Now onto introducing two more familiar characters.
I own none of the content besides Jackson.
(A Couple of months later)
Cana and Gray sat in the guild hall, Gray was getting his fortune read by Cana. Jackson was on a job with his parents, so the duo were kinda bored. Or in Gray's case, he was having a bad day, and wanted to see if Cana could give him a good reading. Cana didn't normally mind, but Gray was acting impatient, and he was getting on her nerves. Using one her cards was tempting, but she didn't feel like it.
"Do it again, Cana. You must've read the cards wrong, 'cause there's no way today's my lucky day." Gray fumed
Cana glared at him and said," Look, I know what I'm doing, and I didn't read' em wrong. It's your lucky day so just deal with it, for crying out loud."
Gray didn't look convinced and said, "Well, I don't believe it. Jeez! I fell into a ditch on my way here this morning. And now I can't find my stupid wallet. Today totally sucks! I knew I should've asked Jacks if I could go on that job with him."
"Y'know he would've. But he went on a family job with Iden and Hal. He called earlier, and said he would be back in a couple of hours."
Gray got an idea and said," Huh, how come I never got a Call Card? Maybe because you gave him one because he's your boyfriend?" He teased.
Cana clonked him on the head, and had a blush on her face, and said," He's not my boyfriend! And I don't like him like that."
Gray rubbed his head and was about to say something, but he heard the guild doors open. Everyone looked to see a girl walk into the guild. She looked to be a year older than Gray, Cana, and Jackson. She had a sack over her shoulder, wore a blue dress that looked kinda worn, no shoes, vibrant red hair that went to her neck, and she had a bandage on her right eye.
She was looking around, and had a determined look, or was inspecting everything, and everyone.
Gray got another idea, and said with small grin,"Too bad Jacks isn't here, he would greet her in a heartbeat." Gray commented.
For some reason, Cana felt a strange feeling, and abruptly said," I'll go greet her."
She then got up to her seat, and walked over to her. Gray softly chuckled as he his idea worked.
Cana walked over to her, and gave small smile, even though it seemed slightly forced, and said," Hi, I'm Cana, what's your name?"
The girl seemed to size her up, and then walked around her, and went to the bar, probably to get something to eat. Cana was surprised, but also a little miffed that she was ignored. But from the looks of it, she was ignoring everyone, as they also tried to talk to her.
Something seemed off about her, but Cana could tell the girl didn't want to interact with anyone.
But she was taken by surprise when she saw a light develop her. She then had shoes, socks a white dress, and wore armor. This probably meant she was a Re-quip mage like Iden was. The girl then walked passed her, without giving Cana a second thought, and sat down in the corner, and started to eat.
Cana was starting to feel sorry for her, the previous emotions she felt were now gone. She also got the message that she didn't want to be bothered. So she walked back, and sat back down her seat.
She knew Jackson or maybe Iden would get through to her. And also the Master, but he was out doing something.
"So, did you get anything?" Gray asked.
"No, I feel bad for her. I think she's alone, or wants to be alone. I tried talking to her, but she just ignored me."
"Well, she's not gonna get anywhere in this guild if she doesn't wanna talk to the Gray." Gray cockily said.
Cana raised an eyebrow at him, wondering if he was serious and said," You are getting way too big for your britches there, streaker. Maybe we should wait for the Jackson to get back, or maybe the Master?"
Gray scoffed and said with smirk," Please, I can get her to talk. Just watch."
Cana had a feeling something was going to happen. She guessed he didn't learn about what happened the last time he went into something without thinking. But she didn't stop him, it was better to let things take it's course.
"Hey, what's up?" Gray said, as he got the girl.
The girl stayed quiet, and he frowned. He then kicked the table, knowing he would get her attention. To his satisfaction, she glanced at him and said," Is there a problem?"
"You know this is a wizards guild right? That stupid armor won't protect you here."
"Maybe not, but at least I have the common decency to wear something. That's more than I can say for you, perv."
Gray felt his cheeks flush, and started to angry, especially with the entire guild laughing at him, due to watching the exchange.
"Be careful, guys. Looks like we got a live one." Wakaba joked.
"Looks like she figured you out, Gray." Macao added.
"What did you call me?" Gray said to her, getting madder.
"If you're smart, you'll leave me alone." She simply said.
Gray's hands were starting to pulse with his magic, and said," Oh, or else you'll do what?"
"He never learns." Cana muttered, and winced as the girl pretty much gave him a haymaker, and then punched him into the floor.
Everyone else was shocked by this, but then started to laugh.
"Man, looks like the Gray got his butt whooped. Maybe you should paint it, huh Reedus?" Macao joked, and Reedus chuckled.
Gray managed to pull himself out, glared at the girl, and walked back to his seat. Cana gave him a knowing look, and Gray merely glanced at her.
"Fine, we'll wait for Gramps, or your boyfriend."
Cana's response to the latter was to bump him on the head where the girl clonked him. And she took satisfaction as he groaned in pain.
"So, this girl walked in, got food, and then just sat by herself? Did she come with anyone?" Iden asked.
Once the Wren's and Makarov got back, Cana, and Gray explained everything to them.
Jackson chuckled and said," And managed to beat up 'The Gray' twice? I guess your losing your edge."
Cana had also mentioned that Gray tried to do something again with the girl. And the got the same result as last time.
"Shut it, four eyes. I was distracted." Gray said.
Jackson smirked and said," Twice? Sure, you did, streaker."
"Boys." Iden warned.
The both of them froze, and smiled innocently at her.
Cana sighed, she was starting to wonder if Gray was starting to influence Jackson, or the antics of the guild were the culprit.
"Pretty much, ever since you guys got back. She came to the guild on her own, and doesn't want to talk to anyone. I feel bad for her. But I think I heard that her name was Erza." Cana explained.
Makarov rubbed his chin and said," Maybe we should wait for her to come around. But what you said about her appearance, then it's something we'll have to address immediately."
Hal nodded and said," Then I suggest, Iden. She's good with people, and kids."
Iden gave him a flat stare and said," If I wasn't good with kids, and then our son wouldn't turn out so good."
Hal grinned at her and said," You had my help."
"You're going to need help, when you get to the hospital." Iden threatened, but you can tell it wasn't an actual threat. Due to Iden looking slightly amused by her husband.
The remaining four people sweat dropped at the couples antics.
"Alright, we should go look for her. Is she still at the guild?" Iden asked.
"Nope, she went out. She's probably wanted to walk around the town." Cana said.
Gray crossed his arms and mumbled," If I find her, then she'll wish she never met me."
Iden then harshly pulled his ear, and said," You already bothered her enough, young man. I would also like you to apologize to her when given the chance."
"Ok! Ok!" Gray said, both in fear and pain.
And with that, that's how Gray found himself walking around Magnolia looking for Erza. He still wanted to fight her, but he was also intrigued by her. He didn't know what her deal was, but he was going to find out.
Even the former he couldn't do, due to Iden walking with him. He would rather go searching with Jackson and Cana.
Who, no surprise what so ever, decided to search together.
"So, why do you think she's like this? Personally I think she's a freak or something." Gray said.
"That's not very nice, Gray. People have their quirks. But, from what you said and what she looks like, she probably dealt with something that made her come here. Something I assume isn't a good thing. And you calling her these names won't help her. She may seem to be wanted to be alone, but she doesn't realize is that she needs people to be there with her. The same can be said about you." Iden wisely said.
Gray didn't answer her, but was thinking about what she said. He thought he didn't need anyone after what happened with Deliora, and Ur, but he was proven wrong.
Dang Jackson making him go soft.
Iden then stopped, which caused Gray to run into her backside, due to him being deep in thought.
He blushed a little and said," Sorry."
She didn't seem to acknowledge him, but held her hand up, and pointed at something. Gray looked to see where she was pointing at.
He saw Erza sitting near the canal, either watching the sun set, or watching the water.
"I'll go talk to her." Iden said.
She then walked down the embankment, and walked over to her. Erza seemed to sense her and turned around. Iden felt her heart break a little, she was crying a little, and she could tell by her look, that she had been through a lot. And as a mother, she didn't like when kids were hurt.
And she would do anything to help them.
"Who are you?" Erza asked.
Iden grinned a little and showed her the outside of her hand, which had a purple Fairy Tail Guild Mark on it. Erza then noticed Gray at the top.
She scowled as she wiped her tears, and said," What? Do you two want to fight or something?"
"No, I just want to talk. And Gray isn't going to try anything." Iden said and sat down where Erza was, and patted the ground next to her.
Erza seemed hesitant, but Iden gave her a reassuring look, and said," Don't worry, I don't bite."
She ignored the eye roll from Gray at the top. But she was glad he hadn't tried anything yet. Erza then walked over to her and sat next to her, and she hugged her knees.
"So, care to tell me why you're here, by yourself? Being alone isn't a good thing."
"I just prefer to be alone, 'cause I get nervous around other people."
"Well, I saw you crying, so I take it you want to be around other people. But, I can see you need help. Not only that, I may be not as wise as Master Makarov, but I can see and tell you've been through a lot. And I know I have to gain your trust. What better way than to heal your eye."
Erza's eye widened and said," You can fix it?"
"I can't, but I know someone who can. But you're going to have to trust me. Can you do that?"
Erza wordlessly nodded.
Iden got up, and took out a Gold Key. The key had the interconnected waves that formed a circle, and inside, was the letters 'M', 'I', 'R', but probably meant something else.
"Open, Gate of the Norse Goddess of protection, health, and Mercy: Eir!"
A person came out of the puff of smoke. A woman who wore a blue dress that had a dark blue cape on her back, she had long flowing orange hair, blue eyes, wore a gold headband. She also had a couple of bracelets on her arms, and a necklace around her neck. She was barefoot, and also had a bag around her waist.
"How may I be of service, to you, M'lady?" She said with a bow.
"Hi, Eir, can you please fix her eye?"
Eir looked behind Iden, and saw Erza was standing behind her.
Eir gave her a gentle smile and said," Come now, child. I won't hurt you." She said and held out her hand.
Erza slowly started to walk to her, and then stood in front of her. Eir then kneeled down, and carefully placed her hand near her eye. A small light appeared, and formed in her hand, when then traveled to Erza's eye patch. This caused Erza to clos her eye, as if it would hurt.
A second later, the light died out, and Eir moved her hand away, and said, "There, now let's see the eye."
She then removed the bandage. Erza blinked, and she started to tear up as she realized she could see with both eyes.
"You fixed it. Thank you!" She said and hugged the spirit, and then ran over to hug Iden.
Iden gave Eir a thankful smile, and said, "Thanks, Eir. You're the best."
"Your very welcome, M'lady." She said and gave a smile to Erza, before she disappeared.
"Also, if you think your alone, your not. You have a guilds worth of people who got your back. So, whatever kind of past you had, is the past. You coming to Fairy Tail is the start of a new beginning for you, just like for some of our other members." Iden said to Erza.
"Yeah, that's how I joined the guild. And I'm… sorry for earlier." Gray said, as walked down the slope. He looked to the side, and Iden suppressed a giggle at the small blush he had.
Erza smirked and said," It's ok, if you trained, then I think you could land a punch someday."
Gray blinked, and then scowled at her and said," Don't push your luck."
"Hey, you guys found her." Cana said as she ran over with Jackson.
"Oh, you healed her. I wanted to see her as a pirate first- ow!" Jackson said as Cana smacked him upside the head.
"I'm starting to think that Gray is becoming a bad influence on you." Cana chastised.
"Hey!" Gray exclaimed.
This caused Erza to giggle a little, which Iden was thankful for.
Jackson held out his hand and said," I'm Jackson, nice to meet you, Erza."
Cana waved and said," We've already met before."
"C'mon, everyone. Let's go find Hal and Master, and head back to the guild."
As the group walked, Jackson noticed that Erza walking closely with his mom. He then leaned over to Cana and said.
"That's why; my mom is considered the Den Mother of the guild sometimes. Well, after Master."
Cana couldn't help but agree.
(X777)
It had been a year since Erza came to the guild. And so far, she was an interesting addition. At first, she was a little shy around everyone, and mainly hung around Iden, due to her trusting the female God Spirit Mage the most. But Iden managed to coax her to open up to everyone else.
This was good, and Erza finally opened up to why she had joined Fairy Tail.
Needless to say, it was both sad, and made the select people who heard it, mad.
Apparently Erza was a slave, and had been part of a revolt. She had almost died after a magic blast would've killed her, if it wasn't for someone named Rob. Apparently he was an old friend of Master Makarov's, and Rob had told Erza to find, and join Fairy Tail once she escaped, before he had died, unfortunately.
Makarov had mourned his friend, and told Erza she was welcomed, no matter what her reason.
Jackson promised, including Cana and Gray, that they would protect their new friend. Including Makarov, Iden, and Hal, and they told her she had nothing to worry about. And Jackson had also invited her to go on jobs with him, and the others if she had wanted. She had accepted, and got along with the trio.
And Erza had also sworn she would always protect, and bring honor to her new guild and family.
One other thing that Erza did was, become the resident rule enforcer or authoritarian who tried to keep everyone in line. She sorta reminded everyone of Iden, who sorta did the same thing. And everyone could agree that both women can be scary sometimes.
And Jackson knew Erza highly respected his mom, and viewed her as a motherly figure. And she even helped Erza hone her Re-quip magic. And she also viewed Hal in fatherly role as well. When he wasn't busy, he would help her with her magic, and give her advice.
But Erza always relaxed and had time to hang out with Jackson and the others. The former was considered a little brother to Erza.
And he was also the person who introduced her to Strawberry Cake. This became her favorite snack, and had clonked Gray on the head, after he had ran into her, and she ended up dropping it.
Another thing that seemed to happen was something between Jackson and Cana.
It had started out after Jackson had started taking Erza out on jobs, and Gray would tag along sometimes. Cana would too, but she always would act strange for some reason. Jackson was the first one to notice, and had asked what was wrong. But she had brushed him off.
But Cana should've known her best friend wouldn't take no for an answer. He had decided to take her to the back of the guild and ask her again in private.
"I said I was fine, Jacks." Cana had said.
"Cana, I've known you for close to 4 years now. So I know you. And I can tell something's bothering you." Jackson had firmly said.
Cana sighed, and sat against the wall of the guild, and she hugged her knees. Jackson then sat next to her, and waited for her to speak.
"It's just, you've spending a lot of time with Erza. And I can't help but feel left out or something. I mean, we've known, and been with each other the longest… I mean the latter in a friendly sense." She said with a small blush.
Jackson blushed a little as well and then said," Wait, do you think I'm replacing you with Erza or something? Cause that's not happening. You're my best friend, as if I ever leave you hanging. Besides, you'll probably beat me to a pulp with your Crash Magic." He had said the last part with a shutter.
Cana giggled, she started to feel better, and then had said," I guess I was being stupid. Sorry."
"It's fine. Although, I thought I heard Erza say something about 'future couple' or something after we talked. I think she was talking about seeing a future couple in the guild. I wonder who."
Cana shrugged, and said, "Beats me, c'mon, I'm getting sorta hungry, let's get something at the bar."
As the two of them had walked back to the guild, not knowing Erza was referring to them, until both girls found themselves at the guild together. This was due to Jackson and Gray were out doing something together.
"So, what's happening between and Jackson?" Erza asked.
Cana was busy looking through her cards, so she didn't look up, but said," Nothing much. He's planning on going to the capital to visit his grandfather soon with Iden and Hal. He had asked me if I wanted to come along, but I declined."
Erza nodded, took a bite from her cake, and said," Very well, so that won't hinder your guy's relationship?"
Cana raised a brow, and said," What?"
Erza glanced at her, and said," Well, you guys spend a lot of time together. I just assumed you were courting each other. And the time not spent with each other, will hinder it."
Cana's face felt very hot, and she knew she had a blush. She managed to grab Erza by the arm, and drag her outside.
"What the heck are you talking about?! We're not courting… that's a term for dating right? No! We're not!"
Erza nodded, but she knew better, and said," I'm just giving out advice. Just don't wait too long." She said, and walked back into the guild.
Cana was left outside, to think. She wasn't sure if Erza was right or not. Or she was just messing with her. But, she was going to have to think about it.
Unknown to her, Gray had also broached the topic as well to Jackson. Erza had asked him to do it, even though the Ice Make Mage wasn't comfortable about it. Considering he wasn't particularly interested in his friends love life… they were still kids for crying out loud!
And the only time he did become interested was when he teased them.
After Gray had did that, Jackson had also started to think, just like Cana had done. Both boys had soon made it back to the guild. The only thing amiss was that Jackson and Cana weren't looking or speaking to each other. This was an odd sight, but no one knew, besides Gray and Erza, that the both of them were thinking.
This made Gray give a look to the scarlet haired girl.
Erza looked down in shame and said to him," I should've asked for advice from Iden. If one of you wants to strike me for my penance, I won't stop you."
All three kids blinked at her, which was sorta a good thing, due to Jackson and Cana getting out of their thoughts.
"Again, none of us are going to do that. And what exactly did you do that involved needing advice from my mom?" Jackson asked. "Also, Gray, your clothes."
"Dammit!"
Before Erza could respond, the doors to the guild opened. All four of them looked in that direction to see Master Makarov, who also had someone with him.
He was a boy who was probably a year younger or the same age than the Jackson, Cana, and Gray. His most noticeable features was messy pink hair, and a scarf, and also had a traveling pack on his back.
"Wow, this place is cool." The kid remarked with awe.
Makarov nodded in amusement and said," Yes, it is. And there is a group of people your age I would like you to meet."
He then motioned for the boy to follow him to the others.
"Natsu Dragneel, meet: Jackson Wren, Cana Alberona-Clive, Erza Scarlett, and Gray Fullbuster." Makarov introduced.
"Hey."
"Hello."
"Please to meet you."
Before Gray could respond, he noticed Natsu was looking at him funny. Or was sizing him up.
"What, you got a problem with me or somethin'?" Gray said with a scowl.
"What if I do? Also, what are you? Some kind of pervert? Where are your clothes?" Natsu countered.
Gray looked indignant, and then angry. He got into Natsu's face and said," Who you callin' a pervert, pinky?"
"You, you loudmouthed streaker!" Natsu said with a taunting grin.
Jackson leaned over to Cana and said," Something tells me this is going to be the new normal."
Cana sighed and said," Maybe I should've taken dad's offer on joining him on his job."
By that time, both boys gotten into a fight, to the point a fight cloud formed.
"You better show me some respect, ya loser!"
"Oh yeah? Bring it on, streaker!"
The fight didn't last long, due to Erza getting between them, and pushing them apart.
"And, here we go." Jackson muttered.
"You want some of this too, red?" Natsu threatened.
Gray cowered at Erza's look and said to Natsu," Don't do it!"
Both Jackson and Cana slapped their foreheads in resignation, while everyone else looked on in amusement as Erza punched both boys into the wall.
"What total idiots." Erza muttered.
"Why did I get punched?" Gray groaned.
Erza narrowed her eyes at them and said," You're not to fight. Are we clear?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Gray quickly said.
"Whoa. Scary!" Natsu exclaimed.
Erza gave Natsu a firm look, and said, "Let's get one thing straight, Natsu. Everyone in Fairy Tail treats each other like family, and this guild hall is like our home. It's not a place for fighting. Do you understand?"
"Yeah." Natsu said, but with crossed arms.
Erza was satisfied by that, and said," Welcome to Fairy Tail then. I'm Erza. Gray, you've already met. Those two over there are Jackson and Cana." She said as dragged him, and Gray back to her table.
"You'll get used to her. She's always scary like this. I'm Jackson, nice to meet ya." Jackson joked.
"I'm Cana, so, where did Master find you?"
Natsu looked down for a moment and said," He found me looking for my dad. I've been looking for him."
"Oh, sorry to hear that. Who is he?" Jackson asked.
"His name is Igneel, he's a dragon."
"What?!" They all said.
Natsu smiled and said," Yeah, he taught me Dragon Slayer Magic as well! That means I can mop the floor with ya, if any of you try to fight me."
"Oh yeah, my master, Ur, taught me Ice Make Magic. So I can beat you!" Gray said.
Natsu grinned and said," Yeah right. My fire can totally melt your dumb ice!"
"What did I say about fighting?" Erza said with a visible tick mark, and a dark look on her face.
Both boys cowered, and nodded.
Jackson would've groaned, but he started to think about something. It was regarding how Natsu said he was raised by a dragon. He felt like he was telling the truth.
Cana noticed him looking thoughtful and said, "What is it?"
"I wonder if Natsu knows anything about the Japanese Dragon God Spirit, Ryujin? It's been said his key is missing-"
"Wait, you've seen a dragon?! Did he say anything about Igneel?" Natsu said, as he stopped taunting Gray.
"No, I'm a God Spirit Mage. I use keys to summon God Spirits. One of them is named Ryujin. He's either a dragon that can turn human, or human that can turn into a dragon. No one has ever seen his key, from what I've hurt of." Jackson explained.
Natsu dejectedly sighed, and said," Man, that sucks. But it would be pretty cool if you had him… or his ghost."
Jackson gave him a look, and said," No, him, or any of my spirits are dead. I can teach you about my magic."
Natsu didn't look interested, and said," Eh, not interested."
"You're missing out, his magic is cool." Cana said.
Jackson grinned, and said," Hey, you using Crash and Card Magic is cooler."
From the looks of it, the previous silence the both of them were giving each other was gone.
Natsu looked at the both of them and then said to Gray," Are they together?"
Gray snorted and said," Seems like it sometimes."
Erza nodded and said," Yes, it does."
"We aren't!" The duo cried in annoyance.
Jackson and Cana knew they were both blushing, but they both glanced at each other. The both of them were mature, but sometimes they thought about beating the snot of people who kept saying that about them.
Unfortunately they couldn't do a thing. Mainly due to the fact Erza would have their butts.
One would think Erza wouldn't hurt someone who she would consider her little brother. But, Erza had told Jackson that she couldn't make any exceptions.
Except she backtracked and specifically said she would never do anything to Iden, Hal, or Master Makarov. Master Makarov for obvious reasons, while his parents, were her role models, and looked up to them.
And now that he thought about it, with Natsu joining the guild, and his obvious brash attitude, and clear love to fight, mainly towards Gray.
Then Fairy Tail would become even more interesting now.
And he felt like he was going to enjoy it.
Erza and Natsu have now joined the guild. Next you can guess I have the Strauss siblings, and Happy next up.
Also if your wondering about how Jackson and Cana get together, don't worry, as soon as I'm done with the next chapter, I'll go into that. I'm just setting up on how they are starting to think about it.
Eir is the Norse Goddess of healing and medicine.