Chapter 59

Hunter19941- Yeah I know. You think there would be more with them, right?

Warmachine375- Maybe. Maybe he's dead. Maybe he's held prisoner by the Chaos Gods? Or maybe he's just letting things unfold? Who knows?
Konsilisto- I'm probably going for a combination of things. Combine the strengths of both universes together to form something deadlier in a bunch of ways. Only, you know, it's the Chaos Gods that are doing it at the moment. That's a big Uh-Oh.

Naestra

"We're here." Said Naestra as he led the group to the newly built Guild Hall of Fairy Tail. Upon seeing it, everyone gasped out loud in shock and awe at the new Guild Hall. Design-wise, it was radically different from their first Guild Hall.

Resembling a castle more than the previous Guild Hall, this new Hall was a three-floor building that held an outdoor café inside its new fence perimeter. It held battlements on the upper floors for some reason and it held a massive flag that contained the symbol of Fairy Tail on it at the front of the Hall for all to see. A worthy replacement for the Fairy Tail Guild. At least on the outside.

"Whoa." Said Lucy as she saw the Guild Hall. "It's amazing! You did all this while we were away."

"Yes." Said Naestra, smiling as she saw the looks of awe from team Natsu, Daxter, and her son. They had been glum for the initial duration of the trip as a result of what occurred at the Tower of Heaven, especially Erza, and only just got back to their normal selves upon arriving back to Magnolia. It pleased her to have them all excited about the new Guild Hall.

"It had taken a while, but we were more or less done with the new Guild Hall when we left to pick you all up." Explained Arahan as she crossed her arms over her chest. "They must have done the finishing touches while we were gone. I don't recall the flag being there when we left."

"It's amazing." Said Daxter as he looked at the new Guild Hall. "I imagine there's going to be a massive celebration going on when this hall was finished."

"They were planning on doing it when you all came back." Said Naestra as they continued walking. "Makarov wanted you all here for the celebration. After all, Team Natsu was instrumental in the war against Phantom Lord."

"A war that you thankfully avoided much punishment." Said Daxter, recalling how the Magic Council let them off with just a warning when they finally came to a decision regarding Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail having a war with each other. It was a lot lighter punishment compared to Phantom, which got disbanded forcibly with all its members either sent to jail to serve time or forced to look for new guilds. It all depended on their involvement in Jose's plans against both Fairy Tail and the Heartfilia family when they uncovered proof of Jose's plans against the Heartfilia family.

"Indeed." Said Naestra as they finally made it to the new archway of Fairy Tail. Before they entered, however, they heard a voice.

"Alright, Team Natsu is back!" Yelled a sandy-haired man behind the counter of a souvenir shop right next to the entrance of Fairy Tail. Upon hearing and seeing the man, Team Natsu smiled and went to him.

"Alright, Max! I see you own a store now, huh?" Yelled Gray with a smile as everyone approached the now-named Max, who just smile.

"You betcha. Master thought that, since we're rebuilding the Guild, may as well have a souvenir store for our fans!" Said Max as he showed off all the merchandise they were selling at the moment, all of which were based on the Fairy Tail Guild Mark or had pictures of various Fairy Tail members. "We got loads of merchandise for the people. We got T-Shirts of various designs, and wristbands with our Guild Mark on them, we even got some Magic Lacrimas with our guild mark on them. But the best-sellers are these babies for 3000 Jewels each." He then brought out a box from under the counter containing 6-inch figures of team Natsu, Naestra, and Arahan, all of whom were doing various poses. They were all well done, perfectly resembling the real thing. While Diederick, Naestra, and Daxter were impressed with the craftsmanship of the figures, Lucy wasn't impressed.

"You couldn't have asked us first before making stuff on us?" Asked Lucy in annoyance while Arahan grabbed a figurine based on her, frowning as she inspected it for flaws or anything she disliked. Max was about to defend his actions when Arahan pressed something accidentally and, as a result, the clothes of her figurine came off, leaving it clad in nothing. Those who saw this, either gulped in fear or backed away as Arahan held a naked figurine of herself, her face entirely flat as she looked at the utterly flawless toy figure made in her likeness that was now in its birthday suit and wielding a bow and arrow.

Naestra was about to warn Max to run when Arahan suddenly grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and glared at him.

"Who is the fool that decided this was a good idea?" Demanded Arahan as she held up the naked figure to Max, who whimpered as he saw the death glare that Arahan was giving him. She had become tolerant of a lot of things since coming to this world, but this wasn't one of them. Max, trying to see how he can get out of this, first thought he can tell her to take it to customer services, but he then remembered this was Arahan and she wasn't exactly the most patient of individuals. Even to her own guildmates. Thus, he had no choice but to tell her the truth.

"I…I thought it would sell the figures more." Said Max as he witnessed Arahan giving him a death glare. "You know. Assurance that they sell. I mean, a beautiful woman like yourself and having the clothes of figures made in her likeness be removable. That's going to sell. You'd understand if you were in my shoes." Arahan, however, didn't understand and she looked like she was about to shove the figure up his rectum when Naestra stepped in and pulled her sister away with Erza's help.

"Max, I can see your point regarding this, but even I have problems with these figures of yours." Said Naestra as she held her own, careful in handling her own so as to not trigger it suddenly losing its clothes. "We'll talk about this further later, but know that this is not acceptable at all." Max opened his mouth to speak in protest when a glare from Arahan shut him up, causing him to shake his head rapidly. With that done, Naestra dragged her sister inside the Guild Hall, followed by everyone else.

"He's dead if this continues, sister." Said Arahan as she was dragged inside the Guild Hall. "I don't care if he's just a young adult, sister. He's dead if I see another of those toys in his store again, especially if they're being sold to people."

"I'll talk to Makarov about this, but please calm yourself sister." Said Naestra as she let go of her sister once she was sure she wouldn't run outside and beat Max up or worse for the figures. Lucy and the others, meanwhile, looked around the Guild Hall to see what was different and what stayed the same. Though they understood where Arahan was coming from, Diederick and Lucy especially, wanted to see just how changed everything was in the new Guild Hall. And boy did a lot change.

"Wow!" Yelled Lucy with a big smile on her face as she looked at the more massive and cleaner main Hall they had now compared to their old one. They now had rows of tables inside for dining and other needs. They also had a massive stage at the back of the hall, perfect for performances or concerts for the entertainment of guests and the Guild. As she was looking over the Guild Hall, she heard a voice that she was both relieved and happy to hear.

"Lucy!" Yelled Levy McGarden, the small, blue-haired young woman that had been attacked by Gajeel back prior to the start of the Phantom-Fairy Tail War, as she made her way towards the group, a big smile on her face. "It's so good to see you all!"

"Levy!" Yelled Lucy in both relief and happiness as she saw that her friend was completely healed from her injuries caused by Gajeel. "It's so good to see you again! And completely healed too!" Levy just laughed at that.

"Yeah. Completely healed. Those doctors sure know what they're doing." Said Levy before beginning to show off the inner hall. "Anyway, we really went all out in making this new Guild Hall shine over the old one. We built a game room in the basement and we also have a big pool behind the Guild Hall as well. And perhaps best of all, we can enter the second floor." Levey then pointed to the new second floor of the new Guild Hall, where Elfman was currently at, giving them a wave.

"Really?" Asked Gray as he looked at the second floor. "So does that mean we can take on S-class jobs?"

"Well, you need an S-class mage to go with you first, but technically yes." Said Levy with a smile, knowing that both Natsu and Gray would be happy at hearing that news. Looking at the two boys, Levy was a bit surprised to see Natsu have a sunken look on his face, his lower head covered by his scarf. The young man was upset with all the changes. The new Guild Hall didn't feel like the old one at all. It was all too new. He hated it, despite the massive improvements over the original. Before he could voice his complaint, they all heard Makarov speaking up behind them all.

"I'm glad to see you all are back and unharmed." Said Makarov as he walked behind everyone with Juvia in tow. Now wearing a completely different outfit to the one they used to see her wear. The water mage had gone ahead of the group prior to them all leaving Akane Beach. The Water-Mage felt a little guilty at leaving ahead of them, but Naestra assured her that it wasn't any trouble. Makarov would be more than overjoyed to accept her into the Guild. Not only was she regretful for her actions during the war between Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail, but Makarov would be more than willing to give her a second chance. A second chance is that she can partake in Fairy Tail. After some assurance from Naestra, Juvia left them, thanking her for her words of encouragement.

Smiling at the group of Fairies and two boys, Juvia gave a bow.

"I'm so glad that you're all here safe and sound." Said Juvia, sounding more happier than anyone has ever heard her before.

"Well, everyone I'd like you all to get your brand new Guild Member, Juvia Lockser. Ain't she a cutie." Said Makarov with a smile as Juvia gave a big smile towards them while lifting the skirt of her now white dress. Ignoring Makarov's last sentence, Naestra smiled at Juvia along with Gray.

"It's great that the master let you in." Said Gray with a smile. "You'll fit right in. I'm sure of it." While everyone else, minus Natsu as he was still sulking about the new Guild Hall, was congratulating Juvia, Arahan frowned. She didn't exactly approve of Juvia yet due to her involvement in the war against Phantom Lord. She didn't have anything to do with their more heinous acts, admittedly, but Arahan felt it was wrong to have a former enemy join their Guild so quickly and without issue from anyone else. She supposed it was because she was far more used to having enemies that were irredeemable or can never be negotiated with, like the Forces of Chaos or the Undead, back in her old home. Foes that one had to be a complete idiot to even think of negotiating with them or even believe they can be reformed.

With that thought, she looked at her sister smiling at Juvia as she glared at Lucy, declaring her a love rival for Gray. Reminded of just how naïve her sister was, Arahan sighed and looked away. It was supposed to avoid seeing her sister, keeping her off her mind, but veering away from her sister caused Arahan to see someone that she really didn't want to see. And she was angered with how free he was.

"What is he doing here!?" Yelled Arahan as she pointed at the person she was enraged with, causing Team Natsu, Diederick, Daxter, and Naestra to look to where she was pointed. They all gasped when they saw who it was.

"What!? Him!? Are you kidding me!?" Demanded Gray as he looked at the form of the man responsible for causing the events that caused the war between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord in the first place. Black Steel Gajeel, who was currently leaning on a chair nonchalantly and glaring at them.

"Gajeel!" Yelled Natsu as he glared at the man that wrecked their first Guild Hall and hurt Levy and her team. He was about to charge at him when Juvia stopped him and Gray.

"Calm down!" Yelled Juvia in fear as she looked at both boys in concern. "I asked him to come along with me."

"You what!?" Yelled Arahan upon hearing that, enraged with what she just heard. Walking over to the blue-haired girl, Arahan demanded she explain herself. Taking a step back from the scary, white-haired elf, Juvia explained herself.

"Back when we were members of Phantom Lord, Gajeel was my only true friend there." Explained Juvia as she looked at Arahan, completely scared beyond belief. When some members of Fairy Tail heard she was now a member, she overheard them betting how long until she witnessed and experienced Arahan's anger. Well, she can safely say it was something that she never wanted to experience ever again nor witness ever again for that matter. Now she can see why people were so scared of her, despite her being magicless. "He was stuck in jail for what he did and I couldn't bear having him in prison, even if it's deserved, so I asked Makarov to have Gajeel released and be a member of Fairy Tail." Gritting her teeth at this, Arahan was about to yell more when Makarov spoke up in defense of Juvia.

"She is correct, Arahan." Said Makarov as he stepped in between the two. He then looked at Arahan and everyone else that was glaring at him for what he just said. "While I understand your enmity towards Gajeel, along with everyone else, for his actions against us, that doesn't excuse the fact that Gajeel did what he did because he followed the orders of Jose. Granted, he enjoyed what he did, however, Juvia assured me that, with proper guidance, Gajeel will become a productive member of Fairy Tail. In addition, I believe in second chances. Thus, I asked the people in charge of Gajeel to place him under parole. Under strict supervision, of course."

"And that supervision being you, master?" Asked Naestra as she looked at Makarov along with Erza, who looked suspicious at Gajeel.

"Correct. A law enforcement officer will come in periodically to check on Gajeel." Said Makarov. "If Gajeel behaves well enough, he'll be released from his charges and allowed to resume work as a Guild Mage again. For now, though, he'll be kept under my supervision. That being said, treat him like you would any member of Fairy Tail. Who knows? He may become a permeant member of Fairy Tail."

"No way!" Yelled Natsu, his sulking about the new Guild Hall forgotten momentarily because of Gajeel. "There's no way I'm going to work with this guy!" Upon hearing that, Gajeel began taunting Natsu with a smirk.

"What's the big deal?" Asked Gajeel with a smirk. "It's not like I want to be your buddy or anything."

"Man, you're cold as heck!" Yelled Natsu upon hearing that. Growling, Gajeel got up from his seat and explained his decision.

"The only reason I'm here is that being here is way better than being stuck in prison." Said Gajeel, glaring at Natsu. "Make no mistake. I hate this stupid Guild and everyone else in it, but prison is shit and there's no way I'm going back!"

"Yeah, I heard the prisoner of magic users aren't exactly the most…humanitarian when it comes to their prisoners." Said Daxter, causing Lucy and Diederick to look at him in shock. Before they could ask, Makarov spoke up again.

"I know most of you don't like it, but as the master of the Guild, it's my decision and I'm going to give Gajeel a chance." Said Makarov. "Plus, as an old man that has seen plenty of young men and women fall to darkness, I feel that it's my responsibility to guide young souls, who have been lost to darkness, back to the light. I assure you, he's a nice guy once you get to know him… at least I hope so." Naestra, upon hearing that, nodded before speaking.

"If Makarov believes Gajeel can be redeemed, then I fully support him. And that goes for all of you as well." Said Naestra before looking at her sister, who just scoffed. "All of you. If we don't give him, at least, a chance to show that he can be reformed, then we're no better than those we face. Is that understood?" Erza hummed at that before nodding.

"I agree." Said Erza, remembering her childhood friends and how they did some bad things recently. She would be a hypocrite if she let them off the hook and not Gajeel, even if Gajeel did more heinous acts. "However, I'll be keeping a close eye on him. Just because we're giving him a chance, doesn't mean we'll not be cautious around him."

"Understandable." Said Makarov upon hearing that before looking at Naestra and Erza. "Now, I've heard some things about what happened at the resort. Mind telling me what exactly happened?" Upon hearing that, both Erza and Naestra asked Makarov to lead them to his office. They had some private things they liked to discuss. Makarov nodded upon hearing the request and thus led them to his office, but not before warning everyone to behave and not destroy the Guild Hall while he was gone. A few minutes later, the three made it to the second floor where Makarov's office was now located. Upon entering the room, Makarov pulled two seats for the young ladies before sitting in his comfy leather seat behind his desk.

"Now, I'm assuming since you both wanted to speak to me in private, it's something that's best to be kept from the rest of the Guild for now, yes?" Asked Makarov.

"Indeed." Said Naestra before explaining. "Erza told me everything. Who they encountered during their trip and what they revealed. Master. They encountered the Dread Waters. The Dark Elves." Upon hearing that, Makarov gasped before looking at Erza, who just nodded. Realizing that Erza knew about the Dark Elves, Makarov sighed.

"I see." Said Makarov as he recalled the dark woman he met so long ago. "And what exactly did they reveal to you?"

"They revealed a lot." Said Naestra as she looked at Makarov in pity. "They, or rather she, told us that you had another child. One from a different woman than the one that gave you the child that gave you Laxus. Is that true?" Upon hearing that, Makarov tensed a bit, stunned at that piece of information being revealed and known by the Dark Elves, before sighing and getting off his seat. Looking out the window behind his desk, Makarov took a deep breath before replying.

"Yes, it's true." Said Makarov before telling them the whole truth. "You see. Long ago, I had two children. One from my true love and the other as a result of a drunken stupor. The latter would go on to provide me Laxus, my grandson. The other would die before they could even be born." Erza gasped upon hearing that while Naestra kept her composer, though was still shocked, and asked him who his true love was. Makarov sighed before going to his desk and opening a drawer. He then brought out an old picture before showing it to the two women. They were both shocked when they saw a younger Makarov, smiling like an idiot, with a young woman with pink hair and red eyes, a small smile on her face. In addition, the young woman had a hand on her heavily pregnant belly. Upon seeing the woman, Erza stuttered a bit as she recognized her.

"I…is that…" Said Erza as she looked at the picture, stunned.

"Yes." Confirmed Makarov before looking at the picture with a solemn look on his face. "That's Porlyusica. My former teammate and former member of Fairy Tail. And it's my actions long ago that made her quit Fairy Tail."