Earth Land, Ishgar, Kingdom of Fiore, Magnolia.
July 10, x790.
*Boom!*
The sound of two fists colliding sounded throughout the largest training room on the Fairy Tail guild hall's tenth floor. Shortly after that, the two combatants, Alfonzo and Natsu separated at a speed faster than most A-Class wizards could register with their eyes. Then, they rushed forward to exchange blows once again.
Meanwhile, most of the members of the guild were gathered to watch the fight. As for the reason behind this fight... There was none. Shortly after Alfonzo and his ladies arrived at the guild hall, Natsu charged towards Alfonzo and challenged him to a fight, as he was prone to doing.
As for the rest of the evening at the banquet celebrating another successful Grand Magic Games, after Gajeel's proposal and Levy's acceptance, the evening reached its peak. The wizards made merry, nobles and other important figures sought out the guild masters to make deals about rather important quests, and the guild master's approached each other to either foster relationships or make new ones.
Then, after the banquet ended, everyone returned to their lodgings. However, unlike the other guilds at the banquet, Fairy Tail did not spend the night in Crocus. Instead, they boarded the two airships parked on the hotel's roof, the Blackbird and the Fairy's Tail, and headed back to Magnolia.
The next day, most of the guild returned to their usual duties, as the highly destructive wizards of Fairy Tail were all feeling restless after not being able to destroy any--- *Cough* Complete any quests for more than a week. Meanwhile, the members of Team Fairy Tail were told to take a week or so off. After their display of dominance, that was the least that Ur thought they deserved.
And the five members of the team took Ur up on the offer. So, the five took the ninth off to rest. Then, they came back to the guild to continue their training with their guild mates. And when they did, that was when Natsu approached Alfonzo with a challenge. And Alfonzo agreed, leading to the aforementioned exchange of blows.
"[Fire Dragon's Talon]." Natsu chanted as he swept a flaming roundhouse kick at Alfonzo's head.
In response, Alfonzo raised his left hand, pressing his palm on the inside of Natsu's right leg, just above where the flames reached, and pressed upwards, trying to disrupt Natsu's balance. However, Natsu's instincts and fighting experience led to him making a quick decision to avoid just that.
As his balance started to destabilize, Natsu expelled flames from his planted left foot, causing him to shoot straight up into the air. Then, just before his head reached the ceiling of the training room, he stopped the propulsion while raising his hands to his mouth in a trumpet shape.
"[Fire Dragon's Roar]." Natsu chanted before exhaling a torrential stream of flames.
"Damn, his flames are even hotter the the lat time we fought." Alfonzo muttered as he brought his right hand near his waist. An instant later, a ball of violently spinning magic power began to form on his up turned palm. "[Rasengan]."
Then, as soon as the spell was formed in his hand, Alfonzo thrust it towards the incoming torrent of flames. And thanks to the force of Alfonzo's spinning magic power, when the [Rasengan] made contact with Natsu's [Fire Dragon's Roar], the flames were sent flying in all directions. Yet, none of them were able to get close to Alfonzo.
"You can actually use the [Rasengan] like that?" Naruto, who was among the crowd of spectators, asked with his eyes open wide. He then turned to Jiraiya, who was standing nearby and continued. "[hey, Pervy Sage, how come you never told me about this?"
Unfortunately, Jiraiya could not answer Naruto's question. As the teacher of the one who created the [Rasengan], Naruto's father, Minato Namikaze, Jiraiya could also use the [Rasengan]. However, as Minato had created it based on the Tail Beasts' ultimate attack, the [Tailed Beast Bomb], both he and Jiraiya had only considered using it offensively. But Alfonzo's use of the technique had opened Jiraiya's eyes just now.
"If only Minato had been alive to see this." Jiraiya muttered. "I'm sure he would have been inspired to make so many more techniques with incredibly long names that took advantage of the [Rasengan's] defensive nature."
As he reached that point, a lonely, yet nostalgic smile spread across Jiraiya's face. And when Naruto saw that smile, he felt a bit sad, as well. Luckily, Naruto was a bit of an idiot. It was also suspected that he had ADHD. So, he did not stay down for long. Instead, he turned to Sasuke with his eyes shining.
"Hey, Sasuke, help me train a technique like that later, okay?" Naruto asked excitedly.
"Hmph! Even if you find a way to block flames, you'll still never be able to beat me.
"What was that?" Naruto asked with a snarl. "Why don't we test that out later."
"Any time, Loser." Sasuke shot back.
"Sasuke~~~~~~~!" Naruto shouted.
Naruto~~~~~~~!" Sasuke shouted back.
"*Sigh* They're at it again." Saeko said while shaking her head. She then turned to Sun with a smile. "But I can understand how they feel. Sun, after seeing you fight in the Grand Magic Games, I've been wanting to spar with you, as well."
"Sure." Sun replied cheerfully. "I like fighting your [Flying Heaven's Sword-Style]. You're so fast. It makes me have to anticipate further and further ahead every time we spar."
Several other challenges were issued while Alfonzo and Natsu continued to exchange blows. Even so, no one ever took their eyes off the fight for long.
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Smack!* *Thud!* *Bang!*
The sounds of blocks, parries, and attacks landing echoed through the training room as Alfonzo and Natsu engaged in close quarters combat for the next half a minute, or so. However, as Natsu blocked Alfonzo's last kick, he was sent sliding back across the floor. Yet, Natsu quickly took advantage of the created distance as he was quickly engulfed in flames.
"[Dragon Slayer Secret Art: Hidden Fire Form – Crimson Lotus: Phoenix Blade]." Natsu chanted before dashing forward at high speed.
"Why the hell is a Dragon Slayer spell named after a phoenix?" Alfonzo asked as he readied himself to defend.
*Bang!*
Without receiving a response to what he thought was a completely logical question, Alfonzo crossed his arms to block a sharp uppercut with enough force to lift him off the ground and send him flying towards the ceiling.
Not wasting any time, Natsu followed Alfonzo into the air, jumping several times faster than Alfonzo's ascent. Within the blink of an eye, Natsu closed in on Alfonzo, looking to land a flame charged headbutt on the middle of Alfonzo's chest.
"Bad move, Natsu." Alfonzo said as he put his hands out in front of him while still rising. "[Electromagnetism Magic: Reflection Barrier]."
In the next instant, using visible light to draw all the necessary sigils between himself and Natsu, Alfonzo brought a light screen into existence. And when Natsu saw it, his eyes widened as he tried to cancel his momentum by expelling flames from his shoulders. Unfortunately, he was too close to the barrier and moving too fast to make any real difference.
*Boom!*
*Boom!*
An instant later, Natsu slammed head first into the barrier. Then, he was sent falling back towards the training room's floor with force equal to the moment of impact. Meaning, just as quickly as he had risen into the air, he was slammed into the floor before bouncing away from his landing point.
By the time Alfonzo landed on the ground and shook off the numbness in his arms from Natsu's uppercut, Natsu was lying on his back with is eyes spinning in their sockets after his body took two such powerful impacts.
"Well, I guess that's it." Alfonzo said as he walked over to Natsu. "Aren't you tired of getting your ass kicked yet, Natsu?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Natsu asked in a groggy tone. "This just adds to our long list of matches that have ended in a draw. We'll fight again later."
"*Sigh* And this must be why he's such a nightmare to fight on a quest." Alfonzo said as he reached down, picked up Natsu, and threw him over his shoulder. "He just doesn't give up."
"And that's exactly how a Fairy Tail wizard should be." Ur said as she approached from the crowd of spectators. "Anyway, give Natsu to Lisanna or Erza, or someone... I really don't care who at this point. I need to talk to you in my office."
"*Sigh* I don't like the sound of this." Alfonzo said with his eyes narrowed. "It sounds an awful lot like you're gonna send me somewhere to work again."
Instead of responding, Ur only turned around and left the training room, basically solidifying Alfonzo's suspicion in his head. Still, he did as Ur said and handed Natsu off to Lisanna so she could take him to the infirmary to make sure that the last hit to his head did not make Natsu's brain damage even worse.
Not long later, Alfonzo stepped out of the elevator into Ur's office. When he arrived, he was surprised to see that Ur was not alone. Instead, there were two women, and a middle-aged man seated on the couches in front of her desk. While a familiar young man stood behind the couch where one of the women and the middle-aged man sat.
The first of those Alfonzo was not expecting to see when he arrived was someone he was intimately familiar with, Irene, one of his lovers. Sitting across from Irene were the other woman and the middle-aged man. Behind them was someone that Alfonzo had seen recently, as well. And that was Squall Leonhart, the leader of Team Final Fantasy in the Grand Magic Games.
Seatd on the couch, the other woman, a middle-aged woman who did not look a day over thirty, exuded both beauty and sophistication with her long, straight, black hair, brilliant green eyes, and bright red lipstick, her flawless pale skin looked even more eye catching. Add to that the simple, yet elegant, ankle-length black dress and short-sleeved, waist length summer jacket she wore over top of it, and it would be no surprise that if someone told Alfonzo that she often drew all the eyes in a room.
Net to the beautiful woman was a middle-aged man with neatly cut brown hair, blue eyes, and a strong jaw line wearing a pair of glasses, a burgundy vest over a long-sleeved, white collared shirt with a green tie, a brown pair of slacks, and a black pair of leather shoes.
"Ah! You're finally here." Ur said after seeing Alfonzo step off the elevator. "Allow me to introduce you to the master of the Final Fantasy guild and her husband, Edea and Cid Kramer. As for their ace, I believe you've already met Squall Leonhart."
As soon as Ur started addressing Alfonzo, both the beautiful woman and the middle-aged man, Edea and Cid, stood up. Edea then stepped forward and extended a hand for a handshake.
Naturally, Alfonzo returned the gesture, politely taking Edea's hand before releasing it. He then shook Cid's hand more firmly before also releasing it. After that, he nodded at Squall, who stayed stationary as though he were a guard or a soldier rather than a guild wizard.
"It's nice to meet you." Alfonzo said after both handshakes. He then glanced at Irene before he continued. "I'm Fairy Tail's ace, Alfonzo Marcus."
Naturally, the reason for Alfonzo's glance in Irene's direction was because he felt uncomfortable calling himself Fairy Tail's ace when there was clearly a stronger Fairy Tail wizard sitting in the same room. But since Irene did not want to draw attention to herself, he accepted the title, even if it was not accurate.
"Now that we're all acquainted, we have some business to discuss." Ur said. She then waited until everyone was seated, with Edea and Cid returning to the couch they stood up from and Alfonzo taking a seat next to Irene. "There are two requests for you, Alfonzo. Which do you want to hear first?"
"*Sigh* I knew it." Alfonzo muttered under his breath, making Ur and Irene smile, with Irene's being an amused smile and Ur's being rather wry. "You never call me unless you have work for me. *Sigh* What would Mom think if she knew how you treated me, Aunt Ur?"
Immediately, Ur's wry smile turned into an expression of annoyance while she gritted her teeth and tried not to cast her [Ice Fist] spell on the top of Alfonzo's head... Not in front of the guests, anyway.
Meanwhile, Edea and Cid were surprised to hear that Alfonzo and Ur were actually related. But before they could say anything, Ur noticed and decided to clear up any misunderstandings.
"Before you get the wrong Idea, we're not related by blood." Ur said. "His mother, Bianca Rollen was one of my best friends when she was still alive. So, he and his first wife, Elicia, Orlando Taylor's daughter, are like family. Though, I'd prefer if they did not call me Aunt."
"I see." Edea replied. "So, you're the Mage Killer's son. Well, that would certainly explain why you're so strong."
"Let me stop you right there." Alfonzo said with a raised hand. "I love my mom, and I'm glad she was there as long as she was. She and Uncle Orlando even sacrificed themselves to make sure that Lici and I could live. But I'd appreciate it if you didn't discount the fact that we've worked our asses off since the day Gramps picked us up from that orphanage in Hargeon."
Hearing how strongly Alfonzo retorted, Edea and Cid were slightly taken aback. Squall, on the other hand, nodded his head in agreement. Because like Alfonzo, his father was also a rather famous and powerful wizard in the past. Though, he was not on the same level as Bianca. Either way, simply accrediting his success to his heritage felt like Edea was staying that all his effort was meaningless.
Silence settled over the room after that. Though, Alfonzo was not angered by Edea's comment, and there were no negative emotions in his retort, only those of pride in his hard work, the silence still became awkward rather quickly.
"Anyway, why don't I start by telling you about Final Fantasy's request." Ur said, trying to break the awkward atmosphere. "Final Fantasy is extending a formal request to have all their wizards outfitted with new equipment."
"Huh? Not training chambers?" Alfonzo asked in a dumbfounded tone. "But didn't I already make deals with Final Fantasy's members when we had that party in Crocus?"
"That's right." Cid replied while adjusting his glasses. "However, before the Games started this year, Edea and I had decided, without letting our wizards know, of course, that if the team led by Squall managed to qualify for the main event on their first attempt, we would sponsor all their equipment upgrades. Yet, without knowing that, they all placed orders with you back then."
"So, we would like you to bill all of their orders to us." Edea continued. "The guild itself will become the client for one large order rather than many small individual orders."
"Oh, I get it now." Alfonzo replied with a nod. He then glanced at Ur with a pout. "Our guild never pays for our equipment upgrades. *Sigh* I guess that's just the difference between guilds, huh? *Sigh* I really have to wonder just what our master has been spending all that prize money on."
Once again, Ur found herself gritting her teeth while Irene only smiled at Alfonzo's playfulness. Apparently, Alfonzo was in a good mood. Though, she reckoned that would change after she relayed Sabertooth's request.
However, it would change even sooner than Irene expected. And this time, Alfonzo would be the one gritting his teeth while Ur smiled in amusement.
"Then, I assume we have a deal?" Cid asked. He then continued after receiving a nod from Alfonzo. "But now I'm curious to know about these training chambers you mentioned. Master Ur never said anything about those to us. And I must admit, I'm quite intrigued."
Gritting his teeth in frustration, Alfonzo immediately snapped his head in Ur's direction after hearing Cid's intrigued words. He had just fallen into Ur's trap. By intentionally not telling Edea and Cid about the training chambers, it would surprise Alfonzo when they asked for something else. And in that surprise, he asked about them himself, effectively bringing more work for himself.
Either way, Alfonzo managed to put that conversation off until another day, since he still had to hear another request that was brought by Irene from Sabertooth. And he already had an idea of what that request would be. So, when Irene mentioned that Sabertooth wanted to plance an order for the aforementioned training chambers, he managed to keep his cool.
In the end, it was decided that Alfonzo would work on the equipment order first. By his estimates, he would probably be finished by the Harvest Festival, which was a little more than three months away. There were nearly a hundred sets of equipment he would have to make, after all.
Then, after the Harvest Festival, Alfonzo would travel to Sabertooth's guild hall to install the training chambers they ordered. Hopefully, he would be done with those before the S-Class Promotion Exam. Yet, even if he was not, he would take a break for the exam before coming back to finish the job.