Author's note: Well, it has been some time but here's a new story! I've been thinking about it for a while now so I thought I should give it a shot. A more adventurous story with some romance too. The pairing will be mostly Gray with Erza and there might be some Natsu and Lucy too. I do not own Fairy Tail.
A GUILD OF BONDS
CHAPTER 1
The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky over the town of Magnolia. The town was lively and buzzing with activity, as a dark haired young man slowly made his way across the paved road, looking around with a small smile.
"The town is lively as usual. Well, I guess things are way livelier back at the guild, especially after we got back" the dark haired man thought as he walked casually, putting his hands into the pockets of his white longcoat. One of Magnolia Town's most prominent and recognizable buildings was the town's own mage guild, Fairy Tail, one of the most renowned mage guilds in the kingdom of Fiore. And Gray Fullbuster was one of the guild's oldest members, who had just returned from quite an unexpected journey along with his teammates. The entire guild had been transferred to a different world called Edolas by a powerful magical gate and found themselves in a land that unlike their own had very little magic left, where they met an alternate version of their own guild. After joining the Edolas Fairy Tail and defeating the evil king and his guards they were finally able to return to their own world, bringing some new and some old faces with them. Gray smiled as her recalled those events, pondering that it was only the most recent from the crazy adventures he has gotten into lately along with the rest of his team. Natsu Dragneel, the Fire Dragon Slayer along with his winged cat companion Happy, someone that Gray had been constantly bickering and brawling almost on a daily base whenever they were in the guild, but considered one of his best and most trusted friends. Despite their constant brawling the two of them had a friendly rivalry that in a way honed their skills, and both would push themselves to their limits to protect those dear to them. Lucy Heartfilia, the resourceful and plucky Stellar mage who even though was a relatively new member of the guild, she had proven to have the spirit and ideals of Fairy Tail as strong as even the most veteran members of the guild. Gray chuckled as he remembered their first meeting at the guild when during one of their usual brawls he had casually asked for her underwear while being butt naked. Not the best first impression but Lucy's opinion of him had improved after that. Wendy Marvell and her own winged cat companion Charle, the Sky Dragon Slayer and the newest member of Fairy Tail, whose potent magic was rivaled by her kindness, and her pure and warm heart. And Erza Scarlet, the S-Class Requip mage, one of the most important members of Fairy Tail, and one of Gray's closest and dearest companions. Despite her cold and tough exterior and her sometimes strict attitude, Gray knew that Erza was the kindest and most gentle person he had ever met, one who put her friends above all. Gray stopped by the riverbank and look at the clear waters, remembering their first meetings. The two of them had gotten off to a rocky start with Gray picking fights with Erza, frustrated by her seemingly cold attitude, but always getting beaten up which always further fuelled his frustration. He remembered that evening where he saw her by the riverbank and instantly charged her, only to stop in his tracks completely stunned once she turned around and he noticed her tearful and saddened expression. Realizing that her cold attitude was only a way for her to hide her real feelings, he slowly sat next to her and kept her company, ending her loneliness and seeing her smile for the first time, and since then they had been close friends.
"This feels so long ago" Gray thought as he turned around and continued his way. The ice mage wondered if all he felt for Erza was simply friendship. They had known each other ever since they were kids, with Erza often acting as an older sister whenever Natsu and he would enter a fight, which was funny considering she ended up causing an even bigger ruckus herself. And she probably was even worse when she bickered with Mirajane, the lovely bartender of the guild being way rowdier and hotheaded when she was younger and the two of them having their own rivalry back then. Gray let out a small laugh as he remembered one time when he tried to step between them and end their fighting, instantly regretting it once they both glared at him. They did stop fighting though, so he was successful, in a way. It's not the only time when Gray had seen a more childish or relaxed side of the redhead. He remembered another instance when Natsu and he were supposed to pick up the fallen leaves of the trees in the backyard of the guild. Naturally, the two of them would pile the leaves and then simply fall on top of them, laughing and making a mess. Erza found them and scolded them, the two of them slightly pouting as they were sent back to the guild while she said she would pick up the leaves herself. After a while Gray went out to call her for dinner, only to find Erza jumping on a pile of leaves, laughing out wholeheartedly. Once she saw him she instantly got up and lowered her head, blushing and fidgeting with her skirt. She was about to apologize when she heard Gray calmly telling her to hurry up or dinner would get cold, raising her head and noticing that he smiling softly at her, not even a trace of anger evident on his face. Erza simply smiled back and went back on the guild with him, unaware that Gray felt a warm feeling flowing inside him once he saw her so joyful. And it wasn't the only time that Gray felt like that around her. He would always have the same warm feeling whenever Erza would laugh or smile and sometimes he found himself simply staring at her, thinking how beautiful she looks, before she would turn to look at him with a quizzical look and he would look the other way with an embarrassed expression, earning a soft giggle from the redhead. Gray wasn't really sure when his feelings started to change, or if he had always felt that way without even realizing it. His mind went back to the Tower of Heaven when Gray finally found out about Erza's past and about everything she had been through. He realized why she had shut herself out when she first came to Fairy Tail, why she spend all those nights alone by the riverbank, and why it has been so hard for her to open up to everyone. Something changed inside him, like some switch turned in his mind. He always considered Erza a dear friend but at that point he was like a man on a mission. He had to protect Erza, he had to bring her back to Fairy Tail, keep her safe and watch her smile again. His resolve burned fiercely and when he faced one of the assassin mages that were sent after them, the one who had defeated Natsu and used his own fire magic against him, Gray was able to overcome and freeze the flames, defeating the mage and freeing Natsu. The fight took its toll on him thought and Gray regretted not being able to take part in the final battle, he regretted the fact that he had to take the back seat and not save Erza himself. Nevertheless, Erza was rescued and returned to the guild, and that was important. Gray however was determined to get stronger so next time he would be able to protect her himself. When they fought against Oracion Seis and Erza was poisoned in the their first fight against the dark guild, Gray fought with everything he got to hold of Racer, giving Natsu enough time to take Wendy to Erza so she could heal her. He wasn't strong enough to win against his opponent on his own, but Erza was healed and that's what mattered. Gray thought about their battles in Edolas when he briefly encountered Erza Knightwalker, one of the evil king's elite guards. It felt strange fighting against Erza, even if she was a different person, and Gray had a feeling that she couldn't have been completely evil, so he fought just enough so they could escape. And it turned out that he was right, as Erza told them when they returned to Earthland that they weren't that different after all. Deep in thought and trying to sort out his feelings, the dark haired mage made his way towards the guild.
Lucy leaned on the back of her chair letting a small yawn as she held her cup.
"Someone seems a little tired" Mirajane commented with a small smile.
"Well, I was planning on staying in bed for a little while longer, when a certain rowdy duo crashed my place again" Lucy said with a drowsy expression.
"One would think that you would have gotten used to that sort of thing by now" Cana let out a small laugh, taking a sip from her drink.
"I guess I should try locking my window next time. Although they might try the chimney then" Lucy responded simply.
"They do seem even more lively than usual" Cana said as she looked behind her.
"That's not really surprising. They have a lot of catching up to do" Mirajane said with a warm expression. Lucy turned around and saw Natsu and Happy sitting in a nearby table and talking vividly with a white haired girl. The one who came with them when they returned from Edolas, Lisanna, Mirajane and Elfman's little sister and one of Natsu and Happy's closest childhood friends.
"I suppose they do" Lucy said as she turned back on her drink, a small smile forming on her lips.
"Lucy, I really want to thank you for your part in bringing Lisanna back! Really, I couldn't even think I would ever see her again, and now she's here and it's all thanks to you!" Mirajane said with a grateful smile, putting her warm hand on top of Lucy's and squeezing it gently.
"I think you're overreacting a little bit, Mira! I mean I get why you would be so happy, but I didn't do that much. Everyone who went to Edolas played their part, and probably did way more than I did" Lucy said with a faint blush, feeling slightly embarrassed as Mirajane simply gave her a sweet smile.
"Our little Lucy is modest as usual" Cana chuckled, patting the blonde on her back.
"I think I preferred Cana from Edolas. She was more proper and lady like" Lucy slightly pouted.
"A proper and lady like Cana! That would be interesting to see" Mirajane remarked
"Well, if she was anything like me then a day here and she would turn exactly the same" Cana said lightly, raising her mug.
"I don't there would be enough liquor in Magnolia to handle two of you" Lucy said dryly, causing both Mirajane and Cana to laugh before Lucy laughed as well.
"Hey, Lucy!" a cheerful, loud voice was heard as Lucy suddenly felt a pair of strong hands land on her shoulders, the blonde letting out a yelp and looking back and seeing Natsu's grinning face.
"Natsu, and Happy! What are you doing here?" Lucy said, startled by the energetic duo's sudden appearance.
"We came here to take another mug of warm milk!" Happy said as he floated above them and landed on the bar.
"Where is Lisanna?" Lucy asked.
"Elfman wants to spend the day with her. They'll probably go to the woods for fishing. I thought about joining them, but I figured these two might need some time alone" Natsu said rubbing his chin.
"Aye! Fish would be good just like spending more time with Lisanna. But we could go another day" Happy added.
"That's very considerate of you, Natsu! To say that Elfman is overjoyed to have his little sister back would be an understatement. Although knowing him, he would have preferred if he had also gone to Edolas and brought her back himself" Mirajane said with a soft expression.
"You're right, but I think he's glad either way" Cana said with certainty.
"All of us are. Things have turned out better than any of us expected" a smooth, feminine voice was heard as everyone turned around and saw a red haired young woman stepping towards them, a small smile adoring her pretty face.
"Good morning, Erza!" Lucy greeted with a wide grin.
"Good morning, everyone!" Erza said with a warm expression as she looked around.
"It's true that getting transferred through the Anima gate and fighting against the king's guards was an ordeal, but we managed save the guild both here and in Edolas, and we all came back here along with Lisanna and a new guild member" she said, folding her arms.
"Master has been looking for you, Erza" Mirajane said, as she put a mug filled with warm milk in front of Happy, the blue cat taking it with sparkling eyes.
"I know Mira, I just talked to him. Actually, he wants to talk to all of us. Has anybody seen Gray?" Erza said.
"Yeah, where's that stripper? I haven't seen him since this morning" Natsu wondered loudly.
"Pipe down Flame Brain! I'm here" Gray's voice came from behind the small group as the dark haired mage made his way towards the bar.
"About time you showed up! Where have you been?" Natsu yelled, turning around.
"Huh? That's my business! What does it matter to you, you loudmouth?" Gray furrowed his eyebrows.
"What was that? Like you are any better! You wanna go, Droopy Eyes?" Natsu growled.
"Bring it, Squinty Eyes!" Gray shot back, the two hot headed mages bashed heads, sparks flying as they glared each other.
"And here we go again!" Lucy let out a sigh, shaking her head.
"Aye! It didn't take them long this time" Happy said, taking a sip from his mug. Erza's eyebrows twitched but she took a long breath before she talked.
"Stop fighting you two! Come on, Master said he wants to see all of the team. He said it was something important for the whole guild" she said with a relatively calm voice, causing everyone around her to look at her with a hint of surprise.
"Gramps wants to see us?" Gray said slowly.
"Something concerning the whole guild? What do you mean?" Cana said.
"I'm not quite sure yet, he was sort of vague. But I suppose we'll find out soon. He's waiting for us in the upper floor" Erza responded.
"He seemed pretty calm when I saw him earlier. Actually he was quite jolly as he had his coffee, so I doubt it's anything concerning. But it should be something serious if he wants to talk to you, maybe a new mission, so go ahead. I'm sure he'll let us know too, after he talks to you" Mirajane said.
"No point in wondering, we just have to go and meet him. And Gray, put on some clothes" Erza said simply.
"What? When did I? Not again!" Gray groaned as he looked down, noticing that somehow he was only in his boxers before he hurriedly put his outfit back on.
"Some time ago this would look really strange to me. Now, not so much" Lucy said with a dry expression.
"You've really gotten used to the guild then" Cana took a sip from her drink, as the blonde let out a small sigh.
"Anyway, what are we waiting for? Let's go to Gramp's office" Natsu said, marching towards the stairs.
"Aye! Let's go" Happy floated behind him. Gray, Lucy and Erza simply looked each other and shrugged, before they walked behind the energetic duo.
"What do you think Master wants them for? Do you really think it's about another mission?" Cana turned towards Mirajane.
"It could be. We'll find out soon" Mirajane said simply, wiping a large, wooden cup with a clear cloth.
"We're here, Master!" Erza announced as the small group entered the guild master's office on the upper floor.
"Good morning, everyone! Glad to see all of you!" master Makarov greeted, grinning widely under his thick, white mustache.
"So, what did you want to talk to us about, Gramps?" Natsu said casually, putting his arms behind his head.
"I'll tell you. First let me ask you, what do you know about the first guild master of Fairy Tail?" master Makarov said.
"The first guild master? Not a lot is known about her. She was a powerful mage that founded the guild over a hundred years ago, but I don't think I have heard anything else about her" Erza said thoughtfully.
"I have read a few books about the guild, but they were sort of vague about the first guild master too. Looks like there are some mysteries concerning the first years of Fairy Tail" Lucy mentioned.
"That's too long ago. I wasn't even an egg back then" Happy said, floating around.
"Most mages had been acting on their own as freelance mages or as small groups, back then" Gray said.
"I'm sorry Master! As an S-Class mage I should have known more about the guild's history! I'm ready for my punishment!" Erza suddenly said with a stiff voice as she took a bow and lowered her head, causing everyone around her to yelp in surprise.
"Erza getting punished?" Gray thought with a slight blush before he shook his head, quickly regaining his cool.
"Hey Erza, calm down! It's fine, none of us knows much about back then" he quickly said.
"It's fine, Erza, all of you are right. The first years of the guild are indeed shrouded in mystery. History and tales are mixed together and create stories and legends" master Makarov said calmly as he paced from his desk to a nearby bookcase.
"Like this" he continued, taking out a red and golden book with a heavy cover and opened it, before he turned around and showed the small group a picture. It was a picture of a white pendant with a silver chain. It was round shaped and embellished with the Fairy Tail emblem made out of a light blue material on top of it.
"It's so pretty!" Lucy said with sparkling eyes, clasping her hands.
"It looks so shiny too!" Happy added with a cheery voice.
"This pendant belonged to the first guild master and it was thought to be lost, until recently" master Makarov closed the book and walked towards his desk.
"Until recently? So it has been found again?" Erza said.
"Indeed. There was an expedition to the woods at the feet of Rock Mountain, and they said that they found something that looked a lot like this medallion but couldn't retrieve it because it was guarded by some sort of powerful magic" the old guild master turned to face the small group, holding a rolled map in his hands.
"Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Erza and Happy, I need you to go and retrieve that medallion. I know that it has been only a few days since you returned back from Edolas, but this is an important task" he said, looking at the young mages and the winged cat.
"No need to ask twice, Gramps! Of course we are going to get it" Natsu stepped forward, grinning and pumping his fists.
"Aye, leave it to us! And I really want to see how shiny it is!" Happy added, the blue cat completely fired up.
"I'm not thrilled about another mission so soon, but this does seem like an important heirloom for the guild. I'm in as well!" Lucy said with a small smile.
"Of course we are all going! This is a big task that really does concern the entire guild" Erza said with a formal tone.
"This goes without saying! Something that important which is part of the guild's history belongs to Fairy Tail" Gray said, folding his arms.
"Everyone, I knew I could count of you! Fairy Tail is a guild of bonds. We laugh together, we cry together, we celebrate together, and we share each other's pain and whisk away their loneliness. These are the ideals that Fairy Tail was founded on, the ideals that the first guild master and the first mages that formed the guild passed on to us. And the spirit of the guild burns brightly within all of you!" master Makarov said with a proud smile.
"Is there anything else we need to know about that medallion?" Erza asked.
"It is said that it possessed great magic, that it was a powerful amulet. I'm not sure how much of that is true, but it doesn't really matter to us. We want this medallion for its significance to the guild" the old guild master responded.
"If such rumors exist, then others will be after it too" Lucy said with a hint of worry.
"That is correct. Word hasn't spread out yet, I know of this because of my own sources. Being the guild master of Fairy Tail and one of the Ten Wizard Saints does have some perks after all. But someone well connected and with an interest in these kinds of artefacts might have caught word of it, so it is not out of question that someone else will be after it too. Retrieving it won't be easy, you guys need to be ready. And if that amulet indeed has great magical power, then we need to stop it from falling to the wrong hands!" master Makarov said.
"Understood, we leave at once! Everyone, we will meet in front of the guild in one hour" Erza said, tuning towards the rest of the team who nodded in agreement.
About an hour later, the mages were standing in front of the guild.
"Have you seen Natsu and Lucy?" Erza said, looking around.
"That idiot is still back at the build. He said he's preparing something for the road" Gray said, pointing with his thumb back at the guild building.
"And Lucy hasn't arrived yet. I guess she is still getting ready." he continued with a shrug.
"I'm here! Sorry I was a little late!" Lucy's voice was heard as she ran towards her fellow guild members. Her usual white and blue top and blue skirt had been replaced with a dark green top, brown shorts and matching knee high, brown boots, while her usual brown, leather belt was still wrapped around her waist with her golden magical keys hugging from the side.
"It's okay, we only got here a few moments later" Gray said simply as Lucy stopped next to them.
"So now we are just waiting for Natsu and Happy" Erza said.
"We're here too!" Natsu yelled, as he moved towards them holding a large sandwich, while Happy floated behind him munching on a roast fish with a gleeful expression.
"Good, we are set to go then!" Erza said with an approving smile.
"Right! I got the map here too. Master has already marked the location" Lucy said, lifting a rolled up map.
"What about you Erza? How come you don't have that heavily loaded wagon you usually carry around?" Gray said, slightly surprised.
"I have considered it, but I thought it might not be needed this time. Besides, there is a small village near the forest we are going, so we should be able to restock and gather some provisions there" Erza said simply.
"Not to mention that it will not be very convenient to carry it around, especially since we'll need to take the train" Lucy added.
"The train, really? Not again!" Natsu groaned, hanging his head.
"Happy, we are going to fly there!" he raised his fist with a determined expression, turning towards the winged cat who gasped in shock.
"What? I can't fly all the way there! Not to mention I'm not sure where we are heading!" Happy retorted.
"You have a point. Perhaps Gramps could give us another map" Natsu pondered.
"Drop it Natsu, you'll manage like you always do" Gray said.
"Too bad that Wendy is not here to cast Troia on you. She's already on a mission though with Charle, Levy-chan, Gajeel and Panther Lily" Lucy said.
"Then Natsu will just have to deal with it. Anyway, we need to get going" Erza said.
"Alright then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Natsu said with an energetic grin as he moved forward.
"Aye Sir!" Happy chimed flying behind him, with Lucy shaking her head with a small smile as she walked next to him. Gray and Erza exchanged looks, smiling at the energetic duo's antics.
"Well, let's hit the road then!" Erza said lightly.
"I'm right with you!" Gray nodded before they both moved along with their teammates, the dark haired mage having a warm, fuzzy feeling as he walked next to his closest friend.
Author's note: Well, there goes the first chapter! Looks like Natsu and the others are off to a new adventure, and Gray is slowly realising some new emotions for a certain redhead! Anyway, I hope you liked it and I'd really like to know what you think about it. Until next time.