DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my OC Luna Whitefang

The sound of a sad song lingered through the air as a heavy mist sunk in and blocked all sight. The sound pierced the hearts of who stood outside that cold night, lining the beach. The feeling produced by that song could only be compared to the heartache caused by the death of a close loved one. A family member.

Mavis Vermilion was dead. And her whole 'family' was mourning. The wail of a particular child cut off the song. The singing child could not continue any further with her song. She had loved Mavis more than any of them. She had been closer to Mavis than the rest, and had known her for all of her short years. And now, Mavis was gone. The new guild master was chosen, not that the girl had anything against Purehito. Although Mavis would be missed, this night would be the one when she was sent to rest on Tenrou Island.

The guild had to go on, but the girl wasn't ready. She didn't think she would ever be. But she tried her hardest...starting with the song. While her voice failed her, she continued the tune by humming. It wouldn't be right to stop the song halfway. Not for Mavis.

Clouds gathered overhead and blocked out what little of the stars and moon could be seen through the fog. A soft pitter-patter accompanied the girl as she approached the end of the song as rain began to fall. The heavens weeping for Mavis.

As the night progressed and the song ended, one by one the guild members boarded the ship, all wishing to help put their Guild Master to rest.

The child was left behind in the dark, misty, raining night. She was expected to return home.

Imagine their dismay when they returned, and there was no trace of the child. They never saw her again. All that was left of the girl were memories of a green-eyed smile, the voice of an angel and the stain-glass wings of a dragonfly.

One: Beaded Stars

Luna

Wow. Just wow. I thought to myself as I stood before the towering doors. It sounded as though a war were brewing just on the other side. I wasn't even inside, and already I just knew that this had to be the loudest guild in all of the world.

Hearing all that noise though...it left me uncertain I wanted to step foot in there. Perhaps it would be better if I went to Lamia Scale…Blue Pegasus isn't an option...not with my face.

As I stood before the threshold, my pale hand resting against the worn wood, I could hear the sound of people laughing and shouting, which somehow made it over the din of the battle inside.

Lucifer said this was the greatest guild ever… I internally debated to myself. My other hand fiddled with the necklace around my neck as I thought deeply. This would likely be the biggest decision of my life. This guild was the center of so much. It was the key to so many promises.

I couldn't let them be broken. The people I made them to mattered too much to me to do that.

Yes, I had to go in there. A smile twitched at the corners of my mouth.

Besides, this building had always pulled me towards it, and my feet always led me here when I was near Magnolia. There was something about the aura that reminded me of a tight-knit family. Something about the magic that clung to the very fibers of the building. Maybe that was why I wanted to go there?

I hadn't had anyone to call family for...a long time.

And...something about this place was familiar.

Nodding to myself, the hand I had on the door moved to curl around the handle. Just before I did, instinct drove me to leap away. As I did, the door flew open as two people came pouring out. From where I stood to the side, I watched the fight. I did my best to ignore the blood rushing to my cheeks as I took in the two boys fighting.

Well, I couldn't really call them boys, since they looked to be my age...

Still, the amount of uncovered skin...One was clad in nought but his boxers and a necklace, and the other had nothing to cover his upper half besides an open vest and a scarf, which did nothing to hide those gorgeous abs. The nearly nude one was just as fit.

I wondered if I was the only one in the growing crowd paying more attention to the way their muscles rippled and flexed as they fought, rather than the way they threw ice and fire at each other. There had to be someone else, right? Maybe not from the guild, which was steadily emptying onto the street as they cheered on the two fighters...but maybe one of the people walking by?

Suddenly, I found myself wondering if it was normal for guild members to be running around half -or completely- naked.

I dragged my eyes away from them for a second to survey the crowd. Most of them were decently clothed, although I spotted a few girls in bikini tops and short shorts, and an odd man here or there with no shirt. Eventually, it wasn't the amount of clothing they wore, but the styles that I began to notice. There were all sorts of strange outfits and colour mixes, and I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing I wouldn't be looked at strangely for the hood I hid my face with.

I just...hated it when people stared.

More things in the crowd caught my gaze. Weapons, hats, hairstyles, ambient magic effects (like smoke rings and shimmers of light)...and the cat flying around the crowd...collecting money as he cheered for-

Natsu?

My eyes widened, and I turned back to the fight, this time watching the pair fight and taking in more of their appearances.

The boy using ice, who had...stripped himself of everything but his NECKLACE, had dark hair and a guild mark on his chest.

The boy who used fire, wearing the vest and scarf, was familiar. He still had pink hair, but the guild mark on his shoulder was a new addition.

I hadn't expected to see him this soon. A part of my mind reminded me that he probably didn't remember me, and as I naturally shied away from people, I decided it would be best to just let him approach me, if I had to speak with him at all.

I cast aside the thoughts and went back to enjoying the fight. The magic in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Was it because of the fight, or was it because an entire guild of mages was gathered here?

My own magic just...itched...to join. I wondered if people fought around here often. If so, it would be released soon enough. Part of me couldn't wait...the other whispered worries.

"Ice-make: Lance." I watched as the black haired boy brought his fist down on his palm and lances of ice appeared all around him and launched at Natsu. I was totally entranced as the two threw punches and magic attacks at each other.

I was so interested in the fight that I almost ignored my instincts as they sang for me to duck out of the way as a jet of flames arced over my head. I managed to duck in time to avoid my hood catching fire.

"I'd watch out…they get a little carried away…" A pleasant voice said, laughing slightly as she spoke. I looked over and saw a white haired woman.

I nodded in response, internally panicking at the unexpected social interaction, "I can...see that."

She was smiling sweetly at me, likely noticing the way my voice trembled, while she wiped her hands with a cloth, "I've never seen you around before."

I shifted shyly. I wasn't good at talking, which might be why I was friends with Lucifer, since she never stopped talking...

"N-no, I'm not really from around...here. But I was...thinking of maybeapplyingtojoinyourguild?!"

She giggled and gently placed a hand on my shoulder, "Calm down, we don't bite! Now, how about you come inside and meet Master, and we'll see about you joining."

I was shocked. Any other guild would demand my life story and then test me for magic abilities. She hadn't even asked for my name! I was so shocked by her instant trust that I barely noticed as she led me inside the guild.

A few people remained inside, some involved in their own brawls, and others calmly sitting at their tables, drinking and eating, and happily laughing and chattering away. I instantly liked this place. I just hoped it was as safe as it felt.

"Um…I'm Luna Whitefang…" I introduced myself to her while we walked towards a set of stairs tucked away to the side.

I already had a pretty good idea who she was, even before she introduced herself. I'd seen her face on that magazine Lucifer gushed over all the time.

"Mirajane Strauss."

I liked her; she wasn't loud or rude like Lucifer. Don't get me wrong, I loved Lucifer, but she could be a bit...much...for me. I wasn't a people person, in case you didn't notice.

On the second floor, I could immediately feel two people. Their magic was incredibly strong. I was rather jealous. My own magic had been a little...strange lately. Weaker and less obedient than it was when I was younger. I hoped it was just a puberty thing. I'd have to ask someone in the guild if it ever happened to them.

We passed by a lounge like area, where I could see a blond man, a few years older than me, sitting in a chair. He wore strange headphones and a leopard print coat. Once again, a glorious set of abs were on display. He noticed that I was looking in his direction, and proceeded to make a rude hand gesture. Anger bubbled up inside me. What an ass. There's no need to be rude.

Still, to dissipate the anger, I glanced to make sure Mirajane was a few steps ahead of me, before giving the blond 'man' my own hand gesture when I was sure Mirajane couldn't see it. The guy blinked in surprise before laughing in response.

Under my hood, I pouted in disappointment.

I suppose I should have been grateful, since I wouldn't have won a fight against someone like him. He was much too strong for me.

Mira led me into an office-like room, where what had to be the shortest man in all of Fiore sat on the desk, reading over a scroll. He wore a strange, striped hat that reminded me of an antelope's horns, and a white t-shirt bearing the guild mark. He wore red pants that matched his blue and red hat. And his mustache? All things considered, it was pretty huge for a man his size.

He looked up at Mira and I, and gave a huge grin as he stuck his hand out, "Hey there, kiddo! I'm Makarov, the third Guild Master of Fairy Tail! What can I do for you?"

The word "Sh-short" came out before I could even think about it. It happened sometimes. Words just...slipped out. Could you blame me? When you hear 'Guild Master' you think of someone less...tiny. I don't know what I was expecting...but he was a few feet shy.

Mirajane chuckled as she watched, and I blushed darkly in embarrassment. I was so thankful that no one could see my face.

"I'm so sorry! It just sort of slipped out and-"

He held up a hand and I stopped apologizing instantly. My hand flew up to my necklace, and I began to gently rub one of the beads, shaped like a bear, for comfort as I prayed he wouldn't be too angry.

I'd blown it! What was I thinking?! Calling the GUILD MASTER short?! Now what was I going to do? I'd have to find some other guild, and hope they didn't hear about how I insulted the Guild Master of Fairy Tail and I'd never be able to hang out with Lucifer, or keep my promise to-

"It's fine!"

I blinked.

It was...fine?

The Guild Master must had sensed my confusion, because he gave a little chuckle and stuck his hand out again, "Let's try that a second time?"

I nodded, and took his hand, shaking it.

"Good," he said, "now then. I'm Makarov, the third Guild Master of Fairy Tail! What can I do for you?"

I smiled, "L-Luna Whitefang, sir. I...um...I was wondering if I could...ah...join your guild?"

"I have to keep watch downstairs, so I'll let you two talk, okay?" Mira said, before drifting out of the room. I stared after her, mentally begging her to come back. She was so nice...and while the Master said it was okay, I was still a little worried he would hate me for it.

"So, what made you chose Fairy Tail, if you don't mind me asking?"

For some reason I was surprised by the question. I didn't know why. It should have been expected.

I gave a little shrug as I tried to explain it, "Every time I pass through Magnolia…the Guild sort of…calls me. It feels like somewhere safe. And like family, I suppose?"

My answer seemed to please the small man, and he gave me a massive grin, before it faded slightly and he carried on, "Well then, Luna. Before I can let you join my family, I need to see your face."

Ah.

That was expected.

"I just have to be sure I'm not inviting the wrong sort of mage into my guild. Those kids like to cause me trouble, but I know they'll never go too far. I have to be careful new members aren't from Dark Guilds..."

I nodded, and pulled down my hood, not meeting his eyes in embarrassment.

When I finally got the courage to look him in the eye, I was surprised by what I found. There was no pity, but there was no disgust either. There was understanding. And he was grinning again.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail!"

I gave him my own shy grin as I pulled the hood up.

Wait until Lucifer found out I got into Fairy Tail!

"Let's go get you Marked."

I nodded and followed after Makarov. On the lower floor of the guild, the brawl was still going strong, and I took a moment to examine some of the strange characters down there, even as the Guild Master made small talk and asked me some questions about myself.

One woman was sitting on a table, drinking a whole barrel of beer. A man was drawing on his large t-shirt. Another man was sitting with a bunch of scantily clad girls grabbing him. He was staring at me, so I kept looking around. Something about him tugged at my magic though. I'd have to look into it later.

Maybe.

"Where are you from?"

"Ah...I don't really know. My dad and I travelled a lot, and when we got split up, I kept wandering too."

Something in his expression changed, ever so slightly, when he heard I'd been separated from Dad. I'm sure he wanted to know more, but rather than ask about it, he moved on to another topic, "How old are you?"

"I think I'm around...sixteen? Seventeen? I...uh...lost some of my younger years after an accident, so Dad and I don't really know how old I am."

"You look to be around that age, if it helps."

I winced. I hated talking about my appearance.

He seemed to pick up on that.

"What kind of magic do you use?"

I smiled cheerfully, touching my necklace again. My magics were my passion.

"I mostly use an older form of Celestial magic...Dad called it Constellar magic. Instead of using keys to contact spirits to make contracts, and then using the key to open doorways for the sprits, I make contracts with the 'spirit' of an object or living thing with a corresponding constellation...like my bears, Ursa Major and Minor...and the spirit is sent to the Spirit World. When they first enter the Spirit World, they create a charm, which acts as a doorway. The big difference between my magic and Celestial magic, is that my magic creates spirits, and Celestial Magic contacts existing ones. And when I die, or the contract is dissolved, the charm will disappear, unless I arrange for them to be passed on to someone else before then."

The Master stared at me. There was something intense in his gaze, and I wondered if I had said anything wrong. We had stopped walking, and now stood on the stairs.

Finally, he spoke, "That sounds as though it would take a great deal of magic to pull off."

I shrugged, "It does. Usually, I spend a few days sleeping after I make a new contract. Once the contract is made, I'll always be able to contact my spirits, and the smaller their physical form is, the less magic it takes to use them...sort of like how Celestial mages have different levels of keys...where the gold ones use more magic than the silver. In this case...small living things and inanimate objects are silver keys, and Ursa Major, Lupus and a few others are like golden keys."

He nodded before laughing.

"What?"

"You didn't even stutter!"

Huh. What do ya know.

I blushed again.

We continued through the guild until we reached the bar where Mira was waiting for us, already holding a stamp bearing the guild mark.

"Hello Luna, I see you're here for your mark?"

"Yeah..."

"Where do you want it?" She asked.

I wordlessly pulled the left sleeve of my purple cloak up. My arm had a number of other markings and names written on it, all important to me, even if I didn't remember the time when they weren't there. I pointed to a spot located just below my shoulder where a tattoo saying 'R.I.P M.V.' in curling purple lettering was located.

Mirajane nodded before she placed it on my pale skin. The mark went from a dark purple to almost white, matching most of my other markings. For a long moment, I stared at the mark, letting it sink in that I was now an official member of Fairy Tail.

I couldn't wait to tell Lucifer, and all my other friends...if I ever saw them again.

That was the trouble with being a 'roamer'. Sometimes I made friends, and then never saw them again. It was sad, but it was my life. Now, however...I had a homebase. Somewhere where I would return often and always know I was welcome...I could make lots of friends here, and never have to worry about seeing them again...because this was their home. Just as much as it would be mine.

The white haired woman and the Guild Master both smiled and welcomed me into the family. Warmth flooded my heart. These people I barely knew were so welcoming!

"Welcome to the family. Hopefully you won't cause as much trouble as the others."

Gosh. I hoped so too. I mean, I usually stayed out of trouble, but every once in a while something would pop up, and I'd have to vacate the area...I hoped I wouldn't have to leave the guild...but these people were always doing wild things.

Lucifer told me all kinds of stories. Fairy Tail was destroying buildings, historical sites, forests, mountains...entire cities could fall when Fairy Tail showed up.

I wasn't nearly that bad.

Well.

Except for that one time.

But I blame the monster that landed on my house.

Having been welcomed into the guild, but not ready to socialize just yet, I decided I would start with taking a mission, just to get a feel for the whole...legal mage thing...then I'd socialize.

And honestly, money was more important. My funds were sort of low, and I'd need to rent a hotel room or something, until I could find a more permanent residence. Preferably a cave somewhere. Caves were nice. They stayed a decent temperature if they went deep enough, and they brought nice memories of my father and me when I was young.

I turned away from Mira and the Master, only to pause as I took in the scene.

The boys were back inside, still fighting, and by this point, the rest of the guild had joined in. Even the guy with the women clinging to him had joined the fray.

I figured this was going to last for a while longer, so I would have to risk getting caught up in the brawl if I wanted a mission any time soon.

Moving as swiftly as I could, I made a run for the mission board across the room, ducking as a stool came flying in my direction. A blast of fire flared before me and I backpedalled, nearly tripping into a large man with wild hair. I took a moment to curse Natsu and his fire, and notice that the man I'd nearly fallen on bore a resemblance to Mirajane. He was her brother, right? Elfman? I think that's what his name was. Lucifer would know. Probably. She was obsessed with these people.

Then, the moment ended and I darted forward again, just in time to avoid a fist flying in my direction, but the momentum nearly sent me flying into a spray of ice shards. Eyes widening at the approaching ice, I crouched down as my hand flew up to my necklace and tapped a shield shaped charm

"Fall from the cosmos and protect me, Scutum. Shield of the Stars."

The charm exploded into five bright balls of light that arranged into a diamond shape. They exploded with a bright light, and once the shine was gone, a shield was attached to my arm.

If I had been a second later, I wouldn't have been able to stop the ice, which now uselessly bounced off the shield, which sparkled as light hit the gems decorating the surface in a design that reminded me of something I couldn't place.

With the attack safely deflected, I let out a sigh, adjusted my hood and stood up, keeping the shield on my arm for the time being. It barely touched my magic reserves, so it would be fine to keep the shield for a while.

My gaze shifted towards the naked boy and narrowed, "I could have died just now, ya know."

He didn't seem to care about that, and instead demanded to know who I was. I suppose it was better than him just ignoring me and continuing to brawl.

"Luna Whitefang." I introduced myself, before I just had to say something about his state of...undress. "Now, could you put some pants on?"

"Oh crap!"

And just like that, the brawl began again as a table came flying towards us. I looked down at my shield, and knew there was no way I could block it for both of us. I was sure he could protect himself, but he looked a bit distracted as he searched the room. Probably for some clothes.

"Fall from the cosmos and fight for me, Orion. Hunter of the Stars."

A second charm exploded, and I instantly felt the drain, like something had taken a great scoop of my magic, leaving a gaping hole in my reserves. The little balls of starlight aligned to form the constellation of Orion before they flashed brightly to reveal a man in his early twenties.

I didn't even need to give him an order, my intent already communicated in the summoning as he swung his weapon (an odd thing that never settled on one form, first a sword, then a club, a bow, then a club again) at the table arcing its way towards myself and the ice mage. And thus the table met its end as the single blow from Orion's club reduced it to splintering fragments of wood.

The threat removed, Orion turned to look at me with a teasing grin as he ran a hand through his raven hair, his sky-blue eyes sparkling with mischief, "Really?"

"What?" I asked him, confused.

"A table. You wanted me to kill a table?"

I pouted under the shadows of my hood, "No...I...I need your help to get to the mission board..."

He snickered, before bowing dramatically, "As my Lady wishes...Allow me, Orion, to guide you safely to the board. I'd hate for you to fall to some great evil you may encounter on such a dangerous journey. Heavens forbid you are attacked by a chair- or- or a STOOL!"

At some point, the ice mage had returned to the fray, and I was thankful he didn't witness Orion's teasing. I knew the spirit didn't mean any harm. He just liked to bug me.

"Oh hush. The sooner I start going on missions, the sooner I can move in somewhere."

He stood up straight and grinned cheerfully, "Fantastic! That means you can invite me over and feed me, right?"

I snorted, and rather than answer him, I continued on my way towards the mission board. Faithfully by my side, he made sure to keep me safe from any dangers, as he always did. Without Orion, I would have died years ago.

Upon reaching the cork board, I skimmed over the selection of missions until I found a simple-enough mission that wouldn't take too long to complete, but it had a nice pay. Reading what was needed of me, I could see why the pay was so high. It was a simple mission, but not a nice one.

Once we had crossed the room, back to Mira and the Master, I was relieved to see that the brawl was dying down a little, making it easier to move around the room. I held the paper out to Mira. She took the paper while introducing herself to my spirit friend, who kissed her hand upon introduction. Damn flirt.

Once the introduction was done, she looked down at the mission. Her eyes flickered across the paper as she read it and a frown played on her lips, "Are you sure you want this mission?"

"Someone has to do it, right?" I asked her, "If I don't, who knows how long they'll have to wait."

Mira looked up and me for a moment, before she nodded, "Alright...I'll notify the client that you'll be taking the mission."

"Thank you, Mira. I'll see you in a few days."

With Orion by my side, I made to exit the guild, releasing Scutum on my way. The brawl was nearly done, with most people own for the count. It was funny seeing some of them sprawled out, napping on the floors and tables.

Just as I reached the door and Orion dispelled himself to return to the spirit world, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to stare at whoever it was that was stopping me, and saw that it was Nastu and the ice mage.

Natsu grinned at me, and for a second I thought maybe he remembered me, although I wasn't sure how that could have been possible. My face was hidden and I doubt he remembered my scent for that long. It'd been a long time since I'd met Natsu.

"I'm Natsu Dragoneel!"

"Luna Whitefang."

Natsu was about to say something, but was cut off by the icemage, "I didn't introduce myself before...sorry about earlier. I'm Gray Fullbuster."

He held out a hand, and I hesitantly took it, giving it a quick shake before pulling back my hand like I'd been burnt. It wasn't anything personal, and I think he realized that, based on my quite voice and the way I hid in my cloak.

"Hey! Don't cut me off!" Natsu snapped at him.

"What're you gonna do about it, flame brain?"

"You wanna fight, snowflake?"

And like they hadn't been fighting like...three minutes ago, they started up again.

Wow.

I don't think I could have kept fighting like that.

With them distracted, I quickly left the guild. I didn't want to get dragged into a fight with Natsu, and since he was so close, I knew I was at risk of being hit by flames.

Fighting Natsu would have gone against the promise I made.

Walking briskly down the street, I made my way to the station where I was sure I could catch a coach.

My first mission was to find some kids who had been missing for the past three weeks. They had gotten themselves lost in some mountains when they went to fight some monster.

I wasn't...too hopeful for this mission. It was really just a recovery mission, but there was the off chance that maybe, just maybe, one or more of them were still alive...and if they were, it was my job to save them.

My feelings about the mission were a little torn. That good part of me wanted to save all of them, but the practical part said to not get my hopes up, and to just get the mission done so I could earn some money.

Maybe now I'd be able to buy food instead of stealing it?

UPDATED: 25/05/2018