So yes, I am back to writing again, just not at my old speed quite yet. I am still dealing with ongoing healthy issues, namely, the management of my SLE and my studies will be starting up again next week, but I am hopeful that I will be able to update at least once or twice a month and possibly more often if I have more time, or feel significantly better. I am also in the process of moving at this time as well, but that should hopefully be resolved in a few months, meaning, during my mid-year break, I should be able to churn out quite a few updates. I have also started doing previous chapter summaries for my stories at the start of every new update, as my stories do tend to go without updates for a while and this way, both you and I won't be completely lost, when coming back to a story after a few weeks/months without an update. Enjoy. Previously:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Natsu, Kagura and Happy arrived at Hargeon in the year X781, preparing to go to Alvarez. Quickly finding a direct route was impossible, the trio instead found themselves at Caracole Island, where they ran into a certain green-haired Spriggan. Deciding to follow the scent of one of the strongest warriors of the Alvarez Empire under the cover of night, Natsu decided it had become time to reveal all about Zeref and E.N.D. to Kagura, who took the news quite well, if her kiss was any indication. Now, the group finds themselves soaring through the air towards enemy territory.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
'Dragon or E.N.D. talking'
"Dragon or E.N.D. thinking"
Techniques
Chapter 6 – Missed Call
'So Natsu, you said you talked with Zeref before… so do you really think he still wants to kill himself?' Asked Kagura curiously, as Natsu cruised through the air at a sedate pace.
'Well, I mean, I can't be completely sure, considering he did stay with me for the whole year, before giving me the demon part of myself… but maybe that was just because I wouldn't have been nearly as strong as needed to actually kill him, not like I want to anyway.' Answered Natsu thoughtfully.
'Do you think you can do it now?' Asked Kagura.
'Honestly, I'm not sure. I know I'm strong and I know Zeref is strong, but I don't know exactly how strong both of us can become. Apparently, I have unlimited potential, so I suppose with enough time I could become stronger… but there is no telling how long that might be.' Commented Natsu.
'Why do you think he wants to die? What about all the fish he could eat forever?' Asked Happy, causing Natsu to laugh, before realising the importance of the question.
'Hmm… I don't know… I mean, if he was immortal, he might get bored I suppose… but heaps of people want to be immortal I bet and I don't think they all would want to kill themselves… even if they were alive for centuries… maybe something happened?' Pondered Natsu.
'What could happen that would make someone who was immortal want to take their own life?' Asked Kagura.
The trio fell silent at this, thinking on the implications of such a question. It was after a few moments of silence, that Natsu picked up on some lights in the distance.
'I think we are almost there. We better fly a bit lower to get a better look, try not to make any noise and hopefully we can find somewhere isolated to land.' Said Natsu, before doing just that.
'Those buildings sure are tall, why don't we land on one of them?' Suggested Happy, noting multiple large buildings, easily more than three stories in height, decorating the land.
'Hmm, not a bad idea for some scouting… Happy, you take Kagura and see what you can find, I'll follow up on our friend. We will meet back at the top of that building in one hour.' Said Natsu, before dropping down on a nearby building.
'Natsu, when you say that building, you mean what is very likely the palace of this area which would probably home the most important person in the area, right?' Added Kagura.
'Yes.' Said Natsu simply.
'Why exactly would we want to meet up, in what is likely the most well-guarded building, when we are here technically invading the country and spying on them?' Asked Kagura.
'Two reasons. The first, I am pretty sure the scent we were following has gone into that very palace and seems to spend a lot of time there and the second, considering what I might have to do, I want to make sure I can get you two out of here quickly, in case things turn sour.' Answered Natsu, getting a stiff nod from Kagura.
'Fine, just try to give us some time to have a look around then.' Said Kagura, knowing that if Natsu wanted to be destructive, he could bring it with ease and that was before she knew about him also possessing a demon inside him.
'Come on Happy, let's go.' Said Kagura.
'Aye.' Whispered Happy, before picking up Kagura and flying off.
Natsu watched the two fade away into the distance, before giving a small sniff and hopping across the rooftops, heading towards the palace. The palace itself towered over the surrounding buildings, but was also constructed in a manner with numerous skyscraper-like buildings of various sizes, which would make Natsu's infiltration of the place that much easier.
'A wall with no guards? That's suspicious.' Muttered Natsu, noting that even though the palace was guarded by stone walls, with the only entrance being a set of large, chain controlled wooden doors, no one was manning the area itself, leaving it technically unguarded.
'This seems way to open… if Zeref is really in charge here, I would have expected the palace to be secluded away… he doesn't seem like the type to be openly friendly with anyone.' Whispered Natsu, before sensing someone approaching his location.
Looking down, Natsu noted a few soldiers dressed in turbans and scarfs wielding spears, but seemed to lack any actual direction, despite their coordinated appearance. Observing them for a few moments, Natsu noted they seemed to be patrolling the area in general, but hadn't seemed to locate him specifically.
'This is why patrols are so useless.' Commented a voice behind Natsu, causing him to whirl around in surprise, only to spot nothing.
'This is a nice scarf though.' Continued the same voice, causing Natsu to look to his shoulder, only to see a blob of green in the darkness, contrasting with his black scarf.
'So you knew I was following you?' Commented Natsu, causing the blob of green to shift and seemingly face him.
'… That's odd, I can't seem to shrink you down to my size… this hasn't happened often before.' Commented the blob of green, before enlarging to the size of a fist.
'Why would you try to shrink me?' Asked Natsu.
'I don't prefer to deal with troublesome matters. I figured shrinking you and throwing you away would have dealt with the issue.' Commented Brandish, all the while, continuing to examine Natsu's scarf.
'Why not just leave now then, no one has to know you even saw me?' Suggested Natsu.
'I could… and I would… but I probably shouldn't… *sigh* I just wanted a break and a couple of mages from Ishgar just had to follow me home. Why couldn't you just mind your own business? Do you enjoy making work for others?' Sighed Brandish, finally looking up at Natsu and ceasing her examination of his scarf.
'I am minding my own business. I am here on personal reasons. Ishgar, Alvarez, I really don't care where I am, I do what I want.' Commented Natsu, shrugging his shoulders, causing Brandish to frown.
'Don't do that when I am standing on your shoulder. As for why you are here, what personal reasons could you have for being here?' Asked Brandish.
'I'm looking for my brother.' Answered Natsu.
'Why would you have a brother in Alvarez, being from Ishgar yourself?' Inquired Brandish.
'Well, I've heard rumours that he comes by here sometimes, so I decided to check it out for myself.' Said Natsu.
'I highly doubt that. Aside from the Emperor, no one ever just comes by here.' Commented Brandish tiredly, only for her eyes to widen at Natsu's next words.
'So Zeref is the Emperor of this place? Weird, I would have thought he would want to be a king…' Mumbled Natsu, only to feel something sharp against his throat.
'Who are you and what are you doing here?' Asked Brandish, holding a stone against Natsu's neck.
'Umm… is that really a rock you're using to threaten me? I mean… can't you use your magic or something to make it more threatening? It's still just a rock any way you look at it and it won't be able to hurt me.' Commented Natsu in disbelief, even as the green haired woman pressed the stone against his neck harder.
'Answer the question.' Threatened Brandish.
Natsu laughed at this and picked Brandish up, despite her protests, before flinging her away over his shoulder. The diminutive woman quickly enlarged herself back to her normal height, but continued to glare at Natsu, who had turned around to face her.
'Don't you get bored of asking something you've asked before? I told you that I am here to find my brother, Zeref. Why am I here? I heard he was here. The fact that you know about him means either the rumour is real and that he is here, or, as I'm starting to think, he was here, but isn't anymore. If that's the case, I'll just leave.' Summarised Natsu.
'Telling me you are Zeref's brother is not the same as telling me who you are, my first question.' Pointed out Brandish.
'Hmm… Natsu Dragneel, nice to meet you.' Said Natsu, after a minute of thought.
'Natsu Dragneel, very well, I will know what they should write on your grave marker, have fun.' Said Brandish, before turning away, confusing Natsu.
'Did I bore you or something?' Asked Natsu in confusion.
'No, I just figured I would let Ajeel deal with you since I'm bored.' Explained Brandish, as a spear of sand flew over her shoulder, poised to pierce Natsu's brain.
Natsu stared at his incoming death with boredom and simply flared a bit of his fire magic, hardening the sand into glass, which quickly fell to the ground before reaching him.
'That doesn't make any sense, no fire is hot enough to turn sand to glass.' Commented a shocked voice, causing Brandish to turn back slightly to see Natsu and the failed attack.
Natsu turned to face the voice and noted a dark-skinned man, who was relatively muscular, with large, thick, brown hair that stuck out in every direction.
'Well sure, normal fire that is. My fire isn't exactly normal.' Commented Natsu, causing the man to scowl.
'Oh yeah? That's pretty sweet, but it doesn't matter because I wasn't even taking you seriously. Take this Ramal Fa'as.' Said the man as he created a double-bladed axe made of sand, which he swung at Natsu's neck, seeking to decapitate him.
Natsu waited as the blade approached him, his only action being to blink, as the attack was almost upon him, before quickly bringing up his sheathed blade and shattering the axe of sand, causing it to crumble.
'How the hell did you do that?' Asked Ajeel in shock.
Brandish expressed her surprise with a simple eyebrow raise, as she watched one of her peer's struggle against, what she had judged to be, a small threat.
'Are you sure you guys work for Zeref? I mean, I'm pretty sure you should know how I'm beating you right now if you actually know anything about him.' Asked Natsu.
'Who the hell are you to name drop Zeref so casually?' Asked the man, clenching his fist, as he jumped back after his failed attack.
'I'm his brother, Natsu Dragneel.' Said Natsu simply, causing the man in front of him to look at him in disbelief.
'Zeref has a brother? You expect me to believe that?' Scoffed the man.
'Ask him yourself if you don't believe me… but from the reception I'm getting here, I don't think Zeref is here right now, so I probably wasted my time coming here.' Sighed Natsu, before turning his back on the two.
'Well, I'll try again another time, bye.' Said Natsu, before wings popped out of his back and he blasted off from the rooftop, the wind causing his two adversaries to be blown back by the force.
'Who was that kid?' Asked the man of Brandish.
'I don't know, Ajeel, but you should probably tell Invel about this.' Said Brandish, before hopping off the building and walking away.
'Invel? I'll take that punk down myself.' Muttered the man, before disappearing as well.
-line break-
Happy and Kagura had landed a fair distance away from Natsu and had been working their way towards the palace, observing as they made their way through town.
'Happy, do you think it is odd that Natsu wants to find Zeref, knowing that he wants to die, but Natsu doesn't want to kill him?' Asked Kagura.
'Hmm, not really. I mean, Natsu is really good at convincing people about stuff and if they don't listen the first time, he just wears them down over time.' Answered Happy, after some thought.
'Are you sure? If has already been trying to die for hundreds of years, how will Natsu be able to convince him to change his mind in such a short time?' Inquired Kagura.
'Because he is Natsu.' Said Happy, effectively ending the conversation.
'That's quite the outfit you've got there. Really stands out in a place like this.' Commented a voice to Kagura's right, causing her to turn and face the newcomer.
'I could say the same thing about your outfit. It is quite revealing, is it not?' Retorted Kagura, as the figure walked closer to her.
The newcomer's outfit, as noted by Kagura, was quite revealing, showing most of her chest, stomach and legs, but what caught Kagura's attention, was the golden gauntlet around her right arm.
'Well, that is a difference of opinion. I believe my attire is perfectly suited for the climate of Alvarez. Your outfit on the other hand, is very much out of place here, but I suppose it may be more appropriate in a climate such as that belonging to Ishgar.' Said the woman, before Kagura leapt back and brought her hand to rest on her sword.
'Now, now, don't get all jumpy on me, we're just having a chat, aren't we? I mean, I wouldn't want you to get worried and think we are going to fight, that won't end well.' Commented the woman, giving Kagura an amused smile.
'Perhaps. If we are simply talking then, why don't you introduce yourself, since you approached me?' Propositioned Kagura.
'Well, I mean, I could tell you my name, but is it really worth telling someone my name when they won't be here much longer? I suppose as a courtesy I'll indulge you, my name is Dimaria Yesta, a Shield of Spriggan.' Said the woman, before a large blade came into existence, being held by the woman in her gauntleted hand.
Kagura froze at the immense pressure she felt on her. This woman, Dimaria, was saturating the area with her magic and it chilled Kagura to the bone. Kagura had never felt such intense magical prowess before and it dwarfed anything she had felt by comparison.
'Don't worry, I won't kill you, I enjoy torturing spies.' Said Dimaria, before advancing on Kagura.
The dark-haired woman remained completely still as the blonde advanced on her, unable to overcome the oppressive force weighing down on her, before suddenly, almost as quickly as it had come, it vanished.
'Well, that's too bad for you then, since Kagura isn't a spy. I'm sure you'll find one eventually though.' Said a new voice, which snapped Kagura out of her shock.
'Natsu! Did you find me any fish?' Asked Happy, as his best friend appeared beside them.
'Sorry buddy, I was a bit busy dealing with two nice people I met, shame their magic doesn't work on me. Still if they thought to combine their powers, maybe they could have done something. Sand and shrinking things doesn't really do much to me, since both don't work after all. One of the benefits I suppose of Zeref's help… hmm, I never realised just how much he actually helped me out… I should probably thank him next time.' Said Natsu, before feeling Dimaria's magic being directed towards him, hoping to intimidate him.
'Looks like you two made a friend as well. Dimaria Yesta, Shield of Spriggan. Cool name. I wonder if there is a Sword of Spriggan? I don't think Zeref really needs shields, being immortal and all. Maybe I'd be the Sword of Spriggan? Hmm, oh well.' Rambled Natsu, ignoring Dimaria completely, successfully irritating her slightly.
'Are you done talking to yourself, I'm trying to make a point here?' Asked Dimaria, giving Natsu a disarming smile.
'I know, but Kagura is my friend and I don't want you to kill her. After all, you kill her, I kill you. After that, maybe the rest of your shield buddies try to kill me too, so then I need to kill them, which would make Zeref come after me… I think… then I might actually have to kill him and I don't really want to do that. After all, I don't think many people want to kill their brother, even if their brother wants to die. Kind of an odd twist don't you think? Most people don't want to die, so not killing them is the nice thing to do. Zeref wants to die though, so not killing him is me being mean to him… maybe I should get him a present then…' Continued Natsu.
'Really? You expect me to believe you are the brother of Zeref?' Asked Dimaria, her eyelids drooping slightly in amusement.
'Well, I don't really care if you believe me or not. He knows it and I know it and that is all that matters. Besides, I don't think he is here right now, so we came all this way for nothing anyway.' Said Natsu, before turning to Kagura.
'I know I said we would meet at the palace, but he's not here I'm pretty sure and I've already been attacked twice in the past hour, so I think it'd be better to just go back.' Said Natsu, turning to Kagura and ignoring Dimaria completely, causing her to laugh.
'What's up? Did I say something funny?' Asked Natsu, turning back to Dimaria.
'It's just… it's so funny that you think you can just waltz right in here and then leave without a fuss.' Chuckled Dimaria.
'Why? It's the truth, I could leave right now and you wouldn't even see me leave.' Said Natsu.
'Let's test that theory then.' Challenged Dimaria, as she clicked her teeth.
'Hmm, such a shame, I would have liked playing with them a bit more, but I don't like being ignored. Maybe I could mess up her clothes a bit first, just to embarrass her… she is overly dressed after all.' Said Dimaria to herself, walking closer to Natsu and Kagura, who remained unmoving.
'I suppose I can give her a little make-over first.' Said Dimaria, bringing her blade slowly upwards to Kagura's chest.
'The reaction might be worth it.' Finished Dimaria, preparing to swing her blade, only to find it suddenly gripped by Natsu.
'While I agree that Kagura is overdressed, she likes her outfit and I don't want you embarrassing her, that's my job after all and Happy already helps out with it, we don't need a third.' Said Natsu, shocking Dimaria.
'Wh-what h-how are you moving? What the hell?' Spluttered Dimaria in shock.
'Well, I mean, if your two friends had magic that didn't work on me, why do you think yours would? I mean, I wasn't joking about being Zeref's brother and I know your magic won't work on him, so why do you think I would be any different?' Asked Natsu.
'No! This isn't fair. There is no way you can resist my magic like this!' Shouted Dimaria petulantly, causing Natsu to laugh.
'Huh? You sound like a little kid… what happened to all that talk from before? You sounded cooler then…' Muttered Natsu.
Dimaria tried pulling her sword back, only to find it wouldn't budge from Natsu's grip. Deciding to try a different tactic, Dimaria reached for a hidden dagger and tried to slash Natsu's throat, only for him to grab her forearm and hold her in place.
'Can you stop that already? We're just trying to leave and I don't really like you trying to attack us. I'm just looking for my brother, why is everyone getting so mean, so annoying.' Grumbled Natsu.
'Who the hell do you think you are, talking down to me like that?' Shouted Dimaria in outrage.
'Well, I'm Natsu Dragneel. You should remember that name, since I'll be back later on, not only for Zeref though. I've got my eye on you and one of your friends and I have your scents, meaning, I can find you wherever you go.' Said Natsu, unnerving Dimaria.
Dimaria snapped out of her fear and tried pulling her weapons back, only to find Natsu let them go at the same time, leading her to stumble backwards. Before she could fall, she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders.
'After all, it isn't often I find people that I know will be… interesting to me in the future, thanks to a little bit of time travel gone wrong… although, since your magic is to control time, I suppose you might understand it a bit better. Now, if you don't mind, please stop freezing time, since we need to go.' Said Natsu from behind Dimaria, causing her to tremble slightly.
'Natsu, what are you doing? Why are you holding her like that?' Asked Kagura, the magic holding her in place vanishing, leaving her to observe Natsu behind Dimaria, hands on her shoulders, with his head very close to hers.
'He likes her.' Teased Happy, causing Kagura to frown.
'Oh come on Kagura, you know me better than that. I mean, Dimaria here is interesting and all, but I'm not going to do anything to her. After all, I think I've already scared her enough today. Let's go now, we can go search somewhere else, besides, I feel like getting some more of that Star Mango Gelato, Brandish was right, it is pretty good.' Said Natsu, releasing Dimaria and walking over to Happy and Kagura.
'You saw Brandi?' Asked Dimaria suddenly.
'Hmm, yeah why? I told you before, didn't I? You and your friend. I didn't mean sand guy.' Said Natsu, turning back to face Dimaria.
'The Spriggan won't stand for your blatant disrespect.' Said Dimaria, only for Natsu to open his mouth wide and yawn.
'Ok then, but I think it is nap time now anyway. Let's find somewhere to sleep for the night and head out tomorrow.' Said Natsu, wrapping his arms around Kagura, with Happy clinging to Natsu's scarf, before the two disappeared, leaving only a gust of wind behind.
-line break-The next day
-line break-
'Who exactly is this person you are talking about?' Asked a bespectacled man, with white hair bunched into a ponytail by a golden brace.
'He said he was Zeref's brother.' Said Dimaria, causing the man's eyes to sharpen on her.
'The brother of the Emperor, you mean.' Reprimanded the man.
'Yeah, yeah, anyway, is it true?' Asked Dimaria.
'That isn't your concern. What is your concern, is apprehending this man and bringing him in for questioning. On that note, why is he not here right now?' Asked the man.
'He can resist our magic, Invel.' Said Brandish, walking into the room.
'Oh, I guess he was saying the truth about that then, since you're here Brandi.' Commented Dimaria.
'Both of your abilities are ineffective against this man?' Asked Invel, adjusting his glasses as he did so.
'Ajeel's magic was also ineffective.' Added Brandish.
'You mean to tell me he is immune to the abilities of three Spriggan? This cannot be allowed to rest. We must find this man now and capture him.' Declared Invel.
'Hmm? I thought you already decided that. Isn't that why Ajeel is mobilising his army right now?' Asked Brandish, causing Dimaria to laugh.
'Oh man, I bet he got all riled up and just went off on his own… and based on your expression, Invel, I'd say I'm right.' Commented Dimaria.
'What are we going to do now then?' Asked Brandish.
Invel remained silent, weighing up each of his options. The man had stated of his intention to find Zeref, but also that he wasn't here, which was true. However, if the man's claim of being Zeref's brother was true, then the threat he posed was great, regardless of if he was to leave now or not. Being able to resist the magic of three Spriggan was also troubling, however, there was no guarantee that he would be immune to all of their abilities, namely, his own magic.
'Please mobilise your units, we will be moving on this man and apprehending him as soon as possible.' Ordered Invel, surprising the two.
'Really? All that firepower for one guy?' Asked Dimaria.
'Yes. If his claim is true, capturing and eliminating him will ensure His Majesty is unhindered and will be able to accomplish all his goals in the future.' Explained Invel, before leaving.
'Say Brandi, did he say some weird thing to you about having your scent and being able to find you wherever you go?' Asked Dimaria.
'Hmm, no, but that would explain how he managed to follow me here.' Answered Brandish, before walking off.
'Bye Mari.' Called Brandish, leaving Dimaria alone in the throne room.
'This is either going to be really good or really bad, can't wait to see which.' Mumbled Dimaria, before heading off to get her squad ready.
-line break-'Natsu, I don't think we should have stayed the night… even if I did get some fish…' Commented Happy.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Natsu, even as they stared down approximately two thousand soldiers, who had assembled all over the port, stopping, what they perceived, as Natsu's escape route.
'I suppose being in what is technically considered enemy territory, we really shouldn't have delayed leaving.' Added Kagura.
'Relax you two, we can leave any time we want, don't stress.' Said Natsu casually, waving off their concerns.
Eventually, a man started to approach Natsu from within the crowd of the two thousand soldiers and he appeared to be the leader of the group, dressed in dress pants and a collared shirt with a tie, giving him the appearance of a general of some sort. Stopping a dozen metres away, the man addressed the group.
'Might you happen to be the one known as E.N.D.?' Asked the man.
'Maybe. Kind of rude of you to not tell me your name first though.' Answered Natsu.
'My name is Invel Yura and depending on your answer to my next question, I will either be your torturer or executioner. Do you claim yourself to be the brother of the Emperor, Etherious Natsu Dragneel?' Asked Invel.
'Yep. I don't suppose you know where he is, do you?' Asked Natsu.
'No, but that needn't concern you, as I am now your executioner. Prepare yourself.' Said Invel, as the temperature dropped around them.
'Giving me a bit of a cold reception here, aren't you?' Joked Natsu, raising his magic to combat the cold, causing heat waves to waft off his form and counteract Invel's magic.
'I see, the other Spriggan were not exaggerating your abilities. It seems this will not be a completely one-sided battle after all.' Commented Invel.
'Well, technically you're right. If we did fight, it might be one-sided, but we won't be able to test that.' Said Natsu, causing Invel to slightly quirk his left eyebrow.
'Why is that?' Asked Invel.
'Because if Zeref's not here, I'm leaving and you can't stop me, so, bye.' Said Natsu, before grabbing Kagura and Happy and disappearing, but not before a wave of heat washed over Invel and all the soldiers, causing all of them to break out in an uncomfortable sweat.
'It seems that man was not lying after all, he truly is the brother of the Emperor.' Commented Invel.
'Like I care about that. He comes in here and acts like he owns the place, this means war.' Said Ajeel, approaching Invel, with Brandish and Dimaria alongside him.
'So he really is who he claims to be? The brother of the Emperor?' Asked Brandish.
'Who cares? Ajeel is right, this means war.' Grinned Dimaria.
'No. We will not go to war with that man, not now.' Said Invel, before walking off to the palace.
Ajeel waited until Invel had left earshot, before turning back to the soldiers.
'I never said we were going to go to war with that guy. It is time to go to war with Ishgar!' Roared Ajeel, getting cheers from the soldiers gathered, before starting to give orders.
'You should probably stop this.' Said Brandish, before walking away.
'Probably, but a war is a war I suppose, might as well enjoy the ride.' Commented Dimaria.