Well I said I would have this chapter out before I wrote anything else, so here it is. This chapter will start the Lullaby Arc, which will probably be split into three or four chapters(just a rough guesstimate right now). Also Erza will be returning this chapter :) This story has also passed 100 reviews, which is totally awesome, and we're already almost at 300 followers/favorites. Regarding the poll, looks Wendy will be getting a secondary magic(by an almost unanimous decision). Wendy will be getting Cobra's poison dragon slayer magic, as her secondary magic. I chose poison, because Wendy's sky magic can be used for healing, while poison magic would be very deadly. I thought it would be cool that the two magics would counter balance each other. Remember to vote in the new poll about whether Yukino should Fairy Tail or not, it will be up on my profile. One last thing before I get to the chapter, did you guys see the newest Fairy Tail chapter(438)!? It was so nostalgic and awesome, the NaLu moments were so funny. The one thing I'm not to keen on is Erza being the new master. Yeah, it's cool that she's master, but it just feels weird to me, you know I just can't picture her as a guild master. Don't get me wrong, Erza has every ability needed to lead a guild, and out of everyone present currently she was definitely the most capable person. But I just can picture Erza being master for too long, she belongs on Team Natsu, going on missions and having adventures. Not stuck in the guild, and going to meetings. I hope this thing with Erza being master doesn't last too long, and someone else takes over, or she turns down the position. Because Erza hasn't officially accepted the being master yet, so I'm hoping that she politely turns down the job, because she seemed really flustered when they wanted her to be master. Honestly I'm hoping that Laxus comes back soon, and he takes over being master instead of her. Then there was the thing with Mest (yeah he's going by Mest now instead of Doranbolt) at the end, which was fucking awesome. Apparently something happened to Makarov, and Fairy Tail needs to go and save him, maybe he'll be master again once they save him, who knows. I just can't wait to see what happens next chapter, next week can't come soon enough! Sorry about that guys, but that chapter got me jacked up on Fairy Tail goodness(accept for the Erza being master stuff, please just let that blow over). So I won't waste anymore of your time, let's get to the fic.
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
Magic
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does.
(One Day After the Everlue Mansion Mission)
"Hmmm?" Lucy hummed, as she scanned over the various missions on the request board. "Let's see, what would be a good mission to go on with Natsu?" Lucy reached out and grabbed several request, quickly scanning over each of them. "Searching for a magic bracelet? Boring. Removing a spell from a cursed stick? Lame. Fortune telling love with astrology?!" Lucy's face reddened slightly when she read this request. "This mission would be perfect for me, but Natsu wouldn't have anything to do, so nope. Exterminating a monster on a volcano?!" Lucy glanced at Natsu, the dragon slayer was talking with Mira at the bar, and put the request back on the board. "Natsu would love to do that mission, but I don't exactly feel like dying today." The celestial spirit mage sighed heavily and placed her hands on her hips.
"What's wrong Lucy?" Mirajane asked, turning away from her conversation with Natsu.
"Yeah Luce what's up?" Natsu asked, standing up from his seat at the bar. "Are you looking for a job to go on?"
"Yes, but there's just so many types of missions to choose from." Lucy said with a huff, as she grabbed another request form. "I can't seem to find the right one."
"Well if you find a job that interest's you let me know since Master isn't here right now." Mirajane said with a smile, as she started wiping down the bar.
"I hope you find something good Luce, because I'm itching to go on a good mission." Natsu said with a large grin, before he walked over to Elfman on the other side of the guild.
"Actually Mira-san, where is Master?" Lucy asked with a confused look, as she looked at the spot on the bar where Makarov usually sat.
"He has to attend the regular meeting, so he'll be out for a while." Mirajane replied, making Lucy raise a blonde eyebrow.
"Regular meeting?" Lucy parroted with a confused look.
"It's a meeting where guild masters from other towns come to give reports about their guilds." Mirajane explained, making Lucy more confused. "It's different from council meeting, but...umm I guess it can be a bit difficult to understand." Mirajane tapped a finger to her chin, as she thought of a way better way to explain things to Lucy. She suddenly snapped her fingers, and turned to look at Reedus. "Hey Reedus, can I borrow your Light Pen?"
"Oui." Reedus answered, handing Mirajane the magic pen over his shoulder.
"Lucy, you couldn't have possibly know the organizational chart of the mage world when you just joined a guild, right?" Mirajane explained, using the Light Pen to write in the air. Mirajane hummed happily, as she drew a diagram to use in her explanation. While Mirajane was drawing, Lucy took a seat at the bar. The beautiful, white-haired barmaid started her explanation again at the top of her diagram. "The ten council members who have connections to the government hold the highest positions in the magical world. They exist to protect order in the mage world. The council also has the power to try mages who commit crimes." Mirajane then pointed to the middle of her diagram. "Guild masters are right underneath the council. Their job is to smoothen communication between guilds in every town, and to notify their guild members about council decisions, as well as bringing them all together. It's quite a difficult job to do."
"I had no idea that all the guilds were connected." Lucy said, as she turned her head to look back at the request board.
"Connections between guilds are important. If neglect these..." Mirajane said, making Lucy turn her head back to look at her.
"Evil people from the darkness will come to get yoouu." A dark and demonic voice said from behind Lucy.
"KYA!" Lucy screamed, as she jumped in her seat.
"HAHA! You should have seen your-" Natsu started to laugh, but he was cut off when Lucy's fist came crashing down on his head.
"Don't scare me you bastard!" Lucy yelled, as she panted slightly, her heart racing.
"Sorry Luce," Natsu apologized with a toothy grin, as he rubbed the lump on his head.
"They're really cute together." Mirajane thought with a smile on her face. "It's really obvious that she likes him, but I'm pretty sure Erza has feelings for Natsu as well. I haven't know you very long, Lucy, but it feels like we've been friends for years. In the few days that she's been here, she has made friends with just about everyone in the guild. I want her to be happy, and Natsu obviously makes her happy. But Erza probably likes Natsu as well, and I can't ignore my own feelings. Hmmm? Maybe there's a way for all three of us to be happy."
"Hmph," Lucy said as she crossed her arms and looked away from Natsu. "I accept your apology, but I'm still mad at you."
"Come on Luce I'm sorry!" Natsu pleaded, the familiar tugging in his chest telling him to make Lucy happy. "Please don't stay mad at me!"
"Calm down Natsu, I'm not mad at you." Lucy said with a sweatdrop, making Natsu smile. "Just sit down and let Mira-san finish her explanation."
Natsu quickly nodded, and retook his seat at the bar next to Lucy. But when Lucy turned to look at Mira, she was surprised to see that the barmaid appeared to be in deep thought.
"Uh, Mira-san?" Lucy asked, tapping the eldest Strauss sibling on her shoulder.
"Huh? What? Oh! Sorry about that Lucy, I kinda spaced out there for a sec." Mirajane said with a chuckle, as she rubbed the back of her head in embarassment. "Okay, let's get back to my little presentation. Now, Natsu wasn't wrong when he mentioned people from the darkness. We call any guild that doesn't belong to the league, a dark guild."
"They don't follow the law, so they're scary." Natsu commented with a grin, putting his hands behind his head.
"Aye!" Happy cheered.
"Then I'm sure they'll come and recruit you soon." Lucy said with a sigh, putting a hand on her hip.
"Anyway, I think Mira is finished with her explanation now, so why don't you pick a job for us Luce?" Natsu suggested, his grin widening.
"Yeah! We chose the last mission without consulting you. So it's your turn to pick the mission Lucy!" Happy exclaimed, sprouting his wings and flying into the air.
"I'm still a little peeved about that!" Lucy thought, as a mischievous smirk spread across her face. "Oh, I'm so gonna get some payback on those two."
"Don't mess around!" Lucy exclaimed, as she turned her back to Natsu and Happy. "We're splitting up! Find someone else for your team!"
"W-What?!" Natsu asked in a shocked tone. The dragon felt as if he had just been punched in the gut. He could feel his heart pounding erratically in his chest. "No, no, no! What did I do wrong this time?!"
"You'd have probably taken in any blonde girl for that mission to Everlue Mansion, wouldn't you?!" Lucy asked in faux anger, tugging on her blonde locks.
"Yeah, I could have picked any blonde girl, but I picked you Lucy." Natsu replied with a small smile. "Because you're awesome Lucy! You're nice, funny, caring, smart, strong, and really pretty!"
Lucy fought back a raging blush, and she pursed her lips to hide the smile that was trying to spread across her face. Natsu grinning at her wasn't helping her keep up her fake anger. The celestial spirit mage started to sweat a little, as she tried to keep up her annoyed visage.
"You don't have to force yourself to team up with anyone, especially flame brain over there." A cool voice said from the table behind them.
Lucy and Natsu turned around to see Gray Fullbuster sitting at the table right behind them. The ice user was grinning, as a cigarette hung from his mouth. Lucy also noticed that Loke was standing next to Gray. Loke noticed that Lucy was looking at him, and quickly gave her a wink.
"You defeated two mercenaries from the Southern Wolves guild, and a guerrilla-like maid, right? That was really amazing." Gray said, giving Lucy a thumbs up.
"Uh, that was actually Natsu." Lucy said, making Gray frown.
"So it was you, flame bastard?!" Gray exclaimed, grabbing Natsu by scarf.
"Got a problem with that you ice princess?" Natsu shot backing, butting heads with Gray.
"Why exactly are they fighting?" Lucy asked with a sweatdrop.
"Gray...your clothes are gone again." Mirajane said, pointing to Gray's lack of clothing.
"GAH! What?! When?! How does this keep happening?!" Gray exclaimed, as he looked down to see that he was only dressed in his boxers.
"God you're such a pain in the ass, pervert." Natsu said in a deadpanned tone.
"Did you just call me a pain in the ass, you flaming pile of shit?!" Gray yelled, instantly back to butting heads with Natsu.
"The biggest pain in the ass, you perverted ice bitch!" Natsu yelled back, baring his fangs.
"That's it you flaming fuckwad!" Gray screamed, throwing Natsu to the ground.
"Oh! It's go time you stripper!" Natsu roared, as he shot up and tackled Gray to the ground.
An all out brawl ensued between Natsu and Gray. They wrestled on the ground, often exchanging punches and headbutts whenever possible. As the dragon slayer and ice mage fought, Loke sauntered over to Lucy.
"You're really beautiful." Loke said, putting on all of his charm. He placed his hands on Lucy's shoulders and smiled at her. "Even looking through the dark shade of my sunglasses you're still so beautiful." Lucy groaned, and pinched the bridge of her nose. "If I were to look at you with my bare eyes, they'd probably shatter into pieces due to your sheer beauty."
"Then please take of your fucking sunglasses." Lucy said in an annoyed tone, slightly glaring at Loke. "We're inside, you shouldn't even be wearing sunglasses."
Natsu had tensed the second he heard Loke begin speaking to Lucy. This hesitation had caused him to take a punch from Gray. As Natsu's head whipped back, he spotted Loke put his hands on Lucy's shoulders. He then heard Loke try to flirt with Lucy. An intense feeling of possession and rage instantly filled Natsu. The dragon slayer felt like this whenever someone touched or flirted with Erza or Mira as well. He had gotten used to the flirting over time, because people flirted with Mira almost everyday. But touching was something that Natsu hadn't gotten used to yet. So when Loke touched Lucy, Natsu saw red.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER YOU BASTARD!" Natsu roared, as he broke away from his fight Gray.
Lucy and Loke turned their heads towards the source of the exclamation. They both went wide-eyed when they saw Natsu sprinting full speed at them, flames surging off his body.
"Shit! Not again!" Loke exclaimed, as he turned to run away.
But it was too late, Natsu caught up with Loke and grabbed him by the back of his jacket. The dragon slayer whipped Loke around, and hoisted him into the air by his collar. Loke gasped when he saw that Natsu's eyes were full of white hot fury. Veins bulged on Natsu's head, as he cocked his fist back.
"NATSU! STOP!" Lucy screamed, as she grabbed onto Natsu's shoulder. She hissed in pain, Natsu's skin was scorching hot. Enduring the pain, Lucy started to shake Natsu's shoulder. "NATSU! CALM DOWN! I'M FINE! PLEASE PUT LOKE DOWN!"
Hearing Lucy's voice had a calming effect on Natsu. He turned his head to look Lucy, but what he saw made his heart sink. Lucy looked scared, as she clenched her eyes shut from the pain she was feeling. Natsu knew he had to act fast or Lucy would end up being afraid of him.
"Oh God Luce, I'm sorry." Natsu said, as he set Loke on the ground. "I did't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry that I hurt you, that's the second time that I've hurt you. I just saw Loke touching you, and something snapped inside me, and...shit I'm sorry Lucy!"
Before Lucy even had a chance to say anything, Natsu ran out of the guild. Lucy sighed, and turned to look at Loke. He was currently leaning against the wall, panting slightly.
"What was that all about?" Lucy asked, walking up to Loke. Her keys clinked together as she walked up to the mage.
"I-It's happened be-" Loke stopped mid sentence when he spotted the celestial gate keys on Lucy's hip. "You're a celestial spirit mage! Oh what a cruel twist of fate! I'm sorry but things must end between us!"
"But there's nothing between us." Lucy said with a confused look.
Like Natsu, Loke immediately sprinted out of the guild with a horrified look on his face. Lucy had a confused look as she returned to the bar, where Mira was currently cleaning some dirty beer mugs.
"Do you have any idea what that was all about Mira-san?" Lucy asked, as she retook her seat at the bar.
"Oh, Natsu is really overprotective." Mirajane replied, emphasizing the word really. "He did the same thing to Loke when he touched me a few months back. But it was much worse that time, because Loke had ran his hand down my thigh. It took six people to pry Natsu off Loke. Natsu actually used to fight with anyone that flirted with me, but since people hit on me everyday he kinda got used to it. But he's never been used to people touching Erza or I, and you too apparently."
"So he was just being overprotective?" Lucy thought, as she glanced to the doors that Natsu had ran out of.
"I remember the first time Natsu had done something like this. It happened about a year and half ago. Natsu and Erza were on a mission, and a mage from Blue Pegasus had tried to feel Erza up. Normally Erza would deal with any perverts that tried anything. But this time Natsu snapped, and he just went off on the guy. Erza had never seen Natsu so angry. The mage had to hospitalized for two weeks, and master made Natsu formally apologize to the master of Blue Pegasus for his actions." Mirajane sighed, as she looked down at the bar. "Erza wouldn't talk to him for a whole week after that. But when they finally did start talking again, they acted as if nothing ever happened. Ever since that incident they actually seemed to be closer than ever."
"I know Natsu was just looking out for me, but he really scared me just now Mira-san." Lucy admitted looking down, as she placed her slightly shaking hands in her lap.
"It was scary when it happened to me to...but it was also very exciting." Mirajane said, making Lucy's head snap up. "I know you felt it too Lucy. The sheer power that Natsu exerts when he's angry. Yes it's frightening, even overwhelming at times, but it's also exhilarating and very alluring."
Lucy's face blushed bright red at Mirajane's words. She didn't want to say it, but Mira was right. When Natsu had grabbed Loke, she could feel the raw power and energy dripping off the dragon slayer. It drew her in, and made her feel oddly safe. Even though Lucy was terrified, she knew deep in her gut that nothing bad would happen to her as long as Natsu was near. Lucy also hated to admit that she was really turned on by Natsu's display of power and aggression. The celestial spirit mage could feel her panties dampening slightly, as she rubber her thighs together.
"You better talk to him quick, before he thinks you're afraid of him and does something stupid." Mirajane suggested, earning a nod from the blonde.
Lucy stood and walked over to Happy. The blue cat was sitting on a table near the back of the guild, quietly eating a plate of fish.
"Happy?" Lucy asked, standing next to the cat. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure thing Lucy!" Happy cheered, as he stood up.
"Can you find Natsu, and bring him back here? There's been a misunderstanding, and I need to talk to him." Lucy said, as she pointed towards the front doors. "Natsu ran out of the guild a few minutes ago. If you hurry, you could catch up to him."
"No problem Lucy, I'll be back in a flash." Happy quickly sprouted his wings and flew out of the guild.
Lucy took a seat at the table, and waited for Happy to return. After about five minutes the guild's front doors opened, and Happy flew in carrying a very sheepish looking Natsu. Happy quickly deposited Natsu at the table Lucy was sitting at, and sat back down to finish his fish. Natsu had quickly averted Lucy's gaze, and stared at the wall across from them.
"Listen Luce," Natsu said sheepishly, still avoiding eye contact with Lucy. "I'm sorry about going off on Loke. I know you didn't need me to protect you, and I went way too far. So if you still don't want to be a team anymore...I'll understand." The last part hurt Natsu to say, but if being away from her made Lucy happy, Natsu would distance himself from her.
"No, Natsu I still want to be on your team with Erza." Lucy said with a smile, making Natsu's head snap towards her. "I was just messing with you earlier, when I said I didn't want to be on your team anymore. I love being a team with you and Happy, and I can't think of any better teammates than you two."
"Thank God!" Natsu said breathing a sigh of relief. "I thought that I scared you, and that you were gonna avoid me."
"Natsu I'm not gonna lie to you. I was scared earlier, when you attacked Loke." Lucy said, causing sadness to flash in Natsu's eyes. "But I felt oddly safe and protected when you were like that. I knew that nothing bad could happen to me, because you would protect me."
"Really?" Natsu asked, a faint blush across his cheeks.
"Yeah, it was really strange." Lucy sighed and stood up from her seat. She walked around the table and sat next to Natsu. The blonde gently placed her hand on Natsu's shoulder. "Natsu I get that you want to protect me, but Loke is a fellow guild member, one of our nakama. You can't be going around and hurting your comrades just because you feel like you have to protect me. I'm a young, attractive girl Natsu. People are gonna try to flirt with me, or try and make a move on me. So if a guild members flirts with me, or tries to touch me, let me deal with them. But if it's an enemy or some pervert on the street, feel free to kick the shit out of them."
"Okay Lucy I understand." Natsu said with a smile. The dragon slayer then did something Lucy wasn't expecting. He leaned forward, and embraced her in a tight hug. Lucy's face flared at the sudden contact, and she was so shocked that she didn't move at all. "I'll try to stay calm if it's one of our nakama, but if it's some jerk we don't know I'm kicking their ass."
"Tch, that's so sweet I think my teeth are gonna rot." Gray said in a bored tone, interrupting Natsu and Lucy's little moment.
"Damnit ice princess! Why the fuck did you have to but in?!" Natsu exclaimed, letting Lucy go and storming over to Gray.
"Because you bitched out on our fight with me to go threaten Loke. Then you ran away like a little pussy." Gray said poking Natsu in the chest, earning a fierce glare from the dragon slayer. "I want to finish our fight from before, no interruptions this time."
Natsu didn't say anything, instead he grabbed Gray's shoulders and headbutted him. The unexpected headbutt sent Gray sprawling to the floor. Wiping some blood from his nose, Gray looked up to see Natsu grinning down at him.
"Let's dance you icy pervert." Natsu said, cracking his knuckles.
"That was a cheap shot you flaming jackass!" Gray yelled, as he tackled Natsu to the ground.
Again Gray and Natsu rolled around the guild, exchanging blows back and forth. Natsu had just managed to kick Gray off himself, when Loke burst back into the guild. Everyone turned to look at Loke, who was panting and out of breath.
"Oh, you're back Loke." Mira said with a sweet smile. "Why are you so out of breath?"
"S-She's back." Loke replied, making the entire guild gasp. Natsu and Gray both stopped mid punch to look at Loke. "Natsu! Gray! Erza is back!"
"Erza is back! Shit I better get out of here!" Gray yelled, as he made a beeline for the door.
"Sweet! Erza is back!" Natsu cheered, as he turned to face Lucy. "You'll finally get to meet Erza, Lucy! I know you'll love her!"
"Oh, it's so good to have Erza back!" Mirajane exclaimed with a smile, as she clapped her hands together. "I haven't seen her in almost a week. We have to catch up!"
While Mirajane and Natsu seemed happy to see Erza return, the rest of the guild had gone deathly quite. Lucy noticed that everyone was drinking quietly, and all the arguments and talking had stopped.
"Why is everyone so tense? From what Natsu has told me, Erza is really nice." Lucy thought with a quirked eyebrow.
"I think I'm gonna go home now." Loke said, as he started to follow after Gray.
Right when Gray reached the guild's front doors, they slowly began to open. Gray stopped dead in his tracks, as a figure appeared in the doorway. The first thing Lucy noticed was the clanking of armor, as a lone figure walked into the guild. Next Lucy noticed the figure was carrying what appeared to be a large, ornately decorated horn over their shoulder. Finally, Lucy could make out the person's details. What she saw shocked her, the woman that had walked into the guild was beautiful. It definitely was Erza Scarlet.
Erza had stunning scarlet hair that went down to the small of her back. Her brown eyes were warm and inviting, yet at the same time hard and fierce. She had a slender and voluptuous figure, that had Lucy in awe. Erza was wearing a custom set of Heart Kruez armor, with a blue skirt and a pair of black boots. The armor set consisted of a metal breastplate, with a high armored collar and plated shoulderguards with each side being composed of four metal plates. On the breastplate's left side was the symbol of the Heart Kruez fashion company. Lastly the armor's waist guard was composed of three plates, each held up by Erza's belt. If looks could kill, Erza would have slaughtered everyone in the guild.
"I'm back." Erza said, walking up to the bar and setting the massive horn down. "Mira is Natsu back yet?"
"Yes, he got back a few days ago." Mirajane said with a smile, as she pointed to where Natsu was standing.
"I'm right here Erza!" Natsu cheered, waving to her from where he stood next to Lucy.
"Oh it's great to see you Natsu!" Erza said, as she walked up to the dragon slayer and pulled him in for a tight hug. His head banged against her armored chest, but he didn't mind at all. "I missed you Natsu."
"I missed you too Erza." Natsu said with a smile, as Erza released him her hug. "Actually Erza, I want you to meet someone!" The dragon slayer stepped aside, revealing Lucy. "This is my good friend Lucy! I've told you about her a couple times. Well I caught up with her a few days ago, and she joined the guild."
"Oh, so you're the Lucy, Natsu has told me about." Erza said with a smile, as she extended her hand. "I'm Erza Scarlet, it's a pleasure to me you."
"I-It's an h-honor to meet you E-Erza." Lucy stuttered out, still slightly in awe of Erza. She extended a shaky arm, and shook Erza's hand. "Natsu has told me so much about you, and I've read about you in the Weekly Sorcerer. You're an amazing mage, and you're considered the strongest woman in Fairy Tail."
"Well I hope he's only told you good things about me." Erza said with a smile, releasing Lucy's hand.
"Natsu only had the nicest things to say about you, trust me." Lucy said, as she turned to look at Natsu.
"Well I have nothing bad to say about Erza." Natsu said with a grin, earning a smile from Erza.
"Is the master here, Mira?" Erza asked, turning to the white-haired barmaid.
"No, he's currently attending the regular meeting." Mirajane replied with a smile. "It's great to have you back Erza."
"It's great to be back Mira. When I have time later, we'll catch up." Erza said, earning a happy nod from Mirajane.
"Uh E-Erza-san...what is that...giant thing?" A guild member asked in a shaky voice.
"This thing?" Erza asked, placing her hand on the large horn. "The local townspeople decorated the horn of a demon i had defeated. They gave it to me a souvenir. Will it be a nuisance here?"
"N-No! It's perfectly f-fine!" The guild member said in a panicked tone, frantically waving his hands defensively.
"Why is everyone so afraid of Erza?" Lucy thought in confusion. "She been really nice so far."
"Anyway guys." Erza said, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at several guild members. "I've heard that you all have been causing trouble again. Even if master forgives you, I won't." Erza's upset tone made most of the guild members cower in fear.
"Oh, that's why everyone is afraid of her." Lucy whispered to Happy.
"Yeah, Erza is really strong." Happy said, raising his paw.
"Cana!" Erza exclaimed, startling the brunette. "Put the barrel down, and drink like a normal person!"
"Vijeeter! Take your dancing outside!"
"Wakaba! You're damn cigarette butts are all over the floor!"
"Nab! Stop loitering around the the request job, and pick a damn job already!"
"*Sigh* You guys give me such trouble sometimes." Erza said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "However, I'll let everything slide today, and won't say anything."
"She's said quite a lot already." Lucy said in a low tone, as she turned to Happy. "Is she like a disciplinary enforcer or something?"
"She's Erza!" Happy replied with a smile.
"Happy, is Gray here?" Erza asked the blue cat.
"H-Hey, Erza..." Gray said, shaking in fear. The ice mage was forcing a smile, as he wrapped his arm around Natsu neck and shook his hand. "I-I'm getting a-along with N-Natsu like a-always."
"Aye." Natsu said, as he leaned in to whisper to Gray. "I'm only helping you, because I feel bad for you, ice princess. I don't want Erza to beat the shit out of you, I'd rather do that."
"Just shut up and smile." Gray whispered back, fear evident in his tone.
"I see...best friends do fight every once and awhile." Erza said with a smile, nodding her head. "But I'd much rather see you two get along all the time."
"E-Erza I've t-told you that N-Natsu isn't my b-best friend." Gray protested weakly, his arm still around Natsu's neck.
"Did you say something Gray?" Erza said, glaring at the ice mage.
"N-No ma'am." Gray quickly replied.
"Gray is really scared of Erza, and I think Natsu even a little scared of her sometimes." Mira told Lucy, earning a raised eyebrow from the blonde. "One time Natsu challeneged Erza to a sparring match and got the crap beat out of him."
"Eh!? No way, that Natsu?!" Lucy asked in a shocked tone, pointing at the dragon slayer.
"Natsu is almost at Erza's level, she's only a little stronger than him." Mira explained, as she looked at Natsu. "That is until Natsu gets angry. When Natsu is mad, his strength seems to double, or even triple sometimes. His feelings for the guild and it's members are what gives him the strength and will to overcome almost any obstacle."
"Yeah, that sounds like our Natsu." Lucy said with a smile.
"I remember one time time Erza caught Gray walking naked, and she beat him up. Then there was the time Loke tried to hit on Erza, he almost died after she was done with him." Mirajane explained, earning a shocked look from Lucy.
"I'm glad to see you getting along with Natsu, Gray." Erza said with a smile, as she pushed a couple scarlet locks out of her eyes. "But, I actually have a favor to ask you both."
"Sure thing Erza, what do need us to do?" Natsu asked with a toothy grin.
"I overheard some troubling things, while I was on my mission. Normally I would consult the master about something this. But this is an urgent matter." Erza explain, putting her hands on her hips. "I need you both to lend me your strength. You'll help me, right?"
"EH?!" Gray said in a shocked tone.
"Sure thing Erza, I'll help you with whatever you need!" Natsu answered with a large smile.
"What's going on?!" Cana asked with a confused look.
"This is the first time Erza has teamed up with someone other than Natsu!" Max exclaimed with a stunned look on his face.
"What could it be to make Erza team up with someone other than Natsu?" Happy asked with a worried look.
"We'll leave tomorrow, so get ready." Erza said, turning to leave. "I'll tell you both the details along the way."
"Ah...no...wait..." Gray tried to protest, but Erza was already walking away.
"Wait Erza! Before you go I have to tell you something!" Natsu exclaimed, pulling Erza off to the side.
"Erza...Natsu..and Gray, I've never imagined something like this." Mirajane said in a low tone. "This might very well be the strongest team in Fairy Tail."
"Really!" Lucy gasped out at Mirajane's words.
"Yes, what did you want to tell me Natsu?" Erza asked, as the dragon slayer released her.
"I wanted to tell you that Lucy will be coming with us." Natsu replied, making Erza raise a scarlet eyebrow.
"Why would she be coming with us?" Erza questioned in a confused tone.
"Because she's apart of our team!" Natsu exclaimed with a wide grin.
"What!" Erza hissed, startling the dragon slayer. "Natsu! You know how I feel about working with people other than you. I did't really want to bring Gray along on this mission, but we likely need his help."
"Erza, Lucy is really strong too. She helped me save Macao the other day, and she was a big help on our mission to Everlue Mansion." Natsu explained, placing his hands on Erza's armored shoulders. "Lucy's a great person, Erza. She'll be a great addition to our team, and I know you'll love her. Just please give her a chance. For me."
"*Sigh* I'm only doing this for you." Erza relented when she saw the puppy look Natsu was giving her.
"Thanks Erza! You're best!" Natsu exclaimed, pulling Erza in for another hug.
"I know I am." Erza said with a chuckle, as Natsu released her. "Hey, why don't we go out and get something to eat? We can catch up."
"Sure let me get Happy, Mira, and Lucy!" Natsu exclaimed, as he turned to run off. But he was stopped when Erza grabbed his scarf.
"No Natsu, just you an me alone, no one else." Erza said, earning a confused look from the dragon slayer.
"Why? It will be more fun with everyone else there." Natsu reasoned, causing Erza to pout.
"Natsu I haven't seen you in almost a week. I want to spend some time with just you right now." Erza said, clasping her hands and leaning in close. "Please Natsu, for me." Erza fluttered her eyelashes and gave Natsu the same puppy look her gave her.
"Damnit, you know I can't say no to you when you give me that look." Natsu said with a groan. "Fine let's go, just you and me."
"You're the best Natsu!" Erza said with a smile, wrapping her arm around his waist.
"I know I am." Natsu laughed, as the duo walked out of the guild.
Lucy watched the whole exchange with a jealous look. Mirajane giggled, causing Lucy to turn and face her.
"You better get used to that." Mirajane said with a smile. "Those two are about as close as you can get. I used to get jealous too, but you'll get used to it."
"Wait, why would Mira-san be jealous too?" Lucy thought, giving the barmaid a look. "Does she like Natsu too? I'm pretty sure Erza likes Natsu, but I'm not sure yet. Damnit it looks like I'm gonna have to compete with the both of them for Natsu's affections, this is gonna be pretty tough."
(Dark Guild; Eisenwald)
"Whoa! What guild is that woman from?!" An Eisenwald member asked, pointing to a picture in the Weekly Sorcerer.
"I dunno, the article doesn't say." Another guild member said, as he flipped to another picture of the scarlet haired mage.
"She's gorgeous!" The previous guild member said, as he suddenly groaned. "Shit! I should've made a move on her!"
"You wouldn't stand a chance." The Eisenwald member with the magazine said with a grin.
"What did you say, you bastard?!"
"Hey you two, is Kageyama back yet?" Byard asked, as he walked into the room.
"No, but it's not an easy task to break seal off 'that' thing so it can't be helped." Rayule replied with a smirk.
"Don't be hesitant." A voice said from the shadows. "Now is our time to strike. Now when the old geezers are all at the regular meeting."
The man stepped into the light, revealing a an extremely tall, lean-built and yet mildly muscular man with silver hair. His eyes were dark, and each featured a simple tattoo underneath. Tattoos also covered his bare chest and shoulders. He wore an old black scarf, and various tattered cloth covered his lower body. A massive scythe rested on his shoulder. It was Eisenwald's strongest mage, Erigor the Shinigami.
And done! I know this chapter wasn't as long as the other one. That's because it was just supposed to be a set up chapter for what's to come. The next chapters should be normal length, maybe even longer. So what did you guys think. Remember to follow/favorite, PLEASE REVIEW, and PM ideas for the story. Also don't forget to vote in the poll about Yukino, that is up on my profile now. The next chapter won't be out for a while, because I have to update my other stories. So be patient, and the next chapter will be out eventually. Until next time I'm outta here.
P.S. FALLOUT 4 IS CONFIRMED! I'M SO FUCKING HAPPY! I literally started screaming when I saw then Fallout 4 trailer!