Chapter 12

Ren64- I see. Thank you.

Just before the stones hit Naestra, a wave of arrows came and shot up the leader of the gang, pinning his back full of arrows, sending him flying towards the ground and breaking his concentration up, sending the stones falling down harmlessly around Naestra's feet. Upon seeing this, Naestra let a small smile grace her features as Arahan burst through a window and fired an arrow through the green-haired criminal. The arrow went straight through her forehead, killing her.

With the mage now dead, her magic vines began to wither and die, freeing both Macao and Wakaba. With both of them now free, they looked to see Arahan pouncing on the thugs. Macao barely saw it, but he swore he saw a crazed smile on Arahan's face as she did so.

Stunned at how fast the tables turned on them, one goon tried to use his fire magic on Arahan, but the white-haired maiden simply dodged his attack and slit his throat, killing him. She then swiftly threw a knife at another magic user as they attempted to launch a water ball at her, hitting them square in the eye, making them scream in pain before Arahan ended his life by shooting an arrow through their skull.

She then killed three more swiftly before the rest ganged up on her. She must have killed or incapacitated all of their magic users as the rest came upon her with knives and swords. And that suited Arahan just fine. Dodging several attacks at once, Arahan jumped away to holster her bow and bring out her long spear. Cackling like a madwoman, she engaged the enemy again.

Meanwhile, Macao and Wakaba were watching all this in both awe and shock as Arahan dispatched and killed the entire gang by herself. While they were impressed with her skills and dexterity, they were horrified with her killing.

Killing was a very heated topic with legal guilds. Many within a legal guild saw it as something that only a dark guild, a guild that is not recognized by the magic council and thus a criminal organization, would do. To them, those of a legal guild are heroes, like those in fairy tales, and shouldn't kill anyone, even those of an exceedingly dark nature. Others saw it as something that should only be done as a last resort, for taking a life can change someone for the worse and should only be done when all other options were exhausted.

Both Macao and Wakaba were in the latter category. They've been in Fairy Tail for quite a while and know that sometimes one has no choice in killing their opponents if they wish themselves and their compatriots were to survive. Neither of them actually killed anyone, but there have been times that the two were in that made killing a good option.

But what Arahan was doing right now wasn't necessary. She was needlessly killing the thugs when she can easily incapacitate them, even wearing a smile as she did so. Like she enjoyed it all. The two wanted to stop her, but with the magic rune walls preventing them from doing anything to the remaining goons, the two were unsure if that was the right course of action. Naestra, meanwhile, having seen their shocked expression, worried that this will not sit well with Makarov when they get back. She knew that the man didn't like punishing children harshly, but it seemed that he also disliked killing as well. Oh, this will cause trouble for them. Of that, she can be sure.

Arahan, much as she was ashamed to admit, loved killing. She finds pleasure in the thrills that combat can bring. The rush of adrenaline. The constant threats to her life. Even the way life fades away from the eyes of her opponents as she killed them. Arahan loved it all. And she has no doubt that the way Macao and Wakaba acted when she killed her opponents, will cause problems for them with the guild. Oh, so much trouble.

Within a few minutes, the killing was over. Arahan, now finished, gave a sigh of satisfaction as she placed her spear on her back, placing it back in its holster, before turning back to her sister and companions.

"Done." Said Arahan as she went over to the thug leader, surprisingly still alive, even with all the arrows in his back. Grabbing him, Arahan revealed that he was paralyzed, having hit him with several arrows coated with a paralyzing potion. A special mixture of her own making. With the amount of free time she had to herself, Arahan decided to pass the time by making new ways to kill or incapacitate her foes. It also helped that her sister, knowing her violent ways, gave her a book that contains various mixtures and potions that helped her in battle. Doing so because she knew they needed as many advantages as they can get in a world full of magic they had no knowledge of. Seeing that he was still alive, Arahan spoke up. "Looks like we have a prisoner. Who wants to carry this one back to the village so we can get something out of all this?" Upon hearing that question, Wakaba spoke up.

"You crazy bitch!" Yelled Wakaba as he glared at her. Upon hearing that, Arahan narrowed her eyes at Wakaba while Naestra sighed at this.

"You have a problem with what I did?" Asked Arahan as she dragged the gang leader with her as she walked towards Wakaba. "If I recall, none of you could do anything to these fiends, forcing me to take care of them myself. And you thank me by calling me insane?"

"Yeah, because there was no need to kill them." Said Wakaba. "You could have just as easily have incapacitated them without killing them. We're supposed to be the heroes and idols to the people of Fiore. The people they can be comfortable being around and trust to do the work that they need us to do. And I'm not talking about the ones that get the most recognition by the newspapers." Arahan just grunted as he continued on. "How the hell are people supposed to trust us to teach their children about magic. Deliver a package. Or even walk their pet. How the hell are they suppose to trust us with all that stuff when we kill out enemies when they didn't need to die."

"If they think that, then it's their fault for having such a romanticized view on those of guilds. We do things for monetary value. There is an identification for that, you know. It's called mercenary work." Said Arahan. "We're all just mercenaries. Working for people for money. Correct?"

"It's different." Said Wakaba with a scowl. That caused Arahan to scoff.

"Oh? How is it?" Asked Arahan as she went right up to Wakaba, tossing the leader of the dead gang away as she did so, glaring at him. "Mercenaries and the like fight for money, regardless of the reason. Just like us. They do whatever their current handlers do in order to receive compensation. Just like us. But unlike us, it seems, they don't have to deal with things like this, dealing with people's feelings."

"And that's what makes a guild a guild." Said Wakaba with disgust. "I could go on and on, but I got the feeling that you'll just be ignoring all this, so let's just drop this and go get our reward."

"*Scoffs* Whatever you say, man." Said Arahan as she moved to grab the thug leader again and dragged him out of the church. While this was happening, Naestra was looking at her sister in worry.

This was going to go well with Makarov.

Later

Village

"Please accept my apology." Said the elderly man that had led them towards the gang in the first place as he bowed before the Fairy Tail members with a sorrowful look on his face. "I didn't wish to go along with the gang's plan, but I had no choice. They threatened to destroy my village and harm my people if I didn't go along with them. Please forgive me."

When the group of Fairy Tail members arrived back to the village with the thug leader in their possession, the people were in shock. Shock that soon turned to joy. Joy that the members of Fairy Tail had defeated the gang and freed their village from their evil clutches. They soon started to make plans for a celebration for their heroes. While this was happening, a group of people led them to their leader to tell him the good news as well as getting a temporary jail up for the sole survivor of the gang before the Fairy Tail members leave with him in tow. Needless to say, the old man was both ecstatic and sorrowful. One for ridding his village of a threat and the other for putting them in harm's way intentionally as well as helping a criminal gang that has been plaguing his village.

Naestra, being the kind and compassionate soul that she was, went to the elder and helped him up.

"It's alright." Said Naestra as she helped the old man up. "You merely did what a leader does. Look out for his people. We do not fault you for doing what you did. Especially after seeing the magic, the criminals held. I very doubt any defiance you gave them would have ended in anything other than total destruction of your village." Upon hearing all that, the elderly man let out a few tears before thanking Naestra. Arahan mumbled something under her breath, but otherwise refrained from speaking.

"Thank you for understanding." Said the elder as he sat back down in his chair. "You have no idea how much regret I had with helping them. Helping them to enslave people. To ruin lives." The elderly man shuddered in his chair before recomposing himself. "I'll be sending a letter to the nearest military outpost about the involvement with this gang. I no doubt believe this will cause someone to replace me as a result, but I feel that is for the best. Let someone braver than I to drive our people forward." Naestra and the others, baring Arahan, just nodded in agreement. The man, despite his sorrow, did help a criminal gang and thus needed to face the consequences for his actions. If not for the harm on them, then for the harm placed on those before them, who are no doubt in worse conditions than they were before.

"I'm sorry to say this, but that's probably for the best.' Said Macao. "Someone's got to pay the price in this village for collaborating with that gang. May as well be you, I'm afraid."

"Yes." Said the elderly man. "I deserve it. Hopefully, the one that replaces me will have more spine than I." That was something that Arahan gave a nod to. This village needed someone that actually had some spine to them. Will prevent things like this from happening again.

"With all done, I suppose we should talk about payment." Said Arahan, causing Macao and Wakaba to glare at her.

"You knew that the reward money was just an incentive to get us here." Said Wakaba. "And now you want to demand money from them after they're throwing a party for us. Just how much of an inconsiderate woman are you?" Both Wakaba and Arahan were about to start another argument when the elder spoke up.

"Yes, a reward should be given to our heroes." Said the elderly man. "The gang has hoarded their wealth taken from their previous victims. They often waved it around in our faces their wealth. I'm sure they've kept it all in their hideout. It probably isn't worth the reward money that we filled out with that flier, but it should suffice for what you've done for us." The offer given out by the man was appreciated by all four Fairy Tail members and Naestra voiced it.

"Thank you for your kind offer." Said Naestra. "If you wish, we can vouch for you when the military comes to arrest you for your complicity in the gangs' schemes." Much as that pleased the elder man for her saying that, he raised his hand in protest.

"Much as I appreciate your kindness, I'm afraid I have to decline." Said the elderly man. "I let this gang threaten my town and others for far too long. I must face the consequences of my actions. And I intend to face them in full." Arahan couldn't help but look at the man in respect. She never thought he would do such a thing, facing the full consequences of his actions, and refusing to find ways to alleviate it. That took conviction and she can respect that. Not like the fool with the ridiculous hairstyle.

"If that is all, then you all should be on your way." Said the elderly man. "There's a celebration to be had for your victory and I do not wish for you to miss the celebrations."

"We understand." Said Naestra. "However, can you tell us your name? It would be rude of us to not know your name or even ask." The elderly man nodded in understanding.

"My name is Martin. Martin Marigold." Said the elder man. Naestra nodded before she and the others left. Just before the dark-haired elf left, however, she spoke one last time to Martin.

"May the gods have mercy on you." Said Naestra with a small smile, making the old man smile as well. With that, she closed the door to the room they were all previously in.

Later

"These people of Man are so lecherous." Said Arahan as both she and Naestra sat on the branch of a nearby tree, watching the celebrations from afar. The Twilight sisters had indulged themselves in the celebrations that the people of Man had given them. Naestra will willingly admit that, despite the festivities being small and nowhere near as entertaining as those done by the Asrai, she had a good time. These people of Man knew how to entertain and celebrate with their minimal resources. And that was something that Naestra can respect.

Unfortunately, her sister had no such views and hated every moment she was with the people of Man. She hated how they stared at her, both the men and women. She hated the food and how it was nothing like the food back home. And she hated that idiot Wakaba for always glaring at her and acting like she was a criminal like those she took down all by herself. All this, combined with her fiery temper, caused Naestra to leave with her sister in order to prevent her from doing something rash.

So, here they were, sitting in a tree away from the celebratory event in order to keep Arahan from killing someone innocent. It was something that Naestra was tired of doing but was more than willing to do so. Being with someone like her sister for hundreds of years, keeping their tempers in check, can do wonders for one's own temper and tolerance, even if it's their own sibling.

Taking a deep breath, Naestra talked with her sister.

"Well, I'm afraid that you have to get used to it, sister." Said Naestra as she looked at her sister, hood still up as she wasn't sure if there were any Men nearby to see her pointed ears. "The Men of this world seem to be more lecherous than those back home. If such a thing is possible. And I very much believe that those stares will only become more frequent once people learn of our true nature." That just caused Arahan to growl in anger.

"These Men." Said Arahan. "They disgust me. Even more so than the ones back home. We should have stayed hidden from them."

"Arahan." Scolded Naestra. "You know that was impossible. Diederick needed to experience the good of the people of Man. We've been through this."

"That doesn't mean I have to like it." Said Arahan, not wanting Naestra to scold her over something she already knew. "These Men make things so much more difficult than everything already is. I swear the next one that looks at me in a lecherous way is going to die. And I'm going to make it look like it was their fault." Naestra sighed at that, making a mental note to tail Arahan more so she doesn't commit murder over something as insignificant as someone looking at her perversely.

"I hope Diederick is having a good time with the guild." Said Naestra. "The children there are amicable." Arahan scoffed at that.

"When they're not destroying things." Said Arahan.

"I'm serious, Arahan." Said Naestra. "When those two were not destroying things, they are quite friendly and cheerful around our son. Just what he needs with the blood coursing through him."

"Don't remind me." Said Arahan, knowing what was coursing through her sons' blood. "With all the magic in this world, you don't think there is a way to purge him of the daemonic blood of Be'lakor. Do you?"

"*Sighs* I don't know if such a thing is possible." Said Naestra, honestly. "Even if it is possible, we shouldn't do such a thing. Removing the daemonic blood in his veins will no doubt attract the attention of the Be'lakor ad even the Chaos Gods themselves. And attention is not what we desire. For if the Chaos gods find this place interesting, they'll send their minions here to take this world for them. And I do not want such a fate for these people, Arahan." Her sister scoffed at that but otherwise remained silent. With that done, Naestra looked at the festivities occurring, enjoying the sounds of happiness occurring through the village.

The next day

Fairy Tail guild

"And that's all that happened, sir." Said Macao as he finished his report. Makarov just hummed at that as he processed all this.

"And Wakaba says that Arahan took things too far with the gang." Said Makarov as he twirled his mustache a bit.

"Yes." Said Macao before scratching his head. "I can get where my partner is getting at, but at the same time, I can get where Arahan is getting at as well. I mean, she was outnumbered and outgunned. Can't blame her for doing for the killing option when against under a dozen criminals. Even if most of them didn't have magic." Makarov nodded at that as he went into thought.

On one hand, he was both disappointed and angry that Arahan resorted to killing to complete the job. Killing, in Makarov's eye, should only be done when absolutely no options remain, even if it leads to injuries on people you care about or even yourself. So, in his mind, he can understand where Wakaba was getting at.

Arahan could have easily taken them all down without killing them. The white-haired woman was certainly capable of it, it seemed. Plus, it seemed she just went straight for the killing option instead of considering other options. Such an individual will cause some trouble for Fairy Tail's image when words get out that there's a member of theirs that just goes for killing her enemies over negotiating or knocking them out. Fairy Tail was supposed to be a guild that everyone looks up to, kids included, which somewhat causes issues with the Magic Council, the governing body for all legal guilds, due to their…let's say collateral damage issues. So, it would be bad for their image if Arahan keeps this up. It'll just give their dissenters and critics more reason to suspend, or even disband, their guild.

That being said, he wasn't going to expel her from the guild for this. Killers and the like have always been able to join legal guilds. Of course, they're under suspicion and dislike from their fellow guildmates for their choices and actions, but Makarov knew a few legal guild wizards that have taken lives before. And they, most of the time, were good people at heart. They just have different beliefs is all on the taking of a life.

Plus, Makarov can see that Arahan, despite her rough exterior, was a good woman who cared greatly for her son. He saw it when she departed for the job and when she came back and showed her affection for her son in her own way. She may be a bit bloodthirsty and rude, but Makarov didn't remain in his position as guild master by being intolerant of such people and he refused to let her faults be the sole reason for him to kick her out. And who knows? Perhaps underneath all that rough edge and rude nature, lied someone that just wanted to do the right thing. They just had trouble interacting with others.

That and he can't deny that she was quite the eye candy to have around. Oh yes.

With all that done, Makarov instructed Macao that he can leave. Once the blue-haired mage was gone, Makarov hummed to himself as he thought of the mysterious new members and how they'll affect his guild in the future.

"Hopefully, it's for the better." Thought Makarov as he looked out a window in order to see Magnolia in all its glory.

So, did I handle the topic of killing well here? I figured that people like Makarov would understand the want to kill, given his old age, and would be understanding why some people kill their opponents over sparing them. He may not like it, but he's understanding.