She stood in the doorway to the guild, completely unnoticed, watching her soon to be comrades brawling, drinking and laughing. A small smile played at the corners of her mouth as she took a step into the bustling guild. Nobody had seen her yet, that was good. She didn't want to make big deal of this. She walked up to counter where the guild's master, Makarov, was sat. He looked at her as she approached and seemed to be weighing her up, as if he wasn't sure what to make of her.

"You're new?" He asked as she took a seat on one of the bar stools.

"Indeed I am. Just arrived here. You don't mind me joining?" She asked, choosing her words carefully. The master nodded.

"Everyone's welcome here." He said with a small smile. "What's your name?"

"Scarlett. This place seems more fun than I was expecting." She commented looking around at Natsu and Gray causing havoc and breaking furniture. She scanned the faces for Gazille and Wendy and found them both. Good. That was good. The master nodded.

"It's been even more energetic than ever, lately." A female voice spoke from behind the master.

"I wonder why that is..." Mira-Jane smiled warmly at her. She managed a small smile back.

"You must be Mira-Jane." This statement was too obvious but she had to play along. For now, at least. Mira-Jane smiled.

"I am. I heard your name, no need to introduce yourself again. Welcome to Fairy Tail." Scarlett managed another smile.

"Thanks. It's nice to be here." She scanned the crowd again. Erza, Lucy, Elfman, Levi, Jet, Droy, Lisanna and so many other familiar faces. It felt so surreal she thought it could dissapear at any moment. She had finally made it here. She knew what she had to do next. No point putting it off...

"I'm going to find somewhere to stay. I'll be back later." She stood and walked out after saying goodbye. She walked a little way away from the guild, just far enough so they couldn't see her, then she pulled out the flat stone and rubbed it. Instantly, his image appeared.

"Well?" He asked, looking expectantly into the stone. She smiled.

"I joined. He didn't notice." He laughed, the booming laugh of a dragon.

"Well done. I'm counting on you, Scarlett." Igneel, the fire dragon, smiled at her.