Percy carried a groaning Natsu on his back as the younger part of the Fairy Tail guild walked along his side on the streets of Oshibana town. The group was on their way to the famed beach at the city's shore.

His younger companions, as he'd told the master, were in desperate need of a change of air. Even though Oshibana wasn't too far from Magnolia, none of his other companions (Erza, Gray and Cana) expressed any desire to walk. Thus, unfortunately for Natsu, they took the train leading to their current situation.

"How far are we from the beach again? "Percy asked, absentmindedly adjusting Natsu on his back.

Cana took the map out of her backpack and studying it said," Well, according to the map we're about a fifteen minutes walk away. " She told Percy.

He gave a look in the armored Mage's direction and the line of baggage trailing behind her. Cana had told him it was always like this. Erza took all her belongings with her whenever she went on a mission or anywhere away from Magnolia. He supposed it had something to do with her past, a paranoia of sorts. He had experienced it enough on his own to comment on someone else's.

Percy caught the shirt Gray unconsciously stripped from and chucked it back at the Ice - Make wizard who turned in surprise when it hit him. Looking at his shirt he realized what had happened and sent a look in Ezra's direction and sighed in relief when she didn't realize anything. Erza was quite 'aha' diligent concerning Gray's stripping habits in Public. Quickly buttoning the shirt, he mouthed a quick thank you to Percy.

Percy caught Cana's eyes who was watching the two with a smile on her face and winked at her. Cana blushed heavily, lowering her head to avoid the awkwardness. Percy frowned. He hadn't meant it like that but oh well.

Walking in silence gave Percy enough time to contemplate the changes in his life since he joined Fairy Tail. Fighting Dark mages and monsters certainly beat his average day at the northern half of the continent. Though as he began to undertake more Dangerous jobs it became harder to tag Natsu along. He felt quite guilty when he saw the disappointment on the Dragon slayer's face when he had to leave Natsu in the Guild while he went to complete the job.

So he was quite grateful to Erza when she invited Natsu to come along on the various team missions she often went on with Gray and Cana. Together the four had formed one of the stronger teams of the guild. Erza had offered the same to him but he'd politely declined, preferring to work alone. He was safe in the knowledge that Erza wouldn't allow any harm come to Natsu as well keep the slayer in line. The few times he'd sparred with the armored mage made sure that he'd never anger the red haired girl. It was only his ears of experience and newfound strength that he was able to pull narrow wins on her.

He'd gained a certain amount of respect after the guild witnessed his defeat of their 'Disciplinary'. Even master was impressed. Despite his protests an interview had been arranged for the rising star of Fairy tail with the Sorcerer magazine. It was after a couple of his photos and interview were published that he realized why he wished to remain Anonymous.

As they reached the beach Natsu slowly recovered, though he still grumbled because of the unfairness. After bribing him with food, the boys changed into their swimming trunks while the girls excused themselves to change somewhere in private.

Natsu was somewhat hesitant of going into the water, though Gray's taunting quickly changed that.

The two boys splashed into the deeper parts of the water before they realized neither of the two knew how to swim. Percy shook his head amusedly and watched them flay desperately before spotting him and yelling for help. Percy released a sigh and with expert strokes made his way towards the duo.

"Honestly! How can you two not know how to swim? And I thought you were such mighty mages." Percy said in a sarcastic voice. The said mages just wrapped their hands around his neck as he swam with them towards the shallow water. For half an hour Percy taught the basics of swimming to his two younger friends . He had to refrain the two from using their respective magic when they grew frustrated. It wouldn't do well if the water froze or turned scalding hot. One would have thought it would be a piece of cake to teach swimming to two prodigal fighters, Wrong.

Percy walked out of water to relax before he realized he hadn't seen his female companions since they came here. He soon found them lying on sun bathing chairs with drinks in their hand. Erza was, as expected, sipping on a strawberry shake while Cana was drinking an orange juice.

Percy smiled at them faintly, "Enjoying ourselves are we? I thought we came for a swim." Percy said as he sank to the chair next to Ezra's.

Cana snickered, "No, thanks master. We'll rather avoid the swimming lesson."

Erza said, "Though I'll have to say, you are a pretty good teacher." looking in direction of their younger companions who had succeeded in at least moving around in the water.

The trio watched Natsu and Gray awkwardly flap their limbs, trying to remember the motions Percy taught them.

"Natsu looks up to you as a big brother you know." Cana commented.

Percy smiled," I know. I feel the same. " Suddenly he stood up, "Come on, you guys are boring me here." Percy pulled them up from their seats and dragged them towards the two boys.

Natsu and Gray immediately started splashing water at them getting retribution in the form of a ten feet wave courtesy of Percy.

Even Erza loosened up, laughing heartily for the first time anyone had ever seen. Soon, some of the strongest kids training to be warriors broke down in a quivering mess, coughing out water pulling at each other and for once acting like the kids they were.

On their way back home, Percy hummed in satisfaction, happy in bringing out his friends from the clutches of their uneventful pasts, even if it was for a day.

Natsu grumbled as he walked down the path to the house he and Percy shared. He hadn't expected to celebrate his first New Year away from Igneel like this. They had just been about to leave when Percy was called by the master. Apparently an emergency request had turned up and Master had decided to send Percy on the job. When he showed his interest in joining Percy he'd been flat out refused by the old man claiming that the mission was too dangerous for him. Worse, Percy had supported the master albeit half-heartedly . The apologetic look Percy sent him didn't help as he left the guild in anger.

As Natsu reached the one-story house with the initials "JACKSON" and "DRAGNEEL", he tensed. He could sense about two to three life forms within his home, a trick he'd learned from Percy. He pressed the key to the door lock which opened with a slight click and walked in as quietly as he could. Without further ado he made his way to the dining room where his ears heard movement.

He heard footsteps near him and estimating the intruder's position threw a punch to his right, successfully hitting the intended target. The unfortunate person hit the fall with a thud letting out a childish yelp.

A "What the heck flame brain!" from his opponent was certainly unexpected.

Light flickered to life as Erza and Cana entered the room with a few take out bags in hand. He looked towards the wall to see Gray standing up, rubbing a bump that had formed at his forehead.

"What the hell are you three doing here? And how did you get in? " Natsu asked snarkily once he realized there was no danger.

Erza frowned at his tone," Percy gave us the key. He was worried when you left the guild. He had to leave immediately or he would have come to check on you himself. " She replied in response to his query, placing the bag on the dining table.

" He didn't want you to spend the New Year alone. He also said sorry. " Cana added helpfully.

Natsu just said moodily," Well, I'm fine. You guys can go. "

Paying him no heed Erza took the liberty to take out the plates from the drawer and with Cana's help arranged them on the table.

Gray glared at Natsu ," I told you. He's just an ungrateful Jerk . We should have just celebrated with the guild. "He continues grumbling but nonetheless took a seat at the dining table.

" You guys have a rather cozy house. " Erza said studying the room while Cana placed the food on the table." I suppose it's worth the amount of jobs Percy continuously did to pay for it. "

" We brought food from your favorite restaurant. Gray even got a cake to celebrate New year. " Cana said smiling happily.

Erza said," You better start eating Natsu before the food gets cold. "

Natsu snapped," I'm not hungry." Though judging by the growl, his stomach thought differently.

Not able to resist as the delicious aroma filled his sensitive nostrils Natsu grudgingly took a seat and started eating.

"So Natsu, you never did tell us how you and Percy met. "Erza said, party to break the ice and party curious to know about the circumstances that led to the brotherly relationship between the two, after they'd finished the food and Natsu had somewhat calmed down.

Natsu smiled briefly as he remembered the day he met Percy. His three companions were enthralled as he recalled his search for Igneel, fight with the Vulcans, Percy saving him and the dangers they faced on their two month quest to Fiore.

"So you mean to tell us Percy killed one of the Callumin tiger all by himself, the same tiger whose jaw is rumored to be strong enough to tear through metal and is mostly resistant to magic" Gray asked incredulously.

"Yes. It was even mentioned by the King of Callum. Percy is the only person known to slay the Tiger in over a hundred years." Natsu said smugly.

Erza shook her head," When we think we know all about him, he surprises us. The Tiger of callum is a legend. A monster said to be able to topple mountains. "

"We'll, that's just another thing to add to his rapidly growing list of accomplishments. The amount of missions he'd done in three months have got to be a record. " Cana said.

The group's attention was drawn to the clock as it struck twelve with a chime.

Wishes were exchanged (in case of Natsu and Gray grudgingly) and resolutions were made as they cut the cake and though Natsu won't admit it he said a quiet thank you to Percy for finding him that day and gifting him with this beautiful life full with friends and family.

Natsu walked in the guild, upset with the current turn of events. Percy had been gone for eight days now. He was expected to have come back five days ago but nothing. The master had told him it was nothing that Percy was able to take care of himself but that did little to ease his worry. What if Percy needed him? What if he was in danger? Maybe he was hurt. Natsu's head swirled with the possibilities.

Stuck in his thoughts he didn't notice a tall guy walking towards him and slammed into the person.

"Watch where you're going shrimp. Who even allows children like you here? "

Natsu looked up to see a blond haired guy in front of him with a scar shaped like a lightning bolt running down his right eye.

Natsu snapped back," Obviously not you, scar-head. "

The teen grinned at him dangerously," Huh, it can talk back. But the question is if it can back it up."

Natsu glared, "Why don't you find out yourselves?"

Macao interrupted," Hey Laxus back off. He's just a kid. "

Laxus just waved him off carelessly," Go away Conbolt. Can't you see I'm having a conservation with the kid. You'll get your share after if you want. "

Laxus said to Natsu," Come on kid. I can see you want to hurt me. No one's stopping you. Hit me "

He turned to Natsu and gave the universal bring it on taunt to him. Ignoring Wakaba's warning to stop, Natsu rushed towards the blond haired boy.

" Fire dragon's iron fist. " Laxus easily dodged the punch, smirking at the pink haired kid.

"That wasn't so bad... for a five year old. " Laxus said sneering.

Natsu undeterred turned around and continued," Fire dragon's Wing slash. "

Natsu's every attack was either dodged and blocked by the lightening mage as Natsu continued his onslaught for five minutes.

Laxus blocked his next attack with an unimpressed look and without any warning slammed a Thunder encased fist at Natsu's face causing him to smash in the tables.

As Natsu struggled to get up, a kick by the master's grandson sent him flying to the guilds door.

Laxus muttered, "Pathetic." sending a disdainful look at Natsu before turning towards the request board. He stopped when he heard another set of footsteps at the guilds entrance and saw a black haired boy kneeling in front of Natsu and picking him up.

The boy handed the prone form of pink headed slayer to Macao before turning towards Laxus.

The glare he received caused him to smirk, "So you are going to avenge your little friend are you?" His hand sparked with lightening as he pointed it at the boy in front of him.

"You aren't even worth using my fists upon. " Laxus said sending a bolt towards the black haired youth.

A "watch out Percy" from Macao wasn't needed as Percy batted aside the bolt by the back of his hand like it was nothing.

"Really? Is that what you are so cocky about? You must be kidding me. " Percy said shaking his head.

"I would've expected better from the master's grandson. "Percy added emphasizing on grandson.

Laxus froze. His body shook with raw fury as he remembered the various incidents where people thought his popularity was because of his grandfather, not from his own skills. He had desperately tried to prove the others wrong. But despite all that there were still some who thought the same way. Now this upstart nobody... how dare he say something like that.

His lips curved in a snarl as he rushed towards Percy with his fist raised and was quiet surprised when Percy dodged it with practiced grace.

He certainly didn't expect the storm infused fist that struck his stomach, knocking the breath out of his lungs and throwing him against the wall.

Laxus got up growling and turned into his lightening form making his way towards Percy, aiming to trample the teen with pure energy. He was quite shocked when Percy avoided the lash at his head before engulfing himself in a storm in response which seemed to absorb the essence of Laxus's lightening.

The guild watched as the very aspects of elementsy clashed with each other, shaking the very roof. There was a thump and Laxus crash landed on other side of the room, a bruish on his face while Percy landed on his feet, his sword already out.

The two rushed at each other, hoping to finish the other off but were interrupted as two enlarged fists slammed the into them stopping their assault on each other.

Makarov's voice boomed as he came down from the second floor, "What the hell is going on here?" He lifted his fists to reveal two knocked out youths before pointing to Macao, "What happened here?"

As Macao recalled what just took place Makarov's face turned from angry to contemplating back to anger again.

"I will see Laxus is properly punished for such aggressive behavior against a guildmate. For now take all three to the Infirmary. " Makarov said in a strict tone.

As the master left, guild broke in excited whispers.

"Did you how hard Laxus flew when Percy hit him? Percy completely whooped his ass. "

"I know right. Finally there's someone except master and Gildarts who can handle the blond freak. "

After the debacle had settled Erza entered the guild with Gray and Cana, having just finished their mission. She quickly learned about what had happened, her face growing pale as she quickly made her way to the Infirmary. She sighed in relief when she found Percy with just a bandage wrapped around her head, popped up against his back on the bed arguing with Natsu. Laxus was lying on the other side of the room away from them either in sleep or unconscious.

"You could have sent us a letter or something. We were so worried. "

"I just told you. It was a remote village with no communication facilities or even transportation. I had to walk for two days to even reach my destination. And before you ask the Werewolf I had to kill could only be killed on a specific crescent moon night so obviously I couldn't leave and then come back. "

Natsu opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted as Erza walked in with Gray and Cana.

"Percy, are you alright? " Erza said, examining the bandage around his head.

Natsu protested," Hey! I am the one who's hurt. Why is everyone fawning over Percy? " gesturing to the bandage wrapped around his lower abdomen and left hand.

Percy laughed," Natsu's right. I just got a scratch. How was your mission Erza? "

"It was successful. " Erza calmly said before slamming his head against the wall," What in hell made you fight Laxus of all people? He's an experienced mage who could have seriously injured you... "

She was interrupted by the coughing coming from across the room as Laxus sat up in his head.

"She's right, you bastard. You have at least one smart friend. You should listen to her. " Laxus sneered.

"Ya right... You couldn't even land a hit on me. " Percy snorted, rubbing his head.

Laxus growled," You want to go another round punk ? "

Before Percy could reply in affirmative he was interrupted by a cough as the guild master entered the Infirmary.

Turning to Laxus he said," I didn't expect this from you Laxus. Your behavior as of late has become a concern for me. "

"I didn't even attack him first. " Laxus said protesting.

"No, but you provoked him. Natsu is a child of course he'll get ticked. You should know better than that. "

After some words from the master, Laxus muttered a half hearted sorry to Natsu and with a glare in Percy 's direction left the infirmary.

Makarov walked to the group and said," I'm sorry for the actions of my grandson Percy... Natsu. I love him to death but he can be a little too hard to handle. "

"It's alright master. I get it. Can't do anything about crazy relatives right. " Percy said with a sympathetic smile.

Makarov sighed," You have no idea. Though I have to say I knew you were strong, but having progressed to this level deserves praise . Going toe to toe with Laxus at your age is quite an accomplishment. The boy can be annoying but he sure as hell ain't a pushover. "

Percy just rubbed the back of his head sheepishly," It isn't a big deal. It was a good experience. Probably deserved it, I have been getting cocky since joining the guild. Needed someone to peg me down a few pedestals."

He then grinned, "Though that was some punch gramps , felt I got hit by a truck."

Makarov snorted,"Of course it was. I still have some fight left in me despite the age. " He then made a show of flexing his tiny muscles causing the others present to chuckle.

Makarov smiled at them," Get better Natsu. Percy take care of him." And with a pat on Natsu's head, left the Infirmary.

"So... You guys brought food right? " Percy asked when master was out.

All he got was a glare from Erza and deadpan looks from Gray and Cana.

"Hey... It's not my fault alright. I didn't have anything to eat for almost two days. I am hungry. " Percy said defensively.

The tension in the room was broken by loud rumbling sound. All focused on Erza, who blushed, her hands over her stomach

After eating the Chinese food, that Gray brought from a nearby restaurant, the five guild mates goofed around, teasing one another and exchanging details of their missions.

"Talking about missions, we got surprise for you two. " Cana said grinning.

Suddenly, the air near Erza shimmered as she called forth something from her pocket dimension. She caught the two objects that materialized above her.

Percy positively quivered at the sight of the sheathed sword that Erza passed to him while she gave a cylindrical container to Natsu.

Grabbing the sword with almost Godly reverence, Percy grasped the silver-bluish hilt and removed the blade from the sheath.

His eyes widened as he took in the beauty that was the sword. It was a broad sword with intricately drawn runes running across its surface. As he ran his hand over the fine craftsmanship, there was a warm feeling that shot through all his body. The sword glowed dark blue as rings of storms tinged with lightening covered it.

"Guys, I don't know what to say. This... This is incredible. " Percy stammered, his eyes still on the sword.

Gray grinned," A thank you would be nice. After all we did spent half of our reward on it "

Hearing that shook Percy out of his fascination for the sword. He instantly shook his head," I can't take this guys. This is too much. "

" Well I don't think we'll get any refund even after returning it. Even if we did, I have no intention to do so. " Gray said crossing his arms.

Erza added," Furthermore, we specially asked the Forger to align the sword to work in sync with storm magic. It's not like anyone else can use it. "

Percy's protest was stopped by a stern look from Erza," And you did say you needed a new sword. So just think of it as a late welcome gift from us. "

Percy sighed as a small smile covered his face," Well thank you guys. It means a lot to me. "

Erza smiled back and was about to say something when she was interrupted by a joyful yell from Natsu who had just opened his gift as was happily sucking in the blue colored flames that came out of the container.

Cana answered the question he was about to ask, 'It's a special kind of fire. Used to forge magical weapons. I figured Natsu will like to taste them so we convinced the forger to store some for us. " She made a face. " though the container cost more than the flames."

Erza got up from her seat at Percy's bed and said, "Well, it's getting late. You two should rest. We'll see you tomorrow." She was right. The sun had already darkened as the sky waited for moon to show up. Well, time does fly when you are with friends.

Giving a last smile She left the Infirmary, Gray and Cana soon followed.

Sleep soon came to the two friends as they passed out, one still mumbling about tasty flames as a full stomach and a comfy bed helped push them to the land of Morpheus. Percy absentmindedly wondering if their was another deity in charge of dreams in this world.

Percy stretched his body as he sat up in his bed and shook the sleep out of his system. He smiled on seeing Natsu who was sleeping on the bed next to his, his face the perfect picture of innocence. Gazing wistfully towards the ceiling, he thought if he was betraying his friends and family back in his home dimension by enjoying his stay here much more than he'd originally anticipated.

He pushed the thought out of his mind, his friends would probably kick his ass if they heard him taking this way and wouldn't want him to mope around.

His hand grazed the broadsword that was lying on his bedside as a surge of power coursed though his body. The sword was perfectly well balanced in his hands with a nice grip. He had to give it to the blacksmiths here, they made magical weapons like no one's business.

His heart warmed at the prospect of this not so little gift. He was very lucky to have found such good friends and family in the form of Fairy tail.

Natsu, Erza, Cana and Gray were just some of the greatest friends one can ask for, though Erza and Gray liked to pretend otherwise.

He changed from the hospital gown to his clothes that were lying on a nearby chair. The guild was still empty as it was quite early in the morning. He walked towards the Magnolian forests as his house came in view.

He opened the door and wasn't particularly surprised by the trails of wrappers and wafers that adorned his path. He couldn't really blame Natsu, he hadn't been much better at his age as his Mom will say.

Making his way towards his room, he threw his traveling bag containing the reward for the job he'd completed into the cupboard and took out a fresh towel and stripping moved into the shower of his attached bathroom.

A sigh of pleasure escaped his lips as the cold water touched his body energizing him in a way, it was almost like being high. He didn't know how long he was in the shower but he was considerably relaxed when he left the shower. Of course he could dry himself with a flick of his fingers but it just didn't feel natural without the towel as he dressed into his regular clothes and went into the kitchen to get something to eat. He took out the cereals from one of the shelves and sat at the breakfast table with a glass of orange juice. He ate in peace as went through the latest addition of "Sorcerer weekly" which Cana had subscribed for him and Natsu.

As usual a good deal of it was focused on the exploits of his guild and sadly the number of properties destroyed. It even had a brief portion on him under the name Tempest. Percy decided he rather liked the ring of the nickname that had been dubbed to him soon after he joined the guild.

After finishing his breakfast he cleaned the house that had been turned into dumping ground courtesy of Natsu, trying to act like the adult he was supposed to be.

After thirty minutes he was done and headed to the guild. As he was fumbling with his sword, wondering if it can somehow be made more portable to carry around it disappeared in a flash that concentrated onto his index finger in the form of a silver - bluish ring. Initially surprised he soon got the hang of it and with childish glee changed it from one form to other with just a thought. He grinned, it was like Riptide but even more awesome.

He smiled and nodded to the various shopkeepers who greeted him on his way through the now busy streets of Magnolia.

As he kicked open the doors of the guild he was pelted by cheers and hoots from majority of the members. Scratch that, all were roaring their approval save for a specific few like Natsu who was probably still sleeping in the Infirmary, Erza who was preoccupied with something else and Gray who was trying to find his pants which had mysteriously disappeared.

He made his way to the table in the corner occupied by some of his closet friends in the Guild. Cana smiled at him in greeting, one which he returned while Erza gave him a once over before returning her attention to her prized strawberry cake.

He soon learned that if one were to survive in this guild they shouldn't mess with Ezra's cake. Tickling a sleeping dragon and disturbing Erza while she ate her cake never resulted in anything good for the doer.

As he chatted cheerfully with Cana, Gray lumbered over with his pants on which had somehow made their way to the guilds basement.

"So, have you guys chosen which mission you'll nex... " Percy was interrupted as the guild doors were kicked open for the second time in an hour.

Percy almost mistook the girl for Thalia by the Gothic clothes she was dressed in before he got aproper look at her and noticed the two children about Natsu's age following her who can only be her siblings if their shared white hair colour was anything to go by.

"I don't understand what was all the ruckus about this guild. Don't look all that special to me. " The Gothic girl said arrogantly, crossing her arms.

"Big sister that's not a very nice thing to say. " said the white haired boy who was with the girl, somewhat nervously.

"Mira-nee this guild seems so good. Look, there are other kids here too. " chirped a small girl in a pink dress who appeared to be the youngest and waved in Percy's general direction. Without preamble Percy returned the gesture with a friendly grin.

She skipped towards them, offering her hand to Percy," Hi. My name is Lissana Strauss. It's nice to meet you. "She said in a sing song voice.

Percy shook her hand with a warm smile on his face, " Hey Lissana. It's nice to meet you too. My name's Percy Jackson. "

Lissana's eyes widened comically and she began jumping up and down in excitement.

"Really? Are you the Tempest? Can you jump across 15 buildings? Do you control weather? Oh and are you a God in mortal form? "

Percy blinked at the onslaught of questions as he processed them while the rest of the guild snickered at his blank expression.

Percy snapped out of his daze as he gave them a dirty look and turned to Lissana," Yes, I do go by that name, No I can't jump that high and I control storms to be exact so I do have some control over weather and no I'm not a God. " Percy finished in one breath.

Ya not God, Half - God is more like it. Percy thought dryly.

Lissana beamed at him and opened her mouth to ask other questions when she was interrupted by her sister, Mira he remembered.

"What are you doing Lissana? What did I tell you about talking to strangers? " She said glaring at Percy and others while her brother hovered behind her.

Lissana pouted," But Mira-nee, they all seem like good people. "gesturing to Percy she said, We've read about him in Magazines haven't we?"

Mira scowled, , "All they publish is lies and stories in that magazine. You can't believe everything they say. This doesn't seem like a good place for you."

"And you must want her to become a prim and proper lady like you right? "Erza said sarcastically, having abandoned her cake.

"What did you say, you armored bitch? "

"Just what you heard, gothic tramp "

A dark aura surrounded Mira and this the 'I'm pissed and you better start running' aura, no this was something magical.

The two girls were almost at each other's throat and Percy found himself nodding when Cana muttered "This is like Gray and Natsu all over again. "

Before things can escalate further, Percy moved in between the two, regretting it though he had no choice, since no one else looked like they wanted to interrupt.

"Easy ladies. "Percy said, he was slightly unnerved by the twin glares he received," I think master will be happy if this guild remains in one piece. "

"Erza, please calm down. " He said to the armored girl who backed down a little and turned to the white haired girl," If you want to meet the master.. " he pointed to the second floor," he will be in his office. "

The girl glared at him before grabbing her siblings and moving in said direction.

As the tension left the hall, people resumed whatever activities they were doing before this.

Erza was still fuming as she sat on her seat. Percy watched in amusement as both Cana and Gray had tactically shifted away from her, probably a smart move.

The ominous silence was broken when the door to master's room creaked open and the three siblings came out followed by the master himself.

Makarov made his way to the bar and standing on it said in a loud voice, "Everyone, please welcome these three. Mirajane, Elfman and Lissana Strauss have decided to join our guild. I hope you will all welcome them as a part of our family. "

They were some polite applause and with that the master got down, chugging down the beer the bar maid passed him.

Mirajane made her way to one of the empty table, far away from their's. Her brother Elfman followed her while Lissana came over to where they were seated smiling happily.

"Percy, we're guild mates now. " She said brightly.

"Yes, We are. Congratulations Lissana. "

"Thank you." Her smile widening.

Percy introduced her to the others. Cana welcomed her warmly, Erza swallowed her irritation at the girl's sister and became fond of the girl.

Soon after Elfman lumbered over uncertainly towards them but quickly got over it when he found how laid back the whole guild was.

Percy glanced at Mira who was sitting alone. The dark aura around her and the scowl plastered across her face was probably a major contributor to that.

He left his seat which was occupied by Natsu who had come over from the infirmary probably picking the sound because of his enhanced hearing. He smiled at seeing Natsu blush at something Lissana said as he made his way to the table Mira was seated at. She looked up as she saw someone sitting across her and her scowl magnified.

"Hi. " Percy said a little too brightly, getting a glower in response.

"What do you want? " She asked.

"Nothing. Just wanted to say hi. " Percy said cheerfully.

"Well you did that. Will you leave now? "

"Nah. I don't know but this seems more comfy than the others. Besides.. " He added " Besides, you seem like an interesting conversationalist. "

Mirajane's lips twitched as she struggled to hide a smile.

"You can smile you know. I won't judge. " Percy said in a solemn all knowing tone.

"I must seem like a weirdo to you all right? "

"Nope." He paused." You are not the only one who has demons. And you certainly are not the only one who has issues with their past in this guild. "

She looked at him, scrutinizing him before she offered her hand to him" I'm Mirajane Strauss, though I prefer Mira. "

Percy shook it with an honest smile," Percy Jackson. Welcome to the family, Mira.

(Time skip - 1 year later)

"You did good kid. I'm proud of you. " Gildarts said with a grin, holding out a hand to the fallen Percy who promptly grabbed it.

Gildarts pushed him up to his feet and Percy grumbled," But I lost. "

Gildarts shook his head,"Being an S-Class isn't just about winning and strength. It's about accepting your loss and learning from it, knowing what's right and wrong and the will to do good no matter what. You have shown all the above qualities." Reaching into his cloak he pulled out a key, "I think master will agree with me when I say that you deserve it."

Percy stared at the key with uttermost devotion as he looked at Gildarts again, "Thank you Gildarts. I swear you won't regret it."

Gildarts smiled ruffling his hair, "I know, I won't."