Chapter 3-Training
One year later*
Naruto was covered in cuts and bruises.his sharpen nails started to reseed. His little body worked hard, taking in as much air as possible. His right hand was bent at an awkward angle that sent pain shooting up his arm at every slight tremor. A large shadow flew overhead, landing behind the boy. The ground shook under the immense weight. "That was disappointing. You needed three hours to defeat that demon," called out the smirking Aconologia.
The dragon hated to admit it, but he was impressed. Taking down a demon of such enormous proportions was a magnificent accomplishment, especially at five years old. Very few grown mages could boast about such a victory. "Yeah...right y-you...overgrown lizard!" Naruto scoffed as he panted, still fighting for air, as he turned to face his mentor. "Admit it, you're happy!" It was true; Acnologia was very pleased with his disciple's leaps in power. Somewhere along the line, the two had developed an odd father-son relationship. "Your job here is done. It is time we head back to the Cave. You are ready to learn the secret arts of Dragon Slaying." Standing unsteadily, Naruto walked towards the dragon. Acnologia picked him up in his claw.
time skip*
Naruto had just finished training with Acnologia and was sent to find food while Acnologia rested. Naruto was feeling happy, he had gotten a decent grasp on his chaos dragon slaying magic and its enhanced state, and the chaos dragon king slaying magic. "Hmmm, should I eat Griffen or find a pig or a falcon? What should I eat and bring for Father to eat?" Pounder Naruto. Suddenly, a massive dragon appeared behind him. Feeling the rush of a new breeze and hearing the sound of large wings, Naruto quickly turned around and decided to attack.
"Chaos Dragon Roar!" he shouted, unleashing a blast of black and blue chaotic energy from his mouth. The dragon dodged his attack while redirecting the energy, but Naruto didn't give up. He continued his assault with a "Chaos Dragon Claw," sending a slash of chaotic energy toward the creature, which easily swiped the attack away.
Frustrated and in pain, Naruto began running toward the beast. As he did, he grew two small black wings and took flight, preparing for another strike. "Chaos Dragon King Roar!" he yelled, releasing a more prominent, darker royal blue blast of chaotic energy. This time, just before the attack could reach the dragon, it used its wings to disperse the energy and swatted Naruto from the sky.
Naruto crashed through ten trees before finally stopping in a clearing. His wings retracted back into his body, and the dragon landed nearby. It looked at Naruto and spoke.
"Son of Acnologia, stop attacking me. Your father sent me here."
"How do you know my father, and who are you?"
"I am Bahamut, one of the two true dragon gods. I know your father because I was there when he chose you, and I'm the one who took your brother to another dragon."
"My brother is alive, but whenever I ask Father about him, he never answers, it's like he doesn't know or care."
"Yes, he does know. I can't say if your father cares, but he knows. The dragon raising your brother wants to teach you his element while I teach you most of the other basic elements. I will also send you to a few dragons to learn from them."
The boy raised an eyebrow. "But I thought dragon slayers and dragons could only use one element."
The dragon chuckled. "That is normally true, but chaos dragons are different. They are named after a primordial being, Chaos, the first entity in the Greek pantheon. He can use all elements but is most known for being the creator of them and utilizing chaotic energy. Plus, your dad is a dragon king, so he had the ability to use multiple elementsbut he never did he just believes it's more useful to strengthen one element and learn to consume all other elements for his own, making it impossible for a dragon slayer's element to affect him."
The boy nodded in understanding. "So when do I meet this dragon, and how many elements will I learn? Is it possible to create elements, especially for slaying arts?"
"I'm about to take you to him now. As for how many elements? I'd say probably eight unless there are specific elements you want to learn that aren't just basic. Also, you should be able to create elements because Chaos made his world, tho you will mostly create elements through trial and error. I've made an element, and so has my rival, the other dragon god, so I'm curious to see what you will create."
Naruto smirked at this. "Okay, deal! I have a few elements in mind that aren't basic, and I'll need you to show me how to start creating an element."
"Interesting little gaki you, are whiskered one."
"Shut upp. When I'm strong enough, I'll fight you and father so you learn to respect me."
"Young prince, I respect you but don't forget you're a thousand years too young to challenge me. And if you want to see your brother, then come on. It's time to go meet your first trainer in a new element and get on my back."
When they arrived
"Alright, naruto, I'll see you next week to start working on your other elements. Tell the dragon to take you home, or you do that weird wing thing again ."
Naruto looks and sees a cave inside. Inside the cave is a dragon and a boy with pink hair, though the boy is asleep. The dragon he has heard Acnologia talk about before is inside the cave, and Naruto recognizes the scar on his cheek and calls out.
"Uhhhh…Fire Dragon King Igneel," the boy stammered, his voice trembling slightly as anxiety gripped him. He swiftly recalled how his father would have reacted, urging him to embody the fierce bravery expected of him. The immense creature stirred at the sound, one majestic eye flickering open to reveal iridescent depths, shimmering with hues of crimson and gold that held the weight of ancient wisdom and untold stories. With a slow, deliberate motion, Igneel extended his colossal paw and gently nudged the boy aside, his scales glistening like molten metal in the dim light of the cave. As the dragon emerged into the open air, the chill of the night swirled around him, momentarily mingling with the heat radiating from his fiery form, painting a stark contrast between the cool night and the warmth of his presence. The boy watched in awe as Igneel unfurled his massive wings, casting an imposing shadow over the landscape, a living embodiment of power and majesty.
"So, you must be Natsu's brother," Igneel rumbled, the sound reverberating through the cavern like distant thunder. The dragon's scales shimmered with a fiery hue, catching the dim light and transforming the cavern into a tapestry of flickering shadows and fiery light an awe-inspiring sight that demanded respect.
"Y-yeah, that's me," Naruto replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. His heart raced in his chest, each beat echoing his mix of excitement and fear. Standing before the colossal creature, he felt a tumult of emotions—intimidation battling with an exhilarating sense of wonder. Memories of his younger brother Natsu flooded his mind: the laughter they shared, the playful arguments, and their father's complex friendship with the legendary dragon. "C-can I see him?" he asked, his gaze flickering between the magnificent dragon and the deep recesses of the cave where Natsu lay cocooned in sleep.
"Of course, but just for a brief moment," Igneel responded, a hint of amusement lighting up his deep, rumbling voice as he observed the boy's conflicted expression. "He's in a deep sleep, dreaming of fire and adventure. But you must understand, it's vital for you to begin your training. Once we start, you must dedicate yourself fully."
Naruto stepped cautiously forward, his breath hitching as he laid eyes on the serene face of his slumbering brother. "Hey there, Natsu," he addressed the still figure, feeling an overwhelming surge of warmth. "I'm your older brother, and I want you to know that one day, I'll rise to become the Dragon King. You will stand by my side as my second-in-command." His voice was imbued with unwavering determination, projecting the dreams and ambitions they would chase together—boundless and unbreakable, forged in the flames of their shared destiny.
time skip*
Covered by the shadow of an ancient tree, Naruto curled further into his black jacket. A necklace with nineteen oddly colored scales fell out from under the black, scaly scarf that was tightly wrapped around his neck as he shifted in his sleep. In the past five years, Naruto had grown immensely in strength, far exceeding Acnologia's expectations. The nineteen dragons killed by the boy's own hands proved it.
Due to his extraordinary achievements and unparalleled prowess, the dragon prince secured his esteemed position within the hallowed halls of the Palace of Dovah, an ethereal floating island that serves as the domain of the Dragon Council—an unprecedented honor for anyone, let alone a human. Throughout the annals of history, no human had ever ventured onto this revered ground, which pulsated with magic and ancient wisdom.
The council itself was an illustrious assembly, comprising twenty sovereign Kings and Queens, each representing distinct elemental clans—fire, water, earth, air, and more, each with their unique traditions and powers. Naruto, through tireless dedication and exceptional skill, mastered an impressive twelve elements, excluding Acnologia's chaotic and unpredictable magic.
Beneath the esteemed council members were their noble princesses and princes, each of whom played vital roles in the council's dynamic. Heaven Hall, the grand and intricately designed stone chamber, was adorned with elaborate carvings and radiant gemstones that reflected the light of a thousand stars, symbolizing the weight of legacy that each seat contained. Traditionally, each seat was passed down through generations, forming a tapestry of history and honor. The sacred tradition allowed for a unique exception; if a challenger could best a sitting 'King' or 'Queen' in combat, they could claim the throne, ushering in a new era and a shift in elemental balance.
Stretching with a mighty yawn, the boy reluctantly pushed himself to his feet, brushing the coarse dirt from his black pants. The noon sun bathed the clearing in warmth, but the weight of sleep clung to his eyelids like a heavy fog. Yet, as he stood there, an invigorating surge of energy surged through him, sweeping away the lethargy as if a powerful hurricane had swept over the landscape, invigorating his senses. He scanned the tranquil surroundings, noting the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Despite the serene atmosphere, a disquieting realization set in Acnologia, his father, was not there to admonish him for resting in the daylight.
"Father?" he called out, his voice trembling as it sliced through the stillness of the clearing. The air around him felt dense and stifling, as if the very trees were holding their breath. A wave of panic surged within the young boy, a tempest of anxiety churning violently in his chest. Just a few short months prior, the Dragon King had delivered the grim tidings: he would not be present for much longer. The haunting memory of Acnologia's grave countenance lingered in his mind, accompanied by the weight of his father's words as he explained the intricate plans of countless dragons to seal themselves within the bodies of their chosen dragon slayers—a course of action Acnologia had branded as foolish and short-sighted. In his father's fierce yet wise eyes, there was an unmistakable fire, a conviction that this plan was akin to relinquishing their power, reducing the profound bond between slayer and dragon to a mere tool for survival.
Now, standing alone in the tranquil yet eerie clearing, it became painfully clear that Acnologia intended to exploit this chaos for a greater purpose. "It's time for you to forge your own path," he had said, his voice a complex weave of challenge and encouragement. The boy felt a tumultuous blend of terror and determination ignite within him, as the enormity of expectation hung like a heavy cloud overhead. With every passing heartbeat, he began to accept that his journey was just unfolding, and he was poised to venture into the uncharted depths of the unknown.
Again, Naruto shouted into the void, "Where are you, you overgrown lizard?!" Anxiety seeped into his voice. The silence, however, was deafening. "DAAD!" he exclaimed, desperation cracking through his bravado. Tears threatened to spill over, but the stubborn boy fought against them, resolute in his refusal to give in. "I'm not ready yet! You can't leave me, dammit! You didn't prepare me for this! I don't know what to do!" His fists clenched tightly, and in a fit of rage, he lashed out at the towering trees around him, splintering bark and sending leaves cascading down like confetti. Anger bubbled to the surface, hot and uncontainable. "Acnologia! This isn't funny!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the forest, a blend of fury and desperation reverberating back at him.
As Naruto wandered through the lush, vibrant forest, he suddenly caught sight of a herd of wild pigs rooting around in the underbrush. Instinctively, he transformed his fingernails into sharp, glistening claws, a fierce glint in his eyes as he crouched low to the ground. With a powerful surge of energy, he lunged at the unsuspecting animals, his movements fluid and predatory, reminiscent of a skilled hunter in the wild.
This moment was tinged with a sense of urgency; it was no ordinary day but a fateful one—the day the dragons vanished without a trace. July 7th X777 loomed large in history, a day marked by both beauty and loss of the dragons, forever altering the course of the world. Little did Naruto know that as he pursued his prey, a greater adventure awaited him, one that would intertwine his fate with that of the mythical creatures he had only heard about in legends.
few weeks have passed*
The dragon prince trudged onward, refusing to yield to fatigue. For several days, he had been wandering, each step heavy with exhaustion. His once-bright eyes now glimmered with a dull, parched red, a testament to the sleepless nights spent grappling with chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind. Initially, he set out to search for his brother, but in his current state, he found himself returning to the cave where he had grown up. Feeling the weight of despair, he decided to venture far away in search of a new way to find his brother.
The forest around him was much less dense than the familiar labyrinth of shadows of his childhood, yet he was driven by an overwhelming desperation to escape the confines of the cave that had been his home. He longed to find something anything that could fill the void within him until Acnologia returned. Surely, the separation couldn't last forever.
Lost in this spiral of anxiety, Naruto remained oblivious to the figure observing him from the winding dirt path, her weathered face partially obscured by the thicket.
"A brat? This far into the forest?" Porlyusica sighed, exasperation lacing her voice as she scanned her surroundings. "Dammit. How much farther must I walk to flee from all the pests?" As her keen gaze landed on the approaching boy, a shiver of unease crept up her spine. There was something profoundly unsettling about his demeanor; his eyes were utterly devoid of life hollow, like empty vessels stripped of hope. Regret pulsed through her as she called out to him, her voice cutting through the stillness, "Hey, brat! What are you doing out here?"
Naruto's attention snapped to her, shock replacing his distracted thoughts when he noticed the pink-haired woman standing fifty feet away, a formidable presence amidst the trees. How had he been so lost in his own mind that he hadn't sensed her approach? Sleep-deprived and gnawingly hungry, his irritation flared, rolling his eyes as he crossed his arms defensively over his chest, aware of the chill biting at his exposed sleeve. "Why do you need to know, old hag?" he snapped, a vein on Porlyusica's forehead pulsing in response to the boy's rudeness.
"Who are you calling 'old hag,' you ungrateful brat?!" she shot back, the frustration evident in her tone. He muttered a string of undignified words under his breath, glaring at her with a blend of resentment and weariness. "Where are your parents?" Porlyusica asked, stifling the urge to swat him with her broomstick. A flicker of sadness passed through his hollow gaze, only to vanish as quickly as it appeared, leaving her unsettled by such a swift change. "Left me..." he murmured, the admission escaping his lips like a fragile whisper, exposing a vulnerability that lay hidden beneath his hardened exterior.
Porlyusica wasn't completely taken aback; stories of lost children were all too familiar in the world. 'Makarov will be delighted to take in a new kid,' she mused, the thought prickling with a mix of hope and concern. This boy, in particular, appeared to be in dire need of a nurturing atmosphere. "You're quite the annoying little gaki, you know that?" she muttered, standing tall and meeting his dull gaze with an unwavering determination. "Come with me."
"It's Naruto," the young boy corrected, wariness flickering in his eyes. "Why should I let you boss me around?" he retorted defiantly.
"I know someone who might be able to help you," Porlyusica replied, her tone shifting. A glimmer of intrigue sparking in her eyes as they narrowed. Naruto tilted his head, the walls of suspicion around him beginning to crumble as curiosity took its place. "Help me, how?" he probed, his voice laced with cautious optimism.
"Depends on what you're looking for," she replied, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Naruto sighed, a mix of frustration and reluctant hope swirling within him. "Fine, hag. Show me the way. If this person can help me find my brother, then that's fine. If not…" His voice trailed off, the uncertainty hanging heavily in the air."I'll kill you."Stating what Porlyusica thought was a threat, she gave the dragon prince a dirty look before she turned around, muttering about how annoying and ignorant the children were. The town of Magnolia was not far. "Where exactly is this place you want me to go?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with irritation as he looked up at Porlyusica. The old woman, however, seemed intent on disregarding him, her focus firmly on her work.
"Old hag, I asked you a question: What is this place like?" he pressed, trying to catch her attention. Her silence only fueled his frustration.
In a moment of exasperation, Naruto clenched his fist and unleashed his strength, delivering a powerful punch to a nearby tree. The trunk splintered under the force, and the tree came crashing down with a deafening thud, sending birds scattering into the sky.
"Will you answer my question, goddammit?" Naruto's voice rose with urgency, his frustration palpable. "I will not be ignored. I am Naruto's Nemesis, the proud son of Acnologia, the legendary Dragon King. As the prince of the Dragons, I have wielded power that can shatter mountains and burn kingdoms. I stand as the destroyer of the Tower of Heaven, a monumental structure birthed from the dark ambitions of Zeref himself." With every word, he recalled the battles fought and the legends earned, each title a testament to his relentless ambition and indomitable spirit. "Now, answer me!"
"I don't care about half the things you just said," Porlyusica remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes. "Besides, it's much easier to demonstrate the truth than to explain it. So just be patient, and you'll see for yourself. Or is the so-called Prince of Dragons going to throw a tantrum?" Her words sliced through the air, revealing her indifference to Naruto's prideful demeanor.
Naruto, increasingly agitated, could feel a familiar tick mark forming on his forehead, a telltale sign of his growing frustration. The mockery he faced was beginning to wear on him, and for a fleeting moment, he considered channeling chaotic magic into his hand—a dangerous surge of energy that could lead to dire consequences. However, after a brief moment of internal struggle, he suppressed the impulse, choosing restraint over recklessness.
"Fine," he huffed through clenched teeth, his voice heavy with irritation. "I'll wait and follow your lead, but you better drop the sarcasm. If you don't, you might find that I won't be as generous as you think, instead I'll be your worst nightmare." As he spoke, a palpable tension filled the atmosphere, his killer intent subtly leaking out, a silent warning of the power he could unleash if pushed further.