Not much to go on here, but enjoy chapter six of "Titan Slayer!" :)
Not much time had passed since Natsu requested Erza for that fight, but they, Happy, Gray, Lucy, and Gareth have already traveled far in the train they were riding in.
So far, Gareth felt amazed by the vehicle's speed and how smoothed the ride itself has been; though it was a bit bumpy at the very beginning. The breathtaking views the train's windows gave off made Gareth's eyes widen with glee. It overall made him feel more impressed about civilization; how it was able to create something so accessible. It made him wonder even more on what else civilization had to offer.
Though he couldn't say the same thing to his companion slouching next to him.
When they all got on the train, they picked a seat where he, Natsu, and Gray stick together on one end, with Lucy and Erza seated on the other, thus leaving Happy to sit down on the table between them. But once the train started moving, Natsu's attitude literally dropped, as he became motion sick once again.
"Damn.. trains...," Natsu sluggishly stated, as some saliva dropped from his mouth.
Gray, his arms crossed, then groaned at his rival's state, "Geez, this is getting ridiculous. One moment you're eager to fight Erza, and now look at you. Can't you just try not to throw up for once?"
"I... am trying...," Natsu weakly protested.
"Does this always happen to him?" Gareth slowly says, as he looks at Happy.
"Unfortunately so. Natsu and I pretty much tried everything when I first noticed; sadly none of that worked. By then, we assumed that this was just a side effect to his magic," Happy explained, while shrugging.
"If that is a side effect, then that's gotta be rough for him during travel," Lucy gave a sympathetic look to her friend. "I wish there was something we can do."
"Don't worry; I'll handle this," Erza stated, making everyone look at her, "Natsu, you want to come seat with me for a minute?"
"But... I'm sitting here," Lucy whispered, recognizing her predicament.
Nevertheless, she sat up and allowed the poor Natsu to take her seat; taking his previous space in between Gray and Gareth. The three then watch Erza gently pat the wizard's shoulder.
"Now, just relax," she calmly said to the murmuring salamander. Suddenly, Erza then sucker punched Natsu, making him instantly black out, and gently laid the now unconscious on her lap. "There we go."
The three humans and cat looked at Erza with surprise, before sweatdropping at her bizarre action. "Well that's... one way of doing it," Gray hesitantly stated.
"Aye," Happy agreed.
...That could have gone wrong very badly. Glad Natsu did not throw up on her, Gareth thought. He did almost said this aloud, but his instincts told him not to.
Still...
"This makes me wonder," Gareth said a loud, drawing the attention of the others.
"What does?" Lucy asked him.
Gareth looks directly at Erza, "Erza, when you accepted that fight with Natsu, me was wondering what he meant by that. Do not doubt his strength, but seeing him like this makes me think what the reason is."
"It's nothing special really," Erza started, "There have been moments where Natsu has directly challenged me; and whenever he does, I would always beat him."
"Last time he challenged Erza was two years ago," Happy added in.
Erza nods in agreement, before looking down at the sleeping boy, "But if there's one thing that stands out from it all is that he gets stronger every time he does."
"...Perhaps this time he will beat you," Gareth smiles at them both, not out of negativity but of humbleness.
Fortunately, Erza recognize his tone and nods at him, "Yes. Perhaps."
"Speaking of strength, would like to ask you one more thing, Erza," Gareth then said, as he laid his hands on the table, "What is your Ethernano?"
Erza was confused by this, raising an eyebrow in the process, "Are you referring to my magic?"
"Yes," Gareth simply responds.
"Erza's magic is beautiful," Happy suddenly opens up, making the boy look at him, "It is so beautiful that her enemies' blood sprays everywhere."
"Eh!?" Lucy squeaked out; very alerted by what the cat claimed.
Gareth, however, just stares blankly at Happy, who looked proud in what he said, before returning his gaze to Erza with a raised eyebrow.
Said armored wizard cleared her throat before countering, "My magic doesn't spray blood... all the time." Gareth sweatdropped again. "My type of magic is Requip magic."
This only made Gareth even more confused, "Re...quip Magic?"
"You don't know what Requip Magic is, Gareth?" Erza lowered her eyebrows, making her confused as well.
"Me not from around here, no," Gareth answered, before quickly following up, "Perhaps it is best that me explain more, before you can continue. The rest of Fairy Tail already knows, so you should know too. But first... do you know the tale of the Titans?"
When he saw the armored wizard shake her head, Gareth went on to explain everything to her.
About the Titan's existence centuries ago.
Them maintaining the balance of Earthland.
The Titans constantly fighting the infection.
And finally, him being raised by their leader; Gojira.
"My father disappeared a long time ago. Arrived here in civilization to search for him, which led me to Lucy, Natsu, and Happy, and which led me to join Fairy Tail. Know this is hard to believe, since not many people are aware of the existence of the Titans; so if you do not believe me Erza, then it is best if you go ask Master Makarov once this is all done," Gareth said, finishing his tale once again.
Erza stared at the boy with wide eyes. She really did not expect him to carry on such a thorough and detailed story, especially about a species she never even heard before. So, with all that in mind...
"...This is a lot to take in, Gareth," Erza slowly responded back.
"That is expected," Gareth went to say, "As said before, this is hard to believe, so me does not mind if you do not. It is all good... Now, back to what you were saying before, Erza."
The boy was kinda right on his assumption. Despite what he said, Erza did had some doubts; she wasn't really sure if the Titans were real or not, or if his father is one. Even so, she didn't really want to say it out loud; for some reason, the girl felt that it was too soon to tell. As she said before, it was a lot to take in. Perhaps it would be better if I saw him fight. Maybe then I'll understand more, Erza thought.
She then went on to accept his request, "Right. Well, you see Gareth, Requip magic is a bit complicated to describe. It allows someone to store items through a pocket dimension, which that of itself is its own small area outside of our world. Because of that, it is not possible to store infinite amounts of items inside the pocket dimension; but with enough experience and practice, the limit the user has will grow. In my case, I store swords, axes, and other handheld weapons, as well as a selection of armor sets, and can use any of them during combat."
Pocket Dimension..., now that was something Gareth himself never expected to hear. Of course, he knew other worlds existed; the Celestial Spirit World was a great example of that. But to hear someone having the ability to create their own world and store items in them, that alone was incredible.
"How is that... possible?" Gareth said aloud.
"Magic," Happy simply stated.
This made Erza chuckle, as she looks out of the train window, "I guess that is also hard to believe. But I digress, as Happy had stated earlier, my magic is not beautiful. I'd say Gray's is more beautiful than mine."
This made said wizard, while Gareth and Lucy turn their attention to him. "Really?" Gray said, a bit taken aback, "I wouldn't agree."
"What is your magic by the way, Gray?" Lucy, who for a while now had been listening in on everything, finally spoke.
Gray in return didn't give a verbal response. Instead, he held out his palm and placed his other hand, curled into a fist, on top of it. Nothing happened at first, but Gareth suddenly felt sharp cold air surfacing within Gray's fist; after a few moments, Gray lift his fist from his palm, which it now held an iced-replica of the mark of Fairy Tail.
Both Lucy and Gareth were amazed by his mini presentation.
"You use Ethernano to create ice," Gareth realized.
"Yep, pretty much nailed it," Gray stated, as he place his small statue on the table.
"I get it now!" Lucy said out loud, as if she connected the dots, "You're ice, and Natsu is fire. No wonder you two don't get along!"
"Hmm..., now that you mentioned it Lucy, that is a good reason," Gareth agreed, "Fire and ice tend to be complete opposites of nature. They always do not mix very well."
"Nah, it's not that," Gray shrugged off, "I just think Natsu's an idiot."
"...Gareth," said boy looked back at Happy, who noticed was now in a deep thinking state; their eyes closed, while having their paw up to their small chin, "Since we're on the topic of magic, what kind of magic do you use? I know I've seen you used it several times already, but you never really explained it to us on what it actually is."
Gareth was silent for a moment, not really surprised by the question the cat gave him. Though, Gareth would admit; he never really thought anyone would question him about that. He just thought it wasn't important. But now that it was brought up, the boy had no other reason not to.
"My type of Ethernano is not really a type," Gareth started, "Rather it is Ethernano itself."
"What do you mean?" Lucy asked, a bit confused.
Gareth paused for a moment, thinking on how he should explain it, before beginning, "Ethernano,... or as what you all call Magic, is considered to be the starting point of civilization. A gift that was brought by the planet's development that resulted in many wonderful things, including this here train. But to the Titans, Ethernano helped them evolve. They welcomed this source of energy freely, and ultimately saw Ethernano as a force of creation... but also as a force of destruction.
While the other Titans used Ethernano to create their own types, in which most are seen today in many different forms, my father Gojira was able to manipulate Ethernano from within and was able to use this energy without tainting it. That practice would soon be passed down to me. A few of you have seen my body be coated in a blue light at times; that is what Ethernano is suppose to look like. However, that kind of ability is not the only thing me is able to do; for there are a few other methods that are possible. In the end though, just like with your Magics, mine is not limitless. For whenever me is low on Ethernano, would need to be in a state of concentration to refill my body quicker, as well as rid of possible wounds."
"Wait, then what about your magic leaking from your body? Won't that just go away if you're running low?" Happy asked, remembering when Gareth first mention his magic some time ago. Erza and Gray caught note of this, but both decided against saying anything about it.
"Unfortunately no," Gareth shakes his head at Happy, "While it does lessen the effect, it does not fully go away," he then looks back at everyone else, "Would like to give you all a demonstration of my Ethernano, but my instincts think that is not a good idea right now."
"You've been saying that a few times," Erza pointed out, just as Gareth finished, "Your instincts; are they related to your magic as well?"
"Not exactly," Gareth answered, though this only raised confusion to the armored wizard. The boy decided to continue, "Perhaps it is best if me tells you an example. Say for instance you see someone hit someone else. Your first reaction would be that the person who hit them is bad; that what they did was wrong, and that they should be stopped. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes the reason they did it is not out of spite, but out of it worry; the person who was hit may have done something really stupid, and while the person who hit them are angry, that anger is actually because they cared for that person and that they feared for their companion's safety. But unfortunately, no one would be able to see it. That is where my instincts come in. Another thing that my father taught me, they are like a sixth sense of mine that tells me the reason; not only of a person's actions but nature's and of my own as well. It helps me better understand their character before making judgement."
"So, in other words, your instincts are like a moral compass," Happy simplified his friend's explanation.
"...Exactly," Gareth agreed after thinking for a moment.
"This is all incredible, Gareth," Lucy said, "I had originally thought that this was all just another form of Caster Magic, but to think that you are able to use the source of Magic itself, on top of those instincts of yours,... that's just amazing."
"I can actually agree with that," Gray added, before grinning at the boy, "Never thought I say this, but I'm curious to see how you fight."
"I am also curious as well," Erza said, softly smiling.
Gareth looks at all his companions, before smiling with pride. The boy was aware that his Magic was a force to be reckon with, and he couldn't help but feel proud whenever Lucy, Natsu, and Happy saw it in action. Now that he has brought the attention of two more wizards, Gareth was thankful that his father taught him well. "Thank you all," he said, "Father taught me his Ethernano very well; it has been proven beneficial to him and to me for such a long time. Would go on and say that father's title as the King of All Monsters is well earned."
Shortly after Gareth finished explaining his magic, the train had stopped at a local pub, where the group had ordered some food. It had been several minutes since the train moved again, allowing the group to enjoy themselves. Though Natsu, who was still unconscious, had now been moved to the seat across them.
"Anyways Erza, now that we're here, you want to explain what's going on?" Gray started, as said armored ate up a slice of strawberry cheesecake.
As he did so, Erza recomposed herself, placed her fork down, and gave them all a worried look. "I believe the Dark Guild Eisenwald has involved themselves with something dangerous. I am not sure what exactly they're doing, but it does involve a magical item called Lullaby," she started off.
Gareth finished off a large turkey leg when he listened in; but when Erza mentioned the word in question, the boy couldn't help but feel conflicted, "Lul..la...by... Why do my instincts get the feeling that this word seems so... peaceful?"
"Well, that's what I've been trying to figure out too," Erza responded before continuing, "It all started a couple of days ago when I was making my way back to the guild. I had stopped at a bar in the town Onibas when I overheard a few of the members talking about something. They kept mentioning the word Lullaby, how it was sealed, and possible plans on what they would do with it. In the end, one of them promised to come back with the item, unsealed and secured, and bring it to their master."
"I'm starting to think that Lullaby and this dark guild don't mix very well," Gray said, in thought.
"No; I was only able to realize who they were after they left, and especially who they work under," Erza responded, though her right hand did tighten into a fist, "Erigor; the Reaper and the Ace of Eisenwald. He's known for these names due to only taking assassination requests."
"He kills for money!?" Lucy said, frighten as she covers her mouth.
Even Gareth's instincts spiked at the mentioning of this awful man.
Erza grimly nods at the girl, "The Magic Council have outlawed those quests for a long time now; but when they found out Eisenwald kept doing them, they labeled them as a Dark Guild. Those who sticked with the guild didn't care about the change and they continued committing crimes for them for the past six years."
"Hmmm, this is urgent," Gareth murmured, before looking back at Erza matching her expressions, "You were right to assume this as a threat, Erza. Whatever plans this Eisenwald guild have with this Lullaby is definitely not good."
"It doesn't prevent the fact that I was such a fool," Gareth was taken aback by her statement, noticing her becoming more frustrated, "If I had known what was going on, I would've interrogated them into what they were doing."
After listening to her, the boy can understand why she felt this way. It is natural for people to regret on certain events, wishing that it had gone differently. But in the end, there is nothing you can do about it; you'll just have to move forward and make up for your mistakes. Gareth felt the need to say this to Erza, but instead he felt it would be better if he kept it simple. "Well, it can not be done now," he stated, making Erza look back at him, "What can be done now is what we are doing."
The armored wizard looks at him for a moment, before nodding with acceptance, "Right; that is why I brought you all along. Today, we are going to storm the Eisenwald guild."
At Erza's declaration, Gareth nods in agreement, prepared to take the fight to the dark wizards.
Gray nods along with him, sharing the same feeling.
"Okay, this is starting to get really scary now," Lucy uttered out, while fidgeting in her spot.
"You're starting to get really slimy, Lucy," Happy pointed out.
"It's sweat!"
Not much time either had passed since the group's plan was set in motion. By now, they have arrived at their destination; the Onibus train station.
"So, this town we are heading to was the last time you saw them, correct?" Gareth reminded, as he and much of the others walked out of the train.
"Yes; I'm suspecting that their guild is also close by. So if we are able to find clues here, then we can proceed on what to do next," Erza explains.
"You sure they're still here?" Gray then said.
"They have to," Erza said with a determined look, "If not, then we'll have to ask around."
Toot, Tooooooot!!!
Just as Lucy was about to protest, they all heard the train behind blew its horn; signaling its departure.
When that happened, Gareth's instincts suddenly spiked; he looks at his companions and realizes what just went wrong. The boy turns around and runs back at the train, with the others, now alerted, shortly following behind.
Crap! Could have sworn he would wake up by the time the train stopped! Must have took him out more than usual! Would have to keep a better eye on Natsu next time!, Gareth screamed internally as he kept running.
"Gareth, where are you going!?" Lucy asked behind him.
Said boy turned around shouted back, "Natsu is still on the train! Find some way to stop it! Will catch up to him in the meantime!"
Gareth barely saw the others react to the revelation before turning back. Fortunately, once he got up to the edge of the station, Gareth was still in range of the train's last cart.
So, with his momentum active, Gareth used the strength of his legs to jump high in the air and land on top of the cart; his hands digging deep into the train's metal. The boy can now feel the wind blowing back his long hair, as the train had now reached its appropriate speed.
"Okay, this will not be too difficult. Just got to reach where Natsu is," Gareth murmured to himself. With this in mind, the boy started to crawl his way forward, in addition to jumping across between the train carts; all while trying to keep his footing, as he did not want to fall off.
Nevertheless, it was a bit of a lengthy process. When he was inside, Gareth only felt the occasional bump. But now, he felt everything else; the boy now realized how fast the train was traveling to get to where he was right now. If he were to stand up straight, Gareth would've felt the full force of the friction the train created. He did not want to risk that.
Fortunately, Gareth was able to make it to the cart he sensed Natsu in; and when he did, the boy sensed someone else was already with him.
...and after he took a closer look into the other person's Ethernano, Gareth's instincts told him that they weren't playing nice. "Need to stop this," Gareth murmured in a serious tone, "Whoever is in charge here, sorry for what me is about to do."
In one swift motion, Gareth body slammed his way through the train cart's roof and landed on all fours on the carpet floor inside; next to a motion sick, standing Natsu. The impact was loud enough to catch the salamander and the other passenger off guard, both not expecting anyone else to show up.
But nevertheless, Natsu was glad a friendly face did. "Gareth!" He called out, as said friend rose up beside him.
"Sorry we left you, Natsu. Hope you are feeling okay," Gareth responded, facing his companion's assailant in front of him; other than their back hair tied up in a ponytail, the boy assumed they weren't anything special.
"And who are you supposed to be!?" the male wizard called out angrily.
"Me? With Natsu," Gareth said, glaring back, "What about you? Got a name?"
The man looked at Gareth for a moment, before scoffing with a smug grin, "Now why would I answer that, Fairy Tail fly?"
"...You already did, Eisenwald fiend," Gareth growled at the dark wizard, in which a growl coming from him sent a chill down the wizard's spine, but nevertheless made him frown.
"Who?" Natsu uttered out.
Gareth looks at him with a raised eyebrow, before realizing why his companion said that. Gareth sighs, "Right. You were knocked out. Will explain once we get out of here."
screeeeeeeeeeeecchhh!
Before anything else can be said between the three, they suddenly all heard the train grinding to a halt; Gareth grabs Natsu's scarf to prevent him from falling over, while the dark wizard was barely able to grab one of the seats before he could fall too.
Looks like they found a way to stop the train, Gareth thought back to the others.
Before taking a moment to recompose himself, Natsu realized his current predicament and smiled, "Alright! Now I can get serious!"
The dark wizard grunts, anger starting to boil, "You won't take advantage of me that easily!" He immediately followed by slamming his hand on the wooden floor.
Gareth's body tensed up, as he watched closely on what they were trying to do.
That is when he saw the train's shadows reconfigure around the man's hand and then towards him and Natsu in the shape of arrows.
Gareth rushes in front of Natsu and crossed his arms, taking the brunt of the man's Shadow magic.
Natsu, seeing the opening Gareth created for him, jumps over the boy, lights his fist on fire and aims directly at the man.
Said dark wizard saw this coming a bit too late.
"FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!"
Boom!
The result of Natsu's attack destroyed much of the rest of the train cart, but the attack itself landed successfully, as the Eisenwald wizard flew to the other side of the cart with a large bruise on his left cheek.
When the man landed, something sinister flew out of his coat pocket.
Natsu stand up straight and Gareth uncrossed his arms when they both saw the sculpted dark oak flute with its head shaped like a skull with three eyes. The former was curious as to what it was, but to the latter it made him tensed his body even more.
Gareth immediately sensed the deadly Ethernano barely seeping through out of the open eye sockets. It was as if... if someone were to play this instrument with one small blow of their breath, there would be consequences in their wake. It did not take long for the boy to figure out that thing was.
"Lullaby...," Gareth grimly muttered.
"Damnit! You two saw it!" The dark wizard from Eisenwald cursed out.
"All passengers; we apologize for the inconvenience. The ride to our next destination will be resuming very shortly," before anything else can be said again, all three heard the conductor speak their announcement over the train's monitors.
Natsu had the first reaction; his positive attitude dropping instantly. "Looks like that's our cue to leave, Gareth!" he said, as he already felt the train moving again.
Gareth, however, had other plans; but before he could even voice them out, the Eisenwald wizard managed to grab hold of Lullaby and shouted, "I'M NOT LETTING YOU TWO LEAVE HERE ALIVE!"
The dark wizard then tried to attack the two again, but Natsu saw it coming a mile away; throwing down a ball of fire to the floor that erupted just high enough to block the wizard's view of them.
Gareth really didn't have a chance to say anything after that, as Natsu then wrapped his arm around him and pulled them both through the wall to their right.
And then...
BOINK!
Gareth can see the world spinning erratically around him, as just after he and Natsu ram through the train and into the air, he felt the back of his head hit something hard. Fortunately, he didn't feel any pain, but whatever did struck him forced Natsu to lose his grip on him; creating a new problem for the boy.
How was he gonna land safely?
Knowing there was little time to think about how to do it, Gareth did his best by sticking his legs, crossing his arms, and keeping his body spinning in a repetitive motion. Thankfully, it worked, as once his body hit the ground, he allowed his unharmed body to roll more till the momentum ran out.
Gareth stopped; laying on his back. He spread his arms out, and collected his breathing; the adrenaline now starting to die down.
...what the hell?, that was the only thing Gareth can think of at the moment, as he continued staring at the sky.
"Gareth! Gareth, are you okay!?" Gareth heard Lucy ran over to him; when she did, Lucy crouches down and stared at his face with a worried look.
The boy turn his attention to the girl and stared back for a few moments, before saying, "Am okay. It was.. too fast."
Gareth then sat up and looked at where Lucy ran from. Not too far from him was Erza and Happy watching over Natsu and Gray laying on the ground as well, still rubbing their heads in anguish. But next to them was a vehicle, which he couldn't get a good look from where he was at the moment, but he can assume that this vehicle was able to help the others travel here... and was responsible for the boink his head got. That... or Gray, he simply figured.
Finally, right next to the vehicle, Gareth noticed the now empty train tracks.
"Need to speak to Erza," Gareth then said, as he began to stand up from his spot.
"Are you sure you're alright, Gareth?" Lucy stood up next to him, still concerned.
"Am alright, Lucy," Gareth reassured her, "Just need to get my footing first." Gareth then took a moment to shake his legs, getting the flow back into them. Once he did, Gareth turns back to Lucy and smiles, "No harm was done."
Lucy was silent afterward, but with a nod back, Gareth was sure she was fine as well.
The boy then began making his way toward the others, as he now noticed Erza laying Natsu's head on her breastplate; though the salamander's body did tense a bit by how hard the woman's armor was.
"Erza," Gareth called out, making everyone in front of him look at him, "We have a problem."
"What is it?" said girl asked.
"We found Lullaby," Gareth responds back.
Erza immediately widen her eyes in shock, "What!? How!?"
"Encountered a member of Eisenwald when reaching Natsu. Did not know at first, but after a brief fight, we saw the member drop a wooden flute with its head shaped like a skull with three eyes. The Ethernano it sent off gave me no reason to doubt. The member got way with it, but they are still on that train. We need to follow that train, now," Gareth briefly explained to her.
But it was enough for the armored wizard to narrow her eyes back; feeling a bit disturbed by the news. She then turns toward the Magic mobile and makes her way to the driver's seat, "Then, let's move."
"Wait," Erza, Gareth, and the others stopped and turn toward Lucy, who all now noticed her having a look of realization, "Gareth, did you say the flute had a three-eyed skull?"
"Yes," Gareth stated, before lowering his eyebrows at her with concern, "Lucy, is there something you know?"
The girl slowly nods at him, and says, "I read stories about that flute when I was little, but I never realized if it was true or not. I understand what Lullaby is now; it's a cursed song. It's Death Magic!"
Gareth widen his eyes, now completely surprised. "There is Ethernano that causes instant death!?" the boy shouted, looking at his companions. He then landed his eyes on Happy, noticing the grim nod that he gave him. The boy then looks at the ground, Father once told me that there were dark forms of Ethernano... but to know that there is one such as this...
Gareth then looks back up, his body now tensed up again, and turns toward Erza, "We need to get moving."
"Wait, wait, hold on a second," Natsu immediately uttered out, "Why are you all scared about a Lullaby? Is there something I miss?"
SMACK!
Before Gareth can explain it to him, the boy watched Erza punch his companion's face; completely angry for some reason, "You idiot! That's exactly what we're scared about! I was talking about the threat Eisenwald posed earlier! Weren't you listening!?"
...Does... Erza not remember?, Gareth blinks at the two, flabbergasted by the sudden action.
The boy then steps forward and calls out to the armored wizard, "Erza, Natsu was not listening. You knocked him out, remember?"
Erza glares at Gareth for a moment, before her face quickly shifted into a state of shock again. She then ran her hand through her hair, groaned, and then slouched down, "Of course; I remember now. That was just completely stupid of me! Gareth, please hit me!"
"What???" Gareth blurts out, now feeling even more stupefied by her actions.
Erza did not respond back; silently waiting for her expected incoming punishment.
Gareth muttered incoherently, not really knowing what to do about this turn of events; even his instincts, for the first in quite a long while, wasn't sure what advice to give him. So, not wanting to keep things in suspense, Gareth, after several long moments, ultimately decided.
"Um... okay," Gareth said to her, raising his fist.
"DON'T!"
The boy flinched and turn back to the others, barring Natsu who was still rubbing his face while sitting on the ground. Gareth noticed them all extremely sweating, while fidgeting where they stood. "Just.. don't, Gareth," Lucy firmly stated.
Gareth blinks at her and raises an eyebrow, "But... Erza told me to."
"Don't," Happy and Gray both said in-sync; the boy notice the strange longing look in their eyes, "It's for your own good."
Gareth then blankly stares at them, before looking back at Erza, who still hasn't moved from her spot.
The boy then became annoyed, and sighed while he rub his hands up his face and down his hair. "We will talk about this later," the boy wasn't bothered by the others flinching at his statement, "Right now, we got a train to catch!"
Erza looks back up at Gareth and eventually nods, "R-Right then. Let's go."
Meanwhile...
While the team of Fairy Tail wizards were trying to stop a dangerous plot, their Master was having a good time at his conference meeting in Clover Town. It is said that they are responsible for debating on recent rulings made by the Magic Council and/or other events involving their guilds, but when those topics aren't being talked about they would instead hang out like the good buddies they are; catching up on old times, laughing along with some good tales, and even the occasional gossip or two.
That was what Master Makarov was doing at the moment, sitting on one of the many tables with a beer mug in hand while laughing along with fellow guild masters Bob from Blue Pegasus and Goldmine from Quarto Cerberus; both sitting next to him in chairs.
Now, if there was one thing that stood out between these three, it was their different levels of charisma.
"I've been noticing it quite well Makky, but your mood has been wonderfully bright today," Bob opens up, "Care to tell us what's going on?"
"Ahhh, it's nothing much," Makarov said, before smirking at them, "Just that I got myself two new additions."
"Oooooooooooo, do tell?" Bob leaned in, resting his hands on his face.
"Well first, there's Lucy," Makarov began, "She's a very free-spirited girl; when she first came into my guild, she wore the largest smile and brightest eyes I've seen in quite awhile."
"Hmm, she must've really done something to make you feel this way," Goldmine guessed out loud.
"She did," Makarov agreed, "Her display of innocence only further lifted the guild's mood and even resonated within me," he paused for a moment, letting out a sigh, "To be honest, she really reminds me of myself when I was her age; young, carefree, so full of life ready to take on the world."
"It's nice to see that sometimes in our current generation," Goldmine smiled.
"Indeed," Makarov agreed once more, before his smile turned into a perverted grin, "Not to mention the nice curves she's packing."
"Ooooh, stop Makky! You're making us blush!" Bob waved his hand off at his friend, feeling shy and a bit embarrassed at the comment.
Makarov only chuckled at his friend's response, before he continued, "And then there's Gareth. Hmmm, what is there to tell about him? ...Well, I would say he's a wild card."
"What do you mean?" Goldmine raised an eyebrow.
"On one hand, he seems wise. Like for instance, the way he speaks to people sounds broken at times, but the guild nevertheless understands him clearly and furthermore he has accepted his place at Fairy Tail very smoothly," Makarov explains.
"Smoothly?" Bob asked, tilting his head.
"Yes; it's as if he already knows the rules and has grown accustomed to pretty much everything Fairy Tail has to offer," Makarov continues, now sporting a soft smile, "Whenever a member comes up to him, he would always play nice... Well, hehe 'play' is a bit out there; it's more like Gareth likes to be nice. Frankly, I would say he's just another gentle giant with a curious mind. On the other hand..."
Bob and Goldmine notice the adept pause Makarov, as well as the frown he gave off, both wondering why so.
"Is there something wrong with Gareth?" Goldmine slowly asked.
"No, no, nothing's wrong," Makarov assured them, "He's just another boy who has been through a lot and even learned a lot. When he first arrived at the guild, he revealed to me things that I haven't heard in a very long time. Not that it spooked me mind you, but what he told me helped me remember how black and white this world is. How many questions are still waiting to be answered. Ultimately, that's what I saw in Gareth; a boy looking for answers."
The two guild member look at their friend in though, before seeing him show a gentle smile again, "But Gareth's a good kid, and I believe he has a lot of potential to show."
"Well, potential he gives, potential he'll receive," Bob smiles sincerely, while Goldmine nods with him in agreement.
Then suddenly, just as Makarov finished, a blue bird with a tiny white hat carrying a letter within its talons landed next to the old wizard. "A letter for Master Makarov," the bird squeaked.
"Oh, thank you," said master thanked the bird; he then grabs the later and watched the bird fly away to the nearest open window.
Makarov then, with a little of his magic, traced his finger around the letter seal; creating a small projection of the person who sent him the letter.
That person was none other than Mirajane.
"Speaking of women with nice curves," Makarov grinned, before raising his voice, "Gather around everyone! I'd love to show you all Fairy Tail's poster girl; Mirajane Strauss!"
And many people did, as once they saw the beautiful white haired girl, a few couldn't help but whistle.
"Hi Master. Hope you're having a fun time at the conference so far," Mira began with a warm smile, "I'm bringing you this letter because I have great news to share. Erza has returned to the guild and requested Natsu and Gray to form a team with her. Do you know what that means? We may now have the strongest team within Fairy Tail! Isn't that amazing!? Usually, Erza would be here to discuss this more, but she's already out with her team doing something right now. Anyways, I hope you have a great rest of your time at the conference. See you soon, Master!"
After her last words were said, Mira's projection went away. But as it did, some people had already turned away from the barmaid and at the gawked shell shocked master.
"Oh my," Bob covered his mouth.
"Oh boy," Goldmine titled his hat down.
The looks they gave the master were only sympathetic; everyone was aware of the reputation Fairy Tail gave off, so for this announcement to come out of the guild's poster girl herself, they didn't fear the possibilities...
...they feared the consequences.
Makarov's back landed on the table with a loud thud, as he was barely coming to terms of what the announcement for him.
Erza, Natsu, and Gray teaming up? I... am not sure how to feel about this, Makarov slowly thought in his head, Erza, I'm not sure why you made this decision either, but please... please... please don't do anything reckless.
And that is it for Chapter Six! I felt like this was the right moment for Gareth to explain his magic and his instincts towards the group, so I do hope the explanation I gave here is a good one.
Anyways, that's all I have to say for today. Next chapter is where the action of this arc truly begins. Hope you all have a good day, night, or wherever you are; and I'll see you all next time.
See you later, everyone!