Hello all! As promised, I have started my new chapter-based story! However, it's about a month late so...sorry about that. The basic foundation of this story comes from Viperhat (thanks so much!). Hopefully, my updates will be regular-and expect updates to my other fanfictions (or other oneshots) in between! I love you all!

~Hiraethe

"Now, what shall we do?"

Hyberion's words resounded in the halls of the Magical Council Headquarters, and Makarov, for the first time that day, stiffened. It was only in a moment that Warrod started to cackle, and all members, dressed in respectful white robes, turned towards him.

"I fail to see what's so funny," Hyberion said, half offended that his friend of many years, despite his efforts, still did not take him seriously. "We have an important problem on our hands here. Wolfheim, would you care to explain?" The short mage stood up from his seat, shooting Warrod a dirty look before clearing his throat.

"Of course. Recently, a dark guild, Rose Ward, has been dropping hints of performing a mass murder operation in the country of Fiore." Makarov perked up. "However, now we have proof. A bunch of mages from Crocus have reported the sighting of three magic bombs in the Grand Palace, which, if activated, will pollute all of Fiore with poison." Warrod instantly sobered, and Jura, who too was worried about the fate of his homeland, was the first to speak.

"If this is true," the mage began, "Then someone must do something at once." Wolfheim nodded impassively at his statement.

"Most certainly."

"And who would those people be?" Hyberion asked, and again the room was immersed in an uncomfortable silence. All eyes glared daggers into the tables they were seated around, and Hyberion tapped his foot impatiently. Suddenly, Makarov stood up.

"Fairy Tail has become increasingly strong over the past years," he began. "I offer to you the service of its strongest team: Natsu, Erza, Gray, Lucy, Happy, Wendy, and Carla!" Wolfheim rolled his eyes at the statement, and Warrod laughed again. Hyberion held up a hand for silence.

"Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if those boys of yours would end up exhausting all of their energy on fighting each other," Hyberion jested with a wry smile, and the room erupted in a fit of giggles. Makarov felt his cheeks grow hot, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

"However, despite this," the chairman continued, "If Natsu and Gray were more mature, they would definitely be among the ten wizard saints. Titania, as well, is of monstrous power. I say to leave this mission up to Fairy Tail! Do I have your blessings?" His eyes drifted over to his peers. Jura was the first to speak up.

"While I was first acquainted with Fairy Tail in the Grand Magic Games," the mage began, "I can guarantee their strength. They are reliable, hard working, and share a camaraderie with their guild members that strengthens them beyond measure." Hyberion nodded, glancing onto his short mage friend next.

"Wolfheim?"

"That guild sure is a rowdy one," Wolfheim said, "But what the hell! They've proved themselves before, and they'll prove themselves again." Makarov smiled at his words, for, beyond all, he knew where the true strengths of Fairy Tail lay. Hyberion motioned at the last person who hadn't spoken, waving his hand at Warrod dryly.

"As a creator of Fairy Tail," he began, and this time no hint of laughter was in his voice. "I know that Mavis's will exists in the hearts of them all. The fairies will complete the job, even if it is to their dying breath." The room fell silent again, each absorbed in their own thoughts, and Makarov could not help but speculate on Warrod's words. It was true that the fairies were unnecessarily reckless...yet, one of them dying had never crossed his mind. He bit his lip, trying to drive the unshakable thought from his head.

"I hope no fairy ever has to succumb to that fate," he muttered, before jumping out of his seat to inform the others.

When Makarov had arrived back in the guild halls, Mirajane noticed that he didn't look at all well. His eyes were tired, and his mouth was formed in a grave line. She approached him, a smile on her face and a drink in her hand.

"Welcome back, Master!" she said, handing him the glass of beer he had requested. "How was the meeting?" Makarov gulped down the drink, letting out a sigh. Mirajane tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"Yo, Gramps!" Natsu said, running up to the old man. Gray and Erza were quick to follow, and Wendy, Lucy, Carla, and Happy, who had noticed the commotion, joined the cluster as well. Makarov placed his eyes on them, debating on how to break the news to the team.

"All of you. In my office," he said, proceeding through the guild hall with purposeful steps. Natsu and Gray shared a confused look, shrugging and following him. The ice mage, absorbed as he was in his brawl with Natsu, had not failed to notice the yellow piece of paper that he was crumpling in his hand. He turned back to Lucy, patting her on the shoulder.

"Lucy, you think this has something to do with the meeting he had of the Ten Wizard Saints?" the ice mage asked. She nodded gravely, and, since Gray thought that Lucy knew approximately everything, questioned her no further. They entered his office, and Makarov, after collecting his thoughts, recounted the details of the meeting.

"It will be difficult," he said. "The members of Rose Ward are extremely powerful. As such, I have sorted you into groups in order to conquer the magic bombs.

"The first bomb will be handled by Wendy and Carla," Makarov said. Wendy held the exceed close to her chest, determination burning in her irises.

"The second bomb," he began, "Will be handled by Natsu, Lucy, and Happy." Natsu and Lucy high fived, happy to be fighting together once more.

"And finally, the third and strongest bomb will be handled by Gray and Erza!" The two mages shared an affectionate glance. Natsu pouted.

"Hey, why do I not get the hardest one?" He asked. "I wanna defeat one by myself!" Erza punched him immediately, and Makarov sighed, because, powerful mage as he was, Natsu was still Natsu. And that often turned out to be problematic.

"That's easy for you to say," muttered Wendy, a depressed look overshadowing her usual carefree countenance. "I got the weakest one." Carla put a hand on her shoulder sympathetically.

"This isn't a laughing matter," Makarov said. "All these bombs are guarded by strong mages, of a kind that you haven't faced before. I need you all to promise me...to be careful. If there is a chance that any one of you will not make it, contact me immediately." His words brought serious faces to the team, however, since Natsu was Natsu, he started to laugh again. He patted Makarov on the back.

"Don't worry so much, Gramps!" he said. "We're Fairy Tail, after all!"

"Flame Brain."

"Ice Princess."

"Pyro."

"Porn Star."

It was one of those days where Natsu and Gray couldn't get their hands off each other. They brought their heads together, their shoulders pushing each other in an alarmingly brutal manner. Lucy sighed.

"Quiet down, you two!"

They didn't hear her, shooting insults at each other at lightning speed. Lucy gave up with them for the second time that day.

"It's no use Lucy."

"I know. But sometimes I forget," she replied. Erza laughed, catching up with the boys to deliver a punch to each of their heads. They screamed out in pain, rubbing their heads with a decided pout.

"H-hey, what's your problem Erza?!" Natsu asked. Erza turned towards him, a dark aura surrounding him.

"What did you say, Natsu?"

"N-nothing!" The fire mage said, and Gray snickered next to him. Wendy tugged on his arm, pointing to a large building in front.

"It's the Grand Palace!"

I hope you enjoyed the beginning of this story. My update day will be Wednesday, so be expecting something then. Until next time! ~Hiraethe