Chapter 9

Austin- Yes, no doubt Natsu will give both sisters' grief with his reckless, constant demands for fights with them, and constant questions regarding their dragon and Igneel once he learns of Ceithin-Har. And perhaps some other Warhammer races will come. When? Well, time will tell.

Arahan

"This guild master of yours better be reasonable or else." Said Arahan as the boy, now know to her as Gray Fullbuster, led her to his guildhall. His companion, Natsu Dragneel, simply pouted as Arahan kept a hand on her son while the other was kept on Natsu's ear, so he doesn't go and start a fight with Gray.

"He is." Said Gray as he escorted Arahan towards the guildhall, a big, castle-like building with the words Fairy Tail above the main entrance along with some symbol that Arahan assumed to be the symbol for this Fairy Tail guild.

From what Arahan can tell, this Fairy Tail guild was a place of companionship as well as a place for one to find work, doing a variety of tasks in exchange for monetary items. The one called Natsu Dragneel even claimed that Fairy Tail was the strongest and best guild in Fiore and that nothing can beat them. A notion that Arahan scoffs at.

If they truly were the best guild, they would know how to keep their little ones from destroying everything in their sparring sessions. Having a bunch of children go out of control and destroy the city you were based in spoke ill of them as well as how undisciplined the guild was.

Whoever this guild leader was, they better have a good excuse for the actions of these two boys or they'll have to deal with her. She didn't care if they're more powerful than her and can wipe her from existence with a flick of their wrist. If it meant they know what these two brats did and how unacceptable it was, then she'll be more than satisfied. Besides, it's not like it'd be the first time she was slain.

Soon the four entered the guildhall and upon entering the hall, Arahan immediately narrowed her eyes for what she laid her eyes upon in the guildhall was infuriating to the elf.

All around her was destruction. Furniture was broken down and everywhere. Liquids of varying colors were spilled in one section with broken barrels and food. And she saw someone dangling from a support beam, groaning in pain. All in all, it was a most disgusting sight for an elf.

"I assume you are responsible for this mess." Asked Arahan as she glared down at Natsu and Gray, causing both boys to shiver in fear. Upon seeing them nod, Arahan sighed in frustration. Causing a silent prayer to Isha, Arahan spoke out again. This time to the whole guild hall and whatever inhabitants dwelled in it. "Where is your so-called guild master? I wish to speak to him in regards to the destruction caused by these two idiots." Upon seeing a woman in the front door, one that they don't recognize and had a pissed-off look on her face caused what mages in the guild hall to stop what they were doing and look at each other nervously.

Before any of them could do anything, Arahan immediately heard the quiet footsteps of someone coming down the stairs of the guild hall's upper floors. Looking towards a flight of stairs, Arahan saw a Halfling, a race very similar to humans yet had the height of Dwarves, coming down them, wearing a ridiculous hat with matching colorful attire.

Looking rather old for Halflings, Arahan watched as the Halfling came down the stairs fully and walked up to her with a smile on its face and its eyes closed.

"Welcome to our lovely guild, miss." Said the Halfling with its smile still there. "I heard that you were looking for me." He then extended his hand out to her. It stayed in the air for a few minutes until the Halfling realized that Arahan wasn't going to take it and so retracted it. "My name is Makarov Dreyar, the Guild Master of Fairy Tail. Now, what is it that you wish to discuss with me." Arahan, upon hearing that, spoke to the Halfling.

"In case you didn't know about it, these two children." Arahan grabbed both Gray and Natsu. "Destroyed portions of this town in their little fight, instigated by some of the most ridiculous causes I may add, and nearly killed my son and I." Makarov stayed silent as he heard all this, giving no indication what he felt about all this. "So, I stepped in and prevented them from doing any more damage to the town. After doing so, I forced them to lead me to you so I can see what you have to say for yourself in regards to their behavior." She then let go of the two children and crossed her arms. "Now, what do you have to say for all this?" Makarov didn't say anything to the question. Rather, he went up to Arahan and her group.

Upon seeing this, Arahan got ready for a fight and placed Diederick behind her. Hand on a hidden knife, Arahan watched as Makarov walked closer and closer before eventually raising his hand. Then, to Arahan's slight astonishment, the hand enlarged itself, twice its size to be exact. It then went down upon Natsu and Gray, bonking both of them so hard that they went to the ground in pain.

"Ow." Moaned Natsu as a big bump began to form on the top of his head, where Makarov hit him.

"That hurt master." Said Gray as he also groaned in pain.

"Well, it should, you brats." Said Makarov as he glared down at both kids. "Not only did you damage the guildhall with your brawl, but you also damaged Magnolia with it as well. Do you have any idea how much it's going to cost to repair all the things you both have destroyed? And that's not even taking into account the complaints we'll no doubt receive from the people of Magnolia for the amount of destruction that you two committed. Again!" As the two boys continued to groan in pain from the hit they received, Makarov sighed in an effort to control himself before looking over at Arahan and speaking.

"Forgive me for that outburst." Said Makarov as he adopted an apologetic look as he addressed the Wood Elf. "The newest members of my guild are rather, shall we say, rambunctious and reckless. I'm sorry for whatever harm they've inflicted upon you and your child. Anything they've done is entirely on me. Please forgive me." Arahan just scoffed before addressing the old man.

"If you want my forgiveness, then keep those two on a tighter leash." Said Arahan, pointing to Gray and Natsu as they got up. "Otherwise, I may not be so lenient as I'm right now." Makarov just nodded slowly, understanding her position.

"I understand." Said Makarov. "Rest assured, I'll try my very best to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again." Sensing the honesty from the man, Arahan calmed down just a bit before speaking up again.

"Since you stated it, these two have been nothing more than little disasters since coming here." Said Arahan, causing Natsu to glare at her, not liking the condescending tone she took when talking about him.

"Hey, what do you mean by that, lady!?" Demanded Natsu as he glared at Arahan, who glared back.

"You know what I meant." Said Arahan as Diederick braced himself for a fight. From what he could tell, Natsu was easy to anger and Arahan was someone that can easily anger someone with how blunt she is. "You and the black-haired one are far too foolhardy and reckless to be left to your own devices. Destroying whatever you please, even those that you serve. If I was your guild master, I would have you punished for your insolence with something you dread." Hating her tone and how she called him a fool, Natsu was about to get down on her when Makarov stopped him.

"Do that Natsu, and I'll be doing exactly what this woman is saying." Said Makarov with a stern tone. Backing off with a pout, Natsu just glared at the woman as Makarov looked at her, showing slight disapproval at what she said, but also not necessarily condemning it either. "Let me assure you, madam, I will make sure my children are properly punished for the destruction they caused. However, talk to them in such a way again, and we'll be having problems, ma'am." Arahan narrowed her eyes at that.

"Do you have a problem with what I said?" Asked Arahan, her voice slightly rising, making Diederick wince. He was about to take a step back from his mother when Makarov spoke.

"I'm afraid that I do." Said Makarov as he looked at Arahan, his expression stoic. "These are children, miss. They don't have the wisdom and restraint that you or I have gained from our lives. They don't deserve to be ridiculed or punished severely for their actions."

"Even if they do something like these two did?" Asked Arahan incredulously as she looked at Makarov. "Even when it's clear that they need to be punished for something they've committed?"

"And punished they will be." Said Makarov. "However, if we punish a child too harshly, they'll become resentful of us and lead them to a darker path. That is why we must be merciful to our children. Teach them compassion and restraint." Arahan scoffed at that, causing Makarov to narrow his eyes slightly. "You don't approve?"

"I don't approve of what you just said, yes. Especially with what your children did." Said Arahan as she crossed her arms across her chest. "If we don't be firm with them and punished them appropriately enough for the wrongdoing they've committed, then that may encourage them to do whatever wrongdoing they've committed again. They may even think they can get away with it if we are lenient on them with the punishments for their actions. If my son did such an act as what your two children did today, then he would be given a punishment fitting for such destruction. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I don't." Said Makarov as he crossed his arms, causing Arahan to glare at him. "Children are children, miss. We need to be lenient on them because they're still growing. We cannot punish harshly if they don't know the difference between what is right and what is wrong."

"And we can't punish them lightly if they commit an act that requires harsh punishment." Argued Arahan. "If your children attacked someone, someone innocent or is completely harmless, perhaps even killing them, would you be so lenient on them then? Or would you just let them off a warning or a light punishment not fitting for the crime they've committed?" Both Makarov and Arahan glared at each other, neither backing down against the other. As this was happening, Diederick and the other members of Fairy Tail, both adults and children, were backing away from the two in case they decide to explode and attack one another. Eventually, Makarov sighed and spoke.

"I understand your side of the story, miss." Said Makarov. "But please understand mine as well. A child is a very delicate thing." He then walked over to Gray and Natsu, placing a firm, but caring hand, on each of them. "One wrong move and the whole thing may break apart and it'll be a difficult thing if at all, to mend it back to the way it used to be. You may think that punishing them harshly will teach them a lesson, and perhaps you may be right, but I believe differently. That it'll lead them to a darker path, one started off my resentment. I've witnessed such a fate and I refuse to let it happen to any in my guild. Do you understand? I'm sure you do on account of your child?" Arahan wanted to make a nasty reply back on the lack of spine on the old Halfling but stopped herself when she noticed the caring look Makarov had when he looked at the two children he was holding. The love and care for them hidden by disappointment for their actions. The same love and care that she held for Diederick. The want to protect them was also there. Both from the evils of this world as well as themselves. Much like she with Diederick.

Looking at her son, who was looking at her in wonderment on what she's going to do, caused Arahan to sigh.

"Fine." Said Arahan as she crossed her arms, speaking in her usual blunt and haughty attitude. "Do whatever you want with your children, Mr. Dreyar, even if a disapprove. Just make sure they don't do something like what happened today again. And if you can't do that much, then just keep it in this guildhall. No skin off my back if it's your guildhall that gets destroyed and nothing else." Though Makarov didn't like the tone she was using, and so did the rest of his guild for that matter, he could see that Arahan conceded, if only because she was sick of speaking about this with him. Still, being cordial, Makarov nodded.

"Thank you." Said Makarov. "Now, if that is all, I would like to have some time to decide on a punishment for my two boys." Upon hearing that, both Natsu and Gray tensed at that, worrying what the punishment will be from Makarov and hoping it wasn't anything too serious or, worse in their eyes, boring.

Arahan just nodded at that and was about to leave with Diederick when her sister Naestra appeared in the doorway, a smile on her face.

"Sister." Said Arahan as she looked at Naestra in surprise as she walked inside the guildhall. Upon noticing the other female, one that looked similar to Arahan, just with different hair and eye colors, Makarov raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was going to be as difficult as Arahan. One take of the kind and serene posture around her, however, dismissed those thoughts. Especially when she went over to Diederick and checked to see if he was alright.

"I heard what had happened." Said Naestra, recalling what some people had told her as she investigated what caused the destruction she saw, ranging from what started it, who they were, and to what ended it all along with who ended it. Her heart nearly stopped when she learned that Diederick was almost hurt by the destruction, but was relieved to hear that Arahan had nothing to do with it all. In fact, it made her happy that, for once, she ended a conflict non-violently, relatively speaking, for once. "I'm pleased to see that you are fine." Diederick just nodded at that as Naestra looked around the guildhall, eyeing everyone with cautious eyes. Eventually, she looked at Makarov and smiled. "I take it you're the leader of this establishment?"

"Of course." Said Makarov as he introduced himself as Naestra made her way to him. Even now, Makarov could see that this woman was kinder and more understanding than the white-haired one, who he assumed to be her twin. "Makarov Dreyar. I was speaking with, forgive me if I get this wrong, your sister and how she told me how some of my guild members went too far in their brawl. Rest assured, they'll be punished for their actions as a result of them endangering the lives of the people of Magnolia and those close to you, miss." Naestra gave a slight nod at that before speaking again.

"I see." Said Naestra with her typical kind and cordial tone, making Makarov more at ease with her. "I trust that my sister hasn't been too aggressive with your way of governing and punishment. My sister isn't the most… respectful when it comes to voicing her disagreements on certain matters."

"It's alright." Said Makarov, pleased to see that this woman was far kinder than her sister. "It wouldn't be the first time that I had to deal with angry adults concerning the damage that has been inflicted by my guild." Upon hearing that, Arahan narrowed her eyes but was stopped from speaking by Naestra, who held her back with a simple look.

"I see." Said Naestra. "Perhaps it's best then that you and I speak alone." Makarov hummed at that while stroking his mustache. Eventually, he spoke up.

"Yes, perhaps that is wise." Said Makarov before asking Naestra to walk with him to his office. Before she did so, she asked, no pleading, Arahan to stay civil with the rest of the Fairy Tail guild. Arahan grunted at that but nodded to her sister. With that, Naestra left with Makarov to his office. Once they were gone, Natsu spoke up.

"Man, she sure is nicer than the other lady." Said Natsu. "Much less of a bully too." Upon hearing that, Arahan twitched her eye in annoyance but otherwise remained unmoved. Eventually, she eyed a bar in the guildhall and decided to get something to drink. Walking over to Diederick and directing him towards the bar, Once they were there, Arahan asked the bartender, a young woman with brown hair, what they had suitable for children and those that didn't drink alcohol.

"We have milk, soda, and other sorts of drinks suitable for children and, uh, adults that don't want alcohol." Said the woman as she looked at Arahan uneasily, scared of her on account of her hood, masking most of her features, and the fact she dared to fight with Makarov, even if it was just in words.

"Then milk for my son and a glass of water for me." Said Arahan as she glared at the woman, making her squeak before she scrambled to do what Arahan asked of her. As this was happening, Arahan looked at Diederick, who was sitting in his seat, minding his own business. Eyes somewhat softening at seeing her adopted son, Arahan went back to minding her own business, still angry with the little Halfling that dared to argue with her. Still, she had to give the man respect for doing so, even if she despised his way of thinking.

Such thoughts may have been fine if his kids just stole something from someone or accidentally destroyed a family heirloom, but the amount of destruction they did to the city. The sheer amount of property damage and possible injuries they inflicted over something as stupid as insults and boasting was something that Arahan couldn't comprehend, even more so when it was clear to her that this Makarov was going to give them a light punishment, unfit for the deed they've committed. All because they were children. And that drove her mad.

Just because they were children, didn't mean they should have given that much leeway. They should be given some leeway, she'll admit that, but not to the point that it was a mere slap in the wrist for their crimes. If they were citizens of Athel Loren, they would be severely punished for their actions. Maybe even exiled from Athel Loren for the destruction they caused. That is if the forest spirits didn't kill them for it.

Exhaling, Arahan drank from the cup of water that was given to her by the Fairy Tail bartender. As she did so, she looked at the various Fairy Tail mages that were looking at her, either in anger at how she acted or lust because of her body. Two, in particular, were eyeing her lustfully as they no doubt imagine a fantasy with her in it. Men.

Meanwhile

Naestra

"I see." Said Naestra as Makarov finished explaining the entire situation regarding her sister and his children, Gray Fullbuster and Natsu Dragneel. "And this isn't the first time that they destroyed private property?"

"I'm afraid so." Said Makarov as he scratched his head. "If you can believe it, the very first day they met, they destroyed the main level of this guild. The yelling I did that day." Naestra hummed at that, not sure what to say. "I'm not saying the guild hasn't been rowdy or caused collateral damage before, but those two took it up quite significantly. And it's only gotten worst with age. I dread to see what will happen when they're teenagers." Naestra just stayed silent at all this, wondering who to support in the argument in regards to this Natsu and Gray. Still needing more information, Naestra asked a few more questions.

"And I take it you've punished them the same way as you intend to do now?" Asked Naestra as she looked at Makarov, withholding judgment. Sighing as he realized what she was doing, Makarov spoke.

"Yes." Said Makarov truthfully. "But no matter what I do, they just go about and destroy more things. Sometimes I wonder if they have a short memory span or just are that reckless. *Sighs* I meant what I said to your sister, however. They are children and thus we must be careful when we need to punish them. They are children, after all."

"I understand that." Said Naestra. "But, if this kept continuing and your tried methods have proven fruitless, perhaps it's best to try a different approach. Perhaps the reason that they keep destroying things is that the consequences you give them do not scare them enough to prevent them from doing these things."

"I would like it to be that simple, but I'm afraid the answer is that they're simply too reckless for their own good." Said Makarov. "Magic is a wonderful thing, allowing one to perform incredible acts unattainable by normal people, but it's also a responsibility for it can also be abused for evil." Naestra just nodded her head in agreement, knowing how powerful magic can be in both the right and evil hands. Naestra had to agree. Magic, for all it's power, was a dangerous thing to possess. One wrong move and one could destroy everything they held dear. And it was even more dangerous with the Chaos Gods around, manipulating magic users, with the exception of Khorne, to do their own biddings. The magic here had no such godly manipulators, at least she hoped so, but magic was still a dangerous tool to have control of. Case in point, the situation regarding the children of Fairy Tail.

"Is that why you fear punishing them too harshly?" Asked Naestra. "You fear that it'll drive them to a dark path?"

"Yes, but also because, as said many times before, they're children." Said Makarov. "They don't know any better."

"But that doesn't excuse that they need to be disciplined." Said Naestra. "I understand your point of view as well as my sisters'. They are children, as you say, but that doesn't mean we should give them a free pass if they commit such destruction as they did today. What about the people they've hurt or endangered today? They have children as well or were even children themselves. We cannot ignore them in favor of your children." Makarov sighed at that, knowing she was right.

"I know." Said Makarov. "But I remain firm in my decision. Even if it comes off to others as selfish and favoritism." Naestra hummed at that before coming up with a suggestion.

"Then perhaps something that can appease both sides will be appropriate." Said Naestra, causing Makarov to raise an eyebrow. "Perhaps your children can, as payment for their destruction on the town, do some form of task that repays the damages. Some form of recompense. One that will also teach them restraint or, at the very least, teach them not to be so reckless lest they wish to do such a task again." Makarov hummed at that.

"That could work." Said Makarov. "If anything, those brats could start to repay the town for their constant destruction of its property and start to appreciate the tolerance they have towards us. Who knows, they may even learn a thing or two by doing such service. Hm…I'll have to think about it. For now, I think there's nothing left for us to discuss. It's best you go on your way."

"Yes, I believe so as well." Said Naestra. "My sister and I need to find a good school for our son and we spent too much time as it is. So please, we need to be off." Makarov just nodded at that.

"An education is an important thing for a child to have." Said Makarov. "I would get Gray and Natsu one, but…well." Naestra just nodded in understanding before taking her leave. Just before she left, however, Makarov asked. "If I may be so bold, may I ask why you and your sister wear your hoods on all the time? You are indoors and the sun isn't bright enough to warrant them."

"We simply like them on." Said Naestra, telling Makarov a lie as she wasn't sure she could trust him with her true identity. "Plus, it doesn't help that my sister and I are rather beautiful. And we rather not have countless men try to court us while we're raising a child." Makarov hummed at that, seemingly buying the lie.

"I suppose that makes sense." Said Makarov, knowing it was true. He may have not seen much of Naestra's and Arahan's facial features on account of the hoods blocking most of their faces, but what he had seen was enough for him to see they were quite beautiful. Coupled with their firm and athletic looking, yet still curvy, bodies, they were probably some of the most beautiful women he met in his life. Even if both of them had chest sizes more appropriate for under-developed young women. "Forgive the abrupt question, it was quite strange to me to see you both hear hoods indoors." Naestra nodded in understanding at that before leaving the office.

As she was making her way down, she heard some crashes and so immediately hurried her way down. Upon arriving, she spotted a bunch of broken mugs and glasses as Arahan was drinking her cup of water. To her amazement, that was all she was doing while keeping an eye on Diederick, who was conversing with Natsu and Gray about something. The crash actually originated from two men, who then proceeded to fight with each other, thus starting a brawl that got more people involved. Both Natsu and Gray looked like they wanted to get involved in the brawling, but Arahan kept them back with a glare, scaring them into submission. And so, have busied themselves with talking to her son. And from what she could see, they were getting along quite well. Smiling a bit, Naestra walked over to the group and spoke up.

"As much as it pains me to interrupt you all, we must be going." Said Naestra as she touched Diederick's shoulder. "We have places to go to. Say goodbye to your new friends, for now, Diederick. You'll be able to see them again soon. Just not today."

"Okay, mother." Said Diederick before looking at Gray and Natsu. "It was great talking to you guys. I hope that we get to see each other again soon." Both Gray and Natsu smiled at that. Diederick was, at first, nervous talking with them given what they did today, but after a short talk, that nervousness went away and the three had a blast talking with each other.

"Same here." Said Natsu with a big smile. Just from their conversation alone, Natsu felt like they were going to get along great with each other. He was a lot more tolerable than the stripper and a lot nicer than his white-haired mother. "How about we meet up tomorrow and have some fun together. It'll be a blast if you were along."

"If your idea of fun is destroying even more private property, then no." Said Arahan as she glared at Natsu, causing him to shiver.

"Don't worry ma'am." Said Gray, trying to placate Arahan so Diederick can come along with them. "We aren't all about destruction. We know how to have fun the normal way. We promise not to destroy anything too significant." Arahan wanted to argue, but Naestra stepped in.

"That would be a splendid idea." Said Naestra with a smile. "However, as my sister will only make a fuss over it, I will accompany you all tomorrow just so that she will be placated as well as those in the town that will be nervous of you two being without adult supervision." Natsu groaned at that, not wanting an adult to keep an eye on them, but Gray just accepted it as a consequence of destroying a part of Magnolia. When they both nodded to that, Naestra spoke up. "Do not worry about me disrupting any enjoyment you'll have with each other. I will not intervene unless it's necessary." A bit at ease at that, Gray and Natsu were about to say thanks when a mug hit both of them in the head.

"What the heck!? Who threw that!?" Yelled Natsu as he looked at the brawl. Gray also was angered by the mug and was stripping down to his undergarments, much to Diederick's confusion as well as the sisters. Just before they could go in, Arahan went behind them swiftly and grabbed both of their ears before pulling, causing them to yelp in pain.

"Gah! Geesh lady, you sure are quick!" Yelled Gray as he tried to alleviate the pain by getting closer to Arahan.

"Arahan, that's enough." Said Naestra, causing Arahan to let go of both children. "If that is all, we should go. Before your little…fight starts to drag us into it." With that, Naestra grabbed Diederick's hand and quickly left the guildhall with Arahan in tow. Once they were out of the guildhall, Naestra spoke to Diederick. "They are quite an interesting group, are they not?"

"Yes." Said Diederick. "I like Gray and Natsu. They're great."

"Great at destroying things." Said Arahan, not liking the Fairy Tail guild for a myriad of reasons. The two children, the way they're going to punish them, the master, and some of the guildmates for looking at her lustfully. She had plenty of reasons to dislike them. And Naestra was allowing their boy to interact with them. Her sister can be so naïve at times. Naestra, however, believed there is more to the guild than just destruction and recklessness.

She saw the camaraderie and tight-knit feeling between the guildmates when she first entered the guildhall. She saw how protective they were when Arahan argued with their guild master on how to punish those two children. How they were all willing to fight her if things got physical. She also saw how disappointed Makarov was to the children's destruction of the town of Magnolia, but also saw the protectiveness for them and want for them to be better than they already are. The guild, for its faults, held some people that she felt that Diederick can make some good friends with, particularly those two children. They just had to restrain them before they go out and decide to destroy something.

"Besides, it's only two individuals that cause mass destruction. How many more destructive individuals can one acquire?" Thought Naestra as they walked to the next school they had to travel to.