Chapter II
Yup, it is time for the newest chapter of Fairy Tail's Demon King. Though, I would assume most of you can tell that on your own, so let us get down to business, shall we? I hope everyone enjoyed the first chapter and the beginning of the story. I have a secondary author now in Bakuto Masaki (As usual). No reviews with anything substantial as of yet, so might as well skip straight ahead to the main body of the story.
As an added note, I would greatly appreciate it if people would stop posting reviews in my stories asking about Wagtail Shinobi. That story will be updated when it is updated. Asking about it in a review for a different story will not change that.
Sergio, Flare, Erza, Lucy, Natsu, and Gray were all prepared and ready to fight Lullaby, which had transformed into a hulking, monstrous form.
Natsu smacked his fists together with a smirk. "It's time to have some fun."
Erza looked curiously as Sergio walked up to the others with Flare beside him. "This fight has nothing to do with you, you need not risk your life aiding us."
Sergio frowned in response. "This fight is the whole reason I helped you people to begin with." He pointed his sword at Lullaby. "My goal from the get-go was to destroy Lullaby."
"Is that so?" Erza then smirked in response. "Then far be it from me to stop you. Just do not be surprised if you get caught in the crossfire."
"I think that should be your concern."
Erza raised an eyebrow.
"Let's go!" Natsu shouted energetically as his fists were encased in flame.
"No," Sergio interjected deadpan.
"Geh," Natsu grunted before turning to Sergio. "What the heck?!"
Sergio looked back at them. "I don't need you three getting in the way. I don't need you caught in the crossfire of my attacks."
"You honestly believe we will just sit back and not fight against a creature that threatens our Guildmasters?!" Erza argued.
"If you don't want me to kill you by accident, then yes. I do."
Erza and Natsu were about to argue once more but Sergio swiftly spun around and thwacked them both on the top of the head.
"Wh-what was that for…?!" Erza asked, surprised and confused.
"Just stay down," Sergio argued. He then turned to Lullaby and floated up into the air.
"You little…!" Lullaby growled before it turned and saw Sergio floating in the air, his sword raised. "You won't beat me again!" it shouted as it lashed out at him.
Sergio immediately dashed to the side and then swung his sword forward, sending a burst of energy flying ahead as he shouted, "Fierce Demon Fang!"
The energy coursed up Lullaby's arm and then exploded at the shoulder, causing it to roar in pain before getting hurled back against the meeting hall, smashing through a large portion of it.
Lullaby snarled angrily before standing up and swiping at Sergio once more, its claw merely passing through him.
Sergio then swept his hand in front of his body and sent a blast of fire smashing into Lullaby's face.
Lullaby then stepped forward as Sergio backed up, only for a spike of stone to rise from the ground and sever Lullaby's leg. The beast blinked curiously as it fell over.
"How is this my fault?!" Gray asked as he, Natsu, and Erza were engaged in an argument. However, as Erza was about to reply Natsu and Gray gaped before backing up swiftly.
Erza turned and widened her eyes as she saw Lullaby falling towards her before it fired a blast of energy to try and stand itself up.
However, the blast exploded before it hit the ground and Lullaby was sent rolling to the side.
Erza blinked curiously in thought. "Did it…lose power…?" Her eyes then widened when she saw Sergio in front of her.
Sergio sighed in annoyance. "Well that didn't feel good." He groaned as he looked at what was left of his coat. "Damn. Bastard burned my favorite coat." He then turned to her with a smirk. "You alright?"
Erza looked at him in shock as she saw his now exposed right upper arm, seeing a bright, scarlet-red Fairy Tail stamp. "I-it…cannot be…"
Sergio sighed and then turned back to Lullaby in annoyance. "I'm going to make you pay for this."
"Huh…?" Lullaby asked in confusion.
"This was my favorite jacket." He then dispelled his sword and cracked his knuckles. "You know, Lullaby, I was planning on making your death quick. But you just had to burn my favorite jacket!" He then raised a hand as black and red energy began collecting in his palm before forming a large sphere. "Here, maybe this will pretty up that ugly-ass thing you call a face!" He then threw the ball of energy at Lullaby, shouting, "Oni-Kagura!"
The blast hit and exploded violently, destroying the entirety of the meeting hall and sending light and energy surging outward.
Lucy paled. "Wasn't that…a little much for a jacket…?"
Sergio then turned and shouted, "It's more than a jacket! It's a way of life!"
"This guy's totally insane!"
Bob, Goldmine, and Makarov then remarked, "You're only now realizing this?"
"What does that mean?! Do you guys know this wacko!?"
They replied in unison, "We do. And we'd thought you'd notice how insane he was before now."
Lucy just gaped.
Lullaby then stood up, furious. "I'll make you pay for that you bastard!"
Erza's eyes widened further as she watched the attack.
Sergio then extended a hand out, causing more red energy to gather in his palm. "Let's beat some humility into that hollow skull of yours, shall we?"
"Screw you!" it rebutted before firing more blasts of energy at Sergio.
As the blasts approached Sergio, small vortexes appeared in front of him and sucked up the energy.
Lullaby howled as more vortexes opened behind it and fired the energy back at it.
Sergio then threw the ball of energy at Lullaby that proceeded to explode violently.
Lullaby attempted to swipe at Sergio but its claw passed right through him only for a powerful gust of wind to slam into its chest.
Sergio then swept his hands up, causing massive pillars of stone to rise from the ground and then dive back down and slam into Lullaby.
"Why you…!" Lullaby howled before Sergio swept his hand to the side, slamming a large boulder into it, crashing both it and the boulder into the nearby forest.
Sergio then raised his hand high into the sky, causing many more boulders to be ripped from the ground that then hovered upward before he swept his hand down and sent them all crashing into Lullaby.
Natsu watched as Sergio continued assaulting the massive wooden creature and asked, "Should we…you know, help him?"
Makarov scratched inside his ear and shook his head. "Nah, you'd just get in the way."
"No, no. I mean Lullaby. I really think he needs help."
"He's the enemy you dolt!" Lucy challenged.
Lullaby stood up angrily. "You son of a-!"
Lullaby's insult was interrupted as Sergio slammed into its triple-eyed face feet first and slammed it against the ground. Sergio then flew back into the sky and extended his splayed palm towards the massive demon. "I think I'm done punishing you now. It's time to end this game."
"You bastard!"
Sergio then raised his hands which were then engulfed in bright blue flames.
Lucy noticed the odd color and asked, "Hang on, blue flames?"
"Never seen that before," Natsu remarked as he scratched his ear.
Sergio then slammed his fists together, causing a complex, blue magic circle to appear in front of him.
"Not this time! That won't get me!" Lullaby argued as it began to charge energy in its maw.
Sergio then raised his fists up to his mouth, one in front of the other before shouting, "Flame Devil Howl!" An immense torrent of blue flames then shot from the magic circle and coursed towards Lullaby.
"Take this!" the beast shouted as it retaliated with a blast of energy.
However, to the beast's surprise and dismay, the flames smashed through its beam and slammed into its body sending it crashing into the meeting hall, engulfing the hall and the beast in flames that proceeded to consume both before surging outwards.
As the dust and smoke cleared the others saw the immense crater where the meeting hall once stood.
Makarov sighed heavily. 'He's still as destructive as always…'
Sergio then landed on the ground and flexed his neck. "Well that was easier than I expected."
"Holy crap, that was awesome!" Natsu shouted.
Sergio turned as the pink-haired teen ran up to him. "I suppose that's up to personal opinion. I just found it annoying having to use up so much mana on that trinket. But at least it's gone now."
"But so is the meeting hall!" one of the other Guildmasters suddenly interjected angrily.
"Don't get so worked up, it's an easy fix," Sergio rebutted.
"How do you fix a giant hole in the ground?!" another shouted.
Sergio then turned to face the rubble-filled crater that once was the meeting hall and slammed his hands together before placing them against the ground. Blue energy sparked around it before all of the rubble seemed to vanish as though torn apart by the energy before being rebuilt completely, no damages visible.
Everyone stopped and looked at the rebuilt structure amazed.
Makarov blinked curiously. 'Ahh, that's right! I forgot that Sergio can fix everything! I might be able to avoid the Council's wrath entirely if he's back!'
Lucy and the others looked at his handiwork impressed as well.
Natsu blinked curiously and then grinned before he slapped Sergio on the back excitedly.
Sergio frowned in annoyance and asked, "What was that for?"
Natsu grinned widely and replied, "If you were around we wouldn't have to be so careful when we fight!"
Makarov then paled.
Erza took a breath before returning to her normal garb.
Makarov then walked up to Sergio and asked, "So, what're you going to do now?"
Sergio turned to the short man and replied, "I was planning on simply heading after the next relic."
Makarov smiled and asked, "Why don't you stop by Fairy Tail? It's been quite some time since you've visited, hasn't it?"
Natsu blinked curiously and then asked, "What do you mean Gramps? I've never seen this guy."
Makarov flinched lightly then answered, "Well, he's been out for a long time."
Natsu thought for a moment then smirked and nodded. "Sounds good to me!"
Erza and Gray narrowed their eyes in thought.
Sergio looked around and then said, "I think the others are getting tense."
Lucy began sweating when she saw the other Guildmasters looking at the Fairy Tail members uneasily.
In a different, darkened location, a group of people stood suspended over a large Magic Circle.
As they discussed different topics, one voice spoke up. "Are you not concerned with the recent rise in the number of Dark Guilds as of late?"
Another voice added, "Naturally, Michello."
Michello answered, "I would say not, as you have not put forth many ideas on how to solve the issue, Belno."
Soon it descended into arguments until one member, a young man with short blue hair, a red, tribal tattoo encompassing his right eye, wearing a long white tunic with black stripes across the edges and on the upper part of his arms, a decorated collar, large straps connected to decorated buckles, and matching pants and shoes, spoke up in a calm voice. "Now, now. I think we all should take in to consideration one group that has been effective with dealing with the Dark Guilds, Fairy Tail."
Another member, a tall, grey-haired, elderly man with a considerably long beard and a mustache, pointed ears, and thin dark eyes, one of which he kept closed, who wore multiple layers of intricate robes and a bat-like adornment on his head, snapped at the other. "Siegrain, don't give such good will to those destructive fools! There is no point in taking down Dark Guilds if they cause just as much, if not more, damage than the Dark Guilds themselves!"
The now named Siegrain folded his arms with a confident smirk. "Now, now, Org, I think even you can agree that as…reckless, as they may be, Fairy Tail is an invaluable asset in dealing with the Dark Guilds."
Org narrowed his one open eye at Siegrain. "I'd be careful with your words, Siegrain. You are a newcomer to the Council, so showing too many dissenting opinions could land you excised, not that I would find such a case painful."
"I think Siegrain has a point, actually," a pale-skinned woman with long purple hair that reached her waist and brown eyes wearing a short, white kimono with long sleeves, an orange obi, and simple black sandals responded, supporting Siegrain's words.
"Ultear, you should also watch your words," Org responded shortly.
Another council member, a very broad man with a large bushy beard knotted into a bun on either side, a snub nose, drowsy eyes, and a small bun of hair atop his head, who wore a robe he kept tightly shut over a black undershirt, a dark-cuffed coat with a diamond pattern over that, and a dark cape of sorts over his shoulders with a spade-pattern, spoke to Org. "Now, I think that's enough arguing, Org, Siegrain. While I do understand your reasoning for them dealing with Dark Guilds so…'effectively,' Siegrain, I must agree with Org that they cause quite a bit of damage."
Org smirked lightly while Siegrain frowned in annoyance.
"However, Org, I think that you hold some resentment towards them, as they are not a true threat to us."
This time it was Siegrain who smirked as Org frowned.
Siegrain then added, "To prove my point, look at this recent Eisenwald incident. What if we had our way and Fairy Tail had not been present? True, there would have been less property damage but the Guildmasters would have been killed, and that would put the blame on our heads."
Org snarled back, "That does not change the fact that there was property damage, to an excessive extent!"
Belno sighed in frustration and then offered, "In that case, why not give them some form of punishment? We must still keep our power in balance."
Siegrain thought for a moment and then nodded. "I accept that."
The large man nodded and asked, "All in favor?"
There was a collective response in the affirmative, although one member gave a troubled expression.
Back with Fairy Tail, the group finally arrived at the edge of Magnolia Town.
"Yahoo!" Natsu shouted. "We're almost home!"
He then took off running towards the city, leaving Makarov to laugh proudly. Makarov then turned to Sergio. "You know, things have changed considerably since your last visit to the guild."
"I am aware," Sergio responded. "I may not have seen much beyond the Thought Projection Lacrima you gave to Mirajane, I did see some. And she herself told me some of the goings on."
Makarov frowned in thought. "Right…"
Sergio looked at him curiously and then redirected his attention forward.
As they entered the limits of the town, Lucy waved at the group and remarked, "I'll see you guys later! I need to head home!"
The others nodded and waved as she ran off.
"Doesn't she live in the dorms?" Sergio asked.
"I'm not sure she actually knows about them," Makarov responded curiously.
"You buffoon."
Soon the entire group arrived at the guildhall when Natsu turned to Erza. "Alright! You promised, so now it's time for our rematch, Erza!"
Sergio raised an eyebrow. "Rematch?"
Gray sighed heavily. "Right, you weren't there. The only reason ember breath over there would accept this mission with Erza is if she accepted fighting him again."
"Sounds like he has a grudge."
"Not really. He just wants to have one victory under his belt over her."
"Let me guess: that number is zero at this point?"
"Bingo."
"I sincerely hope they aren't going to just fight it out right here."
Makarov chuckled. "Nah, not here. There's actually a designated area where we Fairy Tail members are allowed to duke it out. It's something that was put in place after those punch-ups you and Gildarts got into. That's where they'll go."
Gray paled as he looked at Sergio. 'This guy used to spar with Gildarts…?'
Erza looked at Natsu and smirked. "Very well Natsu. It is time for our rematch then."
Makarov then looked around before turning to Gray. "I think Lucy will want to see this, why don't you go and get her?"
Gray nodded in response before turning to leave.
The group then entered into the guild hall, Sergio smiling as he heard the ruckus from within. "If you ask me, things haven't changed much."
Makarov smiled in response. "Hmm, probably not."
However, much of the ruckus died down when a loud crash reverberated through the guild hall.
The group turned to the source of the sound and saw Mirajane standing still, with a look of disbelief on her face, the tray she had been carrying dropped to the floor. After a moment she walked towards Sergio, attempting to keep her face somewhat. "S…Sensei…?" she asked unsurely.
Sergio blinked curiously and then looked at the white-haired beauty. "Is that you…my little Demoness?"
Mirajane's eyes widened before she smiled widely and said happily with tears in her eyes, "Sensei…"
"Sensei…?" Natsu asked in confusion.
"It's complicated," Makarov rebutted.
Everyone in the guildhall gaped as they watched the interaction.
"Wh-what the hell…?" one man asked in disbelief.
Mirajane looked around at the group and then said with mild embarrassment, "I think we should go somewhere else…"
Sergio looked around and then shrugged.
Mirajane sighed in annoyance as she turned around and saw Erza, Natsu, and Makarov behind her. "I meant Sensei and me."
"I think it will be fine," Erza rebutted.
Mirajane sighed and then turned back to Sergio with a smile.
Sergio smiled as well as he put a hand on Mirajane's cheek. He then looked at her with mildly curiosity. "What happened to the leather you always wore, and your spunky attitude?" He then frowned. "Don't tell me the words of that red-haired harpy you always complained about finally got to you and made you start acting and dressing differently."
Erza twitched an eyebrow.
Mirajane frowned in response and then shook her head. "It's not because of her."
Sergio tilted his head in curiosity.
"It was Lisanna," Mirajane answered solemnly.
Sergio frowned in thought as he folded his arms. "What do you mean?"
"Two years ago, Lisanna, Elfman, and I went on a mission together. And…Lisanna…she…" Mirajane clenched her fist as she spoke.
Sergio remained silent as he took a step forward and wrapped his arms around the white-haired beauty. "I see...I am truly sorry that my Thought Projection Lacrima ran out before that. If it hadn't I would have come here personally after you told it everything."
Mirajane looked at him surprised and nodded with a smile. "Thank you."
"However," Sergio then rebutted. "I do not think you should have responded by shriveling up like this. You've become so small and demure in action. I can easily tell you haven't used your magic in a long time. Tell me, did you honestly just give up after that?"
Mirajane stepped back in shock.
"Hold it!" Erza interjected. "That was too far!"
Sergio then turned to her with mild annoyance. "What would you do if you were in her position? Allow yourself to become weak and be unable to help anyone? Or get stronger so it doesn't happen again?"
"I…" Erza began.
"After all, I once knew a girl I pulled out of a tower that wished for strength so she'd never be a slave to fate again."
Erza's eyes widened in shock.
Sergio then sighed and walked out of the room and out into the main hall of the building.
As he walked out, he noticed the other members of the guild looking at him curiously.
"I'm guessing you're just as blunt as always?" Makarov asked.
"Naturally," Sergio replied.
Makarov sighed in response. "You'd think you'd soften up at your age."
"And you'd think you'd wizen up at yours."
"Well, how bad did you hit them?"
Sergio narrowed his eyes. "You just assume that's what I did?"
Makarov looked at him with a deadpan expression.
"Fair enough." He then redirected the conversation, "So who does the cooking around here?"
After a short time, Natsu eventually came out of the room and looked around for Sergio. He saw the brunette silently eating a plate of waffles and swiftly ran over to the man.
"Hey!" Natsu shouted as he slammed down, smashing the table Sergio was sitting at, sending Sergio's waffles flying away.
Sergio sat silently for a moment before looking up at Natsu. "You destroyed my waffles."
"You said some really mean stuff to Mira!" Natsu rebutted.
"You destroyed my waffles."
Natsu clenched a fist. "You need to apologize!"
"You destroyed my waffles." Before Natsu could say anything else, Sergio thrust his hand forward, causing a blast of wind to hit the pink-haired teen and send him flying across the hall, slamming against the back wall and embedding into it.
After a moment Natsu pulled himself out of the wall and spat out a chunk of masonry. "Okay, that's it! It's time to fight!"
Sergio flexed his neck. "Fair enough."
However, at that moment, before the two could fight, Makarov's arm suddenly enlarged and extended, stretching between the two. "Hold it you two!"
Sergio huffed in annoyance. "Don't try and stop us Dreyar."
"No, no. I just want to collect bets first."
Sergio sighed in amusement.
After several minutes of gathering payment for the bets, Makarov had Sergio and Natsu in a small arena near the edge of the town, prepared to fight. A large crowd, both within and without Fairy Tail, gathered to see the ensuing fight. Naturally, Makarov continued gathering bets even at that time.
As the two prepared to fight, Gray and Lucy entered the group and saw the soon-to-be fight. Gray raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hey Gramps, I thought Erza was going to fight Natsu, not the new guy."
Makarov shrugged in response. "Stuff happened. Now Natsu wants to fight Sergio." Makarov then chuckled deviously. "And everyone's betting on Natsu too…heehee…"
Lucy stepped away from the old man slightly. 'That demented snicker worries me…'
"Alright, everyone ready?!" Makarov announced.
Natsu and Sergio nodded in agreement.
"Then let the fight begin!"
The two prepared to charge but a horn suddenly blared, interrupting their fight.
Sergio groaned in annoyance and turned to see a humanoid frog in noble robes. "What the hell is that thing…?"
Erza then took a step forward. She glanced at Sergio momentarily but then turned to the frog. "He's a messenger from the Magic Council."
Sergio folded his arms in annoyance. "How irritating. He'd probably make good frog skin soup."
Lucy paled.
The messenger stepped back in fear before coughing to clear his throat. "Fairy Tail has been causing severe amounts of damage to the lands of Fiore in their constant jobs, causing over seven hundred thousand Jewel in damages in the past month alone. The Council has determined that instead of punishing the entire guild, one member shall be selected and reprimanded in its place. That member shall be...Erza Scarlet."
"What?!" Natsu and the others shouted.
Sergio narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
One of the frog person's followers walked up to Erza and placed a pair of handcuffs on her.
The frog person then continued, "As such, you, Erza Scarlet, are hereby under arrest and shall be taken to the Magic Council of Era for trial. That is all."
The frog and its companions then walked off with Erza in tow.
Sergio folded his arms and then turned to Makarov.
Makarov sighed and then turned to a large, muscular man with tan-colored skin, long white hair styled upwards in long, wavy spikes with no eyebrows and dark eyes, a scar under his right eye, a black Fairy Tail crest on the left side of his neck, who wore a dark blue jacket with a purplish liner, held closed by a series of buttons, a zipper on the front that left the collar open, matching pants, and wooden geta sandals. "Elfman, make sure Natsu doesn't leave."
Elfman nodded and, just as Natsu began to jump up in order to leave, Elfman reached up and grabbed him by the legs and pulled him back. "Sorry Natsu, but we can't let you go causing trouble like that."
"What?!" Natsu shouted indignantly. "But they arrested Erza for no reason! You guys aren't just gunna let'em get away with it, are ya?!"
Makarov merely sighed in frustration. He then looked around to order the others back to the guild and then sighed.
Lucy looked around curiously. "Hey…where's Sergio…?"
Erza was being led through the halls of the Fiore branch of the Council's building, when she spotted someone that made her blood run cold.
Standing next to one of the pillars in the hallway was Councilor Siegrain, his arms folded as Erza and her escort approached.
The escort bowed to him. "Councilor."
Siegrain turned and smiled slyly to Erza. "It's good to see you again, Erza."
The Fairy Princess kept silent.
After a moment the Councilor sighed and then walked up to Erza, placing a hand on her chin. "You know, it's not good to ignore a Councilor."
Erza narrowed her eyes at him. "Is that a threat?"
Siegrain backed up and chuckled. "Not at all. Just a suggestion. Also, I'd suggest it best to keep the past behind us, so I'll overlook this little event." He then walked off with his hands in his pockets.
Erza bit her lip as he walked away. 'He is a very dangerous man.'
Erza was then led to the court where the other Councilors were waiting to put her on trial.
Back at the Fairy Tail guildhall, Makarov and the others stood in the main room of the building, somber over Erza's arrest.
On the counter, however, was a small jar with a red salamander inside with a single tuft of pink hair. "Hey! Let me out dammit!"
Mira turned to the small creature. "That won't happen Natsu, if we let you out you'll go off and do something reckless."
Natsu then turned to Macao sitting nearby at a table. "Come on Macao! You owe me for this one! Remember Mt. Hakobe?! C'mon!"
Macao trembled and then sighed. "Sorry Natsu, Mira's got a point, and even I wouldn't want you to face the wrath of the Council after angering them, since we both know you would."
Lucy looked at Natsu inside the jar and then added her own opinion to the matter. "You know, for once, I actually agree with Natsu."
Natsu, who was as puzzled as the others, blinked curiously.
"We should go, leave immediately to go rescue Erza."
Makarov shook his head. "No, it'd be useless to go, even if we left now. We'd arrive too late."
Lucy clenched her fists angrily.
"Besides, he's probably there by now."
Lucy blinked curiously. "Huh…?"
Back at the court, Erza stood in front of the Council as a series of witnesses, civilians and property owners in the different areas that had been involved in the fight against Eisenwald, attested to Fairy Tail, and more specifically Erza's, destructive capabilities and tendencies.
As the last witness stepped down, Erza merely standing calmly, Org looked down at her and announced, "Erza Scarlet. To the charges of severe property damage, this court hereby finds you guilty. You are sentenced to-"
However, just as Org was about to announce the sentencing, the door to the room suddenly exploded.
"What the devil?!" Org shouted in shock.
As the dust settled, Sergio walked into the room.
Org began to sweat lightly as he watched Sergio enter the room.
Erza widened her eyes. "S-Sergio…! What are you doing here?!"
Sergio glanced at her and then redirected his attention towards the Council. "I'm here to take you back to Fairy Tail."
Org huffed in derision. "You will do no such thing! Not after such a brazen-!"
"Try and stop me."
Org flinched at Sergio's blunt defiance.
"If you want to send your soldiers after me go ahead. I have information that could send each and every one of you into ruin. I know things about you I'm sure not even you know."
Erza widened her eyes. "D-do you know what you are doing…?!"
Many of the Councilors shared Erza's shock.
Org attempted to keep his composure, his fist trembling lightly.
Ultear, meanwhile, stood with her lips twitching lightly.
Org clenched a fist and then sighed. "Be gone with you."
Sergio nodded before he turned to Erza and motioned to the door.
Erza gave him a stern glance before turning to the door and walking past him.
Sergio glanced up at the Council once more before leaving behind Erza.
"You're just going to let them leave?" Belno asked.
Org turned to her and replied, "Do you want to try and deal with him? Fairy Tail's Specter is the entire reason I loathe that guild."
Belno sighed. "Perhaps."
As Erza and Sergio walked away from the council room Erza suddenly stopped and turned around to face Sergio, perturbed.
"Well you don't look happy," Sergio said plainly.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Erza demanded.
Sergio folded his arms in response. "I was thinking that I wasn't going to let the Council lynch you."
"You fool! They would have merely given me a slap on the wrist! It is only because of your empty threat that they did not throw us in prison!" Erza then took a moment to breathe.
"Empty threat?" Sergio asked. "I assure you that was no empty threat."
Erza stepped back in surprise. "You were truly blackmailing the Council?! Are you mad?!"
"Yes."
Erza stood silently for a moment. She then sighed heavily. "After this past day I merely wish to return to Magnolia."
Sergio nodded in agreement. However, as the two walked past one of the many hallways he noticed Ultear standing nearby. He turned to Erza and said, "I'll join up with you later. I have some other business to attend to."
Erza raised an eyebrow as he walked away and then continued on.
Inside one of the many offices in the building, Sergio stood across from Ultear as the latter broke out into loud, boisterous laughter.
"I must say, that was quite a show!" Ultear said with a wide, amused smile.
Sergio folded his arms with a smirk as he leaned against the wall. "I'm glad you were so amused."
"Yes, I was. More by the fact that every single one of those fools knows it is true."
Sergio chuckled lightly before asking, "So, have you made any progress?"
Ultear, playing with a blue-green orb in her grasp, shrugged. "Unfortunately not much. Though I will say his constant machinations are quite amusing to behold. How about you? Have you gotten back into the swing of being in Fairy Tail, Father?"
Sergio shook his head. "No, I haven't been there long enough yet. And another thing, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Sergio? It would be rather awkward if someone found out you were my daughter. Considering I don't look much older than you do."
Ultear sighed. "Yes, yes. Now, how about we stop talking for a little while?"
"Be my guest."
Ultear nodded as the orb in her grasp vanished before she walked in front of Sergio and knelt down in front of him.
Erza walked down a road towards the guild when she noticed Sergio behind her.
"I am surprised, you caught up swiftly," Erza noted as he walked up next to her.
"I can walk fast when I need to," Sergio replied.
"So. What did you meet with the councilwoman about?"
Sergio smirked as he folded his arms. "Aren't we a curious one?"
"Yes, I am curious. To an extent."
"Do you really want to know…?"
Erza glanced at him in thought for a moment. "I do not think I do."
"That's probably wise."
Erza sighed in exasperation.
The two eventually made their way back to the guildhall where Sergio saw Makarov sitting nearby at the bar.
With a sigh Makarov asked, "So how much paperwork have you buried me in?"
"You should probably get a shovel," Sergio remarked.
Makarov slammed his head against the table in exasperation.
Natsu turned as he saw the two return.
"Hey!" the pink-haired teen shouted.
Sergio sighed as he scratched his head. "Yes?"
"We didn't get the chance to have our fight yesterday! We need to settle this now!"
"Sorry, but I'm not interested."
"Yeah well I…I…" Natsu remarked before slumping over on the table.
Sergio raised an eyebrow and then noticed Erza began to get groggy before she too sat down and slumped over. Sergio looked around and realized the entire guild was being effected. He turned and noticed even Makarov was struggling to stay awake. "Hey, what's going on here?"
"…Mystogan…" Makarov strained out.
Sergio then turned and saw a man wearing a dark blue cloak, a dark blue bandana with a forehead protector, a green mask that covered most of his face, a blue and grey outfit that left his arms and lower legs exposed, those being covered with bandages, as well as dark blue gloves, enter the building through the main door.
The man stopped and looked at Sergio, perplexed. He then continued on into the guildhall.
Sergio folded his arms and watched the man curiously.
"Mystogan…release them…" Makarov demanded as the man walked towards the large board at the back of the guildhall, pulling a flier from it.
Mystogan then turned to leave. "The spell will lift in three…" he then began to leave the guildhall, "…Two…" he gave a cursory glance to Sergio before leaving through the main door, "…One…" He then vanished.
After he disappeared, the rest of the guild members began to slowly wake up.
As the others woke up, Gray rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort. "Geez, I know Mystogan's obsessed with hiding what he looks like, but does he really need to put everyone to sleep like that?"
"So…Mystogan's his name?" Sergio asked curiously.
Gray froze for a second and then asked, "You…actually saw him?"
Sergio shrugged. "Sort of. He was covered from head-to-toe so I couldn't actually see him. I'm guessing he does this often?"
Erza nodded and responded, "Yes. He shows up, puts everyone to sleep with a spell, takes a job, and then leaves. Only the Master, and now, it seems, you, know what he actually looks like."
"Is that so? Someone so determined to hide their identity must be hiding quite the secret." Sergio then smirked. "I find the sudden urge to discover what that is."
"Don't forget about me little lady," a gruff voice called out.
Everyone turned and looked up to the second level of the guildhall to see a very tall and muscular man with blue/grey eyes, slicked back, spiky blonde hair, a lightning-shaped scar on the right side of his face, wearing a pair of spiked headphones over his ears, a dark orange tunic with leopard spots on it, a black cape with fur on the edges, loose, baggy red pants, and black shoes sat in a chair on the upper level of the guildhall.
Sergio narrowed his eyes as he looked at the man.
"Who's that jerk?" Lucy asked.
"Laxus," Erza answered.
Gray nodded. "Yup, he, like Erza and Mystogan, are known as one of Fairy Tail's strongest wizards."
Sergio raised an eyebrow. "Is that so…?" He then glanced at Makarov.
Makarov shook his head.
Laxus smirked. "Don't beat around the bush, I'm not one of the strongest, I am the strongest."
Sergio huffed lightly.
At that moment Natsu finally woke up, having slept longer than the rest, and happened to register Laxus' words and, without skipping a beat, jumped up into the air towards Laxus and shouted, "Laxus, fight m-!"
The last of his sentence was cut off as Makarov's fist suddenly enlarged and slammed Natsu down on the ground. "No, Natsu. You know that only a select few are allowed on the second floor."
Sergio narrowed his eyes as he looked at Makarov.
Erza clarified for them, "The second level of the guildhall is where the S-Class quests are."
Sergio narrowed his eyes. "S-Class? What does that mean…Makarov?"
Makarov widened his eyes slightly. "Ah…well…I…"
"Please, tell me what you mean by that," Sergio asked in a far too kind tone. A tone that immediately became stern. "Now. Because to my ears it sounds like you've disfigured the original ideals Mavis and I set for this place, Makarov."
Erza raised an eyebrow and asked, "Mavis and you?"
Sergio then put up a finger towards her in a "quiet" motion. "Hush. Grownups are talking. Now explain, Makarov."
Lucy and the others paled at the very brazen act.
Makarov sighed in resignation. "I guess there's no point in hiding it. As you've probably guess already, S-Class refers to quests that are too challenging or dangerous for the majority of the guild as well as the mages who are skilled enough or powerful enough to take them. But you see-"
However, before he could continue, he was interrupted by Sergio. "So you ignored our old Buddy System and instead instated a damned Hierarchy?! Something WE ALL agreed was the single DUMBEST system ever invented?!"
"Now, now. There's no need to get so worked up in front of everybody. There's a very good reason we-"
Yet again, Sergio interrupted him. "A good reason?! There is no good reason to install such a system! It breeds false ego, unnecessary pride, complacency, bastards within our family caring for nothing but strength, foolish lone-wolf bravado, and psychological trauma to those that fail badly after reaching the highest rank! So tell me, what is your damn good reason for that?!"
Sergio sighed heavily. "Of course. The Second always mucks the whole damn thing up. He obviously forgot that's what TEAMS are for and that the younger mages should ALWAYS be paired with a senior mage when on high pay missions. But no. He had to install a Sage damned hierarchy!"
Natsu, Lucy, and many of the younger members looked at each in confusion, while at the same time some of the older members nodded in seeming agreement to Sergio's sentiments.
Makarov sighed and turned around on the bar to get a drink.
"Heh, how stupid," Laxus interjected. "You must be one weak fool if you can't stand the S-Class set up. Oh, I get it, you're too weak to qualify, aren't you? If you really think that the hierarchy should go, then prove it by-" Laxus' speech was interrupted when a dirt covered boot slammed into his face, knocking him down.
"Hmm? Did you say something?" Sergio asked disinterestedly.
"Che, you bastard…" Laxus snarled as he stood up before hopping down to the lower level. He then reared back a fist and charged at Sergio.
"Hm? What's this?" Sergio said as he bent down to pick something up, causing Laxus to fly right over him and through one of the walls of the guild. He then stood up and looked around. "Did something happen?"
Mirajane blinked curiously as she saw the hole in the wall.
Erza narrowed her eyes in thought. 'He knew exactly what he was doing and dodged Laxus' attack…'
Mirajane then giggled lightly. "Same old Sensei."
"Okay, show's over…" Makarov announced as the other members of the guild got back to what they were doing.
Sergio sat at one of the tables after the mess with Laxus, eating waffles, when he felt something hit him on the back of the head. He turned around and saw Flare standing behind him, with a frustrated and annoyed expression.
"Mind telling me why you hit me on the head?" he asked.
"Why'd you run off and leave me again?" she asked disappointed.
Sergio raised an eyebrow and then smiled apologetically before patting her on the head. "Sorry about that. I got wrapped up in some annoying stuff, that's all. Didn't mean to make you worry."
Flare sighed in resignation. She then raised an eyebrow and turned to the side. "What's that sound?"
Suddenly, multiple, gigantic, pink, crystalline shuriken came smashing through the walls. The front door was smashed open as the shuriken barreled inside, as well as the others causing massive damage to the walls.
Flare ducked to the side, narrowly avoiding one of the shuriken.
Sergio sat silently as they soared past him, but paled when one smashed through the table and destroyed the waffles he was eating.
"Gah!" Natsu shouted as the last of the shuriken stopped right in front of him. "What the hell was that?!"
"Flare!" an angry voice bellowed.
"Uh-oh…" Flare said in concern.
Suddenly the front door, or rather, what was left of it, swung wide open and two people stepped into the building.
The first was a young woman with crimson eyes, fair skin, and long, bright red hair that was styled different ways on each side, spiky and unkempt on the right, smooth and straight on the left, wearing brown glasses, a lavender uniform that exposed her navel, black shorts, long, black thigh-high stockings, and black, open-toed sandals.
The second was a woman with long, light blue hair that was kept in a spiky ponytail with two strands framing her face, deep black eyes, and fair skin with bright red lipstick on her lips, wearing a green dress with a long left sleeve and a short right sleeve with a red, one piece suit underneath, a red turtleneck with a white, fluffy collar, brown gloves, and calf-length, brown sand-boots.
"Well…you got here fast," Flare said plainly.
"With no help from you though!" the redhead snarled.
"I think that's enough out of the two of you," Sergio said angrily.
The two turned to Sergio and then noticed the smashed plate of waffles on the floor.
"Guren did it!" the redhead bellowed.
"Me?! You're the one who threw them, Karin!" Guren rebutted.
"Well you're the one who made them!"
"But only because you kept pestering me!"
"Maybe you should learn to-!"
"Enough!" Sergio interjected.
The two turned to him petrified.
"Now, Guren, you will cover the costs of the damage."
"What?! Why me?!" Guren asked in shock and confusion.
"Because you supplied Karin with the shuriken. If you'd rather, I could cover the costs myself. But you would receive a Level Fourteen Punishment."
"Wh-what…?" Guren asked in fear. She then sighed in resignation. "I…I'll cover the costs…"
"Good." He then turned to Karin. "As for you…Level Twenty Punishment."
"Hold on! Isn't that a little extreme?!" Karin asked.
"You destroyed a large portion of the guild with those things, you nearly hit several of the other mages, I know that you were aiming for Flare, and, most of all, you destroyed my waffles!"
Karin stepped back in trepidation. "Shit…"
Lucy raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Uhmmm…what's a Level Twenty Punishment?"
Mirajane answered, "Sensei informed me of it once. It's…horrifying…"
Lucy paled slightly. "Th-that sounds bad…wait. He's doing that because of waffles?!"
Sergio turned to her and rebutted, "Waffles are the greatest food in existence! If they are destroyed before even the first bite can be taken the most severe punishment MUST be delivered!"
"That's insane!"
Erza then added, "She is right. It is strawberry cheesecake that is the greatest."
"That's not the issue here!"
Sergio narrowed his eyes. "Please," he rebutted dismissively. "That artery-clogger has nothing on waffles. Especially with syrup and butter. And of course fresh breast milk."
"Wait, what?!"
Erza replied angrily, "How dare you! You cannot insult the wonderment that is strawberry cheesecake!"
"Am I the only one who heard him say breast milk?!"
Sergio huffed in derision. "Wonderment? Don't make me laugh, Red! That glop of sugar pales in comparison to a stack of fresh, golden brown perfection!"
A sword then appeared in Erza's grip in a flash of light. "You shall pay for your insults!"
Sergio summoned a sword of his own and rebutted, "Insults? I merely stated the truth. After all, all that glob will do is make you fat."
Mirajane then interrupted the would-be duel, holding a plate of waffles. "Sensei, I've made some more waffles for you."
Sergio remained in silent thought for a moment before the sword in his hand vanished. "We will finish this debate later. After I finish eating Mira's delicious waffles."
Lucy stood in confusion.
Mirajane turned to the blonde and winked.
Lucy sighed heavily. "I…I'm in an insane asylum…"
Sergio ignored her comments as he ate his waffles. However, he glanced to the side and saw a fox with light, silver-blonde fur sitting next to him.
"Well ain't that surprising?" a slim, mildly muscular man with short, straight, slicked-back blue hair, linear, dark eyebrows, a prominent nose, and a large amount of stubble on his face, including a thin mustache, wearing a knee-length white jacket with a blue liner, rolled up sleeves, as well as a simple, dark shirt underneath, brown, pinstriped pants held by a light-colored belt bearing a snake pattern with a simple, square buckle, a distinctive pair of shoes with a leopard pattern, and a large, serpentine necklace remarked as he walked up next to Sergio.
Sergio raised an eyebrow in thought. "And you are?"
"Macao Conbolt, nice to meet'cha," he greeted.
Sergio looked at the man's outstretched hand and then returned to his meal.
Macao flinched slightly. "You know, I actually agreed with your little speech back there."
Sergio sighed and turned to face Macao. "What speech is that?"
"The one about the S-Rank hierarchy. It was already in place when I joined Fairy Tail, but I agree with what you said about it."
"How nice," Sergio responded dismissively.
Macao laughed weakly. "Anyway, I have to say it's surprising to see Kilu up next to you like this. She doesn't normally warm up to strangers that well," Macao remarked as he looked at the fox.
"Kilu?" Sergio asked.
"Yeah, this fox. Her name's Kilu."
"Is that so?" Sergio asked as he looked at the fox curiously.
Kilu sat silently, her tail waving back and forth slowly.
Sergio reached out and scratched the little fox on the nose lightly. "Hey there, Presa."
"Presa?" Macao asked.
Suddenly, the small fox seemingly erupted in smoke.
"Wh-what the…?!" Macao exclaimed as he stepped back.
The little fox had disappeared and in its place was a woman with long, light blonde hair that reached just past her waist, with two long bangs hanging down, framing her face with its pink eyes, wearing narrow white glasses, a blue, skintight, revealing outfit with light blue accents and crisscrossing strands over the outside of her thighs and the front of her torso from just below her navel to just above her impressive bust, black sleeves with blue sections over her forearms and hands, black, knee-length boots with fox-shaped medals on the knees, a feathery, dark blue collar, a white and gold belt around her waist, held up by a beige and blue, foxlike tail at the base of her spine.
All activity in the guildhall immediately ceased as everyone looked at the unknown woman, whom had her arms wrapped around Sergio's shoulders. "It's been far too long…Jude," the woman said with a sultry tone.
"Nice to see you too, Presa. Also, the name's Sergio now, remember?" the brown-haired man replied.
The woman, Presa, then looked around curiously. "Hmm…it seems we've attracted the attention of the rest of the guild."
"Well with your rather showy transformation I'd expect no less," Sergio replied as he moved one of his hands to the woman's impressive bust.
Presa grabbed his hand and pulled it away gently. "Tsk, tsk. You'll have to save that for later."
"You're right. I need to finish my waffles first."
Presa sighed as he turned to continue eating. She then glanced at the rest of the guild. "What? Quit gawking!" she snarled.
Almost immediately the guild seemed to resume its normal function.
"Okay, hold it!" Lucy exclaimed as she walked up to Sergio. "Just what the heck is going on here?!"
Sergio glanced at her. "What do you mean?"
"That fox just turned into a woman!"
"It's simple transformation magic. Besides, Presa is an old friend of mine."
"How is that possible? Mira told me Kilu…er, Presa, has been her for almost forty years. And even that I found hard to believe since foxes don't normally live that long…"
Sergio sighed. "So? This is a world that has giant, flying, fire-breathing lizards, talking cats, and anthropomorphic crab-men. And you're going to question the fact that some people can live for much longer than others?"
"Uh…w-well I…uhm…n-nevermind…"
Sergio ignored her and returned to his waffles.
Lucy sighed and walked away as Presa sat down next to Sergio. "So where have you been these past few decades?"
Sergio shrugged. "I've been busy with different things. I helped a village in the far east during four separate wars. Honestly, those people almost seem to crave it, especially those Uchiha people."
Presa raised an eyebrow. "Uchiha? I think I've heard that name before."
"You probably have. They made a name for themselves over the past few centuries. But let's move away from that, what have you been up to this whole time? Why have you been skulking around this place for so long?"
Presa snickered lightly. "Partially to keep an eye on things. But also because it gave me a good excuse to just laze about."
Sergio huffed in amusement. "That sounds like you. Heard any interesting stories?"
"Oh a couple. Like how that child of yours has joined Lightning Rod's crew."
Sergio sighed. "Well I'd be lying if I said I was surprised."
Karin then walked up to Sergio and asked, "Who is this woman?"
"An old friend of mine. Presa. I think I've told you about her."
"Oh right. Wasn't she one of that Chimeriad you mentioned?"
Sergio nodded as he cut up more of his waffle. "Yes, she was."
"Don't you know it's rude to talk about someone right in front of them?" Presa asked with a playful smile.
Sergio lightly flicked her nose. "I think you'll survive."
Mirajane then asked, "That woman who was with you when you arrived, Flare, do you plan on her joining Fairy Tail as well?"
Sergio raised an eyebrow as he looked at Flare, who was standing behind him. "Well? Do you want to join the guild?"
Flare furrowed her brow in thought. "Yes, I would like to."
Mirajane nodded happily as she picked up a stamp shaped like the Fairy Tail symbol. "Okay then, just show me where you want me to put it."
Flare thought for a moment then nodded to herself with a smile and pulled the right of her dress to the side slightly.
Mirajane sweat-dropped lightly. "Uhm…are you sure about that?"
Flare nodded.
Mirajane then merely nodded with a smile and placed the stamp on Flare's right breast, the stamping lighting up slightly before she pulled it away, revealing a red Fairy Tail mark on Flare's skin.
Flare smiled happily and then turned to Sergio and pointed to it.
Sergio nodded with a smile as he patted her head. "Good girl."
Flare smiled slightly wider.
Mirajane then asked, "Out of curiousity, do you have anywhere to stay?"
Sergio turned to her and shook his head. "No. I'd planned on simply toughing it in the forest like usual."
Karin groaned heavily. "Oh great. Another night of sleeping on the grass."
Mirajane frowned in thought and then smiled. "I have an idea, Sensei."
Sergio raised an eyebrow as he stirred another piece of waffle in the syrup on his plate. "Oh, and what might that be?"
"Until you find somewhere to stay you're welcome to stay at my house."
Sergio raised an eyebrow in thought. "That's actually not a bad idea. You wouldn't mind Flare and the others staying as well, would you?"
Mirajane shook her head. "Not at all."
"Waaaiiit!" Elfman suddenly interjected, having heard the conversation, as he slammed a hand down on the bar.
"What is it, Elfman?" Mirajane asked curiously.
"Are you seriously going to offer this guy a bed at our house!?"
"Of course. He's my Sensei after all."
"Yeah, but still!"
"Oh, that reminds me. Elfman, while Sergio and his companions are staying there I'm going to need you to find somewhere else to sleep for a while."
Elfman then paled. "Y-you're joking…"
Mirajane puffed her cheeks in frustration. "No way. That's not something I'd joke about." She then turned to Elfman with a very sweet, almost too sweet, smile. "That's too much to ask, is it, Elfman?"
Elfman began to sweat heavily. "N-no…of course not…Sis…"
"That's wonderful. You're such a helpful brother, Elfman."
"Y-yeah…" Elfman replied with waterfall tears.
As Elfman walked away, Lucy asked, "Uhm…was it really necessary to just kick out your brother like that?"
Mirajane nodded. "Yes. There are…things Sensei likes to do that I don't think Elfman would want to hear."
Sergio chuckled lightly. "Oh? Do you mean things that I like to do or things that you'd like me to do to you?"
Mirajane cupped her hands over cheeks and swayed side to side in a faux demure manner. "Oh my…you'll make me blush."
"Heh, I guess that spunky attitude of yours is still hiding under there somewhere." He glanced to the side and noticed Lucy gaping. He then put a hand under her jaw and closed her mouth. "You'll swallow a fly if you keep doing that."
Lucy just slumped her shoulders. "I give up…"
Sometime later, after the sun had gone down and most of the members of the guild had gone home, Sergio got out of his seat and made his way towards the stairs leading to the upper level.
Mirajane looked at Makarov curiously.
Makarov merely shook his head as he drank from his mug.
As Sergio looked at the jobs on the board on the second level he noticed one in particular. "The cursed island…?" he asked aloud. He then looked at one of the details. "Galuna Island…that place is…" He then folded the piece of paper into his pocket and walked down the stairs.
As he approached the bar he asked, "So, how much longer 'til you head home?"
"Now actually," Mirajane answered.
"Good to hear. You four ready to go?" he asked as he turned to Presa, Flare, Karin, and Guren.
The group nodded in agreement.
Sergio then turned back to Mirajane. "Lead the way."
Mirajane nodded happily as she waved to Makarov before leaving the guildhall.
Eventually the group arrived a modest-looking home just outside the main area of the city.
"So this is your home?" Sergio asked.
"Yes, is it not what you expected?" Mirajane asked in response.
Sergio scratched his head in thought. "To be honest, with how you used to describe it, I expected it to be…bigger."
Mirajane giggled lightly in amusement. "I used to have a tendency to embellish things just a little. Well, want me to show you inside? There are a couple spare rooms for you and the others to use."
"Sounds good," Sergio answered as Mirajane led the group inside.
Back at the guildhall, Erza looked around curiously. "Is Sergio still here?"
Makarov shook his head. "No, you just missed him. Why? You still wanting to continue that fight of yours?"
Erza shook her head. "No, that is not it. I merely wanted to ask him about a few matters. That is all." She then turned and left.
"Hmm…" Makarov hummed in thought before returning to his drink.
Sergio looked around the moderately sized room that had a dresser, wardrobe, and simple full-sized bed with a nightstand on one side. "This room will do. Do you know how to clean stains?"
"Yes, I can clean most stains well enough," Mirajane answered.
"Good to hear. Would you mind getting the others set up in their rooms?"
"Of course."
As Mirajane turned, the others turned to leave with her.
However, Sergio grabbed Karin by the collar. "Where do you think you're going?"
Karin began to shed waterfall tears. "Please…have mercy!"
"You should have thought about that before destroying my waffles," he said as he closed the door. He then turned to her with a smirk as multiple thick tendrils emerged from his back.
Outside, Mirajane and the others turned as Karin's loud shriek echoed through the house.
"Looks like Karin's punishment has begun," Presa remarked.
"I'm glad I'm not in her position," Guren stated.
"Do you think she'll be okay?" Flare asked.
"She'll be fine. Her body is extremely durable."
"Well, I should probably show you to your rooms," Mirajane remarked.
The three women nodded in agreement.
The next morning, Mirajane, Presa, Flare, and Guren sat at the table in Mirajane's dining room as Sergio walked into the room.
"You're finally up," Guren stated as Sergio sat at the table, a plate of waffles already prepared for him. "So what about Karin? Will she be joining us?"
Sergio shook his head. "No. I imagine she won't be moving for a while."
"So, what are your plans for the day?" Mirajane asked.
"I'm probably going to head out on that job I grabbed."
"You just got back and you're already heading out on another job?" Presa asked with a pout.
"Yes. My hunt never ends."
"Hunt?" Mirajane asked.
Sergio nodded. "Yes. I am on a personal quest to find and destroy every last one of Hamura, er, Zeref's relics. I've already managed to destroy three, Lullaby being the most recent. I sent one team to this place, Galuna Island, because I have a suspicion something connecting to him is there. I'm not certain what it is. But that job request coupled with the fact that I haven't heard from them in about a week is troubling."
Mirajane nodded in understanding. "Well good hunting then."
Sergio nodded in response.
"Do you mind if I come with you?" Presa asked.
"Me too," Flare added.
"Yes, that's fine of course," Sergio replied before turning to Guren. "I'd like you to stay here and keep an eye on Karin. You also need to work at paying back the damages on the guild."
Guren sighed heavily. "Right…"
"Let's finish breakfast and then we'll head out."
Presa and Flare nodded in agreement.
Soon after, Sergio, Presa, and Flare made their way towards the main entrance to Magnolia when a familiar voice called out to them.
"Heeeyyy! Wait up!" Natsu shouted as he landed on the ground next to the group.
"Somehow I knew you'd show up," Sergio said as Natsu ran up to them.
"Hey, can I-?" Natsu asked excitedly, only to run face-first into Sergio's outstretched fist.
"The answer is no."
"I haven't even asked yet!"
"You want to join us on the quest to Galuna Island."
Natsu stumbled to the side lightly. "Well…yeah! I mean, it's an S-Class quest! It sounds so cool!"
Sergio sighed heavily. "This is what I was talking about," he mumbled. "Look, this quest isn't just for anyone to participate in. I picked this because I had a specific plan in mind. That doesn't include you."
"Oh come on!" Natsu begged.
Presa then interjected. "Honestly I think we should bring him along."
"See!? She agrees!"
"He'd make good bait if we got into a tough situation."
Natsu face-faulted. He then asked, "What if I told you I got a pretty woman to join us?"
Sergio suddenly turned to Natsu with a serious expression. "A pretty woman or a very pretty woman?"
Natsu rubbed his chin in thought. "Very pretty."
"And you're certain she'll join us?"
"A hundred percent!"
"If you're telling the truth you can come along."
A new voice then shouted, "Happy! Wait up!"
The others turned to see Happy, with feathered wings stretched out from his back, flying towards them with Lucy behind him.
"That's the one?" Sergio asked as Happy and Lucy approached.
Natsu nodded with a smirk. "Well? What do you think?"
Sergio looked at Lucy curiously, causing the blonde to fold her arms uncomfortably. He then shrugged. "She'll do. Welcome to the team."
"What the hell does that mean?!" Lucy asked.
Natsu grinned happily.
Presa and Flare sighed in exasperation.
"So where we headed?" Natsu asked.
"The port city of Hargeon Town," Sergio answered.
"Wait, we're going back to Hargeon?" Lucy asked.
After a long trip, the group eventually arrived in the small city of Hargeon.
"Well…it looks like the city has bounce back a bit…" Lucy said with a worried smile.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sergio asked curiously.
"Let's just say Natsu and I had a little…accident…here."
Sergio folded his arms in thought. "I think I'll just leave that subject alone."
"Yeah. That's a good idea."
"So where to now?" Presa asked.
"To the island."
Lucy then frowned in concern. "Uhm…how do we plan to get there…?"
"We'll need to find a boat to get us there, naturally," Sergio replied.
"So we'll just head down to the docks then?" Presa asked.
Sergio nodded.
Back at the Fairy Tail guildhall, Erza scratched her head in thought.
"Something wrong Erza?" Mirajane asked.
Erza nodded. "Yes, one of the S-Rank Quests is gone, and I cannot figure out who took it."
Mirajane blinked curiously. "Why, Sergio did."
Erza widened her eyes. "Are you telling the truth?!"
Mirajane tilted her head in confusion. "Yes."
Makarov nodded as well. "Yeah, he left this morning."
"How could you let him just leave like that?!" Erza demanded.
Makarov raised an eyebrow. "I don't see the problem. He's got what it takes to handle quests like that."
"That is irrelevant! He is not a certified S-Class Mage! Rules such as that are in place for a reason!"
Makarov sighed heavily. "If you want to try and stop him so badly then be my guest."
Erza nodded before turning to leave.
"Are you really going to leave before eating this?" Mirajane asked as she placed a plate of strawberry cheesecake on the bar.
Erza looked at the plate in consternation. "You…are a shrewd woman. I shall eat this, but it will not stop me." She turned around and looked around the guild before calling out, "Gray!"
Gray immediately froze and ran towards her. "Y-yes?!"
"Sergio and the others have left on an S-Class Quest they are not qualified for. I will busy for a period of time, so I would like you to go and get them."
"Why me?" he asked in irritation.
"Are you arguing with me?" she asked in a stern tone.
"N-not at all!" Gray answered as he stiffened.
Sergio and the others sighed as they walked around the docks.
"This is unbelievable, no one will take us to the island," Lucy groaned.
"Considering the rumors spreading about the island, it isn't really that surprising," Sergio responded.
"So what do we do now?" Flare asked.
"We'll have to make our own ride in this case."
"You're not going anywhere," a voice called.
The others turned as Gray walked up to them.
"What are you talking about?" Sergio asked in annoyance.
"Erza sent me to get you guys and bring you back."
"What for? Has something happened?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah. The new guy over there took one of the S-Class Quests. And he's not an S-Class Mage."
Sergio sighed heavily. "This is the kind of shit I was talking about. Look, I got permission from Maky himself to take this quest."
Gray shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Orders are orders."
Sergio narrowed his eyes. "Look, just go back and this will go smoothly. Tell her you couldn't find us or something."
Gray huffed in dismissal. "Are you kidding? If I came back without finishing this mission Erza will do worse things to me than anything you could drum up."
Sergio raised a hand and flexed his fingers. "If you really want to test that hypothesis boy, then I'd be happy to try it."
However, before Gray could answer, Natsu, whom had moved behind him, struck him on the back of the head, knocking the ice-user unconscious.
"Was that really necessary?!" Lucy exclaimed.
Natsu answered with a grin, "We can't have him going back to the guild and telling Erza."
Sergio nodded as he scratched his head. "Well, if none of these sailors will help us, then we'll just have to get our own ride to the island."
"How?" Lucy asked curiously.
"Simple, Ophiuchus."
Soon enough, Ophiuchus was swimming through the water towards the island, with Sergio, Flare, Presa, Lucy, Natsu, Happy, and the unconscious, bound Gray on her back.
Sergio tapped behind Ophiuchus' head lightly. "Just take us straight to that island. Should be easy."
The snake responded wordlessly in a deep mechanical roar.
Happy frowned as he rubbed Natsu's back. "He's not doing well…"
Natsu groaned and grumbled wordlessly as he slumped over, his face blue from motion sickness.
"Whatever you do, make sure he doesn't throw up on Ophiuchus' back, she'll eat him if he does," Sergio interjected.
"R-right…" Lucy answered worriedly.
As the group approached the island, Sergio narrowed his eyes. "Something's not right…"
"Is it just me or are the waves starting to kick up…?" Presa asked.
"It's not just you…" Sergio added as he felt something hit his forehead. He rubbed it and raised an eyebrow. "Water? Oh no…don't tell me…"
As if on cue, rain began falling on the group as the waves kicked up, thrashing violently.
"Dammit…Ophiuchus, into the air!" Sergio shouted.
However, right as the giant snake attempted to get airborne, a massive wave smashed into the group, knocking them off Ophiuchus and into the water.
Some period of time later Sergio slowly began to awake. He looked around and realized he was lying on a beach. However he noticed that there was still rain falling down on him, though the intensity had dropped dramatically. He then raised an eyebrow as he felt something soft against his arms. He looked down and smiled as he saw a person snuggled up against him.
The person in question was a slender young woman with dark blue eyes, though they were closed at that time, fair skin, and long, elbow-length, wavy blue hair wearing a knee-length blue and white dress with a tight, blue corset-top over a sleeveless white blouse that accentuated her rather impressive bust, though revealed very little, a pleated white skirt with blue on the edges, shoulder-length white gloves, knee-high white boots with blue accents, and a blue and white Cossack hat.
The woman slowly opened her eyes and looked at Sergio with a smile. "Sergio-Sama…" she said affectionately.
Sergio sighed as he sat up, the woman holding him tight at the waist. "Good grief. And here I thought I'd cured that dependency of yours."
She looked at him with a pouting frown. "Juvia will always need Sergio-Sama. Sergio-Sama looked at Juvia with kindness when no one else would."
Sergio patted Juvia on the head lightly. "Well, I'm here now. Think you can stop this rain?"
Juvia frowned at the request. "No matter how hard she tries…Juvia can't. Juvia still feels empty."
Sergio sighed as he ran a hand down her arm. "Well then…I suppose I can take a moment to fill you up…hmm?"
Juvia looked at him curiously and then smiled before nodding as she leaned towards him.
And end. That wraps up the second chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, be sure to let me know if you did. Or even if you did not. Or if you are curious or confused about anything leave a review and I will do my best to explain what I can within the spoiler-free context of a reviewer response. Well, until next time, buh-bye.