Author's Note:

Hey guys! Firstly, I'm terribly sorry for keeping all of you waiting this whole time. It's exam week for me so I hardly have time to continue the story. However, the next chapter is a long and special chapter! Please enjoy the story and review!

Lucy's Determination

Lucy arrives home looking absolutely lifeless. Romeo greets her when he notices her, "Nee-san! You're…what's wrong, nee-san?" Romeo looks at his sister worriedly. Lucy sighs and fakes a smile, "Don't worry about it, Romeo. It's just... the pressure." Romeo rolls his eyes, "Really, nee-san? I've known you for 8 years for God's sake!" Lucy raises her eyebrow, "And?" Romeo states, "That is a complete lie." Lucy takes a deep breath before she sighs and admits her defeat. She explains everything to Romeo, how she wants to join in the band, and how she fails... miserably. Romeo stares at her in horror, "You're kicked out?! Seriously?!" Lucy nods meekly, "I guess I just don't have enough ability to join in the band." Romeo frowns, "But you're amazing, nee-san! You're talented! How could they not choose you? That's utterly nonsense!" Lucy whispers, "Or maybe because I'm not worthy enough."

Romeo frowns and said sternly, "Nee-san, don't ever said anything like that again! You are worthy enough, I'm sure they are the one that's not worthy enough for you." Lucy giggles slightly but still doesn't looked convinced. Romeo sighs and said softly, "Nee-san. Being in a band is your dream, isn't it?" Lucy smiles slightly, "It is." Romeo looks at her seriously, "Then I think you should not give up so easily, nee-san." Lucy blinks, "What do you mean?" Romeo explains, "It's your dream, nee-san. You didn't quite reach it the first time, but who said that you can't have a second chance? Don't give up so easily, nee-san! Go and ask why you can't join. After all, they didn't tell you the reason behind it. You really should find the problem and do your best to join in the band. Bother the leaders all night long. Keep strong and firm and I'm sure one day they will agree."

Romeo proceeds to put his hands around Lucy's shoulder, looking into her eyes deeply, "Dreams aren't easy to reach, nee-san. You can't just reach out your hand and grab it. You need to chase after it. You may trip on the way, but do not let that be your obstacle. I believe that if you keep chasing it, eventually you will reach it. Chances like this are hard to achieve, and especially when it's right before your eyes. That's why go for it, nee-san. Just remember I support you and believe in you."

Lucy's breath hitched in her throat at Romeo's touching words. Her eyes widen in realization. What Romeo is trying to say is just like her song. 'Never give up…' Lucy thought. She giggles softly, "And to think I give up so easily after I create some really emotional song." Romeo beams, sensing his sister happiness. Lucy hugs Romeo and smiles at him, "Thanks, Romeo. I don't know what I can do without you." Romeo laughs, "You're welcome, nee-san! But I think you should get a bath. Relax your mind and stuff, you know." Lucy nods her head and ruffles Romeo's hair before disappearing in her room.

The next morning, Lucy wakes up at 7 am and quickly changes into her uniform. She's going to persuade the administrators whether they like it or not. Well, more importantly, Gildarts, since he's the mastermind of a sort. It's her dream, and no one's going to stop her from reaching towards it. She left a note to Romeo saying that she has eaten breakfast and informs him not to cook for her as she is going to school already. She stuffs the remaining piece of bread to her mouth and set off quickly. Guess she won't be having lunch today.

She arrives her school's music room only to see that there's no one in there. She search for almost everywhere (except the toilets of course... Though she had thought of peeking in before) and still can't find anyone familiar. She approaches the headmaster's office. She knows she really shouldn't interrupt the headmaster, but this is her dream, and it's important to her. She can't waste another moment. She knocks before peeking in. An old man sat there, a dark aura emitted from him as he deals with all the paperwork. He's short and all his hair had already turned white. His eyes have a dull colour in them, signaturing he's really tired, but Lucy could still see the gentle twinkle in them. He looks up and raises his eyebrow, "Yes, dear?" Lucy squeaked nervously before bowing, "Ah…good morning, Makarov-san! I'm Lucy Heartfillia." Makarov chuckles, "Yes, I heard of you. You're a new transfer student and daughter of Layla and Jude Heartfillia, aren't you?" Lucy frowns, "How do you know that?" He replies, "Let's just say I'm friends with both of them. Anyway, what are you here for, Lucy?"

Lucy asks, "Makarov-san, do you know where Gildarts-san is?" Makarov seems to ponder for a moment before exclaiming, "Ah yes! He's going back to Bosco. If I'm not wrong, his flight is at 9 am. Why do you ask, child?" Lucy gasps, she still has one hour and half before he goes off. She asks urgently, "Which airport, do you know?" "Hmmm, I think it's the one in Magnolia." Lucy protest, "There's no time! Oh no." Makarov raises his eyebrow, "Do you have a business with him, Lucy?" Lucy nods, "Yes, I need to see him now, Makarov-san!"

Makarov stares at her chocolate brown eyes that are currently panicking. He smiles, "Well then, you shall have a ride to the airport, it's not far away." Lucy gapes at him, "Can I really?!" "Yes of course, I believe in you. Just go, Lucy. I will deal with your absence." Makarov dials a number and immediately, a rather old man appears. He asks politely, "Is there anything I can do for you, Makarov?" Makarov beams, "Rob! Could you possibly sent this child here to the Magnolia airport? She's in an emergency here." Rob's eyes widen, "Ah! You mean that child?" Makarov laughs, "Yes, I do believe so." Lucy pales at once, "Wait... Surely you haven't know about the incident to Silverspark Cafe already?" Both Rob and Makarov stare at her in surprise, "What incident?" Lucy shakes her head and stammers, "Oh nothing important, just... nothing important."

Rob smiles at her, "Follow me, Lucy. I will take you to the Magnolia Airport right away." Lucy thanks Makarov instantly, "Thank you so much, Makarov-san!" Makarov merely nods his head before Lucy rushes over to Rob's. She boards the car before widening her eyes as the car rush quickly towards the airport that is currently in sight.

Once they arrive, Rob parks the car near the entrance before smiling softly, "I will be waiting here. You go find whoever you need to find." Lucy bows her head before rushing to find Gildarts. Luckily there are not a lot of people there as it's a weekday. She looks at her watch and curses out loud. She has only half an hour left to find him. She searches for the flight to Bosco. Her eyes skim across the line, '9a.m.…Counter 4-6…gate 5!' She rushes and looks around for gate 5. She founds it at once and rushes towards the gate. Unfortunately, the speaker rings out, "To all the customers at gate 5, you can now board the plane. I repeat, to…" Lucy runs even faster and what seems like a year to her, she finally arrives. She desperately searches for a brown-haired man. Her eyes landed on the person that's already boarding the plane.

She cried out, "Gildarts-san!" but the man still can't hear her. She yells out desperately again and tried to go through the flight attendant but the woman rejects her at once, "I'm sorry, miss. You really can't go through unless you have a ticket." Lucy shakes her head as she begins to panic, "You don't understand! I'm not going to board the plane, I just want to speak to someone! This is really important, I have to go in, please!" But the woman shakes her head and refuses to let her in. So Lucy cried out one last time before the figure disappears, "Gildarts-san!" This time, thanks to Mavis, he finally turns around. Lucy sighs in relief that she caught his attention. Gildarts seems surprised to see Lucy.

But instead of going back, he grins at her and nods approvingly before disappearing in sight.

...

...

...

Lucy froze for awhile; did he go off just like that? She cried in frustration to herself, 'What is he thinking?! He saw me and he just IGNORE ME?! Did he know what I've been through just to search for him?!" Once she has calmed down, Lucy begins to sob quietly, she just lost her chance. Her second chance. Her cries make the woman frowns. She said kindly, "Don't cry, miss. It's going to be alright." Lucy sniffles, "I…I just…" The woman asks suddenly, "Miss, are you by any chance looking for Gildarts Clive?" Lucy nods her head as the woman continues, "Are you by any chance Lucy Heartfillia?" Lucy nods her head again. The woman beams, "Then here's a letter for you, miss, from Gildarts-san. He said if you ever appear in the airport today, I should give it to you."

Lucy blinks back her tears before glancing at the letter. It says,

To, Lucy Heartfillia

Lucy, if you are reading this, that means you have in fact come in search for me. It's about the reason why you are not chosen, right? Actually, your skills are way above standards. You may even have the same standard as Natsu. But as you said before, what really matters to join in a band is a willing heart. That's what we test you for. It's not to test your standards or whatsoever, we just want to know if you would give up in joining just because I said no, and it seems like you aren't that kind of person. Apparently you have come in search for me the very next day and even chase me to the airport. I've seen and trust you, which is why I leave this note, in hope you will come here. You have passed the test, Lucy. You are just the person we are searching for to become a member of Blazing Bright. Unfortunately, I have to go to Bosco to attend a meeting. But I do wish you good luck in your adventure in Fairy Tail, and your adventure in Blazing Bright. Yes, you are officially a member of Blazing Bright. Give this letter to Mirajane and she will stamp a logo in anywhere you like, it's a sign to say that you have indeed become a member of Blazing Bright. I'm sure Blazing Bright will become the first in all Fiore because of you. I hope to see you again sometime, Lucy. You really impressed me.

From, Gildarts Clive

Lucy mumbles, still shock, "I…I…" Before she beams and shed tears of happiness. So that's why Gildarts didn't approve of her! he never was trying to test her abilities. She gazes up to the plane that's flying off. She whispers, "Thank you so much, Gildarts. I hope to see you again." Lucy thanks the woman before skipping back to the car. Rob saw her happy face and chuckles, "So I take that it turns out alright for you?" Lucy nods her head and exclaims, "Thank you so much, Rob-san! For bringing me here." Rob grins at her before driving the car off.

Lucy arrives her school and head off to the headmaster's office. Makarov is still doing his paperwork, except that Mira is there too. She looks surprised and concerned to find Lucy there. She proceeds to hug Lucy while mumbling, "I'm so sorry, Lucy. I swear I don't...". Lucy interrupts her by thrusting a letter into her hand and smiles, "I know, thank you, Mira-san." Mira's eyes widen as she read and re-read the letter. She eventually broke off into a smile and hugs Lucy while squealing, "I know you can do it, Lucy! Come on, let's get you your new stamp!"

Lucy allows Mira to drag herself out of the room, but not before Lucy shot Makarov a grateful look. Makarov nods his head and motions her to follow Mira. He smiles to himself, 'She's exactly like Layla.' Makarov looks down towards the whole stack of paperwork and pales. One day he will retire for sure.

Mira arrives the music room and pulls out a stamp of a fairy logo or some kind, Lucy couldn't tell. But she likes it either way. Mira explains, "This is called the Fairy Tail logo, as Blazing Bright keeps represent our school to take part in the competition. It shows that you are from Fairy Tail." Lucy stare at the stamp, feeling herself warms up to it immediately. Mira asks, "So what colour should it be? And where would you like it?" Lucy ponders, "Hmmm, pink will be alright. On my left hand, please!" Lucy couldn't help but smile in delight as Mira stamp it on her right hand. Mira said triumphantly, "There you go!" Mira suddenly gasps as she glance at the clock, "Lucy, you should go to your class. You still have classes to attend." Lucy examines her hand before nodding her head and beams at Mira, "Thank you, Mira-san! Well then, I will be going!" Mira bid her a goodbye before Lucy runs off to her class.

Just when she was passing the school gates, she saw Porlyusica there along with some people with a blue uniform. She looked annoyed while the group of people is persistent. Lucy approaches them quietly and asks, "Porlyusica-san, is there something wrong here?" Everyone stopped at once and stares at Lucy. A man nods his head at her and said, "You will be a fine witness, miss. We just want you to identify something." Porlyusica snaps, "I told you, there's no one like that here in Fairy Tail High. Go out, you group of..." The man interrupts, "Policemen, miss. We're just doing what's right."

Lucy pales, "P...Policemen?" The man coughs, "Anyway, young miss. Have you seen this boy before?" Lucy peers at the photo he showed and froze as she saw Gray Fullbuster. The image is unclear and thankfully, the photo doesn't show his face. It's taken from the back. Lucy groans to herself, 'You should be grateful to me, Gray Fullbuster.' before she smiles politely, "I'm so sorry, but I'm sure I haven't seen this guy before. Moreover, I'm not sure that the students here would be half-naked while walking outside. They have shame, you know. It may be someone in university or someone even older." The policemen didn't look convinced but sigh and walked out of the school.

Porlyusica grunts in disapproval, "Those bastards... Wasting my time for this nonsense!" Lucy frowns to herself, 'Maybe Porlyusica-san doesn't recognize Gray...' She said, "Well then, I will be going, Porlyusica-san." Just as Lucy takes a step, Porlyusica calls out loudly, "Tell that Fullbuster boy to keep it down, it's annoying with policemen at the school gates every week!" Lucy froze and turns her head, but Porlyusica is already nowhere in sight. Surely she can't be hearing things? She shrugs and run off to her class.

Meanwhile, in class, all the members of Blazing Bright shared the same class together with Cana, Lisanna, Minerva and one of the girls that is in the gang of Minerva named Flare. Levy sigh, "I guess Lu-chan's not coming…" Gray who is behind Levy, averts his gaze, "She did take it really badly…sometimes I wish you administrators would just stop being so secretive and tell us what's happening." Levy rolls her eyes, "I want to, but Gildarts said no. Not my choice." Gajeel, who is sitting with Levy groans, "Oh come on, shrimp! No one would know!"

Cana, sitting beside Gray agrees, "Yeah, it's not like they would know as long as you and I don't tell." Levy huffs, "No! That would not be…" Jellal, sitting in front of Levy and beside Erza interrupts, "Urm…guys? Can you please…" Erza turned her head and glares at them while hissing, "Will you four just shut up?! Laxus-san is teaching." Gray shivers, "Y...Yes, madam!" Cana snickers, "You are curious too, aren't you, Erza?" Erza winces slightly and sigh, "Yes I am, but I know Gildarts know what he's doing. After all, he's one of the top 5 musicians in Fiore. We must respect his decision no matter what." Cana suggests, "No matter when you want to cut his head off with your katana?" To her surprise, Erza nods her head, "No matter that too."

Gray looks behind him to find Natsu who is sitting next to Loke, raising his eyebrows at him. Gray comments, "You are extremely quiet today, Natsu." Levy teases, "That's because Lucy isn't here. Awwww~ he misses his girlfriend~" Natsu facepalm, "Would you guys just stop it?" All of them said in unison, "No way" Natsu rolls his eyes, "Don't talk to me anymore. From now on, none of you are my friends."

Cana joins in, "Want some beer? That could make up your depression." Natsu groans, "For the last time, I'm not depressed, okay?!" Cana rolls her eyes, "Suuuuuuuuuure" Loke adds, "Hey, he's being serious!" Natsu sigh in relief, "Oh thank god I still have a trustworthy friend."

Loke laughs and thumps him in the back, "Don't worry, Natsu. After all, Lucy's mine to talk." Erza, even sitting two rows in front of them, glows out a dangerous aura before Levy could and asks lowly, "What did you say?" Loke at once squeak and stammers, "I…I mean Lucy is Natsu's!" Erza smiles at him as the aura disappears, "That's right, both of them are meant to be!"

Jellal asks Erza in an amused tone, "You really want both of them to be together, don't you?" Erza replies cheerfully, "Of course! Lucy's my sister and Natsu's kinda like a brother to me. Besides, don't you think blonde and pink hair babies look cute? And just to think one day they will be calling me their aunt…" Erza sighs happily as the imagination begins to play in her mind. Jellal chuckles, "Why not just have your own children?" Erza blushes a shade of dark red, "U…urm…" Jellal raises his eyebrows teasingly.

Luckily, Laxus taps against his table rapidly and calls out, "Gajeel Redfox!" Gajeel grunts and stood up as Laxus asks, "How many strings is there on a ukulele?" Gajeel snickers, "Four strings" Laxus nods his head, "That's correct." But before he went back to class, he shot the whole group a warning glare. Erza lowers her head in shame but the others merely snicker.

Suddenly, the door opens softly, revealing a panting blonde, wincing when she realize all the attention is on her. Lucy went in and bows her head, "I'm sorry that I'm late, Laxus-san." Laxus nods absentmindedly but his eyes skim over her figure but stop at her hand with the Fairy Tail logo on. His eyes brightened up as he let out a satisfied smirk. He said, "Go sit down, Lucy. You are forgiven." Lucy bows once more before and search for a place to sit, but at once grimace when she saw it's beside Flare.

But before she can take another step, Loke abruptly stands up and offers his seat for Lucy. He smirks, "Take a seat, milady." Lucy blinks and sat down. She turns to see Loke sitting beside Flare, who seems quite pleased. Her eyes soften as she threw him an appreciative glance. Loke smiles and nods. She turns around to see all her friends gazing at her. Gray is the first one to speak first, "Dude, where were you? We've been worrying about you!" Lucy snaps, "Dealing with your problem, what else?" Gray blinks before he laughs, "Oh, you mean the police? Thanks, Lucy. You're the best!" Levy frowns and said, "No, WHERE WERE YOU, Lu-chan? Have you any idea how..." Levy is interrupted by Natsu at once. He chuckles and holds her hand to show them the Fairy Tail logo. Everyone except Cana gasp in delight as Lucy squeaks timidly, "Urm... Well, I'm in!"

Levy sighs out happily, "Oh Lu…" Lucy giggles but it instantly drops when Levy continues, "You actually got the same sign colour as Natsu!" Lucy and Natsu both groan. Lucy cried out, "Oh come on! Mine is pink while his is red! There's difference, you know!" Cana joins in, "But that doesn't change the fact you choose the same colour as his hair!" Erza pipes in, "And don't you think pink and red mix well? Pink stands for delicate while red stands for passionate" Lucy breathes deeply before sighing and put her hands up in defeat. Natsu rolls his eyes and retorts back, "Why don't you say so for you and Jellal?" Erza blushes a million-shade of dark red as Jellal blushes and glare at Natsu for putting him in this situation, to which all of them snicker.

Laxus coughs and glowers at the group, before snarling, "I would like to remind all of you that we are still in class." All of them sit straight and said nothing else more, to Erza and Jellal's relief. Laxus continues his class and manage to explain a new topic before the school bell rang. He sighs and grunts, "Right, we'll stop here brats." With that, he picks up all his books and files and steps out of class. The class let out a sigh of relief before packing their bag. Lucy stuffs everything into her bag only to look up and see everyone waiting for her at the door. She sweatdropped, seriously, why did they pack so fast? It hasn't even been 10 seconds!

Levy interrupts the blonde when she approaches them, "Don't worry, Lu-chan. You will just be as fast as us before long without realizing. It's really illogical." Lucy blinks, "How do you know what I'm thinking?" Natsu smirks, "We get that a lot from Gajeel and Loke." Lucy widens her eyes, "Wait…both of them are new? Hang on, now that you mention it, I've never heard of your story before!" Jellal smile at her, "We will tell you on our way."

Natsu starts, "So when we are still in Fairy Tail Middle School, I decided to join in the extra classes of a music band. I join in with someone else older than me. They look down on everyone and thought themselves as the best. It's really annoying. I've been treated like their slaves…" Lucy frowns worriedly as she saw Natsu's face darkens. But he continues with a smile, "But after a talk with my family, I quit their band, but I still want to join in a music band, that's why I create one for myself. It's quite difficult at first since I had to fill some application and that kind of stuff, but then I sort it all out. Gray is the first one to join in, since he is in the same class as me and loves music. We tried inviting other people to join in as well, but no one wanted to."

Gray continues, "It is hard to start a band with only 2 members. The school gave us a month to find at least 3 members but it's been 3 weeks and no one joins in. Just as we are almost losing our hope, Jellal and Erza came."

Erza pipes in, "Both me and Jellal are childhood friends and we share the same school. We love music and when we saw the list of bands to join, we figure someone our age will be better to hang out, that's why we choose Natsu's band."

Gray continues, "Natsu is the one that names the band Blazing Bright as he wants the band to shine out outstandingly, like a wild and passionate fire." Jellal interrupts, "And after that, we take part in the school competition, which led us to represent our school and take part for another competition for middle schoolers." Natsu said, "We achieved second place there. That is also the time when we started to get popular. We all attend Fairy Tail Middle-High after that and continue on with our band."

Jellal said, "We began to take parts in numerous competitions since then. We started to improve and achieve more gold trophies, and at the same time got more popular. We even take part in the interview from Weekly Sorcerer. It's a moment we can never forget." Erza said, "And after that, Gajeel joins in as well, which is followed by Loke." Gajeel smirks, "Since then, we began to take part in national or global competition. though we only managed to get to top 30, we are in the headlines for a week. And as you can see, we get really popular by then." Loke adds, "All of them are stunned by our performances and our handsomeness and beauty, of course."

Erza adds, "Makarov trusted us and ordered an engineer to build this music room just for us. He also asked Laxus and Gildarts to teach us while Levy and Mirajane to arrange all our schedules. That's why we give 1/3 of our reward money to him, for a sign of our gratitude."

Loke said, "And then everything went better and better since we take part in more competitions and have even been chosen to enter the Grand Tournament!" Levy pipes in, "It's brilliant news for all of us. We went to party in Natsu's house right after." Jellal smiles, "We achieved ninth and seventh the last year and before." Lucy cried out in delight, "That's amazing!"

Natsu smiles, "Yes indeed, but we need to improve still." Gajeel smirks, "It's pretty surprising for us to achieve the top 10." Levy sigh in depress, "But still we lost to Sabertooth, Raven Tail, Lamia Scale, Tartaros, and Alvarez." Gray declares, "But don't you worry, we've been practicing a lot lately, I'm sure we can achieve top 5 this year!" Lucy smiles, "I'm sure you all could!" Natsu coughs and raises his eyebrow, "You mean WE could."

Erza continues, "Some of our songs have been listed in top 5 most popular songs in Fiore. It has also been listed in the top 10 most popular songs in the whole world!" Loke nods, "That will be Payphone, you heard it before right?" Lucy nods and exclaims, "No wonder! That song is simply wonderful!" Levy elbows Lucy in her ribs teasingly, "You know, Natsu made that song." Lucy shot Natsu an impressed glance but ignore Levy's teasing tone, making her pouts.

Gajeel said, "And that's basically it…" Gray interrupts, "Don't forget about the time when Lisanna and the others join in! That time our band is way too popular, that's why we have to test them for their abilities. They didn't expect to have a test, and they failed horribly."

Natsu smile at Lucy as they arrive the music room, "And then you got in." Lucy gaze at them in awe, "Wow…it seems like all of you been through quite a lot!" Natsu chuckles, "Yes, but it's worth it in the end." Lucy sighs happily, "Happily ever after…" Erza smile, "I won't say it like that. There are still a lot of upcoming challenges. That's why we need you, Lucy." Lucy gazes up in determination, "I will do my best!" But the gaze falters as her brows furrows, "You know, I've been thinking about it...why is our school named Fairy Tail?"

Jellal replies, "There holds a deep meaning in it. It is rumored that Yuri Dreyar, the first to build this school, had heard someone asked if fairies have a tail. And that got him wondering." Gray continues, "He for one believes in fairy tales, myths, legends and such. He went on a journey to find the answer. He encountered a lot of adventures on his way. He met a lot of unknown place, foods, plants and even beasts. Some aren't as pleasant."

Natsu follows, "At the end of the day, he still can't find his answer, but that question only took him to plenty of adventure. And for that, he gained a lot of experience. That's why he named this school Fairy Tail. He hopes we, too encounter a lot of adventure in this school."

Lucy asks hesitantly, "Is he…alive?" Erza grimace, "It is unfortunate to say he died on his journey out of illness. It is quite unexpected. He was sent to Fiore's hospital to heal, but they couldn't help him. He is told that he still left a week to live. He wants to go to the wild again, but he can't even stand nor seat. He did leave a will, though, both to his family and the school."

Loke adds quietly, "He did say something extraordinary at the end that got everyone wondering, even now. He stated that he doesn't know if fairies have a tail, but he can be sure that they still live. No one know exactly what he meant, has he seen a fairy before? Then why can't he be certain if fairies have a tail? Or is it something that he had said incoherently?"

Lucy froze as that question sounded all too familiar. She herself had asks this question numerous times, 'Do fairies exist?' Her father had laughed it off while her friends have stifle a laugh and think of her as immature. Her maids think she's still innocent and merely giggle and patted her head. Only two exceptions. Aries, her most trusted maid, her best friend has state that she's not sure and she thinks that Lucy should find her answer when she grows up. Her second option, her mother, thinks so too. And she still didn't give up hope. And later, she found her answer, from one of Mavis Vermillion books…

Lucy whispers, "Fairies do live…... in our hearts…... In those who believes in fairies." Everyone froze as they watch Lucy seems to be drifting to another world, her eyes water slightly. She asked, "That's what he's trying to say... I think." She chokes a laugh and covers her face in embarrassment, "Sorry, I'm really emotional." Loke whispers to Jellal, "I don't get it, what's so touching about that?" Jellal rolls his eyes and said, "You know girl's stuff."

Erza hugs her, "That does make sense, but come on now. Don't cry, it ruins your pretty face." Gajeel snickers, "Bunnies are emotional." To which he got a punch from Gray. Gray hiss, "Don't insult her." Gajeel grunts, "What? Don't you know? Bunnies are really…...Wait, are you crying?!" They turn to see Levy sniffles and covers her face indignantly, "Of…Of course not! Why would I…I…"

Tears begin to slip down Levy's face. Loke winces, "Whoa there, Lev. Calm down. After all, everything has past." Gajeel grunts, "Whatever. I'm done with this drama." He slams the door open, but instantly shrunk back at the unpleasant sight. Laxus, Makarov and Mirajane are there. And currently the three of them are glaring at them.

Gray shivers and strangled a smile, "H…Hi?" Laxus glare at them, his rage seething out, "Natsu, I said to arrive here at 3, not 3:30!" Natsu mutters, "S…sorry…I forgot." Mirajane steps forward and smiles sweetly at them, "Yes, my dears, come in!"All of them shudder except Erza. She steps in, not affected by the venomous aura, which is followed by Jellal. Lucy lowers her gaze when she passed Mira. She at once jumps in fright when Mira slams the door close.

Makarov merely shakes his head in distress. Laxus growls, "Next time be on time! Anyway, Gramps want to inform you all…" All of them stop when Mira growls lowly and tilts her head and look at Laxus with her innocent chocolate brown orbs, "Next time?" Laxus sweatdrops, "Urm…you know what? They're all yours!" Mira smile at him before smiling deviously at all of the members.

Levy squeaks out, "Urm…I'm not counted in right? After all, I'm not one of the members…" Mira sighs and smiles at her, "Oh Levy…you are part of Blazing Bright. You've done a lot of them, you know. Moreover, you are their leader!" Levy manage to let out a smile before it completely falters as Mirajane continues, snarling, "That's why your punishment will be worse!"

All of them except Lucy trembles slightly, Mira the demon/Satan has come out. Mirajane yells, "Now tell me, you insolent rascals! Why are you late?! You know I absolutely hate people who arrive late!" Erza replies smoothly, "We are explaining our experience…" Mira screams, "I never told you to answer me!" All of them wince as Gajeel huffs, "You are the one that told us to tell you…"

Mira raises her eyebrows, "What? Can't you sense sarcasm?!" Natsu facepalm "Does that even count as…" Mirajane growls threateningly before Natsu gulps and stutters, "C…continue…" Mira snarls, "You will receive punishment!" Lucy steps out courageously, "Ano Mira, just punish me, I'm the one that ask them…" Mira at once smile sweetly at her, "Oh no dear, you all work as teammates. It's not your fault…alone."

Lucy shivers as Mira barks, "Clean the whole music room by today! Every instrument too! Tomorrow this place should be clean and tidy. I want to see the sparks in it! Do you hear me?! If there's so much as a dust…... Well, you know the outcome of it." Everyone nod their head furiously. Levy mumbles to Lucy, "Trust me when I said she's worse than Satan himself."

Unfortunately, Mira heard it and smiles, "Levy, do you really think so?" Levy froze and stammers, "W…Well…Satan couldn't have been as d…devious as you…...can he?" Mira at once demands, "How do you know?! Are you Satan himself?!" Levy shakes her head, "N…..." Mira interrupts, "Are you Satan?!" Levy squeaks out, "NO!" Mira laughs evilly, "That's right! You're not! I am Satan, of course I know how cruel Satan can be! Now stop whining and accept the punishment willingly!" Gray nods his head furiously while Mira blinks and returns to her old self. She said politely, "Makarov if you would."

Makarov wipes the cold sweat on his face while Laxus still stands rigidly beside him, but his knees somehow seem to tremble…weird…Anyway, Makarov coughs and said, "Well as you all can see, we have a new member here, Lucy Heartfilia. I hope you guys get along well."

Everyone smiles warmly at her. Suddenly, Mira squeals, "Oh right, I completely forgot about it! Congratulations, Lucy!" Lucy gulps as Mira steps forward and tried to hug her. Lucy's sense triggered and at once step backward and stutters, "Urm... It's okay, Mira-san. You don't have to..." She's still afraid of Mira.

Mira ignores her and promptly hugs her, "Welcome to the band, Lucy!" Lucy blushes and returns the hug until Mira said... "Well then, I will leave the band to you. If anyone of them arrives late... " Lucy at once breaks the hug and cried out, "Thank you so much for the warm embrace, Mira-san. But... Let's hear what Makarov-san has to say!"

Makarov sweatdrops and continues, "Anyway, I'm sure that Levy has informed all of you that your next competition will be in Tokyo, You will be competing with Phantom Lord, Quatro Cerberus and Oracein Seis. However, due to some incidents lately, your next competition will be held in Dawn City two weeks later, and you will be facing Phantom Lord, Quatro Cerberus and Lamia Scale. After that, the next competition will be held in Crocus, your opponents will be Oracein Seis, Blue Pegasus, and Phantom Lord."

Gray is the first to exclaim, "LAMIA SCALE?! They're our opponents?!" Lucy frowns, "What's the matter? Are they really strong?" Erza comments, "They are strong, we've never beat them before." Loke crosses his arms, "We're always a few marks behind them." Gray shakes his head, "That's not it, Lyon is going to be there too..." Lucy lightens up, "You mean Lyon Vastia? It's been so long since I last saw him!"

Levy said sternly, "They surely are strong, but we need to be careful of Phantom Lord." Gray widens his eyes, "Juvia's going to be there too..." Natsu growls, "Those guys... If they dare cheat..." Laxus said, "Don't worry about those guys. We will be watching them. Makarov coughs, "Anyway, the prize will be $100 000 along with a big trophy, so be sure to win it!"

Natsu smirks at him confidently, "Count on us, gramps! We will definitely sweep them off their feet!" Mira giggles, "That's the spirit! Oh right, we've already planned a trip for all of you." Makarov interrupts, "That's why you guys will have to win the first prize no matter what! GOT IT, BRATS?!"

Everyone gasp in delight at the mention of that. Lucy takes a deep breath and smiles confidently, "We can do it!"