Hey everyone! Now, to reveal another person in Natsu's harem for this story… aside from Ultear and the previously revealed Kagura and Sayla there will also be… the princess of Fiore herself, Hisui. How am I going to pull that off? Well, let's just say it will be much easier than you think for a surprising reason and I'm not talking about the one most of you will think, although that will help too. Am I cruel for keeping you in suspense? Probably, but rest assured, I will be working through all my stories and won't leave any behind… well, permanently, my update rate does leave much to be desired… but that's med school for you. Enjoy the chapter! Previously:
Man have I been busy this month, things are getting intense towards the end of the year and we are getting slogged with stuff to do. Haven't been able to write all month, but luckily, I have three chapters prepared and ready to go across my stories, so I will still be updating monthly, barely.
If you find you can't wait, the next chapter of Wheel of Fortune, A Demon's Rebirth and A Jade Princess's Dragon are up on my pat re on.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Natsu returned to the guild and revealed his knowledge of the ongoing bet about his possible love interest. A guild brawl would then ensue, courtesy of Natsu who wanted to vent his frustration, only for a round of gossiping to occur simultaneously, with someone exclaiming that Natsu thought Erza was beautiful. Shortly after this, Gray arrived, only for a fight to break out between him and Natsu, with Natsu further revealing he found many girls in the guild attractive. On the search for answers to the bet, Lucy suggested using Old Man Crux to find out the identity of Natsu's mysterious flame, only for Loke to appear and stop this information coming out. Loke then spoke with Natsu in private, revealing that the spirits were aware of the time travel, barring those Natsu had yet to meet, only for Natsu to then reveal he knew about E.N.D., concerning Loke. Loke then returned to the Spirit King and revealed this information, worrying both parties, but still retaining optimism that Natsu would not lose himself. Returning back to the guild, Natsu and his team head off to Akane Resort, with Cana resolving to settle the mystery of the bet and discover Natsu's supposed mysterious lover's identity.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
FlashbackTechniques
Chapter 9 – New game plus
Natsu was torn as the group prepared to make their way to Akane resort. Sure, he knew what was going to happen and what he wanted to change, but the question of how kept hounding him like an annoying fly on a hot day. Natsu's face was outwardly normal, giving no one any inclination of the thoughts in his head, but that would change soon.
'Oh great.' Grumbled Natsu, as the train pulled into the station.
Yes, if there is one thing that time travel couldn't change, it was Natsu's hatred for transportation and its inevitable motion sickness.
'Really? This still annoys you more than everything that's been happening lately?' Commented Gray in disbelief.
'Shut up! I hate these things.' Grumbled Natsu, following Gray on to the train, which Erza and Lucy had just boarded.
'Still can't believe you told them about what happened.' Added Natsu.
'Hey, I didn't even want to see that, let alone needing to explain it to Erza. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable that was?' Grumbled Gray.
'It can't have been as uncomfortable as me needing to hear about you guys talking about it.' Retorted Natsu, temper starting to flare.
'Hey! At least I didn't care who it was. It could have been a demon from the island, or even a tree for all I cared, I just didn't want anything to do with it!' Yelled Gray, as the two arrived at the spot where Lucy and Erza where sitting.
'A tree? What the hell? You think I'd get turned on by a tree?' Questioned Natsu in disgust.
'How the hell should I know what goes on in that head of yours?' Retorted Gray.
'Tch, I bet you get turned on by water then.' Quipped Natsu.
'Oh yeah, water. Is that the best you've got?' Shot back Gray.
Natsu was about to retort, only for the train to start moving, rendering him a queasy mess.
'That's what I thought.' Taunted Gray, knowing his rival couldn't talk back to him currently.
'Natsu, are you ok?' Asked Happy from Lucy's lap, before hopping over to the Dragon Slayer.
Natsu groaned in response, only for Happy to pat him on the check.
'Don't worry Natsu, it'll all be over soon. Akane Resort isn't too far and it is close to the beach with lots of fishes.' Comforted Happy, before trailing off at the end with drool coming out of his mouth.
'Natsu, if you'd like… well, you know.' Said Erza, getting both of their attention.
Natsu blinked in confusion for a moment, before noticing Erza subtly indicating towards her lap… in embarrassment.
"What the hell is wrong with Erza?" Thought Natsu, never having seen the knight this flustered, even when he accidentally slapped her on her rear end, or even when he told her he thought she was the most beautiful girl in Fairy Tail.
In Natsu's less than stellar state, it took him a moment to realise the cause for Erza's actions, but when he did, he felt like both slapping himself in the face and laughing.
"Now Erza's shy?" Thought Natsu in disbelief, before the train jolted, causing him to groan again and fall down towards the knight's lap.
If there was one thing to be said about Erza's thighs, it was that they were very firm, yet somehow incredibly soft. It most likely had to do with the amount of training she had done, in addition to the large amount of self-care she invested into herself. It wasn't anything special like some of the other girls from Fairy Tail, Erza didn't waste money on perfume or fancy soaps, preferring to save up for armour and weapons, but it didn't seem to matter in the end.
'Comfy.' Mumbled Natsu, turning his head towards Erza's stomach, before dozing off, causing Erza to smile.
'Um Erza, if you don't mind me asking… do you actually like Natsu?' Asked Lucy, sending a furtive glance to the Dragon Slayer.
Gray actually looked at Lucy in disbelief, before turning to Erza who hadn't reacted to the question. Even Happy looked at the blonde in surprise at the stones it took to ask a question like that, before turning to Erza, curious to hear her answer.
'I don't know.' Said Erza after a minute, confusing the three, with Lucy voicing her bafflement.
'Wha-What do you mean you don't know? With how you were reacting with all the betting, I thought for sure there had to be something there.' Commented Lucy.
'I already said before that in the case of the betting, I merely got swept up in the competition. I always want to win after all. With Natsu though… I can't say. I've known Natsu and Gray since we were all kids, so it is like they are my younger brothers. In addition to that, I never really cared about things like this before.' Said Erza, causing Lucy to narrow her eyes.
'And you read books about certain stuff because?' Probed Lucy, getting Erza to glare at her with flushed cheeks.
'That's different! Books are books! Natsu though, he is real.' Said Erza.
'Clearly.' Said Lucy dryly, before perking up.
'So does that mean you think Natsu is different than those books? Maybe even better?' Asked Lucy.
'What is with the sudden interest, Lucy, are you interested in Natsu?' Asked Erza, trapping Lucy with her gaze.
'Uh I, I don't know either, I've only met him a few weeks ago. Like you said though, you've known him for years.' Deflected Lucy.
'Speaking honestly, I've never thought of anyone at the guild in such a way before. Fairy Tail is my family and my priority is to protect them, even from themselves.' Said Erza.
'Before? Does that mean you are thinking about someone like that now?' Asked Lucy curiously.
'With that whole betting nonsense I do admit that I started to evaluate things such as my own attractiveness and the appeal of our members. Aside from Mira who is a model, I never did give much thought to our appeal in general, but it seems we have quite a good selection.' Admitted Erza.
'Selection? Are we vegetables?' Asked Lucy.
Erza gave Lucy a small glare at this, causing the blonde to apologise.
'However, this evaluation led me to the same conclusion as Cana. If none of us could entertain romantic thoughts in Natsu's mind… barring through lewd comments by Cana, then just what exactly did raise such an interest in Natsu.' Confessed Erza with a small blush.
'I see… you never answered my question by the way.' Teased Lucy.
'I did. My answer is just as true then as it is now, I don't know.' Retorted Erza.
Lucy huffed at this and crossed her arms in annoyance at not getting an answer.
'Changing topics here, Erza, you said you saw Natsu fight Jose, right?' Asked Gray, somewhat uncomfortably.
'Indeed. It was quite a battle. It seemed as though Natsu's magic was not only more potent, but greater in amount as well, like comparing a thimble of water to a cup of honey.' Explained Erza thoughtfully, looking upwards in memory of the battle.
'How do you think Natsu got so strong so quickly, I mean, he wasn't that much stronger than you before you got arrested, right?' Asked Lucy.
'I don't know. I always felt that in time Natsu might surpass me… I just didn't expect it so soon or so drastically. I make no qualms about my own prowess, but not even I could defeat Laxus in one attack. The fact that Natsu managed this feat and simply walked away is not only awe inspiring, but also, somewhat terrifying. It means Natsu has either been holding back an obscene amount of power for some reason, or he has recently undergone a drastic increase in power, which is both dangerous and frightening.' Commented Erza.
'So what do you think then, was he holding back or has something changed recently?' Asked Lucy.
'I'd say something changed. He's been acting differently ever since Galuna Island wrapped up… and not just because of that.' Commented Gray.
'Yeah, I saw Natsu thinking once. It was scary.' Added Happy.
'I also believe it is a recent change, but I am more curious as to why.' Chimed in Erza.
'Do you think it is this mystery woman? Is she training Natsu or something?' Suggested Lucy.
'I find that unlikely, Dragon Slayers learned their magic from their parents. For anyone to teach a Dragon Slayer, they would have to either be one themselves or be an actual dragon and to this day, I only know of two Dragon Slayers.' Said Erza.
'That Black Steel guy, right, Gajeel.' Said Lucy, rubbing her stomach in remembrance, to which Erza nodded.
'Indeed and I can't see him being in the position of, or even wanting to train Natsu. Whatever has made Natsu stronger… I think it goes beyond his romantic interests as well. Even if he has found himself a partner of some sort, I don't believe that could be the sole reason for his rapid climb in power, no, I think, no, I know something else is pushing him, I just have no idea what it could be.' Said Erza, before the group went silent, remaining so for the rest of the train ride.
-line break-
Natsu felt himself moving on autopilot when they got off the train. It was one thing to go on a vacation when your mind was somewhere else, but it was another thing to be on a vacation you had already been on before, with your mind somewhere else. Robotically, Natsu made his way to his room before he would have to inevitably need to head downstairs for the little brush with Erza's friends, only for his eyes to widen upon spotting Ultear sitting on the bed in his room, in her signature white kimono. Natsu quickly closed the door behind him and locked it, before walking up to her.
'What are you doing here?' Hissed Natsu.
'Come now, Natsu, a beautiful girl sitting on your bed, it doesn't take a genius to know what happens next.' Said Ultear.
'Yeah, I'm not going to get frisky with a thought projection so just cut to the chase.' Grumbled Natsu.
'How rude! If you insist though, I've been considering how to go about this next sequence of events in a way that would be beneficial for all.' Explained Ultear.
'What have you come up with?' Asked Natsu curiously, causing Ultear to pat the spot on the bed beside her.
'I will vote against the firing of Etherion.' Said Ultear, once Natsu had sat down.
'What, why?' Asked Natsu.
'Simple, I am going to remain on the Council, in fact, if I play my cards right, I may even become the head of it when this is all said and done.' Said Ultear, further confusing Natsu.
'Why would you want to do that? I mean, I don't think Grimoire Heart is exactly friendly with the authorities, you know, you guys being a dark guild.' Commented Natsu.
'I'm well aware of that and you should also be aware of what will happen to Grimoire Heart. My point, however, is that there needs to be some control in our lives. True, changing events is dangerous but the more advantages we have over what is to come, the better.' Said Ultear.
Natsu couldn't help but reflect on Mystogan's words of needing to keep an eye on Ultear and her actions and this wasn't helping.
'Ok, pretend I actually am as dumb as I pretend to be sometimes, why do you want to be in control of the Council and how will it help us?' Asked Natsu.
'For one thing, so there isn't someone constantly trying to undermine Fairy Tail, but also, so we can help redirect some people who are bad now but will become good later on. It would also help to be able to have an ear to the ground in many parts of the world, in order to pick up any rumblings there may be about Zeref. Furthermore, it gives me a reason to interact with Hisui. While you getting her trust is essential, if I can gain it too, that won't hurt us and if I am in a position where I can keep tabs on future Rogue, if not stop him completely, it will greatly increase our chances of stopping a mess like before occurring.' Explained Ultear.
'Well, it wouldn't be a mess like before, since before is in the future… but I get your point… but, what if this change or any other change we make, changes things with future Rogue and Zeref?' Inquired Natsu.
'That is a calculated risk we have to take.' Replied Ultear.
Natsu frowned at this, causing Ultear to raise an eyebrow in interest, as multiple thoughts seemed to pass Natsu's expression, before becoming unreadable.
'Ok, I suppose that isn't the worst plan. Do you think we should try and do something about Oración Seis or Grimoire Heart? What about Sabretooth? Wendy and Gajeel too.' Asked Natsu.
'That depends on what you want to do. I don't think Grimoire Heart or Oración Seis are feeling too fond of Fairy Tail presently. As for Sabretooth, Sting and Rogue are children currently, there isn't much you can do there, as they are just kids.' Said Ultear, only for Natsu to cut her off.
'They'd be about twelve like Wendy, I mean if Wendy could learn as much as she did as quickly as she did, surely so could they.' Protested Natsu.
'Perhaps, but what if you do find them and recruit them, what happens to Sabretooth, what happens to the Grand Magic Games? It is too big of a change to do recklessly. At this stage, we are not in dire straits to warrant such a huge change.' Advised Ultear.
'Isn't you becoming the Council in all but name a big change?' Asked Natsu with a dubious expression.
'Oh please, the Council is merely a figurehead for things, they don't have any real power to change things without a significant backlash, that's why they could never just outright disband you. However, it wouldn't hurt for them to be on your side.' Said Ultear.
'Ok, I suppose that should be fine for now, but I think we should keep an open mind here. I mean, Cobra did help us with the dragons. I'm not saying we need to be friends with everyone who may or may not still want us dead, but it doesn't hurt to try and get everyone on the same page soon.' Said Natsu.
'I'll think about it. As for what happens now though, we need to be clear on how things will occur.' Said Ultear, getting a nod from Natsu.
'Yeah, I'm still counting on Etherion, but after that, I can end things quickly.' Said Natsu.
'Maybe not too quickly, remember, you won't be alone there and things do need to be believable. That being said, if there is a risk of someone dying, you should step in. It also helps that with you beating Jose, the bar on your skills has been raised, so a little bit more won't be as surprising as it would have been, had you never showed any gradual increase in strength.' Advised Ultear.
'Sounds good. I guess I better get going then.' Said Natsu, standing up from the bed.
'I suppose, although you know something, Natsu, even though you can't touch a thought projection, I can still do this.' Said Ultear, before slowly opening her kimono top slightly, causing Natsu to turn away from her.
'Yeah and I can do this too.' Commented Natsu, causing Ultear to frown.
'Natsu, speaking honestly for a moment, are you actually unattracted to me or just shy, you're not really helping my self-esteem here? It isn't like I do this for everyone.' Said Ultear, causing Natsu to turn to her and ignore her slight state of undress.
'I thought we had both agreed I found you attractive already? Look, there is just a lot going on right now.' Said Natsu.
'I know that, there is a lot going on over here on my end too.' Pointed out Ultear.
'Look, just give me a little bit more time, maybe after I can explain things to Wendy and Gajeel. They should at least know what happened to their family before I possibly start making my own.' Said Natsu, before chuckling nervously in embarrassment.
Ultear, despite herself, gained a small blush at Natsu's words.
'I see. I can wait then; I am a time mage after all.' Joked Ultear.
'True, plus we did kind of go back a few years in time.' Added Natsu.
'Hey Natsu, let's go already.' Said Happy, knocking on Natsu's door, surprised it was locked in the first place.
Ultear silently gave a right-handed wave before vanishing, leaving Natsu alone.
'Yeah I'm coming buddy.' Said Natsu, opening the door to his room.
'Why was your door locked?' Asked Happy suspiciously.
'No reason, come on, let's go get you some fish!' Exclaimed Natsu, causing Happy's previous thoughts to vanish and be replaced with those of food.
-line break-
Natsu had prepared himself to follow the footsteps of the past, but seeing Erza trembling again as her old friends ganged up on her, caused him to quash that idea.
'Former comrades? What a joke.' Growled Natsu, walking up to the combined group of Simon, Shou, Wally and Millianna.
Taking a moment to free Lucy from Millianna's restraining tube with his curse powers, in the form of a blade of flames, Natsu lumbered over to them, despite their looks of shock.
'How the hell are you standing after I shot you in the mouth?' Questioned Wally in shock.
'And how did you break my Nekousoku Tube?' Asked Millianna.
'You… you piss me off the most.' Growled Natsu, turning his gaze on Shou, causing the boy to flinch.
'You come here and tell Erza off for trying to make something of her life. For getting friends, comrades, doing her best to move on from whatever happened to her in the past. Now though, you want to ruin that all and kidnap her and for what?' Spat Natsu in anger.
'Who the hell do you think you are? You don't know what we had to go through. We only had each other and Erza betrayed us!' Shouted Shou, only for Natsu to suddenly appear in front of him and grab him by the scruff of his collar.
'Say that again! I dare you to say something bad about Erza in front of me. Just look at her! She's trembling just seeing you again! You mean to tell me this person uncaringly betrayed you? Do you even know Erza at all? I bet she sacrificed herself for you in the past and you did nothing about it, go on, think about it and tell me if I'm wrong!' Growled Natsu.
Shou recalled how his hole had been discovered and Erza had lost her eye as a result, causing him to look off to the side in remembrance, before snapping his head back up.
'That doesn't matter! We all would have died because of Erza, she went mad!' Retorted Shou, only for Natsu to headbutt him.
'Just try something, I dare you!' Roared Natsu, looking to Wally who was preparing to attack Natsu, only to freeze under his gaze.
'Wally, do it now! Dark Moment.' Ordered Simon, before plunging the room into darkness.
It took all of Natsu's self-restraint to let the group escape and kidnap Erza, which broke the minute the lights came back on.
'Damn it!' Roared Natsu, slamming his foot into the ground and smashing through the tiles.
'Calm down, Natsu, we'll get her back.' Said Gray, approaching Natsu and Lucy, with Juvia a bit off to the side.
'Then let's go, the longer Erza is with those punks the more I want to cave someone's skull in.' Huffed Natsu.
-line break-
'What the hell was that guy?' Asked Shou, significantly shaken from his meeting with Fairy Tail's Dragon Slayer.
'Guy? That dude was a monster. Not dandy at all. I don't know how he is standing, since I shot him in the mouth as well.' Commented Wally.
Simon listened to the two complain about the fire mage, while subtly checking out Erza. Her overall posture was still one of defeat and resignation, but it seemed a little fire was back in her eyes, though not enough to inspire any action on her part.
"I wonder if I should have revealed the truth then. Perhaps it would have been better for everyone to know the reality of the situation, however, I doubt they would still be as motivated to deal with Jellal if they all knew." Thought Simon.
'Oh yeah, Millianna, I got you something.' Said Wally, before the form of a blue furred cat appeared in his hand.
'A kitty cat? Can I keep it?' Cheered Millianna, hugging the unconscious Happy to her chest, causing Erza to look up.
'No… you took Happy…' Mumbled Erza aghast.
'Meow, what's wrong with me having a kitty to look after?' Pouted Millianna.
'That isn't just a kitty, Millianna, that is Happy, Natsu's foster son and you've just taken him away from Natsu.' Explained Erza, causing Shou, Wally and Millianna to freeze.
'I doubt it will be an issue, I'm sure this Natsu will be no match for Jellal.' Said Simon, fishing for information, only for Erza's reaction to surprise him.
Erza gave a dry, mirthless chuckle.
'You have no idea what Natsu is capable of. In fact, I almost feel sorry for Jellal, if Natsu decides to come after him.' Said Erza.
'Jellal has power on par with a Wizard Saint.' Commented Simon, thinking that would be the end of the matter, only for what Erza said next to give him genuine hope for the first time in a while.
'Well, you can just ask Jose Porla, the Wizard Saint Natsu destroyed in combat, what that title means to him.' Said Erza, before resigning herself to silence for the rest of the boat ride, a small smile of self-satisfaction on her face.
"Natsu, I know I'm asking for a lot, but please... please help me deal with my past." Thought Erza.
-line break-
Arriving at the tower, Natsu and the others disembarked, preparing to reclaim Erza.
"And Happy." Thought Natsu, recalling that his friend had also been taken and that he had just let it happen this time, causing him to feel guilty.
'I'm going to find Happy.' Said Natsu, before preparing to head off.
'Wait, Natsu!' Said Erza, coming out of the shadows and halting the Dragon Slayer in his tracks.
'Erza, we aren't leaving here without you and I need to go get Happy.' Said Natsu, only for Erza to stop him once again.
'I understand Natsu… I do… but please, let me tell you all about what this tower really is and why my life has led me back here.' Said Erza softly.
Much to Natsu's confusion, Erza was not trying to get them to leave the tower like last time, but also, unknown to Natsu, she was telling him about her past as well. Having only gotten the general idea that Erza was a slave and had revolted before coming to Fairy Tail, Natsu had never heard the full story, either the first time around in the tower or any time after it, Natsu hadn't known the depths of Erza's suffering. By the time Erza had finished speaking, Natsu's face could have been carved out of stone. Erza watched Natsu's expression and was a little unnerved at how unreadable it was.
"Erza went through all that… because of Jellal, because of Ultear, because of Hades… because of Zeref…" Thought Natsu, his thoughts spiralling into a dark place which only got worse the more Natsu dwelled on it.
"Gray, Lyon and Ur… Simon and Kagura… Cobra, Angel, Racer, Hoteye and Midnight… Zeref… all of this because of Zeref." Thought Natsu, feeling his heart pounding in his ears.
On the outside, Natsu's body was starting to change, red markings were spreading along his body just like before when he fought against the Jupiter cannon, the same marks that appeared with the unlocking of his second origin. The group of mages watched on in increasing trepidation as Natsu's magic power continued to rise.
'Exploding Spiral!' Roared Natsu, bringing his arms back, before swinging them upwards.
A huge explosion smashed through the roof and a few floors up.
'I'm finding Happy, then, I'm going to beat Jellal into the ground before I absolutely obliterate this tower.' Declared Natsu eerily calm compared to his previous roar.
'Erza… you… everyone… no one deserves to suffer like this for something so foolish. Trust me, I will make sure nothing like this ever happens again. That's a promise.' Said Natsu strongly, before blasting himself upwards.
-line break-
Ultear watched as Siegrain worked his magic against the council, finding some amusement in his surprise when she voted against Etherion.
"Oh Jellal, you were always so easy to manipulate… I wonder if that says more about how weak Jellal is, or how strong my prowess for manipulation is. Hmm, given I managed to fool most of Grimoire Heart for so long, I would think it is my ability which is superior, however, I still can't seem to win over Natsu. I wonder, maybe it is simply Natsu who is too unshakable in his resolve and rather than I being especially gifted at manipulating others, perhaps the others are simply too weak. Hmm, that might be the case, since I couldn't fool Gray on Tenrou Island… funny, it always seems to come back to Fairy Tail, doesn't it?" Thought Ultear, half a world away from the conversation that was currently occurring.
'Don't you understand, this is Black Mage Zeref we are dealing with here?' Shouted Siegrain, successfully bringing Ultear's attention back to the meeting.
It only took a bit more convincing and a bit of scare mongering, but the voting quickly shifted to become seven votes for and two against, with Ultear and Yajima holding their position against the firing.
"Quite the gamble, openly defying Siegrain like this, but in a few minutes it will all be dealt with and I can make my move. Jellal… I only hope you come to your senses quickly… either that, or hope that Natsu beats you quickly, as you are in for an even ruder surprise when he gets to you." Thought Ultear.
As the various necessary people set about preparing the Etherion, Yajima approached Ultear, somewhat confusing the time mage.
'Well Councillor Milkovich, it isn't often that we see you side against Siegrain.' Commented Yajima, even as the Etherion was being set up.
'What can I say, I just feel like this isn't the right course of action to take here today.' Replied Ultear.
'I wonder though, given what is about to occur, what will happen to the Council.' Said Yajima.
'Surely you aren't doubting the Council, Councillor Yajima, it is one thing to not have faith in others, but something else entirely to not have faith in yourself.' Joked Ultear.
'I fear these old bones of mine would be better off away from Council meetings, however, a bright mind such as yourself would serve the Council well, especially given your recent understanding on things. I can honestly say that you have earned my approval here today, even though the rest of those old fools have lost it.' Jested Yajima in turn.
'Well, I appreciate your support, I only hope that once this mess is resolved, the Council will become something better than it currently is.' Said Ultear.
'I'm sure you will be able to accomplish that. It was pleasant that we had this talk, Councillor Milkovich, I look forward to what you do from here onwards.' Said Yajima, before walking away.
"Hmm, so now I also have Yajima's support… I suppose I am quite a good manipulator after all… but also, it seems Fairy Tail almost has a sixth sense for determining the morality of a person." Thought Ultear, before being brought out of her thoughts once again.
'Etherion release!' Declared the mages preparing the Etherion.
"Well, Natsu, it is all up to you now." Thought Ultear.