Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

Note: This is probably the quickest I've updated a story, no guarantee that it will stay that way. I really hope this turns out alright. I've have reread this story so many times but I'm sure there will still be mistakes in there. Hopefully y'all will enjoy the story.

Trees whizzed by as the ice mage's feet pounded the ground, breath coming in pants. He lost track of time and direction as his thoughts where going in circles. He had no clue how long he had been running. He kept coming back to the same thought. The word BANNED burning brightly in his head. He could still picture the doors closing on the master's sad, worried face. He feared it would come to this when he returned to Fairy Tail after that horrible job but he had hoped there would be a way to avoid it or that the guild would help. However, master had told him there wasn't much they could do as the magic council had ordered it until the time of his trial with the council. The council had actually been on the way to arrest Gray and so the master told him to leave before they got here. The master didn't fully trust the council because of the hatred the council had for Fairy Tail members. Not to mention that killing was very illegal and Gray had done that whether he meant too or not. Also, it was the main one rule of the guild and he had broken it. A legal guild couldn't use someone like him. He could understand the decision, but it didn't stop the agony of being separated from his friends, his guild, and most of what he has known.

Heaving for breath and seeing black spots, Gray came to a harsh stop. Leaning against a tree while getting his breath back, he saw he was at the edge of a town. The ice mage slowly walked a bit further till he found a sign saying Margaret town. He knew this town was home to the guild, Lamia Scale, that Lyon was a part of. The town was separated in two by a huge river, making travel by narrow boats through canals the main way of passage. His feet had apparently led him to someone else he could trust, someone he considered family as well. It makes sense that he would end up here when one thinks about it, he was alone again, and he wasn't sure that he could face his friends yet, if ever. The master had kept the details between him and Gray, it had been early in the guild and Gray didn't want others to know. He wasn't sure what he even told the others. So, of course he came to the one other person that he could think of that cares. He passed by lively vendors in the huge town as he got closer to the guild. One of the vendors got his attention showing him an item that the vendor claimed could restrain magic. The ice mage was caught up in the sell until he saw one of the narrow boats in a water canal, diagonally across the road from the vendor. It was about to head down the canal that he needed to be on to reach the guild. The vendor was instantly forgotten as Gray instinctively created an ice slide to reach the boat. The slide reached the edge of the water; once at the end Gray shouted, "Look-out!" and jumped onto the boat to the surprised of the boatman. The flying mage landed right in the middle of the boat sending the boat wobbling for a few unsteady moments. Both the mage and the boatman working to keep their balance. Once the boat was not in danger of tipping the boatman glared at Gray and demanded,

"What was that about?!"

Gray tried to give the guy a charming grin, but it likely looked more like a grimace. By the look on the guy's face he probably looked a tad crazy. He pulled out the money he had.

"I'm sorry about that but I really needed a ride towards Lamia Scale. I didn't feel up to waiting for another boat. I've got money for it, if you would take me there, please?"

The boatman continued to stare at him seeming to wonder if it was worth the trip with this odd, reckless person. After a few moments of soul searching the boatman gave a sigh of defeat and nodded in acceptance. As they journeyed down the water the ice mage wondered about how Lyon was doing at Lamia Scale. It seemed he truly loved it. Hopefully, the other had found another family to care about and to care for him. From what his older brother had told him, he was very happy at this guild and with his friends. Gray began to wonder if visiting Lamia was a great idea. He didn't want to bring his troubles to the Lyon's home. He decided that he wasn't telling his brother about the situation he was in. Why would he when there wasn't anything Lyon could do about it. But it couldn't hurt for him to stop by and just talk, see how the other ice mage was doing, right? He would just say hi, have a quick chat, and say bye. He wasn't too sure if he would get another chance now that he thought about it. He still wasn't too sure about what to do with the council possibly looking for him or awaiting his trial. He was like an outcast now, he wasn't too sure that Lamia would not turn him in on the spot, if word had got this far yet. He really needed more information on the situation. However, he had a feeling if word had reach here yet that Lamia would not do anything do him. They were good friends with Fairy Tail after all. As they came to their destination Gray came to the decision that he would talk with Lyon and then leave to somewhere more secluded.

The boatman had stopped the boat against a pier and tied a rope to a post, holding the boat in place for now. The guy couldn't help but wonder what the weird stranger had been thinking about this whole journey as it had not been a short trip, but it wasn't his place to pry. He cleared his throat to get the spaced-out man's attention. The mage jolted at this and the boatman held out his hand for the money. Once the money exchanged hands the ice mage thanked him and hopped off the boat. As Gray got off the boat he stripped his shirt and it landed in the water. The boatman observed this in shocked confusion. As the young man walked, off not even noticing his lack of clothing, the guy thought that had to be the strangest person he had met.

It didn't take much longer to reach Lamia Scale, soon the creator mage was at the doors of the guild. Gray took a deep breath, he was still slightly nervous about how he would be seen here. Oh man, what if Lyon wasn't even here? He had forgotten that he could be on a job, that would truly suck. There was only one way to find out, so Gray pushed the doors open and entered the guild. Lamia Scale was full of people at this time and all turned to stare at who entered for a moment. One of the members spoke up,

"Oh, it is just a Fairy Tail member."

The other people's attention turned back to whatever they were doing at those words and Gray had to wondered how they knew, he hadn't been here that often. He looked down at his mark and realized that he had stripped his shirt not too long ago. As he looked up from his exposed mark, he met the eyes of Yuka, one of Lyon teammates. Sherry and Toby were with him as well. Yuka spoke before the ice mage had a chance to.

"I assume you are looking for Lyon, correct?"

Gray stared in confusion for a moment, realizing that they didn't know what he had done. Everyone was acting normal and friendly.

"Um, yeah I am, is he here?"

"No, you just missed him not too long ago." Yuka's big eyebrows rose as he continued, "Actually, he was headed to Fairy Tail to see that water mage of yours, though I believe he wanted to see you as well."

There was a defeated sigh as the ice mage wondered what to do now, he couldn't hang around here for long. Also, what would the master tell Lyon when he came looking, what if he told Lyon the truth? The older mage may not want anything to do with him then he would be truly alone. He supposed he should head somewhere up North to train and see about getting his new magic under control. Somewhere with no people close by. But he wondered if he should leave some type of note or message for his older brother-figure? A hand waving in his face snapped the creator mage to attention. Yuka and the others were looking at him in concern. Sherry asked,

"Is something the matter? I'm sure you could go back and make it in time to see Lyon. Or you can wait here."

Gray couldn't help but grin at their kindness,

"No, nothing is wrong. Just, when you see Lyon…"

He trailed off thinking that if he left any kind of message for the older mage it would be suspicious, even just a mundane message asking how things were. They never did things like that. Gray waved it off,

"Never mind, just, I'll see you guys later."

Yuka, Sherry, and Toby watched the retreating back of the younger ice mage and couldn't help but feel worried. Yuka pulled out the communication lacrima and contacted Lyon to fill him in on the details of what went down.

Lyon's P.O.V.

A silver-haired mage stood in the doorway of the fame rambunctious guild. He scanned for the familiar faces he knew. The members were fighting as usual; however, it became apparent that the ones he was looking for weren't there. There was no fire streaming out or ice covering the floor and he didn't even catch a sight of red or blonde hair. He wasn't expecting to see the Slayer, Swords-woman, or Blondie anyways. He had seen them and Happy on the way back from a mission. He hadn't stopped to talk to them, though in the back of his mind he was slightly bothered by the fact that Gray wasn't with them. But he didn't even spot the water mage he used to crush on. He was getting more disappointed by the minute. He had come to chat with Gray and try to get some time with Juvia but it seemed that wasn't in his cards.

By now, most members had noticed the ice mage standing there, Mirajane being one of them. She waved at Lyon, motioning for him to come towards the bar. Lyon obliged, deciding he may get some information at least. As he took a seat at the bar Mira offered,

"Can I get you something to drink?"

The creator mage shook his head at first then stopped suddenly changing his mind.

"Just a glass of ice water please?"

Mira nodded in compliance.

"Just like Gray I see."

Mira beamed and winked at the ice mage. Before he could say anything to that, the take-over mage twirled around to get his drink. She soon returned with his water and he noticed the other mages had lost interest in him. The oldest Strauss sibling started to wipe down a glass as she asked,

"What brings you to our guild, I assume it has to do with either Gray or Juvia? Unless this is more than a social call."

"I just happened to be in the neighborhood and decided to stop by and see if the lovely water mage was here or if she isn't available then I suppose it wouldn't hurt to talk to the ice idiot."

"I see, well as you probably could already tell, Juvia is out on a job."

Mira paused with a hand to her chin in thought. The take-over mage was a bit puzzled at Gray's whereabouts. She had been coming in the other morning to open the bar when she caught a glimpse of Gray leaving. Once she got in the guild she was haunted by the sad face of their master. She wanted to ask what the matter was but wasn't sure if she should. Now that she really thought about it she hasn't seen Gray since and he didn't take another job. Something in those events disturbed her and she couldn't place what but knew that the master would have the answer. Lyon had been watching the take-over mage with a nagging feeling growing in his gut. He was about to get the other one's attention when Mira nodded to herself seemingly coming to a decision.

"I'm not too sure about Gray, but I believe the master knows where he is."

This disturbed the sliver ice mage, something was off here. From what Gray had mentioned a while back Mira knew the comings and goings of most the mages. She oversaw the job rooster after all. However, he kept his face blank, hiding the worry.

"Is master Makarov here?"

As if he was waiting for the mention of his name, Makarov hopped onto the bar's counter-top. With a grin at Mira he ordered his usual alcohol. The oldest Strauss mentioned that Lyon had a question for the master as she fixed his drink. The maker mage wanted to ask now, but he waited till the master had a glass in his hand and had taken a huge gulp. As Makarov slammed the glass down he turned to the ice mage.

"Did you need to speak with me?"

"Yes."

Lyon paused for a moment, staring at his hands. He couldn't help feeling that asking this question was going to change his world. The creator mage shook his head, that was ridiculous.

"Do you know where Gray is? Mira thinks you might."

It was only because Lyon had looked up at Makarov's face as he voiced his question that he noticed the sudden tension. It was only for a second, but his worry was slowly growing to dread. The master threw a tight grin his way and after another sip of alcohol replied,

"I believe Gray went to catch up with Team Natsu."

Now the ice mage knew there was something wrong. Dreading the answer but needing one he retorted,

"I just saw Team Natsu on their way back here after a job, Gray was not with them. So, what is really going on?"

Mira had also picked up on the master's odd behavior. She re-laid to him what she had seen the other morning and was wondering if something was the matter. Makarov looked around the rest of the guild, luckily it seems they were quiet, and the others had not heard. His face turned serious as he gestured towards his office.

"Let's talk in my office you two."

Once they were gathered in the master's office Makarov explained everything as he knew it. From what Gray had told him, what the council had ordered, and to what he had told Gray. Mira had her hands covering her mouth with unshed tears shining in her eyes. A furious snarl was heard as Lyon slammed his fist down on the desk in front of him.

"You told him to leave the only home he has!" The scowl that Makarov was met with would have made a lesser mage quiver in fear. "Why would you do that?!"

Mira was about to speak up in defense of the master when the silver headed mage answered his own question.

"You did it so the council couldn't arrest him, I guess I get that." Lyon sat back in the seat as his anger drained and the worry returned. "Is there really nothing you guys can do to help? Is there anyone that can help?"

Mira looked at the master hopefully, though it quickly died at the sad look Makarov shot them.

"I'm afraid not, the council are worried about him becoming a threat. Plus, we are a legal guild and to stay as such we can only piss off the council so much." Makarov raised a tired hand to wipe over his face. "After all, he did kill people, whether he meant to or not. It's not like he just caused too much damage to a town or something. This is a bit bigger."

"So, the best you could do was to warn him before the council came."

Lyon shook his head, the bitter words making Makarov wince and Mira flinch.

"I guess only you knew about his situation."

Stated the ice mage pointing to the master.

"and now Mira correct?"

With a nod, Makarov spoke up.

"Gray didn't want the others to know, he came in very early when the guild was still mostly asleep."

"Then I'm guessing Team Natsu also doesn't have a clue, right?"

Another nod was his answer.

"They have been on a job and as you know just finished it."

Lyon stretched as he stood up. He wasn't sure what to think of the master's action or non-action as it may be. While he understood on a level, he couldn't help but be irate at the master. However, that was drowned out over the apprehension of Gray's situation.

"Are the council still trying to arrest him?"

"I believe I convinced them to leave him be until the trial. As long as he doesn't work for any guilds. He needs to learn to control that new magic."

Lyon looked to the ground in thought. He couldn't just leave Gray out there alone. He feared what would happen, having been kicked from his home and away from his friends who knows what he would get into. He couldn't imagine being abandoned again, and he knew it would be worse for the younger mage. He decided he would find his little brother, he wasn't going to let him be alone. Makarov gave the young man a few moments to absorb all the information before he inquired.

"What are you planning?"

There was a shrug of thin shoulders.

"I'm not sure."

Lyon was positive that he was going to try to track Gray down, but he wasn't going to voice that here. The looks Makarov and Mira gave him said they knew what he was thinking; however, neither said anything. Makarov bowed in a dismissal and admonished,

"Be careful."

The ice mage bowed back and turned to head out the office door. Right as he reached the door, and with his back still turned, he questioned,

"I wonder what will happen when Natsu and his friends find out? They are going to want answers, I doubt you can keep them in the dark for long. And you know that flame brain won't take it calmly."

He left without waiting for a response, he went down the stairs and out the door. Lyon had been mostly calm during that discussion, with a few exceptions. It wasn't till the doors of the guild closed that everything sunk in. He was furious about what had happened to Gray and at the council. He couldn't believe that something like this would happen to Gray, not like the guy hadn't gone through enough already, no fate had to hurt him more. He was also concerned for the younger's physical safety and mental well being. The thought of his little brother going through this alone made his heart ache. He was still peeved about the master's decision, but he couldn't change that. He wasn't going to leave Gray hanging out to dry, he would find him and see if there was a way to help. His thoughts were interrupted by a ringing, he pulled out the communication lacrima and answered.

Yuka told him what had happened at Lamia Scale and knowing what he does now, it made sense that he would have gone there. Also, he realized that there may be another area Gray would go to. Now that he had an idea of where to go he was determined, he would be there for his brother if nothing else.

-TBC-