To start off with, you'll all be happy to know, that next chapter is done and only needs to be proofread. I've also started on the chapter after that, which will start to kick off, the Tower of Heaven arc.
I'm not sure how much further I will write, before switching to a different story though. I may stop at the Tower of Heaven arc, or might go through the Oración Seis arc as well. I don't want to spend too much time on this story, as there are still five or so stories that haven't been updated for a while and I really should update them, so I make no guarantees for when I will switch stories. That being said, in my opinion, I'll probably stop at the end of the ToH arc, as I won't update this for a while, after I switch stories and I don't like leaving stories mid-arc. That being said, there is also a chance I may stop before the ToH arc starts to get going, meaning, after the next two chapters.
However, once I do manage to update all my other stories, which are still waiting for an update, I will go back to updating across all my stories.
At this point, I would once again like to mention, that I may need to take a hiatus for anywhere between 1 and 5 years, if I don't get enough support on my page. I won't bring it up again for this story, but if you can, any assistance would be appreciated.
Now, in regards to last chapter and the mystery blond person.
Well, a couple of you guessed Riser Phoenix from DxD, but that is incorrect. The character had long blond hair, brown eyes, wore a white suit and was rather arrogant…
A copy of, Sharpener, from Dragon Ball Z. Seriously, I took the entire character description from him during the world tournament. I excluded the flowers he was holding, but everything else was identical, even the yellow tie. If you just google Sharpener DBZ, it is the second image that shows up, or, simply from the Dragon Ball Wiki.
In case you were wondering, my DBZ story is one of the five stories that I need to update soon, along with my three Naruto stories, not including my newest one and my Pokémon story.
That's all for now though, so enjoy the chapter…oh, and the manga was awesome this week!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 4 – Team Wizard Saint
As expected, the Council hadn't been too happy, what was unexpected though, was not everyone was on the same page.
'How can you say that this is not grounds for revoking his Wizard Saint status? Almost two hectares of tree line was demolished!' Argued Michello.
'Given the circumstances, it is reasonable to understand.' Countered Siegrain.
'Indeed. Natsu has also shown restraint on all his jobs before this, since gaining the title, causing no damage at all.' Added Yajima.
'It is also worth noting, that this occurred outside of the job, after the job was completed and without any damage.' Chimed in Ultear.
Crawford Seam stroked his large beard in thought. Clearing his throat, he prepared to give the decision.
'Both sides make valid points, however, given the circumstances and evidence of change, I believe that Salamander, Natsu Dragneel, should not have his Wizard Saint title revoked, that is, assuming this was a one off incident.' Said Crawford calmly.
'You bet, I'm the least destructive mage in Fairy Tail now.' Said Natsu, with a grin.
'That being said, your previous levels of destruction are greater than many have caused in their entire lives.' Commented Ultear, with a smile, which caused Natsu to scratch his head with a sheepish expression.
'All the same, what guarantees do we have that something like this won't happen again?' Asked Org calmly.
'Well, if I may say so, most of the damage was caused by me, not Natsu and I can guarantee it won't happen again.' Chimed in Mira, standing next to Natsu in the witness stand.
'Hmm, I see. Very well then, Mirajane Strauss, you may leave and return to Fairy Tail now, an escort will be waiting for you. Natsu Dragneel, however, you need stay back for a little longer. If you would please leave now and wait outside, we have much to discuss.' Said Crawford, after which, the two mages left.
'I do not agree with this decision.' Said Michello, almost immediately after the door had shut, behind the two mages.
'There's a shock.' Muttered Siegrain sarcastically, which caused Ultear to stifle a giggle and Michello to glare at the man.
'Do not let your grudges blind you, Michello. This is the perfect opportunity to begin to spread good whispers about us. Salamander, a mage loved by all and Mirajane, a beauty loved by just as many… do you realise the potential for a story such as this? Natsu Dragneel, appointed a Wizard Saint, by the wise Council, was able to repel an attack from an unsavoury character and his group, who wished to do unsavoury things, to one of the most beloved idols of Fiore, Mirajane Strauss. We couldn't have asked for a better story to shine a positive light in our direction.' Said Crawford, with a grin.
'All the same, perhaps it would be beneficial to talk with Salamander and explain how he should proceed with this incident. I volunteer to do so, as I believe someone more his… well, someone he may feel more comfortable with, would be the best option.' Said Ultear, with a small smile.
'Why not Yajima then?' Asked Org curiously.
'Of course, Councillor Yajima is a good choice, however, the similarities he shares with Makarov Dreyar, may cause Natsu to not properly heed his words, much as he does for Makarov Dreyar. I would have also recommended Siegrain, but I'm sure he is too busy and thus, volunteered myself.' Explained Ultear.
'Hmm, that is quite reasonable, Councillor Milkovich… very well, do what you see fit.' Said Crawford thoughtfully.
'Of course, by your leave.' Said Ultear, before shimmering out of existence.
-line break-
'I'll see you back at the guild, Natsu.' Said Mira.
'Yeah… hope I don't have to stay here for too long though.' Grumbled Natsu.
Mira gave a small giggle at Natsu's griping.
'Don't worry Natsu, we can always go on another job later.' Said Mira.
'Really? You mean you're going to start going on jobs again?' Asked Natsu in excitement.
'Of course, but for now, only occasionally and only if they are with you.' Said Mira, with a wink.
'Huh?' Said Natsu in confusion.
Mira gave another giggle, before leaning forward and giving Natsu a small kiss on his left cheek.
'What was that for?' Asked Natsu in confusion, as a small blush worked its way onto his face.
'Oh nothing. I just remembered how cute you looked when you cried, but your blushing is pretty cute too. See you back at the guild Natsu.' Said Mira cheerily, before heading off, leaving Natsu at the door of the Council chambers.
'My, my, just what would everything think of the rambunctious Salamander, having the poster girl of Fairy Tail, for a girlfriend?' Teased Ultear, as she approached the Dragon Slayer.
'Mira isn't my girlfriend.' Huffed Natsu, with some pink still on his cheeks.
'Oh? So you're still on the market, interesting. I'm sure after word of this incident starts to spread, many women will be pleased to hear that.' Said Ultear, with a smile.
'Huh? When word spreads? What do you mean? Why would you guys want word of this to get out? I destroyed stuff.' Said Natsu in confusion.
'Oh no, Salamander, Natsu Dragneel, the Wizard Saint, didn't destroy anything, that was all due to the work of a nefarious gang, who had less than honourable intentions for Sorcerer Weekly favourite, Mirajane Strauss… or at least that is how things will look.' Said Ultear, with a small giggle, raising her left hand over her mouth.
'Why would you guys say that? That's not the truth.' Asked Natsu suspiciously.
'Oh dear, it seems I was right to have this chat with you, but for now, let us go somewhere more comfortable, please follow me, Salamander.' Said Ultear in amusement.
Natsu grumbled at this, but obliged the Councillor and followed after her. For her talk of somewhere more comfortable, her office was not much better than standing. In front of her desk was a simple wooden chair. Of course, behind her desk, was a much more appealing chair… one that actually had pillows and had armrests… basically, her guest chair sucked in Natsu's opinion.
'Please sit down, we have much to discuss.' Said Ultear, before she sat in her chair.
Natsu frowned a little, seeing how comfortable Ultear was and saw the mirth dancing in her eyes, when she eyed his chair, indicating he sit down, which he begrudgingly did.
'Okay, but before we start this discussion, I have an important question.' Started Natsu.
'By all means, ask, your important question.' Said Ultear playfully.
'Why do you smell familiar? To be more specific, why do you smell like that short, masked guy from Galuna Island?' Asked Natsu, with a narrowed gaze, as he gave a small sniff, confirming his senses were indeed picking up the scent from her.
Ultear momentarily stiffened, before relaxing, but Natsu easily caught it.
'What do you mean? Are you insinuating that I smell like a man? How rude, I take the proper time to bathe myself.' Said Ultear, in mock hurt.
'Look, despite what you might think, I don't care why you were crossdressing as some weird guy on an island, inhabited by a frozen demon at that. You'd think that I would, but I really don't.' Said Natsu tiredly.
'Oh, why is that?' Asked Ultear, genuinely curious.
'Well… everyone is entitled to do what they want to I suppose, it isn't like people have to report to me why they do things… or when they are going to go on a job.' Said Natsu sourly.
'I think you might be mixing two things together here, Salamander.' Commented Ultear in amusement.
'I am, but both are relevant to what I just said… and call my Natsu, since Salamander is what my enemies call me. You aren't my enemy, are you?' Asked Natsu, with a raised eyebrow.
'Hmm, no, I believe I am not your enemy… Natsu.' Said Ultear thoughtfully.
'Okay, in that case, I have one more question before we discuss how the Council is going to lie about anything involved with me.' Said Natsu calmly, causing Ultear to raise an eyebrow.
'Yes?' Prompted Ultear.
'If, say, the Council is destroyed, rebuilt, redesigned, under new leadership, whatever, does that affect my Wizard Saint position at all?' Asked Natsu.
'It shouldn't after today, no. Why though? You only recently became a Wizard Saint, why do you suddenly care so much about it? Simple bravado and pride?' Asked Ultear teasingly.
'No, it is because today I realised, that there are bad people out there… very bad, and having the insurance of being a Wizard Saint can give me some flexibility in how I deal with things… especially if the Council is already going to lie about what I do anyway.' Said Natsu simply.
'That is… an odd view. It isn't wrong though, but I'm surprised to hear something so shrewd and well planned coming from you, Natsu.' Teased Ultear.
'Hmm, I thought someone who wore a mask and carried on an acting façade, would be able to recognise one in front of her… guess that's just me.' Hummed Natsu thoughtfully.
'Is that so?' Asked Ultear in amusement.
'You tell me, Councillor. Do you really know me well enough to know if I'm lying here or not?' Asked Natsu challengingly, as he leaned back into his chair.
'… I suppose not and if we are speaking informally as we are now, please, call me Ultear.' Said Ultear calmly.
'Alright then, Ultear, I'm ready to hear about how the Council is going to lie, ready to fill me in?' Gestured Natsu grandiosely, making a big sweeping motion with his arms.
'Yes, although, since you are… different… to what I was expecting, I'll be more honest with you from this point on.' Answered Ultear.
'I'm listening.' Said Natsu, leaning forward again.
'To put things simply, you are essentially free to do nearly anything you want. Of course, within reason though. For instance, you can't go back to your previously destructive ways, but, accidents do happen, especially at the hands of others. A Wizard Saint is expected to carry out their mission, with as much care as possible, however, damage at the hands of an enemy, can be compensated for, especially when rescuing someone.' Said Ultear playfully.
'So, in other words, any damage I may inadvertently cause, would be blamed on any stray bandit or dark mage, assuming they were within the area and I encounter them.' Reiterated Natsu.
'Your words, Natsu, but they are very true.' Winked Ultear.
'Ok, I can handle that. I'll still tone things down, but maybe now I can breathe a little.' Said Natsu, with a nod.
'That being said, the Council may also… add finishing touches, to any jobs you complete, from this point on, to help the public see the great heroic deeds of Natsu Dragneel.' Continued Ultear, with an impish smile.
'Like today's job then?' Asked Natsu, to which Ultear nodded for confirmation.
'Yes, in fact, you should read the next issue of Sorcerer Magazine this Wednesday, you will feature heavily no doubt, especially given who you carried out this job with.' Answered Ultear, with a smirk.
'I see… is there anything else?' Asked Natsu curiously.
'Not Council related, no. Although, would you mind a personal question of a prying woman?' Asked Ultear calmly.
'If I can ask one of my own, then by all means.' Replied Natsu.
'Hmm, an even exchange… very well then. Why exactly do you carry a mask with you and feel the need to have flexibility from this point? For what reason do you want this?' Asked Ultear curiously.
'For the same reason I do everything: to find Igneel. The reason I want to find Igneel should be simple enough to understand, but that being said, I also want those I care about to be safe. I'm not willing to sacrifice those I care about to get my way, but, if you stand in my way, I won't hold back.' Said Natsu, giving Ultear a stern glare.
'I see, most interesting.' Hummed Ultear.
'Well, ask your question, Natsu.' Prompted Ultear.
'Why are you hiding behind a mask? What could possibly require you to be part of the Council and also meddle with Zeref's demons?' Asked Natsu calmly.
Ultear didn't answer immediately. She knew why she was doing everything, of course she did, but how to answer Natsu. Did she want to say the truth, part of it, or a blatant lie?
'Before I answer, may I ask why you care?' Questioned Ultear.
'That's fair, I don't really have much of a case in asking you a question, given I will be the Council's white knight from this point on… I want to know, because what I feel from you confuses me.' Said Natsu honestly.
'Oh my, is the, Natsu Dragneel, smitten, with me?' Questioned Ultear in amusement.
'No. I smell blood on you. Death and destruction. I can feel how guarded you are, how deceptive you are… although, despite all this, I don't feel an evil aura from you, that would usually accompany these things… for some reason, you feel exceedingly neutral. To that point that I can imagine you stabbing someone in the back and feeling no remorse, if you felt it was necessary for a greater purpose. That is why I care. I have never felt a person so neutral before and it bothers me, because I don't know whose side you are on right now, or if I can trust you.' Explained Natsu, with a narrowed gaze.
Ultear placed her elbows on her desk and rested her chin on her interlocked hands, gazing closer at Natsu.
'You know something, Natsu, you are very interesting.' Commented Ultear.
'You didn't answer the question.' Pointed out Natsu.
Ultear hummed, but merely continued gazing at Natsu, studying him.
'A fresh start. That is what I want.' Said Ultear, after a minute.
'I see.' Said Natsu, before standing up and heading for the door.
As he reached for the handle, he paused halfway.
'A fresh start is all good and well, for wiping away any errors, or mistakes… but don't forget, a fresh start means losing everything you've already fought and struggled for. Everything you've enjoyed and achieved as well. Ask yourself this, is your life completely irredeemable up to this point, that you would want to erase everything you have done up to this point? Can you really not do, what you want to do with your life right now? Or are you only holding yourself back?' Said Natsu, before leaving.
Ultear frowned at the door, once Natsu had left.
'One who has only walked in the light can never know the true horrors of the shadows. Poor, naïve Natsu.' Said Ultear fondly, with a smile.
It was only after Ultear had spoken though, that another pink haired person appeared in her mind, which caused her to frown.
Ultear shook her head softly and gave a dry chuckle.
"I can't be having second thoughts now, from a simple conversation." Thought Ultear, before deciding that her office had suddenly become uncomfortable and made to leave it.
As Ultear exited the office, she nearly jumped when she saw Natsu leaning to the side of the door.
'And what are you doing here exactly?' Asked Ultear, with a hint of surprise in her tone.
'Well, you led me here and I'm not sure where the exit is. I figured that even though I can be a bit more reckless, blowing through buildings, should probably not be my primary way to get around.' Said Natsu sheepishly.
'I see, follow me then.' Said Ultear in amusement, as she led Natsu back along the path they had come.
'Here we are Natsu, the same place where you saw your girlfriend off.' Teased Ultear, causing Natsu to frown.
'I told you she isn't my girlfriend.' Huffed Natsu, to which Ultear giggled.
As Ultear turned to leave, Natsu spoke.
'You know, being a fire user, I'm well aware of both the light and the dark.' Said Natsu offhandedly.
'Oh, was someone eavesdropping, that is rude you know?' Teased Ultear, as she turned back to Natsu.
'Probably, but I'm not known for my manners anyway.' Said Natsu, with a grin.
'True.' Said Ultear, before Natsu started to walk away, Ultear watching him as he went.
'Although, for there to be shadows, something needs to be obstructing the light. If you take away whatever is causing the shadows, they go away and everything is plunged into the light.' Said Natsu, as he walked off.
Once Natsu got outside, he jumped off the ground and ignited his feet, before launching himself towards Magnolia.
'Hmm how funny, Natsu. I'm sure a Dragon Slayer could have easily sniffed their path back. You just felt like taunting me, didn't you?' Said Ultear thoughtfully, before walking off again.
-line break-
When Natsu arrived back at the guild, he looked around in shock. To put it simply, the guild was a mess. Smashed tables and chairs. Barrels of beer upturned, some with beer still in them. Mugs strewn about on the floor, along with mages of varying degrees of consciousness.
'How the hell did this happen?' Shouted Natsu in shock.
'Demon… back…' Gasped a member lying on the floor, among the wreckage of a table, before passing out.
'Huh?' Said Natsu in confusion, before a transformed Mirajane, dropped down in front of Natsu. Mira suddenly turned back to normal, causing most of the guild to exhale in relief.
'Welcome back Natsu. I was just teaching the guild about how important it is, to ensure that everyone does their part in looking after the foundations, of what will soon be our new guild. Oh, and we have a new member now as well, who has been eagerly waiting to meet you.' Said Mira pleasantly.
Natsu looked at Mira in confusion, before she gestured towards the bar. Juvia who had previously been sitting, somehow unfazed by the chaos that had unfolded around her, walked up to Natsu. Natsu blinked for a second, making sure his nose wasn't lying, as Juvia had completely changed, cutting her hair and changing her outfit, showing much more skin. It wasn't overly showy, in comparison to someone like Cana, but considering how bundled up Juvia had been previously, it was quite the change.
Juvia was now wearing a blue and white dress that reached to just above her knees, along with a Fairy Tail symbol just above her chest, almost like a bowtie. She also wore white boots, with dark blue markings on them, which reached to just below her knees, along with what looked like, white gloves, which reached mid-biceps. To top it all off, Juvia wore a new hat, which was mostly blue, with two white segments, which also featured a blue swirl on the front of it.
'Natsu! Juvia joined Fairy Tail and Juvia changed her look to match as well, what do you think?' Asked Juvia eagerly.
Natsu hummed thoughtfully and looked the beaming Juvia over.
'Hmm, why did you cut your hair? It looked better before.' Asked Natsu, causing Mira to slap Natsu on the shoulder.
'Natsu, that was very rude.' Chided Mirajane sternly, as Juvia has slumped her head at Natsu's words.
'What? I was just being honest. It suited her better when it was long, although I think it looks better being uncurled, looks more like water that way, which suits her.' Defended Natsu, causing Mira to pause and a few of the still conscious Fairy Tail members to look at Natsu oddly.
'Hmm, that is an interesting thought actually.' Commented Mira, as she turned to Juvia.
'I mean, it is fine either way I suppose, Juvia is still Juvia after all.' Added Natsu.
Juvia perked up at this and saw Natsu's characteristic grin.
'Thank you Natsu. Juvia is glad, that Juvia is still Juvia to you.' Cheered Juvia.
"Although, now Juvia must figure out the best hairstyle to suit Natsu… but Natsu still thinks Juvia is Juvia. In other words, Natsu loves Juvia no matter what!" Thought Juvia happily.
'Juvia has a job, would Natsu like to go as well?' Offered Juvia, holding up the request.
'Well, I did just get back…' Said Natsu, causing Juvia to think Natsu was going to say no and dropped her head in sadness.
'But sure, why not?' Finished Natsu, causing Juvia to look up in shock.
'Eh, really? Natsu will go on Juvia's job with her?' Questioned Juvia in surprise.
'Of course!' Exclaimed Natsu happily.
'Juvia, you wouldn't mind if I join you two on your job, right?' Asked Mira sweetly.
'O-of course not.' Spluttered Juvia, feeling an ominous vibe coming from Mira.
'Wonderful! Also, I'm sure that by the time we come back, the guild will be spotless, right?' Questioned Mira, in the same tone, to everyone who was still conscious.
Hurried nods and words of agreement were quickly given.
'Well, let's go then.' Said Mira, as she pushed Juvia and Natsu out the door, which closed behind her.
The guild gave a collective exhale of relief, once Mira had left. There was a moment of silence, before a small lump of blue dropped down from the roof.
'No more! Please, no more Winged Fish! I'm sorry Mira!' Cried Happy tearfully, as he bawled on the ground.
'Let that be a lesson for you, for next time, Happy: gluttony is a sin.' Said Makarov, who was sitting at the bar, with a mug of beer and appeared untouched, despite the destruction around him.
"Although, I must admit, I didn't expect Mira to get her powers back so quickly. Hmm, Natsu, Mira and Juvia, what an interesting team. Ho ho, lucky Natsu though, having two beauties with him now. Team Wizard Saint, yes, that's a fitting name." Thought Makarov, as he took a drink.
'Alright everyone, let's start cleaning up before Mira gets back!' Shouted Makarov, which spurred the guild into action.
"Ah, sometimes, it is good being the boss." Thought Makarov contently, as he drank his beer calmly, while watching his guild members clean up their mess.
Well, except for the weeping cat-like creature, that was still whispering refusals of Winged Fish quietly.
-line break-
It had been another successful mission for Team Natsu… well Team Natsu, without Natsu and Happy, that is. Erza, Lucy and Gray made their way back to the guild, in varying degrees of tiredness. Erza appeared completely unfazed, while Gray only appeared a little bit tired… Lucy on the other hand, was dragging her feet every step of the way and crying internally.
"How did I get roped into this?" Shouted Lucy internally.
While the blonde did find missions with Natsu somewhat tiring, Natsu was nowhere near as militant as Erza. They had done eight requests in the past five days. The kicker though, was that Erza and Gray combined, caused even more damage than Natsu on his own, meaning, despite how many jobs she had done, she had only earned the same amount of jewels that should could have, in a job or two with Natsu.
"Why me?" Thought Lucy tiredly.
'Do you think we should try for another request today?' Asked Erza curiously.
Lucy blanched and started to sweat nervously.
'Nah, I think we can just pick up bright and early tomorrow. Get in some training tonight.' Said Gray, giving his thoughts on the matter.
'Y-yeah, a bit of training would be a good idea.' Added Lucy nervously.
'Hmm, I see, very well then, be at the guild at sunrise tomorrow and we can set off on a new job then.' Decided Erza, causing Lucy to cry internally.
It was then, that the trio started to hear some mutterings approaching them. After a moment, they could make out what was being said.
'Natsu, we need to take the train this time.' Said a voice, which was easily recognised as Mira's.
'B-but the job we did today was fine without us needing to take a train.' Protested Natsu.
"A job? Did Mira go on a job?" Thought Erza in surprise.
'Juvia is sorry Natsu. Juvia should have known a job that was far away, would be uncomfortable for Natsu.' Said Juvia worriedly.
"Juvia? From Phantom?" Thought Lucy in confusion.
'Now, now Juvia, Natsu needs to learn to deal with this eventually, after all, a Wizard Saint should be able to handle transportation, or it won't look well on them.' Interjected Mira.
Those words, Wizard Saint, they set a fire inside Erza and Gray. On some level, both were happy for the Dragon Slayer, but on another, it irked both of them for different reasons. Gray for the obvious, of his rival being ahead of him and Erza, unusually, because she felt uncomfortable with Natsu being of a higher rank than her. True, Erza was S-Class, but Wizard Saint easily trumped S-Class mage.
'But I could just use my magic to get around. I mean, that's how I got back here after the Council meeting so quickly.' Persisted Natsu.
'While it may be okay in that scenario, it is a waste of your magic and for an important event, a certain level of decorum is needed, Natsu.' Explained Mira patiently.
'B-but I… *sigh* fine.' Conceded Natsu in defeat, as they were finally within eyesight of the other trio.
Natsu gave a small sniff and quickly looked up, seeing his team… or at least the one bearing his name.
'Hey guys, how was the job?' Asked Natsu cheerfully.
'N-Natsu and Mira and… who are you?' Said Erza, looking to Juvia.
'Juvia? You look different.' Said Lucy nervously.
'Juvia has changed to mark her new beginning as a Fairy Tail mage.' Explained Juvia.
Lucy was going to comment on that, before Gray spoke up.
'What are you doing flame brain? What are you thinking, taking Mira on a job?' Questioned Gray harshly.
'Ara, well actually, I requested to come.' Explained Mira pleasantly, but somehow managed to unnerve Gray.
'Mira, as a senior mage, I cannot allow you to go on this job. It is dangerous for you.' Said Erza, as she stepped forward.
'Oh, as I recall, both of us are of equal standing. Both of us are S-Class mages and while you became one first, your authority isn't greater than mine.' Said Mira, with a smile.
'But you don't have any…' Said Erza hesitantly.
'Magic? Oh, but I do. I mean, it wasn't intentional, but there is a nice piece of forestry gone now thanks to me being a little overzealous. I'm sure a blonde haired man and his group of friends in jail now, can also attest to this fact. Ah, so embarrassing, but I do in fact have magic, feel free to ask the guild for confirmation, if you still don't believe me.' Said Mira happily.
Erza was taken aback at Mira's words.
'Y-you mean… you got your magic back?' Asked Erza in surprise.
'I never lost it, I just needed someone to help me realise that.' Said Mira happily, before, in a bold move, kissed Natsu on the cheek again, in front of everyone.
'Thank you once again, Natsu.' Cooed Mira happily, as she fluttered her eyelashes at the flustered Dragon Slayer.
'S-stop doing that! You're just doing that to tease me. The Councillor thought you were my girlfriend because of that.' Spluttered Natsu indignantly.
Everyone was shocked at this new piece of information, but Juvia was shocked the most.
"G-G-Girlfriend! Oh no! It seems Juvia has an even stronger love rival… and she has longer hair! Does this mean Natsu likes girls with longer hair? Oh no, Juvia has disadvantaged herself! Blonde love rival must not be a threat then, Juvia must have gotten it wrong… or maybe not… but Mirajane is definitely a love rival! A strong one too! Juvia won't lose though!" Thought Juvia fiercely.
'U-u-uh w-what is going on?' Questioned Erza in shock, with a small blush.
'Oh, nothing of course, but we should be going now, or we will miss our train.' Said Mira happily, causing Natsu to let out a small groan and snap Juvia out of her daydreaming.
As the trio made their way past the other trio, Mira momentarily paused near Erza and whispered something to her.
'Too bad Erza. Natsu may have been part of your group before, but now he is mine and I won't be letting him go.' Whispered Mira happily, with a scheming glint in her eye, before the trio walked off.
Team Natsu, minus Natsu and Happy, stiffly made their way back to the guild, Erza more so than Lucy and Gray, but both were quite surprised. As Erza opened the door to the guild, everyone's eyes were on her and oddly enough, upon seeing her, many exhaled in relief, a far cry to how they would have reacted a few weeks ago. Strangely though, the entire guild was spotless.
'We have returned Master. The job was a success, as always.' Said Erza, as she walked up to Makarov, who was sitting on the bar and sipping his beer with an amused expression.
'Oh, well done, will you be taking another?' Asked Makarov curiously.
'No, we will train for the rest of the day and take one bright and early tomorrow.' Explained Erza, as Lucy and Gray walked up behind her.
'Um Master, did a new mage join the guild recently?' Asked Lucy curiously.
'Oho, you three must have bumped into Juvia then.' Stated Makarov cheerfully, as he took another sip of his drink.
'Yes Master, about that, we also saw Natsu and Mira, and Mira claims to have regained her powers. Is there any truth to this?' Asked Erza.
The entire guild collectively shivered and a few members even whimpered.
'Indeed, Mira is back on the active list and will be going on jobs again.' Confirmed Makarov.
'I see.' Said Erza thoughtfully.
'Ahhh Erza! You're back!' Shouted a bundle of fur, which, surprisingly, slammed into Erza's chest plate and held on.
'Happy, what wrong?' Asked Lucy in confusion.
'The demon is back! We need you Erza! You need to protect me from the demon! *sniff* So many Winged Fish. I don't want anymore!' Cried Happy, his tears sliding of the knightess's armour.
'Did we miss something?' Asked Gray curiously.
'A lot, as a matter of fact, but Happy is merely atoning for his gluttony.' Explained Makarov.
'I see, if Master says so, then it seems you received a fitting punishment Happy.' Said Erza sternly.
'Lucy, please help! You have to help!' Cried Happy, as he flew off Erza and latched onto the blonde's neck.
'Eh? Why me and why would you be scared of Mira for?' Asked Lucy in confusion, as the guild shivered once again.
'The demon is back! Don't you understand?' Wailed Happy.
'Considering Lucy is a fairly new member as well, she would most likely not know of the demon.' Chimed in Makarov.
'We're doomed!' Shouted Happy, before flying out of the guild dramatically, bumping into anyone in his way.
'Master, are you sure it is a good idea for Mira to be taking missions again?' Asked Erza sternly.
'I was in fact the one who recommended she go on the first one today.' Explained Makarov.
'I see… then I will trust your judgment. I will leave now to train.' Declared Erza, before leaving the guild.
Gray said something similar, before leaving as well.
'I'm going… to bed, those two are slowly killing me.' Said Lucy tiredly, before heading home.
"And none of you asked about Natsu… yes, it is for the best that Mira begin taking jobs again. Juvia joining was also a blessing. Hopefully, the two of them can help Natsu, where his team is failing." Thought Makarov tiredly.