Chapter 4: Sin

"Hades-Sama, I have information." Ultear said as Hades held a communication lacrima in his hand.

"What is it?"

"It seems that the Devil Brothers have contacted Fairy Tail." She said as he frowned, it wasn't going to change any of his plans, but it would certainly make it harder to get their hands on the Yin and Yang Orbs.

"It is of no matter for now, just make sure to keep an eye on them as we need them." Hades said as Ultear nodded and cut the line. He looked down at his left arm in and became angered. Once, he had tried to capture the boys when they were infants, but their father stopped him and as a result he lost his arm and replaced it.

"Damn that Keron, now his legacy is going to be even harder to attain." He stood up from his throne and walked towards what seemed to be a computer screen, with a snap of his fingers he turned it on.

"Password please."

"Darkness is the absence of light." He said as the computer beeped and multiple files appeared on screen. He heard someone knock on the door. "Come in."

"Master Hades." This man was Bluenote the second in command of Grimoire Heart.

"Bluenote, how is Zansai doing?" Hades said

"He will live. His brother and Tai have not left his side yet, and Tai is trying his best to heal the burns." Bluenote said grimly.

"To make a fire god feel the sensation of being burned. I did not expect the older brother to be so powerful already." Hades said as he sighed. It was really shocking when Tai and Zansai returned that day.

(Flashback)

"Fuck! Fuck come here and fucking help me, Rusty Rose!" Tai came into the ship of Grimiore Heart yelling slander at the top of his lungs. A flamaboyant wearing glasses with Elvis Presley hair style came in.

"Zansai?!" He quickly ran over and put Zansai's other arm on his shoulder. "What the hell happened?"

"Those fucking Devil Slayers happened, I didn't think that the older brother was that fucking strong!" Rusty saw that Tai had coated his right leg in black water. They quickly brought him to the infirmary as the rest of the dark guild gathered.

"Big bro! What happened?" Zancrow asked out loud as everyone looked at Tai. Hades was looking over Zansai's wounds which were all fatal burns.

"That fucker, the older brother burned him." Tai said as the entire guild widened their eyes.

"You mean to tell me that he is strong enough to burn a god slayer of fire? Do you jest me Tai?" Hades said.

"No Master, I believe that fucker only did this because Zansai went and pissed him off about the princess mission a couple of years ago."

"Fire is the element of emotion."

(Present)

Hades decided that it would be best to gather their strength before attempting to seize the orbs of Yin and Yang. He needed more information.

"Bluenote." Hades said as he sat back down on his throne. Blue Note knelt down in front of the throne.

"What do you wish of me Master."

"Gather the rest of Grimoire Heart, we are going to scavenge the divine once again." He will have the orbs and Keron was no longer here to stop him. He grinned evilly to himself.

"This world shall soon be mine."

(Fairy Office)

"How can it be? He should be dead." Master Makarov said as his hands began shaking standing on top of his desk. "I….He was my mentor, an upholder of the law of Fairy Tail… how could he be a leader of a dark guild!?" Erza stood next to Master Makarov in disbelief, and couldn't do anything to comfort the master.

"No idea, just telling you what I saw and heard." Shio said with a shrug.

"Time changes people." Ryu said as everyone turned to look at him. "We came to tell you, He's our next target."

"!?" The words echoed and and shocked all the bones in Makarov's body

Baffled in awe and disbelief, Makarov stuttered

"B-bb-but.. he.. he sure hasn't..-"

"-The Tower of Heaven" Shio interrupted abruptly, keeping his head tilted upwards.

"!?- The T-tower.. o-of…" Master Makarov has yet to regain his composure.

"W-what i-is t-the mean-"

"The resurrection of Zeref, and the revolution of true darkness." Ryu eye's averted from Makarov

"However, my father was able to prevent it."

"How could this be…" Makarov slowly rose up from his chair. "My master… My old friend…" Makarov turned away, hiding his sorrow and contempt remorse. He held his head in deep thought. Then came to a justificating conclusion. "Then there's that's shant to be done…" He said disappointedly

"I understand" Ryu said as he was still facing the other direction.

Makarov's face had changed, from a dark and distorted face, to a one of welcoming and kindness.

"However- may I ask you and your brother something?"

"What is it?" Ryu asked.

"You and your brother have been traveling around for a while." Master Makarov said as he turned around with a smile. "Why not join Fairy Tail? I'm sure everyone would be very happy to see new faces, and besides wouldn't it be nice to have a place called home?"

Ryu looked over at Shio who shrugged indicating that he didn't really care whatever Ryu chose. Ryu turned and shook his head.

"A place filled with happiness and grace is not meant for a desecrate one like me." Shio turned away disappointed. "This is not a place for someone of sin." Ryu made sure to not make eye contact with anyone as he spoke. From the corner of his eye he saw Erza tighly gripping her hand next to her breastplate. He sighed with discontent.

"That is true my boy." Makarov replied instantly. His words shocked and echoed through Ryu's head. "The weight of sins weigh heavy on those who wish to be happy and loved, and those who are around them who wish the same."

Ryu's attention was locked on Makarov. "However there isn't a place where someone can't belong my child. Homes are places where sins could be washed with love and purity." Ryu began gripping his fist with disbelief. "Though they may never fade, Sins may be cleaned and lifted, so that burden on your back will not slow you down to where you are belonged. Come now child, Fairy Tail shall be your home."

"Master." Ryu's eyes begin to relax. His arms become light and his body becomes weary.

"What is it, Ryu boy."

"Are sins ever forgiven?" For an instant, Ryu's cold and strong usual gaze became vulnerable and desperate, and reverted back to his usual gaze. Makarov noticed and surfaced a smile.

"I don't know, I've never tried. Hahaha!" Master Makarov replied as Ryu mulled over those words. Erza still gripping her hand tightly next to her breasts. She remembered how awkward it was when she had first come to the guild, she wouldn't talk to anyone and every now and then she would cry to herself.

"I don't really know my boy, Though i think that they might never go away." Makorov coughed, and breathed again. "But i do know, that they can become alot lighter." A warm welcoming smile surfaced from Makorov's old gnarly face. Erza remembers, the same face master had made when he accepted her into the guild. Shio's faced chuckled as he began walking his way to Mira's Bar. Fairy Tail's family had just become a little bigger.

(Guild training grounds)

"So…..what is going on again?" Gray said as he walked alongside Natsu.

"No idea something about the new guys." Natsu said as they came to a stop. The whole guild had gathered as Cana began running around with two buckets, Lisanna sighed as she stood next to Laki with Happy ontop of her head.

"Come on people let's place our bets! The Fire Devil vs our very own Titania!" People began to place bets and from the looks of it Ryu had a good amount in his as well. Then Master Makarov came into view.

"Alright brats! Today we have two new members joining! You kiddies may have heard of them, they are called the Devil Brothers!"

Mirajane stood next to Master Makarov with her hand on her face. "My, oh my it seems everyone is getting fired up for this." A sonic boom resounded next to Mira. Shio turned towards her with a subtle grin.

"Yo! Mira-chan."

"Hello Shio-kun! Say, wouldn't you need to fight an exhibition match too?" Mirajane put a finger under her cheek in thought as Shio waved his hand in a light manner.

"Meh, Nii-san and I are pretty damn close in strength, even though I haven't beaten him before. Master said he'd take our word on it, after all the council has already listed us as S-Class mages. This is basically a skill test for little Erza-chan"

"hmmmmm…." Mira mumbled, understanding.

"Mira-chan can I ask you something?" Shio asked with a sudden serious look.

"What?" She was surprised, he was just laughing and giggling just a moment ago.

"What happened to your magic power?" Mirajane gave a soft weak smile.

"It's just that ever since what happened….I just feel like I can't help anyone anymore." She looked down as she whimpered. A blue rose popped up in front of her, startling her. She took it into her hands, noticing it's beautiful and vibrant colors. Her eyes gleamed as she gave Shio a polite smile. "You know, if you give me too much of these, I might not have anymore room for you to give."

"The one I gave you is plastic beauty, you won't have to replace this one." He said. "Just like how you won't need to replace me."

(Training grounds)

"ERZA! SHOW THEM, YOU ARE A MAN!" Elfman yelled as everyone sweatdropped.

"Man, I wanna fight him!" Natsu said as Gray scoffed.

"He would lay you out Natsu." Gray said as Natsu got up in his face.

"What was that? You talking shit? You damn icicle!"

"Oh! You want some match stick?"

"Yea! Right after you put on some clothes stripper!" Natsu yelled as Gray looked down.

"Anyways…" Lisanna said as Happy was cheering Natsu on, she looked on as Erza and Ryu were conversing.

(Erza and Ryu)

"I want to see how strong I have become." Ryu began to crack his neck in response.

"Really? I'm also excited to see how far you have come." Ryu then made eye contact with Erza. "However forgive me Erza-chan if I were to hold back on you." He said as she nodded, normally if someone did this to her she would be enraged, but Ryu and Shio were on their own levels.

"Go ahead."

"All right then, here I come! Heavenly Wheel Armor!" Ryu watched with a stoic expression. The sidelines roared with excitement and intensity. Heaven's wheel armor was one of Erza's flashiest and most beautiful moves.

However, Master Makarov wasn't so intrigued.

"HEAVENLY WHEEL ARMOR?! BY THE CREATOR IF SHE DESTROYS SOMETHING THE COUNCIL WILL HAVE MY HEAD." He screamed inside of his head.

"Circle Sword!" Erza's blades began to rotate around her. "Dance my blades!" She yelled as they flew towards Ryu who was not moving at all, the people on the sidelines were all yelling for him to get out of the way. Even Mirajane was worried however with the calm look on Shios face she turned back to the fight.

The blades flew and pierced straight through Ryu making everyone gasp in shock, even Erza however everyone watched as silver flames danced around his body and reformed it.

"That was my Devil Elemental technique, The only way for me to be touched in battle is with another elemental or with the same element. The other thing is that those with magic power superior or equal to mines can hit me."

"An elemental body." Erza said as Ryu nodded, she then glowed. "Alright! Fire Empress Armor!" She charged and brought her sword downward, Ryu sidestepped her, she then made a sharp turn and brought the sword towards the side where Ryu was standing, which he dodged again.

"You are fast Erza, however you are not fast enough." She frowned at him. he was still standing normally with his left arm relaxed on top of his unsheathed katana with his cape flowing in the wind.

"Very well then!" Erza glowed once again as she changed into her Flight Armor she still had the sword from the Fire Empress Armor. She dashed forward even faster than before, surprising even Ryu for a bit, then he disappeared.

"Erza, you have become strong." She turned around as she heard a sonic boom from behind her. He outstretched his right hand towards her face, it seemed as if time slowed…..then he tapped her on the forehead with two fingers pushing her back onto the ground.

"What!?" She muttered. He smiled and kneeled down to see her eyes.

"I'm still weak…" she mumbled in disappointment.

"We'll get stronger together. Not just you and I, but the whole guild." Ryu smiled as he got up. The sun casted a shadow from ryu onto Erza. The bright light illuminating his image made him darker, but his bright warm eyes encouraged her to stand.

"yeah…" she mumbled, averted her eyes, embarrassed.

(Sometime later)

Master Makarov stopped and shouted for all to hear."All right! All of you listen up! Tonight there will be a celebration, for now there is one less room void of Fairy Tail's warmth and love! Cheers for your new family!"

After the brief announcement and quick celebration, Master Makarov and the two drifted towards the side of the party. Makarov gave the two a cold stone, yet warming stare.

He watched as Shio gave off a toothy grin and looked over to Ryu who closed his eyes and nodded.

"Ryu, Shio I know the council has had you do many things…" Makarov nodded towards the side.

"and I believe life is very precious…" Ryu and Shio's gaze intensified. "I hope you understand, that Fairy Tail lives to protect these values, no matter what." Makarov then gave the two a hard look, hinting something.

"Though it may not be what you are accustomed to, or what you will do. I want to believe that you two may keep these values in mind."

Ryu's mouth staggered, as he was about to hesitantly open his mouth, he was interrupted by Makarov

"- I know about what happened Ryu." Ryu's eyes widened. "Though there are men, far unrepentable by the means of forgiveness, however."

"I want you to respect these value of lives."

This time he could sense movement in both of the young men. Shio twitched and nodded as Ryu hardened his stare, but nodded reluctantly. Master Makarov then nodded in return before he said his final rule.

"But in the end, you should only do what you believe is right my children; because it's-"

"The way of Fairy Tail, right master?" Erza said sneakily from the side.

The two nodded softly, but though there was slight discomfort in the two.

"So! Where would you guys like it?"

The two looked in confusion.

"Your guild marks" said Makarov

Shio pointed to the arm that had right hand and Ryu pointed to his left, the arms without gauntlets.

"White and blue." Shio responded

"Red and black." Answered Ryu

Master Makarov then spoke again and intensely glared at Ryu, hinting yet another meaning within his eyes. Ryu responded, nodding his head and holding his Fairy Tail insignia towards his heart.

"I don't know if I maybe able to hold myself, when the time he and I meet again." He said hesitantly.

"As long as you understand, my child." Makarov said soothingly.

Feeling the air was awkward, Shio left comically. "Well then time for me to go flirt!"

(on top the guild)

A figure with blond hair and obnoxious headphones, glared at the duo of newcomers. He was able to beat Erza as easily as that new guy did, but he was intrigued, because he wanted to fight them. He gave off a grimacing grin.

"Keh, I guess I should show the new blood who is in charge." In a flash of lightning he disappeared.

(Ryu and the others)

Ryu was conversing with Erza as Shio and the others were making a barbecue, they needed to catch since it had been a while. Natsu and Gray were getting into fights however as they saw that Erza was preoccupied.

"I bet I can eat more ribs than you flame breath!"

"No one loves barbecue more than me, popsicle!"

"Could you guys please quiet down? My kabobs don't taste good with my beer like this!" Cana yelled in frustration, but things got worse as Elfman appeared.

"I'll take both of you on as a man!"

"Double attack!" Gray and Natsu punched Elfman in the face at the same time and sent him flying.

"Go, Natsu!" Happy yelled from above as Lisanna sighed next to Mirajane and Shio.

"Well, this guild is pretty damn rowdy isn't it?" Shio said as he bit off a piece of meat watching everyone get into a brawl. "Shouldn't you guys like stop this?" He asked Mirajane.

"Nah, besides! It's more fun like this right?" A bottle came flying towards her head, but Shio caught it before it could collide with her head.

"Well, this is pretty damn dangerous." He looked over at Ryu was sitting at a table with Erza who had a strawberry cake. "I remember back then Ryu told me that he shared a strawberry cake with Erza before he dropped her off."

"Really? That must have been where the obsession came from!" Lisanna yelled as she got a playful grin on her face. "Ne, Shio-kun, Nee-chan let's go spy on them!"

"No need for that." Shio replied.

"Why?"

"I can hear them right now." He said as Mirajane and Lisanna widened their eyes. "Devils have great hearing too you know."

"Oh yeah, I've been wondering about your magic Shio-kun!" Lisanna said. "Since Natsu was raised by a dragon he is a Dragonslayer, so were you raised two raised by a devil?"

"Ne, Imouto you shouldn't ask personal questions." Mirajane said as Lisanna covered her mouth.

"Oh! I'm sorry Shio."

"Ma, ma it's alright, I'm pretty sure you guys wanna know, well our father taught us this magic, but thats all I can tell you guys for now." He said as everyone heard a lightning bolt.

(Ryu and Erza)

"Hey, Ryu do you remember the first time we came to this town?" Erza said as she set down a strawberry shortcake in front of Ryu and sat down, he nodded as she smiled.

"It was the day I dropped you off here." He looked down at the cake and looked at Erza as she handed him a fork, he was hesistant at first, but he took the fork anyway.

"Ne, Ryu can I ask you something?"

"...?"

"Where is Oji-Sama?"

Ryu nodded with silence.

"He… -he died a year after we dropped you off." He replied as Erza tried to console him.

"I'm so sorry Ryu."

"It doesn't matter anymore." She wanted to press further on the topic but nodded, she then smiled and moved the cake over to him.

"Remember when we shared my first c-cake?" She asked as even Ryu blushed lightly and nodded. He sat up more as Erza sliced part of the cake of her fork and brought it up to Ryu, wait…..was she intending to feed him?!

The two were unaware, that Mirajane and Shio were watching along, with Lisanna. Lisana had her hands together with hearts in her eyes. Mirajane had a camera in her hand taking as many pictures as she could. However, Shio couldn't help but have a ominous feel about the situation.

(Natsu and Gray)

Happy was currently about to take a bite into his new fish that he had just gotten from Mirajane as Natsu and Gray were arguing.

"Fire Dragons Iron Fist!"

"Ice Make: Hammer!" When the two attacks collided it sent a small explosion sending Happy flying into the air.

"How horrible! How could they do this to me?!" He cried. Everyone watched the fish scatter all over the place

A single fish had been launched up in the air, farther and faster than the rest. The fish flew fast and far towards… Erza's cake.

SPLAT!

"Oh, boy they are so dead." Cana sighed. The rest of the guild watched Erza's ominous figure rise from the corner. She turned and smiled at Ryu.

"Be right back Ryu-kun." She turned around and walked toward the two fighting mages. Her face turned angry and grabbed both of their heads. "YOU IDIOTS!" She slammed both of their heads together and smashed them into the ground.

"OW! What was that for?" Natsu retorted. He turned to glance who it was.

dead. he thought.

"You...you two, I've told you two to stop fighting each other!" She raised her hand as a sword appeared. "AND MOST OF ALL YOU DESTROYED MY CAKE I WAS GONNA SHARE WITH RYU-KUN!"

"W-w-wait! Erza! We're sorry!" Gray and Natsu begged as they hugged onto each other for their dear lives.

"BOYS LIKE YOU SHOULD BE PUNISHED!" Gray and Natsu got up and started running as Erza chased them all over the place. The whole guild watched with sweatdrops as Erza chased them all over the training field, Ryu watched with a small smile.

"BOOM!" Lightning flashed as a young man around Ryu and Shio's age appeared. He had a thunderbolt scar on his right eye and blond hair. He appeared directly in front of a table next to Ryu. Everyone shifted their attention towards the man.

(Shio and the others)

"It's Laxus!" Lisanna gasped. Shio looked over at Mirajane with a confused face, looking for an explanation.

"That's Masters grandson, he's very arrogant, but he is a lot stronger than me and Erza." Mirajane answered.

"Then what is he doing here? I also get the vibe that he doesn't get along with Master." Lisanna then replied

"I think he saw the fight, you see Laxus is very prideful and to see someone beat Erza so quickly…"

"hmmmm.." Shio nodded understandingly.

"I bet he wants to fight Nii-San." Mirajane noticed the light in Shio's eyes shifted into dangerous, ominous ones. "I bet he is almost as strong as Nii-San, he might give me an equal fight too..." Before he could grab his trident Mirajane put her hand on his shoulder.

"Ne, Shio let Ryu handle this, if he is as strong as you say he is, I'm sure he will be fine." She said as Shio relaxed and the killer in his eyes faded, he turned to her with his signature grin.

"I guess you're right Mira-Chan."

(Ryu and Laxus)

"Tch, the old man picks the weirdest people to join our guild." Laxus looks at Ryu with disappointment

"And you are?" Ryu asked in an emotionless tone.

"Laxus Dreyar, and I'm strongest mage in this guild."

"What do you want?" Laxus grinned.

"I want to see how strong you are. After all, The Magic Council's Fire Devil Dog is constantly with his weakling brother." Lightning started to dance around him.

"Laxus!" He looked over at Erza who stomped towards him. "What are you doing?!"

"I'm going to fight your little boyfriend thats what!" Lightning zapped that area around Erza as she swiftly dodged it. Laxus hadn't been out on a mission in a while, and was itching for a challenge ever since he got punished for it. She turned around and took Ryu's hand as he followed her away.

"I don't think so." Laxus let out a stream of lightning that blasted toward Ryu and Erza, a sonic boom thundered throughout the hall. Everyone's eyes glued to the scene, as Ryu appeared holding Erza in a bridal style next to Shio and Mirajane. He put her down as another sonic boom went off again and appeared in front of Laxus.

Ryu gave Laxus a long pretentious look with his arms crossed. "..."

"So, finally feeling for a fight!?" With no reply, Laxus charged forward and brought up his fist as it became brightly illuminated. With their eyes glued to the fight the whole time, everyone's jaw dropped when they saw Ryu easily dodged Laxus' punch.

"No way!" Laxus had put some speed and power in that punch, but had yet to go all out. However, he still didn't expect Ryu to dodge it.

"This isn't how we treat our guild members, Laxus!" Erza yelled.

"Tch, Shut up Erza! I wanted a fight and I'm getting one." It irked him how Ryu still stood with his head tilted to the side crossing his arms. He brought back his fist to strike again but stopped when he heard a sonic boom and felt a cold blistering steel on the gape of his warm sweaty neck.

"Ne, I think you should stop." Shio's trident was held steadfast on Laxus' neck. The whole crowd stared in awe.

"Do you wanna fight him, Otouto?" Ryu couldn't see his face, but tell the excitement his brother had facing an opponent of this calibre.

"Would that be fine with you? Nii-San." Ryu jumped back to where Erza was. Shio backed up a bit from where Laxus was standing.

"Too scared are you Ryu?! You gonna make your little brother fight me?!" Laxus, becoming agitated roared at Devil Brothers. Shio replied with a slight chuckle.

"Oh, I assure you. I am all that you need to satisfy your thirst for battle." The light in Shio's eyes began to change and a nasty grin surfaced upon Shio's usual graceful smile. Beautiful silver water began to swirl out of his body uncontrollably, the crowd watched as Shio began molding the water into form.

"Tch, I'll show you!" Lightning began to dance around Laxus.

AND A CLIFFHANGER LOL!

Well that chapter took a while to write didn't it? Read and Review! :D