Chapter 11: Welcome To Fairy Tail!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or High School DxD. The former is owned by Hiro Mashima and the latter is owned by Ichiei Ishibumi.
We currently find Natsu standing in the court room of the Magic Council Fiore Branch Building. In front of him is a large podium where all of the members of the Magic Council are sitting. All of the members are using thought projection to appear at the branch building from the Magic Council Headquarters. Akeno and Meredy are standing a few feet behind him wearing magic-restraining handcuffs. Akeno was wearing a formal black kimono while Meredy wore her usual uniform with the red cape. Master Makarov is sitting in the front row of the several stands used for the public. The rest of the stands are completely empty with only those four people before the magic council. Master Makarov insisted on overseeing this trial to know the outcome immediately.
"I believe that we are ready to begin the trial now." The chairman Gran Doma announced. "You may speak Natsu Dragneel."
"Okay. Before I get to the point, I have a couple of questions to ask. First off...WHY THE HELL AM I IN HANDCUFFS!" Natsu shouted with tick marks on his head while raising his hands ups.
"Mr. Dragneel! You will calm yourself now or you will be asked to leave!" The councilman known as Org roared. "That kind of behavior is exactly why we had you wear those handcuffs. You are very unstable and have caused damages to this building on multiple occasions."
Natsu whipped his head back from hearing Akeno and Meredy snickering behind me. By the time he turned around, they were just looking around the room and whistling.
'Oh what the hell you laughing at.' Natsu thought now getting annoyed. Still he knew he would get nowhere acting like this.
"I apologize for my outburst. You shouldn't have to worry about me wrecking the place no more. I'm a new man ever since I became S-class." Natsu said sincerely trying to get the council back on his side.
This caused all of the members mouths' to drop. The last thing they would expect from Natsu is an apology. "I see. Good to know that you are finally showing more respect in front of us. What would be your second question?" Org asked after recovering from the initial shock.
"My second question would be why we had to turn this thing into some big trial? You guys already promised to grant me one favor after the Oracion Seis incident.
"You are correct Mr. Dragneel, but we did not anticipate you asking for something as serious as this. Personally, I am surprised you didn't ask us to forget all of the damage bills sent to your guild from your many missions. Honestly, we thought you had forgotten about that favor." Councilman Yajima said.
Makarov's eyes suddenly shot open."Excuse me...Natsu! Why didn't you tell you could have asked for that! Is it too late to change your mind?! Please! I'm begging you!" Makarov pleaded as he was now on his knees in front of Natsu with his hands clasped together and tears streaming down in a comical fashion.
Natsu gave the Master an annoyed look. "Oh really Master because you seemed completely on board with this once you got to meet the girls."
Makarov stopped crying and looked away from everybody in embarrasment. "By whatever do you mean by dear boy?" He said nervously.
Natsu just narrowed his eyes at him.
Flashback
Natsu and Master Makarov were walking up the stone steps to the abandoned shrine.
"I really appreciate you considering this Master. I understand you wanting to meet the people I'm talking about."
"Thanks for your understanding my boy. This matter will affect the entire guild. This is a risky move we are making considering our situation with Grimoire Heart. Still, if your willing to accept the person that tried to kill you, then I know you must have complete faith in them."
"I feel bad about putting the guild at risk, but I would also feel bad if I didn't try and help Akeno. Don't get me wrong. I considered that she may just be making up that stuff about her master to get close to us. Though the way she said it made my gut believe that she was telling the truth. I can tell that she truly is suffering and needs guidance at this time."
Makarov smiled at Natsu. "Looks like you have been listening to some of the things I've said. It's hard to believe you have matured this much. You're able to look deep inside of people and look past what they've done. That's a wonderful view on life Natsu. Please hang on to that."
Natsu smiled his toothy grin back at the Master. "You got it!"
'I just wish Laxus could have a similar view on life.' Master Makarov thought as the two approached the shrine. The two stopped abruptly when Natsu placed his hand on the Master's shoulder.
"One more thing before we go on in Master. I'm gonna ask that you try to keep yourself in control." Natsu said in a serious tone.
"Don't worry Natsu. I'm still furious with Grimoire Heart, but you said these two mages have abandoned their guild showing that they must resent their actions. I can't forgive the action of badly hurting two of my children, but I will not take my fury out on her. From what you said, I know that she did do that of her own free will." The Master spoke quietly just in case the two could hear them from inside the shrine.
"I know Master. That's not what I'm referring to."
"Oh...then what are you referring to?" The Master asked being very confused now.
Natsu was silent for a moment trying to figure out the best way to put this. "Um...I'm aware of your behavior when...you first meet beautiful women...could you please...not act that way here?" Natsus cheeks grew red out of embarrassment.
"Natsu. This is a serious matter. What kind of person do you think I am" The Master felt offended that Natsu would think he would do that in a situation like this.
"You're right. Sorry Gramps. Lets head on in."
Natsu slid open the door to the shrine open to find Akeno and Meredy waiting for them. Both of them were in their more casual attire since they have been living on the run for a while. Akeno just wore a plain white t-shirt with red sweatpants. The t-shirt really made her chest pop out. Meredy wore a pink t-shirt and blue jeans.
"Good to see you again Natsu. I'm glad you came back so soon." Akeno said sweetly.
"Yeah. Well the sooner we get this done the better. My guild master just wants to meet you guys before we consider asking the magic council."
"That sounds acceptable." Meredy said formally.
"You want to introduce yourself Master?...Master?...Hello."
Master Makarov forgot what he just a said a few seconds ago and was frozen staring at Akeno's bountiful bosom poking out her white t-shirt. He had never been in the presence of breasts that big in his life. They even surpassed Erza's.
'Holy bazongas. Are those real!' The Master thought.
"I'm sorry. It feels uncontrollably warm in here." The Master said nervously with his face getting red and starting to sweat. He was having a hard time trying to keep himself in control.
Natsu noticed this and slapped his forehead. 'Thanks a lot Master.'
"Are you feeling alright?" Akeno asked the uncomfortable Master.
"Oh yes. Don't worry about me young lady. Allow me to introduce myself." The Master began to slowly walk towards Akeno and Meredy who were now standing up. "My name is Makarov Dreyer, Fairy Tail's third guild master. Nice to meet you." He extended his right hand waiting for Akeno to shake it.
Akeno let out a small gasp and started to blush.
"Is something wrong." Master Makarov asked concernedly.
"No...It's just that...Your right hand is groping my breast." Akeno said feeling a little embarrassed.
The Master looked away from Akeno's face and was horrified to see his right hand had extended all the way to Akeno's right breast and was cupping it.
"Oh...It would appear so."
"Also, Your left hand is grabbing my butt."
Makarov looked down even lower and his left hand had also extended and it was indeed grasping Akeno's butt
"I see...I'm terribly sorry...My hands seem to have a mind of their own...And I can't seem to stop." There were no words that could describe the awkwardness in that room.
Meredy finally made a move and shot her foot across The Master's head sending him flying into the wall with blood gushing from his nose and a large bump on his head. "GET YOUR DISGUSTING HANDS OFF OF HER YOU PERVERTED GEEZER!" She shouted ferociously. Natsu was taken aback by her outburst. She was normally so calm and used formal language so that was definitely unexpected.
"Dang." 'So she does have some form of a personality.' Natsu thought that last part.
"I knew we shouldn't have trusted them. Their entire guild must be filled with lecherous men with him as their leader. You think just because you're such a powerful wizard that you can do what you want with women..." Meredy started to rant off to a confused Makarov with his eyes spinning in a dizzy manner. That powerful kick really caught him by surprise. Akeno walked over to Natsu while those two were busy.
"I'm sorry you had to see that side of her. Trust me. She's a lot friendly once she trusts you." Akeno spoke to Natsu.
"Good to know. I'm terribly sorry for my master. I guarantee that he doesn't always behave like this." Natsu bowed down before Akeno apologizing for his guild master's shenanigans.
"Don't worry about it. It's happened to me before, but don't that let discourage you. Since you're so special to me, I will make an exception just for you."
Natsu's body shot back up with a blank look in case he misunderstood her. "Excuse me." He deadpanned.
Akeno began to smile with lustful intent. "It's alright. After all you've done for me I think you deserve a big reward. They're all yours." She said playfully as she placed her hands under her breasts offering them to Natsu.'
'Where did this come from! Shit! I don't think I'm mentally prepared for this side of Akeno.' Natsu panicked.
"What the hell are you doing Akeno!" Meredy shouted as she pushed the two away from each other. "Don't just offer yourself to him. He's probably a pervert just like his master. I have an idea. Hit me with your dragon-slayer magic while I form a sensory link with that old fool."
"Huh?" Natsu was confused.
"Her magic is...interesting. Come on Meredy. You're overreacting."
"No Mira! I swear I didn't take those pictures. I just found them in Sorcerer Weekly. Please don't hurt me!" The Master babbled on still delirious from that kick.
"Aw come on!" Natsu shouted with tick marks on his head.
End Flashback
"Oh for shame Maki." Councilman Yajima said while shaking his head side to side at Makarov.
"What's the big idea! I thought we were friends!" Makarov replied.
"Enough of this nonsense! Let's get back to the matter at hand." Chairman Gran Doma announced. "Org. Please read off the profiles we gathered."
"Yes Chairman. The mages in questions are Akeno Himejima and Meredy Milkovich. Is this correct?" Org asked the two girls while holding their paperwork in his hands.
"Yes sir." Both girls responded politely.
"Thank you. Both of you are recognized as part of the elite task force known as The Seven Kin of Purgatory in the dark guild Grimoire Heart. You claimed that both of you have been members of the guild for at least six years, but have just joined The Seven Kin three months ago. Also, you have been disbanded from the guild for about a month now. Would you two say that you played a less important role in Grimoire Heart?"
"That is correct. We were given less important tasks given our lack of experience and age compared to the rest of the guild. We barely contributed to the main goals of the guild." Akeno said.
"Is that what you claim? Even so, we have gathered reports of Grimoire Heart raiding three towns during the two month period you were part of the Seven Kin. These reports claim that all of these raids have accumulated hundreds of lost lives with only minimal surviving witnesses. Some witnesses have reported members of the Seven Kin leading every raid and others describing you two. Do you both admit that you participated in every one of these raids?"
Both Akeno and Meredy were silent for a moment with grim faces. It was hard for them to believe that so many lives were lost in the few missions they participated in. They were only responsible for a small portion of the dead, but they still witnessed all of their corpses. People of all ages littered the destroyed towns. Grandparents, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, no one was spared. They felt responsible for destroying all of those families. They could have saved at least some of them from the wrath of the other members. How can they justify their reasons? Do they deserve to be allowed to roam free?
"Yes." Meredy finally said for both of them. "We participated in all three raids during that two month period."
"Despite your short involvement, you were still present for much destruction and many casualties. With that said and despite our promise to Natsu Dragneel, what reasons do you have for leaving Grimoire Heart? What do you hope to accomplish? Most importantly, why should we trust you?"
That was a good question. Why should they be trusted? What insurance is there that they won't just turn on everybody? What if this is all part of a big plan? Both the girls and the council are in a really difficult position.
"We left because we realized how foolish we were to blindly follow the Master of that guild. We just did whatever he told us and didn't question it. We were both treated poorly by members of the guild as well. We are ready to find new lives and try to atone for what we have done. I know it is hard for you to trust us, but we are prepared to do anything to prove our loyalty to you." Akeno said as she and Meredy bowed before the council.
"Well said. What is your decision Chairman Gran Doma?" Org asked/
"Since you are willing to prove your loyalty then I have some conditions in order to approve this decision. If you are to join Fairy Tail, you will disclose any useful information you have on Grimoire Heart to The Magic Council. We are still unclear of their primary motives and they must be stopped. Are you prepared do that?
"We are fully prepared to do so. We are far from friendly terms with them now." Akeno said in a serious tone.
"Thank you for your cooperation. Also, do keep in mind that Fairy Tail has many powerful mages besides Mr. Dragneel here. I'm sure they will all be keeping a close eye on you two and they will be prepared for any signs of betrayal. On that subject in mind, I have something to ask of you Natsu Dragneel.
"Yes Chairman Gran Doma?" Natsu asked politely.
"Since you are the one asking to let these two mages join your guild, I see it fit that you be the one responsible for them. This means that you will escort them on every job they go on and take note of their behavior and actions until we say otherwise. Understand this, if they do anything unlawful, it will be held on your head. Are you prepared to take this responsibility Natsu?
"You bet I am. I will not go back on my word. I have complete faith in them." Natsu said in a determined tone. Akeno smiled at Natsu's response.
"Very well then. I hereby grant your request Natsu Dragneel. Akeno Himejima and Meredy Milkovich will no longer be wanted by The Magic Council and will be allowed to join Fairy Tail. You are all dismissed." Chairman Gran Doma announced.
Fairy Tail
"Everyone listen up! I have an announcement!" The Master called out to everybody in the guild. Everyone's attention was now focused on him as he stood on the bar-top with Natsu sitting on a bar stool next to him.
"If this is about me stealing those ten missing barrels of alcohol, I'm sorry." Cana admitted due to her buzz.
"You did what!"
"Nothing!"
"I'll be angry about that later. There are more pressing matters right now." Both him and Natsu were worried about how the guild would take this news He spent the last hour discussing with Natsu and the girls on how they're going to put this.
"Today, we are going to welcome two new members to the Fairy Tail family." The Master announced to the whole guild. Their natural reaction would be to cheer as loud as they could. New members always called for a celebration.
"First Natsu's back and now this. The good news just keeps on coming."
"Alright! I can't wait to test their manliness!"
"I can't wait to make some new friends!"
"Not just one, but two! We just keep growing and growing!"
Everybody was enthusiastic about the new members except one particular table. This table consisted of the Thunder Legion which was rarely seen hanging around the guild.
Laxus scoffed. "Whatever. They're probably nothing special. This guild doesn't need anymore weaklings. If anything, we should be getting rid of some members."
Natsu heard Laxus with his sensitive ears and started to clench his hands in anger. He would to put that aside because he had more important things to worry about.
"Alright everyone settle down. There's some things I need to mention before introducing the new members!" The Master shouted out. Everyone soon got quiet.
"Just hear me out. Try to be understanding of what I am about to say." Everyone was getting really interested now.
"These two mages are former members of the dark guild, Grimoire Heart. One of them happens to be the mage that tried to assassinate Natsu." He put bluntly.
There was no sound in the room. Everyone still remained silent. Their mouths were open, but no sound was coming out.
Now the guild was filled with voices of confusion and outrage.
"What the hell are you saying old man!"
"How can you even joke about that?!"
"Forget what I said! This is terrible news!"
"After what they did to Natsu! How can you do this to him...
"Actually Natsu asked them to come. He even got the Magic Council to allow to join." Master interjected.
Again there was dead silence in the room from an even more shocking development.
Natsu turned his head towards Master with a look of betrayal. "Don't put all the attention on me!"
"This was your doing! So you take responsibility!" Makarov argued back wanting to bail out of the role.
"This is not how we rehearsed this!"
Everybody in the building sweat dropped as Natsu and Makarov argued.
"Fine. Let's just get this done. Did you really have to mention the one that almost killed me?" Natsu complained.
"I may have been a bit blunt, but they were going to find out eventually." Master replied.
"Okay look guys. Let me try to shorten this down." Everyone tuned in to Natsu as they were eager to find out what he would say.
"This Grimoire Heart mage did come close to killing me, but she chose to spare me. She let me live because I helped her realize how bad her life was in Grimoire Heart. This convinced her to quit the guild, but she had to remain hidden due to still being a dark mage. I wanted to give her a chance at a better life so I used my favor from The Magic Council to get her off the wanted list. And here we are...Oh and her friend tagged along too." Natsu briefly summarized.
"Leave it to the kid to make friends with the enemy. This is the kind of softness that's destroying Fairy Tail! How fucking stupid are you!" Laxus shouted angrily at Natsu.
"That little twerp thinks he can make decisions like that." Evergreen commented.
"I hope those two mages turn on him so he learns his lesson." Bickslow said.
"Are you all so blind to this criminal's actions! This is an act of betrayal! I want that this lowlife banished from the guild immediately! I demand just-" Freed's preaching was cut off when a steel club rammed straight into his face. A loud thud was heard as Freed's body slammed into the wall. Natsu was about to say something, but wanted to see how this would play out.
"I've had enough of you talking shit about my rival pretty-boy. I don't care how crazy it may sound I respect what he's doing. He allowed me to join the guild even after I tried to kill him. I'll stand by his decision and kick the ass of anyone who disagrees him." Gajeel threatened.
Elfman was now beside Gajeel in his Full-Body Takeover: Beast Soul. He towered over the The Thunder Legion with a furious look on his beastly face
"You guys ain't even half the man Natsu is! Try saying something else about my pal! You'll regret it!" The whole guild shook as Elfman bellowed and slammed his closed fist into his other one.
Gray soon joined them. Cold air blew off him as he got into the stance for his Ice-Magic Magic.
"Natsu has done more for Fairy Tail than anyone else here. He is the heart and soul of this guild. This idea may be crazy, but I know he means well. If you have the nerve to insult him, then you jerks obviously have no idea what Fairy Tail is all about!"
Natsu smiled in relief at the scene before him. Even if the whole guild turned against him, Natsu's friends would still be there to back him up. Everyone's attitude changed at what they just heard. They remembered what it means to be a Fairy Tail wizard. It is a guild that can a home to anyone no matter their background. This is a risk they must take to preserve the honor of their guild. Natsu was known for having the craziest ideas, but everything usually works out in the end.
Erza was the first one to step up and walk over to Natsu. He had expected her to be furious with him, but she looked at him with respect.
"Natsu."
"Yeah Erza." He replied casually.
"I'm not comfortable with this decision, but I will trust your judgement and go along with it." Erza had never treated Natsu with this much respect. It seems like she was finally accepting him as a S-class mage and a formidable opponent.
"Thanks Erza." Natsu replied and smiled at his former mentor.
Everybody wasn't cheering like before, but they said their words of support.
"If Natsu's willing to forgive these people, then we should give them a chance."
"He actually went to straight to The Magic Council, he must have faith in them."
"It would be bad for our rep if we turned these people away."
Laxus gritted his teeth in anger at the support they gave Natsu. "Enough of this bullshit! You're all a bunch of losers like the pink-haired runt! We're out of this dump!" Laxus stormed off with his team behind him. Freed tried to hide his face in shame from all the bruises he got from Gajeel.
Natsu's gang looked at him expecting some orders. "Don't bother guys. They're not worth it." Natsu reassured them. "Still, thanks for having my back like always." He said sincerely as he gave them a thumbs up which they gladly returned. "And thank you everybody. I think this is a hard thing to accept, but I know it will work out in the end. You girls can come out now!" Natsu called out out to the backroom giving Akeno and Meredy the ok to come out.
The two girls emerged from the backroom wearing the same formal attire from earlier that day. Now that the situation was calm again, The Master took over.
"I would like to introduce the two new members of the Fairy Tail family. Akeno Himejima and Meredy Milkovich." Both of the girls stepped forward and bowed before everybody.
"Please to meet you all. thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your guild." They both said sincerely.
The mood was marginally better on the guys side once they got a look at Akeno. It was doubtful that they even noticed Meredy right next to her. Every man in the guild was entranced by her beauty while the women were ready to hit them all over the head.
"Maybe we were a bit off harsh, everybody deserves a second chance!"
"I'm so sorry if we offended you, let me make it up to you with dinner!"
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Consider yourself a member of our family!"
Every guy in the guild began crowding around Akeno while Meredy watched with tick marks on her head. Mirajane walked over to them with a box of guild stamps.
"What color and where do you want it?" She asked cheerfully.
Akeno thought about it for a moment. She looked back at Natsu and noticed the red guild mark on his right arm. She rolled up her sleeve and pointed to the same spot on her arm."
"I would like a purple stamp right here." She asked. Mirajane noticed the connection and smirked.
"Interesting. You got it!" Mira pressed the magic stamp onto her arm marking her with the Fairy Tail emblem. "What about you?" She asked Meredy.
"Right here and pink." Meredy asked extending her right leg and pointing to her thigh. It was one of the few places where her skin was exposed. Perhaps she chose that spot to try to get the male members to notice her as well. She didn't act like it, but she must have wanted the attention.
After Mira stamped Meredy, Akeno decided that she better clear things up before they get out of hand.
"I'm sorry boys, but I'm already taken." Akeno said with a playful giggle.
"Huh?!" All of the men exclaimed and turned a pale white like ghosts.
"You see when Natsu helped me out, he captured my heart in the process."
If Natsu was drinking something, he would be spitting it out at that moment. 'That is definitely not what we rehearsed!' Natsu panicked internally.
"That's the main reason I really wanted to come here. I'm not a fan of long distance relationships. Also, I wouldn't feel safe knowing that my boyfriend is alone with many beautiful women." She said happily.
"Man. Who would have thought Salamander would wind up with her of all people. At least he finally picked one." Gajeel commented.
"He actually got his killer to fall for him. Damn he's good!" Elfman was impressed.
"I just wish he would have given us a chance at least!" Gray was madly jealous.
"I have no idea what she's talking about!" Natsu exclaimed before things got out of hand. Before he knew it, Akeno was right next to him with one hand around his body and her other hand stroking his chin affectionately.
"Your reactions are so funny! It's no big deal. You don't have to be embarrassed about it."
"That's not what I'm worried about." Just as Natsu said that a very dark aura has just come into their presence. In front of them was Wendy with piercing red eyes holding the dreaded frying pan.
Natsu got out of Akeno's grasp and began to tremble in fear. "Wwwendy. I cccan explain." He said nervously.
"No talking back!" With that she lunged at him with the frying pan and Natsu took off running around the guild hall. Both of them soon began running in circles around the room in a humorous manner. Everyone just stood back and enjoyed the show.
"Stop running Natsu! I just want to tell you something!"
"I don't think I want to hear it!"
"I promise I'll be gentle!"
"That's what you always say!"
"Solid Script: Hole" A giant hole suddenly appeared below Natsu causing him to plummet into the darkness.
"Aaahhhhhhhhh! Ow!" There was a loud thud as Natsu hit the ground.
"Is it too late for me to apologize Levy?" Natsu said weakly.
"Accept your fate Natsu!" Levy called down the hole angrily. Wendy soon jumped down the hole as well.
"You're all mine now!" Wendy screamed having him trapped like a rat.
"Why mmmeeeeeeee?!" Natsu cried out.
"Bang"
Poor guy. Now that we have Akeno and Meredy in Fairy Tail where will things go from here?
Review Responses:
fangs of death: Glad you were surprised.
ValinNight: Hope you were satisfied with how the council meeting went.
amvman52: The romance will definitely start to kick in now.
AbyssFromHell: Thanks a bunch.
Jalis: Glad you decided to stick with my story. I haven't thought about pairing Meredy with anybody at this time.
InTheLifeofJake: Easy there man. I'll get to that eventually. It's unlikely that I'm going to add Rias later with the relationship he and Akeno will have.
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See you guys next time.
