(New Chapter)
(Edited 20/03/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does.
Scarlione Aftermath
***POTD***
Waking up around eight in the morning, Natsu quickly prepared himself for the day, meeting Makarov and Gildarts around nine, before heading to Magnolia Station. Waiting for them there were Alyssa and Solomon, both Mages looking extremely tired.
"Rough night guys," Natsu asked, as the group boarded the train bound for Crocus.
"The Doctors said Shrikke wasn't in good shape," Alyssa replied tiredly. "Apparently he's been struck by a Warp Stasis by Dimaria, so his internals haven't been getting the correct amount of blood."
"Shit…"
"The staff tended to him overnight, removing the Warp Stasis," Solomon added, the train beginning to move out of the station. "All we can do now is hope Shrikke recovers."
"It's a shame he couldn't be here for this," Gildarts chimed in, shaking his head sadly. "Still, we have to get this done."
"Yeah," Natsu sighed in agreement. "The longer I hold onto what she gave me, the more I feel uneasy…"
"It's a huge responsibility," Solomon nodded knowingly.
"What is this burden you speak of Natsu," Makarov asked curiously, as the rest of the compartment's occupants shook their heads.
"We can't talk about it outside the Embassy, sorry gramps."
"Ah, fair enough. I must admit, I'm curious to find out what it is you're all talking about?"
"Just Magic you've probably never heard of before," Gildarts replied with a small smile. "Though it'll be the first time anyone here aside from Natsu has seen it."
"Really? Sounds like there's an interesting story there?"
"Speaking of interesting stories, Alyssa told me how she got captured by Alvarez before you rescued her Natsu," Solomon smirked, as the Trap Mage puffed her cheeks out, looking away.
"Its not a big deal!"
"She got caught off guard by the local garrison Commander and tagged herself with her own net trap."
"Pfft-!"
"Shut up Natsu!"
"Come on Alyssa, I have to make fun of you for that?"
"It was a mistake done under extreme duress!"
As the surviving members of the Scarlione Crew joked around at Alyssa's expense, Makarov sat back and observed them all, picturing Shrikke sitting among them, knowing the rough and rowdy Chef personally.
It reminded Makarov of the old days, of his own team. Each varied wildly in age, appearance, skill, abilities and background. But they had a comradery that none in the Guild could replicate.
Seeing this strange group before him, he knew that was what the Scarlione Crew was. That was how they had survived against the impossible odds they'd been thrown up against time and again…
Which made it all the more difficult to see their number whittled down. It reminded him of the demise of his own team, until only he and one other remained…
Looking out the window, Makarov pondered where this group would go once their business in Crocus was concluded? What would they do? Where would they go? What would their stories be?
It was certainly something interesting to think about, at the very least.
***POTD***
Arriving in Crocus, the group disembarked from the train, being met by Elsie and Lysette, both maids accompanied by two Scarlione Guards, which drew a small crowd.
"We've prepared transport for you all," Elsie said, as the Scarlione Guards took Solomon and Alyssa's luggage. "It seems that the reports are indeed true…"
"We received word from High Command, right before the end," Lysette added helpfully. "Knight Commander Dragneel, do you still have everything?"
"I do."
"Then we must head to the Embassy immediately," Lysette replied firmly. "Elsie, please contact Mercurius and inform them that Natsu will require a meeting on behalf of the Scarlione Empire."
"I'll make sure it's done."
With that, the group made their way down to the main street, filing into a large Magical Car, making their way over to the Scarlione Embassy.
The trip was silent, everyone knowing that there wasn't much positive to come. Despite knowing their Queen had died, the Knights remained steadfast in their duty, with a full contingent lining the Scarlione Embassy grounds, the Scarlione flag atop the tree-like structure being lowered to half-mast.
Standing upon the steps of the Scarlione Embassy was Lorelei Lanstar von Scarlione IV, the only currently remaining member of the Scarlione nobility.
"My friends, it is good to see you all survived," Lorelei spoke softly, before looking toward Makarov. "Guild Master Makarov Dreyar, it is nice to meet you once again. I trust you've come with Natsu in support?"
"I have. I may not have known Queen Illyandra, or many of the others from Scarlione. But Natsu is one of my own, and I owe a huge debt to Illyandra Scarlione for all the love and support she gave to him."
"I see. You are most welcome to attend, since its clear the others shall all vouch for you," the Ambassador replied, stepping aside and motioning for the entire group to enter the Embassy.
Walking into the lobby, Lorelei took the lead, Elsie and Lysette flanking her, as she led the group down the spiral staircase and into the darkness below the Embassy.
"High Command asked us to prepare a safe location to store everything," Elsie explained, as they entered the cavern full of flowers, a dead tree at the other end rending nothing but pained expressions from everyone present who understood its significance.
"Guards, please seal the room," Lorelei ordered, as two guards took up posts at the sole exit to the underground cavern, the door fading away. "Lysette?"
The maid stepped toward the dead tree, placing a hand upon its brittle bark, as a faint pulse of Magic was fired out from the center of the tree, a visible pulse washing over the group, as Natsu's form lit up a bright gold color.
"Natsu, step forward to the tree," Lorelei whispered, as he did as the Ambassador instructed. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here today to both mourn the loss of our beloved Monarch, Queen Illyandra Scarlione VII, and fulfill her last orders…"
The guards in the cave all stomped their armored feet in unison, as Natsu, Gildarts, Alyssa and Solomon stood up a little straighter.
"Natsu… Go ahead," Lorelei said quietly, as the Dragon Slayer turned back to face them.
"Until I have spoken with the King, we can't fully complete Queen Illyandra's last orders, but I can at least do this much for now," the Dragon Slayer sighed. "To the left, I store the entirety of the Royal Treasury, salvaged in the final days of our great Empire, to prepare for the future…"
Extending his left arm outward, he expelled the entire Royal Treasury of the Scarlione Empire into an offshoot of the cave. Makarov could only gape in shock at the amount of riches being poured into the cave, watching as Scarlione Guards continued to expand the size of it to accommodate all of it.
Once he was done, the two Scarlione Guards exited the cave, with another two joining them shortly after, as they all came together to conjure a massive door made from pure Diamond, sealing the Treasury away.
"Now that the Treasury has been secured, all that remains is for you to speak with the King and gain his permission for the final part of the ritual," Lorelei spoke calmly, as Natsu stepped back toward the group.
"I'll head on over to the palace now," Natsu replied, as he started making his way toward the two guards, who temporarily unsealed the exit. "I shouldn't be too long everyone."
Making his way back upstairs, Natsu entered the main lobby of the Embassy, walking outside to find the exact person he was hoping to see.
Stepping out of the carriage was an extremely short man, standing at a mere four foot seven and wearing a black suit with a royal coat around his shoulders, complete with an ornate crown, the man slowly stepped up toward the Scarlione Embassy's front gate.
"Knight Commander Natsu Dragneel," the man spoke formally, the guards behind him all taking up positions alongside their Scarlione counterparts. "On behalf of the Kingdom of Fiore, I express my most heartfelt condolences. The loss of Illyandra is a loss to the entirety of Ishgar, one that shall be felt far into the future, I don't doubt."
One Of The Monarch's Of Ishgar
A Fair And Just Ruler
The King Of Fiore
Toma E. Fiore IX
"Thank you, King Toma, for your kind words. I'm sorry that our first meeting in eleven years has to be under such dire circumstances…"
"It has been nearly a decade since we last met, hasn't it? You've certainly grown and made a name for yourself since we last spoke. I'm sure my Daughter Hisui would be most impressed."
"How is she?"
"She's well. Sorry for not bringing her with me, but she is currently attending a charity function, so I figured I would come alone."
"Its fine, I can stay and meet her later today if she's free?"
"I'm sure she'd be delighted to see you again, Natsu," King Toma replied with a small smile. "Ah, but let us return to the matter at hand?"
"Of course, please follow me, King Toma," Natsu replied, motioning for the King to join him inside the Embassy.
Once they went inside, Natsu lead King Toma into a secure side room, the pair taking a seat on a plush couch, as Natsu conjured a bottle of brandy and two glasses from his Requip Space.
"So, its going to be one of those conversations, is it?"
"I'm afraid so, King Toma," Natsu replied with a tired sigh. "Its going to be a big ask from both yourself, and your Kingdom."
"I see… Very well," King Toma sighed, taking a sip from his brandy. "Let us not waste any time then. Lay it on me Natsu, what is it you want to ask of myself and my kingdom?"
"To understand what I'm going to ask, I need to explain something to you," Natsu began, Toma nodding in understanding. "To begin, do you know what an Elemental is, King Toma?"
"Of course. They were a race that embodied the elements that were wiped out a long time ago, right?"
"Correct… to a point. For you see, Queen Illyandra, and every one of her ancestors, were all Gaia Elementals."
"What!?"
"Yes. All of the Queens were in fact, reincarnations of the same being. For you see, King Toma, although Illyandra Scarlione VII is dead, her line seemingly erased in the process… there is still hope."
"Hope…?"
"King Toma, what I'm about to tell you is the largest secret the Scarlione Empire possessed," Natsu began, sitting forward in his seat. "Because she was a Gaia Elemental, Illyandra wasn't born from the womb. No, Illyandra was grown…"
"Grown? You mean, like a plant?"
"Correct," Natsu whispered in response. "Deep within the vaults of the Ichor Palace, lay a sacred garden. This garden housed a small grove at its heart, a tangle of roots that were the base of what was the Ichor Palace itself."
"Hold on… Natsu, are you hinting at what I think you're hinting at!?"
"I think Illyandra knew her time was coming to an end, and that her death meant the death of the Scarlione Empire itself. So, she sent me to clear out her vaults in their entirety… including one pivotal item, one worth more than all the diamonds in the world."
Holding his right hand out, a projection of an item suspended in his Requip Space appeared, Toma's eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.
"T-That-!?"
"King Toma… On behalf of the Scarlione Empire, I would like to formally request asylum for the only remaining Scarlione forces, as well as the now Queen Regent, Lorelei Lanstar von Scarlione IV?"
"W-Well of course I'll grant them asylum, but-!"
"And," Natsu continued slowly. "I would like your permission to plant this salvaged tree below the Scarlione Embassy? The Scarlian Elder Glade… The birthplace of Illyandra Scarlione, the last Gaia Elemental!?"
King Toma was frozen in place, his eyes locked firmly onto the projection of the Scarlian Elder Glade. It was the strangest tree he'd ever seen, possessing the exact appearance of the Queen he'd known for decades, just in tree form.
"You do realize what you're asking me to do, don't you? You wish for me to allow the next Queen of the Scarlione Empire to be born within my country, raised, and eventually rebuild Scarlione itself?"
"It is a massive ask, King Toma, and one we do not make without understanding the position it would put your country in, should anyone find out," Natsu replied firmly. "But we have nowhere else to turn to. And besides…"
Dismissing the projection, Natsu summoned the small cube Illyandra had given him, the King's eyes narrowing upon seeing it.
"What is that?"
"This, King Toma… This is Scarlione."
"You mean to tell me … that the entire country is housed inside that tiny cube?"
"Not just the country, King Toma. Every last thing in Scarlione from the moment Illyandra created it is also stored in here," Natsu replied, the King paling as he processed the implications of just how powerful Illyandra Scarlione truly was.
"If that's true… If she really had the power to compress her entire nation into that tiny cube… What hope do we have against the beings that could defeat her?"
"I cannot answer that question for you, King Toma. All I can tell you is that she was killed by the Black Dragon, Achnologia, who you know has existed for as long as there has been a written record of his existence."
"That is definitely true…"
"King Toma. I assure you that the Scarlione Empire will ally itself firmly with Fiore should you accept this offer," Natsu continued, pressing the advantage as the stunned King processed everything. "Consider that inside this cube lies the entire country, including its military and resources?"
"You do make a fair point. Even a post war Scarlione would have significant power and resources…"
"Scarlione has been there for Fiore in the past, King Toma. Please, help Scarlione in its own time of need?"
"…You're right. Damn it, I know this will draw unwanted attention, should it be discovered, but you're right," Toma sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Scarlione has aided Fiore freely in the past, only conquering its surrounding neighbors after being attacked first. They have been powerful allies… I'd be a terrible person to refuse."
"Thank you so much King Toma," Natsu smiled gratefully, as he shook the King's hand. "Would you like to join us downstairs as I plant the tree?"
"Of course I would, I'm rather curious to see this Scarlian Elder Glade in person," the King replied, as he drained the rest of his glass. "I just want to clarify something though?"
"Sure?"
"You're telling me that the next Illyandra Scarlione is going to come out of the Scarlian Elder Glade?"
"That's correct. Not sure how long it will take for that to happen though," Natsu replied, as he led King Toma down into the cave beneath the Embassy.
Upon entering, everyone bowed to the King, who waved his hand in a dismissive motion.
"Please, no need to bow to me everyone. Today is a day to celebrate the life of my good friend, Illyandra Scarlione VII."
"King Toma, thank you so much for coming on such short notice," Lorelei said, as she shook the man's hand. "If you don't mind my asking…?"
"I've agreed to it Lorelei, so you need not fret," Toma replied with a small smile. "I wanted to see the Scarlian Elder Glade be planted, it sounds like quite the interesting piece of Magical Flora."
"Oh, it most certainly is," Lorelei smiled, as she motioned for everyone to follow her to the right side of the cave. "Here is where we shall plant the Scarlian Elder Glade."
Two Scarlione Guards tapped on the stone wall, unsealing a smaller replica of the cave they were currently standing in, an open mound of dirt waiting patiently for the Elder Glade to be planted within its soft and loamy depths.
Natsu stepped forward into the cave, moving to stand before the hole, releasing the Scarlian Elder Glade from his Requip Space. Everyone gasped, as the humanoid tree slowly manifested before them, the beautiful form of the Queens of Scarlione looming over them, as they listened to the audible sound of its roots burrowing deep into the earth.
Taking a step backward, he watched as the Scarlian Elder Glade puffed up, its form growing slightly larger, before visibly throbbing once. And then, it went dormant, having fully taken root.
Stepping back up to the Elder Glade, Natsu placed a hand over the wooden hand of the tree, gently gripping it as he looked into its eyes.
"Be at peace… Mother, and know that I'll watch over your successor for as long as I am able," Natsu whispered, as he placed the small cube within a small hollow within the chest of the Scarlian Elder Glade.
Stepping back, he turned around and walked out of the room, as the Guards moved to seal the area off. Although none could see it, as the light began to fade from that section of the glade, a single stream of sap leaked from the wooden eye socket of the Scarlian Elder Glade, slowly running down its wooden cheek, before the area was blanketed in darkness.
***POTD***
Several hours later, the entire group found themselves at the palace. After sealing off the lower portion of the Embassy, King Toma invited all of them to the palace to celebrate the life of Queen Illyandra, and formalize the establishment of the Exile Government of the Scarlione Empire.
Gathered within the main banquet hall, the group sat around a round table, with Toma and Lorelei signing various documents. Once they were all signed, Toma cleared his throat, and began to speak.
"For the record, these documents do hereby declare that the Kingdom of Fiore still recognizes the sovereignty of the Scarlione Empire, denouncing Alvarez's rights over the Kingdom. In addition, Fiore hereby recognizes Lady Lorelei Lanstar von Scarlione IV as Queen Regent, until such a time that the heir to the Scarlione Throne is born and capable of ruling her nation."
"As the last remaining noble from the Scarlione Empire, on behalf of the crown, I do hereby accept the role of Queen Regent, until such a time when the rightful heir is capable of ruling the Scarlione Empire," Lorelei spoke firmly, as she signed the documents alongside the King.
Once the documents were signed, two assistants stepped forward and took them, sealing them away within Lacrima, before promptly leaving.
"Well, its official now," King Toma smiled, shaking Lorelei's hand. "Now we play the waiting game for when the new Queen is born."
"Indeed. You truly are a good friend to Scarlione, King Toma. Rest assured; this debt will never be forgotten by our nation!"
Toma smiled as the group moved on to celebrating the life of Illyandra Scarlione VII, sharing stories about her, and Scarlione itself by extension. Throughout the events, Natsu remained somewhat removed from the whole thing, sitting in the back corner of the room as he watched Alyssa eagerly explain to Makarov about how she first met Illyandra.
"I take it you're finding it hard to accept she's really gone, aren't you?"
Looking to his right, he saw King Toma standing there, offering him a drink. "Come with me, let's talk."
Nodding silently, Toma led Natsu away from the party, and into what appeared to be the throne room. Walking behind the throne, the man opened a side door, motioning for Natsu to continue following him into what was clearly Toma's private study.
"Sit."
Doing as he was instructed, he watched Toma drain his glass, before refilling it and reach for an old photograph.
"These days, everyone uses Lacrima for everything. Back when I was a boy, the Lacrima could take photos, but it was an expensive process, and not refined like it is today. This right here, was when I met Illyandra Scarlione for the first time…"
Passing the photo to Natsu, he saw Toma when he was clearly still a Prince, standing around the same height as he was now and dressed similarly. The only difference was that his hair was a dark green, and he had a brighter smile.
Next to the man, Illyandra looked exactly the same as Natsu had last physically seen her. It really put into perspective just how well the Queen had aged, even if he knew the truth about her.
"My Father, King Edwin T. Fiore VIII was, to put it bluntly, a very jealous and greedy man. He cared only about what could profit him and secure him further power, treating our subjects like garbage and more than happy to let the Magic Council do as they pleased."
"I take it he didn't like Illyandra much?"
"Oh, Gods no! My Father always talked about how jealous he was of her. He loathed that Scarlione's territory was so vast, that their army was ten times larger than ours, and that they had more money than we did."
"I take it you didn't share that sentiment," Natsu asked in reply, eliciting a curt nod from the King.
"Father certainly tried his best to instill his way of thinking into me. It's a bit hard to subscribe to it when he also beats your Mother in drunken rages regularly, a Mother that you loved dearly…"
"Shit. I'm-I'm sorry to hear that King Toma…"
"It was a long time ago, and she ended up outliving him anyway," Toma replied with a slight wave of his hand. "The point is, my Mother raised me to have an open mind about people. So, when I was a bit lost in the Ichor Palace as a young boy, Illyandra was the one who found me."
"What happened?"
"She knew who I was, and asked me if I was alright. I told her I was fine, and that I had just gotten a bit lost. She was kind, bearing that small smile she always had… I'm sure you know the one?"
"The slight upturn of the lips, followed immediately by a hn sound?"
"Yes, that's the one," Toma chuckled, as he placed the photo back on the desk. "I remember she asked me what I thought about her country, if I liked it?"
"What did you say?"
"I remember… Heh. I remember I responded by saying, 'Your country isn't welcoming to people allergic to pollen,' on the account of all the flowers she had everywhere," Toma replied, chuckling softly to himself in response.
"I think I already know how she responded," Natsu smiled, imagining the interaction for himself.
"Oh yes, she burst into a fit of giggles, something my Father could never have done," Toma laughed. "A current serving Monarch roaring with laughter in front of a guest!? That simply wasn't the Fiore way, my Father would have said!"
Toma frowned, draining his entire glass in one go, before slamming it down onto his desk and giving it a quick refill.
"They say that anything in life can be a defining moment for one's character, Natsu. From that day onward, I promised myself I'd be a King who could laugh like a fool alongside his subjects, not laugh at them…"
Pulling out another photo, Natsu couldn't help but chuckle at a photo of an older version of Toma standing alongside Illyandra and Frederick Fortunis, Frollo's Father, and the Queen's former Shield. All three of them were laughing in an extremely over the top manner at a hedge that was in the shape of a penis.
"What the Hell is the context for this?"
"We had been discussing business in the gardens, when one of the gardeners slipped up in their pruning, shaving off a section of that bush which made it look like a penis," Toma chuckled. "We had been discussing a mutual trade agreement the entire afternoon, so seeing that after all the boring nonsense was just what we needed."
"Heh. I can tell," Natsu chuckled in reply, as Toma put the photo away.
"The reason why I'm telling you this, is because I want you to remember Illyandra, Natsu? Remember the things she valued, what she fought Alvarez and Achnologia for… It was to protect the smiles of her people, of you and your friends," Toma explained. "I understand it is hard to accept her death, especially since she was killed, but we should remember the good times. Remember her smile, and all the smiles she no doubt put on your face…?"
"…She referred to me as her Son in her final moments, King Toma," Natsu whispered, the King's eyes widening excessively as he quickly realized the reality of the situation. "I have no real memory of my real Mother, nor was I ever adopted by one either. She truly was the closest thing I had to a Mother figure in my life, and now she's dead."
"Oh, I see… Now I understand," Toma replied, as he immediately understood Natsu's current state. "You don't know how to process what you're feeling, do you?"
"No…"
"That's completely understandable, given the circumstances," Toma replied, as he looked toward Natsu not as a King, but as a Father. "I can't say it's the same for every parent, but I know that if it were my Hisui, I'd have sacrificed myself in a heartbeat for her. That is simply what a parent who loves their child does."
"…That's what it means to be a parent?"
"Well, there's obviously a lot more to it, but its definitely something a parent that cares about their child would do."
"I see," Natsu replied thoughtfully. "I think I get what you mean…?"
"One day, you might find yourself in a similar position Natsu," Toma continued. "Be they biological or otherwise, you may indeed find that wonderful connection with someone, and then, you'll understand the lengths a parent will go to for their child."
Natsu simply nodded, zoning out slightly as he pondered King Toma's words. The idea of him feeling that protective, familial instinct was in fact a feeling he'd had in the past.
Perhaps he would indeed understand what Illyandra felt toward him one day? And perhaps, it would be sooner than he thought?"
***POTD***
Natsu and Makarov departed Crocus late that afternoon, leaving Alyssa and Solomon in Crocus. The pair had agreed to remain in the Capital and operate out of the Scarlione Embassy, acting as security for the newly appointed Queen Regent.
On the return trip, Natsu had spoken to Makarov about what he and Gray had discussed the previous day, as well as his follow up discussion with the others once he got home. The old man was agreeable to the idea of taking part in the tournament, especially since better Job contracts were on the line.
So, naturally, the duo made their way to the Guild Hall to announce to the others the plan. Upon entering, they received the usual welcome back, with Natsu immediately heading on over to Erza and the others, who were relaxing at one of the tables in the far back.
"Oh Natsu, you're back," Erza smiled, shuffling over to give him a spot next to her.
"Yeah, we sorted everything out. Alyssa and Solomon will be staying in Crocus for now at the Embassy, but they'll still be visiting frequently to check up on Shrikke."
"Understandable. If they ever need a place to stay, we can house them no problem."
"I know," Natsu smiled, as Makarov called out to the Guild, drawing their attention.
"All of you brats listen up, I've got a few things to announce! First off, Gray here has a request he'd like to pitch to all of you!? Go ahead Gray…"
"Thanks gramps," Gray replied, stepping up to address the crowd. "Alright guys, I'm not gonna sugarcoat things. To be blunt, the Guild is in big trouble right now, even with our Guild Hall back. We currently don't have a licensing contract from the Magic Council that's going to be able to pay to keep this place, let alone make sure all of us can afford to live."
There were various cries of shock, outrage and confusion, until Natsu flexed a trickle of his power to silence the room.
"Thanks, Natsu. Now everyone, I hate to break it to you, but that's just kind of how it is," Gray sighed, as everyone shared grim looks. "The strongest of the Guild were gone for seven years, the Guild fell and nearly hit rock bottom. We can't change that fact."
"But what we can do, is make a comeback," Natsu chimed in, all eyes shifting toward him. "Instead of getting upset at what Gray's saying, why don't you all shut up, get out there, and start training? He's completely right in what he's saying. Fact is, the Guild is down, but we're far from out-."
"But you don't know what its like now Natsu," Wakaba replied, taking a drag from his cigar. "The world is way different from how it was seven years ago-?"
"I don't think that's entirely true Wakaba. Sure, the other Guilds might have seven years on most of us, but you're forgetting that we used to be Fiore's strongest, and that strength hasn't waned, merely stagnated."
"He's got a point there," Macao agreed. "The tournament isn't for another three months. If they get out there starting tomorrow, bust their asses, and come back ready to show Fiore what Fairy Tail is all about…"
"We stand a good chance of winning," Gray concluded, drawing the conversation back toward the front of the room.
"I'd like to see what your plan is for Sabertooth," Wakaba shrugged in response. "They have a damn stacked team, even their backup members are broken."
"What are you talking about Wakaba," Natsu asked, curious about this Sabertooth Guild.
"Sabertooth have won every single Grand Magic Games since they burst onto the scene six years ago. They've got two Dragon Slayers, a God Slayer, a Maker Magic Mage, a Spatial Magic Mage… Hell, they're practically what we were seven years ago, just stronger!"
"Sounds like a whole lot of cowardice to me," Elise sniffed, wholly unimpressed. "I'm gonna fight, especially if there's another God Slayer involved."
"Gihi! Got it in one Faulkner, I'm in too," Gajeel grunted in agreement from his place near Levy and Panther Lily. "Two Dragon Slayers, there's no damn way I ain't fightin at least one of em?"
"Assuming I don't get to them first Blacksteel," Natsu smirked in reply, the two Slayers sharing a mutual grin.
"I think its fairly obvious that we'll be able to get the numbers to compete," Makarov replied, seeing most of the Tenrou Team fired up to compete in the games. "We know that Laxus, Gildarts, Natsu and Elise are all powerhouses, but the rest of you could all benefit from training to start catching up on these last seven years."
"Not our fault Natsu and Elise cheated," Erza scoffed, with Elise flicking her left ear. "Hey!"
"Don't be jealous, just do what Natsu said and train instead."
"I can be jealous and train thank you very much," Erza replied, though there was no malice behind her words as she poked the God Slayer in the chest. "In fact, you can help me."
"Fair enough. After all, I'm the strong one now," the God Slayer sniped back teasingly, as Mira placed her arms around both their shoulders.
"I might join you two, I think we'll all work well together!"
"It seems like everyone has a rough idea of what they're planning to do," Makarov nodded approvingly. "Very well then, we have our goal everyone! Three months to cram in as much training as possible so that we can retake our place as the top Guild… and win me-I mean, win Fairy Tail that cash prize!"
With that, the majority of the Guild cheered, before beginning to disperse. Right as every group started making their way toward the exit, Makarov's voice sliced through the merriment, silencing them all as they looked back toward the old man.
"Hold on a moment you brats, I gave one last announcement," Makarov shouted, drawing the crowd back toward him as he pulled out a sealed letter. "Now, as you all know, Macao has been running the Guild as Fourth Master ever since the Tenrou Incident. For acceptable reasons, he has decided to step down from his post."
"Yeah, sorry everyone, but it's a damn stressful job."
"There's no need to apologize Macao, I promise you that no one here is judging you," Makarov replied kindly, before looking back toward the assembled Guild. "With that being said, we both agreed that I am far too old to be Guild Master again. So, we've decided on who the Fifth Guild Master shall be!"
Handing the letter off to Macao, the man took it, slowly opening it, before beginning to read it aloud.
"The Fifth Guild Master of the Fairy Tail Guild … is Gildarts Clive!"
Everyone began to cheer, having expected such an outcome. Gildarts was the next logical choice after Makarov to take the job, after all. The excitement died down however, as everyone quickly realized that the Crash Mage was missing.
"Uh, gramps?"
"What is it Natsu," Makarov replied, looking down to see Natsu holding a letter. "What's this…?"
To Makarov and the Guild
Hi.
I gave Natsu this letter just in case a crazy scenario cropped up where some deluded fools decided to make me Guild Master. Therefore, here are my immediate actions as Guild Master, that will be enforced by Natsu in my stead.
First off, the matter regarding Laxus.
Laxus. To be blunt, you were an idiot, and you got kicked out of the Guild for a very good reason. And, although I laughed at you about it what you did on Tenrou, what you did was a very serious thing.
But from what I saw on Tenrou, you seem to understand that, and have lost that cocky attitude of yours. Not only that, seeing you get along with Natsu, despite what you've done to him in the past, and even praise him, has proven to me that you've at the very least earned yourself a second chance.
As Elfman would so aptly put it in a situation like this, you've become a real man.
Therefore, I am bringing you back into the Guild as an S Class Mage, effective immediately. Furthermore, no one can reverse this decision, and you can only be kicked out for doing the same stupid shit you did last time.
For Gods sake kid, please don't screw up like that again. Stick with the Thunder Legion, and just mellow out.
Now, my second order of business relates to a member of our Guild who deserves some recognition. I'm of course talking about you, Elise Faulkner.
After speaking with Natsu, who tested you on Tenrou, as well as all the events we went through in Scarlione that I won't get into in this letter, I feel that considering I'm the Fifth Master, no one can really dispute me on this.
You're a damn good Mage Elise, and you mesh perfectly with Natsu on jobs. You've got brawn with the best of them, and the brain to match. When we first met, I wouldn't have picked you for it, but I think the others will agree with this decision…
Effective immediately, I do hereby use my authority as the Fifth Master to promote Elise Faulkner to S Class. You've earned this Elise, keep up the great work alongside Natsu, Erza, Wendy and Gray, assuming he joins you guys again, that is.
Now, the third item on my list is that Nab has to pick a job in the next twenty four hours, or, effective immediately, he's kicked out of the Guild.
I'm sorry Nab, but you get fed for free like everyone else, yet haven't brought a single Jewel into the Guild in the sixteen years I've known you. The Guild was in dire straits these last seven years, and you did nothing for them. I refuse to budge on this, and if I find out you still haven't done a job when I get back… You don't even want to know what I'll do.
Now, moving right along to the second last point of business…
Effective immediately, my bar tab is wiped, and I get free drinks for life.
Finally, I choose Makarov Dreyar as my successor as Sixth Master of Fairy Tail. Sorry guys, but being tied down just really isn't me you know.
I'm heading back out on my own journey for a bit, need to process some things and clear my head. As well as train, of course. I've taken two half-century Quests, so don't expect me to be around for some time. All the paperwork has been filed and ready for submission.
And Natsu… Keep doing me proud.
Regards,
Gildarts Clive
The reaction among the Guild was extremely mixed. Elise and Laxus just stood there, gaping like a pair of fish. Makarov looked like he'd just had a damn stroke. Mira's eyes were closed, and she was smiling tightly, even as the thick wood of the bar top shattered under her grip. Nab was sweating profusely, likely fearing for his life…
And Natsu, he remained where he had stood next to Makarov, eyes narrowed deep in thought, pondering what the Crash Mage had just done.
'What's your game Gildarts,' Natsu thought, before suddenly being snapped back to reality as Elise jumped onto him, nearly knocking him over as she hugged him as tightly as she could.
Wrapping his arms around the girl, he couldn't help but chuckle upon noticing Erza, Wendy and Mira had all copped it first before he did.
"Congratulations Elise," Natsu smiled, as the War God Slayer let go, bouncing on the balls of her feet, unable to stay still.
"I can't believe it Natsu! ME!? S CLASS!? THERE'S NO WAAAAAY!"
"To be honest, you were one of my two picks for S Class during the Tenrou Trials," Natsu replied, surprising the God Slayer.
"Who was your other pick?"
"Cana."
"Wait, you thought that I was actually good enough," Cana asked, almost half slurring her words as she stumbled toward his position, practically falling into his arms. "You for real Dragtsu?"
"I am. When you aren't drunk, you've got a damn good mind, and great control over your Magic. On top of that, even when you're drunk, you've got the charisma to rally others when needed, just like how you helped out during the Phantom Lord incident."
"Well shit," Cana muttered, sobering up a little as Elise helped her stand up straight. "I-Thanks for the vote of confidence Natsu…"
"Really, if Elise wasn't here, I'd have voted for you. She gets the vote by default because she already has experience in a position similar to S Class," Natsu smiled, as the Card Mage nodded slowly in understanding.
"To have the faith of someone like you… I feel almost obligated to do my best now, huh," Cana chuckled, before looking toward Elise. "Gotta say, you are S Class worthy more than me though… for now."
"For now," Elise smiled, as Cana wrapped an arm around both their shoulders.
"You know, all this talk of big and strong S Class Mages is giving me ideas," the Card Mage teased, eliciting an immediate blush from Elise, and a knowing smile from the Dragon Slayer. "I wonder what it'd be like to be sandwiched between two walls of muscle and dominance…?"
"C-Cana!"
The Card Mage laughed, separating from the pair, and making her way back toward her seat, leaving Natsu and Elise alone for the moment.
"I can't stand how easily she can fluster me," Elise huffed, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "Still, at least she's not talking badly about my looks…"
"Cana wouldn't ever do that, she's always treated everyone fairly," Natsu replied with a smile, as he watched her throwing paper across the room at Gajeel. "Heh… She's just got a few things to sort out first before she reaches S Class."
"A fair assessment Natsu," Makarov grumbled, before tossing the letter onto the bar top. "Damn that Gildarts! At this rate, I'll never get to retire!?"
"Sorry gramps, but Gildarts just handed me that letter before he left."
"No, its not your fault, and really, I should've seen it coming," Makarov sighed. "I suppose I'll have to take the reins for now, at least until someone more appropriate to fill the position. For now though we need to discuss something else?"
"Oh?"
"Once you've organized what you plan to do with your team, meet me in my office, alright?"
"Will do gramps," Natsu smiled, as Makarov left, heading upstairs to likely go cry. "Well, guess we'd better speak with the others?"
Elise nodded, as the pair made their way over to Erza, Wendy, Mira and Gray's table.
"So, I take it you three are splitting off to do some training," Natsu asked, motioning to Erza, Elise and Mira, who all nodded. "And you Gray, I assume you'll be with Juvia?"
"Yeah."
"Where is Juvia anyway, I haven't seen her since we got back?"
"Oh, she's at home right now organizing for our neighbors to look after our pet fish-."
"Wait, you and Juvia live together," Erza asked with raised eyebrows. "Since when was that a thing?"
"Oh yeah, you don't know this Erza, but Gray and Juvia have been together for a few years now," Natsu replied for the Ice Make Mage, as jaws across the table dropped, none harder than Mira's.
"Oh. My. GOODNESS! I can't believe no one told me about this," the white-haired Mage gasped, grabbing onto Gray's coat. "You've been together for several years, right!?"
"Y-Yeah," Gray stuttered out whilst being shaken by Mira, who immediately gasped upon his confirmation.
"The that means… YOU'LL BE GETTING MARRIED ANY DAY NOW-!"
"Oh fuck, here we go…"
"No Gray, she's got a point," Erza agreed, as the Ice Make Mage audibly groaned.
"Come on Gray, when's the date," Natsu teased, eliciting an amused snort from Elise. "Wendy here can even be the flower girl at your wedding-."
"W-What," the Sky Dragon Slayer gasped, blushing profusely as she imagined the entire scenario.
"Oh, this HAS to happen," Mira squealed. "Come on Erza, we need to see Juvia before we leave!"
"I'll catch up with you two then," Elise chuckled, watching as they raced out of the Guild Hall, a flustered Gray scrambling behind trying to do damage control. "I'm gonna go pack at home. I'll see you guys in three months."
"Have fun," Natsu smiled, as the pair bumped fists, before Elise departed. "Alright Wendy, you're coming with me."
"Are you sure you don't want to focus on your own training Natsu?"
"Oh, don't worry, I'm going to be training too. The thing is, I know Solomon has likely given you a fair bit to work with. So, we'll stop by and see him in Crocus, work out a plan, and go from there. I'm thinking that my goal will be to teach you some of the more advanced Dragon Slayer techniques…"
"Wait, you don't mean the-?"
"The very same," Natsu smiled, bringing a wide smile to the young girl.
"You seriously think I'm ready!?"
"I don't know if you'll get all of it under your belt by the time the three months is up, but my goal is for you to grow stronger in general. I'll explain it more along the way, since there's something else that I want to teach you as well…"
"Wow," Wendy muttered quietly to herself, before wrapping her arms around Natsu's abdomen, hugging him tightly. "You're the best!"
"That I am little one, and don't you forget it," Natsu smiled, gently petting her head. "Now head on home and pack everything you think you'll need. Alright?"
"Okay Natsu," Wendy chirped, as Natsu eyed the girl proudly as she ran from the Guild Hall.
"You sure she's ready for that stage Salamander," Gajeel asked, approaching the Slayer curiously.
"You were when you were at her level, so why wouldn't she be?"
"C'mon man, surely I don't have to spell it out?"
"She's not as soft as you think anymore Gajeel," Natsu replied quietly, turning on his heel as he started walking toward the stairs. "She lost that on Tenrou…"
"I saw you eyein those scars on her face. You know there was nothin you could've done-?"
"I'm doing the only thing I can for her now Blacksteel," Natsu replied firmly, looking over his shoulder at the man as he held out his right hand, summoning a small book. "Here."
"What is it?"
"I've learned some things, both about how our Dragon Slayer Magic works in general, as well as about the Dragon Force. These are my notes on it, and I figured you might want to give them a shot? You're going to head out with Levy and Panther Lily, right?"
"Yeah…"
"Let them help you with it, I'm curious to see what you find from my notes," Natsu replied, continuing on up the stairs. "Later Blacksteel."
Entering Makarov's office, Natsu sighed and sat down on the couch, noticing how dusty the place was.
"Haven't had the time or funds to get the damn place cleaned up yet," the old man sighed. "Before you even say anything, don't. You already bought the place back for s to begin with, I can't accept anything more from you Natsu."
"If that's what you want gramps, I'll leave it to you," Natsu sighed in response. "Anyway, what did you need to talk about?"
"While you were gone in Scarlione, I had a visit from an old friend."
"Oh?"
"Jura Neekis," Makarov said, as a spark of recognition flickered through Natsu's eyes.
"Oh, Jura! I haven't seen him since the Oracion Seis incident!"
"Yes, well… Jura had quite a few interesting things to tell me about how things have been going during our absence. Our Wizard Saint positions were put into limbo, pending Council approval. Basically, we got shuffled back to Ranks Nine and Ten."
"Fair enough."
"Yes, well, from what Jura told me, a few from the bottom five have come and gone over the years. The Ishgar Four have remained the same, but there were two things that have shaken me, if I'm honest."
"And? What are these things that have you so shaken up?"
"Jura has moved up to Wizard Saint Rank Six," Makarov began, eliciting a raised eyebrow in response. "The thing is, he was Rank Five up until a year and a half ago, then someone came in and soundly defeated him."
"Wait… Are you serious?"
"Very. Jura went on to tell me that this person almost defeated Warrod Sequen, one of the Ishgar Four," Makarov continued, as Natsu felt his eyebrows rise up to his hairline. "So, naturally, I reached out to Warrod, since we were bound to catch up upon my return anyway…"
"And? What did he say?"
"He said that this person could very well have defeated him under the right conditions, confirming what Jura told me," Makarov replied slowly, as Natsu sucked in a sharp breath. "He went on to say that now, none in the top five can be considered Human…"
"Holy shit…"
"You need to know this Natsu, because Jura told me that the Council caught wind of how you saved us. They believe that you were hiding your true power. This is relevant, because, during the banquet we had at the palace with King Toma, he told me that the Magic Council planned to test you during the Grand Magic Games this year."
"Seriously? Why?"
"I haven't the slightest clue? King Toma couldn't tell me who your opponent would be, only that you would be facing off against another Wizard Saint, and a powerful one at that."
"And you think it might be this newcomer to the Rank Five spot?"
"Potentially, yes."
"I see," Natsu hummed in response. "I'll have to prepare accordingly. Did Jura tell you the identity of the Rank Five Wizard Saint?"
"He did. And let me tell you, it's the absolute last person any of us could have expected," Makarov replied, as he tossed him a photograph. "See for yourself?"
As Natsu examined the photo, he felt his entire body freeze up, the photo slipping from his fingers to fall on the dusty floor of the office, as he struggled to process the identity of the powerful Wizard Saint.
"But that's-!"
"I know," Makarov hummed in response. "It will be an interesting encounter, I don't doubt."
Natsu could only nod, slack jawed, as Makarov poured the pair drinks, knowing full well that there would be much conversation to come on this subject, and the ramifications it would have on Fairy Tail as a whole.
***POTD***
Night had fallen high atop the peaks of the Forewin Mountain Range. A vicious snowstorm blanketed the area, sending the creatures scarpering for cover, along with the criminals who called the mountains home.
Nestled in an old ski lodge, was a Dark Guild. However, it wasn't just any old Dark Guild, but rather, it was one of the Circles of Tartaros.
Littered around the area were the bodies of large, muscular Demons, their bodies having been absolutely wrecked by whatever they had encountered high up here, away from the world. All across the mountain range, their bodies were being rapidly covered in snow, a vicious howl from the wind almost masking the screams of more Demons, as their rank was savagely brutalized.
An explosion went off, shaking the entire mountain, as the cabin burst into splinters, and a massive Demon of Etherious leapt away from it. Standing before him was a lone figure, their silhouette briefly visible by the crackle of the lightning amidst the snowstorm.
"YOU DAMN TRAITOR," the Demon roared, its muscular form tensing as it pointed at the lone figure ahead of it. "YOU WOULD SIDE WITH THE HUMANS!?"
"I was never on your side to begin with," a woman's voice replied, though it had a masculine edge to it, a slight growl, as they examined their nail like it were more interesting than the foe before them. "Face it, you're not getting out of this alive."
"You fucking BITCH! HOW DARE YOU DISMISS ME!? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO I AM!?"
"Of course I know, you've mentioned it many times," the woman yawned, as she stepped forward into the light.
The woman stood at nine feet tall, with long flowing dark purple hair and black eyes. She wore a pair of dark blue jeans with black heeled boots, a dark red button up shirt that wasn't tucked in, the top few buttons left undone to expose some of her sizeable bust, as well as a long dark blue coat with dark red fur lining around the collar, and a pair of black finger-less, studded leather gloves.
However, it was what was emblazoned on her coat that had the Demon across from her concerned… The symbol, of the Ten Wizard Saints.
"You couldn't help it, could you? Your own actions led to this… your own Greed."
"You fool! I AM ONE OF TARTAROS' BEST! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS," the Demon roared, as it entered its Etherious Form.
An Officer In The Tartaros Guild
Guild Master Of The Third Circle
SSS Rank Dark Mage
The Ever-Devouring Swine
Ceretaurio
The woman was wholly unimpressed, as the Guild Master charged her in his Etherious Form, almost as if she'd entirely expected it from the beginning.
"Let your greed be your undoing," the woman replied shaking her head as a massive spike of ice shot out of the ground, impaling him through the stomach and out the back, lifting him high into the air as it began to rotate.
The Demon screeched as his body was shredded apart by the razor-sharp ice, his body being peeled away like the skin of a potato would be with a peeler. Eventually, nothing remained of the Demon, as blood splattered all across the area, only the section where the woman stood being shielded.
"Another one down," the woman sighed, shaking her head. "What a joke."
"It is as I told you," a deep voice rumbled within her mind. "These new age Etherious Demons are nothing compared to the power the earlier Demons possessed."
"Even still, that was a pathetic showing," the woman scoffed, reaching into her coat and pulling out a newspaper, conjuring a throne made of ice and flopping into it. "We've got an hour before we can catch the next train, may as well catch up on the news?"
"That gossip rag? Figures, you can't help but be an old gossip, can you?"
"Shut up," the woman huffed, though there was no malice behind her words as she read the front page. "What-!?"
Sitting up straight, the woman's eyes widened considerably as she saw the Tenrou Team plastered on the front page of the newspaper. The caption spoke about how they had returned after seven years, and that a major shift in the political landscape of the Guilds was expected to take place during the next Grand Magic Games.
"They're back," the woman said aloud, almost in sheer disbelief. "They're actually back!?"
"Of course they're back," the voice in her head scoffed. "One of them was able to kill me, so of course he at the very least survived."
"There's no way I can ignore this," the woman spoke to the voice in her head, who merely chuckled deeply.
"Who cares what that pathetic group of old bastards want? You're a Wizard Saint, you do as you please and THEY beg."
"You're right," the woman grinned, rising to her feet as she looked out over the dark valley ahead of her. "We're gonna be in Crocus for the Grand Magic Games this year, I think… I'm excited to see them all again."
"I'm not."
"True. But then again, no one cares what you think," the woman smirked, as she leapt off the side of the mountain range, skidding down the side of the mountain as the snow beneath her feet solidified into a board, the Wizard Saint cruising down with style, a wide grin on her face.
They had returned, at long last, just as she knew they would.