Disclaimer: I do NOT own, now will I ever own Fairy Tail. All credit goes to Hiro Mashima
Chapter 1: Council Mission Before the Trials
In the Kingdom of Fiore, rest a wizarding world like no other. If you look closer, on one town specifically, you'd find a wizard guild like no other. This place looked a like a miniature castle made of stone. At least least on the outside, and it's height was comparable if not slightly bigger than the Kardia Cathedral.
This town was Magnolia, home of the Fairy Tail wizard.
Looking inside it looked like any normal guild. The center of the hall was lined with wooden tables, and off to the right was an enormous bar. Off to the left there were pillars with a walkway on the other side. It was shaping up to be a good day, at least until…
"OI!You wanna go scrap heap!?" A man with pink hair challenged. He was wearing a black vest lined with gold trim. A pair of white pants that stopped around mid calf level. On his feet were a pair of sandals, and finishing his look was a scaly scarf around his neck. This was Natsu.
"Bring it ash breath!" A man with long black hair replied. He had studs above his eyebrows and in his nose. He sported a long shirt like coat that was black lined with gray trim. A pair of beige cargo like pants, that were tucked into black boots with iron on the heels. On his hands were a pair of finger-less gloves with an iron band around his wrist and iron over the knuckles. This was Gajeel.
Now I'm sure everyone around was wondering: What started this fight?
Well, it's simple. The argument started over who was going to be the next S-Class wizard. The trials were right around the corner, and the guild master had just announced the selection.
While Natsu was selected, Gajeel wasn't and he was bitter about that fact. The boy in black believe himself stronger than his pink haired rival.
"Think you can take on a soon to be S-Class mage," Natsu shouted with a challenging gleam in his eyes.
"I was an S-Class wizard in phantom Salamander, did you forget that?" Gajeel questioned with a tick mark over his right eye. Yet still managed a smirk.
"Really? Could have fooled me when I kicked your 'S-Class' ass back then, and I've only gotten stronger!" Natsu boasted while bringing that event up.
"Oh that's it ya flame gecko, I'm gonna beat your ass here and now," Gajeel growled out as the two slammed their foreheads together.
"ARE YOU FIGHTING IN THE GUILD HALL!?" A scarlet haired woman wearing a chest plate over a white blouse shouted. She also sported a navy blue skirt, brown leather thigh high boots, and resting on her hip was a sheathed sword. This was none other than S-Class mage: Erza Scarlet.
Upon hearing her voice the guild hall stilled. Not a soul moved, not a sound was made. It was like the guild hall suddenly became a ghost town. The two in question though, they had frozen with fear. Though Natsu's was more or less a conditioned fear.
"How many times do I have to repeat myself!?" Erza had demanded of the two. However she didn't give either a chance to answer. "NO FIGHTING IN THE GUILD!" the scarlet haired knight screamed bringing two gauntlet fist down on the two.
"W-we're sorry," the two said while rubbing the bumps on their heads. Then they mumbled something incoherently under their breaths.
"What was that!?" she asked menacingly while dragging the two from the floor to eye level.
"N-noth-" they were interrupted by a short old man from the second floor."
"Erza," the old man said pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's enough. I need those two idiot dragon slayers in my office…ALONE and NOW!" the old man stated, stressing the last part.
The scarlet knight was about to argue, but a fierce glare from the old man silenced her. She bowed to the man to gave a simple, and respectful, reply. "Of course master."
"Thank you Erza," the master said kindly before turning his head to the two stubborn dragon slayers. "Both of you…my office NOW!"
Erza turned one last glare at the two boys before walking to the bar. 'This two will face punishment' she thought before the bar tender. Mirajane Strauss, set a piece of strawberry cheesecake in front of her. 'Later.' she thought as she started eating.
The two boys looked at each other before letting out a breath of relief. It was short lived however, as the master made his presence and displeasure known. "I said…MY OFFICE NOW, BOTH OF YOU!"
In a shocking display of speed, both dragon slayers were in his office with the door closed in under a second. Everyone, even Jet, wondered how they'd bested the speedsters best speed in that moment.
When the old man walked into his office he was wearing a proud smirk. Both boys were already seated and waiting patiently. Before the master had a chance to speak, one of them asked a question.
"What's so important that you need both of us Gramps?" Natsu asked, calmly. A manner most people wouldn't expect of the pink haired teen.
The master took his seat behind his desk. Looking over the surface of the desk he grabbed a certain paper and sighed. "Natsu…" he paused as he looked over, "Gajeel. I wouldn't even bother asking the both of you if this wasn't of the utmost urgency."
Both teens looked at each other. A silent message passing between them. Their expressions turned serious at the grim words their master had just spoken. They both silently nodded for the old man to go on.
"Out on the west end of Fiore, there's been a dragon siting," he paused. The look in their eyes were full of hope, but he held his hand up before they could interrupt. "This dragon is NOT friendly. It has been going on ruthless killing sprees. Villages destroyed, and people have been killed." the man spoke. He needed to convey the seriousness of the situation and how dire it was.
Seeing the look in the two teens eyes, he knew they understood so he continued. "It know it is unfair to place this burden on the two of you, and I know you two aren't the best of friends. However all other options have been exhausted, and as much as the council dislikes us, you two are the last option we have."
Makarov watched the two young men. He noticed that they had looked at each other. The old man hoped they could move past their issues, for now at least. As the air was thick with tension due to the silence, until they both nodded once.
Now that their attention was back on him he continued, "You two are the oldest dragon slayers, barring Laxus due to his expulsion from the guild. That and no one knows where he is. I didn't ask Wendy because she's still to young, so I'm asking the two of you too work together. I know both of you are incredibly strong on your own but I doubt either of you alone could take a dragon down."
After letting all the information sink in Natsu gently smiled at the old man. Most people thought he was dense, but he could easily read the emotions in the masters eye. "Gramps, relax. Gajeel and I can work together on this, right scrap heap?"
"Ash breath is right master," Gajeel said as he looked over at Natsu. Both wearing matching smirks.
The old man gave a proud teary smile at the too sitting across from him. "I'm so proud to have brats like you," however his demeanor quickly changed. "I do worry about you brats though. I know your magic is meant for this but if it looks like you're in a tight spot…retreat and regroup. I don't want to hear about either of you dying."
"Don't worry gramps, we're Fairy Tail wizards,"Natsu started as he let his 'wall of stupidity' fall. "We save people in need and we can't do that if we die."
"Ge he, I haven't been a Fairy Tail wizard long," Gajeel started his smirk growing. "But I have learned this guild looks out for their own as well as the people of the country."
Looking into each young man's eyes, he could see the determination and courage in both. His chest swelled with pride. He was lucky to know the next generation was in good hands. "I know I say this a lot, but I am really proud of you brats. Just remember your lives are not replaceable, so don't be reckless." He stated seriously before bringing up the next piece of news. "Oh, and before you go."
This caught both dragon slayers attention as they just reached the door. "What's up Gramps/Old Man?" Natsu and Gajeel asked at the same time.
"I know both of you were set to compete in the trials this year," he paused and pointedly looked at Gajeel, "even if you weren't selected for it. We will be leaving on schedule regardless of if you're back or not. That said, if you two manage to take the dragon down you are both promoted to S-Class." the old man pretty much just dangled a carrot in front of them.
"I'm all fired up now!" Natsu exclaimed punching his right fist into his open left hand as fire was expelled.
"Time to show you what I can do," Gajeel said with a slightly cocky smirk on his face.
"That's good to hear you energetic brats," Makarov stated with a grin that matched the two in front of him. "Also, Doranbolt from the council should be arriving shortly. When he does, he'll teleport both of you as close as he can to the dragon. That way you can at least prevent as much damage and loss of life as possible."
"No train?" Natsu asked, only to receive a negative head shake. "BEST MISSION EVER!"
"Keep this information to yourself, and by that I mean don't tell anyone in the guild until you come back," he paused to shot a glare at Natsu who winced under the mans gaze. "If they have questions send them to me. Now go show the world what Fairy Tail is capable of and protect of homes!" After they left the masters office, he said a little prayer as he stared out of the window.
When the two dragon slayers got back down into the common are of the guild, all eyes on them, They instantly knew everyone wanted to know. One person in particular was too nosy.
"Hey Natsu, Gajeel! What was so important that the master needed you two?" Erza questioned, but everyone could tell it was more of a demand.
"Sorry Erza, if you wanna know you'll have to go see Gramps," Natsu replied. "Though I doubt he'll tell you anything."
"Why you…" Erza started before cooling down slightly. "Fine, whatever. Don't think you two are getting off easy for fighting in the guild earlier though."
Before Erza could start to dish out any form of punishment, Doranbolt had appeared in the middle of the guild. Scanning quickly, he found the people he was looking for. "We need to go…NOW!" Doranbolt shouted out, his tone full of urgency.
Everyone in the guild started whispering. The hushed conversation by the curious audience didn't go unnoticed though. At that point two cats, or exceeds, ran up to their respective partners.
"Sorry Lily, you and the blue fuzzball have to stay behind this time," Gajeel stated, and everyone noted to seriousness in his tone.
"You sure Gajeel?" Pantherlily questioned. The concern clear on his face.
"Yeah Lily, Gajeel is right. You and Happy stay here and wait for us," Natsu answered looking apologetically at the two exceeds. He bent down and pet both of them on the head before standing and turning to Doranbolt, "Everyone, protect the guild for us while we're gone. Let's go Doranbolt."
In a flash the two slayers and a council official disappeared. The chatter in the hall picked up instantly. Everyone wanted to know what was going on. Though a certain red head was both curious and worried.
"If you wanna know so bad Erza, Natsu did say to go see the master," Mira said catching the red heads attention.
"I know Mira, but you heard Natsu too. He even doubts the master will share any of the details," Erza replied to her former rival.
"Doesn't mean you can't try. I've never seen you give up before, so what start now?" Mira questioned, a reassuring and gentle smile on her face. As the two were talking a couple of bluenette's had approached them.
"Erza-san, do you think," Wendy paused, rather from her timid nature or because she was scared of the answer, no one knew. "Do you think Natsu-nii and Gajeel-san will be alright?".
"I'm not sure myself Wendy, I don't know anything about the mission," the scarlet knight paused and looked down and the young girl. "However, they are both really strong wizards from Fairy Tail!"
"Yeah, but it's surprising the master picked those two," Levy stated with a contemplative look. "I mean they don't really get along that well."
"That's true, and just imagine the amount of damage those two will cause during the mission," the take-over mage stated with a smile. She was already picturing the destruction of two dragon slayers.
"Yeah, but I'm wondering why the master picked those two stubborn idiots," Lucy stated, as she joined the conversation. "I mean Levy is right, they don't get along."
"But I think it's time we get some answers on this secret mission." Erza stated with a serious tone as she started walking upstairs.
"Maybe, but when you think about it if those two worked together," Erza paused in thought as a shiver ran down her spine. "They would be a force to be reckoned with, even I would be weary about facing them. They also get along better than most of you think."
At Erza's admittance to not believing she could take them both on, Levy and Lucy's eyes widened considerably. Mira seemed like she had a break through on something but kept the information to herself. She hoped she was wrong.
"Anyway, I'm going to try and get some answers from master," the re-quip mage said as she walked away. Little did she know Gray, Lucy, Levy and Wendy were going to follow her.
Back in Makarov's office, he held his position. He continued to stare out at the horizon through his window. He was lost in thought until he heard a knock on the door. "Come on in!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Erza walked in followed by the remaining members of team Natsu, Wendy and Levy. Erza was the first to speak. "Master, we," she paused and gestured to the people behind her, "would like to know about the mission you sent Natsu and Gajeel on."
"Erza this is a serious matter that is why I want to state this to the whole guild since I don't want this to be a secret." Makarov stated which surprised the guild members in his office.
"Before I say anything, or answer any questions," He looked pointedly at Erza as if looking into her soul. "Have they already left?"
Everyone present in the office looked at each other confused. They nodded nonetheless though.
Letting out a long winded sigh, "Fine, but I will make the announcement to the whole guild. I will be out in a moment." He told the four who came for answers. 'I hate this part of being the guild master almost as much as I hate paperwork.'
The group of four made it back down to the bar. They told Mira that the master was about to announce what the mission Natsu and Gajeel took was. They actually covered what was said and some of their suspicions.
Not long after Makarov left his office and hopped onto the railing looking out at his guild and all it's members. "ALRIGHT YOU BRATS, BE QUIET!" he yelled garnering their attention. "As you all know, a short while ago Doranbolt with the council arrived and took Natsu and Gajeel. The reason for this is because there is a dragon terrorizing any area in Fiore, no-" Makarov went to continue but was rather rudely interrupted.
"Why didn't you tell us sooner, I could have been there helping flame brain and metal freak!" a shirtless gray shouted angrily.
"Why did you send just the two of them!" Erza demanded of the master. It was more out of worry for the two slayers though.
"That's suicide master, even if they are dragon slayers," Mira said after gasping. 'So I was right' she thought looking defeated.
"Natsu and Gajeel are real men to be taking in a dragon," the only male Strauss stated.
"SILENCE!" Makarov demanded, his head growing three times bigger than his body. After everyone was quiet, and Erza bowing in apology, he continued. "As I was saying, I know you're all worried. However you need to have faith in your family. They aren't just fighting for themselves. They are fighting to protect the country, it's people and more importantly their family."
As everyone silence immediately from the red head who just yelled at everyone she turned to the master and asked "Master even if we don't have dragon slayer magic some of us still could've gone and helped." Erza stated with a stoic face.
After the master finished, Erza looked up at him with an understanding look. "Master, I know their strong and their magic is meant for this…but why not send a couple others to support them? We are a family right?"
"I know it's hard to understand Erza, but if I sent anyone else they'd just get in Natsu and Gajeel's way," the master answered solemnly. "If I had sent you for example they would be too focused on making sure you didn't get hurt or killed."
"Uh, master," Wendy spoke up. She was curious about something, "why didn't you send me with Gajeel-san and Natsu-nii? I'm a dragon slayer too, I may not be as strong as them but I could have given support."
"You're still young Wendy, I couldn't in good conscious send you," he said in all honesty. "If they get into trouble Doranbolt can just teleport them out of there and back here, and if that happens you need to be at full strength to heal them."
"I understand master," while she wasn't happy being left behind she was smiling again. "I'll be here ready to heal them if they need me too!"
"Good, now that I've answered all your questions," he paused to look out at his children to make sure no one else had anything to add. When no one did, "I will be in my office. I still have to finish the paperwork." he stated with mock tears running down his face.
Once he was back in his office, he found himself staring out the window again. One thought on his mind, 'Natsu and Gajeel…you better come back soon, and alive.'
A/N: The original author of this story was Jerrend. I had messaged him awhile back about this story, and adopting it. Good news I got the green light and this is just the first chapter. Along with this story I asked to adopt another story but no response on it yet (and doubt I'll get one because the author hasn't done anything for four years)
Along with my own original work, that will make three stories, and there will be many more. Until next time!