Two Days Later: Wednesday, July Ninth; Fairy Tail Guild...
"Hey, Mira, can we get three beers over here, please?" A Guild Member asked the Take Over Mage, having a chat with some friends.
Mira, with a pleasant smile on her face, brought a tray on her right-hand, while balancing three jugs of beer.
"Coming right up!" She happily replied, heading for the table.
While walking over, a Guild member, Wakaba Mine, decided to flirt with the white-haired beauty.
"Hey, Mira, when are you and I going to go on a date?" He asked, as his tobacco pipe started smoking out light-pink heart-shaped smokes.
Across from him, another Guild member, Laki Olietta, with a nervous blush, started scolding him.
"Wakaba, leave her alone!"
Not in the least effected by his charm and flirting, Mira simply went along with his little game.
"Oh, Wakaba, you should know that it wouldn't work out. After all... -She closed her eyes and her body began to glow, surrounding her body... When the smoke cleared, she reappeared as a slightly overweighted, short brown-haired woman.-You already have a wife!"
Wakaba jumped to his feet, quivering at the sight of Mira turning into his wife.
"Would you stop doing that?!" He cried out. "I hate it when you do that! It's creepy!"
All around them, other members of the Guild laughed at the teasing joke the nineteen year-old did to their Smoke Magic Mage.
Cana, sitting a few tables behind Wakaba, groaned in annoyance.
"I wish I can drink in peace," she grumbled.
Sitting nearby her, Macao let out a disappointing sigh.
"You've been drinking all day, Cana. You should slow down." He told her, as he nursed from his own jug of beer.
At the table closest to the Request Board, Natsu laid his chin on the table. Clearly, on the look on his face, he's completely board out of his mind.
"Man, this is getting boring." He grumbled, letting out a deep sigh of boredom. "Even though we've made a million Jewels, it still doesn't make trying to laze around as fun as I thought it world. -He then pushed himself off the table.- Welp, I guess we better go look for a job to make more money and find something else to do that's fun than laying around, doing nothing!"
On the table, munching on a fish, Happy let out an agreeable "Aye!"
While at the Request Board, standing next to Nab, Lucy looked through the numbers of requests for her to choose. Wearing a red t-shirt, a pink-skirt, a leather-belt coiled around her waste, holding her whip and Gate Keys, black-shorts underneath the skirt and dark-brown lace up sandals that reach slightly over her ankles... So far, the jobs she's seeing didn't seem like something she's capable on doing by herself.
"'Finding a Magic Bracelet', 'Breaking a Spell on a Cursed Cane', 'Reading Somebody's Love Horoscope'... 'Hunting a Volcano Demon'? -She let out a slight sigh of frustration.- Geez, some of these jobs are really pushy." 'If I were to get there somewhere between Tuesday and Thursday, or even Sunday, I could summon Plue to help me look for the Magic Bracelet. Unfortunately, the area to where the client lives is a few days away from train and will be Monday by the time I get there and won't be able to summon him. Plus, if I wait until tomorrow to take the job, somebody may already take this job before I get the chance to fully decide to take it.'
"When you do find a job, do let me know." Mira told the girl, smiling brightly at the seventeen year-old. "The master is away on a conference, so I'm covering for him."
Lucy turned to the white-haired Mage.
"You mean the ones for Guild Masters?" She asked.
Surprised that she would know about this, Mira nodded her head.
"That's right," she beamed. "Honestly, I'm surprised that you would know about that."
The seventeen year-old looked away for a moment, staring down at the floor... Her hands holding together.
"My parents were part of a Guild, once*." She explained. "They told me what was needed to be known on what goes on in the Guild, which includes a time when the master would be gone to meet with other Guild Masters."
"Really?" Mira said, intrigued from the news. "What Guild were they part of?"
...Lucy let out a sigh.
"Love & Lucky." She answered, plainly and blunt... And with a hint of anger? Which could be seen in a flash within her chocolate-brown eyes.
Mira was confused, as she stared at the younger-teen.
'Is there something about that Guild, that makes her unhappy?'
Before she could ask the blonde what was wrong, Natsu popped up beside her, smiling his casual grin and folding his arms over his head.
"Hey, Luce, which job are we going on?!"
To his question, Lucy turned to him, a confused look.
"Why do you think we would be going on another job?" She replied, raising an eyebrow. "You two have a million Jewels at the moment, so you don't have any reason to go on a job for a while, unless, somehow, you two were able to blow it all away within the two days."
He just smiled at her.
"Well, we are a team, now." He casually replied, not seeing any reason to why they shouldn't be going on another job. "Plus, even though we made a lot from the mission, it's getting pretty boring, doing nothing all day."
"That's right!" Happy replied. "And since we picked the job last time, it's your turn!"
She folded her arms over her chest.
"Nothing personal or any offense, you guys, but that last job feels as though you only wanted me, because I was a blonde and wanted to use me as bait to sneak into Everlue's Mansion, while impersonating as a maid." She said, turning back to the board. "Besides, you don't exactly need me on your team, anymore, and you appear capable on handling tougher jobs on your own. So, why bother wanting me around?"
...
...
...Natsu simply cocked his head to the side... Then, simply beamed down at her.
"We didn't pick you, because of that job." He assured, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We picked you, because you're our new friend!"
...
...Lucy turned her head to the left, wanting to avoid having any eye-contact with the nineteen year-old... A small-blush spread on her face, hiding underneath some of her bangs.
Watching the two interact... On the inside, Mira was squealing with intense joy.
'Macao did tell me on how Natsu was all jealous, when they rescued him from the Vulcan. But to actually see what's going on, in person... I can see a wedding taking place, very soon!'
"Hey, Lucy!" Gray called out from his table, not noticing that he's wearing nothing but his boxers. "I wouldn't hang out with those losers, if I were you. You're better off getting other job offers, from other teams."
Sitting across from him, Cana chugged down her beer, before decided to point out the obvious to the eighteen year-old.
"Gray, your clothes."
To the mentioning of his clothes gone, Gray got flustered, panicking and trying to figure out what happened to his clothes.
Natsu glared at the raven-haired teen that told Lucy to ditch them... His eyes, flashing a tint of red within his Onyx-black eyes.
He pulled away from the seventeen year-old.
"Jerk!" He responded.
...
...
...The two ended up being at each other's face, their foreheads pressed against each other, glaring hateful daggers at one another.
"Did you just called me a 'jerk', Dragon Boy?" He demanded, a blue-ice aura surrounding his body.
"And what if I did? What are you going to do about it?!" Natsu shoved back, baring his fangs at his rival/friend, as a fire aura encircling him.
"You mouth breather!"
"At least I'm not a coward!"
"You're a spineless wimp!"
"Oh yeah, Stripper?!"
Taking his place beside Lucy, Happy watched them argue from the sidelines, shaking his head at the two.
"They're at it, again." He sighed out.
"Hey, Lucy, you should ditch those guys and join my team, the Team of Love. -Out of nowhere, Loke appeared, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.- Later tonight, just the two of us?"
Lucy gave him an awkward, but irritated glare, feeling very uncomfortable at him touching her.
"Excuse me?" She said, slowly reaching for her whip.
"You're just so stunningly gorgeous. -He pressed up his shades, giving her a flirtatious wink.- I need to keep my shades on should I ever look at you, or I'll be blinded by your beauty."
...
...
...
...
...He ended up being whipped across his face, flying to the ground.
Some of the members, hearing the snap and the thud, turned and watch what was going on before them. Some of them were taken back by Lucy's choice of actions on getting him off of her... Others, simply snickered, very much impressed and even pleased that she wasn't going to fall for his charms.
...Though, a few of them, who paid close attention, were surprised when Happy immediately got on to her shoulder and glared down at the playboy... Even making a warning grumble of a growl, as his ears pulled back, standing on all-fours and fur slightly raising from his tail.
Lucy, not minding Happy to roost on her shoulder, glared down at the playboy.
She snapped her whip straight, making a crackle, which made a couple of people jump by the sound.
"...Sorry, but I'm not those kinds of girls that fall for a deceiver to the heart." She said, putting both hands on her hips. "And be glad that I only gave you a warning. Otherwise, I would summon my big brother to hold you down and whip your hide, just as I did to Natsu."
Loke was taken back by her threat, though very much confused when she mentioned her big brother, never recalling her having anybody with her when she joined Fairy Tail.
...
...
...It was then, when something shiny flashed from her hip and when he saw her Gate Keys... He jumped to his feet and immediately took a few hops away from the blonde, shielding the front-half of his body, while wincing from the wound on his right-cheek.
"You're a Celestial Wizard?!" He screeched, practically shaking in fear.
Lucy, putting away her whip, folded her arms over her chest.
Happy, ceasing his growling, snickered at the trembling older-boy.
"Aye!" He answered. "You weren't here to witness her summoning the cow-man to bearhug Natsu and forcing him to the ground when Lucy whipped his back, because you were off on a date when we got back from Mt. Hakobe."
Just remembering Taurus hugging him to his chest, before stepping on his head to keep him still and Lucy pulling out her whip to 'tan his hide like a cooked lobster', made Natsu quiver and his back to sting from the feeling of the whip smacking him.
...
...
...To the news that she was a Celestial Wizard, in a dramatic style, Loke, with small-tears from his eyes, ran towards the exist.
"Why must you taunt me so, Lady Fate?!" He balled. "I'm sorry, my dear, but I'm afraid we're not meant to be!"
The moment he was gone, everyone around them went back to eating, drinking or even talking to each other. Though, a few were snickering at the poor boy.
Lucy turned to Mira.
"What was that all about?" She questioned.
Mira giggled to her question.
"From what I heard, Loke dated a Celestial Wizard and it didn't go so well. So, to this day, he always had a fear of dating them."
...
...
...
...Something felt off to the seventeen year-old.
'The way he reacted, when he saw my keys and hearing that I was a Celestial Mage... He acted as though I was his "ex".'She pondered, glaring at the door. 'And, with there being so few of us left, it seems very unlikely that he would be able to experience the same problems on dating other Celestial Mages, when we're all so different from each other... So, why did he flipped out like that?'
"Lushi, look out!"
To Happy's cry and fast reflexes, Lucy forced herself to drop to the ground, avoiding Natsu from landing on her, after Gray punched him.
She pushed herself to a kneel, glaring angrily at the raven-haired teen.
"Will you two cut it out?!" She yelled, pulling out her whip.
"Natsu started it." Gray accused, not showing any sign of being sorry for almost having the pink-haired teen to fall on Lucy. "I'm just following through."
Cana, remaining at the table and chugging down her beer, groaned.
"Gray, your clothes."
Again, realizing that he's fighting in his boxer, got flustered, again.
Natsu, picking himself off the ground, cracked his knuckles... His eyes, now flashing a Ruby-red.
"You provoked me," he snarled. "You dirty slime-ball."
"Oh yeah? And what was it I did to provoke you, Fire Clown?" Gray replied, as they both walked back to each other and slamming their foreheads against each other. Glaring angrily at each other.
"You Pervy Flasher, you almost made me hit Luce!" Natsu pointed out, snorting out steam from his nose.
"Pink-haired Punk! You're the one who started it, so you were the one to almost hit her!" Gray countered, as mist of ice left his mouth.
Once she got to her feet, Lucy let out a frustrating sigh, pulling her whip out... Then, like she did to Loke, she slapped both of them across their faces.
Just like with Loke, everyone turned their attention to the two boys on the ground, who started to shake from the burning anger coming from the seventeen year-old.
"What did I just say, about getting into fights that could end up involving others, who don't want to be part of the brawl?!" She ordered, tapping part of her whip in her left-hand.
In response, Natsu and Gray, unintentionally, hugged each other.
Happy, not caring that his friends are being scolded and are scared, simply let out a cat-like yawn... Resting his head against Lucy's, letting out a low purr from the comfort of her strawberry/vanilla scent.
Lucy, keeping her whip in her right-hand, laid both her hands on her hips.
"You two are lucky that you didn't break anything and that I was able to dodge, thanks to Happy." She informed them, her voice calm.
Thinking she was no longer angry, Natsu and Gray stopped shaking and had nervous smiles on their faces... Until they went back to shaking when she stared walking up to them.
"However, the next time you two decide to fight and cause any sign of damage in this guild, even if it were just a scratch to the floor or spilling beer, you two are going to go on a mission that involves fighting a monster and give all the Jewels you earned to Mira! And you both will have to do the job, together! And if I hear that you destroy a building or cause any form of damage to property, I'll have you both be put into Taurus' training session for two weeks! -She brought down the heart-shaped cracker to the floor, inches away from slapping it to their hips.- Understand?!"
...
...
...Both of the boys rapidly nodded their heads to her threat.
Everyone around them, finding it very amusing, laughed.
"You two better heed Mini Erza's warning!" Macao teased, winking down at the two teenagers. "She's not going to take shit from anybody who don't follow the rules!"
"I know! And you would think she's dangerous enough when she's Mini Mira!" Wakaba replied, chuckling. "She may look cute and cheerful, but she's a real she-devil underneath that adorable child-like persona!"
Blushing from everyone responding and talking about her, she pulled the whip back to its spot and started walking towards the bar, stopping beside Mira to request a vanilla milkshake and another fish for Happy.
Just as Mira went to get the girl her request, Loke barged right back into the Guild... He was shaking, gasping for breath... And scared as shit!
"EVERYONE! I GOT BAD NEWS! -Everyone in the Guild muttered to each other, wondering what the bad news could be.- IT'S ERZA... SHE'S COMING THIS WAY!"
...
...
...
...
...Almost instantly, everyone in Fairy Tail began to scream and panic.
Lucy, getting over her embarrassment, looked around in confusion.
"Just saying her name, and the whole room is in a panic." Lucy replied, laughing nervously, as Happy went to hide behind the bar.
Mira, standing beside her, looking calm and no sign of being scared in the least, beamed at the girl.
"She is our strongest Female Wizard in Fairy Tail, and is very much intimidating." She happily informed the blonde. "Basically, compared to how you handled the situation, what she would've done would be many times more frightening and deadly. Which is why, when you handled the situation, we would call you 'Mini Erza'... Though, I'd much rather you stay as 'Mini Me'!"
She pulled the stunned blonde against her, hugging her to her chest and nuzzling her head against her own.
...Lucy blushed at Mira's affection, and was a bit awkward within her hug.
...
...With the exception of the servants at the Heartfilia Household, before she went off on her own nearly two years ago, and her Celestial Spirits... And, a moment ago, Natsu... Not once, had she ever been embraced by another person, before.
...
...And because this is still new to her, she doesn't know if she should return the embrace or not. So, she kept her arms down.
...
...
...Then, the slow sounds of footsteps came into their guild.
"That must be her." Laki whimpered.
"I know that pair of footsteps, anywhere." Wakaba whispered, unable to take his eyes off the person that's incased in the light and being nothing but a black silhouette.
"Yeah... Even the air has gone stiff." Macao whispered back, slightly sweating bullets.
Still within Mira's hug, Lucy watches as the person, carrying something big and shaped in a triangle with the top being curved, slowly makes an appearance at the center of the Mess Hall.
She has straight, long-scarlet hair that reaches to her hip. Her eyes a different form of brown from the blonde, more to appearing as Brown-Garnet. She has a slender, voluptuous figure, which Lucy couldn't help but marvel and found to being amazing. Though, the biggest thing that caught her attention, is the woman wearing custom-made armor which, no doubt, was forged by Heart Kreuz smiths, from the symbol implanted in the center of the armor. Surprisingly, it went well with the blue-skirt and black-boots.
...
...
...Even at a far distance, and hearing how Natsu, Gray and Happy tried to describe her when heading back to Magnolia from their mission, Lucy knew, instinctually, that she's a strong female and somebody she's never to cross or mess with.
The scarlet-haired woman sat down the item she carried over her head... Which, some of the Guild members fear, looked to be either a giant horn or even a fang from some giant monster, which seemed to had been decorated with some gold-lining and maybe even some actual diamonds.
"I have returned." The woman calmly announced, before looking around and laying her sight at the white-haired Mage. "Mira, where is Master Makarov?"
Mira, still hugging Lucy to her chest, beamed up at the red-haired woman.
"Welcome back, Erza." She replied, before letting Lucy go, much to the blonde's relief. "I'm afraid the Master isn't here. He's at a conference, right now."
Finding the time being exact, Erza nodded her head.
"Very well," she acknowledged.
Two members, shaking where they stood close by her, eyed the item she sat down.
"Uhm, Erza, what's that humongous thing you got there?" One of them asked.
All too calmly, Erza answered his question.
"It's the horn of the monster I killed. The locals were so thankful, that they decorated it and gave it to me as a souvenir. -She eyed the two, making them tremble in terror.- Do you have a problem with it?"
Along with the two, most of the people within Fairy Tail all answered.
"NO! NOT AT ALL!"
From the table, drinking from a barrel, Cana whispered to an unease Macao.
"I bet she heard what happened at Mt. Hakobe."
Macao gulped past a lump that formed in his throat.
"Aww man... You think so?"
Lucy, now seeing what Erza is like... Now has some ideas to why the members decided to call her 'Mini Erza'.
'Compared to Mom, she could almost be her twin.' She thought, sweat-dropping from the thought of Aquarius and Erza getting into an argument with each other... It sent shivers down her spine.
"Now, everyone, listen up!" Erza ordered, her voice calm but very strict and stern-like. "While I was on the road, I heard a few things! -Many of the members sweat-dropped from her announcement, fearing for the worst.- Lately, I've been hearing that Fairy Tail had been causing nothing but trouble. And while the master not be that concern about the rumors or caring what the Magic Council say about us, I won't tolerate such reckless behaviors!"
She turned to Cana, who was on her third barrel of wine.
"Cana! -Cana ended up choking on her drink, from hearing the scarlet's voice.- You need to control your intake on alcohol! Vijeeter! -From behind her, the Dancer Mage flinched.- please take the dancing outside! Wakaba! -The Smoke Mage withered in his seat.- Get rid of the that filthy habit of yours!"
Lucy was pretty certain, if Makarov hadn't been introduced as the Guild Master of Fairy Tail, she would've come to think that Erza was the Guild Master.
"Nab! -At the Request Board, the Animal Possession Mage, hoping to not draw out attention and pretend to look for a job, found himself twitching from sensing Erza's glare. Even he wasn't going to be spared by her scolding.- I had a feeling that I would find you at the Request Board, as always. Just pick a job, already!"
When she turned to Macao, the thirty-six year-old went pale.
"Macao..." She started... Then, just simply let out a deep breathe of a sigh.
...Her silence made him scared.
"Please, Erza, just say it!" Macao begged, wanting to get over with her scolding of his failure.
"I don't even know where to begin with you," she sighed out. "You've caused so much trouble, I basically given up."
Slowly coming out from his hiding spot, Happy went back to Lucy's side, before climbing up to hide behind her left-shoulder, underneath her hair.
Since he was being mindful to not bring out his claws and feeling him slightly shaking, Lucy didn't say or do anything to get him off of her or to draw attention from the scarlet-haired woman.
'While she's giving out orders, at least she's the most sane person within this Guild I've seen.'
"Are Natsu and Gray here?"
To put the two in the spotlight, Happy leaned over Lucy's shoulder and pointed a paw to the two boys.
"Aye!" He replied.
...There, to Lucy's confusion and somewhat hilarious humor, she sees the two males locking arms over each other's necks, while their other hands are holding each other, as if trying to shake while giving each other a one-arm bro-hug... With Gray still wearing nothing but his boxers, both sweating bullets and having nervous smiles on their faces.
"Oh, hey Erza." Gray greeted, his voice slightly shaking. "We're just hanging out, like good old friends do. Right, Bro?"
...In a terrible response, Natsu pulled a Happy.
"Aye!"
...Lucy found that to be a bit disturbing, but again, hilarious.
'Are they both pretending to be friends, so that they don't end up getting yelled at by Erza?' She thought, holding in her laughing and snickering. 'Seriously, that's the lamest thing to do, when it's clear that they're just putting on a front.'
Seeming to take in their 'friendly bonding', Erza nodded her head in approval.
"That's good to hear," she said. "I'm happy to see the both of you are getting along with one another. Although, I know that even the closest of friends will lock horns with each other, from time-to-time."
...Somewhat seeing that their plan wasn't working, Gray made an honest remark.
"...I wouldn't say we're that close to being best friends," he replied.
"...Aye." Natsu said, again.
Wanting to know why they're so scared of the nineteen year-old, Lucy turned to Mira.
"Why are they so scared of her?"
To her answer, after borrowing a Light Pen from Reedus Jonah, a Pict Mage, she drew out what looks to be a cartoon-like version of Natsu being beaten up by Erza.
"A few years ago, Natsu challenged Erza into a fight and she ended up beating him up, very badly." She told the blonde, making her smirk at Natsu's stupid reason on picking a fight with somebody, when he stood no chance against.
"After that, she saw Gray walking around, nude, and decided to beat him up, too." Macao added in, embarrassing the Ice Mage.
"And there's also that time she beat up Loke, for trying to hit on her." Cana reminded, seemingly enjoying the sight of the pretty boy being knocked out with a single punch. "He totally deserved it."
Without a doubt, Lucy agreed to that.
"Natsu. Gray." Erza repeated their names, before telling them something that the two, let alone nobody within the Guild, would ever expect to hear. "I have a favor I need you two to do. -Both boys stood up straight, their nervousness and fears gone at the moment.- ...During my travels, I overheard something that has me worried. Normally, I would consult this with Master Makarov before making decisions, but he isn't here and this is a matter of utmost urgency."
They can clearly see, while she seems calm, that in her eyes, it was really something very important.
"...You two are one of the strongest wizards in Fairy Tail... And so, I'm requesting that you two are to assist me in this matter."
All around them, many gasped in complete take back and disbelief.
"Did that actually happen?"
"Erza, asking for help?"
"I never seen that happen before."
The nineteen year-old ignored the whispers going on around them.
"We'll meet at the train station, tomorrow morning." Erza announced.
In response to the news, Natsu and Gray turned to one another, simply staring at each other... Both had serious, unsettling looks on their faces.
"Erza, Natsu and Gray, all on the same time...? I never saw that one coming." Mira whispered, her cheerful smile gone and replaced with an unease, but somewhat exciting expression on her face. "...This has got to be one of the strongest team, Fairy Tail has ever seen."
Lucy, hearing her words, now had a reason to be just a nervous to the news.
'If those three are going to form one of the strongest team in the Guild, that means... Whatever it is that Erza is asking them to join her in, must be very dangerous.'
A hand grabbed for her right-wrist, startling Lucy to turn and to see Natsu now standing beside her, glaring at Erza.
"I request that Lucy is to accompany us!"
The Next Day, at Magnolia Station...
"RRRAAAHH!" Natsu yelled, glaring angrily at Gray. His eyes turning Ruby-red. "I hate this! Teaming up with a pansy like you?! It's the worst idea, ever!"
"Tell me about it." Gray replied, also glaring at the pink-haired Dragon Slayer. "Erza made a terrible mistake, asking a pathetic wimp like you to come along!"
"If that's the case, why don't you go and take care of it, yourself?! I don't wanna go, anyways!"
"First good idea you had, ever! That way, I can enjoy watching her beating you to the ground!"
While a small-crowd watches the two boys arguing, Happy and Lucy, with Plue summoned and sitting in her lap, watch the two fight from a bench.
As usual, Happy was eating on a fish he brought with him. Lucy let out a tiring sigh, shaking her head at the two boys fighting in the middle of public.
Because they'll be out in the sun, while not caring too much on fashion and just grabbed what was closest to get to the train station on time, she chose to wear an orange-spaghetti strapped shirt with yellow-lining, a dark-blue skirt with black-shorts underneath it and her dark-brown lace up sandals. A brown-belt coiled itself around her waist, where her Gate Keys, all tucked within a Key Pouch she bought yesterday at a Magic Shop nearby the Guild, and whip are connected to the belt.
...Around her neck, a brown-necklace is at her throat. Hanging in the center of the necklace, is a silver-ring... Something that gives her strength, and luck... Her most cherished possession that she keeps with her at all times.
Plue, in her arms, his body shaking in a nervous response and the shaky-smile on his face, stood up in her hold to wrap his little-arms around her neck and nuzzle his head against her cheek.
"Something tells me when Erza isn't around, they'll continue to be at each others throats." She remarked, gently stroking Plue's head.
"Puuuun." Plue agreed, resting his face in the crook of her neck.
"That's right." Happy muttered, his mouth stuffed with his catch, before looking over at the blonde. "I'm glad Natsu requested that you come with us, Lushi; it'll be interesting on what Erza will scold you for, should you screw up."
...
...
...He earned himself a pulled at the ear by the seventeen year-old.
"And I can't wait to have Plue take me to where you keep your hidden stash of fish at, when we finish the mission and get back to Magnolia." She countered, giving him a warning glare for making such a comment and hoping she would get in trouble.
As if to agree with her, Plue let out an agreeable "Pun-pun". Even if he and Happy are friends and isn't meant to be a fighter, he'll do anything to protect and defend his master from those who are mean to her.
Immediately, the blue-feline dropped that thought and went back to eating his fish... Though, he stopped, again, to talk.
"...Still... It's actually a surprise that Natsu would make a request to bring somebody with us, when it always been the two of us. -He then flashed her a cat-like grin.- Guess it's because he liii-"
"Sorry that I'm late. Did I kept you all waiting?" A voice interrupted to what Happy was going to say to her, which, also, startled the two bickering boys when they heard Erza's voice.
Smiling, Lucy turned to where the voice came from.
"Nope. Not at al-... Huh?!"
To her complete shock, trailing behind the nineteen year-old scarlet, is a massive amount of suitcases and luggages, all being carried by a large wooden-cart, strapped to hold together by ropes and cables.
Happy, also, couldn't believe his eyes; this is the first mission that he and Natsu are doing with Erza, so they never knew how she chooses to travel.
"That's a whole lot of bags!" He exclaimed.
Lucy couldn't take her eyes off the many bags Erza is bringing with them.
'All of those bags belong to her?!' She cried in her head. 'Unless they contain what she needs in battle, I don't know why she's insisting on bringing so much stuff with us!'
"It's time to go, best buddy!" Gray cheered, wrapping an arm over Natsu's shoulders, with the Dragon Slayer doing the same.
"Aye!" Natsu boasted out with laughter, as the two of them did a form of dance by hoping on one foot.
Lucy simply glared at them, knowing that they're pretending to be friends in front of Erza.
'They really need to stop pretending; they'll probably end up being punished by Erza, for lying to her, whether she already knew about it or not.'
"Good. It's nice to see the both of you getting along." The scarlet-haired mage replied, before turning to the blonde. "And I believe your name is 'Lucy'."
Getting out from her seat, she walked over to Erza, smiling at the older-woman.
"That's right," she said. "I'm still new to Fairy Tail. I hope it's okay for me to come along, even though you needed only Gray and Natsu for this mission."
Erza smiled at the younger-girl.
"It's no problem. The more, the merrier." She replied, not seeing Natsu and Gray dropping their act and going back to glaring each other. "I'm Erza. -She then remember something that she heard from the other members in Fairy Tail, yesterday... And, seeing her key pouch and whip attached to her, and recalling word about a wondering blonde heroine with a whip, she realized who this girl before her is.- Wait a second, I heard about you."
Lucy, surprised by the new that the strongest woman in Fairy Tail somehow knew her, made her a bit nervous.
"Y-...You have?"
She looked over to the guys, thinking that they must've told Erza about her when she left the Guild, only for them to go back into pretending to be happy to go on a mission together when Erza, also, looked over her shoulder to see the guys, before turning back to the girl.
"Yes, quite so." The older-girl replied. "I was told that you hold your own against a Mountain Vulcan with nothing but a whip, and fought alongside your Celestial Spirits... And, on my travel, I was told of a blonde Celestial Wizard who fought and took down some wanted criminals and aid others in need. And, since you clearly match the descriptions, I'm more than pleased to have somebody like you to be joining us on our mission. And for that, I thank you."
...Lucy blushed at the mentioning of her solo travel, as she stared down at the ground, as she gently pet Plue.
"...It's nothing," she whispered. "Really, I'm just glad to be of help."
Erza, after looking over her shoulders to keep an eye on the two males, who were just glaring at each other, again, before pretending to being buddies in front of her, smiled down at the girl.
"I, also, heard that you were able to solve some damaging problems Natsu caused. And, in the process, prevented the Magic Council from getting on our hides about it... And, there's also been word that the Guild had been calling you 'Mini Erza', for trying to maintain order within the Guild."
The seventeen year-old didn't know how to respond to that and, before she could... She found herself being pulled in for a one-arm hug, while finding herself being slammed, head first, against an armored chest.
"And after hearing what I need to know about you, I wish to formally welcome you into Fairy Tail. Also, that I approve your new title. -She pulled the stunned girl back, giving her a big smile.- Welcome to our family, Lucy."
...
...
...Again, her heart felt constricted, when the mentioning of family came into play.
With Plue in her arms, she slightly tightened her arms over him.
...Clearly, she didn't expect a terrifying woman to, actually, welcome her into the guild, when they never knew each other in real life.
'Okay. She may seem scary and act like a drill sergeant, but it seems like she truly cares about others.' She thought, giving the older-girl a nervous smile. 'I guess, so long that I stay on her good side, then I shouldn't have anything to worry about.'
"Although, I must say, that I'm a bit concerned by your appearance." Erza pointed out, eyeing Lucy's skinny figure. "While I do see you have some strength, you show the clear sign of neglect for your body. But, rest assured. -She laid both her hands on Lucy's shoulders.- There are food within the train that should help you. And, when we get back, we shall feast in our victory, that will surely aid you on putting some meat on your bones."
Her only response, was a nervous giggle, now slightly trembling as Plue.
'On second thought, I spoke too soon... And, I think I just found a human-version of Mom and Big Brother... This is going to be a problem, if she tries to force feed me, like Taurus does.'
"Hey, Erza." Natsu called out, no longer butting heads with Gray. "I'm willing to tag along, but on one condition."
Beside him, Gray gaped at him.
"Dude, shut up." He whispered, fearing that he was going to tick Erza off with his request.
"Oh?" Erza replied, curious at the request. "And what is that?"
...He gave her a smug, fang smile.
"When we get back to Fairy Tail... I wanna rematch."
Lucy didn't know what to think, besides the fact that Natsu is definitely insane for requesting a rematch from Erza.
Happy, too scared from the thought of his friend being sent to an early grave, flew up to the sky, waiting for the scarlet Mage to pummel the pink-haired Dragon Slayer.
Even Gray, despite having some form of anger or disgust towards the slight-older teen, thought he was nuts and tried to talk him out of it.
"Did your fire finally fried your brain, numbskull? What's gotten into you?"
Natsu ignored Gray. His main focus, is to get Erza to accept his proposal.
"I'm a lot stronger, than the last time we fought." He pressed on, as fire burned within his eyes. "And I have no intention on losing, again, because I'm going to defeat you, once and for all."
For a moment, Erza went quiet. No doubt, she's considering his proposal. And, because it may be one of the very few things to get him to come along... She came to a decision.
"You certainly showed to have improved, since our last quarrel," she commented. "Although, whether you can beat me or not... Well, we're just gonna have to wait and see, when we get back. -She flashed him a smile.- In that case, Natsu, I accept your challenge."
Fire circled around the nineteen year-old... Then, as he raised his head to the sky, fire shot from his face.
"YEAH!" He roared, pumped with adrenaline. "I'M ALL FIRED UP, NOW! NOTHING CAN BRING ME DOWN! NOTHING!"
"Ugh... I'm gonna die..."
Barely fifteen minutes they got on the train, Natsu, looking a pale-blue, was now under the effect of his motion sickness.
"I swear, you're the most pathetic Wizard I ever knew, Natsu." Gray, sitting next to the window and in the same seat with the Dragon Slayer, replied. Not showing any sign of worrying for his teammate. "One minute you're picking a fight, and then the next you become a sick wreck."
Sitting across from Gray, with Plue sitting in her lap, could only sympathize the torment Natsu is going through.
'I used to suffer motion sickness, when I was little. Though, it was never to this extreme and doesn't happen every time I enter a form of transportation. Plus, it only came a couple of time, before I finally grew out of it. -She looked down at Happy, who sat in-between the two boys, eating another fish.- If only Happy could just fly him to our destination, without having a time limit on using Aera, then he wouldn't have to go through this ordeal. Guess now is a good time to give him the medi-'
"Natsu, come over here, please." Erza told the ill Dragon Slayer, which caught Lucy by surprise.
She felt something unsettling within her stomach.
'Guess she wants me to trade places.'
When the two swap seats, Erza pulled Natsu to rest his head against her shoulder.
"Now, just relax." She told the pink-haired teen.
"Aye..." He whimpered, not knowing was going to happen.
...Then, with one, swift punch in the gut, he ended up sprawling on her lap, unconscious.
"There." Erza announced, smiling at the two younger-teens and feline, who all sweat-dropped at her actions. "That should make the trip a little easier on him."
Lucy stared blankly at the scarlet Mage.
'...I take it back... She's just as insane as everybody else.'
"Erza..." Gray, who seemed calm since getting on the train, spoke. "I think it's about time you start filling us in. What kind of mission are we going on, and why is it so urgent to involve me and the Flame Brain?"
Erza nodded her head.
"Of course. I have reason to believe that the Dark Guild, Eisenwald, is planning something big. I'm not sure what, but I believe it has to do with a secret weapon they call 'Lullaby'."
...Lucy, Gray and Happy all were stunned when she brought up the name 'Lullaby'.
...It was the same name that some bandits they defeated a few days ago, while returning from the job for Kaby Melon and some bandits tried to eat Happy, were whispering about, before a shadow-like hand pulled them into the ground and vanished.
Lucy then remembered seeing something on one of the bandits' left-neck, being the Fortune Teller Bandit that didn't put much of a fight for Gray, while she tied him up to a tree. Pulling out a Light Pen, she drew out a symbol in the middle of the air with her right-hand, with her left still around Plue.
...In the air, in a dark-blue color, she drew what looks to be a Weeping Willow Tree... In its branches, instead of leaves, knives and blades.
"I only heard about the Eisenwald Guild, but I don't know what Mark their Guild carries. However, I was able to see this on one of those bandits we fought a few days ago." She informed the nineteen year-old, who glared at the mark Lucy drew in the air. "They, also, mentioned 'Lullaby', but that was all they said before they vanished."
The imagery stayed in the air for about a minute, before it vanished into dust.
Also not knowing what Eisenwald Mark looks like, Gray didn't seem to disagree to the girl's opinion.
"Even if they were still part of that Guild, they weren't very strong. Plus, since they tried to eat Happy, it's likely they're no longer part of that Guild."
"Which means, they must've been dropped out from the Guild and went into hiding, having no intention on being involved with what Eisenwald is plotting." Erza suggested, finding it very possible.
"Really?" Gray replied, surprised by the possibility. "You saying this 'Lullaby' thing is so dangerous, that it'll even scare Dark Wizards?"
Erza shook her head.
"It's only a hypothesis," she replied. "But, whoever you saw to being Happy's kidnappers, must've been members or used to have some form of tied connection to Eisenwald. It's obvious that they didn't want their plans to get out."
Wanting to learn more what 'Lullaby' and hoping she may had heard something familiar, during her teaching with Master Beru or her two years travel, Lucy asked her a question.
"How did you hear about 'Lullaby'?" 'Given the name it goes by, it could very likely be a form of Sound Magic Tool.'
"It was during my travel back to home, after I completed a job, that I heard a group talking about it in a Pub at Onibus." The nineteen year-old answered, recalling the event as clear as day. "When they talked about it being sealed away, it had me to believe that it's some form of weapon that could be Dark Magic related. One of the members, from what I heard is called 'Kage', informed them that he would bring 'Lullaby' to their leader within three days."
"Are you certain that these guys are from Eisenwald?" Gray asked. "If so, why didn't you try and force the information out of them?"
"...Because, I was a fool, for not recognizing the name on one of their members, known for being the Ace in Eisenwald : Erigor."
The instant she heard that name, Lucy stood to her feet. Plue, in her arms, let out a small-bark "Pun!", startled of his summoner's sudden movement and feeling her arms trembling.
Erza, Gray and Happy were surprised by her standing, as her head bowed, staring down at the floor beneath him.
'...Erigor...' She thought. 'There's only one Erigor I knew, and, there's no doubt in my mind, it has to be him.'
"Lucy?" Happy called out, gently pawing at her leg. "Are you okay? Do you need to go pee?"
...
...In response, the blonde glared at the scarlet Mage.
"...It's Erigor, the Grim Reaper. Isn't it?" She whispered, slowly sitting back down in her seat.
To her question, Erza nodded her head. Her head, lowered in shame.
"I was such a fool!" She yelled, unintentionally slamming a fist to Natsu's head. "If only I'd recognized that name! I would've made my move and pulverized them! I could've forced them to reveal their scheme!"
"No." Lucy replied, catching Erza off guard. "If you'd done so, there's a chance Erigor would've founded 'Lullaby' on his own or with whatever Guild members are left in Eisenwald and, should they find it to being the only way to keep their plan a secret, they would've killed themselves over telling you anything about 'Lullaby'. Besides, -She gently stroked Plue's head, forcing herself to calm both herself and Plue down, and not risk other people hearing their conversation.- if those bandits that jumped us and taken away from that shadow are, in fact, ex-members of Eisenwald, then it's likely Erigor has eyes over all members of his Guild and would've killed those men you encountered, to keep them quiet. So, really, letting them go, is probably the best option you made."
"You seem to know a lot about this Erigor person, Lucy." Gray commented, sounding actually impressed.
Lucy simply gaze at him, worry and deep concern written in her eyes.
"During my travels, I would find a couple of unfortunate victims that Erigor was hired to slaughter, like livestocks. I tried to find some form of clue or information on how to find him and inform the Magic Council of their Assassination Requests, but I'd been unable to find evidential proof to confirm of such activities. -Tears sat in the edge of her eyes.- And the worst part of it all, to this very day, friends and loved ones of those killed by Eisenwald are still in mourning... I even found that they would even kill the clients that hired them to kill, just so authorities don't pinpoint them as the cause of the victims' death and try to rat on them."
Gray nodded his head to her, offering her his condolences, before turning to Erza.
"If what you both are saying about this Erigor guy is true, then, Erza, what you're telling us is that Eisenwald is going to use this 'Lullaby' to do something really bad and we need to stop them."
"That's correct." The nineteen year-old replied. "And I'm not foolish enough to be convinced that I'm can take on an entire magical Guild of assassins, on my own. That's why I want you and Natsu to assist me... We're storming the Eisenwald Guild."
To her word, Gray smirked.
"Sounds like fun to me," he replied.
"Aye!" Happy cheered, knowing that Natsu is going to have fun on beating up a Dark Guild, once they reach to Onibus.
In her own seat, Lucy had her eyes closed and her head lowered.
'And once we get there, I can finally fulfill my promise to the fallen victims of Erigor and their loved ones, to bring the Guild responsible for their deaths, to justice. After all, it's the least I could do, for some of them offering me shelter, when I needed help.'
Half an hour on riding the train, the train stopped to drop off other passengers that aren't going to Onibus. There, one of the workers on the train was offering food and beverages to the remaining passengers.
Lucy paid for their meals, being the only one who thought about bringing Jewels with them.
She and Gray had sandwiches, both being salad sandwiches with small chunks of bacon, ham and olives. Happy, as usual, had fish. Plue was munching on a carrot, and Erza is enjoying a lovely slice of strawberry cake.
...Even though Natsu was knocked out, knowing that he would need some food in his stomach when they got off and will probably need some snack for the rest of the journey, Lucy bought five packs of beef jerky for him and the rest of them.
Her stomach grumbled in satisfaction to the salad sandwich she's eating. She, also, was happy to get food into her belly.
'Thanks to Natsu and Happy for, once again, breaking into my house and eat most of my food, I didn't have enough time to eat anything, other than a banana and some water. I swear, when we get back, I'm going on a new job to buy that Lock Lacrima.'
With the silence fallen heavy around them, she tried to come up with something else to talk about, which doesn't involve their mission... Luckily, a thought came to her.
"...Hey... Erza?" She asked. "If you don't mind me asking, what kind of Magic do you use?"
The nineteen year-old, realizing that the new girl doesn't know about her own magic, was a bit surprised by her question... Which, she was more than happy to answer.
"It's a special kind of Magic," she answered. "You can say, it's both a Caster Magic and Spatial Magic."
"Her magic is really pretty, Lushi." Happy proudly informed. "...Her magic makes her enemy bleed... A lot."
She nearly choked on her sandwich to the cat's words, as she sent a nervous glance down at Happy.
'How does making enemies bleed, be anywhere near pretty?! Is Happy Psychotic, or something?!'
"Although, personally, I think Gray's magic is much more beautiful than my own." Erza replied, earning a smirk from the raven-haired boy.
"You mean this?" He asked, laying his right-fist into the palm of his hands.
...Then, Lucy, Plue, Happy and Erza watches, as an ice-blue magic symbol appeared and steams of mist blew from within his palm... When he removed his hand, an small, ice-shaped sculpture of Fairy Tail's Mark appeared, which he then have it hover in the middle of the air towards Lucy.
She gasped in awe, as she held the ice in her hands.
"That's amazing," she complimented.
Gray smiled kindly at the girl.
"I use Ice Magic," he informed her.
Her lightly gasped at his information.
"Of course," she responded. "It all makes sense. Now I see why you and Natsu don't get alone. He's fire, and you're ice. Two elements that don't mix, together."
Also, seeing to her logic on explanation, Erza seems to now understand the two boys' reason to picking a fight with each other.
"I never thought about that being the issue, until now."
Gray chuckled at the two girls.
"Sort of... But, really, I just hate his guts."
Twenty minutes later, and they finally made it to Onibus Station.
"Do you really think that those Eisenwald guys are still going to be in this town?" Gray asked, uncertain if being in the same town his Guild mate came to, days ago, would just be a waste of time.
"Honestly, I have no idea." Erza answered, pulling along her luggage. "That's why, we're here to find out."
Lucy, walking behind them, stopped in her tracks. Ever since they gotten off the train, an off gut feeling had been setting her on edge.
'If she'd been here a few days ago, then there's a high chance that those Eisenwald Guild members may have fled the city.'She thought, carrying Plue in both of her arms. 'Even if we're to find information on where they were last seen, I doubt we'll be able to find any clues to know where they're going. Even if Natsu and Plue were to find their scents and follo-'
"Hey, where's Natsu?" Happy, sitting on Erza's suitcases, finally spoke up.
...
...
...
...All three of the humans stopped in their tracks... They all realized that the Dragon Slayer isn't with them.
...
...
...They watch, as the train they were just on, had already left the station... No doubt, taking Natsu with it.
"...Uh, oh... There he goes." Happy informed, sounding a bit worried but not showing much a reaction. And, for some reason, just waved at the train.
None of them could've believe that they just left him on the train, when they should've known on how quiet their arrival to Onibus was and how Gray hadn't been bothered by Natsu's antics to get into a fight with him.
"Oh no!" Erza growled out. "I was so busy talking, I've forgotten about him. -She clenched a tight fist, ashamed and angry at herself.- Such an arrogant fool, I am! Natsu hates all kinds of transportation. This is all my fault! One of you! I need you to punch me, for my pedant!"
Lucy sweat-dropped at the scarlet Mage's orders.
"I don't think that's going to help us get Natsu," she plainly pointed out. "The only thing we can do, is inform a conductor or a fellow worker of the train station that an ill passenger was unable to leave the train and that we need to, immediately, stop the train that just left."
Realizing that the blonde was right, Erza immediately ran to one of the workers who, surprisingly, was just standing beside the Emergency Level... Only, instead of informing the worker of the situation of their teammate still being on the train... She just went over and pulled the lever.
Red lights glowed next to the tracks of the train, as a slow, warning bell echoed off the entire station.
When the worker finally took notice on what just happened and saw Erza had used the lever, he began to panic.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, lady?!" He yelled, afraid that he was going to get in trouble. "You can't pull the Emergency Lever, without permission! I can get fired!"
"It's for a good cause." Erza answered, not looking too concerned of the consequences. "We need to get our comrade. Please, do try to understand."
The worker didn't look convinced and, rather than being understanding, he just continued to rabble.
"Are you kidding me?!"
Seeing that he needed to be thoroughly informed of the situation, Lucy ran to him.
"Excuse me, sir!" She cried out, bowing to him in apology. "We're sorry, but this is an emergency! Our Guild member wasn't able to get off the train, because his sever motion sickness got the best of him and was unconscious, during the ride to Onibus. None of us realized that he was with us, until after the train had taken off and one of us finally noticed his lack of presence!"
Hearing the information, the worker did started to back down a bit. Though, the unease and uncertainty written on his face showed he wasn't convinced that they should still stop the train.
Again, Lucy pressed on.
"I know this will delay the schedule, but sir, my Guild and I are on an emergency mission. So much so, that this could end up being a matter of life-or-death! Even a capital threat, if the issue turns deadly and endangers innocent lives!"
In her arms, Plue, while still having his nervous smile, had a serious, stern look in his coal-eyes. A low growl could be heard being made from his throat, as his trembling body made the growl sound a bit shaky.
If his summoner says that it's serious, then he'll be there and stand by her choice, should the human refuse to hear reason.
...
...
...What she didn't expect, as the worker stared at her for a moment, then stared down at the Little Nikola in her arms, before locking on to her key-holder and whip... Was for him to gape in awe.
"It's you!" He cried out, his fear being replaced with true happiness and shock.
Erza, Gray and Happy all stared at Lucy, confused by what the worker just screamed.
The blonde was just as confused to his meaning.
Nevertheless, the adult stepped forward and laid both his hands on her shoulders. His smile on his face.
"You're that girl who saved my wife!" He declared, as small-tears sat at the edge of his eyes.
Again, Lucy didn't know what he was talking about.
'I'm positive, that I never met him. So, how does he know that I saved his wife?' "I'm sorry, but... Who are you, and why do you think I saved your wife?"
He simply beamed down at her.
"Last year, you were in Acalypha Town. My wife was visiting her sister, when some thieves came by the Love & Lucky Guild and tried to rob them. They were probably going to assault them, too, since they were trying to force the female hostages to go with them, if you hadn't stepped in and saved them."
Lucy's eyes widened, recalling the event that took place a year ago, when she was trying to throw her father off track of her location when she heard a rumor that Jude was sending some private investigators to find her.
It was somewhat of a mere coincident that, while going through Acalypha Town to find a way to get to Margaret Town, that she heard of a robbery taking place at her parents' former Guild. And even though she knew that her actions would draw her father's private investigators to her, she didn't hesitated on going to the Love & Lucky Guild and saving those innocent people.
With some help from Cancer and their team effort, they took the thieves down, with little trouble.
Lucy never thought that she would encounter somebody to know about her assistance in Margaret Town, when she tried to leave the scene, the instant her enemies were defeated, before law enforcement took the criminals away.
Pulling away from her, the worker got to his knees and bowed to her.
"You did me, my wife and the people involved in the robbery, a great service." He said, as tears ran down his face. "And for that, my wife and I are forever in your debt."
She blushed at his declaration, feeling embarrassed that he would make such a claim, in public, like he was her servant.
Erza, Gray and Happy all stared at her, stunned to learn their new Guild member has such a reputation, long before she joined their guild.
Erza smiled softly at the blonde.
'She may not look much, but hearing of her great deed on aiding others, it's more than enough to prove of her strength.'"Well, now that's been taken cared of, will you kindly take our baggings to the hotel?"
Remembering where they are and seeing her hand still on the lever, the worker quickly got to his feet.
"Do I really look like a bellhop, to you?!" He yelled, before reaching for his Motorola, connected to his suit.
However, Lucy jumped in.
"Forgive me," she said. "I know this is too much to ask, but we really need to get our friend off that train! Please!"
The conductor very much want to help her with her request, especially since he finally found the very person that saved his wife and sister-in-law. However, he knew that if he doesn't get that train running, they would fall behind schedule and he would be in great trouble.
...
...However, because it was an act of an emergency and recalling that she informed him that it was a life-or-death situation, he's more than willing to heed her request.
"I'll inform the train crew of the situation," he told the teenager. "We'll try and stall it, as long as we can. However, it's probably best that you and your team get yourself a Magical Vehicle, before the head conductor decides to start it back up. -He then turned and stared at the massive luggage of Erza, sweat-dropping at the sight before him.- ...I can, also, try and call a hotel to come and take your baggings."
In relief, Lucy reached out and shook his hand.
"Thank you, Sir." She replied. "We'll take care of the billing to the hotel. -And by them, she really meant herself. Then, she started to take off running to her team, who was already heading for the direction on renting a Magical Vehicle, before turning to the nervous worker.- Do try and stall the train, as long as you can!"
He flashed her a smile.
"Will do!" He called out. "Also, should you ever come back to Onibus, when you're not busy, do try and visit, again! My wife and sister-in-law would like to thank you!"
She nodded her head, before she turned back to her team. In the process, she had Plue go back to the Celestial World.
'I doubt we'll be given much time, before the train starts back up. So, every second counts.'
Luckily for them, renters on Magical Vehicles was just across the street from the station... Although, Erza's calm but scary threat did cost them a few minutes, before the four of them claimed a Magical Mobile and, with Erza taking the wheel and connecting the SE-plug to her right-wrist, drove off to get off road and reach the train tracks.
Lucy and Happy were lucky to quickly get inside the vehicle... Gray, on the other hand, had to ride on top of the car, clinging on for dear life, when Erza didn't give him enough time to enter with Lucy and Happy.
Lucy held Happy in her lap, as she leaned her head out the window... She saw black-smoke. Her gut feeling telling her that it was Natsu.
'Did something happened on the train?' She thought, feeling a bit anxious from the thought of them causing damage to the train. 'They couldn't have crashed, or else there would've been a massive fire... Is he being attacked?'
She looked up and saw that the lamppost beside the tracks aren't red... She knew that the train must've started moving, again.
"Erza!" She called out. "The train's moving, again! It's probably way ahead of us!"
"Got it!" The scarlet Mage replied, and forced the Magical Vehicle to go faster.
It didn't take long, before they were able to see the train. And soon, they were driving alongside it.
...Then, to their shock, they witness Natsu jumping out from the window.
...
...Unfortunately, for Gray, the Dragon Slayer ended up butting heads with their Guild member.
The instant they have Natsu and seeing they were about to hit a white-fence, Erza forced the Magical Vehicle into an immediate stop.
The sudden stop forced the two boys to land on the ground.
"Natsu! Are you alright?!"
Both he and Gray are too stunned from their heads slamming against each other. And yet, he's still able to respond to Erza's question.
"...Aye..."
Lucy and Happy got out of the car, with the seventeen year-old helping Gray to his feet and Happy flying in the air, giggling at Natsu for being left behind on the train, before pulling on his scarf to urge him to his feet.
Once he regained clarity, Gray went into yelling.
"That hurt, you idiot!" He yelled.
Natsu glared at the eighteen year-old, equally angry at the raven-haired boy.
"Shut up, you Icy Freak! Also, why the hell did you guys leave me on the train?!"
Normally, she would be all stern-like and yell at the two for arguing. However, seeing that he was completely unharmed when he jumped out of the window, she's more relieved to see him unharmed.
"I'm just grateful that you weren't badly injured," she sighed out. "I apologize, Natsu."
Then, to Natsu's shock, she grabbed him by the head and pulled him against her armor-chest, giving him a one-arm hug.
Not wanting to set her off, Natsu was quick to drop his anger towards Gray.
"It's okay," he quickly replied.
Lucy, watching the nineteen year-old express her own version on caring for her Guild members, which she views and labels as 'tough love' after receiving her hug at the Magnolia Train Station, she had a nervous smile on her face.
'When it comes to scolding, she almost acts like a wife to a drill sergeant. But, when it comes to expression her concern to the Guild... She still acts like a drill sergeant... Though, more like an overprotective big-sister.'
Natsu shook off having to be pulled into a hug, now calm.
"I'm still a bit shaken up," he informed Erza. "I just got attacked from some weirdo on the train."
"You were attacked?" Lucy replied, surprised that her guess, earlier, was spot on.
"I think it was the same person that dragged away those weaklings that tried to eat Happy. He said he's from Eisenwald."
The instant he said Eisenwald... He ended up being slapped by Erza.
"FOOL!" She yelled, glaring down at a quivering, confused Natsu. "That is exactly who we're chasing on this mission! Why did you let him get away?!"
Gray, Lucy and Happy went pale from Erza's response.
"What are you talking about?" Natsu replied, holding his injured cheek. "This is the first time I heard about it!"
"I explained everything on the train!" Erza yelled, tapping her foot on the ground. "You should listen when people talk to you!"
...Lucy, not sure if she should do so, spoke up.
"...Actually, Erza... You knocked Natsu unconscious, during the train ride, so that he wouldn't have to suffer from his motion sickness. Which is, also, the reason why he was still on the train, in the first place. And such, he didn't hear the conversation we had on the train."
Gray and Happy both gaped at her, thinking that she's insane, for pointing out Erza's mistake.
Natsu, also staring up at the blonde... Went pale, fearing that his mate just put herself at risk to being Erza's new target to turn her anger against.
'I wouldn't care if somebody else gets yelled at by Erza, if it means I can get out of this... However, when it comes to Luce... I DON'T WANNA END UP LOSING MY MATE!'
...At first, the scarlet Mage turned her angry glare at the blonde that spoke up...
...
...
...
...
...Then, to their shock... She grabbed Lucy by the shoulder, and pulled her against her armored-chest.
"...You're right!" She cried out, once again, sounding very disappointed with herself. "How could I forgotten?! I knocked him unconscious, and abandoned him on the train, leaving him with no knowledge on the task of the mission and allowing our enemy to get away! I'm such a fool!"
Lucy was certain, at that moment, she may have coughed up her spleen... Or, her very soul. She didn't know which, but it sure feels like she was having the life squeezed out of her.
"...Erza... Can't breathe..." She whispered, unable to move her arms.
"This is all my fault! Natsu! Gray! One of you! Hit me! I need to be punished for my pedants!"
"...I'm surrounded by crazy people..."
"Pretty much!" Happy replied, popping up at the side.
It took a moment for Erza to finally snap out of her self-guilt and, much to everybody's relief. Lucy, especially; she was certain that her bones were grind into dust and could've gained a concussion, after the second bear hug.
She went to the Magical Vehicle, getting back on the driver's seat.
"So, he was on the same train that we were on." She said, snapping the SE-plug back on her arm. "Let's find him."
Curious as to know who they would be facing, Gray held off his anger towards Natsu.
"Well, what was this guy like?" He asked.
Natsu folded his arms over his chest.
"In my opinion, he doesn't look like somebody from a Dark Guild... But," he prompted. "He had this strange, flute-thing. It looks like a skull, except it had three eyes."
Gray looked uncomfortable by the description of the flute.
"That's creepy, and disturbing." He commented.
...Lucy, paled.
"...A three-eyed skull...?" 'I never heard of a Sound Magic Item that takes the form of a skull, let alone a three-eyed skull... Which means... It has to be that 'Lullaby'!'
"Is something wrong, Lucy?" Happy asked, pawing at her leg, sensing her fear.
"It's-... I heard about a flute, that has a skull with three eyes... And it's name, is Lullaby... the Cursed Song. -She gave her team a nervous look.- I thought it was a Sound Magic Spell or Item, but I was wrong... It's Curse Magic*, that causes death!"
They all gave her an unease look from her claim.
"Are you serious?!" Natsu asked, his fists trembling with rage that he didn't even try and take it from that Eisenwald Member that attacked him on the train. And now, he basically put innocent lives at risk, should Eisenwald decide to use it.
"A cursed song? Like an incantation?" Gray questioned.
Happy, feeling a bit shaken from the news that the flute Natsu founded can cause death, leaped into Lucy's arms.
She allowed him to take in the comfort of her arms, though did nothing to soothe him, while in her state of fear.
"I only read about it in books, so I don't know the whole detail on what it can do." She answered, slightly paling from the thought of learning that the flute, itself, actually exists, when she thought her Master Beru was trying to give her nightmares for thinking she was slacking off on her Celestial Magic Training. "What I do know, is that there are deadly spells that are forbidden for Wizards to use and cast. And Cursed Magic and Cursed Magic Items, are one of those items that are classified to being the most forbidden for anybody to use."
Erza, backing the Magical Vehicle to her team, also, had an unease look; she, too, know the law about Wizards being forbidden on using Cursed Magic.
"That's right... There are Cursed Black Magic Spells that can kill the person they're used on." She stated, waiting for the others to get into the vehicle.
"...And, if what I learned about Lullaby is true, then it's much worse than other Curse Magic."
Lucy's words made her team much more worry... They never thought what she would tell them, would have them realize how dire their mission had become.
"...Because, Lullaby is no mere tool for casting death curses... It's a Demon Flute."
TBC
*: You would think, because Jude and Layla were part of a Guild, that Lucy would've know about the conference meeting the Guild Masters would go to, already. Including about the Dark Guild, since Love Lucky are a Non-Mage Merchant Guild... No doubt, they became targets for thieves and Dark Guilds, even if there are certain members within the Guild that could protect/defend themselves and the Guild from them. So, for her safety, Layla, Jude, Master Beru or at least some of the servants would've told her about this information.
*: I know, in the show, Lucy said its Death Magic. However, the Fairy Tail Wiki stated that Lullaby is Sound Magic and Curse Magic. Don't know if there was a mistranslation, or a typing error, but there's nothing on Lullaby's profile that says it's Death Magic. Only, that it causes death.
R&R
