha OST - Where It Begins)
He could tell as the style was rather of a berserker's style. Laxus' swings were powerful, but random and savage like despite the speed and precision. It's only thanks to Siegfried's conditions that Laxus doesn't need to worry about his opponent fighting back as quickly. Knowing this, Siegfried pushed through the numbness and exhaustion to fight.
"Fight back Naruto! I thought you were hot shit!" Laxus yelled as he slammed his sword down onto Siegfried's blade once more. "Or are you just some bitch for some princess in a fancy dress!?" Laxus taunted as he slapped Siegfried away.
Siegfried rolled back as he lifted up his sword and parried Laxus' attack before kicking him in the chest. Laxus didn't feel any pain from the attack and tried to head but Siegfried which only made his head collide with the claymore. While still not feeling much pain, the lightning dragon slayer did feel a bit disoriented which left him wide open for Siegfried to channel wind into his sword and slash down at his armor.
"Wind Style: Cross Slash!" Siegfried yelled as he slashed at the armor leaving only a few scratches.
"It's anti-magic idiot!" Laxus yelled in a cocky tone as he slammed down his sword.
"You are the idiot Laxus." Siegfried said as he parried away the sword and formed a couple of quick and seals. He then jumped over the traitor's slash, "I use chakra. Wind Style: Air Bullet!" he yelled as his bullet slammed Laxus against the floor.
Laxus gritted his teeth as he felt a lot of pressure from the attack, 'Damn it! If he didn't have the skill to learn real magic, he had to learn something else!' he thought angrily as he stood back up.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Siegfried yelled out as a giant gust of wind sent Laxus flying.
Laxus snarled as he kept finding himself being tossed around like a broken toy. However he noticed Siegfried stopping to catch his breath. He smirked seeing as Siegfried was still not at full strength to take him on. Laxus decided now was a good time to bust out the dragon slayer magic and put the weakling in his place. Laxus had charged up a heavy amount of his Lightning Dragon Slayer magic that caused his muscles to grow and make his gauntlets start to crack as his body expanded.
"Lightning Dragon's Quake!" Laxus yelled as he slammed down his sword and created a streak of lightning to go after Siegfried. He was then angered to see that Siegfried had managed to get away in time, "Try this! Lightning Dragon's Breakdown Fist!" he yelled as a fist made of lightning flew right at him.
Siegfried cursed his lack of stamina and slammed his hands on the ground, "Earth Style: Earth Wall!" he yelled out as a large wall surrounded him only to be shattered by the attack that sent him skidding back.
Siegfried slowly got back and looked up to see Laxus jumping down at him. The Azure Knight rolled away as to avoid impalement. Not giving his foe a chance to keep attacking, Siegfried formed a few hand seals hoping to distract Laxus long enough to give him a chance to change armors.
"Fire Style: Intelligence Hard Work!" Siegfried yelled as Laxus was engulfed in a large explosion by the fire technique.
(Soul Calibur 3 OST - Forsaken Sanctuary)
Laxus only laughed as he stepped out of the fire and dusted himself off. Only to glare at Naruto who was wearing his crystal armor. Laxus once again charged himself up with Lightning and slammed down his sword onto Siegfried who blocked it immediately along with the succeeding rapid strikes that came afterwards. in between strikes, Laxus became clumsy and mistepped during a couple of his strikes. That left Siegfried wish a chance to slash at his gloved hand and made the man drop his sword.
Despite showing enough skill and some grace for sword arts. Laxus allowed his emotions to take over which added more clumsy movements in his fighting style. His blind anger made it easier for Siegfried to slash at him and send him flying into the air. Just as Laxus was about to escape using his lightning, Siegfried used a shunshin to appear behind him and deliver a powerful axe kick onto his back.
"Heavenly Foot of Pain!" Siegfried yelled as he had used enough chakra into his leg to send Laxus plummeting back into the ground.
Laxus yelled in pain as he felt his armor take a heavy toll from the kick as it trapped him inside of a crater. Siegfried landed away from Laxus and started to take deep breaths as he wiped away the sweat from his forehead. This fight is going on for too long and he needed some rest to prepare himself. After all, Laxus is too stubborn and accepts nothing but a true victory. Given his unstable behavior, it was tricky to understand what he assumed an absolute victory would look like.
For now, Siegfried prepared one technique to give himself some time to rest and likely create a few clones to help him heal and fight. So after changing Excalibur Mimic's form to that of a Tanto. Siegfried formed a quick and seal and made quick stabbing motions towards Laxus who had already recovered. What Laxus didn't know was that he was now trapped in a minor illusion. His armor does great against magic and most jutsus due to them being standard elements rather than raw chakra.
However Siegfried tapped into his memories as Naruto from when he saved Koyuki Kazahana in the Land of Snow. Back then, they had prototype armor meant to cancel ninjutsu and genjutsu. So from what Siegfried witnessed, Laxus has no defense against genjutsu and other types of illusions. His plan worked as he could see Laxus dashing around and waving his sword into the air as if he was being surrounded by a near infinite number of swords.
'Good, the Konoha Ryu Yanagi worked.' Siegfried thought as he was out of Laxus' line of sight for the moment.
At the same time, outside
After the girls at the guild were saved and placing Evergreen somewhere secure. Erza made her way to the cathedral where the final battle had occurred. When she arrived, she found Freed was bound against a rock while Cana and Juvia were covered in bandages along with Elfman who was wide awake. Erza smiled as she saw that Siegfried and his clones were the ones that were healing them. Meanwhile Mira was sitting by herself and looked like she had been crying.
Before Erza could approach Siegfried, two of the clones approached him and fused with him, "Take care of your sister Elfman. I need to help to original inside." he said as he entered the cathedral.
Erza looked saddened as her former guildmate ignored her. However her attention was then turned to a fearful looking Gajeel who was hiding behind some debris. Along with Natsu who was hurt and sulking as he looked at the cathedral that was being bombarded with explosions from the inside.
"What's wrong with you?" Erza asked.
"Stupid Laxus is using a cheap suit of armor to block my flames. Then Naruto kicked me out along with Gajeel." Natsu said as he was bitter about having his fight taken away.
Erza patted Natsu's head, "Good, you can learn patience and get your rest for now." she said as Natsu growled at her.
"Why do all you armored freaks like to mock me!?" Natsu yelled in frustration.
Back inside
Erza ignored him as she made her way inside of the cathedral. There she witnessed Laxus in his armor as he started to slap his helmet. As if he was a lunatic, but it was safe to say that he was likely on his way to becoming one. The real reason for this was to break free of the genjutsu Siegfried put him in. By the time he did, he was swarmed by several clones that were all armed.
Erza was shocked to see that Laxus of all people could use a sword and with great skill too. Seeing as he was able to block and parry most of the attacks from the ambush of the clones. Though it did look like his armor was finally starting to give out with all the tears and cracks surrounding the armor. So with one greater roar, Laxus unleashed a powerful electrical charge which destroyed all of the clones.
As for Siegfried, he hid himself behind some more walls made of earth that were partially destroyed. Just as Laxus was about to strike at Siegfried with his lightning charged sword, another clone appeared over him. The clone started to twirl like a top as he enhanced his leg with chakra as he delivered a powerful blow to Laxus.
"Heaven Spear Kick!" the clone yelled as he used all his power to send Laxus crashing back into the ground.
Despite the power of the attack being below Tsunade's true strength. The clone was able to deliver enough of a blow to dent into the cuirass. Unknowingly breaking a couple of ribs as Laxus started to cough violently.
(End of Song)
Laxus grunted as he tried to stand only to fall. The hit he took was a bit too much and left his constitution to weaken. Siegfried slowly walked up to Laxus who struggled to get up.
"It's over Laxus, your blind pride defeated you today." Siegfried said as Laxus snarled.
"It's not over until you lose Naruto!" Laxus yelled as he tried to stand only for Siegfried to kick him back down.
"Why the hatred Laxus? Your anger does not empower you. You assume that power is everything, that you are blessed and that everything should be handed to you. You really are your father's child." Siegfried said as Laxus growled.
"Well you're worse! You murdered my mother you damn parasite!" Laxus yelled which only earned him a beating in the form of having his helmet ripped off and being slapped around.
"Don't speak high and mighty Laxus. You know a baby can't kill a woman as strong as our mother. You are merely trying to find an excuse to place hatred on!" Siegfried yelled as he kept Laxus down. "Do you even have any perception of reality! Your actions only encourage the government! If you win, do you think the kingdom itself will ignore the innocents you will end up hurting!? Think Laxus! Think!" he yelled as he slapped him again.
Laxus grunted as he spat out some blood, "You're one to talk. You have everything. You got a fancy rank, a fancy title, a high reputation and now you're the one lecturing me!?" he asked angrily.
"You know nothing Laxus. You have a family, a guild to call home and friends who never abandon you or call you weak!" Siegfried yelled as he lifted up Laxus and looked him in the eye. "I have seen the horrors of the world! I've seen evil. I've seen the love of my life die. I've been hurt, scarred and nearly killed so many times in this world while you've been flaring one power and abandoning our mother's way!" he yelled. "If our mother Mordred was alive right now... would she approve of your actions?" he asked.
It was a simple question. Erza who had been listening assumed Laxus had likely lost his mind. Thinking that Laxus would either laugh or scoff at the question. Instead, her fellow S class mage remained silent before screaming out in frustration. As if the man was releasing all of his pent up anger. All of it lost, like nothing mattered until Siegfried lost.
Siegfried could sense it, all the negative emotions were leaking out of Laxus. Siegfried had just said that anger does not empower the user, but that does not mean that the one who is angry will not unleash all the power that their body is capable of releasing.
"LIGHTNING DRAGON'S ROAR!" Laxus yelled with all his furry.
Siegfried narrowed his eyes as he switched weapons and armor once more. Switching to his Tribute Armor and revealing Soul Calibur, Siegfried had used a quick wind jutsu and sent Erza flying back outside. He knew she wasn't here too long, but at the same time he could sense her need to interfere. He had no time for others to get in the way and left her outside. Before Erza could try to get back in, Siegfried slammed Soul Calibur two ways.
Both ways created a giant wave of crystals with one blocking the entry way and the other doing it's best to combat the lightning magic.
(Naruto Shippuden OST - The Screaming God)
Siegfried grunted as he stood tall and felt his joints make popping noises. The rest helped a bit, but now it seems that Laxus is only becoming more dangerous. So now his senses were higher now that Laxus was using more brute force with less focus on his attacks. That only made Laxus much more unpredictable with every strike Laxus tried to land.
Just as Siegfried found himself in a clash, he could hear Elysium's voice, "That blade is just like Mimic. I do not know where he obtained it, but it's materials are the same as Mimic." Elysium told him.
'Is it somehow affecting his style?' Siegfried thought through a shared mental link.
"I believe it may be increasing his speed alone." Elysium answered as Siegfried could sense the speed becoming more intense.
That's when Siegfried came up with an idea, 'Do you think you can help fuse it back with Mimic if I can separate Laxus from the sword?' he asked having attempted this before with Soul Calibur.
"A bit of a risk seeing as the Holy Sword initially rejected my power. However it should function better if that's one of the potential fragments of the true Excalibur." Elysium exclaimed as Siegfried parried Laxus' next strike before dodging another.
'Very well, his speed and grip don't mix and shouldn't take too long.' Siegfried thought as he started fighting back with his own strength.
"Lightning Dragon's... GAH!" Siegfried stopped Laxus' attack by shoving the back of his hilt inside of Laxus' mouth.
Laxus however continued to unleash his dragon's roar, but wasn't able to release it as a full attack. Which gave Siegfried a chance shoulder rush him and tackle him into the ground. Laxus lifted his sword and attempted to swat Siegfried away only for him to parry the attack and cut his hand. Forcing Laxus to drop the weapon. Just as Siegfried had attempted to run after the blade, Laxus grabbed his leg and tossed him away.
Siegfried recovered by stabbing his sword into the ground. Not stopping to rest for even the slightest moment, he formed more hand seals to combat Laxus who was charging right at him.
"Earth Style: Bullet Rock Technique!" he yelled as he summoned a large rock at the ground to hit Laxus.
Naturally, Laxus just destroyed it with his recovered sword. Though it did briefly obscure his view and once it returned. Siegfried was gone and had appeared behind Laxus and struck him with Soul Calibur before bashing him across the room. Siegfried chased after Laxus who quickly recovered and used his own speed to dash him.
At this point it was difficult to describe the battle as no one with sharp eyes or heightened was present. All that could be said was that there were two blurs running at rapid speed repeatedly collided for an entire minute. When that minute ended, the two warriors appeared again but were both sliding back from the impact of the last strike. Laxus, who had far too much stamina left in his body, dashed at Siegfried and tried stabbing him several times.
Siegfried managed to avoid half the strikes and thanked his heavy armor was able to block some of it. So once the last stabbing motion came, he sidestepped and raised his sword high into the air before slamming it down on Laxus who crashed down onto the floor. Laxus then rolled away to avoid Siegfried's attack as he slammed his sword onto the ground several times in an attempt to catch him.
The two then engaged in another struggle as their swords clashed. However, Siegfried only used a single arm as he made a quick hand seal. The jutsu had coated his entire arm in earth. Which gave him the chance to smash his fist into Laxus' unprotected face, thus making him stumble backwards.
Laxus groaned as he quickly raised his hands in the air and channeled more lightning, "Lightning Dragon's Heavenly Halberd!" he yelled as he created a halberd made of lightning itself.
Siegfried create a pair of clones that started rotating their arms around, "Wind Style: Air Dome!" they yelled as they prepared a defense against Laxus attack.
While the real Siegfried used yet another earth jutsu to hide underground, "Earth Style: Hide Like a Mole Jutsu!" he called out just as the dome was hit.
The wind dome wasn't enough to stop the attack, but that didn't stop Siegfried from popping out of the ground and shoving his sword in the crack of of the cuirass. What Siegfried didn't know was that while Laxus is a dragon slayer because of his lacrima, he still obtained a form of Dragon Force. Though it looked like steroids gone wrong, but still maintained hardened skin. Making it difficult for his blade to pierce him in his current form. Thought that was a good thing considering Siegfried wasn't aiming to kill him.
So as Siegfried's sword was stuck in his chest armor. Siegfried used his momentum to slam Laxus down on the ground and hitting him several times while he was on the ground. After being hit for the last time, Laxus blocked the sword with his free hand and punched Siegfried hard enough to make him skid back. When he stopped, he saw Laxus trying to punch off his head with a fist coated in lightning. Siegfried used a kawarimi just in time to avoid the attack and confusing Laxus long enough to perform another move.
"Wind Style: Violent Whirlwind!" Siegfried yelled as he blew Laxus away.
"Lightning Dragon's Roar!" Laxus yelled in midair as his lightning overpowered Siegfried's Wind and sent him crashing into the altar.
Siegfried was lucky that his armor also had some anti-magic properties. Though it didn't help that the impact was still pretty big. Or that Laxus jumped down onto him and started punching his helmet covered face. Still seeing that the man had some rage inside of him, Siegfried quickly kicked Laxus who came right with one last right hook that dented his helmet.
"Ok now you've done it baby man! Rasengan!" Siegfried yelled as he slammed the orb of chakra into his abdomen and sent him flying into the ceiling before crashing back down.
Siegfried struggled to stand as the battle needed to come to an end right now. From the looks of it, Laxus has also had enough.
"I'm ending this now Naruto. This is the power of the true Fairy Tail guild master!" Laxus exclaimed as he summoned a large orb of magic in the palms of his hands.
"Such power does not belong to a madman Laxus. If that power does what I know it does. I'll dish out the same amount of pain onto you tenfold!" Siegfried yelled as he summoned Clarent to his side.
"Only if you can still stand after this!" Laxus yelled back as the orb became bigger and brighter.
Siegfried raised Clarent high into the air as it started to unlock like some sort of machine. The blade itself was then engulfed in red energy that broke a giant hole in the ceiling as it glowed brightly. He then took aim at Laxus and prepared to unleash one of the most devastating attacks that his mother Mordred was known for.
"I'll say this not as a King, but as a loyal knight. Anything to disturb the King's peace will be crushed!" Siegfried exclaimed as he channelled all the energy he could into his final attack.
The two brothers had then unleashed their attacks with a couple second intervals. Thus showing their intentions of how they wished for the battle to end.
"Fairy Law!" Laxus yelled as the entire town was soon engulfed with the guild's most powerful attack.
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Yet nothing happened, everyone stood fine. There was no panic, no harm, no healing, no fear, no loss or victory. Laxus perfected the technique just enough for it too work and yet it failed.
Siegfried noticed this just as he unleashed his attack, "Clarent Blood Arthur!" he yelled.
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But this attack also failed as it didn't hit it's intended target. Laxus stood fine despite the massive attack nearly destroying him. Instead, the attack passed by him and destroyed a portion of the cathedral before making its way to sea and creating a large explosion once it hit the barrier.
Not believing what had happened, Laxus slowly turned around to see what happened, "What the..." his thoughts were interrupted when Siegfried pulled him down by the hair.
Siegfried then forced Laxus to meet his gaze as he had activated the Sharingan for the first time during this fight. Laxus collapsed into Siegfried's arms who then gently placed him onto the ground before stumbling outside of the cathedral. Where he noticed that the lightning lacrimas were all about to activate and destroy the town. Siegfried struggled to stand as he would desperately find a way to force the barrage of lightning magic to be redirected elsewhere, but was too weak and exhausted at the moment.
That's when the true hero arrived. A young man in a pretty dress with long pink hair tied in a braid arrived riding a hippogriff.
"You have to be kidding me." Siegfried muttered by who he saw had arrived.
"Casseur de Logistille!" yelled the individual as several book pages scattered around them and redirected all the lightning at them.
What was then a giant explosion which the civilians confused for a display of fireworks. Revealed the individual had been surrounded by a barrier and survived the onslaught. Though he appeared to be rather fragile from having been hit and started to have issues with landing. By landing, the individual meant crashing.
"Don't worry Sieg... I... I saved the... the day." the individual said as he stumbled around and fell on his butt.
Siegfried pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "The one time I don't need you and you somehow saved the day. What would I do without you Astolfo?" he asked as he looked at the boy who had swirls in his eyes.
"Hero?" Astolfo mumbled.
"Yes, you're a hero." Siegfried told the feminine looking boy.
The next day
Siegfried had returned to the guild to receive treatment... again.
Along with Laxus who was pretty banged up and lost consciousness at the time. Along with Astolfo who decided to pay a random visit after not seeing Siegfried in a couple of years. So after a lot of scolding from his grandmother and getting fixed up. Fairy Tail attempted to make things normal again, but it didn't help that the guild glared daggers at a guilty and humbled looking Laxus.
"Traitor!"
"Trash."
"What is he even doing here?"
"The guy almost got everyone killed."
"He should be kicked out."
(Black Clover OST - Senritsu)
The insults went on and Siegfried made his presences known by slamming one of his swords onto the ground and unleashed enough killing intent to freeze the guild in it's place.
"ENOUGH!" Siegfried roared as he released his own killing intent forcing everyone to be silenced.
In a way, everyone was more terrified of the runaway weakling and would rather hear some discipline from Erza instead. At least then Erza would make the punishments quick and painless.
"I know what adopted brother did was stupid, but what's done is done. This behavior only encouraged him and I will tolerate it in my presence. Unless someone has a complaint you can take it up with me." Siegfried said as he started lowering his killing intent.
"FMM MMM NNNMM!" Siegfried noticed Natsu was talking to him while most of his face was bandaged up.
The Azure Knight merely lifted him up by his head and tossed him at the stage, "I have no time for any more petty fights." he said as he went up to visit his grandfather who a stroke as the fight went on.
(End of Song)
Infirmary
Upon entry, the two men watched as Makarov was standing there waiting for them. Giving the two of them a serious look. Why you may ask? Laxus pretty much committed treachery and to some extent, terrorism. Siegfried had gotten himself badly injured as well as getting back up just to fight Laxus. Which earned him more wounds considering his muscles took a couple of weeks to recover alone.
"I was livid, but now I am calm. My thoughts are clear and I will say what I need to say without getting overly emotional." Makarov said as he cleared his throat. "Fairy Tail is a guild based on the foundation of family and friendship. It's been this way since the first master, Mavis Vermillion, had founded the guild. Today's events could not have only destroyed the guild and it's beliefs, but the entire town of Magnolia." he said as Laxus winced as he realized he took it too far.
"And that's why the pink wonder saved the day." Siegfried said as he referred to Astolfo who was unconscious in one of the beds.
Makarov ignored that comment, "As I was saying, while I mentioned that I couldn't care less about random opinions about the guild. Today was too intense, you both realize that as guild master this is something I can't bat an eye to." he said as Laxus only felt worse by the minute. However Siegfried's hand on his shoulder managed to calm him down a bit, "Before I get to punishments, I think it's time I reveal my own truth. Something I should have mentioned, but couldn't" he said catching the two off guard.
Was Makarov hiding something from the two of them?
"Your mother, Mordred, when I brought to the guild. She was a reclusive brat. She didn't like all the noise and the rough housing. I was sure Mordred would have cut a few heads off by the end of the month I brought her home. However she changed, I taught her the meaning of family and that's all she needed." he explained. "Mordred then became what you youngsters call, a tsundere. The brat even had the gall to demand a fight from me every other week promising that if she won, she would become guild master." he continued.
The idea was funny, they did know Mordred was said to be prideful and a bit jealous at times.
"Overtime, Mordred put that thought away in the meantime. Mordred learned what it meant to fight for herself versus fighting for others. I suppose Sieg appearing kind of encouraged that." Makarov said now referring to Siegfried's father.
"Pardon my interruption, but what does speaking of mother have to do with anything?" Siegfried asked.
"Naruto, your mother was like Laxus in a way. However she learned the importance of family and strived to be the best. You do remember that Erza isn't the first Titania of the guild don't you?" Makarov asked. "Nostalgia aside, your mother loved you both and did when her unforeseen death came. She hoped one of you would take my place when she couldn't. Now that I have that out of the way, I think it's time to learn the truth about Mordred." he said as the two looked surprised.
Now their mother was hiding something?
"Laxus, you know well that your father wasn't a good man. Not by a longshot and Mordred herself personally beaten him up when I called for his excommunication. Not only that, but along with several other shady illegal actions, he stole one of Mordred's ovaries by paying off a doctor she saw at a local clinic." Makarov said as he was about to drop the metaphoric bomb.
"What are you saying old man?" Laxus asked.
Makarov took a deep breath as he gave the answer, "Your parents didn't completely abandon you." he said first as he closed his eyes. After opening them again, did he drop his final piece, "Mordred is your real mother. That means Naruto is your biological half brother." he said as Laxus was stunned by the revelation.
Later that night
The fantasia parade continued and people forgot about the attack despite the fact that a cathedral was clearly destroyed. Because of such action, Makarov was then forced to excommunicate Laxus from the guild. With hope that Laxus can take his exile as a chance to reflect and earn back his place in the guild. Laxus accepted the punishment and his Thunder Tribe offered to go with him in exile to which he declined.
While Laxus believed it was his actions alone that caused the civil war. He also knew they were trying to get out of punishment from Siegfried's wrath as Freed got stabbed in the hand and Evergreen almost got her head crushed before being turned to stone. Bickslow was very scared as to what Siegfried was going to do to him since he was lucky enough to be defeated by Lucy and Leo who teamed up on him. Though it was embarrassing to get beaten up by a weak cheerleader.
Just as Laxus was prepared to leave, he was stopped by the sight of his brother who was waiting for him in the streets. Siegfried carried a large bag that looked like it contained a sword. Laxus had just forgotten about the nice sword that increased his speed so he assumed Siegfried came back to give it back.
"You'll need this for where you're going." Siegfried told him.
"You didn't have to give it back." Laxus said.
"I didn't." Siegfried replied as he handed it over. "What you had was a fragment of Excalibur and you're too reckless to hang onto it." he said as Laxus unwrapped the bag.
"Wait, this is..."
"Hang onto it, she wanted you to learn it anyways. You have more memories of her, but I already have enough swords." Siegfried said as Laxus pulled out the blade.
In his hands was Clarent, Mordred's sword that she carried everywhere that Siegfried took when he returned to the guild. Now it belonged to Laxus.
Laxus shook his head as he tried to give it back, "I can't..." Siegfried then cut him off.
"You will. Learn the blade, learn the style, learn what matters most." Siegfried said as he pushed Clarent back to Laxus.
For a brief moment Laxus remembered something Mordred told him.
Flashback
At five months pregnancy, Mordred and Laxus watched as the floats went by them. They laughed and cheered as the parade continued.
"Are you having fun Laxus?" Mordred asked.
"Lots of fun mommy!" Laxus answered as Mordred couldn't help but kiss his cheek.
"Good, because someday I'm gonna be guild master and I'll make more of these parades happen." Mordred told him.
Laxus smiled brightly, "Mommy, you gonna be master like grandpa?" he asked.
"Of course, I think I'll make a great guild master." Mordred said rather arrogantly.
"Because you're the strongest?" Laxus asked.
Mordred shook her head, "No, even if I did beat up grandpa a hundred times over. I can't be guild master like that." she said confusing him. "I'm gonna be guild master because I love and protect my family. Because I care about everyone and want them to be happy like your grandpa wanted me to be." she said.
"I get it! Can I be guild master if I protect my baby brother?" Laxus asked curiously.
Mordred giggled as she lifted him up in her arms, "Of course, baby Sieg needs attention too. So who else will he want besides his big brother?" she asked.
Laxus nodded, "I'll do it mommy! I'm gonna fight for everyone! So when I become guild master like you, I'm gonna do this!" he said as he made a strange hand gesture where he pointed at the sky.
"What is that?" Mordred asked now feeling confused.
"It means, if I can't see you when I'm up there. No matter how far you are. I'll watch you and baby Sieg." Laxus said as tears fell down Mordred's eyes. "Did I say something bad mommy?" he asked fearfully.
"No Laxus, you just make me proud. There's nothing that makes me more happy than having you and your brother. I love you baby boy." Mordred said as she kissed his forehead.
end of flashback
At that moment, Laxus dropped everything and hugged Siegfried. He hugged his brother and refused to let go of the embrace. Surprising the younger brother he neglected for so long. In a way, it was paying repentance for his past sins.
"Goodbye baby brother." Laxus said before letting go and grabbing his bags.
"Goodbye... big brother." Siegfried said as Laxus left.
Both unaware of the many people that watched the display of affection.
Later
As the parade continued, Laxus looked at his silly grandfather dancing on one of the floats. All the while he smiled knowing the guild was fine just the way it is. Hoping that his journey would teach him to be a better person. Just as he was about to leave, he surprised by one last gesture.
"Susanoo!" yelled a voice.
Just as Natsu was about to make his appearance. He was upstaged as Siegfried channelled enough chakra to create a perfect susanoo. Thus leaving the crowd in awe at the sight of the purple armored titan that had appeared. What they didn't expect was for it to put aside it's weapon and create Fairy Tail's official new finger sign.
"Damn it Naruto! Are you seriously upstaging the whole guild!? Isn't it enough you steal my fights!?" Natsu asked rather demanded angrily.
However everyone ignored him as they watched the Susanoo march on. Leaving Laxus in tears as he said his final goodbyes and left. Both brothers now separated, but not permanently.
In Siegfried's mindscape
Naruto groaned as he found himself in a sewer again, "What is it now!? First the real dragon slayer, the dragon and what now!?" he asked feeling annoyed.
Having expressed his annoyance, Naruto heard a hardy laugh, "Pardon me old friend, I was just marvelled by what I had seen." a man said. Two purple eyes with black rings stared at Naruto's surprised face, "If only my own sons were that way. One fighting with love and the other with power. It's rather ironic how history repeats itself isn't it?" he asked.
Naruto had very few words to express what he was witnessing, "Rikudo jiji?" he asked.
"Don't mind me boy, I'm only here for a quick peek and I'll be on my way." said none other than the Kami no shinobi, Hagoromo Otsutsuki.
The next day, in reality
Makarov approached Siegfried who sat in his office, "Naruto, there's a truth I forgot to tell you..." he said only for Porlyusica to slam her hands on the table angrily.
"Enough with the formalities Makarov! SIEGFRIED NARUTO, YOU ARE GROUNDED FOR ENDANGERING YOURSELF AFTER WAKING UP FROM A COMA!" Porlyusica yelled.
"She's worse than Tsunade baa-chan!" Naruto yelled in Siegfried's mind.
"You're kidding." was Siegfried's only response.
"WE ARE NOT KIDDING! NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM!" Makarov commanded.
Siegfried kept the same blank look on his face, "I don't have a room. You rebuilt the guild hall." he said in a patronizing voice.
"Then go to the guest room that would have been your new room!" Makarov commanded as Siegfried groaned and left.
"You're the worst!" Siegfried told him.
"We let that boy run off for six years and he's become rebellious." Makarov said with the shake of his head.
"He gets it from you Makarov. Like you were any better when Master Precht ran things." Porlyusica said as Makarov looked offended.
TO BE CONTINUED...