Here we go...this is my first story. Honestly, I never thought I'd ever write it, but I woke up one day and just had to start typing! Uploading it is more for my sanity, so if no one reads it, I guess that's that! Anyway, here it is(don't be too harsh, I'm a noob :P).
As Levy and Lisanna dragged another stretcher to the infirmary, Master Makarov paced angrily on the bar top. This was the third time the newest neighboring guild, Devil Claw, had attacked Fairy Tail mages on jobs. At the moment, six members lay in recovery, all hit and defeated before even realizing they were being attacked. Warren, the latest victim, could say nothing except that it was as though they had been waiting for him, and knew his every move. Naturally, this was disconcerting. Fewer wizards had been allowed out on jobs, and as money became tight, many became desperate.
"Aww, come on, Gramps! Lemme' go out on a job, those chumps won't even know what hit 'em!" Natsu lay sprawled across a table, miserable from the countless hours of boredom.
"For the last time, you brat, no one is allowed to go out on jobs, and certainly not anyone lower than an S-Class!" Master jumped down from the bar, head down. "It simply makes no sense, how could they know every move? Every spell that was used against them was countered like they could predict the future! It's just impossible..."
"Is it possible they could be seeing the future?" Lucy asked as she sat down again.
"Not to such an extent. No, there must be some other explanation."
"None of the other guilds in the area have been having this problem. They seem to be targeting us specifically." Erza walked into the guild, looking frustrated and wet after her visits to neighboring guilds. Each reported no problems with wizards being attacked while out on jobs.
Gray looked up from a nearby table. "Could we confront the guild? I know its against the laws to start a war with another guild, but they've thrown the first punch. Wouldn't it be justified if we just—"
"No, I've already thought of that." Master rubbed his eyes. "We have no solid evidence that Devil Claw is behind these attacks, only glimpses from the victims. For all the Council is concerned, this could just be bandits and unfortunate coincidences."
"Besides," Levy said as she went to the guild door, ready to go out for more medicine. "The Magic Council already doesn't like us. Staying on their good side is a priority right now."
"Oh, come on, when have we ever listened to the council?" Natsu brought his fist down on the table. "Let's go teach those asses a lesson they'll never forget, don't ever mess with Fairy Tail!"
In a flash, Master Makarov was ten feet tall and three inches away. "I WOULDN'T BE SO WORRIED ABOUT THE MAGIC COUNCIL IF YOU IDIOTS DIDN'T GET ME IN TROUBLE WITH THEM ONCE A WEEK!"
Natsu cringed. "Errr, point taken..."
Suddenly, the door to the guild banged open, letting in the wind and rain from outside. In the opening stood a cloaked silhouette, leaning up against the doorframe. Many guild members rushed around to grab suddenly airborne papers and items that blew away at the sudden breeze.
"Hey, you!" Growled Gajeel as he snatched a few sheets of paper from Levy's book out of the air. "Close the damn door, or am I gonna have to come over there and make you!"
"Who are you?" Erza asked, advancing on the door.
The person, the woman, laughed, stepping further inside as the door closed behind her. "No need to get your iron in a twist, metal-mouth. I'm just here to visit. And as for you, redhead, you seen a pict mage around here? Goes by the name of Reedus."
As she said this, a commotion could be heard from the back of the guild. As Fairy Tail members turned, they saw Reedus racing towards the figure, a smile on his face. Reaching her, they embraced warmly, like old friends. "Welcome back, you wild one!"
Even from beneath the cowl of the cloak, the whole guild could see her smile. "Told you I'd be back, Reedus. I always come back."
"And where have you been this time? Last time you visited, you'd been halfway around the world and back! What could possibly be left out there for you to see?"
Her smile grew. "The world changes every day, Reedus. You told me that. Gotta keep up the archives, I suppose. I'm back now, though."
Reedus's smile dropped a bit. "How long will you stay this time?"
"Well, I was thinking...maybe I'd take a break from traveling. Watch the world change from one place instead of catching glimpses on the way by."
Reedus stepped back, flabbergasted. The guild was silent behind him, completely confused by the events transpiring.
"You'll stay?"
The woman flipped the cowl back, finally revealing her face. "If that's ok with you, pop."
The guild shook with noise, "WHAT?"
*Sighs in relief* Well, there it is. Chapter 1. If anyone reads this, hope you liked it!
~NSM