*Sniffle* Sorry... I'm just trying to recover from the events currently happening in Star Wars the Clone Wars. To those who watch the show, we're in the endgame now. Let's table that for now though. Here we are with the final chapter of the Phantom Lord arc! Now, enjoy this chapter while I try and figure out what I want to do next chapter. Sorry to all you Erza fans out there, but I won't be doing the Tower of Heaven arc, I hate that arc, the next official arc will probably be the Battle of Fairy Tail, which I do have plans for.

For now though, enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 23: The Fairy-Cat Alliance

Title Song: I'm So Sorry - Star Wars Episode III unreleased OST

The entire guild of Fairy Tail stared at the remains of their home. "It's in ruins," Makarov sighed.

Nobody knew of a proper way to lighten the mood. Cait Shelter stood to the side, allowing Fairy Tail to get their problems out of the way. Sarah would remember to approach and thank every one of them personally before the day was done.

"Master…" First though… Sarah sighed as Lucy stepped up to the plate. "I… I'm so sorry."

"Ah child… you've been through a lot, but don't let it get you down," Makarov said to his newest member.

"Yeah! Let's see a smile on you Lucy!" Sarah's eyes widened, and she, with the rest of the guild, turned to see Levy, Jet and Droy, as well as Reedus standing there.

"Levy?!" Lucy gasped.

"Yep! We're back!" The petite bluenette smiled.

"You're alright!" Lucy couldn't help but smile.

"Well… alright may be a bit of an exaggeration…" Sarah's eyes widened even further as she saw Emi walking up with Kione at her side.

"Kione!" Sarah broke ranks to embrace her sister.

"Hey sis," Kione smiled. "What's everyone standing around for?" She asked.

"I'll fill you in later," Sarah grinned softly.

"Anywho, we beat Phantom, so there's no need to be sad," Levy spoke up for Lucy.

"Sure, they may have destroyed our guildhall…" Droy started.

"But we'll rebuild it even bigger and better!" Jet finished.

"Wait, what?! Our guildhall is destroyed?!" Kione asked. "How much have we missed?!"

This earned a bunch of laughs from everyone, even Lucy. "Sorry we worried you so much Lucy," Levy sighed.

"No, it was all my fault!" Lucy insisted.

"We heard about your secret, but there's not a single person in the guild who believes you're to blame," Levy said.

"Oui, in fact, I think I owe you an apology Lucy," Reedus sighed.

"Lucy," Makarov spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "Though we may never be able to share our feelings of happiness and sadness entirely, we do share them to some extent. That's what happens in a guild. One person's happiness becomes everyone's happiness; one person's anger becomes everyone's anger, and one person's tears becomes everyone's tears. There's no reason for you to feel guilty, so don't cry. You should already know how everyone here cares for you." Despite his words, Lucy began to sob uncontrollably. "Hold your head high my dear, because you are a proud member of the Fairy Tail family."

Sarah and Kione smiled, arm in arm. "Master Makarov's 'Family Magic' strikes again," Sarah sighed.

Meanwhile, over by the Cait Shelter group, everyone was thrilled to see Emi back on her feet. "Good to see you awake squirt," Hyde smirked.

"Oh, I'm so happy that you're alright," Alicia sighed with relief, gripping the newest member into a hug. "When we heard what happened, I couldn't stop worrying."

"Calm down before you make the poor girl suffocate Alicia," Lilina said. "Seriously though, make me worry like that again and I'll fine you big time."

"Um… thank you for worrying about me, I'm sorry for making you anxious. Um… who are you guys?" She asked them.

"Oh crap… I forgot you left before we could meet you," Alicia realised. "The ash-blonde is Hyde, the red-head's Lilina, the quiet one over there is Dan, and I'm Alicia."

Emi gave a small sweat-drop. "Yeah, she's always been like this," Dan spoke up for the first time. "You focus on recovering completely kid."

"Attention! You are in the presence of the Rune Knights! Stay where you are!" The two guilds glanced around, noting that a small army had surrounded them.

Makarov burst into tears, much to the horror of Erza. Sarah sighed, guess it was her to greet them.

"If I could be so bold, why are you here?" She asked.

A knight walked up. Based on the pin on his shoulder being different, she assumed he was the officer of this unit. "We are here to question everyone involved in the altercation between Fairy Tail, Cait Shelter and Phantom Lord. Come quietly and we won't have to get pushy."

"Understood. Alright Fairy Tail, our guests are just here for some questioning. No arrests are being made," Sarah called to the guild. Yet… She thought.

"Cait Shelter, let's be civil here," Carla spoke up for the smaller group.

Over the week that followed, everyone was brought in for extensive questioning. Marcus woke on day three, and attended a session the next day.

"You are Marcus Cersy of Cait Shelter, correct?" Asked the lady knight before him.

"I am," He nodded.

"Could you please explain how Cait Shelter got caught up in all this?" She asked.

Marcus nodded. "Of course. See, my team, including myself, Wendy Marvell, Emi Haname as well as our feline friends Carla and Melody, were coming back from a job we had taken with Fairy Tail. We decided to stay in Magnolia until the track repair was complete between here and Clover.

"About three days into our stay however, we were heading to Fairy Tail to relax when we found it attacked. It looked like a massive pincushion with iron bars all over the place. I recognised it as the work of Phantom Lord's dragon slayer, Gajeel.

"That night, Gajeel attacked Team Shadow Gear of Fairy Tail, as well as my teammate Emi, hospitalising her. I only joined the raid against Oak Town because, like Makarov, I can't stand seeing my guildmates hurt. I then fought against Phantom here, not just because of their sins against Cait Shelter, but they were employing catastrophic magic weapons against Magnolia, such as a Magic Focusing Cannon and the Black Magic spell Abyss Break."

"I see." The knight said, a council staff member, a frogman, documenting their discussion.

"By the way, one member of Phantom Lord, Winona Andrews, please spare her from your judgement. Not only did she seem genuinely like she regretted everything, she was clearly in the dark when the Abyss Break started being cast and surrendered during a skirmish with me. She then helped protect us when Master José launched a deadly attack," Marcus said.

"Winona Andrews, the Wand wizard?" The rune knight asked.

"Yes ma'am. I would hope you could help her. I admit I'm worried about her if Phantom does get disbanded," Marcus nodded.

"We'll do what we can, but we'll have to check the story with your guildmates as well as Fairy Tail to confirm. I won't reveal much, but evidence is being heavily stacked against Phantom Lord. It does look like they will be getting the worst outcome," The knight said. "You are dismissed."

Marcus stood, bowing to the council representatives before leaving the tent.

Due to everyone being injured in the battle, Cait Shelter's return to their guild was delayed by a week. Marcus led the large group up to Fairy Tail, where every member was working on fixing the place up again, rebuilding the guildhall from the ground up.

They were greeted with the sight of Natsu and Gray butting heads for some reason or other and Mira passing out drinks. "Amazing. You'd never have thought a war had happened if you looked at these guys," Melody sighed.

"Aye! We'll get back to work real soon!" Happy agreed. He had flown over at the sight of the Cats.

"Hey Happy," Marcus greeted the blue cat. "You mind getting Master Makarov for us?" He asked.

"Aye sir, be right back!" Happy nodded, flying up to Makarov's height. The miniature master was currently a giant, bashing a block of wood into place.

He shrunk down to his normal size, walking over to Marcus and the gang. "Ah, Cait Shelter." He smiled.

"Master Makarov," Everyone bowed.

"I believe I've said this already, but on behalf of Fairy Tail, I'm sorry for you getting roped into this war," Makarov sighed.

"No need sir. Anyway, our Master spoke to us over our Communication's lacrima, he's suggested that Fairy Tail and Cait Shelter form an alliance of some kind," Marcus said.

"An alliance hmm? Interesting, and what would be the benefits of such a creed?" Asked Makarov.

"Well, really, the only thing I would be able to think of would be local crafts, that and any jobs that haven't made it your way. In return, I think it be fair that you send a couple of jobs our way? We don't get a massive selection in the Worth Woodsea," Dan said.

"Yes, I could see the benefit of trading jobs. What's this local crafts you speak of?" Makarov asked.

"Our village is very good at working with textiles and jewellery, maybe we could give you something special to work with. Oh, we can also arrange a replacement flag for your new guildhall, I noticed your current one is looking a little… torn," Alicia explained.

"Oh, I'm sure we could come up with something with a trade like that, please let Roubaul know I'll speak with him soon to iron out the details," Makarov said.

"Then I suppose we can officially mark this day as the birth of the Fairy-Cat Alliance," Marcus said, holding his hand down for the Master.

"Indeed we can. Thank you again for your help with the battles," Makarov said, shaking the hand and forming the union.

"No problem gramps," Hyde said, arms behind his head in a calm stance.

"Hey Natsu!" Marcus called over to the fire wizard.

"Oh Marcus!" Team Natsu quickly gathered around, as did Team Shadow Gear and Sarah.

"You taking off then?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah, we've been out of the official guild business for a while, we need to get back to work," Marcus sighed.

"Do plan on visiting again, right?" Levy asked. It was evident that she and Shadow Gear had grown to like Emi, their time during the Yaldabaoth incident forging a sturdy bond.

"Of course, I've heard whispers that you've got some kind of festival later down the line," Emi smiled. She turned to Droy. "I'll make sure to practice what you taught me Droy, thanks for the advice."

"Carla, I hope you'll come back, I'll save you some salmon for when you do!" Happy gushed.

"Don't count on it tomcat," Carla sniffed. She then glanced away, Melody being the only one to see a blush. "Although I wouldn't mind coming back…"

Melody giggled before turning back to Happy. "Hey, you keep strong blue, maybe you'll catch up to us one day," She grinned.

"Natsu," Marcus said, holding out a hand. "We'll meet again, and when we do…" He clenched his hand into a fist.

"You bet, set the time, I'll be waiting Icy," Natsu grinned back, holding out his own fist to bump. "And Wendy, you're a great fighter already, but work on that confidence a little ok? We'll spar next time to see how you've improved."

Wendy smiled, "Thank you Mr Natsu, I'll look forward to it."

With the farewells made, Cait Shelter turned to head back down the hill. As they did, Marcus paused, turning back to see Fairy Tail with their arms in the air, index finger and thumb raised in a unique… salute.

Realising it was a sign of respect for Fairy Tail, he nodded, returning the gesture. Then he headed after his friends.

At Magnolia station, they waited for their train. As they did, Marcus noticed a familiar scent, and with Melody, located the source.

"Well well, Winona Andrews," He said, catching the attention of the Wand wizard. "Off on a new adventure, are we?" He asked.

"Well, Phantom Lord's been disbanded. As a wizard, I've got to find something to do or I'll go crazy. I've decided to head to Mermaid Heel," Winona said.

"And what about your pal? Iron breath?" Marcus asked.

"Gajeel's in a bit of a slump. I think he may have a slight bit of regret going after your friend and those Fairy Tail wizards. Poor guy, I hope he manages to get back in the game," Winona sighed.

"Well… for what it's worth, I hope you both find the next chapter in your stories. I may hate the guy for scarring my sister, but no wizard deserves to have a dead end," Marcus said, holding out a hand.

"Until we meet again, Marcus Cersy," Winona shook his hand.

"Yes, until we meet again," Marcus nodded.

Emma Cersy was sketching quietly on the edge of the village when she heard footsteps approaching. Glancing up, she saw Daiki standing behind her. "Things are quiet without everyone here," He muttered.

"Yeah. Good time to get some art done though," Emma shrugged. Her latest sketch was almost done. She just needed to apply the colour to the drawing of Carla and Melody sharing some tea.

Then, their guild emblems flashed twice. Daiki's head snapped up. "They're back, good to know my identity enchantment worked with them," He said.

"You doubted your own work?" Emma asked, closing her pad and putting it in a new satchel she'd commissioned from Crocus.

They headed inside to wait, which wasn't for long as through the open doors, Marcus, Wendy, Melody, Carla, Dan, Alicia, Hyde, Lilina and Emi walked into the guildhall.

"Sorry for making you wait, but we have finally returned!" Melody called out.

"Welcome back guys!" Lana called from the bar. Several other members called out their greetings as well.

"My children, welcome home," Roubaul said with a sigh of relief.

"It's good to be home," Marcus yawned.

Roubaul turned his attention to Emi. "Oh, my dear, you've been through a lot for your first job," He smiled sadly.

"I'm fine, the docs said my eye took a little bit of damage, but Fairy Tail recommended someone who knew how to heal all sorts of wounds. She fixed my eye without any side effects," Emi said. "I plan on sending something nice for her to grow as thanks."

"Well, it's good to see you on your feet," Roubaul smiled. "Now, go bathe and rest however much you need, we shall feast upon everyone's safe return!"

Everyone cheered at his words. Cait Shelter loved a good feast.

Deep in the hills that Cait Shelter's guildhall was built into was a spring that the guild had built around, turning it into a small spa. Wendy settled into the water, sighing as she did so. "Ahhhh… there's nothing better than a dip in a hot spring to soothe the soul."

"Agreed. This was the best idea we've had," Carla smiled, her human form dipping in next to her best friend. Emi sat next to them, slightly nervous at the shared bath.

"Mind if we come and join you?" Looking over, the three girls saw Alicia and Lilina strolling up to the edge of the spring.

Wendy gestured to the water, where there was plenty of space. Abandoning their towels, the older girls slipped in without a sound. As they did, Wendy found herself getting a little loathsome at their chests.

"Whoever came up with this idea needs to get something shiny, this is so relaxing," Lilina sighed. Alicia nodded.

"Um… Lilina? Why do you speak like that?" Asked Emi.

"I used to be a thief, little rose. Now I've left the life behind me, but it's hard to just abandon that way of life completely," Lilina said. "My mind sometimes finds it easier to refer to money or shiny things to get the point across."

"I see, so your fine threat was just your way of expressing your worry?" Emi asked.

"Oh no, I stand by a fine threat, I mean it, make me worry again and I get a fifty percent cut of your next job payment," Lilina shrugged.

"Eh heh…" Alicia gave a nervous chuckle. She grunted, her left arm causing her some discomfort.

"Alicia? Are you alright?" Asked Carla.

"Yeah, just a nasty bruise that won't leave me alone," Alicia said.

"Alicia… I can have a look at it if you want?" Wendy offered.

"Um… no thanks, I'll be fine," Alicia muttered. She then sighed. "I'm sorry… I don't want to lie…" She said, and put her right hand on her left shoulder. Like pulling down a long glove, Alicia's skin seemed to peel away, and everyone was shocked to see metal underneath.

"Yeah," Alicia sighed, "Metal."

"What happened? If it's a sore subject, forget I asked," Melody asked.

"My dad cut it off with a blade," Alicia explained. "He was a waste of space, constantly beat me for fun. Once, he brought me to a bunch of bandits, planning to sell my body to them for a profit, but Dan got me out, not until after my dead-beat dad cleaved right through the shoulder."

Everyone winced at her story, "It's ok though. A wizard doctor cauterised the wound." Alicia said. She reached up and gently turned the arm at the joint, and it just slid off.

"I hope this doesn't unsettled anyone, I'll get out if that's the case," The metal wizard sighed.

Everyone shook their head. "I think it makes you even cooler," Melody spoke up. "Yeah, a poor girl who resisted her father's dark deeds learning magic and becoming a guild wizard? What's not to like about that?"

Alicia found herself looking to each of her friends, who all nodded with a smile. "Thanks guys," She said.

Wendy laid back and looked up at the sky. I need to get stronger… She thought. So something like what happened against Gajeel and letting them get away with Lucy will not happen again! So I can be there beside Marcus, Emma, Carla and Melody… be beside all my friends.

That night, Marcus settled into his bed. "Ahh… I've missed this…" He sighed.

"I can agree there," Melody smiled from her hammock. "Back home in our soft and warm beds."

Marcus chuckled. "Melody… I got my butt handed to me by Gajeel," He then sighed. "I thought I had gotten stronger. Gotten to a stage where I could hold my own against someone like him… but he wiped the floor with me. I got a couple good hits in, then I remember waking up in the hospital."

"…" Melody couldn't reply, just deciding to listen to her friend lament.

"Tomorrow, it's back to the training board for me. I've got to double my efforts if I'm gonna be able to protect those I care about…" Marcus said.

"Understood, let me know if there's any way I can help," Melody offered.

"Thanks Mel, I'm glad I've got someone like you, someone like Wendy, someone I can trust to watch my back. I love this guild too much to let something like what happened to Emi happen again," Marcus sighed.

Melody smiled. "Glad I can be someone who fits the bill," She said. Marcus didn't answer though. He was already asleep.

Marcus: And roll the credits for another arc!

Sarah: Sweet ending for everyone, but a surprise about Alicia's arm.

Wendy: Yeah, sure surprised me.

Marcus: As said above, the Tower of Heaven arc will be skipped over, next will probably be an original arc again, or just a few 'filler' chapters until we get to the next big arc.

All: Next time: Happy the Human?!