FicWad

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail and Naruto. I think I'm going to go cry in a corner now, it always makes me sad to write that.

Author's Note: Holy hell! We're finally here! Praise the world and wild hip thrusts to everyone! Well, maybe that's a bit too much. I was asked if I am going to bring more Naruto characters into the story other then the exceed and I have to be honest and say that I'm not sure. It is possible and I have considered it, but at the same time I might want avoid it. I won't know until later.

You people have officially bummed me out. Last chapter I got a record low for reviews. I do suppose it makes sense though given the fact that it is events taking place that keep people interested in commenting and I haven't had any. Sorry!

Important Notice: I will be starting up at University again on Monday. That means I will not be able to update as frequently or consistently. It doesn't mean I'm just going to leave you hanging for months on end without a chapter - that's just too cruel - it just means that I will have a lot of other work to do which will limit my time with this story. I will, however, do my best to maintain this schedule.

'Fishing' - Normal

'Fishing' - Spells

'Fishing' - Thoughts, Flashbacks and Dreams (Use logic to differentiate!)

Chapter 12:

"Before I start this explanation I'd like to please ask that none of you interrupt me. That goes for you too Naruto," Makarov said as he shook a finger in Naruto's direction.

Naruto crossed his arms and pouted. He was sure he wasn't that bad.

Makarov took this as a yes and continued, "In my hand I have five slips of paper. Each one with a location indicated on it - all of which are approximately equal in distance from here. At each of these locations you will find an object that will help lead you to me. Once you have arrived we will continue onto the next stage of the exams. Just be aware of the obstacles you my find in your way."

They all stared at him in silence for several moments before Laxus spoke, "That's it?"

"That's all you need to know," he replied. He shook the papers in his hand, "Now, come on. Take a paper."

Shaking his head Laxus reached in and grabbed one. The rest following his lead until Naruto plucked the last one from his hands, giving the old man a dark look as he did so. Makarov just gave him a cheeky grin in reply. Naruto just spun on his heel and walked off to sit on the ships railing. His one foot swinging over the side as he looked deep into the waters depths. His eyes flickered away as he tilted his head up to stare at the sky.

It was quite calming really and he was actually considering taking a nap when something out the corner of his eye caught his attention. He had to blink several times before he really believed what he was seeing. He smirked, "Sneaky little teme." Out across the water Laxus travelled as a spark of lightning towards the land, his movements so quick he would have been impossible to see if his method of travel wasn't so bright. "Can't believe he managed to keep something like that from me in our spars."

It was only at his words the girls realise what he was looking at. Turning to face the direction he was looking at in a scary synchronisation.

"Little cheating teme is going to pay," Mirajane muttered under her breathe.

"It's not actually against the rules," Naruto pointed out.

She was about to turn her anger on him when Erza added in her two cents, "He's right you know. Master never said we had to wait for the ship to get to land."

"Do you want to die!?" she yelled.

"Even if I did it's not like you could make it happen," the red head retorted.

Mirajane growled and tackled Erza to the floor of the ship.

Using the distractions the two created Cana quickly moved away. Sneaking off to the side of the ship she quickly jumped into the smaller row boat attached to the side. Noticing her actions Naruto grinned. He'd been wondering which one of them was going to take the boat. He waited for Cana to get in the water and a moderate distance away before he interrupted the fight - something he was loath to do - a cat fight was always good to watch. "Hey girls, look who's snuck off now."

Halting their fists mid motion they both turned their gazes to the water. Taking in the image of Cana in the water nearing the shore. They both glared, giving the brunette a look that was scarily alike.

"She's going to get it," Erza swore.

"Not if I get her first," Mirajane replied.

The stare down was broken when they both simultaneously launched themselves into the water. Powering through it like they had Jet's speed magic. He'd at first been confused about why they weren't using magic, but if they could swim at that speed he'd give them points for magical conservation. Still, it was time to get a move on. Sighing heavily and fidgeting with a piece of hair near his ear he turned his attention to one of the reasons he hadn't made his way off the ship yet, the only reason he'd given them a head start.

When they passed the large island he'd originally thought it sure that they were then heading towards a different earthland country. But, something had tipped him off. The tell tale feel of illusion magic brushing against his senses. They had not passed that island yet. Instead they'd stopped at another. A place still inside Fiore. What's more was the fact that it had to be an island. Even if he hadn't been able to sense it he was well aware that they hadn't been travelling far enough to have reached Minstrel of Bosco.

"Why did you lie and tell us we would be going to a different country when we are not?" he asked. "If I hadn't researched the records I might not have been so suspicious, but that was enough for me to be on guard enough to detect the illusionary magic."

"So, you noticed," he said with a laugh. "I was wondering if one of you would."

"Master, why did you-"

"To create confusion. This is an S-Class exam, Naruto and while I am a straight forward kind of person, but this exam won't be. It is to test your ability to properly complete an S-Class mission and not all missions will be what you expect them to be. I need to test your ability to adapt," Makarov interrupted.

Naruto gave the man a long searching look, I can tell you are telling the truth, Makarov and yet I know you are not telling me everything. At least not everything I want to know. Your fear of my necklace included. But he would accept it for now.

"As you say, Makarov," he agreed. Turning his gaze back out across the water he enjoyed the breeze momentarily before slowly letting himself slip off the side of the boat. Disappearing from view for a brief moment before he reappeared several feet away hovering alongside the boat. "I will accept your answer for now, but you and I both know there's more to tell."

Then he revealed the other reason he'd let them all start ahead of himself. The air around him seemed to shimmer slightly as his gravitational magic focused itself to an extent he had only recently mastered and in a flash he was gone. A crack resounding faintly in the air the only sign he'd been there in the first place. This was not something he'd wanted to reveal about himself to his competition so soon.

Makarov stared at the spot he'd previously occupied and sighed. You will know soon enough, Naruto. I only wonder what you will do when the truth is put before you.

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Naruto sighed and ran a hand through his hair ruefully. About two hundred meters form him stood the spot indicated on the map and on that spot lay an object that he most obviously needed to collect. There was only one problem with that though. The thing was complete surrounded by runes standing at the centre of a circle four hundred metres in diameter. Runes Makarov had clearly had someone else do for him because as far Naruto was aware the man himself had no talent for it. Yet, the runes were done by impeccably without any imperfections he could use to break them. He also wasn't familiar enough with the script used to break them.

He glared at the magically sensed line that circled round the object with a dark look on his face. It wasn't that he couldn't get to the object. In fact if he wanted to he could walk right in and get it. The real problem lay in the fact that he wouldn't be able to get out once he was inside. Well, he could, but in order for that to happen certain requirements would have to be met. Requirements he was currently trying to sense from the runes, what he had been trying to sense form them for the last half an hour with no progress. He grit his teeth in frustration as he tried to sense what the runes wanted from him. What he needed to do once he'd entered.

It was mid-way through this process that he sensed a magical signature rapidly closing in. Something he'd become aware of just moments to late - his attention having been focused completely on the runes rather then his environment. Trying to withdraw his magic from the runes as quickly as he could without causing any magical repercussions he was just seconds to late as something reeking of demonic energy collided with his side roughly. Sending him hurtling into the runic construct only to collide harshly against the magically constructed forcefield that had him now trapped in the runes.

He gasped out loudly, coughing slightly before climbing to his feet to stare at his opponent across the clearing.

"Mirajane," he rasped.

She smirked at him imperiously her lipstick red lips curved in a mask of superiority.

This was the first time he'd ever had the opportunity to see her take-over form and he had to stop himself from asking - no begging - for her to take out her whip and use him as she pleased. It honestly wasn't his fault. She really did look like a dominatrix from some dark fantasy. It was a good thing he didn't though because he wasn't sure he could survive her reaction.

At least now he knew why they called her demon Mirjane because in her take-over form she really did look the part. The dark line that curved down the side of her face like black lightning. Dark wings spread out behind her like a creature of the night and thick draconian tail twirled out from the base of her back though it matched the scales that rushed up her forearms. Her hands covered by a murky green armour and enlarged several sizes to ensure maximum damage. Then there was her outfit. From the heels, to the thigh high stockings, to the bared line of skin that was visible due to the large cut up the front of her one piece costume. All of it a similar colour of maroon red painted on her lips.

Most importantly though, was the fact that she looked several years older. He felt as if he had been given a fortunate glimpse into the future.

"Nice costume," he muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing," he mumbled sometimes he really wished his mouth knew when to keep shut. At least he'd kept from asking if she wanted a whip to go with her get-up. He doubted that would go down well or perhaps… he gave the girl an odd glance - it would go down all too well. "You shouldn't have done that though."

"Why not? Feeling scared," she taunted.

He sighed, "Even if I was that's not the point."

"I don't care what your point is. This is my marked spot, go find your own"

"This is your-" he froze, his eyes flickering between Mirjane and the box for several moments before he sighed. "I see," he muttered his gaze turning back to the girl who'd sent him flying here in the first place. "It would seem, Mirajane, that we were both given the same location."

Her eyes widened.

"I see you understand what I'm saying. Until one of us defeats the other the runes will not let us go."

She stared for several more moments before a smirk once again returned to her face. "Well then, I finally get to pay you back for that trick you pulled when we first met."

He gave her a feral grin in reply, "That's it Mira, come at me with everything you've got."

"I never gave you permission to call me Mira!" she yelled he magic flaring round her in a dark purple aura. He really was jealous of the control she had over her take-over form.

She launched herself at him. Her speed catching him by surprise and almost providing a repeat performance of earlier. Luckily his gravity manipulation had increased by several degrees and he dodged her attack with equal speed. His body twisting round hers with impressive speed attempting to slice her back with a move similar to the one he'd used on Laxus though he failed this time. Even so he was proud at how quick he'd been able to activate Yoru no tsume for his favourite claw attack.

"Oh, little kitty's got claws," taunted Mirajane as she spun back round.

His eye twitched. Kitty!? Not even just kitty, but little kitty!? How did this girl always seem to know just what to say to get under his skin. Taking a deep breathe he shook it off. Now wasn't the time to lose his temper, especially to such a simple taunt. Still, he could give her a little something in return. "Yoruryū no Hōkō," he whispered.

Placing both his hands in front of his mouth a he gathered black magic before him in a swirling mass before releasing his night magic in a blast of darkness headed straight for Mirajane. He was surprised though when she countered it with an equally powerful wave of dark purple magic blasting out her hands.

"Ebiru Ekusupurōjon," she yelled.

No, not equally powerful, he thought in shock. More powerful then mine.

He felt her spell overpowering his and quickly dodged to the side though he was unable to avoid all the backlash and hissed as it brushed against his shoulder. Only the heavy gravity he'd set upon himself allowing him to stay rooted to the ground. He was being continually surprised by her power, though he really shouldn't have been. Makarov wouldn't have picked her if he didn't believe she was strong enough. He grinned, canines glinting in the sunlight. It seemed there would be opponents worthy of his attention beyond Laxus.

"I've underestimate you Mirajane, but no more," he said.

"No more Mister Nice Kitty?" she said in a lilting voice.

He wanted to growl, he wanted to howl in indignation, but he couldn't let her see she was getting to him. So instead he smirked putting on a confident cocky attitude, something that always irritated her, "I guess you're right, little Mira-chan. No more Mister Nice Kitty."

Her eyes darkened in fury. By the end of this she was going to turn him into nothing but a splatter on the ground.

Naruto readied himself. Here it comes, he thought. In a general physical fight he preferred to use his ghost form to manoeuvre round his opponents, shift straight through them on occasion and in general just trick them without having to put to much effort into it, but with Mirajane in her current form that wouldn't be an option. When she used Satan Soul take-over or any of her take-over forms her entire body radiated magic. In fact it was like her body was made of magic, too much magic for his usual Tsuki no kurai sokumen to take at once. At least for now. He couldn't even use his latest sense removing spell because her present demonic traits could provide her other senses enhancement to over come it. This would have to be a more straight up fight. Something he hadn't had do to much of even against Laxus.

It was a good thing he was well versed in fighting against someone whose body had superior strength and durability - Margidda had made sure of that - because unless he perfected the Dragon Force right now he was going to have to use that. Whilst he would be able to beat mages that Mirajane would be incapable of defeating he was currently on equal footing with her, perhaps even at a disadvantage if pushed. At least on a physical scale, magically he was still unsure.

She charged forward her hands coated in dark glowing magic.

This would be a tougher fight then he'd anticipated and yet he couldn't stop the excitement he felt at such a challenge.

He lightened the gravity round his body and pushed to the side. Spinning round her body and targeting her side only for her to dodge his strike and return one equally hard to his side. Shifting out the way with a gravitational push back he used her leg as leverage to launch himself up above her body, flipping round and aiming a kick to the back of her head. He thought he had her, until suddenly she was there. Her arm raised to block his punch, changing his attack mid-motion he swerved downwards slipping between her legs. Her boobs look great from this angle, he thought. Unfortunately his distraction got him a hit to the stomach that sent him flying into the air where he hovered for a brief moment before launched another attack at her.

"Tsukiryū no Hōkō," he muttered. Let's see how well she deals with the Moon Dragon's Roar, stronger then Night Dragon's she faced before, he thought as he gathered the glowing silver magic of the moon in front of his mouth with his hands raised. The glowing magic blasted down towards her like a whirlwind of glowing destruction,though he quickly had to tighten the gravity behind him to avoid the backlash that could send him flying back.

The attack hit her full on, sending her sailing back into the runic barrier surrounding them, but she seemed completely unharmed by the attack. Her durability truly is something, he thought in admiration. Though, not so much when she's attacking me, he added as he blocked her magic enhanced fist at his face. It certainly hurt like bitch to be hit by her. Forcing her back he flared a swirling mix of sliver and black around his fists. If she was going to fight that way then so was he.

A sonic boom sounded throughout the clearing as he launched himself at her.

His body was running on pure instinct. Dodging, weaving, punching, blocking, kicking, all of it. He'd never pushed himself to this kind of speed before, he'd never had to. What's more was this was an ariel battle. He was using pure gravity manipulation to help him move. A task not many could achieve when focusing magical to their fists and locked in martial combat.

She launched a punch at his face and he saw an opening to slam his fist into her stomach though it seemed to have little effect as they continued regardless of the hits he landed on her. Though being a dragon slayer provided him with a certain resilience it wasn't enough to match up to her. He landed more hits, but she did more damage with the ones she got through. Pushing back from her with a double kick to her chest and a flip he got some distance between them. It didn't seem his idea for confrontation was working.

Suddenly he felt a swift gathering of dark magic centred in both her palms, larger then any attack he'd ever felt before. Her eyes gleaming madly as she spoke her incantation, "Soul Extinction."

That doesn't sound good, he thought. Then she launched the attack and he understood why. The purple energy seemed to grow and expand. It's strength increasing with each moment rather then decreasing as most magic did. Suddenly it exploded like a wave of dark purple heading towards him like a warrant for his death. What could he do? Take it head on? That could really take him down and it's not like he could dodge it. He didn't have enough time to prepare a solid attack that could overcome it either. The thing was pulsing outwards like a huge explosion. He couldn't even carve through it because it would overpower him without to much effort. Come on, come on, he growled, there's got to be something.

It was closer then ever. Fuck, come on come think! What do you know about your powers and hers!? Alright, dark magic is weakest against light magic… which is useless you idiot you can't use light magic. Argh… just think. Dark magic, okay then the Darkness Dragon is considered to be a dragon under my kaa-san's domain, he thought with focus. Perhaps I could eat it like Natsu eats fire. Then again when Natsu tried to eat Laxus's lightning it wasn't pretty. Yet, they fall under different domains. Laxus's lightning would fall under the Storm Dragon and Natsu's would fall under the Sun Dragon they also fall under dragons of equal power which means neither could straight up dominate the other. I could… perhaps I should try… Margidda is the leader of her domain and that gives me a greater chance of success. He nodded his head, I'm out of options and this is all that's left. This better not kill me, he added as an afterthought.

He closed his eyes and focused, he'd never done something like this before and only knew how in principle. He focused on the nearing magic and began to draw it in towards himself. Pulling it faster and faster like a suction tube until suddenly he wasn't drawing it in anymore. He was breathing it in like oxygen to a suffocating body. He closed his eyes tightly and winced as his faced screwed up in a grimace. It was burning like frost bite down his throat, but he couldn't stop now, there was still more left. Breathing in more and more despite the pain he gasped for air desperately as the last of the magic was absorbed.

He nearly fell over, steadying himself as he coughed and gasped for air with his hands on his knees. His body shaking as shudders racking through his frame. Despite the pain though, he grinned. He'd done it.

"What the hell was that!?" shouted Mirajane in her deeper more demonic tones.

"That was disgusting and fucking painful is what that was," he rasped, his throat raw from the desperate tactic he'd just used. Whilst it was clearly within his capabilities to do it really did hurt beyond anything he'd ever felt before. Even Margidda's beatings had been kinder, perhaps that was why she'd never recommended the course of action to him against a dark magic wielding wizard.

"You saying my magic tastes disgusting?" she asked in an insulted voice.

"Hai, that's exactly what I'm saying," he replied as he pushed himself into a standing position. Despite how horrible that had been his magic really did feel revitalised. Even more so then it felt when it was night time.

She growled, "Well, then I hope you enjoy another helping."

"I don't think so," he muttered as he prepared his counter attack to whatever she had planned. Just because it gave him a magical boost didn't mean he'd willingly go through that again unless he had to and now with time to prepare he could hope to stop it.

A dark aura surrounding her, Mirajane raised her hand above her head and once more began to gather dark energy this time raised above her head. It was more condensed then her previous attack though the magical quantity felt equal in power. Once again though it began to grow and swell like mountain of power above her. Without bothering to name her attack, she condensed the growing ball, lowered her hand and fired it straight at him. He winced, this attack was even more powerful then her last - which he actually thought was impossible. But, he was ready this time and he was going to have to overload his technique with power to counteract her own wave of power.

"Mayonaka no hōkō," he rasped, his throat still raw and honestly he doubted that using a Dragon's Roar was going to help the situation but it was the only technique he could think that would counteract her blasting like attack. It wasn't his most powerful spell, but it was a good blasting counterattack.

Silver and black magic swirled around him like crushing winds, whipping his hair about in a wild frenzy as his clothes whipped against his legs. It converged in front of him as he breathed in the magic deeply as it built around him like black whole plated in liquid silver. As she released her attack, so did he… and then they collided.

Pushing against each other both users forced as much of their power into their spells as they could until the colliding spells could take no more and both burst up into the sky. Two pillars, one of sliver and black, the other a dark glowing purple. The light from their collision seemed to light the sky in a sphere of blinding magic. Covering his eyes from the worst of it Naruto tried to search for his opponent in the swirl of colour. He couldn't let his guard down.

But when the light faded and the dust settled his eyes fell upon a Mirajane who was not the one he seen before. Her form was demonic no longer and her younger looks had made a reappearance. She was also lying on the floor panting for breath.

Naruto frowned.

Why would she be… unless… he got it. The unfortunate side effect of having a particularly powerful take-over form was the limits that were placed upon you because of it. You couldn't hold the form for really long periods of time until you got more experience with the spell, it was a very magically intensive spell to cast and once used you couldn't reuse the form for a certain amount of time. If he compared his research on take-over and his recent battle with her, she had some of the most powerful take-over forms he'd ever come across. That meant all three applied to her. The fact that she had fought for so long and used such strong spells spoke well of her control and power.

Still staying cautious though he walked towards the fallen girl with hesitancy. Checking to make sure she didn't suddenly recover and attack him. It was unfortunate that his caution nearly gave him heart failure when the runes suddenly started flashing brightly around them before vanishing, taking Mirajane's body with them. His brows raised in surprise. A teleportation spell induced via runes, certainly an impressive achievement for whoever had made them.

"I really should learn more about runes and scripts," he muttered to himself. He sighed and reached up to rub a piece of hair between his thumb and forefinger. That was a good match Mirajane, I've not been worked like that in a long time, he thought as he looked out across the horizon. Suddenly his mind clicked and he remembered why they'd had to battle in the first place.

Walking to the centre of the destruction he found the little box still lying there. Completely unharmed by all their attacks. He grinned, either the box was blessed by the luck of Kami or it had a particularly strong protective spell on it. He guessed the latter, but sometimes really just don't know.

"Now little box, reveal to me your secrets," he murmured as he bent down to pick it up.

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Translation:

Yoru no tsume - Night Claws

Yoruryū no Hōkō - Night Dragon's Roar

Tsuki no kurai sokumen - Dark side of the moon

Tsukiryū no Hōkō - Moon Dragon's Roar

Mayonaka no hōkō - Roar of Midnight (This is the combination attack I referred to in Chapter 7)

Ebiru Ekusupurōjon - Evil Explosion

Soul Extinction - This spell doesn't actually have a japanese name because it wasn't named in the manga and in the anime was only given an English classification.