Guest: Thanks, I will!
1971kr: Yeah, I was planning on expanding more on that here. But bear in mind that they reacted mostly because of Spada. They see the kid crying and mourning and Natsu seemingly tuning it all out, of course they're going to get upset. Also, thank you.
MBS41: Thank you. Sure, I take requests. It just depends on whether or not I can work with them but a bunch of my stories were actually requests. For the record, I'm doing stories in Hoenn, Kanto, Unova and Galar later so you're going to have to be more specific. What did you have in mind?
Hope and Endymion were currently training in the forest, the former taking time to meditate and slowly concentrate on his empathy magic. With Endymion's careful instruction, he was coming to recognize the feelings of a few people here and there.
The phoenix's sharp gaze didn't miss his partner wincing a few times ''I think that's enough for today.''
Hope nodded after a moment ''…I know you said this wouldn't be easy but is that okay? I was just starting to figure out your advice.''
''There's no rush, it's best to handle this with care.'' was the simple response. ''It may not seem that way but you're doing fine. I remember being frustrated with my own progress back when I was learning as well. Now how about we try to focus on…''
But he didn't get any further. Not missing his partner's suddenly terse stance, Hope immediately followed his gaze to the sky. There were a number of men flying with what seemed to be gliders, all their attention focused on them.
As they were drawing closer, the two could hear one of them speak ''…just perfect! Not only do we get our shot at revenge on Fairy Tail, here's the brat our client wanted. Eyes wide open, men, he's got to have that treasure!''
The duo exchanged a glance; things were beginning to make sense…
The enemies threw a few smoke bombs that obscured their field of vision. One of them was about to charge right in when Endymion suddenly flew out, tackling him. His nearby allies were flummoxed, unprepared for the swords of the light that exploded on contact, throwing them down.
Hope was about to continue attacking but the rest of the bandits seemed to realize that this was pointless, deciding that they would have more of an advantage on the ground.
Endymion swiftly shattered that belief, gathering light that centered around his wings. It then flared, blinding all those nearby. A few tried to stop him, swiping futilely with their swords but the phoenix was too fast. Others took advantage of this to launch a few spells; Endymion was momentarily halted by the field of gravity magic. But it wasn't enough to hold him down for long. He continued flying, blasting his attackers with a shimmering wave of magic.
The duo continued fighting at this pace and the bandits were defeated before long. Hope trapped them all in an Aegis barrier, Endymion's eyes narrowing as they focused on the conscious enemies.
''Now…what is this about?''
It hadn't them long to find out that this was only one group, most having focused on Magnolia. But the rest of Fairy Tail repelled them with relative ease, soon rounding them up for arrest.
They hadn't been able to get much information. As it turned out, the bandits were just grunts who got too big for their britches. They hadn't realized it but their client clearly expected them to fail, relying on their grudge to manipulate them into attacking Fairy Tail. Strangely enough, none of them would say anything about their client, no matter how much they were questioned. Makarov began seeking more information from his various contacts, assuring everyone that he would get some answers.
First, those bandits breaking out and then the word of this strange activity…the location where this informant claimed to have seen it…Erza bit her lip. It was very close to…that was a coincidence, right?
It had to be. It just had to be.
She didn't know what she would do if her suspicions turned out to be true after all this time.
Shaking herself, the redhead tried to distract herself by focusing on the others' conversations…
''Oh, now it makes sense.'' Mira smiled. ''Actually, we've just received a package from Era this morning. It had the knights' symbol but the sender's name was Spada. It looks like he really wanted to thank you guys.''
Happy perked up ''That was nice of him! I wasn't sure what he'd think when he got so mad at Natsu…''
''About that…'' She crossed her arms, disapproval flashing across her eyes as she turned to Gray. ''…you could have been nicer, this was a sensitive subject to Natsu.''
''Then he could stand to do the same.'' was his immediate response. ''If anyone should've understood it was him, look what he did instead. It might have been a bit harsh but someone needed to say it. The kid just heard his brother died and that moron's first response is to ignore everything and cram him point of view down Spada's throat.''
Conceding the point, Mira certainly wasn't about to argue that Natsu could've handled it much better ''That's fair…''
Sitting nearby, Levy overheard her teammates mention a recent run-in with the few members of Phantom Lord who weren't arrested looking for work. Jet and Droy seemed to be of the opinion that they deserved everything that was coming to them. Frankly, she had her doubts.
Sure, she understood anger at the former guild but that seemed a bit much. Some of the members may have been bad but there could always be exceptions to the norm. The girl found herself thinking of what Gray mentioned about Juvia, how the mere sight of the shining sun brought her to tears. Juvia had built up a reputation around having very strong water magic, and there had been cases of people overwhelmed by their powers before. Gildarts himself had to train quite a bit to gain the control he had today. What if she had been like that? Honestly, she found the fact that it took Juvia entering Phantom to gain some acceptance sad.
Besides, Jose hadn't been shy about making his hatred of Fairy Tail known. For all they know, the Phantom members could've been following his orders. The man certainly wasn't above making any dissidents suffer if they displeased him.
''Levy-chan's so kind!'' was Jet's immediate response when she shared some of those thoughts with them.
''Just the best!'' Droy echoed, blushing a bit as he grinned.
The girl had to hold back a sigh as they returned to fawning over her. She loved them, they were her best friends but it wasn't the same. She'd tried to make her stance clear but it went in one ear and right out the other. Why couldn't they listen to her?
Elfman, who was well aware of this, decided to intervene ''So you're not worried that they might come after Fairy Tail for revenge like those bandits did?''
''We'll cross that bridge when the time comes. There's no point worrying about possibilities.''
Elfman grinned, liking that answer ''You're really Manly, Levy!''
This naturally drew loud protests from her teammates and it wasn't long before the three began squabbling. Levy only sighed, half-smiling as she decided to take the compliment as it was intended. ''Classic Elfman…''
The sight of Sagittarius entering the guild with Lucy drew Makarov's curiosity ''What's going on, you two?''
Lucy happily greeted him while the spirit bowed ''We were just spending time together. The more I learn about my spirits, the better. I want us all to be friends.''
The guild master smiled ''Good thinking, Lucy. Many celestial mages who completely neglect that aspect in their magic when being partners is so important, a little kindness can go a long way.''
''Indeed. Lucy-dono has been an excellent master.'' The blonde beamed at Sagittarius, both turning to Makarov as he carried on.
''So, how's Loke?''
''Oh, quite well, thank you for asking, moshi-moshi.'' The archer assured, relief flashed across Endymion's features while Hope and Mira smiled. ''Our world's time is faster so he's already recovered. He's simply acclimating to being home after so long.''
''That's good. I'm sure many were happy to see him.'' Mira hummed as Sagittarius nodded. ''Although that does remind me, what're the other zodiacs like? Natsu and Happy mentioned a few things about Virgo. I'm really confused…apparently, she has a really awful form that kind of looks like a Vulcan and another one where she's dainty and cute? Is she a shape-shifter?''
''Ah, yes-that…'' Sagittarius' tone made it clear that this subject had come up plenty before. ''…Virgo is exceptionally focused on making her masters happy, so much that she changes form according to their taste, moshi-moshi.''
''Oh, so that idiot of a duke just had really, really crap taste.'' Makarov concluded.
''Yeah, pretty much…'' Lucy inwardly rolled her eyes as she recalled Everlue's boasting about his maids. Epitome of beauty, her foot, the man wouldn't know beauty if it hit him in the face. He was completely out of his mind, all that money was wasted on that imbecile…and…
…okay, so she might be a tad bitter over his utterly dismissive behavior towards her, so sue her!
Hope was just heading out when he spotted the Raijinshuu huddled together, all three appeared rather serious. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if everything was okay when Bickslow spotted him.
''Hope, perfect timing! Just checking but Laxus is still out of town, right?''
''Yeah, he was already on his way. He said he'd probably be back tomorrow…''
''Great!''
Sharing a baffled look with his partner, Endymion spoke up ''What exactly is going on?''
The trio seemed to consider their next words for a few moments before Freed made his mind up ''Come on, you know we can count on them to help.'' With his teammates nodding their assent, the rune mage addressed the pair. ''You see, we were actually planning…''
Hope's expression lit up at the end of the explanation ''That sounds great! I'd love to help but what's the problem?''
''Money.'' Evergreen admitted shamefully ''We actually keep a separate fund from our jobs for emergencies…and somehow Bickslow gets it in his head that the ridiculous new armor from the other day counts as one.''
''You mean that eye-searing monstrosity which fell apart in less than two days?'' Bickslow twiddled his thumbs avoiding Endymion and Evergreen's flat stares. Most of it was gold mixed with some other elements, the end result being a terrible combination of colors and pointless flair, all of which amounted to nothing.
''How was I supposed to know…?''
''Ah, anyway…'' Hope started a few moments. ''…we can help you with the money issue, it's no problem.''
''And I really appreciate that but we can't ask this of you.'' Freed put in.
''Don't worry, its fine. You all should have a good time.'' The boy's smile widened ''Besides, you're in luck. I know just the thing to help now.''
The trio was led to the site a caravan which visited Magnolia around this time every half-year, much to their pleasant surprise. The varied selection of goods certainly didn't disappoint either.
It didn't take Freed long to pick up on a few of the merchants' familiarity with Hope and Endymion ''You've met before?''
''We helped couple of them on our travels long before the caravan came to be. Actually, Erza told us about the caravan last year. I'm surprised she hasn't come by, she was quite eager for their Heart Kreuz products.'' Endymion recalled.
Evergreen blinked ''That is weird. She'd be all over that.'' Shaking her head, she turned to Freed. ''Anyway, where's the list?''
The two proceeded to take a look around, finding, to their relief that all the items they needed were here.
''And just look at those prices-we're in luck today!'' Evergreen gushed.
Freed chuckled in agreement ''We really have to thank Hope for this…actually, Ever, where's Bickslow?''
''Eh? Now that you mention it…'' She trailed off, an annoyed noise escaping her. ''…not again…''
Quirking a brow, he followed her line of sight to find their wayward teammate near a couple of merchants selling weapons, inspecting what look like a helmet. Well, he certainly shared Evergreen's sentiment. It was a relief to see Endymion with him, however ''Well, Endymion is more than capable of keeping him under control. Come on.''
The two found Hope a short while later, talking with a merchant who was more than happy to offer some free goods to the White Paladin. Hope had just managed to convince him not to, believing that it was only fair that he pay for any purchases.
''I thought you'd be used to this by now.'' Evergreen remarked, amused at the boy's flustered expression.
Hope's response was cut off when the merchant's friend spoke ''You really are like the stories. You saved a friend of mine before and he kept singing your praises, but it does have me wondering…you traveled to so many places, how come you've never been to the capital? We've never seen you there.''
His expression only grew more confused as Hope seemed to flinch and look away at this. The question on the tip of his tongue was stopped by Freed's pointed look ''All you need to know is that he's not going back there again.''
''Back? So…ah…'' Both men seemed to catch on, understanding that whatever happened then, it was bad enough for him to avoid Crocus. ''…er, never mind. I know you don't want any gifts but how about…?''
The group of five was done before long; Endymion had indeed made sure that Bickslow wouldn't buy anything unnecessary. It had been him who discovered that the item that caught his interest in was just like his gold armor, something that left the seith mage and his 'babies' sulking their entire trek back to Magnolia.
It wasn't long before they ran into Mira and Levy, who had been on their way back to the guild. Curiosity prompted the Solid Script mage to question them about their luggage…
''Oh, I forgot about the caravan!'' Mira exclaimed ''They really do have great stock. But what do you need all this for? It's almost like you're planning a party.''
''Yeah, funny you should mention that…'' She blinked at the sheepish Bickslow.
''The fourth anniversary for our team's formation is coming up. We wanted to surprise Laxus with a celebration.'' Evergreen's statement left both girls smiling.
''That's great! It's so nice of you guys.'' Levy beamed.
''Yes, well…'' Freed seemed a bit embarrassed but he soldiered on ''…Laxus is our friend in the guild; it's because of him that we can all be here today. Of course we'd want to express our gratitude.''
Mira giggled a bit ''Well, I'm sure Laxus would appreciate this…even if we'd never get him to admit it out loud.'' The group's amused looks proved that they agreed. ''Anyway, do you have everything you need?''
''Thanks to Hope, yeah...'' Evergreen smiled, patting the boy's head. ''…we're finally ready…''
''You want some help?'' Levy's offer made her pause ''Not to doubt your capabilities but there's got to be some way we can make sure your plans work, right?''
Mira's eager expression made it that she was completely on board with this suggestion. Freed hummed in thought ''Hmm, maybe…''
The two girls were soon put to work preparing the decorations at Laxus' place. Evergreen looking down as Levy passed her a ribbon ''So Jet and Droy are as obstinate as ever, huh?''
''That's an understatement.'' The blue haired girl sighed ''I thought Bisca was right about being upfront with them but it's like everything I said went in one ear and out the other. I don't know what to do…''
She was flattered, really. Her teammates were good guys and Levy was of the firm opinion that they'd make their romantic partners happy. She just didn't feel that way about them and if she was honest, their persistence was a turnoff.
Jet was the reason their team formed in the first place, being the one who brought them together. While brash and somewhat prideful, he was still a caring person who protected his friends. Droy was the resident cook of the team, a meticulous lover of food, Levy herself having learned a lot from him. Even without considering his magic, he'd always had green thumbs up to his elbows. He was one of the first friends she'd made after arriving at the guild; she knew she could count on him to have her back.
''Master says I should really be firm and tell them to stop for good. I thought I made my point clear but I guess it wasn't enough…I don't want to hurt their feelings anymore than I already did.''
''Stop that.'' Evergreen's tone was sharp ''You can't help the way you feel, it's nothing for you to be guilty about. If they can't deal with that, tough, but don't coddle them at your own expense.''
''Exactly, I thought we were over this.'' Mira added chidingly. ''Sooner or later, they're going to have to understand. If they really care about you, they'll respect your feelings. It's that simple.''
Freed couldn't have said it better himself, nodding in support to their white haired friend. He almost smiled at the thought, when had they even become this close?
His eyes trailed around the hall, lips quirking as he found Hope and Bickslow finishing their own decorating on the other side of the hall. He couldn't hear them but Bickslow said something that made Hope pause, then his puppets began circling the young boy, who laughed even as they trailed after him.
Freed was sure his teammates would agree that Hope and Endymion were among the main reasons they managed to get closer to everyone in the guild. They'd just wound up keeping themselves at a distance for a number of reasons, Laxus' former attitude being a factor as well. But when that began to change, when it looked like he could make amends with Master Makarov, they started looking for a way to help…
Bickslow glanced at Laxus and Makarov as they approached the guild building ''Boy, talk about awkward…''
''Believe it or not, this is actually an improvement.''
''You're kidding.'' But Endymion didn't even blink at his incredulous tone. ''Whoa…''
''I believe it. Remember how many fights they used to have?'' Evergreen countered.
''Agreed, I still wonder how you even managed to get this even started, Hope. Heavens know we've tried.'' Freed admitted.
Frankly, Hope wasn't sure himself ''Well, it started after we convinced Master not to keep holding back so much…Endymion was right about them being too stubborn for their own good but we're working things out as we go along.''
It wasn't long before the quintet arrived at the guild, settling down at a table. Gray arched an eye at the sight. He wasn't quite sure how to deal with the Raijinshuu yet but they seemed to be opening up to others. Mira was clearly pleased at the change and even Laxus was actually being decent, especially to Hope. For now, he'd reserve judgment and see what came of this.
Some weren't quite as patient however…
Happy did a double take at the sight of the newly arrived group. They didn't even seem to be talking; the silence just seemed so awkward. Were they forcing Hope to stay or something?
Freed wasn't sure what to say. Hope was being perfectly friendly but they just weren't used to each other's company, the boy was clearly aware of this. He hadn't missed how a good number of those nearby were looking on curiously but it was Natsu who chose to address the matter.
''How come you're hanging out with those guys?''
''Why not?'' Hope didn't see why he was upset and he had no problem making that clear.
''They're complete jerks; you can't hang out with them!''
Gray face palmed while Lisanna inwardly groaned, knowing this wasn't going to end well.
Annoyance flashed across Hope's expression for a moment ''...You don't get to decide that for me.''
Hope was tempted to call the dragon slayer out as he wasn't being kind now either. After all, Natsu himself was the one who made it clear that everyone in the guild was family. But he reminded himself that he didn't actually know much about their interactions. It wasn't his right to make such a call.
Lisanna didn't doubt he meant well but honestly, Hope was still somewhat new here. He didn't know them enough to realize that. She and Natsu were among the few aware of his trust issues, which given his past, were more than justifiable. Unfortunately, Natsu's tendency for foot in mouth comments was making another comeback.
Freed looked taken aback as Hope rejoined them ''...Ah, I think they wanted to talk to you?''
''I don't see what's stopping them from coming here.''
Endymion hummed ''Agreed. Now, I meant to ask, is it true you three have eye based magic that complements your abilities?''
This served to be a good icebreaker to get the conversation started and soon they were discussing magic with Freed, his teammates quickly joining in. The group was joined by Mira, Macao and a curious Happy.
None of them noticed Makarov looking on with a growing smile...
Terse as it was, that was the day they really began getting to know their guild mates. Freed still felt foolish for ever looking down on them. And he was certain Laxus felt the same way. Sure, they were all different but it was those differences that made them special. They'd all been happy to find a home in Fairy Tail but that point had really led them to be the family they were today.
Bickslow decided they needed a change of subject ''Look at Ever, talking about romance. Since when were you such an expert? I bet you'd turn the next poor sap who even shows any interest in you to stone.''
Her response was a sharp swat to the head with her fan, which wound up knocking his helmet down. ''Do you want firsthand experience? Maybe then you'll have a reason to run your mouth.''
This, along with her glowing eyes left him backpedaling, struggling for an excuse. Levy rolled her eyes ''Look at that, he's still got some self-preservation.''
''Yes, small miracles indeed…'' Freed shook his head. Honestly, what did he think would happen?
The next morning…
''All right, Natsu, what gives?''
Laxus' eye twitched in annoyance as the dragon slayer only grinned and continued going ahead. ''You do realize this way leads to my place, right? What the hell did you do this time?''
''Oi!''
Happy had to admit that given his partner's history, the blond had good reason to be suspicious. ''It's a surprise!''
Rolling his eyes, Laxus figured he wasn't going to get any answers out of them, so he might as well get it over with.
It wasn't long before they spotted a familiar figure near the house ''Chibi?''
Hope smiled at them ''Ah, there you are. Everything's ready.''
''Finally!'' Natsu enthused.
''You just want to eat the food, Natsu.''
He glared at his partner ''Do not!''
''Who are you trying to kid?'' Happy smirked.
Tuning out their squabble, Laxus gave his little brother a look ''Any chance I can get some answers now?''
''Just a second…'' Hope proceeded to open the door.
The next thing they knew, there was a loud popping sound before confetti spread over them. Laxus blinked twice as Bickslow's puppets flew up, calling out ''Anniversary, anniversary-happy anniversary!''
''What they said.'' Their grinning master revealed himself. ''There's the man of the hour! Come on, it's been four years since our team came together and we're going to have a blast!''
Not missing the festive layout inside or their elated teammates waiting, Laxus cracked a smirk ''You saps…you didn't have to.''
''We know, we know.'' Evergreen waved him off, already expecting the response. His gruff tone did nothing to hide the surprised pleasure in his tone or the gratitude in his eyes. And that was more than enough for the Raijinshuu wanted, Fairy Tail was where they really belonged and Laxus was the first friend they made there. Not only that, he brought them together and they became a team. It was only natural to the trio that they do something to show how much they appreciated him.
Freed smiled ''Come on then, the food's going to get cold. And I think we'd all agree that we'd best eat before Natsu gets his hands on it.''
''Now that sounds like a fine idea.'' Endymion chimed in.
''You jerks!'' Natsu's glare grew along with the ensuing laughter.
Hope looked at his brother ''So, shall we?''
He gave a single laugh ''Let's go.''
Well, that's that.
I thought I'd take a chance to flesh out the characters some more. The bandits actually have to do with the next arc; Jellal's already mobilizing his plans. Erza figured out that the location from the informant's recent reports was quite close to the Tower of Heaven's location. Especially considering that she couldn't do anything about Jellal before with her friends' lives on the line, so the possibility of him scheming was there.
The bandits were partly used as a distraction as Makarov (while not knowing the truth) doesn't trust Siegrain one bit, and I'll explain more about that soon. He and Yajima agree that it's best to keep an eye on him but they can't do much with the council backing him up. One of Jellal's allies helped them break out of jail and took advantage of their desire for revenge on Fairy Tail for getting them arrested. Their client was interested in the pendant but Hope and Endymion had plenty of experience dealing with that sort of thing.
To clarify, the flashback was only a couple of months after Hope and Endymion joined Fairy Tail so they were still getting used to everything. Hope has also some justifiable trust issues so he definitely wasn't going to take Natsu's blundering into things well, not realizing that he was actually trying to help in his own way. All he knows for sure is that the Raijinshuu didn't get along with the others but he wanted to give them a chance.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!