Hey there people!

First, I'd like to explain a few things, so this chapter might be a bit boring and longer than the the rest... Sorry in advance

First: This is a 'sort of squeal' to my other story 'Exiled' and as such, it's not absolutely necessary for you to read 'Exiled', but is recommended.

Second: Most of the events happening in this story, are what was happening durring the two weeks Freed was in the hospital in 'Exiled', but there won't be any references, only flashbacks... And lots of them... Another thing here, I'll be using two different ways: Memories and Flashbacks. The former will be longer and won't be written in 'Italic' like the latter.

Three: There are no parings here, only hints at some Miraxus. And while Makarov, Mira and Raijinshu are in the 'characters' they only appear in flashbacks/memories.

Another little thing...

Thought are written in Italic

Inner voices are written in both Bold and Italic

Magic Spells are written in Bold.

I hope you enjoy the story and feel free to ask me anything you don't understand. Also tell me what you think by reviewing ^^

Ch.1 Haven

Laxus Dreyar was, at the moment, asleep on a train with his headphones on. He was lucky, that he managed to fall asleep before his motion sickness came up. And in his dreams, memories rose up. Memories of the old times, when he was just a teenager.

*Memory*

It was a normal, peaceful day at the guild, with everyone minding their own business and no one yelling, fighting or doing anything of the sorts. Yeah right! This was Fairy Tail! These guys don't have 'normal' days!

"Erza! Where are you?! Come out and fight me!" Mirajane yelled, standing atop a table and looking for the red-head.

"Nee-chan… Erza-nee is out on a mission…" her little brother, Elfman muttered.

"What? Then I won't let her out do me! I need someone to come along!" Mira quickly glanced around before her eyes stopped on a blonde teenager, eyes closed and his headphones on.

"There we go!" she smirked before jumping off the table and sneaking near the boy and gently taking off one of the headphones. Just as she was about to yell in his ear, the boy's arm grabbed the headphone and cracked one eye open.

"What do you want Demon?" he asked, turning his face to her.

"I want you to go on a mission with me!" the white-haired girl pointed her thumb at herself and smirked.

"Why me…?" the boy almost whined.

"'Cause I need someone who's already S-Class!" she frowned.

"Go ask someone else then…"

"Laxus, you're the only one here! In case ya forgot, which you clearly did, Gildarts went on that hundred-year-quest! Unless… you're too chicken to go," she smirked as he glared at her. But a moment later, he sighed and put his headphone back on.

"I'll pass…" he muttered.

"Oh, come now Laxus," Makarov appeared next to the two. "It'll do you some good to meet girls around your age."

"What the hell old man?!" the two jumped and yelled.

"I'm just saying… you're both in your years… it's the time when loves tends to spark the most. Not to mention Laxus hasn't had any-" but before the Master could continue, the blonde grabbed Mira's arm and started dragging her outside.

"Fine, fine! I'm going see?! Just shut up!" the 17 year old called back as the 13 year old blinked before smirking.

"Laxus~ I had no idea you were such a liar! And here you were, talking about all your experience," she saw his face go red just as they left the Guild.

"Just shut it and walk!" he hissed, looking to the side to try and get rid of the blush.

*End of memory*

Truth be told, those were the enjoyable moments. He used to be the one that broke off any fights Mira and Erza might have had. Yet, he wasn't sure what happened to change that. It could have been the fact that his father was kicked out of the Guild or when Lisanna died… But those good times were interrupted when the train started stopping and the voice called: "We will be arriving in Rose Town shortly. Would all passengers take their belongings and wit for a bit more? Thank you."

A groan escaped from him as Laxus stretched his arms and grabbed his bag. This stop, Rose Town, was all the way in Bosco. He had left Fiore as soon as he could.

"Well… this is the place," Dreyar mumbled and exited the train. It was getting late and people were starting to get inside. As the Lightning Mage passed a few residents, no one seemed to recognize him. A part of him was happy, while the other a bit disappointed.

"I better find a place for the night…" walking a bit more, the Dragon Slayer found an inn somewhere in the middle of town with the name of 'Haven'. Hesitating for a few seconds, Laxus opened the door and stepped inside.

"Ah, welcome!" a girl called from the bar. Looking around, the blonde had thought he might laugh. There were fights happening all over the place and drinks flying all over the place. Yells, cheers, shouts and insults were mixing all together. For a moment, he had thought he walked back into Fairy Tail.

"Sorry for the mess. They are usually calmer," the girl smiled as the Mage came closer. She had long, orange hair and deep-blue eyes.

"Ah, I don't mind. Reminds me of some people actually," he smiled and took out his wallet. "Can I get a room for three nights?"

"Sure! It's 150 Jewels then," she chipped and reminded Dreyar of a certain white-haired She-Demon.

"Oi, Blondie!" someone suddenly called.

Turning around, already ready to kick someone's lights out, Laxus saw the man that called him out was completely drunk. His face was red and he was wobbling as he stood. Even his short black hair was a mess.

"What?" was the simple, hard reaction the Dragon Slayer gave.

"Ya plaayin' wit… ma girl 'ere?" the man narrowed his eyes.

"Jim, leave it! He just came to book a room," the girl came around and stepped before the blonde.

"Haaa? A rooom eh? So ya can do wha?"

"Jim… Please, you're really drunk… Maybe you should…" the girl started but stopped when the man suddenly grabbed her by the arm.

"C'mon sweet cheeks… why don't cha come… over with me an' ma boysss… we'll be gentle…" he reeked of alcohol and leaned in closer.

"J-Jim… let go of me…" she whispered, fear in her voice.

"Aw, com on… just for a bit…" he licked her neck and smirked.

"Hey," Laxus growled and the girl suddenly found herself behind him, with the Mage's hand protectively shielding her.

"She's not interested so back off," he added, fighting the anger that was rising inside.

"Ha? Mind ya own business pretty boy," the drunken man frowned.

"That was never how we played," he glared as electricity cracked around his body.

The drunk suddenly opened his eyes wide and took a few steps back. "Y-Ya're a wizard? D-damn it, no way in hell I'm gettin' in a fight with freaks like ya!" and with that, he and his friends left the inn, fear still visible in their bodies.

"T-Thank you…" the bar girl whispered and looked to the ground when they were all gone. The whole scene had attracted some unwanted attention, but one glare from the Dragon Slayer and they all went back to what they were doing.

"Don't mention it…" he mumbled back and grabbed his bag again.

"…I'm Maria," she spoke a bit lauder and offered a hand, smiling at the man.

"Laxus," he shook the hand and nodded his head. "Let me show you to your room then," she added and motioned to the stairs leading up.

"Those guys come here often?" he asked as they walked.

"Not really… I heard they're some sort of hunters. They've been here for a few weeks now and go from one bar to the other. Everyone in this town knows them already but, other than that, I don't know much. But you won't have to worry… with the way you scared them off, I doubt they'll be back," she giggled.

"Well… happy to help then," he looked to the side, hiding the small blush.

"This is your room," she stopped at the door number 147. "If you need anything, feel free to ask me," she added, bowed before turning to leave.

"Actually," he spoke and made her face him again. "Do you know is this town has any work for a Mage?"

"Hmm… I think you could be able to get something down at the Town Hall. Other than that, not really… this town doesn't have a Wizard Guild so we don't get any requests."

"Ah, thanks," he nodded before opening the door and stepping inside.

The room wasn't all that big, but it looked comfortable. On the left there was a bathroom while the bed was on the right. In the middle was a couch with a Lacrima TV.

Throwing the bag on the couch, Laxus plopped himself on the bed and let out a sigh of satisfaction. It felt good finally being able to sleep in a bed and not somewhere outside. For a minute or so, he just stared at the roof above him. Sometime after, his stomach growled and he closed his eyes. He hadn't eaten anything to fulfilling since he left Magnolia.

Sighing, he sat up and frowned. "Maybe I should ask if there's a restaurant near by…" he mumbled before getting off the bed and walking out of the room.

Walking back down, he still heard the cheers, yells and fighting and couldn't help but smile. Even when he got down, chairs were in the air, being thrown all over. Being used to things like this, he ducked right under the table that crashed into the wall behind him.

"Oh, Laxus!" Maria called and smiled as she carried a plate of beers.

"Hey… still lively here," he glanced to the side, seeing the chaos getting worse.

"Ah, yeah sorry about that," she scratched the back of her head.

"Nah, it's fine… I was just wondering if you knew anywhere I could get something good to eat. Or maybe buy something…"

"Oh sure! There's a shop a few houses to the left from here. I could show you later if you want."

"I'll be fine," he nodded when a shout of 'Maria! We need a refill here!' was heard. "You clearly have your hands full."

"Sorry, I'm working alone today. Usually my brother helps, but he's sick," she smiled before leaving for the tables.

Heading towards the door, he ducked under a man being thrown across the room with a yell following: "The hell did you say?!" but the blonde left after that.

Well, that's the first chapter! I do hope you enjoyed and sorry if it was boring ^^'' Things are going to pick up soon =) Until next time!