Chapter 16 - Secrets of Edolas
Somewhere in the desert
Edolas Natsu suddenly halted the car, "This is the end of the road. I need you all to get out." he said.
"Are you serious!?" Lucy asked angrily.
"Yeah, now get your butts out of the car." Edolas Natsu said before kicking Siegfried who did not budge. "Do I have to get rough buddy? Because it's not going to look good for." he said threateningly.
10 seconds later
Siegfried was holding Edolas Natsu upside down and by the leg, "Please put me down! I bruise easily!" E. Natsu pleads.
"What the heck!? I'm a wimp in this world!?" Natsu asked angrily.
"Please don't hurt me!" E. Natsu continues to plead.
"Who wants me to bury him up to his neck?" Siegfried asked as E. Natsu continued to scream in terror.
"Put him down papa. I think he learned his lesson." Filo said as Siegfried dropped him.
E. Natsu proceeded to crawl towards a nearby rock, "I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to be rude about it!" he said with tears in his eyes.
Natsu was beyond annoyed, "Dude, you are so weak." he said.
"Sorry!" E. Natsu apologized.
"Stops saying you're sorry!" Natsu yelled.
"SORRY!" E. Natsu shouted.
"Bury him up to his neck Naruto!" Natsu commands making E. Natsu scream.
"We can't just leave him in the desert!" Wendy yelled, pleading for E. Natsu who probably can't fend for himself.
Lucy did partially agree, "I know he tried to leave us stranded, but isn't burying him too far?" she asked.
E. Natsu nodded, "It's not even a real desert anyways. The capital is on that floating island right there." he says as his shaking finger points towards the nearby floating island.
The group looked towards where he pointed and saw the majestic city. Clean and unblemished, unlike the previous town they were in. This city was likely meant to be a reflection of cleanliness of what their ruler desired. Although Siegfried could tell that there's always a dirtiness to every clean city he travelled to with Shukaku scoffing that the capital is the definition of perfection. Sure it's more of a nice place than Suna, but he doubted it was much better.
"Tch, so they can afford clean clothes and soap. The place is probably a shit stain." Shukaku muttered.
A certain word confused Wendy, "What's a shi-"
"Wendy no!" Lucy interrupted as her glare silenced the girl. "And you!" she pointed at Shukaku with an angry look.
"What are you going to do about it girl? You are probably more scared of breaking a nail than talking down to me!" Shukaku said challenging Lucy.
"Please hand me the hot water Naruto." Lucy requested making Shukaku feel scared.
"AHHHHHH!" Shukaku screamed.
"He's lucky we don't have Son Goku to boil the water." Siegfried said wondering if lava could heat up water just enough before turning into steam.
"Wait, who's…"
"The only question is how do we get down there?" Siegfried asked.
"Can I go now?" E. Natsu asked/pleaded.
"Let's bury him anyways!" Natsu yelled making his counterpart scream in terror.
"Please no!" E. Natsu screams.
At the capital
Natsu scoffed, "We should have buried him." he said, hating how cocky E. Natsu became once he got back in his car.
"Forget him Natsu, we need to find out if anyone from home made it here." Siegfried said.
"Fine, but where do we start? This place is huge." Natsu asked.
"How about over there? There's a big crowd forming up." Lucy says pointing towards a strange scene.
Agreeing with Lucy's suggestion, the group proceeded to follow the herd. Where they saw a giant tarp covering something at the center of the capital's town square. It must have been very important if so many of the kingdom's guards were here to keep the citizens at bay. When suddenly, an old man with a large grey beard appeared over the large tarp.
"Looks it's King Faust!" said a random citizen,
"It must be an important announcement if he's here!" said another citizen.
"Stand back! King Faust has an important announcement!" one of the guards said.
'So that's their king. I wonder if he has a daughter who chases Menma around.' Siegfried thought as images of Hisui appeared in his mind. He sighed, 'She's probably waiting for a message from me or something.' he thought.
The king then spoke up, "Citizens of Edolas! Our Anima team has worked hard and brought you this lacrima! Granting us power for another decade!" he said as everyone cheered.
All around the group, they could see citizens crying tears of joy. Men, women, children and the elderly all praising the king for granting them the power of magic.
"That's where our friends are stored!" Natsu shouts, but luckily he wasn't heard due to the crowd cheering.
"And there's still a piece missing." Carla said pointing at the top of the giant lacrima.
"So that means they haven't finished with their collections?" Lucy asked, receiving a nod.
As they spoke, Faust continued his speech, "And soon, we will grant you even more my people! Enough to last us eternity!" he announces as he strikes the lacrima with a halberd.
Where he proceeded to laugh with great joy as the crowd started to laugh even more loudly. All the while Siegfried attempted to keep himself composed while Lucy was holding Natsu back. As Wendy and the exceeds became emotional from Faust's announcement of him theft. Shukaku started to snarl as he remembered the original kages and Hashirama. The wood user he greatly hated for treating him and his siblings like tools.
Thinking that granting dangerous creatures as weapons would promote peace. Only instead it brought more war and violence. Something that Hagoromo did not want, bastardizing his vision even further.
"Let me at him! I'll freaking drown that asshole in my sand and everyone here! Let's see how they like being turned into mulch!" Shukaku yells as he tosses himself around in tea pot.
Siegfried sighed, "We can't do anything right now. We will come back with a new plan." he said as he could sense anger from Natsu as well. "I know how you feel Natsu. If it were up to me, these people would be mourning their king and their government." he said coldly as he tried to restrain his killing intent as it started to leak.
"Burr! Did it just get cold?" asked a nearby citizen.
"I feel drowsy." said another citizen who felt sick.
"I won't restrain myself any longer. We need to move." Siegfried said as everyone nodded and followed him
Later that night
With no idea of what to do next. Everyone stayed at a hotel for some time. Until Lucy suggested going to the castle by somehow breaking in. Then using Gemini who can not only impersonate others, but see into the memories of their target. It was a good idea as Lucy said that they might gain answers if Gemini copies King Faust himself to get some answers.
Yet that still left the planning as to how to break into the castle. With Carla suggesting going through a secret tunnel she assumed had existed. Carla claimed that she was gaining memories of Edolas. Which Siegfried found suspicious as Happy claimed to not gain any information like that whatsoever. Now the entire group was just following a theory of Carla's.
Which turned out to be true as they found a small cave entrance in the outskirts of the gates.
"Here it is!" Wendy said as she looked inside.
"Its pretty dark, but I can make a light." Natsu said before remembering that he can't use magic.
Then Lucy appeared with hand made torches, "Don't worry, we can use these." she said.
"How are we going to light them?" Happy asked, making Lucy feel depressed.
"Wow, who knew we need magic even for the most mundane things." Lucy said before grabbing some sticks. "But hey! The strongest Fairy Tail Wizard can figure this out!" she said as she started rubbing sticks.
"Nice try Lucy, but Naruto is…" Happy said before being interrupted.
"I'm not in the guild anymore Happy, remember?" Siegfried asked.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Happy asked.
Siegfried sighed as he removed his shirt again, "Remember?" he asked, pointing at the cross over his guild mark.
"But…" Happy tried to say again.
"No buts, so therefore I am not a part of Fairy Tail. Lucy is the only one able to use magic and that makes her the strongest." Siegfried interrupted again.
As Lucy and Natsu struggled to start fires. Siegfried grabbed his own sticks and attempted the same. Creating fire at a faster pace thanks to his years of surviving on his own outside of Ishgar. That and being trained in a ninja village again did help with learning how to survive in a scary world.
"And let there be light." Siegfried said dryly.
Filo smiled with delight, "Papa is amazing!" she said.
Siegfried smiled at the little girl, "It's just a good skill Filo. It's always important to learn something new." he said.
"Hey Natsu, can't you eat the fire?" Happy asked as Natsu just lit his torch.
"Maybe, I'll try." Natsu said as he ate the flame.
A few seconds later and with no sign of pain. Natsu rubbed his stomach as he felt something grow inside of him.
"It's there, but I can't do much with it." Natsu said.
Then Lucy had an idea, "Hey if that worked even just a bit. Couldn't Naruto use his ninjutsu or whatever?" she asked.
Natsu gagged, "Ew no! His fire tastes like tofu!" he whined.
"Natsu, eat the fire now." Lucy ordered.
"She has a point." Siegfried said agreeing with Lucy.
Natsu whined as he hanged his head, "Fine!" he said sounding angry.
After distancing himself from the group. Natsu stood his ground and prepared for the jutsu. Seeing as eating a regular flame alone wasn't able to hurt him. So there was at least the fact that passive skills like his defense against fire and ability to devour it without harm was still here. Thus leaving Siegfried to also maintain his distance as he formed hand seals.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu." Siegfried calls out as several balls of fire flew towards Natsu.
Natsu swallowed each one and shivered, "These ones feel soggy!" he whined. "Still, it's better than nothing. I think I can almost do low level stuff." he said.
Happy smiled, "Give him more Naruto!" he shouts.
"He shouldn't Happy. Papa Kurama said that unlike Dragon Slayer magic. Chakra can't be replenished unless you get a transfer. Naruto has to wait a long time if he runs too low." Wendy explained.
"Oh… wait a minute! You used jutsus too! Why haven't you done anything?" Happy asked making Wendy squeal in surprise.
Wendy then blushed, "I'm sorry! I forgot!" she said.
Filo patted her back, "Don't worry Wen, I can use magic too remember? I can protect you like papa protects everyone else." she said giving her friend a boost in confidence.
"Hellooooo, forgetting about the bijuu in the tea kettle?" Shukaku asked.
"The same one that feels pain from hot water?" Carla asked making Shukaku snarl at her.
"Ignoring the cat that I'm going to skin alive later. What's your chakra nature kid? Didn't Kurama teach you that much?" Shukaku asked.
Wendy thought it over, "Wind." she answered.
The Ichibi grinned, "Ha, Kurama knows only a little bit of wind kid. You should ask me for advice when this is all over." he said.
"Wendy ignore him." Siegfried said, knowing Shukaku was still crazy outside of Gaara. "Now then, let's go." he said as he used a small fire technique to light the way.
It wasn't more than a minute in that they realized there was an obstacle in their way. The cave either collapsed or this was just an oddly shaped wall. Meaning there was no way to get through it without brute force for once.
"Gate of the Golden Bull! Taurus!" Lucy called out, summoning her minotaur like spirit.
"Hey Lucy, it's been a while. Are you finally letting me take you out on a date?" Taurus asked.
"Not in your life!" Lucy yelled angrily. She then explained things once she gained composure, "I need you to tear through that wall." She said.
"I don't know, I think I need some motivation. Maybe like a smooch?" Taurus asked, letting his perverted side out.
Lucy groaned, "Just get to work." she said hoping her spirits were not getting rebellious and planning a union strike.
Siegfried sighed, "Natsu, cover Wendy and Filo's eyes. I'm going to do something and I'm not proud." he said.
This confused Natsu, "What?" he asked.
"Just do as I say." Siegfried commanded.
"Okay! You don't have to get mad!" Natsu said as he turned the girls around and kept them from looking.
Taurus suddenly felt uncomfortable, "Listen buddy, I'm not into dudes. So don't think about…"
"Harem Jutsu!" Siegfried yells out, causing several nude women surrounded by clouds to appear.
Lucy, Natsu and the cats screamed while Shukaku laughed. Meanwhile Taurus tried to stay concious and avoid passing out from a massive nosebleed. As each naked woman rubbed their voluptuous bodies all over the perverted spirit. Meanwhile Siegfried sighed, wondering why Konoha decided to remind him this jutsu existed as if it defined him in some way.
Meanwhile the cats had trouble helping Natsu keep the girls from watching.
"What's going on?" Wendy asked.
"I wanna look!" Filo whined.
"No! Not yet!" Carla said mentally cursing Siegfried.
'I know I was a lonely child in the past with no adult figures and there's the fact that the ninja academy curriculum was poor. Except that doesn't excuse my past self from creating a perverted jutsu.' Siegfried thought as he watched Taurus get to work. Then he remembered something, 'There was also the Taki kunoichi who attacked and obviously it didn't work on them. Wait a minute! Damn it Naruto! What if your target was a homosexual!?' He thought as he didn't get a response from his other self.
It's a good thing the Konoha men were mostly perverted for women.
That aside, Taurus had a devotion to beautiful women and went beyond normal levels as he destroyed the wall. Leaving open a giant path for everyone to walk through.
"The job's done Lucy. I wouldn't mind some extra reward ya know." Taurus said.
"Sorry, the girls get paid by the minute." Siegfried said as the clones all disappeared.
"What a rip off!" Taurus said angrily as he left.
"Naruto what..."
"I don't want to talk about it Lucy." Siegfried interrupted before leading the way.
"Can we look now?" Wendy asked.
"Yes, but we are never talking about it." Carla answered.
"Aye!" Happy said in agreement.
Deeper into the cave
Having made some progress, the group looked around the cave. While Carla studied the map with the details that supposedly lead inside of the castle. Which once again, was made possible because Carla somehow has memory of Edolas. Which somehow means that Carla has a detailed memory of what the structure of the castle looks like.
Siegfried had his doubts and he had two good reasons. As he could not sense any hostility or negative intentions from Carla. So either Carla was relying on what she thinks is psychic power and leading them around like an idiot or somehow Carla was suppressing her feelings and leading them into a trap.
"You sure know a whole lot Carla." Happy said complimenting his crush.
"I can see that Tomcat. Just stay close, this cave is dark and damp." Carla said just as Natsu heard something.
"How many of us are there again? I hear a lot of footsteps." Natsu asked just as several web like traps appeared and grabbed everyone.
"Ew! It's sticky!" Wendy complained.
"I don't like this!" Filo yelled as she tried to transform.
"I can't use my magic!" Lucy adds.
POOF*
Natsu turned to see a log was trapped in the webs, "Naruto got away! He just abandoned us!" He yelled.
FIlo denied it, "No! Papa would never do that!" She exclaimed.
Before anyone could argue, a woman who looked just like Erza appeared. With several Royal guards flanking her from behind.
"Erza!?" Everyone asked.
"Command Knightwalker, the Exceeds have lead them to our trap as planned." One guard said.
"Very good, but... what about that one?" Erza asked, pointing at the log of wood.
The guard look confused, "What? There was someone there just a moment ago!" He exclaimed.
When suddenly, a large red piece of paper flew over the heads of several guards. The guards looked at the paper in confusion as they saw that it was on fire. Just as they prepared to put it out, the whole paper ignited and created a large explosion. Scattering the guards and putting them into frenzy as they scattered around. Looking for whoever caused the explosion. When several kunai rained down from the ceiling and pierced several more guards.
"What is happening!?"
"Find the attacker!"
"Take cover!"
"Commander you need to get down!"
Erza ignored the suggestion and quickly dispatched every projectile with little effort. Before throwing her spear into the air where a loud clang was heard and the spear crashed back into the ground. Where Siegfried landed and aimed his weapon at Erza who looked surprised by his appearance.
"Lord Menma?" Erza asked with wide eyes.
Siegfried raised a brow, when all of a sudden. The royal guards all closed their eyes and took a knee, including Erza herself. As if they had all developed a great respect for the Azure Knight. Yet he remembered something, they called him by the surname of Achilles Menma.
'Menma, if you're up to this. I'm kicking you ass even harder.' Siegfried thought.
"Lord Menma, it is great to see you, but why did you attack us?" asked a commander.
Siegfried narrowed his eyes, "Who am I to you?" he asked, hoping to gain information from this.
The commander answered, thinking this was a test, "The prince obviously! You have been missing for two years, we assumed that the Dark Guild, Fairy Tail, had killed you." he answered trying to steel his nerves.
"Huh? They were excited to see him!" Natsu yelled only to be slapped by Erza.
"Be silent cretin!" Erza yelled.
Natsu groaned, "Even now you want to hit me!?" he asked before being threatened with more violence.
"I said be silent!" Erza ordered.
"Enough Erza." Siegfried said, making her go stiff.
Erza then returned to the position of attention, "Sir!" she responded.
"Release my companions." Siegfried ordered.
"But sir, these two are from Fairy Tail. The Exceeds themselves have planned this trap!" another soldier, likely an officer, had said.
Siegfried glared at Carla, who immediately felt like the embrace of death. Happy on the other hand, looked at Carla with shock. Thinking about it again, things did seem to convenient that Carla just happened to know about this cave leading to the castle. Then again, it did seem unlikely considering that Carla has never left Wendy's side once unless she happened to have telepathy of some kind. Similar to the magic that Hibiki and brain used during the fight with the Oracion Seis.
"How so?" Siegfried asked.
"It was just planned. There's no details we can confirm now, but this is the best thing! You've returned to us Prince Menma!" the guard said.
"Yes, let us tell King Faust the good news!" another guard said.
"But first, we should secure the prisoners." a third guard said as they approached Filo.
Only to find a sword at his neck, "I think I should handle this." Siegfried said.
"B-But Sir…" the third guard said, shaken by how quickly Siegfried moved.
"Does my word mean nothing or am I just a figure head?" Siegfried asked, testing the limits of this lie.
"Well you see…" the guard could not answer this himself.
So Erza stepped forward, "Surely you do not wish to associate with fairies, do you?" she asked with disdain.
"And is there an issue with that?" Siegfried asked.
"They are criminals after all." Erza answered, starting to find Siegfried suspicious.
For Erza Knightwalker, Achilles Menma is much more outgoing and energetic. Not a stiff serious individual, but neither was Siegfried Naruto until a few years ago. With Siegfried noticing the emotions changing within Erza. Making him see that it was only a matter of time before he needed to escape with the group.
"And where would they be sent?" Siegfried asked, almost making it sound like a dumb question.
"To the cells and then execution. Dark Mages are not meant to live on this world after all." Erza said smirking.
'I would gladly agree if they were real Dark Mages.' Siegfried thought.
When Erza suddenly had a new thought, "Speaking of which, Lord Menma. How exactly did you accomplish those techniques from earlier?" was the million Jewel question. "You know magic can only be stored and yet that sword looks plain." she adds.
Thus signaling to Siegfried that his cover is about to be blown. As as slowly reached for his back pocket. Only hoping to buy a few more seconds of time to disorient the guards and Erza.
"I could ask something similar of you." Siegfried said looking casual as he reached for his pocket.
"Oh?" Erza asked, with a raised brow.
"How did the exceeds contact you when I haven't left their side for even a moment?" Siegfried asked, using the word to describe the cats.
The question did confuse some of them. As most of the royal guards were just told to follow Erza based on a few orders. It was a good question, especially as they believed Siegfried was on their side and worked with the exceeds. So it didn't make sense that he wouldn't know if one of the cats, quite possibly Carla, said anything.
"It was an order from King Faust who received a message from the Exceed Queen. Who foretold of this of the Exceeds leading this trap." Erza explained as she had the right to feel suspicious.
Siegfried nodded, "I suppose that makes some sense. I've been too stupid to have noticed the signs earlier." he said confusing Erza. He then looked at Wendy, "Don't worry Wendy, I'll buy you a dog later." he said.
"Why would I want a…?"
*BOOM*
Wendy was interrupted by the sounds of an explosion. The cause, a few mini smoke pellets from Siegfried's back pocket bursted once he threw them onto the ground. The sparks made Erza jump back in surprise as smoke started to fill the entire room. Erza fought back a snarl as her vision was disoriented, making her lose sight of the prisoners and Siegfried.
"Fan out! That man is an impostor and not our missing prince!" Erza shouted. "Pull the prisoners forward as well! We cannot let them escape!" she adds only to see the guards with the restraints get pulled inside the smoke.
Siegfried was not sure how skilled Erza Knightwalker is but assumed that if she's been hunting down members of the Edolas Fairy Tail guild. Then that must mean she has some combat ability if not at least reaching the level of Sugarboy who lost because he let himself get too cocky. Which kept him at guard as years of fighting taught Siegfried how to fight blind. While the Sharingan could detect some chakra signatures, these smoke pellets were designed to harm people with mystic eyes and eyes similar Aria from Phantom.
Prompting him rely on his low sensory skills to find everyone. As well as working on a few last minute plans. Unlike Siegfried, Erza ran headfirst into the smoke as Siegfried threw all the remaining pellets he had.
Despite the lack of sight and heightened senses. Erza relied on basic instinct as she ran in and attempt to cut down whatever was in front of her. Making her grin as she felt something feel the sharp blade of her weapon.
(Unlimited Blade Works OST - Souls To Fight)
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Siegfried yells as he blows a giant gust of wind at Erza and her backup.
As mentioned before, those pellets were meant for people like Siegfried and Aria. While the smoke is not as harmful to normal vision, pouring it altogether into someone's eyes was worse than spraying pepper. Temporarily blinding everyone who did not raise up their shields in time.
Erza on the other hand proceeded to raise up her sword and spin it around. Creating an almost vacuum like effect to counter the incoming smoke.
"Nice try, but my Ten Commandments cancels the effects of magic." Erza said.
"It's not magic, it's more spiritual." Siegfried said despite wondering if that spear could cancel magic as well.
"Then you should be stronger than you let on, impostor!" Erza yelled as she ran at Siegfried at a great speed. "Silfarion!" she yells as came close to Siegfried.
"Fuin: Kai!" Siegfried says as his body glows for a moment before he avoids a spear strike.
The released seals dropped a heavy amount of weight from Siegfried's body. Prompting him to move at faster paces as Erza tried to strike him. With both reaching optimal speeds to the point that all anyone could see were sparks of light. Siegfried moved around to keep Erza focused on him while a part of his plan took place. Especially as the guards all started to run towards him in an attempt to help Erza.
"We can take him together commander!" one of them yelled.
"No you fools! Stay back!" Erza commanded.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Siegfried yells as six copies of him appeared.
"Duplicating yourself will not work!" Erza yelled as she tried to take them all out in one strike.
Only for Siegfried to block her attack, "Focus on your single opponent!" he yelled before pushing her back.
While Erza focused on the real Siegfried. The clones all proceeded to go through hand seals. While the guards themselves all activated their anti magic shields in preparation for any attack. Only for all of them to aim for the ceiling.
"Earth Style: Rock Gun Jutsu!" the clones yell together.
"He's aiming for above!" one of them yelled.
All of them expected the attack to work like mortar shells. Only to see the stalagmites in the ceiling come down. Prompting them all to either disperse or raise their shields over their heads. Neither was good enough as the stalagmites were a lot bigger than they seemed. Knocking most of them out in the process.
"Damn it! I ordered them to stay back!" Erza yelled as she parried the next attack.
"Sometimes subordinates need to be disciplined!" Siegfried argues as swings low.
Erza jumped into the air, "I think fear tactics are in order!" she replies as she kicks Siegfried away.
Siegfried slid away before coming to full stop, "Fire Style: Flame Dragon Missile!" he yells, sending a large dragon shaped fire at Erza.
"Rune Save!" Erza counters, cutting away at most of the fire. "Regardless of whatever you call it. You need to be smarter than that." she said before charging at him again.
Siegfried blocked every quick strike before side stepping and back handing Erza. Who only grinned as she recovered and continued her assault. Clearly showing a bit of a battle lusted side of herself that would make even Natsu nervous. Which continued to motivate Erza until she found an opening in between strikes.
"Explosion!" She yells as she hits Siegfried right in the chest.
Causing Siegfried to be hit with a giant explosion that created a giant crater underneath him as he crashed. Erza laughed as she jumped down to Siegfried's level, preparing to impale him with her spear. Only to see him slowly stand up as the smoke cleared. Looking completely uninjured despite the heavy damage that his clothes had taken. Siegfried sighed as he ripped off the rags that made his fine shirt.
However, what was unique about this situation was not the fact that Siegfried hardly looked harm and took no damage. No, Erza would have snapped out of her daze and continued the fight until her enemy stayed down on the ground permanently. Erza was distracted by the heavy scarring on his back.
"Are you admiring my battle damage?" Siegfried asked before pulling out a seal scroll that contained his armor.
Erza shook her head of the confusing thoughts, "Enough talking! Time to die!" she yells as she charges at him just as the armor quickly attached itself to Siegfried.
Siegfried took a deep breath as Erza came at him at blinding speeds. As her spear almost connected with his helmet. He quickly used kawarimi and exchanged his position with a wooden log. Some may question where the magic wooden log came from, but none have questioned Carla until five minutes ago.
That or how Cobra can hear thoughts when the voices in someone's head are not actual sounds. Unless Cobra can somehow make speech patterns from the inner workings of the mind.
Regardless, Erza ended up blowing up the wooden log with her spear's magic. As it took effect, Siegfried remembered what Lucy Ashley said about this world. Magic is not contained in the body, but stored in objects like weapons and tools. Therefore, even if that spear is much better than the cheap stuff Natsu and Wendy bought. It will run out at some point.
"Wind Style: Air Bullet!" Siegfried yells as Erza slices through the attack. "Fire Style: Great Fireball!" he yells next.
Erza continues to slice through jutsus with little effort and with little backlash. As she continues sprinting at Siegfried who blocks her next attacks. Leaving the red head to feel a bit annoyed and excited at the same time. It was hard to tell if she should be angry that Siegfried will not go down or if it's fun to have a challenging opponent. It's most likely going to be the former by the end of this battle.
The two then clashed their respective weapons, fighting for dominance until the both of them pushed each other back. Erza raised her spear as it's sharp tip's appearance changed as she aimed at Siegfried.
"Mel Force!" Erza yells out, unleashing a giant vacuum of wind sending him flying into the wall.
"Lightning Style: Electromagnetic Murder!" yelled one of Siegfried's clones, hitting Erza directly.
'What!?' Erza thought as she saw the clones barreling towards her. 'How did I forget about them!?' she thought before noticing her unconscious reinforcements.
Erza grits her teeth as she quickly recovers and sprints towards them. Immediately impaling one clone and then blocking two strikes before roundhouse kicking another. Followed ducking under a kunai swipe, leaving the clone open to another impalement. The last three clones worked together to surround Erza who parried each attack before taking a punch to the face. Making her smile she grabbed the very same clone who punched her and slamming his head into the ground before dealing with the other two.
Meanwhile Siegfried managed to avoid harm from Erza's technique. As she finished off the last of his clones. He proceeded to make three more.
"You two distract her and the last one follows me." Siegfried ordered.
"Understood." the two clones said before engaging Erza who slowly dispatched them.
Before Siegfried jumped into the air and threw a demon windmill shuriken. Erza jumped out of the way and tossed her spear at Siegfried, impaling him in the chest. Only to see him explode into smoke, surprising the Fairy Hunter just as the windmill shuriken passed her. When suddenly, it exploded into smoke and revealed Siegfried.
"Impossible!" Erza exclaimed as she tried to kick him away. Only to completely miss as he disappeared, "Some sort of illusion?" she asked, seeing the afterimage disappear.
Only to feel a massive pain going down her back, "Wind Style: Rasengan!" prompting Erza to crash hard into the ground.
With reinforcements, a few minutes later
Having heard all of the loud commotion. The guards proceeded to run down into the cave where they expected Erza Knightwalker to have captured the intruders. Only to find their comrades in arms lying injured and defeated. Meanwhile, most of the prisoners were still restrained and the two exceeds were left unconscious.
"Where is Commander Knightwalker?" one lieutenant asked.
"I'm right here!" Erza said revealing herself, limping towards the guards.
"Commander!?" the lieutenant asked.
Erza snarled, "Two of them got away! Secure these prisoners and escort the Exceeds to safety!" she said as she winced in pain.
The lieutenant nodded, "You heard the commander! Double time!" he said.
A medic then approached Erza, "Ma'am, please let me take a look." he requested.
"I am fine." Erza said, revealing that her pride was what took the real hit.
As this went on and the Earthland Fairies were taken. Natsu kept quiet as he nodded to Lucy and Wendy. Both keeping tabs on their back pockets as they were taken away. Meanwhile Happy kept one eye partially open as he was gently carried away with Carla. Although, he was very terrified and was worried about where he was being taken.
'I'm going to trust you Naruto. You may think poorly of Carla, but I know she's no traitor.' Happy thought as he kept a piece of paper hidden in his green bag.
Elsewhere, with Siegfried
Having escaped, Siegfried left the cave with Filo and Wendy in his arms. Making sure to put a great distance between himself and the cave. As to avoid creating any suspicion as he escaped.
"Papa! We left everyone behind!" Filo exclaimed.
"And they took Happy and Carla!" Wendy added.
Siegfried sighed, "Look, I know you don't like it but I'm not abandoning anyone. Natsu and Lucy can wait and I left a blood clone in the shape of Wendy behind just in case. Happy can also take care of himself." he explained. "I don't know why Happy's species is treated like royalty or what the king is really planning. All we can do is wait and plan things out." he said.
"But how long papa?" Filo asked, with a worried face.
"I don't know Filo. For now, we need to hide in the capital. Hopefully the Blood Clone will leak back some information or something." Siegfried answered before leaving with the two girls.
"We forgot Shukaku!" Wendy yelled.
"Did we?" Siegfried asked, not caring for the annoying tanuki.
"Someone's coming back for me right?" Shukaku asked.
The next morning, the capital
With Lucy and Natsu locked up along with the Wendy Blood Clone. Siegfried and the girls found themselves looking over the main square where the lacrima was under heavy guard. The Azure Knight glared at such a thing existing, it was unnatural and probably the worst thing he heard of. There was no telling how much potential damage could be caused or how long this has been going on. Who knows how many people have been hurt because of a madman's desire.
It almost reminded him of the Akatsuki when Nagato assumed collecting the bijuu would create a super weapon to create peace or something. Even with the eyes of Hagoromo, Nagato was a blind fool back them. When it turned out that it would lead to summoning a godly woman with the intent to wipe out humanity.
There was no telling what Faust could do when he decides to go fishing for more magic in Earthland. As he watched, he noticed the sounds of guards running up to a black suited man.
"Hold it right there!" the guards yelled.
The man looked unfazed, "Relax, I'm just a reporter. Hoping to ask about the lacrima." he said.
"I know you! You're Gajeel, you wrote that news article!" the guard said sounding angry.
"I tell what the people need to hear and it's the truth. Now then, how King Faust plan to continue his evolutionary experiment to grant us more magic?" the man named Gajeel said.
Siegfried raised a brow, 'Gajeel? Is it a doppelganger?' he wondered before looking around some more.
When he saw a figure in a white cloak scaling a tower. Where they proceeded to move closer towards the lacrima. At the same time, none of the guards spotted them as Edolas Gajeel continued to pester the guards with more questions. Despite threats of being arrested and thrown into a cell. When the reporter decided to quit and walk away, he looked up at the tower and tipped his hat.
Siegfried looked suspicious as he looked back at the tower. Where the cloaked figure jumped off the tower and a giant iron pipe came out of their arm and smashed itself against the lacrima. Creating a large earthquake as the lacrima started to shine brightly.
"Papa what's going on!?" Filo asked as she and Wendy grabbed onto him.
"Danger! You wait here with the reindeer! I'll deal with this!" Siegfried said as he pulled out the scroll containing his armor.
"I am not reindeer! I don't even have antlers!" Shukaku screamed, revealing that they did go back for him in the cave.
At town square
As Siegfried put on his armor, he quickly looked around. Noticing that the guards were all converging onto the lacrima. When suddenly, the cloaked figure appeared and threw away their disguise, revealing themselves to be Gajeel Redfox.
"You guys want some magic? Then come taste some of mine!" Gajeel yells as he swats away a large team of guards.
"Gajeel!" Siegfried said with surprise.
Gajeel grinned, "Who wants some! AHHH!" he screamed in realization as to who was here with him. "Don't kill me!" he yelled.
"I'm not, what are you doing?" Siegfried asked.
Gajeel stuttered for a moment, "S-Smashed t-the lacrima! I-I had t-to! I can bring some of the guys from the guild here to help us out!" he answered.
Siegfried sighed, "That was reckless, but then again. It looks like there is some merit to your word." he said as the lacrima started flashing again.
When all of a sudden, Gray and Erza Scarlet appeared.
"What the heck!? Where are we!?" Gray asked.
Erza looked around suspiciously, "I don't recognize this place." she said before Gajeel approached her.
"I'll explain later Red. Now you two takes these." Gajeel said handing them some pill like substances.
"Why?" Gray asked.
"You can't use magic here. Some guy named Menma told me and wanted me to hand these over." Gajeel said as more guards appeared.
Only to be blocked by a tall wave black flames. With Siegfried walking out from them. Gray muttering something about Siegfried being a show off while Gajeel tried not to remember his experiences with Nightmare trying to kill him.
"Naruto!" Erza called out.
"Erza, I know you have lots of questions and I don't have most of the answers. Just follow Gajeel for now. There's a lot going on and a psychotic monarch we need to bring down." is all Siegfried could explain.
"Right." Erza said accepting the answer for now.
Then Gajeel gave a pill to Siegfried, "You probably don't need it, but every little bit helps." He said as the guards moved around the fire.
"Get them!" the captain of the squadron said.
"I suppose the violence never ends." Siegfried said as he extended his hand. "Stand with me…" He stopped mid sentence as Erza held his hand.
"Already on it." Erza said with a face filled with determination.
Siegfried's bangs covered his eyes, "Erza." he called out.
"Yes?" Erza asked.
"Why are you holding my hand?" Siegfried asked.
"I thought this was a metaphor for working together." Erza answered.
Siegfried sighed, "Erza, I was summoning a weapon from my storage unit. Not waiting for you to join me by holding hands." he said as Erza turned to see a sword coming out of a golden portal.
Making the Nidaime Titania blush, "Oh… sorry." she said as she looked away.
At the same time, the guards had yet to arrive while this conversation went on. Siegfried must have used a lot of chakra to make Amaterasu long enough for the guards to take this long to run. That or they have very poor fitness as they had yet to arrive. Even Gray and Gajeel found this to be awkward.
"My mistake. Onto battle!" Erza exclaimed.
"Let go of my hand then." Siegfried said making her turn even more bright red.
"I apologize again… I just feel more confident for some reason." Erza responds as she closes her eyes.
"Erza we can hold hands some other time. If you want, I can take you to a nice restaurant and you can hold my hand there." Siegfried said making Erza want to pass out from embarrassment.
Although it sounded like a strange invitation because it was. Erza couldn't help but interpret it as a date. Something she had only minor interest in. Yet Erza could not help but feel obligated to accept it as she has embarrassed herself enough. Only to take a deep breath and cool down.
"Very well, I expect good cheese cake to be served." Erza said as she changed armors. "Now let us go!" she exclaimed again.
"Let go of my hand already." Siegfried said, for some reason feeling Erza's grip tighten.
With Mirajane and Elfman, before the teleportation
While Siegfried had confronted Cana about her relationship with Gildarts. Elfman escorted his older sister to the church where they would pray to Lisanna every year. It rained today, so Mirajane took a coat and walked with her brother under a shared umbrella. When the church service ended, the two visited Lisanna's grave.
Lisanna Strauss
Beloved sister and friend to animal souls
"Two years Elfman, that's how long it's been." Mirajane said looking at the grave.
"Yeah, remember when you used to knock on Lis's door for about a month? You kept thinking she was sleeping in." Elfman said with a weak smile.
Mirajane nodded, "I do, sometimes I just wanted to think it was all a bad dream." she said remembering the accident two yeas ago. "It was a literal wake up call Elfman. I never appreciated anything and lost Lisanna because of it." she said solemnly.
Elfman put a gentle hand on his sister's shoulder, "Lisanna wouldn't want you to beat yourself up Mira. You know she would be happy to see you be a better person." he said.
"Did I change Elfman?" it was an actual question Mira asked.
Elfman didn't have an answer for that. He did actually, but he wasn't sure if it was good enough or if Mira would accept it.
Elsewhere, at the same time
A man in a white robe holding a staff walked by the side of the guild. He looked up and admired the majestic looking building. Although looking a bit confused as it looked different from he brochure of Magnolia town. Regardless, the man reached into his cloak and pulled out a small sword before looking for a good place to plant it.
"Ah here we go. It's in the name, therefore it would make the most sense. Only, I should adjust it a bit." the man said as he stabbed the blade into a large rock. Before enchanting it, as to keep the rock from moving from the ground, "Let me be right about this." he said before looking at the guild again. "Your life was short Mordred, but it was one without suffering. Living the way you wish is better than immortality filled with nothing." he said before leaving.
A few minutes later, Gildarts came walking with a flushed face. Where he saw the sword embedded in the rock but without the man in the cloak. Gildarts looked around in confusion as he scratched his head.
"What is this? Is someone pranking me or is Naruto forgetting to put his toys away?" Gildarts asked remembering Siegfried sometimes forgetting to put things away as a child. He shrugged it off, "Oh well, he better not lose this." he said grabbing the sword by the hilt.
Only for it to stay in place. Gildarts looked at the blade in confusion before trying to pull it away again. Only it stayed stuck and refused to move even an inch. Having had enough, Gildarts put in a lot of strength only with the same result. Going as far to put in enough effort that would made made a large warship shatter and yet, the sword remained still.
"Let's see it try staying stuck with my Crush magic." Gildarts said before trying to break the blade into cubes.
Once again, nothing happened. As if something was negating his power and preventing someone on his level from moving it.
"Damn, I better tell Master Makarov then." Gildarts said before leaving the sword in the stone alone.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Omake #1 - Why there is no Otsutsuki clan in this story
Konohamaru grinned as he tossed the last Otsutsuki clan member onto the pile, "Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!" he yells as he destroys the bodies.
The mothers cheered for Konohamaru as the boy enjoyed the praise. Meanwhile everyone else including the few shinobi in the village left were confused. These Otsutsuki as the called themselves said that they were only a step below gods and wanted to steal the chakra from the world. Yet they were all powerful enough to make Pain look like a drunk walrus.
"The honorable grandson is indeed stronger. Still, I can't help but to wonder if there are more aliens out there who can only be defeated by 12 year olds." Ebisu said out loud.
"Ebisu sensei, with all due respect. If something powerful exists can only be beaten by kids like us. The future will be fine." Udon said.
Ebisu smiled, "It sure will, because it leaves me wondering what counts as intelligent life." he said.
Unaware of another Otsutsuki named Isshiki was watching from a distance, "Now is not a good time." he said before stepping onto a bear trap. "Impossible, without my legs. I lose 80% of my power!" he said before stepping onto another one. "Why does this village have so many bear traps?" he asked before falling onto more traps.
Suddenly a man came down, "From the moon, hello humans." he sneered. "On the orders of Hamura-sama, I will wipe you out and take the Byakugan-hime…"
"Shut up!" yelled Moegi as she tossed a kunai at his head.
"ACK!" the man yelled as he fell to his death.
"Aliens are so weak." Moegi complained.
From then on, the UNSC arrived to recruit every 12 year old on the planet to fight back the Covenant forces. Somehow… the UNSC won and defeated the rebels as well.
END OF OMAKE
(A/N: For those complaining, you should remember that Urashiki was defeated by 12 year old Naruto and Boruto, then Momoshiki was finished off by him too. Also, Kaguya did injure Isshiki but this was pre-chakra fruit Kaguya. People like to argue but they forget that Kaguya was weaker than a child before eating that fruit and she injured Isshiki because he got distracted. Boruto has potential, but sometimes they need to make their own story instead of copying the Saiyan Saga.
Kishimoto was inspired by DBZ, but it didn't mean the new guy had to copy it. I don't watch Boruto, but it sounds like the manga is trying harder.)
Omake #2 - Boruto Learns The Truth
In another universe, where Naruto survived his battle with Sasuke resulting in the loss of a single arm. Boruto Uzumaki, firstborn child of Naruto and Hinata was diving into his father's study. Wondering if there was a way to mess with him or make him spend time with the family. Or at least find out how to make the kingdom of Bureaucracy more difficult. Seriously, do the villagers actually have any right to run into the office to demand papers to be signed?
Let alone Naruto remembering that he can use Shadow Clones for paperwork? Seriously, some of those documents can't be that important. This isn't fast food.
As Boruto looked around, he found a strange sheet of paper underneath the desk. With a word written bold.
ASHURA
Seeing that, Boruto made a mental note before finding a tile that was out of place on the floor. Tampering with it, Boruto found a hatch with a latter. Feeling curious, Boruto climbed down to find the contents of the hatch.
Under the hatch
Once inside, Boruto found himself in a room with a narrow corridor. Leading up to a giant keyboard. Having basic knowledge of computers, Boruto proceeded to activate a giant computer monitor after pressing a few keys.
Enter Password
Boruto snapped his finger as he remembered the sheet of paper under the desk, "Ashura." he said as he typed it in.
Password Accepted!
Not even caring that he stumbled onto Hokage level secrets. Not like it affected him before. Boruto proceeded to go down the database on the computer. Where he found a list of Konoha shinobi. He chuckled thinking he could mess with his grades or prank Sarada with D-rank missions. Hopefully without having to get them done without Konohamaru getting him and Mitsuki involved.
"This is going to be funny." Boruto said before finding something horrifying. "What the heck?" he asked.
Shinobi Status
Boruto proceeded to see various names and photos appear. With status marks such as "Active" or "Retired", but what was terrifying was the third part. Where they said, "Gone" for some reason. Prompting Boruto to get even more curious.
"Hold on, what about mom? She's retired, so maybe it says something for her." Boruto said to himself.
Hinata Hyuuga: Gone
"What!?" Boruto asked as he typed another name.
Naruto Uzumaki: Gone
"What about Sasuke sensei?" Boruto asked.
Sasuke Uchiha: Gone
"What the heck is this? What does it mean by gone?" Boruto asked before looking at the specific details.
Naruto Uzumaki: Quit, now goes by Cloud Strife. Replaced by homunculus.
Hinata Hyuuga: Quit, now goes by Gentiana/Shiva. Replaced by homunculus.
Sasuke Uchiha: Quit, now goes by Noctis Lucius Caelum. Replaced by homunculus.
Kakashi Hatake: Quit, now goes by Satoru Gojo. Replaced by homunculus.
Before Boruto could look further into this. The lights turned on and cannons came out to fire a sticky substance at him. Prompting the Hokage's son, if that's who he really is, to start running. Yet even with all his effort and power. Boruto did not make it far before he was covered in the sticky substance and fell. Where substance started to blind his vision until he heard the sounds of heels clicking and only saw the legs of a woman stopping in front of him.
Unknown to him, this is the woman who created the homunculi who replaced everyone who left Konoha.
(A/N: No, Sakura Haruno is not Lightning Farron. Lightning has light blue eyes with a greenish reflection because of the light. Among other reasons that would make sense.)
END OF OMAKE
QA with Siegfried
Siegfried: Yes, I have established a connection again. Now then, seeing as Satsuki was too hostile. Let's see what questions you have for me.
Question 1 (Guest): If Wyverns are a subspecies of dragons, how are they still alive? Acnologia wanted to destroy anything and everything connected to dragons.
Siegfried: I have three theories. One, Wyverns stemmed off of surviving dragons. Two, Acnologia did not do a thorough job. Three, incomplete writing because Mishima never mentioned Wyverns again. Then again, did they only appear in filler? Could someone fact check that last part?
Question 2 (Guest): Siegfried, answer fast! Red, White or Green? What color do you prefer? A Knight, a Waitress and a Princess are very interested in knowing the answer.
Siegfried: Any color accept pink is acceptable.
Hisui: I win! Do you remember what color red and white make?
Erza and Mira: *planning Hisui's demise*
Question 3 (Zanark Sathanus): If Edolas Naruto is Edolas Erza's brother figure than Sieg Naruto wouldn't be paired with Erza Scarlet.
Siegfried: Oh boy, I think R0tatcid should explain this one.
R0tatcid: That's not a question, more like an opinion. Siegfried's counterpart from Edolas, Menma who I am going to beat up. Is never mentioned to be Erza Knightwalker's brother figure? How did you mix that up? The closest thing ever mentioned was that Earthland Natsu sees Erza as his sister. Even if that relationship was the case, then why didn't Jellal seek out Makarov since Faust is Edo Jellal's father? You can't combine another universe's logic, especially when your question or statement is incorrect.
Siegfried: And now he's on a rant. This is worse than the time someone on Quorra asked why Madara is so muscular and has a low voice for a woman. Maybe that same user confused Madara for Raven Branwen.
Question 4 (Spellbat): Did Siegfried actually meet the Valkyries? If so, are we actually going to see them later?
Siegfried: Hm, no I didn't. I admit the version of Brunhilde from Shuumatsu no Valkyrie/Record of Ragnarok is a beauty with an interesting personality, but no. I have not even met an individual with such a title or claim. Although I will meet another interesting Norse figure and someone actually named Valkyrie will appear with an important role.
Question 5 (A lot of you who haven't already written this question): When is Jellal coming back?
Siegfried: Really? All of you hate me for forgiving Laxus even with his real background revealed. Yet you all never said anything about me trying to kill Jellal or the fact that no one went to look for his body after Brain abandoned him. His body is probably food for the maggots or at least decomposing to give nutrients to the land.
Edolas Jellal: What about me?
Siegfried: You don't matter! Anyways, enough of that! Time for the Kingdom of Fiore Secret!
Secret: Siegfried Naruto has mentioned that he is not technically mage but a knight. So even if he returned to the guild, he would be classified as a D rank mage, but that's not the juicy part. The interesting thing about this is the fact that King Toma E. Fiore is not only a short old man like Makarov who's Siegfried's boss. He also supports Hisui and wouldn't mind having him as a son-in-law to support Hisui as a consort.
Hisui: YOU DID NOT NEED TO MENTION THAT LAST PART! THAT'S TWO SECRETS!
R0tatcid: Goodbye everyone and maybe next time, someone else can answer questions. Next time, Chapter 17! War in Edolas!