It was loud.

It was crazy.

It was obnoxious, full of troublemakers, and mages with a power that many a dark guild had trembled in fear of. Light guilds cringed or shook their heads in amusement when these mages were brought up in conversation. But these mages all had one thing in common, that made them the way they were. Their beliefs in nakama and always doing what was right, even if that occasionally bent the law to the point of nearly breaking.

This...was Fairy Tail.

Located in the city of Magnolia, it protected its city and mages with a ferocity that left many in awe, and the citizens grew a tolerance of the noise or mess that came with being the home of insanely strong mages. So when there was group of seven mages making their way through the city, they didn't even get looked at twice before the citizens continued on their way. For them it was a little odd, but they brushed the sensation off. This was the first time they had visited this city without hiding themselves, and they were tense, expecting someone to point and start screaming at any minute.

They were almost to the guildhall, and Erik could hear the chaotic noise that made up the guild when he heard something else. Something different, soothing, calling out for a friend. Halting in the middle of the road, his head tilted to the side as he tried to pinpoint where the call was coming from and didn't even snap when Meredy ran face first into his back. Before she could even stutter out an apology, he spun on a heel and strode away from them, following the call that was steadily getting louder, his gaze slightly unfocused as he tried to figure out just what he was hearing since he wasn't hearing actual words, he was just hearing emotions.

He didn't even realize where he ended up until he was standing in front of a clear glass tank, crouching down to stare narrow eyed at the occupant. He was looking at a curled up baby snake, its main color was a goldish yellow with black scales along its back and he could smell that this snake wasn't poisonous, and he was fine with that. Lifting his gaze to the species tag on the tank, Erik couldn't help but smirk slightly at the name of the snake. 'Juvenile King Cobra'. If that wasn't a sign he didn't know what was. Then he noticed the in all caps extra bit listed under the type of snake. 'Magical: Unknown'. Frowning slightly, he shifted his gaze back to the snake and fought not to jump when he came nose to nose with the snake, only the glass of the tank separating them. He hadn't even heard the little fucker move!

A slight flutter drew his gaze further into the tank and Erik felt his jaw drop at the sight of a set of very small wings twitching on the snakes back.

Well. He was screwed. He already knew it.

Seeing the small tongue flicker out and touch the glass, Erik felt the heart he claimed didn't exist melt ever so slightly. He heard the sound of soft footsteps coming up behind him at the same time that the snake drew back, fear and caution coloring its movements, and that was when he caught a memory of pain, with a flash of what appeared to be childrens shoes and rocks being thrown before an unknown kind woman found them and whisked the baby snake to safety. Biting back the growl that wanted to escape him at seeing the baby scared, Erik shifted back to his feet and glanced over his shoulder to see his fellow mages behind him. All but one were wandering, doling out pets and treats to the various animals in other containers, and that was when he realized he had blindly walked into a pet store. Meeting Macbeths eyes, he shrugged and stepped to the side, letting his best friend see the snake that was watching them closely.

"I get the feeling that you're not leaving here without that snake?" Macbeth asked softly, leaning closer to peer down at the beady eyes that he could tell were fill with defiance. Thankfully, since snakes were a favorite of Eriks, Macbeth had taken the time over the years to learn how to identify if a snake was poisonous or not, and he could tell this one wasn't. The small wings though threw him for a bit of a loop. "Is this what had you taking such a sudden detour?"

"Yea. And yea, I'm taking him with us. What better friend for a magical creature then a mage? And he'll definitely put the exceeds to shame..." Erik stated with a smirk. Not caring if the owner of the shop got pissy or not, he lifted the lid of the tank and reached in carefully, allowing the snake to taste him at his pace. The smile that crossed his face as the snake immediately moved to curl around his forearm had Macbeth smiling just as widely as he followed the new duo to the cashiers counter.

The workers reaction at seeing the snake happily wrapped around Eriks forearm had them laughing as she squeaked and quickly backed up, bumping into the full shelves behind the counter. Lifting a brow at her, they didn't say a thing and merely waited as she darted away, and a few minutes later a gentleman came from a back room with a worried look, the young woman right behind him.

"I'm sorry for the confusion gentlemen, my employee says that you removed a snake from one of the tanks?" The man cut right to the point, meeting their gazes then looking over them only to merely blink at the live snake accessory on Eriks arm. "Uh...I see that you have. That is against store policy for the record, and legally the animal cannot leave without being contained."

The snarl that escaped Erik at that point had Macbeth quickly stepping forward even as the man raised a brow.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, however, would you be willing to make an exception just this once? My friend here is a big fan of snakes and has already become attached to this one. We're willing to pay for it obviously, but my friend is very strongly against anything being contained." Macbeth explained softly, lifting his hands in a placating manner.

"I can't, in good conscious, allow that. If the snake is not contained until it arrives at its new home, it may attack someone in self defense, just from being overwhelmed." The man explained, keeping a close eye on Erik and the snake he was wearing. Both brows rose when Erik stepped back, lifting his arm to run soothing fingers over the scales and lips lifted from his very pointy teeth in a silent snarl.

"Excuse me sir, are you by any chance the owner?" Meredy asked, stepping from behind a solo standing shelf, patting Eriks shoulder calmly, not even giving a glance to the snake Erik was protecting.

"Yes I am, so I'm sure you can understand where I'm coming from." The man huffed crossing his arms. He cast another look over the three mages standing at his counter, scowling at the two males before turning his attention back to the pink haired beauty. "Add in that the snake is magical, and I really can't afford to have someone get injured and then they come after me for it. As it is already, him holding the snake is pushing it. If the snake bites him, what would stop him from trying to sue me or something?"

"I may be an asshole but not like that!" Erik snarled, his eyes flashing. The hand that Macbeth lifted was the only thing to keep Erik from launching himself at the idiotic shop owner.

"Sir, my friend is actually the poison dragon slayer, and has a way with animals, especially snakes. We're expected at Fairy Tail, so I can promise you that if anything happens to anyone, you will not be held accountable, and the healer at Fairy Tail would be more than happy to help if something happens. If it would ease your worries, we'd be more than happy to sign a disclaimer accepting any and all responsibility if the snake does something outside of containment. And besides, once the snake is paid for, anything that happens after that is no longer your problem." Meredy soothed, giving a small blinding smile.

The owner watched her for another moment before turning back to the maroon haired mage holding the snake. He could see that the snake wasn't actually doing anything at the moment, just hanging out, and if he didn't know any better he'd think the snake was nearly purring. Letting out a sigh, he looked back to his employee and jerked his head, letting her know that he'd handle this purchase. Not even five minutes later had the owner watching as the group of mages left and just before the door swung shut behind them, he would've sworn the snake poked its head up over the maroon haired mages shoulder and stuck its tongue out at him.

"Well. That was certainly eventful. Who did you find there Erik?" Jellal asked, stepping up beside him. He hadn't been surprised when the others had caught up to him on the road leading out of the forest, and without a word started following him again. The sudden trip to the pet store though had been unexpected, and now he was watching the snake that had moved up to curl around Eriks neck, its head bobbing slightly as it watched where they were going.

"This is a magical Juvenile King Cobra, a baby, who ended up in that store after being rescued by a young woman from some dick children who were throwing rocks at him. He's still to young for me to hear clearly, but I'm able to pick up on emotions and the like right now." Erik explained, reaching up to run a gentle finger over the snakes nose.

"Have you decided what you're going to name him yet? Is it even a male? Or female?" Sorrano asked, watching the line of scales decorating the back of her guildmates neck. Then she noticed something that had her blinking, and leaning closer. "Does-does it have wings?!" Sorano gushed, seeing the slight twitches from the appendages that stuck out from the snakes scales.

"Yes he has wings, again, magical, don't know about the name yet, and definitely male." Cobra answered. The smirk was very clear in his voice, but for once Sorano didn't take offense, instead she knew he could hear that her soul went all sorts of melted at how cute the wings were. Then she noticed something else and was quick to grab Eriks arm, pulling him to a stop. They had reached the foot of the steps leading up to the Fairy Tail guild hall, and the noise coming from within was very easily heard, but she felt this might take precedence over getting inside.

"Um Erik?"

"What is it Sorano? As noisy as it is, I'd like to get inside and get something to eat." Erik huffed. He was excited about showing off his new pet and hadn't been paying attention to the souls around him, so he didn't think much about turning to face the angel mage. Waving the other mages off, he waited until the disappeared inside before nodding for her to continue.

"Wasn't your new snake black and yellow?"

"Yea, why?"

"He's not anymore."

Blinking, hearing the truth in her soul, he reached up to pull his new snake from his perch, and his eye widen at the vibrant maroon color that some of his scales now were. He could hear the trill from the little soul in his hands, that immediately made him think of the feeling of accomplishment that came with succeeding in doing something.

"Just how many more tricks are you hiding under your scales little one?" Erik breathed, running a gentle thumb under the snakes jaw. Feeling a hand rest on his arm, Erik lifted his gaze to meet Soranos warmth filled one.

"I'm sure it'll be exciting to learn of the different things he can do as time passes. He may even surprise you some more. For now we should get inside." Sorano encouraged before turning and leading the way, pushing open the heavy doors. If the noise had been loud before, it went up a few decimals once the thick doors were no longer in the way. He felt his new snake cringe back and quickly soothed him, instinct driving him to give a gentle rumble which seemed to work and the snake relaxed in his hands. Looking around at the craziness that would hopefully soon become his guild, he followed Sorano through the crowd, ducking, dodging, and weaving between the crazy mages.

They finally made it to the bar and plopped down on the last couple of stools that were available, nodding in greeting to the tiny master that was sitting on top of it with a drink in his hand.

"Welcome back brats. Jellal said there was something you wanted to discuss with me?" Markarov greeted with a twinkle in his eye and a twitch to his moustache. The twitch turned into a full blown grin Erik scoffed and turned to him with a bland stare, even as Sorano asked for a glass of water from Kinana.

"Ya ain't stupid old man, you know what we're here for." Erik huffed, rolling his one good eye.

Grinning at the poison slayer, Markarov lifted his glass for another gulp of beer before setting his mug back down. Erik didn't even get a chance to cover his ears, too worried about his new snake and his own sensitive hearing to worry about the ringing that took up residence in his.

"Alright brats listen up!" Instantly everything stopped as every Fairy Tail mage in attendance turned their attention to their master. "Crime Sorciere has come to visit, who are looking to continue on the path they've chosen by going their separate ways. And some of them are looking to make their homes with us!" The cheers that echoed through the hall had every slayer ducking their head in pain, even as Erik tucked his snake closer to his body and cupped his hands over its small head to block at least some off the noise. Once the noise died down once more, Markarov continued.

"From what I have learned, Jellal, Erik, Meredy, and Macbeth will be joining us while Sorano heads for Sabertooth to join her sister, Richard will be heading for Blue Pegasus where he will hopefully be able to find his brother with their help, and Sawyer will be heading for Quatro Puppy." Another round of cheers went up and Erik ducked his head once more. Again, the noise died down after a few moments, the mages returning to their partying with renewed vigor at their new members and Markarov dug into his pocket for the guild stamp. Letting out a slightly pained sigh, Erik straightened up, lifting his hand to bring his snake eye level and check on him.

"And who is this?" Markarov asked, seeing the snake stretch its neck out to taste the end of Eriks nose. He didn't miss the small fluttering wings, or the shifting colors of the scales.

"This is my new friend. Found him in a pet shop nearby. Haven't figured out what to name him yet." Erik stated, smiling softly at the feeling of the tongue dancing across his cheek. He heard her before he saw her, and turned just as she slid onto a recently vacated stool, a smile forming fully. "Heya Tink, you're the writer, any names in the grey matter to give my new buddy?"

The smile he received in return had him feel like a weight dropped from his shoulders. He wouldn't admit to anyone that he had been worried that she wouldn't want him there in spite of everything that had happened. The sound of her soul had always been one he liked to be around because it was so soothing, and there weren't many he could say that about.

"Boy or girl?" Lucy asked, leaning forward and holding out a steady hand for the snake to taste, giggling lightly when the tongue tickled her flesh.

"He's very much a boy, and a magical snake. So far I know that at some point he'll be able to fly, can change colors, but beyond that, I've got nothing." Erik stated, nodding and handing the snake over when he heard her soul ask to hold the reptile. He watched as she carefully lifted him, letting her own fingers brush over the now colorful scales carefully. He appreciated that she was taking her time so she didn't spook the snake.

"Well...how about Nathair?" Tink asked out loud, playfully tweaking one of the tiny wings, watching as they stretched out and folded back against the scales. They both watched in surprise when the snake turned back Erik and moved his head up and down in a very distinct nod.

"C-can you understand us?" Lucy breathed, a smile curling her lips when the snake turned back to her and nodded once more. "So...you like the name Nathair?" Again a nod was her answer. The entire time this interaction was happening, Markarov watched with a small smile, and when Lucy and Erik exchanged giddy grins, he smoothly cut in after sending Meredy away to mingle after getting her own new stamp. Catching their attention, he waved the three of them over.

"Well, since you're going to be joining us, you need a new stamp. Both of you."

Meeting his gaze, Erik merely blinked in surprise. "You mean...him too?"

"Of course! He's your friend and partner isn't he? He's as much a part of Fairy Tail as Happy, Lily, or Carla are." Markarov stated firmly. "Now, where would you like your mark brats?"

Choking back the lump that had decided to lodge itself firmly in his throat, Erik watched as Lucy lifted her hand and waited while Nathair weaved back and forth for a moment as if in thought before stilling and lifting his head. He curled the tip of his tail around to point a spot a bit blow where his jaw met his body and a moment later a maroon Fairy Tail guild mark graced his scales. Turning to Erik next, Markarov held out the stamp and in response was given the slayers left hand. Deciding to match Nathair the magic burned for a moment before settling, and when the stamp was pulled away a larger mark sat on the back of Eriks left hand.

Running the thumb from his other hand across his new mark, it took a moment for the steadily growing roar that was echoing between his ears to register, and when it did, he ducked his head in reflex even as he spun around. Immediately his eyes started scanning the mass of bodies that were fighting in the middle of the hall, trying to find the idiotic flame tard who he knew that mental roar belonged to.

'MATE! THEY'RE MY MATES! CLAIM THEM BOTH BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES! MINEMINEMINEMINE!'

"Uh...Tink? You're gonna want to-" Before he could finish an explosion of flame came from the middle of the brawl, and Erik dove over Lucy and Nathair, taking the brunt of the heat.

"Natsu fucking Dragneel what the fucking hell do you think you're doing?!" Lucy screeched, wriggling to get around Erik, ready to storm over and beat the crap out of her pink haired teammate. It was Erik gripping her arm firmly and pulling her back that stopped her as she glanced at him, finding him shaking his head fervently.

"Not a good idea Tink, smoke for brains just identified his mates and is having trouble controlling his dragon."

"Wait-what?! He found his mates?! As in plural?!"

"Yes dammit! Now get behind the bar with Kina while I try to get him the fuck out of here before he destroys the whole guild!"

She didn't need to be told twice, and clutching Nathair closer to her rather generous bust, she slid over the bar and crouched behind it as more chaos ensued. The increase in curses, threats and insults continued to grow in volume until suddenly everything fell silent.

Exchanging a worried glance with Kinana, they peeked over the edge of the bar to find everyone frozen and staring in shock at the white haired woman standing at the doors before Erik, one hand gripping an unconscious Natsu. Uncertain as to what was happening, Lucy decided staying behind the bar still was a good idea.

When he had rushed the swirling mass of bodies and flames that Natsu was in the middle of, Erik didn't give any thought to his own safety, he knew that he'd be ok somehow. Using his magic he was able to maneuver through the mess until he reached the slayer, and gripping the neck of the mans vest, delivered a quick blow to the back off Natsus head, rendering him unconscious. Huffing out a slightly irritated breath, he had just turned on his heel to drag the downed slayer outside when he caught the smell.

The same smell from the other night when he had been keeping watch over the witches camp.

Sugared belladonna with a hint of cyanide.

The smell alone was enough to make his mouth water, and his gut tighten. But the sudden flurry of activity from his inner dragon nearly had him dropping Natsu on his head.

'Mate! Mate! She's here!'

'What the fuck do you mean she's here?!' Erik mentally snarled, trying to catch the breath that had been driven from him at the first smell. When he didn't get an answer from his usually quiet dragon he whipped his head around, eyes tracking every woman in the guild, nose working overtime to find the location of the smell.

"I was gone for not even an hour and the guild is in shambles. Do I even want to know what happened?" A sweet voice asked, reaching his ears like gently tinkling bells.

He knew that voice. Opening his soul magic up, he felt his jaw drop at the many souls that clamored for his attention, feeling his pants tighten at some of the images flashing through the different souls.

'Hmmm he does look tasty doesn't he?'

'Wouldn't mind sinking my teeth into that ass.'

'Maybe tie him down and ride him all night.'

'Or have him tie us down and see if he has the stamina to keep up with us.'

There were more voices, souls, clamoring over eachother at seeing him, but the smell was making it difficult for him to focus. Swallowing hard, he carefully turned as he realized the smell was coming from behind him at the guild doors, and when he realized just who he was hearing, he knew he was going to have problems.

Standing not even ten feet behind him was Mirajane, Fairy Tails resident demon matchmaker, bartender, and mother hen.

Oh yea, he was in trouble.