Sting and Ryos were playing around the legs of the guild members, Rini stumbling along with them. The boys made sure that their little sister was safe while playing. I watched them with a keen eye, calmly sipping my beer at the table that Natsu, Happy, Mizuki and I were sitting at. "I guess we should probably try to find another job." Natsu muttered.

"Aye, we're running out of food money." Happy added, pausing from chowing down on fish to comment.

"If we'd taken that two-million jewel reward, we'd be sitting pretty." Lucy commented. "And I can't let myself forget that rent's gonna be due next week. I guess I'd better find work too…" Lucy walked over to the Request Board. I stood, taking my mug and setting it on the bar before standing next to Lucy at the board. "Finding a magic bracelet...Breaking a spell on a cursed cane...Reading someone's love horoscope...Hunting a Volcano Demon?" Lucy turned to me, "Jeez, I had no idea Wizarding jobs were so varied."

"Yeah." I sighed, "And what happens during those missions is a gamble as well. One time, me and my partner were on a job to get rid of a bunch of bandits that were terrorising a town, after the job was done, we were walking back to our campsite, I found Rini...abandoned in an alley. And we took her in, one of the best decisions we ever made."

"Woah…"

"Well, if you find a job, let me know." Mira said, walking towards us. "The Master's away at a conference, so I'm covering for him."

"What kind of conference?" Lucy asked.

"One for Guild Masters. Every once in a while, they all get together to talk about the state of things. It's like the Magic Council...but not…" Mira turned to a man behind her, "Excuse me Reedus, could I borrow a Light Pen?"

"Oui." Reedus Jonah, our resident artist, responded. He handed Mira the item she wanted. Mira then whipped up a diagram. At the top was the Government, then directly under that was Era, the headquarters for the Magic Council. Then, three lines from Era which were the Local Guild Master's Leagues. Then, under those were individual guilds.

"The Council, Era, is the most powerful organisation in the Magical World." Mira started to explain, "It's only one step below the government. It has ten members, and it's their job to uphold all magical rules and regulations. And if a Wizard breaks Magical Law, they would be tried by the Council. Then, there's the different Guild Master Leagues which are local groups who work together. Then the Individual Masters. It's their job to pass on the decrees of the Council. They also communicate with other Guild Masters on a regular basis. I guess you could say they're the glue that holds all of us together. Which is a pretty stressful job."

"Yeah, especially with a guild like ours." I commented, crossing my arms.

"Wow, I never realised that all the different Magical Guilds were interconnected like that." Lucy said.

"Cooperation between Guilds is really important. If there wasn't any the entire system would fall apart."

"And then the guys in black would show up." Natsu said scarily, slipping up beside us. After Lucy's scared shriek, Natsu dropped the act. "That was almost too easy!" Natsu laughed.

"You trying to scare me to death?" Lucy questioned.

"But seriously, the guys Natsu's talking about exist." Mira said. I extended my hand to her, and Mira placed the Light Pen in my hand. I took it and drew a separate circle from the diagram. My elaborate cursive much different to Mira's more printed writing. I wrote the words 'Dark Guild' into it.

"Dark Guilds choose not to join any of the leauges." I explained. "A lot of them are involved with Magical Crimes, therefore they're considered the black stains of the Magical Guild society."

"Woah…" Lucy muttered.

"Would you just go and pick us a job already?" Natsu asked.

"You have got to be kidding me." Lucy turned to Natsu, "What makes you think I'd do that?"

"Well, we are a team now, are we?"

"Yeah, and we picked a job last time!" Happy added. "It's your turn to pick. So get to it!"

"Just forget it cat." Lucy stated, crossing her arms, "As far as I'm concerned, our 'team' has been disbanded. And besides, you guys didn't actually want me, you just needed me last time because I'm a blonde."

"Don't be ridiculous." Natsu scoffed, "That's not the only reason we chose you. We picked you because you're so nice!" Lucy gave the pink-haired boy a look of distrust. Mizuki had then appeared, her wings out and floating at head hight.

"And because the night before Yui told them that if they didn't let Lucy join she'd beat them up!" Mizuki chirped.

"Hey Lucy!" Gray called from a table a little bit away, "I wouldn't stay with those losers if I were you. You'll get plenty of offers from other teams."

"Your clothes Gray." Cana muttered.

"Ah!" Gray exclaimed, looking down at his almost naked body.

"Jerk." Natsu stated.

"Did you just call me a jerk Dragon Boy?"

"And what if I did? What are you gonna do about it?"

"You mouth breather!"

"At least I'm not a coward!"

"You're a spineless wimp!"

"Looks like they're at it again." Happy commented.

"Mizuki thinks they fight too much." Mizuki sighed.

"I'll say." I muttered.

"We're gonna get you!" Sting shouted, throwing himself at my legs. He tried to topple me with his twelve-year-old strength. I feigned going down, falling to the floor.

"We got her!" Ryos cheered, falling into my stomach. I wheezed as Rini came running over, jumping onto my chest.

"Got her!" Rini cheered, "Got her!" I looked over when the guild started laughing, and saw Gray and Natsu trading insults again. Suddenly, the Guild doors burst open, causing everyone to turn to the person who entered. Loke stood there, a petrified look on his face.

"I've got bad news!" He cried. "It's Erza! She's on her way here!" Everyone let out petrified screams, whereas Sting, Ryos and Rini started cheering.

"Come on guys, off Mamma." I whispered. My kids slid off me and then sat at an unoccupied table, grinning and bouncing in their seats. I stood silently and climbed up the stairs to the second floor. Footsteps were heard approaching the Guild, the silence of the members making it echo loudly.

"That's gotta be her." Laki muttered.

"Those sound like her foosteps." Wakaba added.

"Even the air's gotten completely still." Macao commented. I crouched behind the railing on the second floor, watching the doors with bated breath as Erza approached. Very soon, she did appear. She was wearing a set of Heart Kreuz armour, designed specifically for her. Under the cross, was the Fairy Tail Guild mark. She also had two gloves made of the same material and shoulder pieces. She also wore a blue skirt and brown, knee-high boots. On the side of Erza's neck was littered with silver and gold scales. Erza slammed down a large tusk of the beast I assume she was tasked to slay. Nice, seems like the job went so well, we got to rent.

"I have returned." Erza declared. "Where is Master Makarov?"

"Welcome back Erza." Mira said, "The Master's at a conference right now."

"I see…"

"So um...what's that humongous thing you got there?" A member asked wearily.

"It's the horn of a monster that I defeated. The locals were so thankful they decorated it and gave it to me as a souvenir. Do you have a problem with it?"

"No! Not at all!" I climbed onto the railing as Erza turned to the Guild.

"Listen up! While I was on the road, I heard a few things. Word is Fairy Tail is causing nothing but trouble as of late. Master Makarov may not care, but I most certainly do. Caa, you need to start controlling your drinking. Vijeeter, please take the dancing outside. Wakaba, get rid of that filthy habit. Nab, I suspected I would find you dawdling in front of the request board. Just pick a job! Macao…" Erza turned her sights on the Fire Mage.

"Please just say something!" Macao pleaded when Erza didn't comment.

"I don't even know where to begin with you. You cause so much trouble. I've almost given up." When Erza finished talking, I made my move. I lept from the balcony, pulling my fist back.

"Eclipse Dragon Iron Fist!" I shouted, my fist lighting in the silver flame. Erza instantly requiped a sword and blocked my fist with its blade. I smirked, jumping back. Erza and I eyed each other, assessing each other's moves. It was a tense few seconds before I made the first move. I dashed forward, keeping my body low. Erza swung down, but I anticipated it and dropped lower, sweeping my leg under hers and knocking her off her feet. Right when Erza hit the ground, Sting, Ryos and Rini pounced.

"Oh no!" Erza said dramatically, "You have caught me! I am defeated!"

"We got you Mum!" Ryos declared.

"You did." Erza then easily stood, holding Rini in one arm, Sting clinging to her neck with Ryos standing next to her. I laughed, straightening up myself. I walked up to Erza.

"Welcome back babe." I greeted.

"Glad to be back honey." Erza cupped my cheek and pulled me close. We shared a brief kiss before I took Sting off her back. "Are Natsu and Gray here?" I turned and grinned, Natsu and Grey were sweating bullets, their arms around each other.

"Oh...hey there Erza." Gray said shakily. "We're just hanging out like good friends tend to do."

"Aye!" Natsu agreed.

"Why is Natsu talking like Happy!" Lucy cried.

"That's great. I'm quite pleased to see the two of you getting along so well." Erza said with a definitive nod, "However, it's only natural for even the best of friends to lock horns every now and again."

"I don't know if we're the best of friends…" Gray trailed off.

"Aye…" Natsu muttered.

"What's gotten into Natsu?" Lucy questioned,

"He's scared." Mira explained. She picked up the Light Pen from the counter and drew an image of Erza beating the crap out of Natsu. "A few years ago, he challenged Erza to a fight and she beat him up pretty bad."

"That was a stupid thing to do."

"After that she found Gray walking around naked, so she decided to beat him up to." Macao added.

"Don't forget that they're not only afraid of Erza." Cana commented. "We can't forget the day that Yui also beat up Loke for merely trying to hit on her." My cheeks turned red.

"Yeah, Loke totally deserved it." I stated.

"I can't say I blame you Yui." Lucy said.

"Natsu, Gray, Yui, I need you to do me a favour." I turned to Erza, waiting to hear what she had to say. "While travelling, I overheard something that has me worried. Normally I would consult with the Master before acting, but he's not here and this is a matter of utmost urgency. The three of you are the strongest Wizards here. I could really use your help." My jaw dropped.

"Did that just happen?" Someone asked.

"Erza asked them from help?" Another questioned,

"Definitely a first." Someone muttered.

"I mean, I get her asking Yui for help but Natsu and Gray…?"

"We'll meet at the train station tomorrow morning." Erza stated. Seriously… I thought, my eyebrows pinching together, Me, Natsu and Gray...Erza must either be out of her mind or desperate. I looked over to Minnie who was watching me. She gave me a nod, and I returned it. This was surely going to be interesting.

TIMESKIP

"Sorry we're late guys." I apologized as Erza and I approached our Guildmates waiting at Magnolia Station, Mizuki laying on my head. "We had to drop the kids off at Minnie's place."

"Have you been waiting long?" Erza asked. I'm not sure Erza noticed, but I saw Natsu and Gray pale...guess they were fighting.

"No, not really." Lucy said. When she turned to us, her face dropped. Erza was pulling our massive cart of supplies behind us.

"Woah! Look at that luggage!" Happy exclaimed.

"All those belong to you?!" Lucy cried.

"It's time to go good buddy!" Gray said in fake-cheery voice.

"Aye!" Natsu agreed.

"Listen, one happy's enough." Lucy groaned.

"Good, I really love to see the two of you getting along." Erza commented. "And you must be Lucy, I believe I saw you at the guild yesterday." Erza said, turning to the blonde, "Yui's told me a lot about you. I'm Erza."

"I'm sorry to impose. Mira asked me to come along with you guys so I could learn a thing or two. I hope that's ok with you."

"The more the merrier."

"She's a gifted wizard babe." I stated, crossing my arms. "I told you about Celestial Spirit's, right? She's contracted with three of the Gold Keys."

"Is that so? It'll be great to have a wizard like you on board, thanks for your help."

"Oh no, it's my pleasure." Lucy said.

"Hey Erza." Natsu called, "I'll come with you but only under one condition."

"Shut up!" Gray hissed.

"Oh? Well then let's hear it." Erza said.

"Ok. I want a rematch when we get back to Fairy Tail." Natsu declared. I sighed, my hand coming into contact with my forehead.

"You got some kind of death wish?" Gray asked.

"I'm a lot stronger than I was last time. This time it'll be way different. 'Cause I'm gonna beat you."

"Yes, I can tell you've improved." Erza commented. "As to whether or not you can beat me, I suppose we'll have to see. I accept your challenge."

"Oh yeah, I'm fired up!" Natsu shouted, flames erupting from his mouth. In a very short time, we were on the train on the way to where Erza needed us to go. However, due to Motion Sickness, it was not pleasant. The train booths were quite large. Natsu, Gray, Mizuki and Happy on one side, with Erza, Lucy and I on the other. I had my head resting on her lap. She had un-requiped her glove and was gently running her fingers through my hair.

"I swear, you're totally pathetic Natsu." Gray commented, "One minute you're picking a fight, and the next you're like this."

"It's gotta be tough on him and Yui getting from place to place." Lucy said.

"Don't worry, they'll be fine." Erza assured. "Natsu, come here and sit with me." Lucy and Natsu switched places. "Now just relax." Erza said as Natsu leant on her shoulder.

"Aye." Natsu groaned. Erza's hand disappeared from my head and I heard a thwack.

"There, that should make the trip a little easier on him." Erza's hand resumed brushing my hair. I started to slowly drift off to sleep, my stomach settling somewhat.

"Erza, I think it's about time you started filling us in." Gray commented, "I mean, what kind of mission are we going on here?" The noises of the world fell away as I fell asleep in Erza's lap.

TIMESKIP

I was shaken awake when the train had stopped. My nausea was gone, so I managed to get off the train with some help from Erza. When my feet hit the stone pavement of Onibas Station, I stretched my arms above my head, sighing in relief. "You think the Eisenwald guys are still gonna be in this town?" Gray asked. Erza had explained what was happening as we prepared for last night, so I wasn't behind the information.

"I have no idea." Erza admitted, "That's what we're here to find out."

"I'm still thinking maybe I should go home." Lucy commented.

"Hold on. Where's Natsu?" Happy questioned. That caused me to pause, turning and watching as the train continued on to the next station.

"We were so busy talking I forgot about him." Erza said. "I am such a fool! Natsu hates all forms of transportation. This is all my fault. I need one of you to come and hit me for my penance."

"No one even try." I stated with a glare. Erza then walked up to one of the emergency stop breaks and pulled the leaver

"What do you think you're doing lady?" A conductor questioned, "You can't pull the Emergency Lever without permission."

"It's for our comrade, please understand." Erza said.

"Are you kidding me?!"

"Now, I would like you to take our luggage to the hotel."

"Do I look like a bellehop?"

"I'm starting to realise that all of the Wizards in the Fairy Tail Guild are just a little insane." Lucy stated.

"Well, not all of us." Gray argued."

"Say's the man not wearing any clothes." I sighed.

TIMESKIP

Erza had acquired us a Magic Mobile and was racing down the train track to get Natsu back. Gray was sitting on the roof, Erza was driving, Lucy was leaning out one of the windows, Mizuki and Happy were safe sitting inside the main part of it. I was leaning out the opposite window, my cheeks puffed as I tried not to puke. "Natsu!" Lucy shouted as we neared the train. Coincidently, Natsu flew out of the cart, whacking Gray off the Magic Mobil and causing them to crash. Erza parked and we all exited the vehicle and stood together.

"That hurt you idiot!" Gray stated.

"Shut up you icy freak, how come you guys left me on the train!" Natsu retorted.

"I'm just thankful you weren't badly injured." Erza said. "I apologise Natsu." Erza grabbed the pink-haired boys head and slammed it onto her chestplate.

"It's ok." Erza released him. "Well, I'm shaken up pretty bad. I got attacked by a weirdo on the train."

"Are you serious?" Lucy asked,

"I think it's the dude that dragged away the guys who were gonna eat Happy, Luna and Mizuki. Said he was with Eisenwald." Natsu commented offhandedly.

"You fool!" Erza declared, slapping Natsu across the face with a gloveless hand. "That's exactly who we're chasing after on this mission! Why did you let him get away!"

"What the…? This is the first I heard about it!"

"I explained everything on the train! You should listen when people talk to you!"

"She already forgot that she knocked him out, didn't she?" Lucy questioned, "This woman is unbelievable."

"Yep." Gray agreed.

"That's Erza for you." Happy chirped. Erza then sat in the driver's seat of the Magic Mobile again, clipping the SE port onto her wrist.

"So he was on the same train we were on." Erza wondered, "Let's find him."

"So, what did this guy look like Natsu?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"He didn't look like someone from a Dark Guild." Natsu admitted. "But he did have this strange flute thing. It looked like a skull, except it had three eyes!"

"A three-eyed skull?" Lucy repeated.

"That's creepy." Gray muttered.

"Lucy, is something wrong?" Mizuki asked.

"It's just...I've heard about that flute before." Lucy told us, "Lullaby, the Cursed Song. It's Death Magic."

"What?" Erza whispered.

"Cursed Song?" Gray repeated. "Like an incantation?"

"I've only read about them in books before, but...there are some deadly spells out there that are forbidden to be used by Wizards."

"That's right." Erza agreed, "There are Cursed Black Magic Spells that will kill the person they're used on."

"Well, if I'm right, Lullaby is even worse." At that, everyone piled back into the Magic Mobile. Everyone was in the same spots as last time, with Natsu leaning against the window opposite to me, also trying not to puke.

"Hey! Slow down Erza!" Gray shouted, "You're using too much of your power driving this thing!"

"I have no choice but to press onward!" Erza replied, "We're running out of time! If Erigor gets his hands on this Death Magic, trust me, lives will be lost."