Hey guys!

Remember how I said I'd try and publish a chapter every two weeks?

Yeah...as you can tell that didn't happen cause I underestimated school yet again.

Regardless, I'm going to try and publish a chapter every month at the minimum.

Feel free to favorite/follow/review!

*Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail and all the characters*

*I own Aria (OC)*

Enjoy the story!

"You should join Fairy Tail!"

Aria froze. The cheerful guild's illusion shattered before her as she felt her shoulders and footfall become heavier. She struggled to keep her smile alight as his words ran rampant through her mind. She slowly took in a long, suffocating breath which gave her the slight energy to regain her classic smirk.

"Oh, yeah? I thought I told you before, Natsu? Guilds and I don't mix. I mean, your guild is great and all, but it's great for you, not for me. I don't do the whole guild thing." Aria assured.

Natsu looked back at her, his grin never wavering for a second. "Huh? No way! You'd fit in great here! Right, Happy?" Natsu beamed at his cat companion far ahead of them.

"Aye Sir!" Happy saluted to Natsu, flying over to his side and grinning at the mysterious woman.

"Yeah!" Lucy walked up beside the pink-haired dragon slayer, with a crowd of guild members slowly following behind, "Besides, anyone that can make Natsu behave has to join!"

"You'd fit in great here, Aria. Any member of Natsu's family is one of ours as well!" Wendy stated proudly, smiling brightly at the brunette.

Aria glanced from person to person as they each provided their testimony. She stood in stunned silence, smirk melting from her face, as she tried to contemplate why all these strangers would even grant her a second thought.

What the hell is this guild?...Well, I guess you truly have found a good place for yourself, Natsu. Who knows, maybe it could be right for me? Aria sighed as she shut her eyes, mulling everything over. I can't. I've still got things to do, places to be, sights to see. Besides, it's a guild, Aria. Don't be fooled by it. Just…let him down gently and be on your way.

"See, you heard 'em!" Natsu grinned, flinging an arm over her shoulders. "So, Aria, what do ya say? Will ya join Fairy Tail?"

Aria opened her eyes and looked at her best friend; the man she'd die for.

If I say no, could this be it? Could I be giving up my one rare chance at finally finding them? But if I say yes, what will I give up in exchange? My freedom? The chance to reach my goal? But then again, it's a guild and I know how guilds are. There's no way that this one is any different. But…what if it is? What if everything I know about guilds is wrong? Yet that's impossible, especially with all the guilds I've met and seen.

Aria turned and gazed at the blinding light of the rising sun. She scanned the various enthusiastic, cheerful faces of the Fairy Tail members as she reached her ringed fingers up to grasp her necklace and held it as if her life depended on it. With a final inhale, she prepared her decision.

"I'm sorry, Natsu, Fairy Tail, but I can't join. It's just not the life for me. Thanks anyways though. I really do appreciate it." Aria announced, showing them a genuine smile. She turned back to her pink-haired best friend. "It really was good seeing you again, Dragon Boy. I know you're in good hands here and you're gonna do great in whatever you do." Aria fondly ruffled his hair before turning away to face the growing rays of sunlight. "See ya later, kid." Aria warily took a step away and slowly crept towards her next destination.

"I thought you promised. Didn't we promise each other? I promised to protect you and you promised to protect me. How are we supposed to protect each other if we live on separate sides of the world, huh?" Natsu muttered, staring directly at the retreating woman.

Aria reluctantly stopped and turned back to face the accusatory man. She heaved a heavy sigh before rolling her eyes to stare him down. "Oh, come on, Natsu. I'm not breaking my promise, and neither are you. We went for seven years without seeing each other and we're still alive, right? Besides, it's not like we're never gonna see each other again."

"You promised. You might be fine with breaking that promise, but I won't." Natsu snarled at Aria.

Protect.

Aria gritted her teeth as she glared pointedly at Natsu. "Dammit! I know, all right? I get it. I promised. I know I promised Igneel that day that I'd protect you, Natsu. I know that. His words run through my mind almost every second of every day. But I—"

"Wait. What do you mean you promised Igneel?" Natsu interrupted confusion lining his features.

Aria froze, eyes widening as she realized her mistake. "Wait. Natsu, I…I didn't mean…I…" She paused her stammering as she gently gazed at her best friend.

With a sigh of defeat, she collected herself and spoke. "Natsu. He told me not to tell you because he didn't want you to worry and I didn't think much of it back then but…" Aria hesitated, but continued, her voice solemn, "The day before he disappeared, before July 7th, Igneel made me promise him that I would always protect you, that I would never let anything happen to you, no matter what. I didn't know that he was going to disappear the next day. I swear. I'm sorry, Natsu. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't."

Silence clouded the air between them as they gently gazed at each other.

"Join Fairy Tail." Natsu barely murmured.

Aria sighed softly. "Natsu…I can't."

"You have to join Fairy Tail." Natsu continued.

"Natsu. I told you already, multiple times, no." Aria stated.

"Please, Aria." Natsu pleaded.

Ugh. This kid is going to be the death of me one day, I swear.

Aria rolled her eyes as she declared, "One week."

Natsu's grin grew as he looked, with wide eyes, at the woman. "What?"

Aria sighed once again and crossed her arms, hip jutting out to one side. "Give me one week. I'll be back at Fairy Tail in one week with my answer. However, until then, no complaining, no following, and no worrying. I've got things I've got to go off and do, and you've got things you've got to do at your guild. I'll be back, Natsu. Don't worry."

Natsu briskly walked over to Aria, his goofy grin never faltering once. Once he was nearly a foot away from her, he stuck out his hand, a confident smile gracing his face. "You promise?" Natsu questioned.

Aria looked at the man in front of her then down at his extended hand then back to the man himself. Her signature smirk grew on her face as she grasped his hand with hers. "Who do you think I am, huh? Of course, I promise." Aria jested, a competitive look spreading across her face.

In an instant, the two clasped hands glowed a blazing, dark purple as Natsu's flames and Aria's illusions mixed and collided, signifying their promise. The rest of the guild stood astounded as they watched the two use magic against each other like it was nothing. Just as fast as the light appeared, it withered away, leaving the mage's hands bright red and smoking.

Aria quickly smiled as big as she could before she pulled Natsu into a tight hug, never wanting to let go. The two held there for what seemed to be an eternity, savoring each other's presence. Aria let go of him and ruffled his pink locks one last time before turning away again, this time looking over her shoulder as she spoke.

"See you in a week, Dragon Boy." Aria began to walk away when she paused, "Oh, and Fairy Tail, keep an eye on him for me. If he gets into any trouble, feel free to teach him a lesson or two. Okay?" And with that, she continued towards her next promising destination.

The guild watched the retreating shadow. Then, following the rising sun, they began their journey back home to Magnolia.

With a sigh of content, the cloaked figure sat down along the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the serene sea. She swiftly lowered her hood and leaned back on her palms.

Well, now that that's all finished, I can finally focus on the rest of my tasks. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, listening to the crashing waves and the birds' songs. I could get used to this. That is if I didn't have a million other things that I have to do.

A monstrous growl interrupted her train of thought. She jolted up, eye flashing open.

Maybe all that can wait. She lowered a hand to her stomach. I should probably eat considering I haven't had the chance for a long time. Whoops.

She clambered back onto her feet, looking once more at the peaceful seascape. With a final adjustment of her belongings, she turned toward the town at the edge of the sea.

Hargeon. Not a bad place to live. Gorgeous view. Lively town. Good food. Not bad at all.

She navigated her way through the crowds and streets. Idle chatter buzzed around her with talk of the Sorcerer's Weekly, fishing, and guilds. She finally found her "usual spot" and entered.

Inside, a wide variety of people, ranging from burly mages to friendly families filled the place. Aria spotted her usual table and walked over, greeting the staff on her way. As soon as she sat down, a young waitress breezed over, smile alight.

"Aria! It's so good to see you here again. You haven't been here for a while. Been busy, I'd expect?" the woman questioned as she placed down a water glass.

"It's good to see you too! I've been doing the usual work. Taking out dark guilds here and there…Getting into trouble with dark guilds here and there. You know. The usual." Aria replied with her smirk and a light chuckle.

"When are you gonna settle down? Stop traveling and causing trouble? Relax and maybe meet a nice guy? Or even join a guild? You do too much work, especially since you do most of it for free. You should really consider joining a guild. That way you can do what you do but get paid for it. Lamia Scale isn't too bad and it's nearby! There's also that Fairy Tail guild in Magnolia, or even—"

"Lei, you're rambling. Besides, Lamia Scale has tried to get me to join multiple times and I said no. As for Fairy Tail…well, I'm not joining a guild anytime soon, or ever for that matter. Besides, my life's fine. Don't worry." Aria rolled her eyes and laughed. "Now, I think I'm gonna change it up today and get the Star Light Soup and a Rose Tea."

"What? Not your usual? Alright Aria, what's wrong? You only get something other than your usual when something is wrong. So, what is it?" Lei interrogated, leaning over the table pointing at Aria.

"Don't worry about it. I've just got a bunch of things to mull over, that's all. I need to plan out my next trip and figure out some other points." Aria reluctantly admitted.

Lei squinted her eyes at the suspicious woman but reluctantly backed down. "Fine. Keep your secrets to yourself, Miss Illusion. But if I see you acting weird again, I'm gonna make you tell me, got it?" Lei sighed and brushed her bangs away from her face before regaining her cheerful expression. "I'll put in the order for you. If you need anything else, just let me know, 'kay?" With that, she sauntered away, chatting with other customers along the way.

Aria released a breath before shaking her head. "Why do I always get involved with crazy, protective mages?" She glanced around the restaurant, seeing the lively chatter and interactions. With a slight smile on her face, she looked down at her hands, specifically the rings adorning her fingers. I should really get these cleaned and fixed up. They're looking rusted and damaged. Aria heaved a sigh. Yet another thing to add to my never-ending list of things to do.

Lei strolled back over towards Aria, placing a large bowl and decadent teacup in front of her. "Here ya go, girly. If you need anything else, and I mean anything, let me know, 'kay?" Lei smiled at Aria before walking off again.

Aria began to devour her soup, thoughts running rampant through her mind. However, they were cut short as she overheard a conversation nearby that piqued her interest. Her gaze followed the voices and landed on two men seated nearby at the bar.

"Did you hear? Fairy Tail's annual endurance race is coming up. Are you going to go see it?" the first man questioned the man next to him.

"Of course. Though I'm not sure how safe it will be, especially knowing Fairy Tail's reputation for damaging everything." The second man replied warily.

"It's just a race. How bad do you think it'll get?" the first raised an eyebrow.

The second man lifted his beer, chugging before wiping his mouth with his sleeve and replying. "It's Fairy Tail. They could destroy the entire town for all we know. Especially that fire dragon slayer kid…What's his name?...Natsu?"

"Yeah, he's destroyed plenty of towns before. No doubt he'll find a way to destroy something during the race." The first man chuckled as he drank his beer.

"You're not wrong there."

Both men began to heartily laugh as Aria focused back on her food. She heaved a heavy sigh before closing her eyes.

Oh, Natsu. What am I gonna do with you, huh? I see you're still causing trouble, even after I told you not to. Now I'm gonna have to come back and kick your ass again. Aria opened her eyes, looked back at her empty bowl, and took a sip of her rose tea. Fairy Tail. She glanced back at the two men at the bar and sighed once more.

I have to return there tonight with an answer… What am I gonna do? Aria closed her eyes, trying to concentrate on her decision before her eyes snapped back open. Wait. What the hell am I thinking? I can't join. It's not even a question. As great as Natsu is, and as nice as they all were to help me out, I can't join. I can't be tied down like that. I came here with a goal, a purpose. I can't give that up, especially after all this time. I made a promise, and I'm not gonna just give up.

She noticed Lei approaching and shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. She smiled as Lei began to gather the dishes. Aria reached into her bag and pulled out a handful of various jewels to give to the waitress.

"Here. A little extra something! Tell your family 'hi' for me and I'll see ya later!" Aria exclaimed, waving to the waitress.

She stood up and brushed off her clothes, straightening up her appearance. With a deep sigh, she walked out the building and to the main road headed towards Magnolia.

Fairy Tail, huh. Maybe they are the ones. I mean, technically, I've got all the time in the world to find them. Plus, if they are the ones that means I would have finally found them, that I finally have proof. Besides, Natsu is in the guild, and if the others are anything like him, then they just might be it…What to do? What to do?

Aria continued to ponder her options as she wandered towards Magnolia and her next destination, a place where she would have to make her decision.

As Aria neared Magnolia, she came across a large crowd huddled near the front of what almost seemed like a mansion. She slowed her step as she viewed the impressive house in front of her. She glanced around at the people crowding the entrance.

"What's with the big commotion?" Aria inquired, lowering her hood.

"It's this new house. It just opened up on the market! They just built it and it's one of a kind! Isn't it magnificent?!" a woman nearby replied.

"Huh. It sure is a sight to behold." Aria mused

"Unfortunately, it's ridiculously expensive. Only the king of Fiore would be able to afford it." Another woman sneered.

The first woman whipped around, surprise covering her face. "You already know the price?!"

"Yep. They just announced it this morning. Apparently, it's 500,000,000 jewels in total." The second woman rolled her eyes.

"500,000,000 jewels! You're kidding. How do they expect to sell it if no one can even afford that?" the first woman screeched, nearly fainting. "Oh dear. This really would have been a nice house to have."

Aria gazed at the house once more. "500,000,000 jewels? Even that's a little much for this house." She looked at the perimeter of the house. The house itself was covered with a plethora of round and square-shaped windows. Multiple doors could be seen lining the edge of the house. A large garden hid behind the main expanse. What looked like multiple fruit trees stood tall beside the grand entrance. She admired the dark trim that contrasted with the lighter surface of the house.

She turned back to the woman from the crowd. "What's even in that house that makes it worth that much anyhow?"

"I've heard there are 3 guest rooms, each with their own luxury bathroom." The first woman exclaimed.

The second woman chimed in from behind. "Apparently, there's a huge pool inside the house as well."

"Not to mention, I've heard the kitchen is to die for. It's so spacious and it's everything anyone could ever want!" the first woman added.

Eventually, the crowd around Aria continued to get hyped up talking about the house. She glanced back at the grandiose house and the smug salesman standing near the front entrance, before she looked back at her destination, Magnolia.

Businesses and businessmen are so relentless. They'll do anything to get a pretty penny, just like guilds. Just another reason to not join Fairy Tail, I suppose. Who knows? Their whole helpfulness could've been an act. Aria sighed heavily. Regardless, they're expecting me. Natsu is expecting me. I made a promise and I intend on keeping it. I have to give them my answer tonight, no matter how much it will hurt.

Aria looked back one last time at the bustling crowd and the spectacle of a house before muttering her thanks to the women. She briskly turned back towards Magnolia and draped her hood back over her head. She continued to walk, getting closer to her destination yet farther from her decision.

What to do. What to do. Do I join Fairy Tail or not?

Inside the not-so-distant guild, Fairy Tail, mages laughed and cheered and shouted and fought, just like every other day. Except, this time, a certain prominent pink haired troublemaker was absent from the fray.

"Hey, Mira, have you seen Natsu? Ever since we got back, he's been missing from the guild." Lucy wondered as she scanned the guild.

"Why do you wanna know where Flame-brain went? At least he's not destroying everything and causing mayhem." Gray interrupted, overhearing their conversation.

"Gray, your clothes." Mira reminded gently with a smile.

Gray immediately looked down and yelped as he ran off to find his clothes. Lucy rolled her eyes at the spectacle then focused back on the barmaid.

"As for Natsu, he left the guild not too long ago. I think I heard him say something about waiting for Aria." Mira continued.

Lucy looked over her shoulder at the guild doors. "That's right. Aria is supposed to come back today with her answer." Lucy rested her chin in her palm. "What do you think she's going to do? Do you think she'll join?"

Mira pondered thoughtfully over Lucy's question. "I'm not sure. Her and Natsu seem really close, but she also seems very reluctant to join a guild."

"Yeah. I wonder why she won't join a guild. The first time we met her, it almost seemed like she thought all guilds were dark guilds." Lucy contemplated. "But I think you're right. Her and Natsu are really close. You can tell she wants to be back with him, but it's almost like something is holding her back."

"That's not completely abnormal, though." Erza approached the two, sitting beside Lucy. "Not every mage has an interest in joining a guild. However, I do agree that something about guilds offsets her. Regardless, even though I'm not very well acquainted with her, I must admit something about her makes me uneasy."

"Uneasy? What do you mean?" Lucy questioned, puzzled.

Erza's brows furrowed as she thought about her encounters with the mysterious woman. "I'm not sure. But the first time we met her, something about her seemed 'off' in a way. Like she's hiding something. She seemed very hesitant to trust anyone."

"That can be the case for many people, however. Not everyone is open to others." Mira gently added.

"I'm aware. But, for a moment, especially when we fought, her presence and magic seemed…dark somehow. I'm just not sure if she should join Fairy Tail." Erza mulled.

The three girls looked back towards the guild doors, serious expressions written on their faces.

"Well, regardless of what I might think, she'll make her decision today. However, if she does choose to join, I plan on keeping watch of her. Just to be safe." Erza declared, before turning towards Lucy. "It's getting late. Maybe you should go check on Natsu, just in case she doesn't show. He'll be disappointed, and I know you can cheer him up."

Lucy nodded her head and glanced back towards the doors. "Right. I'll see you guys later!" She waved back towards them before exiting out the guild doors to look for Natsu.

"Natsuuuu! Where are you? Natsu." Lucy called out, looking left and right for the pink haired mage. Her gaze landed on the dragon slayer seated outside the front gate. She then noticed the floating blue cat near the slayer as she slowly crept towards the two.

"Natsuuu. It's getting late and I'm tired." Happy whined, floating down to the ground next to Natsu.

Natsu continued to stare intently out towards the city. "She'll be here. I know it, Happy. She promised. She has to come."

Happy looked at his best friend with a worried look. "Natsu…" He noticed Lucy coming closer and immediately flew into her arms. "Lucyyy."

Lucy looked down at the cat before shaking her head and looking back at the dragon slayer, a sympathetic look covering her features. "Natsu, the day's almost over. I know you're waiting for Aria, but she might not come."

"No." Natsu asserted. "I know Aria. She'll come. The day ain't over yet. I'm not leaving until she does come."

Lucy sighed as she looked from the man to the cat in her arms and back to the man before her. "Natsu. Maybe she got held up. She'll be here tomorrow for sure. Besides, you need sleep and food. C'mon. Let's go back to the guild, grab some food, and you can come back out here after you've eaten." Lucy smiled gently.

Just as Natsu was about to refuse, a loud growl erupted from his stomach.

"See? You need food. C'mon." Lucy lightly tugged on his arm, pulling him to his feet. "I'm sorry, Natsu. She's probably busy or forgot."

Natsu looked back out towards the town before reluctantly following Lucy and Happy back towards the guild with his head hanging low.

However, a smug voice rang out behind them.

"You aren't giving up hope on me, are you Dragon Boy?"

Natsu immediately spun around, a hopeful grin growing on his face as he saw the woman whose voice he just heard.

"I told you. I always keep my promises." Aria stated as she approached the dragon slayer. "It's good to see you again, Natsu." She stopped in front of him, hands on her hips.

Before she could speak another word, Natsu's arms were around her as he held onto her like a leech. Aria winced before grinning widely and hugging him with an equal amount of strength.

"I was only gone for a week, idiot." Aria teased as she struggled out of his grip. "Speaking of which, I heard you've done quite a lot of damage in that week. What am I going to do with you, Natsu? Hmmm?" Aria glared at Natsu, an evil glow in her eyes.

Natsu shrunk down, pleading for his life. "I'm sorry, Aria. I'm sorry."

Aria walked over and ruffled his hair before helping him to his feet again. "You're fine." She assured. "But if you ever make a mess again, I'll kick your ass. Got it?" She laughed heartily as she looked at the terrified expression on his face.

Natsu beamed at his childhood friend before flinging his arm over her shoulders. "So, you gonna join Fairy Tail, Aria?"

Aria glanced back at Natsu, rolling her eyes and sighing. "How about you eat some food first and then we talk? I heard your stomach growl from miles away."

With that, all four of them began laughing as they walked into the guild. Aria looked around the guild, especially at the faces of the guild members who helped her before. As she was scanning the guild, all the members watched her intently. Aria's brow furrowed before a smile spread across her face, as she turned back towards her best friend. The guildmembers glanced at each other, curious as to what the enigmatic woman would decide to do.

"Natsu," Aria called out, a serious expression written on her face.

The entire guild quieted to a hush as all eyes were focused on her. Natsu, who was stuffing food into his mouth, slowed his movements as he gazed at the serious woman. He swallowed the food in a giant gulp, before returning the serious expression directed towards him. The silence grew in the guildhall, making the anticipation near unbearable for everyone.

Aria took two steps towards Natsu, planting her feet sturdily on the ground and crossing her arms. "One week ago, I promised that I would return here, to Fairy Tail, with an answer to your question: Will you join Fairy Tail?" Aria glanced once more around the guild, examining every face and the various emotions gracing them.

This is it, Aria. You know what to do. You've made your choice. Aria exhaled definitively. Whatever happens from here on out will be based on this choice. This is the choice I've made and, unfortunately, nothing can change that. I'm sorry. But this is my final decision.

With a final exhale, Aria declared, "I've made my decision."