Chapter 3. Truths and the First of Many Adventures

A/N: Hello, one and all. Only one assignment away from finishing Business Law, then can go back to updating a little quicker. Still, managed to work on this while distracted by school, so hope it's good.

So glad that I've obtained more followers and favorites on this story. So, here's episode two and Lucy's first meeting with the Fairy Tail guild, mainly Mirajane and Makarov. Also, another little glimpse into Lucy's past and abilities. Hope you like!

...

"I'm not kidding, brat! Get your butt up and get moving!"

Lucy remained oblivious to her mermaid friend's threats and instructions. For the past three days, she'd laid in the forest, practically catatonic in the wake of her great tragedy. The only thing she seemed capable of doing at that point was breathing, automatic tears rolling down her face each day. It was on the third day that Aquarius had had enough.

"Moping won't bring them back. It won't bring any of them back. It'll just waste their sacrifices." The mermaid declared, sounding beyond annoyed at being ignored.

Lucy dazely wondered if she just closed her eyes and just let the world fade away around her, if she'd have the power to reverse this. Or if she could take herself away to where her family is. She briefly wondered if living this life that was spared was worth it, when you have no reason for living, no hope for the future.

"You think you're the only one who lost them? I knew what my master planned and I begged her not to do it. I beg her to find another way. I practically beg her to let you go, to do what she could to survive above all else. She outright refused to. She was desperate to save you, willing to do whatever it took to persevere your life. And no matter how much I resent you for that, I refuse to let her choice, her decision be in vain. So get your ass up NOW, or I'll make you wish you weren't born!"

...

It was long after her newfound friends had gone to sleep that Lucy decided to talk to her spirits. It had been about a day after she'd agreed to go with them back to Fairy Tail and after traveling with virtually no sleep, Lisanna had put her foot down, demanding they rest that night. Happy had almost immediately agreed with her.

So now the three laid on the side of a dirt path, a small flame billowing in between them as they all slept the night away. All except one.

Typically when Lucy made a solid decision about something, she consulted her spirits to get their opinions on her choice. Generally, Plue went along with anything she chose, but with this one, she'd jumped the gun by just agreeing. But Natsu had gotten her practically shaking with anticipation with each story he'd told of his friends and his guild, that she'd forgotten about her spirits.

Since the time she'd rather not mention, she had vowed to never cut her other dimensional companions from her life. The last time she had... well, things didn't work out the way she'd hoped. She might as well tell her celestial friends about her choice now. After much speculation, she decided it was best to talk to the leader of the zodiacs, Loke. Since the time of their first meeting, she'd often referred to him about the world around her and some choices she wanted to make. He was certainly more understanding than Aquarius or Capricorn, at times.

Moving quickly, her bare feet making no sound as she sprinted, she went a little away till she was far enough that they wouldn't be disturbed by her, but close enough to still see the campfire. Then she called forth her spirit.

"Open, Gate of the Lion: Leo!" She cried, holding up her golden key and watching as it glowed as bright as the sun. She stared as one of her most recent friends appeared before her and smiled. She was always happy to see her friends, old or new.

"Hello, my sweet Angel. How may I be of service tonight?" Loke said, fixing his glasses and a smile full of teeth appearing on his face. His orange hair was in it's usual unkept style and his trademark black suit and pants still very much his signature look. Lucy couldn't help but laugh at his antics. Since the first day they've met, Loke had showered her in compliments and remarks of her intelligence, her beauty, her grace... and while she never could figure out if he was sincere or not, it was all still nice to hear.

"I wanted to let all of you know, I've decided to join the Fairy Tail guild." Lucy happily announced, her closed-eyed smile lighting up her face. There was a moment of silence.

"Uh, Angel, the last time you were propositioned to join a guild, that conversation didn't go so well. Why would you want to join the most destructive one in existence?" Loke asked.

"You're aware of why that request went sour, Loke. Do you disapprove of Fairy Tail? Are they similar in attitude?" Lucy questioned curiously. While having made up her mind, she would reconsider in a heartbeat if her spirits were against it for a valid reason. Loke hastily waved his hands in refutation. "No, no! I actually considered joining Fairy Tail before you found me, actually. It seems like a legitimate and welcoming place, as well as one of the best guilds out there. But why do you want to join? And why now?"

"I'm not really sure." Lucy answered honestly. And that was true. Despite Natsu and Lisanna's compelling arguments, she couldn't figure out why going to Fairy Tail appealed to her so greatly. Perhaps it was the feeling she had the previous day or maybe it involved how being around the three made her happy, especially when she was talking to Natsu. "I met three members yesterday. A Natsu, Lisanna and Happy. They were... unique, to put lightly. And talking to them and witnessing their obvious love for their guild and guildmates... I suppose I want to be a part of that, too. Besides, if it's between joining Fairy Tail or wandering around till the council decides to lock me up for my own good, I suppose this is the lesser of two evils."

She gave a small sigh, then turned to face Loke. "I'm not sure if this is truly the right action to take or if this is even a good idea. I just know that I want to give this a shot," Lucy declared, determination shining in her eyes and then she flashed another smile at Loke. "Besides, it could be fun!"

Loke shook his head, an amused smile on his face. Despite having been with his mistress for a few years, he could tell that there was more to the choices she made than just was at point blank. Having heard the story of her life before they'd met, Loke couldn't help but wonder what was so appealing that she had left unspoken. "Sometimes I think that's the main motivational factor for you. Very well," Loke said as he got up and prepared to leave, "I'll tell the others about our new course for you."

"Don't suppose you could tell Aquarius of my decision for me as well?" Lucy inquired, just as Loke was about to leave. He couldn't help the involuntary shudder he gave at her request.

"Sorry, Angel," Loke said, a small strained laugh in his voice, "But I would rather not put myself in suicidal situations tonight, or any other night."

...

It was several days later when the group finally made it to the Fairy Tail guildhall. Taking a moment to look up at the impressive stone building with the big letters announcing the guild inside, Lucy couldn't help but think it was more similar to a mansion than a guildhall. Than again, she wasn't really one to judge, considering she had nothing else to compare it to. Now, anyway.

"What do you think?" She turned to Natsu, who was looking at her with a big grin as he waited for her answer. She duplicated his expression as she truthfully said, "It is quite impressive-looking."

Lisanna gave a small laugh. "Well, you haven't seen the inside yet." Then she proceeded to enter the building, the other three following her inside. Lucy took a moment to look around. It was full of people and the guild was more than big enough to hold them all. She felt Plue restlessly stirring in her arms and pet him soothingly. It would take some time for him to get used to the crowds, but as a whole, the atmosphere was friendly and homely.

She started as she heard a loud ruckus and turned to see Natsu engaged in a fight with a black-haired man. She watched in astonishment as a majority of members joined in, breaking tables and throwing chairs as the battle commenced. Perhaps she'd made that previous judgement too early.

"Looks like Natsu's at it again." Lisanna dryly commented, watching the fight with a look of amused exasperation.

"So this isn't how guilds are supposed to greet each other?" Lucy asked, watching as the whole guild seemed to start hitting and blasting at each other. Lisanna shook her head with a laugh, "No, Natsu just likes to fight and he tends to ignite the same feeling in other people," she explained. Grabbing Lucy's left bicep, she started pulling her to the bar, "Come on, I'll introduce you to my big sister."

They began moving directly to their destination, managing to avoid being hit as well as any hurling objects as they made it to the back of the building. "Lisanna!" A lady with long, curly white hair and blue eyes greeted. She was wearing a red, sleeveless dress with a pleated skirt and was currently putting drinks on a silver tray. "How was your trip?"

Lisanna gave a small laugh as she sweat dropped, "Eventful," she answered as she turned to look at the blonde beside her, who was studying the fighting mages, particularly Natsu's fight with a shirtless Gray, with a confused smile on her face, while Plue was staring with a blank expression. "Natsu managed to destroy more than a few buildings and Lucy threw a ship back to shore with water."

Mirajane turned to see what her sister was staring at. "Oh! Whose your friend? Is she a new member?" She asked cheerfully.

"Yeah, Natsu brought her. She's Lucy and the fox is Plue." Lisanna answered, taking a moment to smile at the newcomer. Meanwhile, Mirajane seemed intrigued, "Natsu brought her? I wonder..." She asked, a devious smile appearing on her face. Lisanna could almost see the ship name her sister was making for the two mages.

Before Lisanna could properly explain and refute her older sister's misconception of the relationship, she felt herself being roughly grabbed by the stomach to the right side just as a big, wooden table was about to hit her. She turned to see the brown eyes of the blonde newcomer.

"Are you alright?" She asked, but before Lisanna could answer, they were moving again, turning to the left this time just as Gray heavily landed in the spot they had previously been occupying. Lisanna turned to see Natsu brandishing the ice wizard's boxers, a triumphant grin on his face. After Gray managed to pick himself up, he turned to Lucy. "Excuse me miss, but would..." His words halting as he got a good look at her.

"Whoa." He declared, just as enchanted as Natsu had been when he'd laid eyes on her. "Whose this?" Lisanna quickly answered, as Lucy was still distracted by the brawl taking place in the center of the guild. "Oh, this is Lucy. Natsu brought her."

"Wait, Flame-brain brought her!"

Not a second after the loud pronouncement from Gray, suddenly Lucy found herself surrounded by the members of the guild, mainly the guys who hadn't been involved in the fight. "Whose this treasure?" Wakabo asked, spreading smoke as he examined the new girl just as thoroughly as everyone else. Lucy, to her credit, just impassively let herself be surrounded and studied, like a work of art, subtly stroking Plue's fur as he grew more agitated with the attention and disregard for personal space. Lisanna quickly elbowed her way through the crowd to rescue Lucy from her invasive guildmates.

"Guys, back up. You have to give her some space." After the girls were given a wider berth, Lisanna continued, "This is someone Natsu asked to join the guild. She's-"

But Gray interrupted her before she could continue. "Wait, you mean to tell me that not only did Natsu manage to talk to a girl wizard, but he also managed to not repulse her with his natural stink, his general ugliness, and his-" Then a chair crashed into Gray, sending him spiraling to the wall behind the bar.

"Care to repeat that, Ice Jerk? Cause I'm not the one standing around like a shameless monkey!" Natsu challenged, fire billowing in his hands. Lisanna could see others prepared to restart the battle that was started the instance Natsu walked through the door and was prepared to drag both herself and Lucy to cover when a gigantic foot suddenly stomped the floor, shaking the building and putting an end to the fight.

"What have I told you brats about fights in the guildhall?!" He screamed, voice resonating throughout the building. Lucy stared up at the master of the guild, taken aback at the overall appearance of the leader, but not all that surprised. On the way to the guild, Natsu had given her a rundown of the important members and "Gramps", as he said he called him, was exactly as he described him. Very old, but powerful. The amount of magic she could feel emanating from him was quite impressive.

Taking the time to glare at the guilty members, he stopped once he spotted the blonde newcomer. After taking her in, he casually inquired, "Hello, there. A new recruit, I presume?"

"Yes," Lucy answered solemnly, "I am Lucy Heartfilia. It's nice to meet you."

The man gave a short nod almost to himself as he shrunk back to him default size, coming just to her knees in height. He looked up at her, an easy grin on his face. "I'd like to talk to you, Miss Lucy, if you don't mind. You as well, Natsu, but that can wait till tomorrow." He threw at the dragon slayer, just as he was prepared to throw another chair at Gray's back. Then he swiftly turned away, climbing the stairs to the second level of the guildhall. After a moment of watching his retreating back, Lucy followed, with Plue tucked in her arms and a neutral expression on her face.

After a few moments of silence in the wake of the surprise meeting, Natsu turned back to Gray, flames at the ready. "Prepared for that rematch?" He darkly asked.

...

Makarov sighed heavily as he heard the fight resume, somehow louder than the one he'd stopped before. "Couldn't wait five minutes before starting again, I see," he grumbled to himself. Rather than address that issue, he chose to focus on his current one. The target of dark guilds and evil wizards alike: Lucy Heartfilia.

Swiftly making his way to the back of the floor, where a wooden desk as well as cotton chairs placed adjacent from each other laid waiting. Taking the chair behind the desk, he gestured to the chair facing him. "Please, take a seat." The young lady quietly sat down, face expressionless. He could see her fox making low growls and grumbles behind clenched teeth, obviously disliking the situation they were in.

Sensing the tense state, the third master proceeded with the meeting. "So, in the attempt to make this interaction effective and time well spent, let's me start by laying down a few ground rules. I am Makarov Dreyar, third master of the Fairy Tail guild, and while I don't require you to tell me everything about you or to answer any questions from me or anyone else that makes you uncomfortable, I insist that we at least agree to be veracious. You don't lie to me, and I will remain honest with you."

Lucy gave a slow nod. "I suppose that's fair." She conceded softly, absentmindedly petting Plue in comfort.

"Very good," Makarov replied, a big smile appearing on his wrinkly face. "Now, as I'm sure Natsu has told you, the magic council has specifically asked a select few of trusted guilds to be on the lookout for you. And, as he also most likely mentioned, I've requested you become a part of this guild should he find you." At Lucy's sharp nod, he continued. "From your expression, I'm sure that the fact that this was somewhat orchestrated by the council wasn't the biggest selling point to you coming back with our dear dragon slayer. Nor, the fact that they wish to ensure you aren't snatched by any dark guilds or wizards, as they've heard talk of."

"It's not as much as you imply. I've only come across one member of a dark guild and she was defeated. This argument of the magic council holds no fruit and is entirely unnecessary. I can take care of myself, if need be." Lucy answered, voice hard.

"And yet, you chose to come to Magnolia and join Fairy Tail, just within reach of the council, should they ever do come for you. May I ask why?" Makarov asked, sincere curiosity in his voice. After a deep sigh, Lucy looked away, fixing the wall with a steady glare before answering.

"Natsu gave a very compelling argument. He talked of Fairy Tail's strength and virtue and has stated that those who join are treated with true companionship, almost like that of a family. He was quite insistent that this wasn't just about what the magic council wanted. He assured me that this was truly an invitation from you to join your guild. Is that true?" Lucy's eyes snapped back to the master, gaze intense and knowing.

Makarov said, "I can ensure you it is. While I may not know your history or why the council has deemed you important, I've never hesitated to open my doors to anyone who wanted or needed it. You've obviously wondered to so many places, without a solid place to call home. I would like Fairy Tail to fill that description for you."

After studying the master for a whole minute, Lucy replied, "And what's the catch? What do you require of me, should I agree to your desire?"

"All I require is that you reciprocate that behavior. When you're part of Fairy Tail, we're literally all in this together. We stick up for each other, cry together, laugh together. It won't just be about you. It would be about us. You must be ready and willing to put us before yourself. As well as go on the occasional job, of course, to help gain respect and a good reputation for the guild. Can you do that, Miss Heartfilia?" Makarov inquired, a steady gaze of his own locking with Lucy's face.

After an intense staring match, where either side seemed to be searching for something from the other, Lucy smiled. Not one of her bitter, fake smiles for the people who she felt earned it, but a genuine, bright smile as she said, "Yeah. I think I can."

...

After having made her way downstairs and listening to the third master shout about destroying public property and the truth of magic from the second floor, as well as the reaction of everyone raising their hands to show their support of the guild and their master's words, Lucy noticed Mirajane walk in front of her, a stamp in her hand and a smile on her face.

"Lucy, when you join a guild, custom dictates you put the guild emblem on any part of your body and in any color. So where would you like yours and what pigment would you prefer? And for your... Plue?" She asked, momentarily shifting her attention to the fox and then back to her.

Thinking for a moment, remembering something she'd heard almost a lifetime ago, Lucy made her decision. "Pink, please. And... on my right hand. And black and around the center of the tail for Plue." She said, holding her hand up and the bushiest part of Plue's tail as she talked. She watched as Mirajane pressed the stamp to her hand for a few seconds, pulling it away to show the new mark on her hand and proceeded to repeat the action with Plue. While growling lowly, he allowed the stamping, examining the mark with a disdain expression when Mirajane was done.

Thanking the cheerful lady and more than a little surprised no one questioned her meeting with Makarov, Lucy took a moment to admire the new symbol now permanently on her hand. Meeting the third master hadn't been anything like she thought it would. For one, he had been very straightforward and truthful. He hadn't hesitated to assure her that she didn't have to reveal what abilities she had or any other parts of her history, assuring her that Natsu was really the only one who knew anything of it, but was, as he said, "so simpleminded and battle-ready, he probably forgot that part the instant I mentioned it." That statement had been said with barely concealed amusement and pride.

After thinking it through, she saw Makarov's point. Natsu, while quite passionate and intelligent, in a sense, did seem somewhat dimwitted. And, concerning her history, she appreciated the choice to disclose her history, should she choose. While she believed in the trust and love Fairy Tail had for each other, she was new. She'd rather she had a chance to discover it on her own.

With that thought in mind, she turned to look at Natsu, who was staring a a big wooden board covered in what must be job requests with Happy flying above him, encouraging him to pick a great job. Making her way over to right behind him with her right hand held up, she said with a bright smile on her face, "Look Natsu, I've officially joined your guild."

However, Natsu didn't bother to turn, seemingly too focus on the board as he answered in a bored voice, "Good for you, Luigi. Welcome to the guild." Lucy gave a startled blink at the slight butcher of her name, but before she could, she noticed a small dark blue-haired boy ran towards the master, who had taken a seat at the bar and been taking a chug of beer.

"Is he back yet? My dad, I mean?" He asked with blatant sadness and eagerness.

"Romeo, I said this before, you must have some faith in your father. He'll be back when he's back." Makarov said impatiently as he continued to drink his beer, evident unconcerned with the possible state of his guild member.

"It's been a week, Master! He wasn't suppose to be gone this long! Please, can someone go look for him?" Romeo implored, ready-eyed. Lucy noticed that Natsu was watching the scene happen too, with an almost frightening intensity.

"Romeo, your father is a member of this guild. A fine wizard who is more than able to take care of himself. It would be pointless to send someone. Just wait for him and I'm sure he'll be back soon." Makarov dismissed.

Lucy could only stare in shock at the abysmal way Makarov treated the boy. Not just any boy, but one worrying and missing his father. She could feel her anger threatening to overflow, the fire within working to flow free. She felt her power emitting, causing a dip in the temperature as her she watched Romeo walk away, tears rolling loudly down his young face. How can someone who claimed to be a part of this family just a few moments ago just...

She felt Plue nuzzling into her, attempting to placate her. She could see a few people shivering as her ability dampened the air around her.

Than she started as she heard a loud sound of wood creaking. She turned to see Natsu with his fist on the board, having punched it with more than a little strength, and then he proceeded to storm out. In the wake of her shock, Lucy could feel herself gaining control of herself. She gave a small breath of relief leave her, pure shame filling her at how close she'd come to losing control, just like when she was in Hargeon. She really must keep a tighter leash on herself, Aquarius and Capricorn would have her head if she lost control over something so subnormal than what's she dealt with before.

"Did he scare you?" Lucy turned to see Mirajane beside her, a small smile on her face, having misinterpreted her jump and sigh. "Don't be. He just understands, more than anyone, what Romeo is going through. His dad disappeared when he was much younger." Then she went on to explain Natsu's story and that his dad went missing on July 7th x777.

Lucy recalled Natsu mentioning his search for his father, but she hadn't realized he'd went missing. She can't imagine that pain, being left behind without a clue the reason why or if you'll see each other again. She briefly wondered for a moment what was worse; the crushing despair when you know nothing's out there for you or the hurt when you know someone abandoned you and still, you have the urge to find them.

"You'll find that something all members of Fairy Tail have in common. We all have pain, whether it involves our family or how we ourselves have been treated. Some involve death and others will argue that it was living that was much more agonizing." Mirajane said sadly, taking a moment to look at her siblings as she talked.

After a moment of thought, then locking eyes with a resigned-looking Plue, Lucy made her way to the door, leaving the white fox on the bar table with a simple "I'll be back soon." . "Lucy, where are you going?" the white-haired Mage called. Lucy turned and gave a subdued smile. "I'm going with Natsu to find Romeo's dad. Goodbye and please feed Plue for me." And then, with a wave of her hand, she ran after the dragon slayer.

"Natsu!" She called as she caught sight of him and Happy walking near the edge of the city. "Natsu, wait up!"

"Lucy?" Natsu asked, anger forgotten in the wake of his confusion. "What're ya following me for?" Lucy gave one of her closed-eyes smiles in reply. "I want to help you."

"Why?" Happy asked. That caused Lucy to pause. While she wanted to trust Natsu with her history, she just couldn't talk about it right now. The pain she felt, the despair of being without your family... she wouldn't wish that on anyone. Perhaps she didn't know this Romeo, but she did understand the need to know your family is safe and well. Rather than mention any of that, she simply answered with "This is my new family and I want to help them anyway I can."

Natsu gave a massive grin. "That's the spirit. Then let's get going, Lucy!" And with those final words, they were on their way.

...

Makarov gave a sigh in relief as he watched Lucy leave. Playing the impatient and uncaring leader role had been hard, especially in the face of Macao's boy. He would just have to make it up to Romeo once Natsu and Lucy came back with his father.

He shivered as he recalled the swell of power emanating from the blonde. Testing her this way had hit a little close to home, if her reaction was anything to go by. While he didn't usually like deploying such tactics of manipulation on any of his children, old or new, he did need to know more about her or any skills she may have.

Sending her on an unofficial mission with Natsu seemed like the way to do it. Besides, the fact that she was willing to go with said dragon slayer to retrieve a member of the guild she hadn't even met yet in the first place spoke volumes of her kindness, especially concerning family. Makarov could only hope that not only was the task a success, but that she never figured out what he'd just done to test her.

...

After another day's journey in another trail, they made it to Mount Hakobe. Natsu persistently stomped up the mountain, Lucy and Happy right behind him as they ventured. The weather was especially chilling, the wind blowing fiercely and the cold worse than that of several thousand ice cubes. Everything was covered in a vast blanket of snow, the snow swirling around them like that of a snow globe.

The journey itself hadn't been particularly bad, but Natsu could have done without the horrible stomach and the uncontrollable urge to hurl all the contents of his stomach onto the floor. Otherwise, the trip has so far been quiet and peaceful. The only sound that could be heard was the howl of the angry wind, now.

After a few moments of trudging through the show, Happy dazely notice something. "Hey, Lucy. Isn't it too cold for that outfit?" Happy could feel the wind freezing his body from the neck down, so he couldn't fathom how Lucy could walk through the blizzard in such flimsy clothes. "Also, why didn't you take your little friend with you?"

Lucy, however, quickly waved off his concerns with a bright smile. "Oh, I'm quite fine, Happy. I hardly notice the cold at all. Plue, however, hates cold places of any kind and I doubt he'd be happy if I dragged him along with me." Before Happy could push the issue, she questioned, "Oh, I even forgot to ask, what was Romeo's dad doing out here in the first place?"

Natsu shrugged. "Getting rid of some Vulcans or something, they were becoming too much. It should have only taken a few days to deal with them..." His voice trailed off as he took the time to look around the mountain for any movement. Suddenly, a humongous gorilla-like creature landed right smack in the middle of their group, effectively separating Lucy as both she and Natsu moved out in opposite directions to dodge the monster. Not wasting anytime, the monkey grabbed the blonde mage and made a run for it, carrying her away from her new friends. "Lucy!" She heard Natsu scream as she disappeared deep within the mountain.

Lucy, while having been caught off guard, made no move to free herself once she'd gotten her bearings. She was having another one of her feelings, and could somehow tell the key to finding their missing mage was by allowing the monkey to take her to his home. Eventually, the beast stopped in an ice cave carved along the side of the mountain, placing Lucy delicately on the icy ground. Then she watched, dumbfounded, as he proceeded to do a very confusing and baffling ritual around her.

Ignoring the beast in favor of looking around the cave, Lucy took a moment to search for any sign of life or any activities. However, she saw nobody was there but herself and the Vulcan. As she watched him continue to dance, she heard him constantly yell something about "his woman".

"Uh, excuse me?" She called out, causing the Vulcan to stop and stare in blatant puzzlement. "Why have you kidnapped me?" The Vulcan eagerly answer. "Make my woman, my woman!"

Lucy slowly shook her head and rose to her feet. "I'm sorry, but I cannot accept. I don't think my spirits or Plue would approve and I have a new life in Magnolia I can't leave behind. But it would really help me if you could tell me the whereabouts of a mage who may have shown up a few days prior to our meeting?"

She watched as the Vulcan worked through what she said, growing angry as he finally realized what she was saying. "My woman! Mine!" He screamed as he lunged for her. Lucy rolled away to evade the beast, then looked up to see its fists raised up high in the air, the intent to take her down more than clear. As the fists swung down to meet her, Lucy raised up one of her hands, catching the attack midway.

The ice floor beneath her cracked as the momentum pushed her down a few inches, but was otherwise unaffected by the crushing blow. She could see the frustration growing on the monkey's face as he struggled to knock her down, strain showing in his face and the muscles of his arms. Weaving her way under the onslaught, Lucy jumped and kicked the monster across the face, sending him flying until he hit the wall at the far side.

As the monster got up, mad as ever, Lucy sighed. "I was really hoping I could get through this trip without having to fight. It really is too bad." Then she began to glow bright yellow, causing the Vulcan to shield his eyes. The next second, Lucy stood tall, hair now down and flowing and wearing a black tank top that stopped just before her stomach, showing off her midriff, and black sarong at her hips, a slit on her left side showing her thigh with the zodiac sign of Leo. Hands now covered in leather gloves, she cracked her knuckles. "So, let's do this." She goaded in glee, fist glowing like the sun as she waited for the fight to start.

The Vulcan gave off one last roar in dominance before charging at the blonde celestial wizard.

...

Natsu wasn't quite sure what just happened. One moment, he was here searching for a friend of his, the next, the blonde who had chosen to accompany him had been snatched up by one of the creatures Macao was suppose to get rid of. And he couldn't even find them now, because the stupid snow storm had covered the paw prints of the great ape and he couldn't smell anything but ice and coldness.

"Keep looking, Happy!" He yelled as he stomped his way through the snow, much angrier than before. Not only had those ugly things made Macao disappear, but they'd ran off with one of his friends. Lucy may be weird and somewhat puzzling, but she was a member of Fairy Tail now. And if he had to burn down this entire mountain to save her from that creepy Vulcan, then so be it! He was all fired up and ready to fight!

"Natsu, over there!" He heard Happy shout over the tempest. Turning to see where Happy was pointing to he saw the ginormous entrance of an ice cave. And if he racked each ears, he could distinctly hear the sound of grunts and cracks.

"Good work, little buddy!" He applauded, making a running start before jumping into the cave with a fiery fist. "I'm fired up now!"

...

Fighting the Vulcan had been much easier then Lucy thought it would be. Even without the use of Regulus, she was more than able to keep the monster at bay and throw in more than a few moderate attacks throughout the fight. She was currently watching it hunched over, clearly out of breath but very unwilling to quit. His present state was due to her expertly nailing him in the gut. Still, Lucy tried whenever she could to give him a peaceful and diplomatic way out. "I'll ask once again. Where is the wizard sent to defeat you?"

The monkey simply barreled towards her once again, having caught his second wind. As Lucy prepared to push him back once again, suddenly Natsu appeared and hit him roughly in the chest with a flaming fist, once again sending it flying till it hit the wall, before quickly running towards her to put himself between the Vulcan and her.

"Natsu." Lucy acknowledged, unsurprised that he had shown up like he did and taken down the Vulcan as well. She was rapidly learning that Natsu was both strong and unpredictable.

"Hey, Luce. You okay?" Natsu asked, never taking his eyes off his furry opponent as he gradually made his way back to his feet. Lucy brightly answered. "I'm fine, thanks."

"The jerky monkey didn't hurt you, did he Lucy?" Happy cried worryingly as he flew into her arms. Lucy laughed as she soothingly petted the blue cat on the head. "No, no. The worse he did was try to make me his woman and then attack me when I didn't agree. He was actually very easy to hold off before you two showed up. Although, he continues to remain quiet about your friend's whereabouts."

Natsu growled as he moved towards the Vulcan. "So you know where Macao is, huh? Then you'd better open your yak and tell me, you dumb ape. He's apart of Fairy Tail and everyone in Fairy Tail is apart of my family! If I have to rip you to pieces to keep my family in one piece, then I'll do just that!" The Vulcan gave off a little growl of his own as he rushed at Natsu, only to be punched across the face.

Lucy watched with genuine interest as the fire dragon slayer easily fought off the monkey. She had figured Natsu was strong when she'd watched him fight Bora's men in Hargeon, but it was even more evident here, the way he twisted and punched the creature was simply amazing. Ultimately, he punched the Vulcan into the side of the cave, finally knocking him unconscious. Just as she was about to congratulate Natsu on his victory, they watched as the Vulcan glowed yellow and turn into a tarnished-looking blue-haired man.

Lucy blinked in surprise, now understanding what her feelings had been trying to tell her. Happy and Natsu gasped in astonishment as they ran to the man, Lucy hot on his heels. "Macao. You okay?" Natsu asked, carefully moving the man to the floor, who seemed to be wheezing as he slumbered.

Lucy got on her knees and took a moment to examine him, gingerly poking and prodding him in a few places. "I think you broke his ribs, Natsu. And there are some previous injuries that haven't had a chance to mend." Quickly flicking her eyes to Natsu then back to the unconscious mage, she said, "I'll have to heal him. Stand back, please."

"Lucy, what-?" Happy began to ask, but abruptly stopped talking as he watched Lucy, whose hands were pressed together in a position similar to that of someone praying, was glowing with silver lights. She pressed her hands to Macao's chest, enveloping him in a film of gray lights. Natsu and Happy watched in wonder as the few cuts on the blue-haired wizard's face were closed up and fixed. It was a long while before the light faded from both Lucy and Macao, who was breathing a lot easier now.

"He needs time to rest," Lucy quietly informed the other two. "My magic needs time to put everything back to tip-top shape. Shouldn't take more than an hour tops, really, then he'll be up and running again." Lucy declared, giving off another close-eyed smile as she finished. Then she gave a delicate yawn. "I could use some sleep too. Using those kinds of abilities always drains me more than using my celestial ones. I should be awake before he is though. Please, could you keep a lookout while I'm resting?"

Natsu, while more than a little confused about what just came to past, didn't hesitate to say, "Don't worry, Luce. You can count on me." while Happy said, "Aye, sir." And with that, Lucy laid down on the icy floor, hands pillowing her head as she drifted to sleep.

...

Natsu watched as Lucy slept, speculating a few things. When Gramps had asked him to find Lucy Heartfilia, he honestly didn't know what to expect. When they'd met, he couldn't see what was so important the bigwigs felt she needed to be secured in a guild. But this trip was teaching him new things about this girl. The outfit she was wearing now, for instance, was different and was emitting a different kind of magic than before. Then the way she'd casually mentioned she'd held off a Vulcan as well as somehow figuring out the ape had something to do with Macao was quite baffling. And that wasn't including the fact that she knew some type of healing magic! It was safe to say that this girl was very interesting, indeed.

Recounting their trip to Hargeon, Natsu remembered how she had somehow managed to fully captivate him upon his first glance at her. Not adding the great power Happy had told him of, how Lucy used some kind of water magic to knock the ship back to shore.

This adventure had showcased some more of her power, but he had a feeling there was much more where that came from concerning. And he just knew somehow, that she would be more than a perfect fit into his guild. He just knew it.

...

By the time Lucy woke up and changed back into her original outfit, the storm had lessen to a slow drift, subsequently making the journey back much safer and more pleasant the the journey to Mount Hakobe. The Fairy Tail members made their way back home, Natsu carrying Romeo's father over his shoulders, like a sack of potatoes. As they walked past the outskirts of the mountain and unto lands of soil and plant life, they could hear the sound of quiet groaning.

Macao stirred, eyes opening slowly and blinking as he tried to focus. His attention shifted to his left, where Lucy was walking. "Is... is that an angel? Am I in heaven?" He asked, voice slurred as he mind fought to remain in the REM cycle. Lucy gave a little laugh at the disoriented mage's mistake. "No, you're very much alive. I'm Lucy, a fellow member of Fairy Tail. Nice to officially meet you."

Natsu intervened before Macao could reply. "You alright, Macao? You've been sleeping for a while." He said as the man came to his senses. They all stopped to give the man time to get caught up to reality, Macao leaning heavily on Natsu's right shoulder as they stood to finish conversing. He rubbed his neck as he stretched aching bones. "Natsu? Last I remember I was fighting some Vulcans and then, one... what happened?" The blue-haired man groaned.

"You were taken over by one," Lucy happily explained. "You kidnapped me and retained several injuries from our efforts to subdue you. However, it all worked out in the end."

"Yeah, Lucy healed you and made you all better again. It was pretty awesome." Happy praised, flying over them with the energy of bunny rabbit.

Macao couldn't help but shoot a dubious look at the blond-haired girl. He generally tried not to judge a book by its cover, but he just couldn't see what this girl could possibly have the power to do what she'd claimed to have done. She had said "our efforts", implying she'd managed to overpower a giant, hormone-driven beast. He has seen Natsu in action, so he knows that he's more than capable of that. But what kind of power did this new member of Fairy Tail have beneath that pretty face to be stronger than a monster?

"Then I guess I owe you my thanks, little lady." He chuckled, finding this situation oddly hilarious. St least until he remembered his failure. How weak he was in the face of his task. He sighed, a deep sigh appearing on his face. "I don't know how I can face my boy, Romeo after this. Couldn't even take down twenty Vulcans, I let myself get caught off guard with that last one and even needed rescuing myself. How pitiful."

There was a moment of quiet in the face of his bitter words. "I think he'd be very proud," Lucy said softly and wistfully, surprising everyone as they turned to see her downcast face. "You managed to take down a lot more than a lot of people can ever hope to brag about. And I'm sure if your son cares about you as much as he seemed to when I saw him yesterday, then your accomplishments will mean a lot more to him then your minuscule failure."

Natsu was was greatly startled by the drastic change in the blonde's personality. He'd seen a hint in Hargeon when he mentioned his dad, but her transition back to the hunky-dory and cheery girl had happened almost instantaneously, almost like her sadness never happened. Now that he was seeing it again, he couldn't help but wonder what it was about the talk of families that made Lucy so sad.

"Lucy's right," Happy agreed a second later. "Romeo will be proud of you no matter what." Lucy turned to smile at the blue cat, somber mood dissipated once again. Natsu let it go as he voiced his approval of her previous statement. Probably nothing too important, anyway.

When they finally made it back to Magnolia, they immediately reunited Macao with the eager Romeo, the boy crying tears of joy as he hugged his father with all the strength in his little body. Lucy could hear him calling to her and Natsu as they left for the guild, thanking them profoundly for their kind act. Giving him a small wave and a blinding smile, the three left for the guildhall.

"Plue!" Lucy cheerfully cried as she burst through the entrance of the building, Natsu walking off in the opposite direction of her destination. She quickly spotted him on the counter, curled up so tightly his long tail wrapped around his body multiple times. "Plue!" She yelled again, finally catching the fox's attention. He lifted his head up and turned his big black eyes to look at her. Lucy wordlessly held her arms wide open as Plue raced across the counter to jump into her arms, uncaring of the amount of plates he'd caused to crash to the floor.

Lucy nuzzled her cheek against Plue's, happily greeting him as she turned to Mirajane. "I hope he wasn't too much trouble while I was gone." Mirajane looked slightly amused and uncomfortable. "Oh, he wasn't so bad. He was very... uh, clean, at the very least. Managed to get the gravy of his meat everywhere but on himself." The white-haired girl declared with a strained laugh.

Taking a moment to throw a look at Plue, who didn't look the least bit remorseful, Lucy sheepishly turned back to Mirajane. "Sorry. He doesn't like it when I leave him behind and he's not sure where I am. He probably would have ran after me if we hadn't been on a freezing mountaintop. Thank you for feeding him. See you tomorrow, Natsu." She called to the fire dragon slayer mage, who was in the mist of another big fight to be and didn't seem to heard her, then turned to walk out the door, Plue cradled in her arms the entire time.

...

"You know, we're going to be interacting with these people for a while," Lucy admonished Plue as she walked confidently through the forest that evening, the sun having been setting when they'd gotten to Magnolia and the moon finally out, showcasing the forest in a white glow. So similar to another night that was permanently branded into her memory. "You're going have to learn to play nice." Plue simply huffed in response.

Lucy sighed, an exasperated and amused smile spreading across her face. This situation as a whole was going to take some getting used to, for the both of them. Being a part of a group somehow connected through pain and love, having to depend on others and be depended on in return. It's been a while since she had to do anything like that. But one thing was clear: she was going to be in Magnolia for an indefinite amount of time. And she couldn't very well spend all of it living in the forest, like she usually did. And she knew the perfect remedy for that particular problem, at least.

"So, what do you think?" She asked Plue as he stood by a little river. After spending some time walking, Lucy had come across the perfect patch of forest for what she had in mind. "I'm going to build a house here." She loudly declared. It really was a nice section of woodland, open and luscious, the water running by completing the picture of nature at its most beautiful. The air was full of the soothing sounds of animals and plants squeaking and creaking in harmony.

Not surprisingly, Plue shot her a glance that clearly questioned her sanity. Lucy easily face that look with a patient smile. "It shouldn't take more than a few hours for my spirits to complete it to our wanted specifications. Besides, our other options are to find a used apartment of our own or to spend the next few years sleeping in the forest. Having a home to call our own that's exactly how we want it and within a familiar environment will be good for us. I'm sure my spirits will agree. We do enjoy living in solitude, and this way we have tons of privacy." After taking all she said into consideration, Plue dipped his head low in agreement.

"Okay, then." Lucy declared, determination shining in her eyes like fire. "Let's get to work!" Pulling out her keys, she called, "Open: Gate of the Golden Bull and Sea Goat!"

...

So, here it is! Hope you enjoyed the scenes and the glimpse into some of Lucy's powers. Any questions, post a review and please show your support by favoriting and following. How did you like their first adventure and what do you think is the power Lucy has? Let me know. Next is the Daybreak Arc!