„You can't just freeze the entire ocean! Gray, please take this seriously. The master has high hopes for this new test. After the last S-class test, I thought you'd appreciate something a bit less… problematic." Gray could see that Erza was getting desperate. They were sitting in the guild on a particularly slow day, and she was asking him stupid question over stupid question.
„I never said the entire ocean. Just deep enough that the enemy ships can't get through. You've seen me at my best; I'm fairly sure I can hold them off long enough."
She thought about this for a bit, before finally conceding his point of view. „Alright, you win. Hm…"
„Good! Does that mean I get to be an S-Class mage earlier?" The questions were stupid, but if it meant beating Natsu, Gray would do just about anything.
„Actually, you weren't meant to win this test. It's supposed to find out how you react in the face of certain defeat. It just does not work. None of you were defeated yet."
„Well, of course. We're Fairy Tail mages; we don't believe in certain defeat. Let me guess: Natsu wanted to punch everyone with fire and motivation, and Lucy wanted to call Aquarius, right?"
Erza looked through the papers in front of her and then nodded. „You're right. Although Natsu kept ignoring my questions about sea-sickness… I think I will tell the master that this test is not suitable."
Gray could agree with that. „Also, it has a stupid name. Who calls a test Kobayashi Maru?"
Suddenly, he noticed a paw poking him. He turned around to see Pantherlily, looking a bit bored.
„Are you looking for Gajeel? I think he's still passed out from all the drinking yesterday."
„I know that" growled the tiny panther. „Actually, I was wondering where Asca was."
„He liiiiikes her!" screamed Happy from the other end of the guild hall. Even Erza had to smile. Alzac's and Bisca's daughter had taken a liking to Lily the first time they met, and he had developed a soft spot for her as well.
„I'm just wondering when they'll be back from their trip. Shouldn't they be here already?"
„Maybe they got delayed?" volunteered Gray. „Bisca hasn't seen her mother in ages, and they did say it might take longer."
Pantherlily nodded, but still looked a bit downtrodden.
Gray looked around at what the others were doing. Over at the bar, Natsu and Lucy were talking about nothing in particular while Mirajane was speaking with the postman.
„Got some that you need to sign for today, Miss Mirajane. How are things?"
„Everything is fine! It is just a bit quiet today." replied the barmaid.
„I don't mean to be rude, but I like quiet when it is your guild. You're all very nice, but your fights are more dangerous than many dogs."
„Yes, it does get a bit wild" said Mirajane while scribbling a highly elaborate signature onto the sheet. „Oh, a priority letter? That is unusual!"
„Probably another dangerous, daring job for you. Don't mind my comments earlier, Miss, I'm still very grateful that you're all here and keep us Magnolians safe!"
„It's our pleasure, Terry!" said Mirajane as the post man left. She opened and read the emergency letter. „Oh my…" Her face fell.
„What is it?" asked Natsu.
„It's from Bisca's mother. Apparently both Bisca and Alzac are missing! She is keeping watch of Asca now, but she sounds really scared."
„Don't worry, we'll find them!" said Natsu even before Mirajane had the chance to elaborate on any details. All the other members of the guild shared his look of determination.
„Careful, though." said Gray while walking over to them. „I've been to the west before. The people there don't trust stragners who just come into their town. Makes it very hard to get anything done."
Erza looked at the request board. „I may have an idea for that. They are in Copperton, right?" She took down a letter and handed it to them. „It seems as if that town is currently looking for…"
Natsu took the request and cut her off before she could even finish. „Yeah! We're going to be sheriffs!"
Author's note: Hi there! The first real chapter will be up later today, I just wanted to get the basic set-up out of the way. It would be awesome if you could leave reviews!
