Author's Note: Yo everyone! Been a while, I know, work got me like that. Little thing though, I will be moving in the coming week so updates might be like once a week for a bit but I'll try to return to a regular pace.
To answer one review I got in a guest message, without being a spoiler for some things. I was asked if Logia is recovering her power from her first life or if it is completely new while using her father's magic. The answer to that question is both in a sense. There will be a chapter that answers this question specifically but until then, I'll explain Logia's situation power wise.
In my AU, characters with magic power have a reserve and a channel that let's them pull that power. When characters pull more power than their channels can handle, it results in damage (think Natsu when he used Etherion to achieve Dragon Force). Now, when Logia was reverted to a child, her channel was forced to become smaller and her reserve drained but it didn't get smaller. That was why she felt as powerful as during the war when she fought Immortalis, she forced her channel to funnel as much power as she once did but the effect was temporary and she now has to train to increase the size of her channel while her reserves are the same as they once were and are only getting larger.
Hope that helps answer a few questions. Now, a question for my readers will appear at the end of the chapter and I really hope to get some feedback on it so please check it out.
Anyways, on to the chapter and hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail
Logia was walking down one of the busy streets of Magnolia, the sun beginning its ascent as the morning got under way. She glanced around to see several shops and vendors already ready for the day to come, a few shoppers out as well. She enjoyed the peace and quiet of the morning, enjoying the lingering scent of morning dew, and the cool atmosphere. She glanced up to see a cloudless sky as a few birds flew in and out of her sight. She sighed contently as she continued to move, her advanced hearing picking up the few comments about her from the locals already up.
"Wow … isn't that one of the Goddesses?" asked a young man as he unloaded a fruit crate to his companion that was organizing them.
"Sure is … what a beauty," the other replied.
She couldn't help giggle at the compliment and title given to her after the Grand Magic Games. They returned to Magnolia a little over a week ago to quite the large greeting. The city came out to see them and cheer them on for their success at the tournament. Of course this brightened the already lively mood for everyone and it only got better. The mayor had personally come out to meet them and present them with their old guild hall that had been restored by the citizens of Magnolia. Of course that made Makarov start bawling right there while shouting how much he loved their town.
As for the new title, it came with the victories and rumors about the dragon attacks. Most of Fiore had watched her fight with Damian, then Immortalis, and it was known that she downed one of the dragons in seconds. Then there was Erza with her display in Pandemonium, and her fight with Kagura and Minerva that simply launched her nearly legendary fame to greater heights. As for Mira, that goddess title was already a given thanks to her beauty but it was cemented with the story of how she was the only non-dragon slayer to help down a dragon. With all these stories, soon the three were thrown together into the ranks as, The Goddesses of Fairy Tail.
When they first caught wind of the new title, Sorcerer Weekly had already published on it with an article specifically focused on them and what they did in the games. Of course that brought a veritable wave of reporters to the guild which were quickly chased away with a few threats of bodily harm should they keep insisting and barging into the guild. Jason was one of the few that remained persist but thanks to being known to most of the members and having means to butter up some of the members, he escaped with an intact body.
Personally Logia hadn't been too interested in answering the brief questions but tried to humor him along with some bribing thanks to Mira. The funniest thing that happened with that though was answering Jason on the fact that she isn't single … or who that significant other is. Jason looked like he was ready to pop in excitement at the news and how it would sell copies like no tomorrow. At least she was sure that particular piece wouldn't be out for another few weeks since there was so much material to cover from all the other members.
As for the guild, they were getting back into the swing of things. Requests were flooding them, from D all the way to S in rank and keeping the guild busy. She'd actually finished an S-class mission just yesterday and was really excited to be back at the guild. Sure, the mission only took her a little over a day since it required hunting down a pack of beasts rampaging near the south, but she really didn't like being apart from Mira. Said devil had her own mission at the same time and so the pair said quick goodbyes before leaving for their respective jobs. Now she was just excited to see Mira again for a whole slew of reasons.
So she quickened her step as the guild came into view, finding it quite refreshing to be back in the large guild hall rather than the little mill. She soon arrived at the small courtyard they had before the actual door to the hall, spotting a member or two out and about. Many of them were somewhat new faces to her since they had come back after their departure during the 7 years. They'd needed to leave for their own reasons such as to maintain a living after Fairy Tail stopped getting enough jobs for them to make ends meet. They were welcomed back with no hard feelings, many of those who'd remained understanding that times were hard and that they'd considered it themselves.
She couldn't help but smile at the memory of all the constant partying they'd had as the guild filled up back to its state before the Tenrou incident and if anything, it was even louder now. She giggled a little at that as she opened the doors to enter the hall … only to be tackled to the ground before something met her lips. She was too shocked to react for a second before the familiar taste of vanilla and cinnamon filled her mouth as she returned the kiss eagerly. It lasted for a few seconds before the kiss broke apart and her assailant looked down at her while still sitting on her.
"Hello~" Mira cooed with a big smile.
Logia just smiled back as she sat up while Mira remained on her lap, straddling her and not giving a damn if anyone could see them though it was still pretty early in the day. Mira was dressed in a similar attire to that from before Lisanna disappeared with the key difference being that her hair wasn't in a ponytail and she didn't where the choker so that her mating mark was clearly visible. She'd opted out of the mini skirt that she'd used during the Hellhound mission by Logia's request because Logia only needed to see her wearing that before she all but hauled her away to get hot and heavy … not that Mira minded in the least.
"Hey," Logia replied sweetly as she gave Mira another peck of a kiss before asking, "When did you get back?"
"About an hour ago," she replied happily. "And I got the jump on you," she added with glee.
"Well that's cause your down wind of me," Logia defended with a playful pout.
"If you say so," Mira teased as she got up and then helped Logia up as well. "But soon my senses might get better than yours."
"Not a chance," Logia replied while hip-checking Mira and walking into the guild.
She heard Mira giggle as they made their way into the large hall and went straight for the bar where Makarov was currently sitting with a beer already in hand and Kinana wiping down the counter. Since Mira was to remain mostly active from now on, Kinana had been promoted into Head Barmaid while also helping with getting missions registered. The couple sat at the bar comfortably while Logia pulled her completed misson flyer and handed it to Kinana for recording purposes.
"Hello Diana," Makrov greeted cheerily as he looked at the couple.
Logia smiled at him after the briefest moment of delay since she was starting to get accustomed to Mira calling her Logia more even while the rest of the guild still called her by Diana.
"Hey master," she said in her usually soft and sweet voice.
"So, how was the mission?" he continued.
"It was pretty simple. Tracked down the pack of beasts in a few hours and them made quick work of them," she answered cheerily.
"That Chaos Dragon magic really is starting to come in handy huh?" Makarov commented while scratching his chin.
"Yep. All it took was getting them rounded up in a line and then one Crushing Fist to take them out," she replied.
"Please tell me you didn't destroy anything," Makarov mumbled with a nervous look.
"No, it was up in the mountains," she answered making him relax before adding sheepishly, "… a mountain might be a little smaller now though …" Makarov shivered at her words but remained silent.
"I still have a hard time believing how powerful that magic is," Kinana commented while setting down two glasses of juice for her and Mira since neither liked to drink in the morning unlike the rest of the guild. "… And I saw it first hand in Crocus."
"I know, I've been training to design new moves with it and more …" she said as she took a sip of the juice.
"I've noticed," Makarov said with a thoughtful look as he scratched his chin. "I'm actually quite curious to see the training methods you and the others from you team in the games employ. As I understand it, you, Mira, and Laxus all travel some distance to remain mostly out of view."
"Well, the thing is that what we need to practice is very destructive so even being in the forest near Magnolia isn't safe enough," Mira chirped up with a coy smile. "Unless you want us to start training closer and rack up bills while not even on missions."
Makarov paled at the thought, making all three ladies start to laugh at his expense. They then remained talking as the guild started to fill up with the usual members. Logia remained at the bar as she scanned around, noting who was present or not. She knew that the exceeds plus Romulus, after a little deliberation and offering of fish, had formed a little team of sorts to handle the extra payload from the increase in jobs. Sure, with Pantherlily and Romulus, that team could actually go up to A-class requests and extermination jobs but they tried to keep it in more general things requiring minimal travel. Team Shadow Gear was out, Natsu and Gray surprisingly left for a job together, and if Logia remembered right, Wendy, Phiona, and Erza were due back soon from a theater job.
She giggled at the thought, remembering all the stories of the near notorious levels of stage freight the mighty Titania was susceptible to. She was wondering how Erza had taken to the new title given to them, Makaorv having nearly put up a banner for them the moment he heard about it. Mira was sure taking it in stride, seeing as she already had a similar moniker in her modeling days. She glanced at said devil beside her, just enjoying the close proximity the pair shared after everything that happened in Crocus. Mira hadn't changed at all after she learned that Diana is in fact Acnologia and that made it all the better for her. Still … the faintest frown adorned her lips as she thought about how she would go about telling the guild all this.
They might now know that Acnologia was not the mindless monster they once thought but that didn't erase her past transgressions, especially when concerning the S-class trials. She sighed at that, knowing that it would be some time before she could even bring herself to even telling Makarov, Lisanna, Wendy, and Laxus considering they were the closest to her after Mira. 'I'll just have to be patient for now … or maybe even accept that I won't be able to tell them.' She was brought out of her thoughts when Mira gently nudged her shoulder to get her attention.
"Diana … what are you thinking about?" Mira asked gently.
"Just a few things …" she replied with a small smile, knowing that Mira would get what's on her mind.
"Want to talk about it later?" Mira continued with a warm tone to which Logia nodded in appreciation.
Logia was going to look for another conversation to continue on but was brought out of it when she caught the familiar feel of static building in the air. She along with Mira and Makarov that was still sitting near them all looked to the doors just as a thunder clap sounded, signaling the arrival of another S-class. In a few seconds walked in Laxus and Lisanna from their dark guild extermination request.
"Hey guys," Lisanna greeted while walking up to the bar and handed Kinana the flyer for their completed S-class request.
"That was quick," Mira commented with a smile. "Thought it might take you till later tonight."
Laxus scoffed at that as he and Lisanna sat on the open seats at the bar to talk to them easier.
"Barely even worth it, Lisanna hogged most of the fun," he muttered in a grumpy tone even though his lips pulled into the slightest smirk.
"But you said I could go all out," Lisanna defended with a pout as she playfully poked his shoulder.
"Still, to think you wouldn't share even though its thanks to me that you could go on the request," he shot back while lightly swatting her hand away every time she tried to poke him.
Logia could already hear the squeal that Mira was failing to suppress as her matchmaker mode was fighting to spring out. She glanced at her mate and sure enough, her eyes had that devious glint in them while mini storm clouds formed over her head … plans were brewing and none would be spared. How Lisanna nor Laxus noticed was beyond her. All she knew was that now it would be her turn to mercilessly tease the youngest Strauss and possibly get pay back for all the tense moments Lisanna and Cana set up for them … starting now.
She looked at Mira before winking at her, letting her know that she was about to strike. She then turned to the playful duo before snaking her hand near Lisanna's rear.
"Hey Laxus … catch!" she cheered as she pinched Lisanna's left cheek, effectively making the girl yelp as she jumped up in Laxus' direction.
The lightning mage reacted the only way he could, turning to face them with his hands shooting out to catch the newly launched platinum blonde. Said action led to Lisanna being caught in his arms but since he wasn't expecting the action, his arm going for her leg missed … and so she landed onto his lap with one of his arms around her waist while her arms conveniently wrapped around his neck. The duo stood rigid as planks while looking at each other, both sporting blushes of varying degrees which proved too much for Mira.
"Kyaaahh!" she squealed, sadly making Logia cover her ears but luckily she managed it before Mira popped while others in the guild hall were not so lucky since some looked like they got dizzy.
Looking at the pair that apparently missed the near deafening voice of Mira as she started to fawn over how cute they were, Logia smirked slightly at the now stuttering mess that was Lisanna while Laxus just remained frozen. Turns out even the grittiest mage can have malfunctions if you toss a beautiful girl onto his lap.
"So cute~" Logia cued after a few seconds, effectively snapping the mages out of their stupor … or at least Laxus anyway while Lisanna just looked around while stuttering gibberish, some of the other mages in the hall taking note but not voicing any comments lest that face the wrath of Laxus.
"Ah … um … Lis?" he said softly, getting the younger mage's attention.
"A pet name!?" Mira whispered with a squeal as she now hugged Logia from behind while looking over her shoulder at the pair.
"Y-Yes …?" Lisanna replied timidly while trying to look straight at him.
"C-could you … let go?" he asked in an almost bashful tone as he glanced down at her position still sitting on him.
Lisanna looked down as well before her face exploded in a blush as she scrambled off him and returned to her seat, her eyes firmly fixed to the counter.
"Genius," Mira complemented Logia while giving her a peck on the cheek. "We'll plan more later," she added in the lowest whisper she could next to Logia's ear in an attempt to hide it from Laxus or Lisanna … which hopefully they missed thanks to being caught up in their embarrassment.
Logia simply giggled as she turned on her seat to face the open floor along with Mira, leaving the pair next to her in their own little world of awkward silence for them to figure out.
"Oh no …" Makarov whispered with the color draining from his body as he looked at Logia and Mira. "… Now she had a willing accomplice. I knew the day might come but to see it in the flesh."
Logia and Mira responded by sticking their tongue out at Makarov before giggling. After a few minutes of silence as calm returned to the guild, as far as normal was with miniature brawls occasionally breaking out, Makarov turned to them while clearing his throat to get the attention of the four at the bar.
"Now that you are together, I need to speak with you about something," he started as the four listened intently. "… though normally I wouldn't bring it up so leisurely, I felt it was time to inform you all about something taking place soon since it is that time of year."
"And that would be …?" Logia asked curiously since she couldn't remember this time of year being particularly important.
"The Ace Trials," Makarov said sternly but only got confused looks back. Seeing that, Makarov went into explaining better. "Though a guild can have the top mage labeled as their ace, the tendency of giving such a title was due to a system set by the Council roughly 48 years ago. Being called the ace and being officially recognized by the Council as an Ace level mage are two distinct things."
"So what does being an Ace level mean exactly?" Mira asked.
"Well, on paper it would mean that you class is raised to SS mage, a special class only used to officially identify aces as recognition of their ability. As a rule, a guild may only have four aces at any point in time and the test must be administered by a qualified official or Wizard Saint level mage and the guild master," Makarov answered.
"Wow … so Gildarts has already taken this trial I'm guessing," Lisanna commented to which Makarov nodded.
"Yes he did. In fact, I had a friend within the Saints help administer the test since I could not double as Master and qualified official. Now, unlike the regular S-class trials, there is obviously only a limit on passing participants in accordance to available slots," Makarov explained.
"So three mages can be promoted," Laxus surmised while tapping his chin.
"Yes and in fact," Makarov started while pulling a letter from seemingly nowhere. "Glidarts sent this letter from wherever the devil he is. Apparently he managed to watch some of the games and in particular, your fight with Immortalis, Diana. He states in this letter that if passed, you shall be given the title of Diamond Ace."
"Diamond Ace?" Logia asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"When more than one ace is in a guild, their ranks in accordance to each other are ranked in order by the following; Diamond Ace, Spade Ace, Heart Ace, and Clover Ace," Makarov answered with a stern look.
Logia frowned for a moment as she thought about that. Technically, she still hasn't beaten Gildarts in a full fight. Sure, most fist fights were hers while Gildarts dominated the exchanges involving magic but the clear victor between the two had yet to be decided.
"Sorry master," she said as she looked back at him with a small smile. "But I'll have to pass on taking the highest rank until I've defeated Gildarts on my own."
Makarov grinned at her, probably expecting that answer as he nodded contently before putting away the letter and continuing on with the explanation.
"Now then, as I was saying, I believe you three should be the candidates for this year," he said while gesturing to Logia, Mira, and Laxus.
"Really!?" Mira asked excitedly.
"Yes," Makarov replied with a grin. "Each of you displayed battle prowess and skill that most mages can only dream of. You've each also displayed great maturity and determination throughout it all making me believe that it is time."
"I'd be honored," Logia said with a smile while Laxus gave his usual smirk while also nodding.
"Oh, and another detail that may or may not interest you," Makaorv added with a sly grin. "Though not a rule … Aces tend to be Guild Master candidates."
That got their attention as they looked at their master with wide eyes. For Logia, the severity of the roles as Aces was now starting to sink in along with all the hopes an Ace carries. She glanced at Laxus, wondering how he would take it considering that being the master used to be his goal … and now Makarov was openly inviting him to become a candidate for it. After a few minutes of silence Makarov started to chuckle while drinking from his beer mug that he'd neglected while explaining to them the details of the Ace trials.
"So master …" Logia started in a soft voice. "… Are there any specifics about the trials we need to know? Like where are they held or the rules of event?"
"It will take place in a Council sanctioned location with invited spectators and you each will be alone for the tests unlike the partners you can have in the S-class trials," he answered.
"Is that why we didn't know about it when Gildarts became the Ace?" Mira asked.
"Not really, he just didn't want to make a big deal out of it and simply opted out of having Fairy Tail watch," Makarov replied with a shrug.
"Well not for us because I want to go and cheer!" Lisanna said while practically hopping on her seat.
"Hehe … knew you would and I'll announce it to the guild later tonight once everyone gets back from their jobs," Makarov chuckled before downing the rest of his drink.
The four started to converse softly over their guesses as to which Saint would administer the testing and what would they have to do. An hour passed by like that, along with a little teasing much to Lisanna's dismay until they heard the guild doors opening to reveal Wendy, Phiona, and Erza having returned from their mission along with Lucy. Wendy and Logia locked eyes quickly enough before the little slayer waved at her excitedly as she ran up to the bar with a small bag in her hands. Logia quickly caught the scent of sweets wafting from it and couldn't help but wonder what was in it as Wendy arrived.
"Hey Diana," Wendy said cheerily with a hug before beaming up at her.
"Hey Wendy, how was the mission?" she asked.
"Interesting …" Wendy replied with a nervous chuckle before presenting the bag to Logia. "But we got these delicious treats as a bonus payment. Want some?"
"Sure," Logia replied excitedly as she reached in and got out what looked like a gumball with a peachy color.
She popped it in her mouth and was shocked to find how ridiculously sweet it was. Definitely had peach in there but there were a slew of other flavors with ones like vanilla, nutmeg, and the slightest hint of lemon zest that was rather refreshing. Logia almost purred in pleasure as she glanced to the others, Mira and Lisanna having similar reactions while Laxus politely declined … until Wendy broke out the puppy dog eyes on him and he caved like a stack of cards. 'Well, I know Laxus isn't a fan of sweets but he will have to love these … whatever they are,' Logia thought as she looked at Wendy to ask that very question.
"Hey Wendy, do you know what these are or where to get more?" she asked.
"No, sorry. The owner of the theater didn't say," Wendy replied.
"Probably to stop us from getting more of these," Mira said with a wink.
"They are tasty," Lisanna added while looking to Laxus to see how he was taking it.
They all frowned at his rather fake smile as he begrudgingly swallowed the treat.
"Do you really not like sweets that much?" Logia asked with a raised eyebrow.
"To bad Lisanna is so sweet herself," Mira added in a not too subtle whisper making Makarov, who'd been sitting in the same spot by the group and listening quietly, to spit out his beer.
"Mira!" Lisanna squealed in horror while blushing as Laxus started to choke and cough.
Logia and Wendy just watched the reactions with wide eyes, neither expecting Mira to go straight for the punch so easily. Logia looked at her mate, seeing her for the devil that she is, and wondering if she unknowingly returned her to the previous splendor that was Demon Mirajane, terror of Fairy Tail. 'Oh well, still love her,' she thought with a giggle earning said devil's attention.
"What are you thinking about?" Mira asked with a little glint in her eyes as she leaned closer.
"Nothing~" Logia cooed back as she leaned closer to Mira, just barely stopping from joining their lips since she wanted to tease her.
They stared off for a few seconds, neither wanting to break just yet. Then, after nearly a minute, Mira finally caved first and closed the distance to kiss her as Logia giggled into it before returning the kiss. Logia was about to add tongue but the clanking of a dropped cup alerted her to the spectators making her break the kiss and look to the table from which the mug fell. She wasn't surprised to see Macao and Wakabe looking at them with bloody noses, even Wakabe's cigarette falling out of his mouth.
Mira sighed, knowing that they couldn't do much more for a while since that would get too much attention on them. Logia personally just wanted to take Mira back to her place since it was closer and they hadn't been together in nearly three days of constant missions including the S-class one. Still, that could be done later so for now the couple relented, much to the relief of Wendy and Lisanna since both suffered a good deal of second hand embarrassment.
She giggled at that as she looked at Wendy, who was now seated at the bar as well and sipping from her own juice while looking in another direction as her blush died down. Lisanna was similar but Logia could see the most subtle glances being directed to Laxus while her blush persisted, making it clear that the girl definitely imagining getting closer to him. Deciding on showing mercy for now Logia focused back on the other members of the guild, wondering if anything interesting would happen for the day or if she could maybe plan on a training trip with Mira alone.
Sometimes they say that you should be careful what you wish for … and looks like Logia just got that message smacked at her. She listened to the guild doors opening slowly, an already odd sign since any member would just throw them open. She along with the group at the bar all turned their eyes to the doors only to frown at the sight. It was a messenger from the Council with a Rune Knight escort, all wearing the usual attire of the Council while scanning around as the guild quieted down. After a few seconds the messenger spotted her and proceeded to near her with the Knights in tow.
"Diana Venatrix?" the messenger asked in a snooty tone but Logia noticed there seemed to be a nervousness to him.
"Yes …" she returned softly with a quirked eyebrow while glancing at Makarov.
"The Council has business with you," the messenger continued, ignoring some of the less than welcoming looks be directed at them by the guild.
"And that would be?" she asked.
The messenger looked around for a moment, obviously not pleased with the attention they were receiving. He then looked at her again become muttering, "It would be preferable to discuss this in private."
"Not happening," she quipped without hesitation, internally smirking at the displeased look of the messenger. "If it was urgent you would have showed it but it isn't so I feel no need to hide whatever it is the Council wants with me."
"But that was the directive of the Council!" the messenger said in an aggravated tone.
"Not my problem," she replied while crossing her arms. "Say whatever it is now or we have nothing to discuss."
"You dare defy the Council!?" a Rune Knight, probably the higher ranked of the four tailing the messenger, shouted with a glare.
Logia simply nodded, not caring for the attitude.
"You do realize that we could have you arrested for going against a Council summoning," he continued.
"You could try," she said while shrugging.
"That's it!" the Knight shouted as he and the other three pointed their weapons at her … only for several large magical pressures to go off around them.
The Knights looked around to realize that they were now surrounded by mages like Laxus, Lisanna, and Mira while Logia remained calm on her seat. She could see it in the Knights' eyes, any one of the mages surrounding them could take them all without breaking a sweat. Logia locked eyes with the messenger, the man trembling in his boots at the display of power around him while the Knights tried to keep up a tough façade.
"I don't believe this is anything more than a message so there is no reason to threaten to arrest me," Logia said as she looked at the Knights.
"But you openly said that you'd disregard the Council's orders!" the head Knight protested.
"So? The point is you can't do anything even if there was an order to arrest me even though I haven't done anything wrong," she refuted while looking back at the messenger. "Just get on with it and tell me the message," she said with a sigh.
"V-very well then," the messenger mumbled while the Knights remained on guard, the apparent leader looking furious that the messenger caved to Logia's demand. "… The Council wishes to discuss with you a position being offered to you."
"And what position would that be," Makarov asked, speaking for the first time while waving at the others to back off.
"Well Master Makarov … the Council is considering offering Ms. Venatrix a position as a Wizard Saint," the messenger replied to a round of gasps, even making Logia eyes widen.
"Really? Why?" she asked as she narrowed her eyes at him.
She knew some of the responsibilities of the Saints and the meetings concerning their actions, not to mention she would have obligations to answering their summons for mission. She scratched her chin as she thought about it and the benefits she could obtain. 'I could help administer the Ace Trials if I were a Saint … not to mention all the information I could have at my disposal for that … It could be a good head start for my plans,' she thought as she glanced at Mira. The devil knew what Logia had been planning to do, the pair had discussed some options and strategies in detail already and having the power of a Saint could only help.
"Do you know exactly what rank I would be given?" she asked messenger with narrowed eyes.
"I wasn't informed," the messenger replied. "The goal so far was to inform you and if you agreed, escort you to Era to be tested in a week's time."
"I'll take the opportunity but I'll head out to Era on my own in a few days," she said with a smile, hoping that the messenger wouldn't try to be difficult. "Oh, and I will be bringing along my master and one other guest with me."
The messenger seemed to maul her words over for a minute or so before sighing as he nodded.
"Very well … the Council will be pleased to hear that you have accepted such a gracious offer. We shall be off then," he said as he turned to leave, the Rune Knights also finally relaxing somewhat as they followed after him. After they were gone there was a silence that remained for a few seconds before a cheer rang out that made Logia start in surprise.
"You're being offered to be a Saint!" Lisanna cheered while hugging her with Wendy hopping beside her in excitement.
"Hehe … I guess," she replied sheepishly while glancing at Makarov. "Any idea why the sudden offer?"
"Hmm …" Makarov murmured while taking a thinking pose. "Perhaps in recognition of your achievements during the Dragon Invasion?"
"That could be it I guess," she replied while watching as some of the guild started to celebrate, being their usual selves and using any excuse to party.
"So are you really going to take it?" Mira asked as she sat beside her.
"I could be useful," she replied while glancing to Makarov. "Master, if I were a Saint, could I help with the Trials?"
"Well, you'd qualify and the Saint rank supersedes Ace-class so it could be two birds with one stone," he answered after a few seconds of thought.
"Then I think I should take it besides …" she said with a sly smirk as she looked between Mira and Laxus. "… It means I can help test these two and really make them work for it."
"Shit," Laxus muttered while Mira gave her a challenging smirk.
"Are you sure?" Mira asked in a sweet voice as she leaned closer and started to trail a dainty finger along Logia's neck, purposely getting close to her mating mark but not touching it making Logia growl slightly. "… It could just make it easier for me to pass."
Again they entered their little stare off, challenging one to break first but this time Makarov cleared his throat to get their attention. They both looked to see a smirking master, probably enjoying their little games but still wanting to get to whatever he needed to talk about.
"So Diana, who did you plan on bringing along?" he asked.
"Mira of course," she replied easily while brining Mira into a hug which quickly transition onto Mira turning around and sitting on Logia's lap.
Makarov nodded, obviously expecting the answer but still wanting to confirm it. After wards the group split a bit into whatever it was they were going to do previously before the messenger arrived. Laxus went off to the second floor to relax, Lisanna joined Wendy, Phiona, and Erza at a table while they enjoyed more sweets and discussed on the missions being taken. Makarov returned to his beer while smiling at everyone milling around leaving Mira and Logia to whisper to each other with little risk of being overheard through the chatter around them.
"So … what are you planning to do with the Saint title?" Mira asked softly while glancing at her over her shoulder.
"Well … I could look into official records and files normally unobtainable," she replied in an equally soft voice.
"So you really do want to start searching for them?" Mira asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"Yes," she replied with a nod. "I don't know how strong the Horsemen are now and I can't rely on recovering all my power before facing them or in finding them alone."
"Any news from our other friends?" Mira asked with a frown.
"Not yet …" she answered with an equal frown, wondering if Horus and his group had yet to reach their old guild hall or if anything got in their way. "But I'm sure they're fine."
"I guess … I just can't help being worried about Yukino," Mira replied softly.
"Horus won't let anything hurt her," she replied while tightening her hold on Mira in a form of comfort.
"Ok … and then them. Will they follow you after everything that happened?"
"Maybe … maybe not. Either way I'm sure that I'll have to fight them and earn their respect," Logia replied with a soft kiss on Mira's cheek.
Mira giggled at her display of affection before their conversation died down for now. They could discuss more once they were somewhere private … especially now that they needed to add the abilities of a Saint into their plans. Thinking on the Saints, Logia couldn't help but frown as a particular thought stuck making her look at Makarov sitting a small distance from them while speaking with Kinana.
"Hey master," Logia called softly, getting his attention along with the barmaid's.
"Yes Diana?" he returned while looking at her.
"I was just wondering … has there ever been a female Saint? I can't recall any," she asked noticing the frown on Makarov's face as well.
"I'm … not sure. Now that you mention it, I can't recall any either. How odd," he returned while scratching his chin.
"Well, then another first for the Council and even better for Diana's fame," Kinana said cheerily. "Looks like one of Fairy Tail's goddesses is adding Saint into her resume."
"Great, more attention," she added sarcastically as Mira and Kinana giggled at her along with Makarov giving a hearty chuckle. "… Why can't I get a break?"
"Oh don't worry about it, you'll do great," Mira added before giggling more.
'I just can't get over the irony that the Council is unknowingly giving me, Acnologia, a Wizard Saint title. The country might flip shit if I ever reveal it,' she thought while shaking her head and softly chuckling at the ridiculousness of the situation.
"Oh, Hey master?" Logia asked softly, getting the old man's attention. "Can we keep the Trails secret until after the Era trip?"
"Why?" he asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"For the surprise …" she replied.
"Hmm …" he hummed as he looked her up and down as she smiled innocently. "Sure, why not …"
"Thank you," she said sweetly before returning her attention to the devil on her lap, going back to teasing her since it was all she had plans for.
They kept up with the playful bantering and jokes until Logia caught an odd scent … or more specifically, a scent that was familiar but not someone she knew. Mira soon quieted down as well, no doubt catching the scent as they both turned to the doors of the guild right as they started to open slowly, this time being ignored since most of the guild was partying. Makarov noticed it though and Logia could see that Lisanna and Wendy had caught the scent as well, their eyes locking onto the entering figure that Logia guessed was a man and this one did smell familiar.
He wore an old, brown cloak that he opened while pulling back the hood to reveal his face. He had a head of greying brown hair pulled into a ponytail and similar beard, the same tired look in his green eyes from all those months ago. His attire was simply some dark trousers, white long sleeved shirt and leather vest over it with his cloak draped on his shoulders.
"Mr. Dobbyn?" Logia mumbled, the man's name finally returning to her as she got up while his gaze searched around until it landed on her only to flash in relief.
"The Huntress," he said in a tired voice as he turned to her but made no motion to approach.
"What are you doing here?" she asked in concern as she and Mira walked up to him, Lisanna also stepping up with them. "You look like you might pass out."
"No need to worry about me … there is something I need to ask of you," he replied making the girls frown as Master Makarov walked up to their side.
"And what may that be sir?" Makarov asked in a polite yet business-like manner.
Mr. Dobbyn looked around for a moment before sighing as he half turned.
"I think it best if I simply showed you," he said as he opened the door, and another figure in cloak hesitantly stepped in.
Logia frown as she noticed the scent was coming off the smaller person that she guess had to be a child just from the stature but that didn't explain the scent surrounding the figure … the scent of dragon. They watched as the figure stepped up beside Mr. Dobbyn before slowly using a fully gloved hand and forearm to pull the hood back to reveal a girl's face that Logia recognized … but also didn't. A head of blonde hair and brilliant green eyes that could have put emeralds to shame, young and clear skin … and pupils that were slits rather than round like a human's should be.
Lisanna gasped beside Logia, drawing the little girl's attention as her little green eyes widened and then looked directly at Logia.
"The pretty ladies …" she mumbled softly with the faintest smile forming.
"… Nalu …?"
Author's Rant: So much for one chapter! The return of some and the two sets of trials coming up! Acnologia going to wreck some Saints! I winder what's up with Nalu? Any guesses?
Now for that question: So I was thinking, obviously I have a thing with taking cannon and OC characters and making them hybrids of a form (dragon; Logia, Horus: Devil; Mira, and so on) so I was wondering, would you guys like it if I hybridize other cannon characters? I'll make a poll by the time this chapter is up so let me know your thoughts!
A pleasure, Jbubu
