"So would you mind telling us what happened?"

Natsu looked down like he would rather not answer. Lisanna waved her hands. "If you don't want to talk about it, it's ok. Just take your time."

"No." a voice sounded from the door. Everyone turned to look to see Master Makarov. "Natsu, usually I would allow you to take your time, but we need to know what happened in case anyone's in danger. We need to know. So, would you like to tell the story here or down in the guild hall?"

Natsu looked grim as he looked to Lucy. "I think I might break down if I tell it in front of Lucy. Lisanna, can you help me down there?"

Lisanna blushed but nodded. She set his food tray on one of the tables and helped him stand up. As they walked down the stairs, guild member called to Natsu and welcomed him back. He barely acknowledged them though as he tried to figure out exactly what he was going to say.

Master quieted everyone once Natsu got to a stool at the bar. "Everyone, Natsu has decided to tell everyone here what happened. So, Natsu, go ahead."

Natsu coughed. "Well it started when we got back from that mission. We decided to take the long way to the guild because Lucy said it was so nice outside. But as we were walking by some trees, I noticed an odd smell. When I turned to look, I saw red dragon scales like Igneels. I must have stopped walking at some point because Lucy called my name from far ahead. When I told her what I saw, she asked if I wanted to take a look. So we walked into the forest. Whatever it was must have run off, because we couldn't find it. But then I heard a growl and that scent was back. Before I knew it this bronze dragon-like creature was attacking me and Luce. It had armor with some guild symbol on it."

'So it was because of a guild." Makarov thought.

"It also had gloves that had extended talons and I smelled poison on them. I told Lucy to be cautious and she brought out one of her spirits. But it was fast. Me and Lucy's spirit were trying to work together, but our attacks kept hitting the other. The creature got a lot of hits on both of us. After her spirit left, it went to attack Luce."

On the other side of the room, Laxus cringed and his anger was noticeable. It had gone after his Lucy. ''His' Lucy? Baka.' he thought.

Natsu continued. "But I had him. His back was turned and I could easily defeat him before I knew I need to rest. But then that stupid lion appeared. After that I was knocked out cold. When I woke up, the thing had run off. And then I turned to Luce." His face went pale, while Laxus silently growled.

"She was just lying there in all that blood. The smell was overwhelming but I went over to her. She was just barely conscious and before she fell unconscious she… she asked me to… to save…her." Natsu was shaking at this point. "I promised her I would."

"Thank you, Natsu, for telling us. Now we know it was a guild, possibly a dark guild that attacked them. Natsu, if you would please describe the guild symbol to Reedus for him to draw. Reedus, bring it directly to me when you're done."

Reedus nodded and hurried over to Natsu. Makarov stepped back into his office. Everyone else in the guild hall murmured amongst themselves.

Gajeel sat in his corner and spoke up. "It's almost like they were sending a sign or a message."

"What do you mean?" Mira asked.

"It's like when I was in Phantom. Master Jose sent me out to send a message to you all. To scare you. It almost seemed like the same thing is happening here. Beat up a few members, make sure they see your guild sign, put everyone on edge. I could be wrong. It's just my theory."

"Do you think they'll hurt anyone else?" Romeo piped up. "Do you think they'll attack us?"

"Probably. If it's a dark guild, there's no doubt." Macao declared.

"Well, let them attack. We need to set up a defense system. Levy and Freed can put up runes surrounding the guild." Erza ordered. "And absolutely no one goes out alone. When they come, we have to protect Lucy. She still hasn't come to and it would be horrible if an enemy were to get her while she's out."

Laxus, who had been silently listening to everything, stood up and marched up the stairs. No one was going to even get near Lucy if he had anything to do with it.

Mira and Erza watched him go. Erza then turned to Mira. "We have a basement, correct?" Mira nodded. "Do you think it would be best to bring Lucy down there in case there just happens to be fighting in the guild? Being on the second floor won't help her if the roof caves in. We are, after all, the most destructive guild."

Mira laughed. "Yes, I think we should move her. But let's wait a little while. If she doesn't come to in a few hours, we'll move her."

Erza agreed.

Reedus suddenly leapt up and ran to the master's office. Inside sat Makarov on his desk and Porlyusica in a chair to the side.

"Master, I've got the guild's symbol here. I don't think I've seen it before." Reedus handed the picture over and left.

Master took the picture and stared. This was a dark guild the council has been after. The symbol was a dragon twisting around to make the shape of a treble-clef.

"Do you know who it is, Makarov?" Porlyusica asked.

Makarov nodded. "Draco Melody."

"I haven't heard of them."

"The council has been after them for some time but has been keeping quiet. The guild hasn't done much but brag about their superiority. They call themselves the strongest."

"Do you know who the master is?"

Makarov sighed. "Sadly."

"Well?" Porlyusica asked impatiently.

"Laxus isn't going to like this." Makarov mumbled. "The guy's name is Kylrad. He was a friend of Laxus' when they were younger."