Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.
Timeframe: Post-Grand Magic Games
Everything was quiet in the guild, as Natsu, Erza, and Gray had gone on solo missions. Lucy was sitting, editing and revising her novel.
"I'm such a terrible writer... I don't know how I can make this any better!" Lucy screamed exasperated.
"I can help you out with it, if you like." a voice said from behind her.
Lucy quickly hid the papers and turned around to see who it was.
He was a tall man, with a light complexion. He wore a white suit underneath a blue coat with strange gold-colored symbols all over it, and a pair of white gloves with intricately designed circles on them. His hair was black as night, with deep blue eyes, that seemed to move around like swirling water.
"I've never seen you at the guild before. I'm Lucy Heartfilia. What's your name?" she said.
"My name is Laurus Acero. I'm new to this city, and country as well." he said.
"Well, let me be the first to welcome you here. If you want to get all your registration sorted out, go see Mirajane, our master's assistant. She'll give you your contract, and Master Makarov will give you your test." she told him.
"Thank you, Lucy. I'm sure we'll be well acquainted in the future." he said.
Lucy accompanied Laurus to the Master's room. She explained to Mirajane the situation, and she went to get the master.
A few minutes later, excited yelling could be heard from inside the room. Laurus asked if everything was alright, and Lucy assured him it was fine.
"Well, Laurus, I'm glad to see that you're interested in joining Fairy Tail. But first, I want to assess your magical skill. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until tomorrow, because my opponent candidates are all out on missions." Makarov said.
"I appreciate it. Thank you. I'll be looking for a house in town soon, so please don't hesitate to come find me." he said.
Lucy followed Laurus into town, who, as it happened, went into the building for sale next to hers. He stood in front of it for a few moments, and then decided he was going to buy it.
"You can buy buildings and barely think about it?! How wealthy are you?!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Let's just say I have connections in my home country. I also know that I will be needing the extra rooms soon." he said with a smile.
He bid Lucy goodnight, and began unpacking in his new house. Lucy knew what being that wealthy was like, but she was getting used to the wizard's life.
The next day, when she got back to the guild, Laurus was there, waiting to get his test done. He was perfectly calm and collected. He was sitting at a table, and to Lucy, appeared to be reading through a book of advanced magical diagrams.
"So, Laurus, what kind of magic do you use? I'm curious." Lucy said.
"I use a variety of magic. However, there is a particular form of magic I specialize in. You'll see during the test, later today." he said.
"Alright. Do you even know what you're up against? I know your potential opponents personally." she said.
"Well then, why don't you tell me about them?" he said, closing his book.
"Well, first there's Erza Scarlet, who's our resident female ace wizard. Her re-quip magic lets her use a bunch of different armors and weapons. Then, we have Gray Fullbuster. He uses Ice Make magic. We also have Gajeel Redfox, Wendy Marvell, and Natsu Dragneel, our Dragon Slayers." she said.
Laurus' eyes lit up when Lucy said Dragon Slayers. He started listening more intently.
"I see..." he said.
Just then, all of the people Lucy was talking about came in through the door from their missions.
"Welcome home everyone! Master Makarov wants to see you all." Mirajane said.
"I bet it's because you nearly destroyed that entire cathedral..." Wendy said.
Mirajane then called everyone else to the testing grounds, which was just an area near the beach, while Makarov briefed everyone on their task. Natsu and Gajeel were raring to go, whereas Gray, Erza, and Wendy were more curious about the person in question. Juvia wanted to fight as well, because Gray was doing it too.
When everyone had arrived at the arena, everything was silent. Makarov and Mirajane walked out on the sand, announcing the arrival of a candidate for the Fairy Tail guild. Laurus joined Makarov on the field.
"Before we begin, it seems Laurus has some words for you all." Makarov said, giving the floor to Laurus.
"Members of Fairy Tail! I would like you all to know, that regardless of the outcome of this test, I look forward to working with you all." he said.
People murmured amongst themselves, while Lucy thought it was a little formal for an introductory speech.
"Opponents, please step forward!" Mirajane said.
All of the people who had just returned from their missions, along with Gajeel, Wendy, and Juvia, stepped forward, standing in a line for selection.
"Potential Fairy Tail initiate, please choose your opponent." Makarov said.
Laurus scanned each person, and then said, "You all look like formidable combatants. I've heard much about you all in my travels. Taking all the things I've heard about into account... I choose to fight all of you, seven on one." he said.
The entire crowd burst into an uproar and applauded his audacity.
Mirajane looked at Makarov worriedly, who then said, "Very well. Let the challenge begin!"