Here's the next chapter. Hope you'll enjoy it.
Hakuorofan7 - She sure has. I will expand on what Muireall was doing in the past seven years in future chapters. Creating an OC villain is actually more fun then I first thought, strangely enough. Thanks for reading, I love your story 'The Familiar of Twilight' btw. You don't see many Familiar of Zero fanfics nowadays.
NinjaFang1331 - Thanks so much, I hope you'll enjoy this chapter as well.
Ryner510 - Pretty much. I didn't intend to be so mean to Mirajane in this story. I honestly don't know what happened. Thanks for reading.
MBS41 - No problem, hope you'll like this chapter.
human dragon - Thank you so much. I'm glad to hear that Condhuine's death was abrupt. I guess I'm just an anxious writer.
Wolfking0811 - No problem. I get what you mean about Night's appearance but there's a reason why he was generic and human-like. Fear is a veil that people are too scared to uncover. It doesn't matter what the veil was hiding, it just takes advantage of other's insecurities and doubts. It's kind of the same with the Phobos Clan. They may wear these robes and use a specialised form of magic, but underneath it all, they're just humans who want to protect others. If it helps, I based their mannerism on the Hobbits from Tolkein's creation. Despite specialising in Fear magic, they are joyful, friendly and love a good festival. There are actually a lot of holidays in the Phobian calendar, not because of religious reasons, but because they get bored easily. Hope this helps.
Djinn - Thanks so much. Mirajane will definitely have a strong word with the blue cat. I believe it's the Loki arc next and I did mention in a past chapter that Night knows of Aries so he may have some involvement in that. Muireall is undeniable evil. You should see what she did to be accepted by Hades. I also found it cute that Night will be teaching Flare about her magic since their magic is somewhat similar.
gpno14 - Thank you so much. I never heard of anyone deserve a harem before. Night Terror must really need one. Thanks for reading.
Tenjo - That's perfectly fine, the important thing is that you gave it a chance I really appreciate it. I will have to fix Mirajane's personality in the future, I honestly don't know where I went wrong.
wellingtonlucas282 - I'm so glad to hear that, thank you so much for your support. So far the harem is: Lucy, Mira, Cana, Erza, Juvia and Levy. But it could change in the future. Thanks for reading.
MDM11 - Yeah, Flare has finally made an appearance. I've been wanting to write her in for a while now. Night Terror accidently making his own team (quite possibly from the Guild's children members) sounds brilliant. I like to think that Night Terror will fill a paternal role perfectly, despite insisting he knows nothing about interacting with children. Oh and I defiantly involve Levy more in the future.
Bachi the cat - That's a good point hmm... I suppose calling him Night is sort of a nickname.
Lelouch of Zero - I'm so happy that you liked the chapter. It was quite a rollercoaster of emotions. I can finally get back on track to the original story and move on the the Loki arc. I thought Night taking care of Flare would be nice. Since his mentor cannot teach him anymore he can now become the mentor to a new generation of mages. Muireall is still a problem though and you're right, she is not going to like Night getting closer to his guild. Thanks for reading and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
K. God - Pretty much, yeah. I wouldn't mind turning into a tree. Thanks so much for reading and you're right about the Elder Staff. It also shows that his parting away from tradition and letting himself be the judge of his own fate. Hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
Guest - Thanks so much. I thought Night Terror could have a student that will hopefully adopt the Phobos culture.
Blaze1992 - Yeah, Muireall does have a greater goal and she wants Night to be apart of it. Thanks for reading.
Skull Flame - People seemed to like Flare's introduction and she is another favourite character of mine. And yes, she'll be more at home at Fairy Tail. I will also explain what else Muireall has been doing for the past seven years including how she got involved with Hades. Thanks for reading.
ikusatsunagi - No problem, I'm glad that you liked it.
Diabolos Aides - Thanks so much, hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
Kriim-Sauce786 -It will defiantly be interesting to see the effects of the dissolution of the Clan. I will certainly fix Night's and Lucy's relationship, don't worry. I'm a fairly new writer so I have never written about love interests before. Thanks for reading.
danielsnow -I'll certainly consider it after the seven year gap, but for now he will be just a teacher. He could teach her to be a confident and lead Fairy Tail during the difficult period. I thought he could be more open like sitting at the bar when it's not too busy. He still quite likes his own private table. Muireall...well she's going to be difficult and I can't reveal too much so early in the story, but it will be great, I promise.
I have plans for when he finally reveals his face to the guild, unfortunately. Again, I don't want to spoil it. You make a good point. Since they are his closest allies, by showing them his face demonstrates that he trusts them. However, I have a counter argument. One of the key goals in mastering fear is to overcome it and so by showing his face defies the point of it. I would be better for his guild to overcome Night's outer appearance and learn for themselves that they have nothing to fear. Remember how the Phobos fell because they had never experienced fear, it's exactly the same principle. There will be a time when he reveals his face, but it's not yet. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Phew! That was a lot reviews. Thanks so much and I hope you'll like this chapter.
Chapter 18: Tying Up Loose Ends
Fairy Tail Guild
Lisanna led Flare back to the bar after getting her to sign up and become a full member of the guild.
Flare looked down at her shoulder where she requested that her guild mark should go, admiring the red imprint in slight awe. The older woman noticed this and giggled slightly.
"You'll get used to it. I sometime forget that I have one," Lisanna reassured.
Flare looked away in embarrassment, "It's not that. I...just feel like I belong somewhere now."
Lisanna giggled again, "Did Night mention where you will be staying?"
The young girl looked up at her in shock, "N-no. I thought I would be staying with him."
"You would have to ask him if that's okay," she told her, "If his unable to, then you can always stay up at Fairy Hills. It's a female-only dormitory on the edge of town where a few members stay like Cana, Laki and Levy," she explained, pointing them out in the construction sight, "Why don't you ask them about it?"
Flare looked down and played with her hair shyly, "Err...I..."
"Or we can ask them together," she suggested, earning a firm nod from the young girl.
They approached the bar, but frowned when they couldn't spot the Phobos. The only evidence that he was here was the smashed teacup on the bar which Mirajane was currently clearing up.
"Night's already gone?" Lisanna questioned, causing her sister to sigh.
"Yes, Happy dragged him away somewhere," she said sadly, "Maybe he can sit at the bar next time."
'She's taking this extraordinarily well,' Lisanna thought in some relief, "Did he mention anything about where Flare would be staying?"
Ur answered for Mirajane, "He said that she should live at Fairy Hills," she explained before giving Flare a warm smile, "I'm staying up there as well, so I'll help you settle in, roomie."
Flare frowned slightly at the thought of not staying with Night Terror. He was the first person that was kind to her since she arrived in Fiore and she didn't know how she felt about staying with anybody else.
"Well, don't look too thrilled about it," Ur said, snapping the young girl out of thoughts.
"Oh sorry, it's just I..."
"Relax. I was only teasing you," Ur told her with a smirk, calming Flare down.
Lisanna frowned slightly, "But what about rent. Doesn't it cost 100,000 jewels a month?"
"I don't have any money," Flare told them.
"Night has already taken care of it," Mirajane said as she placed a bag which looked like it was carrying something heavy in it, "He has already provided a year's worth of rent for her."
"Really?" Lisanna gasped as she opened the bag and looked inside, "How was able to get so much-" her eyes widened and she instantly closed the bag, "That's way more than a year's worth of rent."
"I had the same reaction," Ur said, as she sipped her beer, "And he had the audacity to ask if that's enough."
Heartfilia Estate
Night Terror, Erza, Grey and Natsu walked on the path towards the mansion that used to be Lucy's home. Mansion wasn't the right word. It was much larger, much grander than a mansion. An entire palace for just for one family. It wasn't as if Night Terror was a stranger to large complexes, for he had travelled all over Fiore, but he couldn't help but get the sense of emptiness as if the whole had no soul. It was eerie to say the least.
The entire estate consists of a boulevard leading up to the palace with branches coming off and connects to smaller houses which seemed to have no use. The estate's employees seemed weary of them, but otherwise did nothing to stop them from approaching the main building.
The Phobos turned to his companions and saw their concerned expressions. He did scold them for looking through Lucy's possessions without permission, but, judging by the note that she left behind, she had expected that her fellow guildmates would look through them. Since Night Terror has been to these parts before, they insisted that he should them where the Heartfilia Estate was and beg for Lucy to come back. His reassurance that it could be an all a misunderstanding fell on deaf ears.
Night Terror glanced over at Erza, but the red haired mage avoided eye contact. She has been quiet ever since Happy brought him along, not even speaking directly to him. The Phobos had attempted to strike a conversation with her, but she only gave short responses.
"This is it," Night Terror told them, "this is the land Miss Lucy's family owns."
"But where's Lucy?" Happy questioned.
"Hey!" Natsu shouted at one of the poor maid that worked for the family, "Where's Lucy!? What did you do to her!?"
"Mr Natsu, please refrain from shouting at innocent people," Night Terror sighed wearily.
The maid pointed shakily to the side of the main building, "I think Lucy is at the graveyard. We didn't do anything to her, I swear."
"The graveyard," Erza proclaimed, "Let's go!"
"Alright!"
"Aye!"
Grey hummed in agreement as the three humans and one flying cat took off in the direction the maid had pointed to. Night Terror was the only one left behind.
"There is no need to..." but before he finish they had already ran away, "...rush," he sighed before he walked after them. Making sure the bow his head in thanks to the maid.
He followed them to around the main building and entered the graveyard, noting briefly that he didn't look out of place here. He sensed his guildmembers' presence near the back of the cemetery and it was long until he found them surrounding a smiling Lucy. Even from here he can see how relieved she was to see her friends. He calmly approached until Lucy spotted him, her smile broadened and she jogged up to him.
"Night, you're-" she looked up at him and yelped in fear, before she recovered from her fright, "Oh wow, sorry. I was expecting to see nothing under your hood, but that skull mask scared me," she admitted before her eyes widened in realisation, "Wait is this what-"
"Indeed, I am officially a Night Terror," he told her, showing her his new claw gauntlets, "I feel...complete."
"He also has a daughter," Happy chirped.
"W-what?"
"For the last time, miss Flare is not my daughter," he crossly said.
"Lucy," Erza called out, "What are you doing here. You had us worried when you found your note."
Lucy gave her a sheepish smile, "Sorry, I just wanted to visit my mother's grave," she explained nodding to the large crypt behind them, "I should have probably explained it better. Sorry."
"Man, you got us worrying over nothing," Grey muttered.
"Happy was crying all the time," Natsu joked.
"No I wasn't," Happy shouted in protest.
Lucy laughed at their antics before she waved them towards the exit, "Come on. Why don't we all go back home."
"I would like that," Night Terror commented as the others agreed.
As they walked out of the graveyard, the Phobos couldn't help but notice something different about Lucy. It took him a while to figure out, but he soon realised that one of her fears has disappeared.
"Miss Lucy, I presume visiting your mother's grave was not the only thing you hoped to achieve."
Lucy gave him a sad smile, glancing over the main building, "Yeah, I wanted to talk to my father. He was the reason why Phantom Lord attack the guild and...I wanted to confront him. How did you know?"
"One of yours fears is gone. The fear you had for your father," he told her, "This is quite a rare occasion. Usually fears never leave the person or slowly ebb away over time. I have never witnessed one completely disappearing before."
"And that's...a good thing?"
Night Terror hummed, "Depends on what the fear was. But I can assure that you it's not the worst fear to go away. It just shows that you're character is growing. You are become stronger."
Lucy eyes widened slightly before she laughed happily, "I guess we got both stronger then."
Night Terror nodded, "Indeed."
"Gotta say," Grey said, "this entire place is huge. Does your family actually own all of it?"
"Oh no, it's not just the city," Lucy told them.
The others looked at each other in confusion, "What do you mean?" Erza asked.
"Ah well," Lucy shyly said before pointing to the mountain range in the distance, "This is just my garden. My family owns all the land up to to those mountains."
...
...
...
...
"Huh? What's wrong?" Lucy asked, confused by her friends stunned looks.
Suddenly Natsu and Grey stood to attention and saluted Lucy.
"Nothing, your highness," Natsu stiffly answered.
"It's a honour to know someone so humble," Grey added.
Lucy gave them odd looks, "What are you talking about?"
"Looks like Natsu and Grey are stunned by how loaded your family is," Happy commented, "Our only hope are Erza and Night Terror."
However, it would seem they too were just as astonished by this revelation as they stood watching the landscape before them in wonder.
"The sky...is blue..." Erza uttered.
"They own a mountain? Should one have so much power?" Night Terror questioned.
"Oh no! We've lost them too!" Happy cried, earning a giggle from Lucy.
Fairy Tail Guild
The next day, Night Terror and Makarov were sat in a room away from the rest of the guild so they can discuss everything that has happened recently. Night Terror had just finished telling him about the past week or so, everything since they return from Galuna Island. From Elend, to Arthur the ex-Phobos, to Condhuine, to Muireall and finally the trial to become an official Night Terror. Once he was done, Makarov leaned back in his chair and hummed thoughtfully since it was a lot to take in.
"I see," Makarov eventually said, "You have had a rough few days. I'm sorry to hear about you Grand Master. He sounded like a wise mentor," Night Terror nodded in thanks, "However, the threat of Muireall is troubling. If you say she was powerful when you were children, then I don't doubt that she will be stronger after all this time. Have you told anyone else about this?"
"I only gave an abridged version to...my friends as we were traveling back from the Heartfilia Estate. I told them nothing about Muireall," the Phobos answered.
"I think it may be wise to keep it a secret for now," Makarov told him, "The less people who know, the less chance of her getting wind that we know. Other then that, how are you faring, leanabh?" he asked, his wrinkled face softening slightly.
Night Terror bowed his head, "In all honesty. I do not know. I feel...numb. So much has happened that I am not quite sure how to act. I know what I must do. I need to find her and help her in anyway I can, but I feel as if it is out of duty rather than actual concern. She had caused so much suffering, but I know she is suffering, as well. I cannot decided if I should show her sympathy or not. Does this make me a terrible person?"
"Not at all," Makarov answered, "As you said, this has all happened in a short space of time. You have been on your own for a long time, grieving and doubting yourself. What you need to do is take it easy for a few days."
"I doubt a vacation will solve anything."
"I'm not telling you take a vacation, I'm saying that what you need is time to take your mind of it. Just until you're strong enough to think about what you are going to do."
Night Terror frowned unsurely, "How do I achieve that."
"You can start off by dropping the loner act," Makarov suggested harshly.
"Who says I was acting?"
The elderly master rolled his eyes, "I mean go and talk with the other guildmembers, go on jobs together, you can even be part of a team."
"That sounds like too much social interaction," the Phobos said, earning a sharp look from Makarov, "But I will try. You have my word."
The master smiled and nodded, "Good. You will overcome this. I know you will," after he said that, he became thoughtful once again, "However, there is one thing that still concerns me. Who was the Phobos Slayer?"
Night Terror cocked his head to the side in confusion, "I already told you. It was Muireall."
"No, no. Before that. Back in Elend, you said a villager cursed your name as Muireall dragged you away. Who was that?"
The Phobos hesitated slightly, "...I do not know either. I assumed it was the memory spell playing with my mind. But who could it..."
That's when he realised. There could only be one person that it could have been who knew of Elend's destruction and the Phobos quickly left to find him.
Elend
Night Terror rode to the ruins of Elend before sending Mabel back into the shadows before venturing the rest on foot. Now that he knew the truth, what Buia and his army did here seemed much worse. The same people who killed his Clan and destroyed this very town. He can relate to the victims of Elend more now that understood what happened.
He crossed over the area towards the centre. That's where they were, he could sense them. The only person it could be.
Night Terror approached the man who was currently laying down some flowers in memory of the victims. The man sensed his presence and spun around so he was face to face with the Phobos.
"Oh, it's you," Matthew uttered, "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."
"You lied to me, Mr Matthew," Night Terror plainly said, "You were actually in Elend were you not? Macy's father?"
The man gave him a sad smile, "I was."
"And you were the one who said that you would destroy the Phobos?"
"...I did. Do I really look that different from then?" Matthew asked jokingly, as he ran his hand through his grey hair and showing of his red hair roots, "Time has not treated me or my wife well. I guess I owe you an explanation," he sighed, "It's true. I did vow vengeance on you and your Clan, but a few days after...I gave up."
"Why was that?"
"Because there was no point," he calmly replied, "In a single evening, my wife and I lost almost everything. Our daughter, our home, our friends and business. And I was so angry...so angry. In the heat of the moment I said things that I now regret and didn't mean, but when we returned and found Macy's doll among the wreckage...I realised that being angry was not going to bring everything back. Macy was gone and I just needed somebody to blame because I couldn't face my own grief. I shouldn't have blamed you for something that was out of your control. There was no way you could have expected what the raiders would do."
Night Terror shook his head, "I was to blame. I insisted that we go against my Clan's orders and-"
"You helped us," Matthew interrupted, "We would have continued to be under the raiders' heel if you two didn't come along. You wanted to help those in need. You didn't want the raiders to torch the village, nor did you want people to die. What happened was an accident and I can't blame anyone for that and you shouldn't blame yourself either," he sighed wearily, "I should be the one who should apologise to you. I did recognise you when we met here, but you were right I did lie and I told Lisa to lie as well."
"Why?" Night Terror questioned, "I would have forgiven you."
"But I didn't know that. I suppose I was just...afraid," he admitted, looking down at the ground in shame.
Night Terror nodded in understanding, "We were both afraid and we are both sorry for our past actions. Perhaps it is time to settle our debts," he suggested, holding his hand out to Matthew, "My deepest apologies for all the misery I caused. As well as for your loss."
Matthew looked at the hand for a moment before reaching out and taking it, "And I am sorry for blaming you and cursing your clan."
The shook hands and it felt as if a weight was lifted off their shoulders. Years of pain, regret and sorrow that have piled upon them were now gone. Night Terror can stop feeling guilty about Elend, while Matthew can be happy with the knowledge that the Phobos holds no ill intent against him. Now they can finally live on in peace. Well at least Matthew can anyway.
After they pulled their hands away, Matthew waved for him back to his horse and cart.
"Let's go back to my house. Lisa baked a cake yesterday and I'm sure she would-"
"That is very generous of you, Mr Matthew, but I must decline," the Phobos politely told him, "I have to get back to my guild."
Matthew shrugged, "If you insist, but let me give you something."
He led Night Terror to his cart and told him to wait as he climbed in. He reached under it, opened up a compartment and pulled out a large wooden box before giving it to him. Night Terror frowned slightly in confusion and opened it, his eyes widened in shock at what was inside.
"Is this..." he whispered before pulling out a leather bound tome with Timorin inscribed on it, "It is Muireall's book."
"I picked up after your friend dropped it to drag you away," Matthew explained, "I must have been out of it, because after I left I could barely approach it to put it in that wooden box."
"That is the effects of Fear magic. It is an anti-theft device, but it would seem, in your rage, you overcame it," Night Terror explained before he gave him an incredulous look, "You had with you a powerful tome capable of teaching the secrets of fear itself...and you kept it in your cart?"
Matthew shrugged nonchalantly, "What you think I keep that thing in my home? Where I live? Besides I only keep it in the cart when I go to markets with bad reputations. It deters thieves from stealing my products."
'I suppose that is one use for it,' Night Terror thought.
"I thought I could give it back to its rightful owner," Matthew continued, "And when you find your friend...can you tell them I'm sorry as well."
Night Terror flinched slightly at that, but he made sure to not show him his discomfort. Instead he placed the tome into his robes and nodded at Matthew.
"I will," he said, "Once I find her."
Fairy Tail Guild
"Everyone!" Mirajane announced cheerily from behind the bar, "From today onwards we can receive job requests again!"
The guildmembers shouted and whooped in joy, some even rushing to the bulletin boards. Since they have been constructing the new guild, money has been tight for all the members of the guild for the past week. But now they can go out and earn a living, they can afford things like proper meals...and beer. Lucy shook her head in disappointment at the guild's excitement. This was the first time she had even seen them excited to do any work.
"Honestly. What is up with those guys," she muttered in amusement as Mirajane giggled at her comment, "Speaking of which, do you know where Loke is? I want to thank him for finding my keys," she asked the bartender.
Lucy had lost her Celestial Spirit Keys during the guild war and apparently Fairy Tail's playboy found them and gave it to Natsu so he can give it back to her. She was overjoyed when she got them back, although the joy soon left as one of her Spirits, Aquarius, decided to punish her for her carelessness.
Safe to say she won't be doing that ever again.
Mirajane hummed in thought, "Not for a while, I'm afraid. I'll make sure to pass your message on."
"Thanks," Lucy gratefully said before she spotted a young girl with long red hair coming over to the bar.
Flare placed both her hands on the bar and looked up at Mirajane eagerly, "Is Night here?"
"I'm sorry, he just took off this morning," she told her much to her disappointment, "But he'll be back very soon, I promise."
"Oh alright," Flare sighed.
"Err hi," Lucy said, catching Flare's attention, "I haven't seen you before."
"Oh, this is Flare Corona," Mirajane introduced merrily.
"She's Night Terror's daughter!" Happy called out from behind the bar.
Mirajane glared down at the cat who was on his paws and knees cleaning the floors with a scrubber and a bucket of water, "What did I say about making quips as you work?"
"...Not to do it."
"Do I have to remind you why you are being punished?"
"It's rude to drag patrons away from the bar."
"Good, get back to work."
"Aye, ma'am," Happy said as he began scrubbing the floor once again.
Lucy looked back at Flare and offered her a welcoming smile, "My name's Lucy and don't worry about Night. He goes off somewhere from time to time, but he always comes back. Kind of like a cat."
"Aye," Happy shouted.
"The non-talking kind," Lucy called back.
Flare pouted slightly, "But I wanted to thank him for apartment," she said before looking up at Lucy, "So, who are you Blondie?"
'Blondie!?' Lucy thought in shock, "I-It's Lucy and I'm a friend of Night. I love your hair," she complimented.
She was about to reach out and feel her hair when Flare pulled away out of her reach.
"Hey! What are you doing! I didn't give you permission to touch my hair, dim-witted Blondie!" she shouted angrily at her.
Lucy gasped and scowled down at her, "Hey don't-"
"How dare you say that!" shouted an enraged Erza from across the hall.
Everybody turned and saw the Requip mage stand off against a smirking Laxus. The grandson of Makarov sat in his seat sneering up at her which only angered her even more.
"Then I'll say it more clearly. This guild doesn't need weak bastards," Laxus repeated.
"You little..." Erza growled, but Laxus wasn't finished.
"To be looked down upon a guild such as Phantom Lord. How embarrassing. I wouldn't even show my face if that was me."
"Looks like Laxus is back," Happy signed.
"And he's already mouthing everyone off," Grey added, sending him an irritated glare.
Laxus spun around and looked towards Team Shadow Gear, "I'm talking about you guys. Some mages you are. You had to be saved," he mocked, making Levy, Jet and Droy look depressed, "You're a disgrace," he then spun around and pointed at Lucy, "And you, the princess who started it all."
"That's enough Laxus," Mirajane firmly ordered, slamming her hand on the bar, "The matter is closed. Nobody was to blame for what happened. You didn't participate in the fight and you have no right to exacerbate things."
Laxus tutted, "Of course, It doesn't have anything to do with me...but if I was there I wouldn't have my ass kicked."
"And where were you, Mr Laxus?" a cold called out, making everyone jump in fright.
They looked around and saw Night Terror standing a few feet back. The guild members swore that he wasn't there a moment ago.
Laxus snorted, "Well, look who's back. See you've got some new gear. Very spooky."
"For once, can I return to the guild and see you not cause some sort of uproar," Night Terror sighed, "You did not answer my question. Where were you?"
"I was busy," Laxus shrugged nonchalantly.
"Too busy for you own guild?"
"Too busy to fight these guys battles for them," he retorted, "Heard you were taken down as well. Don't tell me I misjudged your skills."
"A temporary setback, I assure you. But with it I have become stronger, while you are just as arrogant and immature as always," Night Terror said, earning an annoyed hum from Lightning mage, "Now since you insist on being busy, then may I recommend doing it somewhere else."
"And if I don't?" Laxus challenged.
"I will have to remove you myself," the Phobos calmly replied, a touch of venom in his tone.
The two mages glared at each other. The other members were beginning to get worried that a fight will break out until Laxus stood up, snorted and began to take his leave. He stopped beside Night Terror and leaned in to whisper into his ear.
"Still want to be a big fish in a little pond," he spat.
Night Terror glanced at him, "I happen to enjoy swimming in my little pond. The warmer waters are more agreeable than your ice cold lake."
Laxus sneered at him before walking away, "When I eventually own this guild," he bellowed over his shoulder, "I'll erase all the weak shits away! And every single one opposes me! I will build the strongest guild! A guild that nobody will look down on! History's strongest guild!"
As soon as he made his declaration, Laxus left the guild and everyone breathed a sigh in relief.
"That bastard," Natsu spat, glaring at where he left, "When I finally kick his ass I'll-"
"Forget about it," Grey muttered, "You stand no chance against him."
Natsu growled at him, but did argue back. It hate to admit it, but he isn't strong enough to face him yet.
Night Terror made his way to the bar and sat down on the barstool between Lucy and Flare, Mirajane instantly setting down a cup of tea before him, "Good day, Miss Lucy. Miss Flare how is you're new residence."
Flare's red eyes lit up in excitement, "It's massive. I feel like I'm back at the village. Thank you so much Night."
The Phobos chuckled and petted her head, "It is quite alright."
"Hey!" Lucy complained, "How come he can touch your hair, but I can't.
Night Terror looked between them, "Are things not going well between you two?"
"She called me a dim-witted Blondie," Lucy accused.
The Phobos gave Flare a questioning look, "Did you?"
Flare blinked innocently, "I don't know what she's talking about. I would never call her that," she replied in a shy tone.
Lucy gaped as Night Terror looked back at her, "Miss Lucy-"
"But she did. Mira back me up here," she called out to Mira, who was busy washing a beer stein.
Mirajane looked up in slight confusion, "I'm sorry, but I didn't hear anything of the sort," she said honestly, "I must have been busy at the time."
"But she-" Lucy's protest stopped as she saw Flare smirk at her deviously behind Night's back, causing her to gasp and glare back at her, "You little-"
Night Terror sighed, "Well, what ever happened, can we please but it behind us. I do not want anymore arguments between you two. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yeah," Lucy and Flare mumbled reluctantly.
"Like a father scolding his two daughters," Cana couldn't help but say, observing what just happened from down the bar.
"Natsu, Grey, Lucy," Erza called out as she made her way over, holding a job request in her hand, "Why don't the four of us take a job. Five if we take Happy," she suggested, earning an aye from the cat.
"A job," Natsu repeated before he grinned enthusiastically, "I'm in."
Grey shrugged, "Alright, although I wish that moron didn't have to come," he muttered, glaring at Natsu.
"What was that!" the dragon slayer shouted in face.
"Is there a problem, boys?" Erza asked threateningly, making the mages freeze up and shake their heads no.
Lucy hummed before a smile spread across her face, "I'm in as well. I could use the rent money. Night do you want to come as well?"
The Phobos looked over at Erza and saw how uncomfortable she was about Lucy's suggestion. The same reaction she had when Happy dragged him along to find Lucy.
"No thank you. I was hoping to give Miss Flare a tour of Magnolia. Besides, I do not want to take away anymore of your reward money."
Lucy seemed a little disappointed while Erza looked relieved, "Oh okay. Maybe next time."
"Next time," Night Terror agreed before the team said their goodbyes and left the guildhall.
The Phobos turned back to Flare who smiled up with him, "Well, Miss Flare. Would you like a tour and then we can discuss your training?"
Flare nodded eagerly, "That sounds great."
"Excellent. Well, allow me to provide you with you're first lesson," Night Terror said, "Next time you're going to pull faces behind my back, make sure you do not do it near reflective surfaces," he told her, pointing a claw to the bottles behind the bar, clearing showing their reflection.
Flare's face paled at the sight, she gulped and looked up at Night Terror nervously, "Well I-"
"I am more then happy with teasing and jokes, but I will always know when somebody lies to me. Do you understand?"
Flare nodded in embarrassment.
"Good, now why don't you look over the job board and get an idea of what sort of requests the guild partake in," Night Terror suggested as he sipped his tea, "Once you return, I'll finish my tea and show you around."
"Okay," Flare chirped as she jumped off the barstool and jogged over to the bulletin board.
Mirajane giggled at her eagerness and came over to Night Terror, "So, she did say after all. Why did you not tell her off for antagonising Lucy?"
"Humour is an essential part in developing friendship," the Phobos answered, "Especially for Miss Flare. Hopefully it will make her come out of her shell more."
"You sound like you're speaking from experience. Don't tell me you were mischievous when you were younger."
"Miss Mira," Night Terror said with a hidden smirk, "You have no idea."
A few days later and Night Terror and Lucy were sat at the bar once again. The blond haired woman laid her head on the bar, tears streaming from her eyes, while Night Terror looked over the damage report of Team Erza that Makarov received the other day.
"Half the town destroyed," Night Terror mused, "That must be some sort of record."
"I'm broke," Lucy wept before sending a glare at Natsu and Grey playing pool nearby, "And it's all because they can't go anywhere without breaking something."
Grey, overhearing Lucy's wails, looked over, "Hey, I don't think that's fair," he complained.
Meanwhile, Natsu had readied the cue and struck the snooker ball with enough force to take break more snooker balls and half the table in one go.
"Nice, I got like six of them," he happily cheered.
"That's not how you play!" Lucy shouted at him from the bar while Night Terror sweat dropped.
The Phobos looked up from the report and scanned the entire guild. When he couldn't find who he was looing for he turned back to Mirajane and Lisanna.
"Have either of you seen Mr Loke?" he inquired, earning an interested look from Lucy, "I have not seen him in quite a while."
The sisters shook their heads no, "Now that you mention it, I don't think I have seen him in ages either," Lisanna said.
"He hasn't taken a job request," Mirajane told him, "I'm sure he will turn up eventually," she reassured. Although she didn't seem so sure either.
"Maybe he got caught up flirting with a girl for a few days" Lucy jokingly answered.
"Perhaps, that has happened before."
"It has?"
"But I cannot help but feel slightly concerned, especially with his circumstances," Night Terror mused.
Lucy eyebrows raised in intrigue, "What do you-"
"Night!" Lucy was interrupted by Flare's calls as the young girl ran over to him, "I found a job we can do," she said, holding up the folded request up to him.
Night Terror had promised that he would come with her on her first job and since then the red haired girl have been trying the perfect one. The Phobos chuckled and took the request to read over.
"Excellent, I'm sure it will be-"
The words were caught in his throat as he read over the job. A theatre group in the next city over has requested for stage hands to make their performance more spectacular using magic.
This was not what Night Terror was hoping. He was expecting a journey into the countryside to find something or scare away a monster. But going somewhere busy...where people are acting...in front of everybody. It sent a chill down Night Terror's spine. The last time he acted was on the Island of Fear...and it didn't go well.
"Are you sure about this one?"
To his disappointment, Flare eagerly nodded her head, "Yeah, It sounds like fun."
"Night Terror, can I please come with you?" Lucy pleaded as tears rolled down her face, "I really need the money."
"I would also like to come," Erza said as she walked over, much to Night Terror's surprise, "taking a variety of jobs is good for any guild member in order to broaden their skills."
"Are you sure it isn't just because you want to perform," Grey quipped.
Erza sent a glare at him, "Just for that you and Natsu are coming as well and you won't be receiving you're part of the reward."
"What!" Natsu and Grey shouted.
"What did I do!?" Natsu complained.
Erza's glare darkened, "Are you questioning my decision?"
"No ma'am," they squeaked in reply, shivering in fear.
Night Terror looked down at Flare, "Will you allow them to join. I'll make sure you get a larger share of the reward since it is your job."
Flare frowned thoughtfully before she nodded, "I suppose they can come along."
"Thank you," Lucy gratefully said, only to gape when Flare mouthed the words 'Dim-witted Blondie' at her.
'Excellent,' Night Terror thought, but he started to get a bad feeling about it, 'Hopefully I will not be the one performing. Yes, hopefully.'
A short, but sweet chapter. At least we're back to original story.
I thought it would be funny to do the theatre episode for the next chapter, although it would seem that Night Terror doesn't like the idea of it.
And yes, Matthew was the 'Phobos Slayer' all this time. I almost forgot about that little detail so luckily I was able to include it.
Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.