Chapter one: New beginnings
It had been a long trip from the ruins of their village to the town of Magnolia as they traveled with Erza.
The family's first opinion of Erza was that she was incredibly strong as he had pull a large loaded cart with no problems at all. She had a hard exterior that would put most people off but when you got pass that she also be girly and caring at times. She also had a great sense of justice and pride of being a Fairy tail guild member.
This part made James more excited to join the guild if they had members like Erza in it.
Soon the family came to the top of a hill that over looked the entire of Magnolia.
'There's the town. What do you think?' Erza proudly asked the family.
'Wow' Went the entire family in stun silence.
In front of them lay out a large town with colorful roof's and two noticeably large buildings in it. One was in the center of town and the other was at the back and raised above the entire town.
Meanwhile a grand canna trailed just around the eastern and western edges of town and had many smaller canal's coming out of it that ran into town. Lastly the canal had lots of stone bridge's crossing it that were high enough for barges to pass under.
To the south of Magnolia was a cleared section of ground that was used as farmlands and right after them was a large forest. This forest wrapped around the east end until it hit the lake that covered the towns northern flank. Lastly to the east was a large mouthing range that travel along with the lake and made many lake cliff sides.
'It's amazing!' James called out as his eyes darted all over the town.
'I've never seen so many people in one place' Jim said in amazement.
'Isn't it crowed in there?' Martha asked a touch worried. The family wasn't used to so many people being concentrated into one area.
'Yes and no. It is more crowed then your use to, but the streets are wide and there's plenty of park space.' Erza replied reassuringly.
'Now come on. If you think it's impressive from here. Then you'll be more surprised when you get into town' Erza said to get the family moving.
The rest of the family nodded and got moving as well, while they chatted about their new home.
'Lots of green land and a big town with a wizard guild mean's no bandit problems' James said as he was still a farmer at heart.
'Well be able to do nice here. Made even a few sheep or cattle or new chickens!' Martha added on as she looked around at the green fields.
'And you'll be able to be a wizard my boy!' Jim added on as he was happy for his son.
'YERRRRR!' James shouted a bit out loud in his excitement.
'Hehe' His parents simply giggled at seeing their son so excited for the change. Meanwhile Erza simply had a smile on her face as she thought.
(Courage, selfless and loud… he'll fit right in at the guild) Erza thought.
James had a blush of embarrassment as he scratched the back of his head. From the sudden loud shout.
'But I'll make sure to visit and help you guys as well' James then added on.
'Oww we did raise you right!' Martha replied as she hugged James tightly.
From there the conversation drifted into random topics as the group walked towards town. Erza gave her own two cents once and a while.
AT THE ENTRANCE OF TOWN
'Well what do you think?' Erza asked as they were now in town.
'Wowww, wwwow' Then family went as tall houses rose about them. Some from one to up to three stories' tall.
'I'll take it that you like it' Erza asked again in admiration of her home town.
'Yerr! This place looks awesome when you compare it to our village!' James answered as he was awestruck.
'Hurrr no offence to the village of course' James then added on with a sweat drop.
'That's okay son. I have to admit I think we're going to like living here already' Martha responded as the family took in all of the sights.
The family continued to walk up the main road of Magnolia as Erza pointed a few things out along the way.
Lining the main street was a variety of homes, shops, restaurants and cafes and all the while people busy went up and down on their daily business.
For the family it was a amazing new experience as their heads darted around everywhere.
After a few more minutes of walking the group stoped at a three-story building with a sign reading
"Jackson's Real-estate Co.".
The group walk into the building to find a lobby area that had chairs and a table to the side's and in the back a countered off area with rows of bookcases against the far wall.
'Hello welcome to Jackson Real-estate Co. What can we help you with today?' A service attendant asked form behind the counter.
'We're here to buy some farm land' Erza responded as the group stood next to the counter.
'Huh!' The service attendant went as she didn't understand why a mage would want farm land, but she then look behind and saw the family.
'OW I see. I'll just get out the maps of what we have on sell' The attendant suddenly said and walked back to grad a large map from the shelfs.
'Thank you' Erza replied as the rest of the family walked up to the counter and Erza took a step back.
Returning with the map and unfolding it out on to the table, while a few objects held it flat.
The map itself showed all of the farm land outside of Magnolia and highlighted what the company currently owned or was renting off.
'Do you know where or how much land you would want to buy or rent?' The attendant asked as she let the family look over the map.
'Well just how much would it cost?' Jim asked.
'Well if your buying we have land in the price range of 1000 J to 5000 J or 30 J per square meter. Our rent is also in the same area, it all depends on the amount land you would want.
'Jeush that's pricey!' James said to himself as he started to look at the smaller plots of land.
'How much money do we have? Martha asked a touch worried.
'1500 J at most' Jim replied also worried with a hand leaning on the counter.
Erza grew a small frown form hearing the prices and asked, 'Are you sure there's nothing cheaper?'
'Am sorry Miss but his is as low that we can go. Magnolia is a commercial town more than a farming town, so the price has already been lowered as it is.' The attendant explained.
Which made sense, Magnolia was more of a commercial town thanks to its canals and as such farm land was in less demand. Which meant lower prices, but it was still high for a family that had lost nearly everything.
'Here let me help' Erza said as she put another 1500 J on to the table.
This surprised the entire family as they took a quick gasp.
Erza simply smiled back and said 'You've already lost everything, so let me help you start again'
'But we can't! You've already helped us so much!' Martha responded with shock.
Erza simply waved her hand and replied, 'No I insist!'
The rest of the family cheered up as they look back at the map. Eyes going over several sections of land.
'This one looks good!' Jim called out as put his thumb on the plot.
The plot itself was just outside off the town and was a smaller farm but still big enough for them since James would be working as a wizard. As such it would possible for the family to make a living off from it.
'The Molly Wood farm? If you would like to buy that it would be 2000 J' The attendant answered.
'That leave us with 1000 J to live off with for a month or so' Jim said in thought as he put a hand to his chin.
'We've lived on less' Martha reminded Jim.
'And my magic's good enough that I can start going on small jobs immediately' James added his own two cents in.
'I'll attend to that. As long as you do keep to the smaller jobs for now' Erza replied to James.
Erza said the last part in a strange serious tone but with the excitement of starting anew the family didn't notice.
'We'll take it!' Jim shouted out heart-fully, not even bothering to be embarrassed.
The attendant didn't react as she had guess they weren't in a good place from their conversation and instead got out another book.
'Okay, first there is some paper work to do before I can give you the deed to the land' The attendant said as Jim and Martha begin to fill out the forms.
James and Erza stay quite though the process and soon they were done.
'Thank you for your business! Here is the deed for the land and its contents. Hope to see you in the future!' The attendant said cheerfully as she handed the land deed to Jim.
'Thank you' Jim and Martha replied with wide smile on their faces.
'Thanks!' James also said with a wide smile.
The group walk out of the business and back on to the busy street.
'Let's go and get set up!' James happily said as the family started to walk towards their newly brought land.
'Actually, if you don't mind I would like to take you to the guild? So, you can join and see it.' Erza asked James.
The family stopped in their tracks and thought for a second about the idea.
'Thats doesn't sound bad. Mom, Dad you guys don't mind of I catch up to you later?' James asked his family as he liked the idea of seeing the guild.
'Mmmm no but just make sure you come back to us before it turn's dark' Martha unsurely responded.
'Of course, Mom!' James replied as he gave his mother a hug.
This seemed to calm her down as she hugged him back and let go.
The group then split as James and Erza went to the guild hall and Jim and Martha went to the farm.
WITH ERZA AND JAMES
Erza and James continued to walk thought the town as they made their way to the Fairy Tail guild.
First, they passed an extremely large building in a grand Victorian architecture style. As they walked passed it James head was raised as he looked at the building.
'This is Caldia Cathedral and it's the oldest building in Magnolia' Erza said, when she saw his interest.
'it's ruddy impressive' James responded, lowering his head.
Walking on Erza spotted some one that she knew and called out to then.
'Harrr Jet!' Erza called out to a man that was passing by.
He was in his teens and had a purple shirt and black pants. Over that was a large brown coat with fuzzy ends and large brown hat with fuzzy rings. He had orange hair with black eyes. Meanwhile on his left hand was a meal arm band.
'Huh… ERZA!' Jet jumped as he shouted in response.
This only confused James as it looked like that Jet was somehow scared of Erza.
'I would like you to meet our new member' Erza said as she pointed to James.
By this time James had walked up to Jet and extended a hand.
'Hi Jet. The name is James' James said as he and Jet shook hands.
'Oww nice to meet you man. Fairy Tail always welcomes new members' Jet replied but he seemed to still be on edge.
'Now Jet just how has the guild been?' Erza asked back in her serious voice.
This sent chills though Jet and James as he now took notice of the tone.
(That's not her normal serious voice. This one sounds like it got a threatening under tone to it) James thought as he noticed the difference.
'Ummm.. yer, great but I got to go!' Jet replied nervously as he used his magic to speed back to the guild.
This left Erza and James along again as Jet had dissipated in a cloud of dust.
'Wow, that guy's fast' James said out loud.
(Is there something am missing about Erza) James also thought as he took notice of how Jet acted towards her.
'Hump, that because of his speed magic. He's actually the fastest person in the entire guild' Erza responded back in her normal voice.
'Now only if he could be a better fighter' Erza then mumbled the last part out to herself.
James only sweat dropped as his suspicion of another side of Erza was being proven.
'Let's continue then' James said to Erza with a scratch of the back of his head. Still surprised by the exchange.
'Right, there still more sights to see on the way there' Erza responded as the two of them started to walk again.
The next several minutes Erza once again played guide as she points out sites of interest on their way to the guild.
Soon though they came upon the guild itself as it stood proudly over the town of Magnolia.
'And this is the guild hall' Erza pointed out as the two of them ascend the steps.
(Am to lazy to write a description so just google it.)
'Impressive' Was the only word James responded with as he looks around at the outside of the guild hall.
From inside you could hear chatter of people and the banging of objects as the sound leaked out of the guild hall.
Walking up to the front door Erza pushed it open wide as all of the sounds suddenly stopped. James stood next to her started to look around the guild hall itself.
Inside was a large main room, filled to the brim with what he could only guess were guild members. Off to one side was a bar and several other rooms tucked away.
(Once again to lazy for a description so just google it)
But what strike him the most though was how all of the members seemed to be frozen in time and were now staring at the both of them.
There was even one pair, a pinked hair and black hair that look like they were about to start fighting with each other. Fist's raised for striking but now frozen still.
(Ummm this is even weirder) James thought at the scene.
'EVERYONE!' Erza shouted out in a commanding voice.
Meanwhile Jet only smirked at knowing what the guild would do when they heard the news.
'We have a new member!' Erza finished as she put a hand on James shoulder to show the point.
Suddenly everyone was lively again as they shouted with enthusiasm and started to party. People started to drink and dance as the guild went cray with celebration at the news.
A loud mixture of noise was once again coming out of the guild hall.
'Ummmmm' James could only go as he was very confused about the sudden turn around.
'They are using this as an excuse to party' Erza clarified in her scary voice.
'Normally I would stop the fools, before they destroy something' Erza continued on in her scary voice and causing James to sweat drop.
'But given the reason I'll allow it' Erza finished back in her normal voice.
'Now this way' Erza said as she prompted James to follow her to the bar.
On the way several of the guild member's welcomed James and asked him about his magic.
'It's water control' James would respond with some pride.
'So, it's water magic' A member retorted as he didn't know the difference.
'No, there's a few' James started to respond but one member a large white-haired man shouted out.
'Water magic is mainly!' He shouted, racing his fist.
James sweat dropped and simply followed Erza as he was confused on the members behavior.
(Is everyone in the guild like this) James thought as he saw a brown-haired women drinking an entire barrel of alcohol at the bar.
Once at the bar a caring and sweet voice called out to James to introduce herself.
'Hello my name is Mirajane. It's nice to meet you.' Mirajane welcomed James.
Mirajane was an average height woman with a large bust and long white hair going pass her shoulders. A small tuff of that hair was tied up in the front. She was wearing a long red dress with pink riddles going around it's hips and holding the dress up.
But despite the dress you could tell she easy had an hour glass figure. Not a extreme one but a healthy one that was still easily notice able.
(Once again want a better description to look it up and I'll describe things you cannot look up a lot better)
'Nice to meet you Mirajane my name is James' James replied as he tried not to stare at her breast.
(Holly # ^&! She's hottttt! There must be thousands of guys swooning over her) James also thought as his perverted mind made sure to save a picture of her.
'So, you'll be going the guild?' Mirajane asked as she went to grad something from underneath the counter.
By this time Era had set down and was waiting patiently for Mirajane to be done with James.
'Yep!' James happily answered as Mirajane brought out a stamp.
'Okay where would you like your guild mark and in what colour?' Mirajane asked.
James thought for a few second before answering 'On my shoulder and in blue please'
Mirajane nodded as she brought the stamp over and James moved his shirt for her. Then she bought the stamp down and with a small plop and shower of lights the guild mark appeared on his shoulder.
James smile grew wide as he looked over his guild mark with a sense of pride welling in him.
'Welcome to the guild!' Mirajane cheerfully said as she put the equipment away.
She moved over to Erza seeing that she was waiting for her.
Meanwhile James started to notice the voices of arguing coming out from the party.
'Mmmmm what's going on' James asked to himself as he turned around to the voices sources.
From some were in the middle of the group he noticed a pink haired and black-haired man giving each other a death stare.
'Come on ice freak make me!' Insulted the pink haired with a confidence grin and voice.
'Happily, ash for brains!' The black hair person insulted back equally confident.
Meanwhile Mirajane had brought out a slice of strawberry cake for Erza. Whom looked at it like the cake was made out of gold.
In the next few seconds the party went from celebrations to an all-out brawl as the pink hair covered his fist in fire and the black hair activated an ice spell.
'ARRRRRR!' The par shouted at each other as they charged. Colliding the spells sent ice and fire everywhere.
'Arrrrr!' James shouted as he put up a quick water barrier to protect himself.
Unfortunately for many of the guild members it was sudden enough or they just didn't notice it in time. Meaning they were hit by the spells back lash, this angered them and sent the entire guild into a brawl.
'I'll show you two how a real man fights!' Shouted the white-haired muscle bound man.
'You're going down Nastu!' Shouted the black-haired ice wizard, using the pink haired wizards name.
'Bite me ice princess!' Shouted the now identified Nastu as he shouts out another insult.
'Calm down Nastu!' Pleaded a purple haired girl, for unknown reasons to James.
'Ummmmm is this normal?' James asked Mirajane and Erza.
Mirajane was about to answer James but sensing a dark aura she turned around to Erza and sweat dropped.
'Owww dear' Mirajane said a bit worried, once she realized what was going to happen next.
'What?' James asked as he followed her eye sight and what he saw answered a lingering question in his mind.
Erza was now trembling as a dark aura surround her. Her face showing nothing but pure anger, with fist's clenched. The reason for this was her frozen solid strawberry cheese cake that was incased in a block of ice after being hit by a stray attack.
'Ummmmm Erza?' James tried to ask but seeing the state Erza was in he was too scared to continue on.
'My cake' Erza started in a low and threading tone.
'I SHALL DESTROY YOU ALL!' Erza then roared out. Lifting a sword, she charged into the fray as a woman looking for revenge.
(HOLY CRAP! ERZA'S SCARY WHEN SHE WANTS TO BE) James shouted out in his own mind. Easily becoming scared of this second side of Erza.
James face was a mix of confusion and sacredness at seeing Erza being so mad over the cake.
'Don't worry you get used to it after a while' Mirajane said to James as she looks undeterred at the guild brawl going on in front of him.
'Hope so' James said unsurely as he stayed at the bar for the rest of the day. As it was the only area not being occupied by the guild brawl.
The rest of the day was interesting to say the least eventually the brawl thinned out as people ether left or were knocked out on the floor.
Meanwhile table, chair and anything else break able was broken into pieces. This answered James on why the purple haired girl was so worried.
(waring basic descriptions for the characters coming up so just google it)
During this time Jet had come over to see how he was doing and he brought the rest of his team.
'Hey James, I want you to meet a few friends of mine' Jet said as he pointed to two people.
The first was a short cyan hard girl named Levy McGarden. Whom was a book worm and the leader of their team. She was in a short orange dress and had a yellow heads band. Her magic was Letter magic a form of Solid Script magic.
Levy was personality was cheerful and upbeat and she had a kind spirt.
'Hi, it's nice to meet you James' Levy said with a raised hand.
Lastly Dory with black hair, a white top and two belts with pouches crossing over each other and a pair of green pants. He used plant magic.
'Hey James' Droy said with a hand shake.
James liked them and learnt they made up team Shadow Gear, led by Levy McGarden.
Later on, the white haired muscle bond man came up to the bar as well. James learnt he was Elfman and the only brother to Mirajane. His magic was beast soul take over.
James at first found his insistence on saying "man" or "manly" weird and annoying but after he got to know him. James warmed up to him as a friend and as such Erza, Levy, Droy, Jet, Mirajane and Elfman became his first friends in fairy Tail.
For the rest of the day the fighting was eventually stoped by Erza when she knocked out Nastu and the black hair person, whom James learnt was Grey out with a single hit.
'All right I got to go if am going to get back home before dark' James said as he stood up and made his way thought the pile of unconscious guild members.
'It's been nice to meet you James!' Levy said with a wave.
'yerrr hope you'll enjoy being in the guild' Jet added on with his arms crossed.
The rest of the small group waved as James waved back and said.
'If the guild is full of people like you. Then I'll definitely enjoy my time here' James happily said as he walked out of the doors.
Erza ands Mirajane shared a nod with each other as they knew once James got use to the guild he would fit right in.
WITH ONLY JAMES
With his hand in his pockets James happily hummed to himself as he begin the track to his family's new home.
Looking at his Fairy Tail guild mark James simply said to himself.
'I've done it'
For the next few minutes James walked through the streets of Magnolia as the city became quite and its people went to bed.
The main street still a touch busy but had largely calmed down since the family's first arrival.
Eventually James came upon the edge of town and into the small area of farm land.
'So, go straight and turn down the second road' James repeated the instructions on how to find the property to himself.
Following them he soon walked down a dirt walk that bordered a neighboring farm. Most of it were pastures as cows grazed in the fields or laid down.
Walking a bit further he soon came upon the "Molly Wood Farm". The farm itself was tucked in between the edge of town and another larger farm. A small part of it bordered the road but most of it was tucked away in the back.
The farm consisted of one small rectangle field out front that was on the road. Behind that was the cottage that could fit three people with a basic life style. Lastly behind the house was a small open yard and further on was a medium rectangle filed, while a fence out lined the property.
'Looks like a nice place' James said to himself as he walked up to the house.
Inside he could hear the sounds of cooking as someone went about making tea.
'Hey everybody am home!' James called out as he opened the door.
'Hello son, how was the guild?' His mother cheerly responded as she cooked tea.
'It was a mix of confusion and crazy but that made it interesting' James responded as he started to look inside the house.
The home had a kitchen / dinner room right from the door. While the corridor to the left had a large main bedroom and a smaller secondary bedroom. The right-hand corridor held entrance to a medium bathroom and a small toilet room. Lastly on the end of the left-hand corridor was a ladder to the attic.
The house could easily fit them, but it wasn't large enough that you would want to spend all day inside.
'Where's dad?' James asked to which Martha giggled.
'He's still outside visualizing what he's going to do with the fields.' Martha replied.
'I'll go and see him. Love yar mom' James replied as he gave her a quick hug and walked out of the front door.
Walking around the building James came upon the yard where he spotted his father standing at the fencing of the second field.
'You been out here long?' James asked as he walked aside to his father.
Jim gave a little jump at the sudden voice but quickly calm down when he realized who it was.
'Har har har, yes son. I've got everything planed out, from the first crops to the chicken pen' Jim replied with a laugh and hand on James shoulder.
The two stayed in silence for a few moments as they took in their new home. One that hopefully would be the family home for a long time.
'Boys dinners ready!' Martha called out from inside the house.
'Come on son let's go and eat' Jim said as he turned to walk back into the home.
'Coming!' James replied as he followed.
And that was their first day in Magnolia and the start of a new life for all of the family and unknowingly for James the trip of love.
—
THE END