Chapter 22

Deidrick

"So, what are you planning on doing when you grow up?" Asked Daxter as he walked with Deidrick to the Fairy Tail guild. The two had just finished school and were eager to go Fairy Tail to meet up with their other friends. Because of homework assignments or reports taking up most of their time, it had been a few weeks since they went to Fairy Tail. Now, with most of their work either being easy to do or done, the two were eager to get to the Guildhall and see their friends. Pondering on what his friend asked, Diederick spoke up.

"Perhaps a job in the guild, like my mothers, or perhaps a job with the military." Said Diederick. The idea of being part of such a prestigious guild appealed to Diederick. Not only was his mother's some of the most respected, but even Arahan was also respected by everyone if not in her attitude, and successful members of the guild, all the people there were so kind baring a few like Makarov's grandson, Laxus and his three underlings, the Thunder Legion. Even those that were destructive, like Natsu, were so kind to his friends. He was sure that, if he decided to join the guild, that Natsu would be eager to help him find a team to be with and even help him on jobs if he asked. Heck, he may even have Diederick permanently join up with him on missions from now on if he decided to join Fairy Tail, like his mothers.

That being said, the idea of joining the military appealed to the young boy. Not only did he gain a nice salary in joining the military, but he also received some nice perks that guaranteed a good life for him once he retired. He also found the idea of being in a disciplined and effective fighting force to be appealing to him. There was something about being in the military that appealed to the young man. Being around like-minded individuals that wanted to protect the entirety of Fiore and serve a crown that seemed to be effective in governing their people. Plus, he felt that there would be a time that he needed to be on his own two feet. To start being his own man that can reliably make his own money without much help from others. Not that he was trying to cut himself off from his friends. It's just that he felt that he needed to prove himself that he can reliably earn money rather than having it given to him by others.

"Both seem appealing." Said Daxter, causing Diederick to nod. Diederick then asked him what he wanted to do. "I was thinking of being an alchemist. Plantlife and animal life always appealed to me. And I always found it intriguing how one can use both to better humanity as a whole in ways with their biological components." Diederick couldn't help but whistle at that.

"Perhaps then we should join the military together. I'm sure that the military can use an alchemist like you, right?" Suggested Diederick. Daxter pursed his lips at that.

"Hmm, you do make a good point." Said Daxter. "My parents did serve in the military before and they always complained that there weren't any healing potions or salves around when the soldiers needed it when they're up against dark wizards." Diederick couldn't help but blink at that.

"Really?" Asked Diederick, having never heard this information before since he knew Daxter and his parents. From what he gathered prior to today, they were excellent potion makers. It was what they did for a living. Brew potions and the like for either non-magic people or those with magic. Whatever it was someone desired, Daxter's parents will provide it. So long as it was legal, of course.

"Yup." Said Daxter as he adjusted his glasses. "You would not believe the amount of time they spent making salves and potions for soldiers to cure them from their wounds and various illnesses. It's not the most glamorous of jobs, to be sure, but that just makes the pay greater. Not a lot of mages wish to do that sort of job or even join the military at all. Too many restrictions and the like." Diederick nodded at that in agreement.

"Yeah, I can see that." Said Diederick. He couldn't imagine someone like Gray or Natsu can last even a day in the military. They would get kicked out the moment they start a fight with each other, causing so much damage in the process. Chuckling at that a bit, Diederick spoke up. "Still, I think I'll give it a shot. Meet some more people. Hopefully, make some more friends along the way." Daxter nodded at that.

"True. True." Said Daxter. "Well, maybe once we graduate from high school and maybe even college, my parents can give a good word for us." As the two were conversing with one another, they heard the sounds of chatter from those up ahead of them. Curious, the two looked around and eventually saw a giant tooth amongst a crowd of people. Surprised, the two walked towards the crowd and found out what was causing the commotion.

It was Erza Scarlet walking down the streets of Magnolia, carrying the massive tooth with one hand. Seeing the red-haired girl, the two boys shouted to her, trying to get her attention. Upon hearing the recognizable voices, Erza looked in their direction and smiled.

"Diederick. Daxter. Nice to see you two again." Said Erza as she motioned for them to join her. Upon seeing that, the two slipped past the crowd and joined her, eager to be around their friend. "How goes life, my friends? Has the guild done anything wrong while I was gone?" By that, she meant destroy public property or cause the usual noise complaints with their brawls. Diederick shook his head.

"None that reached us." Said Diederick. "Both of my mothers were around the guild for most of the time so the guild was behaving while you were gone."

"Yeah." Said Daxter, adding into the conversation. "My mom kept telling me that she has to meet Diederick's mothers again. To thank them for keeping the guild under control. She loves business and all, but the sheer destruction they do can really hamper business a lot. Not that, it's the only reason we like to keep Fairy Tail's fighting down to a minimum." Smiling at that, Erza slapped Daxter at that, sending him falling towards the floor. Fortunately, Diederick caught him in time, saving him from having to get new glasses. Thanking Diederick, Daxter glared at Erza in annoyance, causing her to apologize.

"My apologies." Said Erza with a small smile. "Sometimes, I forget my own strength. If you want, you can punch me in return." Daxter just backed away from her when she said that.

"No thanks." Said Daxter, not wanting to imagine the backlash he get from Fairy Tail for punching Erza, even if she approved of it. "I like to live." Erza and Diederick chuckled a bit at that before they all ventured into Fairy Tail. As they walked, Erza asked Diederick how school was doing.

"Fine. Will be joining high school soon." Said Daxter. "That's why we're going to the guildhall. To notify my moms that we have to pick a high school for me to attend." Erza nodded at that.

"I see." Said Erza with a smile. "It's always good to pursue education when you can. Learning is such a valuable thing. If only I can afford to attend school. *Sighs* Unfortunately, it's a full-time job to both provide money for me and to make sure the guild isn't destroying itself. I know your mothers are helping, Diederick, but honestly, it's like everyone goes off destroying the guildhall whenever we're not around. They just never learn." Diederick couldn't help but nod at that statement, remembering a few times the guildhall got damaged because of Fairy Tail members going all out at each other whenever Erza, or his mothers weren't around. People get punished, yes, but it seems they're very stubborn to keep on doing it. Or at least don't know when to hold back.

Eventually, the trio made their way to the guildhall. Upon arriving, Erza walked right inside, seeing a mess along with Natsu and Gray on the floor in pain. Nearby was Arahan, glaring down at them, with everyone else giving her a wide space as if they feared provoking her. When Erza saw the nasty bumps on the heads of Fairy Tail's resident ice and fire mages, Erza guessed what happened.

There was an out-of-control brawl when Arahan arrived. One that she personally stopped by beating up Gray and Natsu. And now she was ensuring that nobody was doing anything stupid while she was around. Scanning around the guildhall, Arahan eventually spotted Erza and her son. Upon seeing them, she motioned for them to sit next to her, which they did along with Daxter.

Setting down the massive tooth she was carrying nearby, Erza sat next to her former master and smiled at her.

"It's good to see you again, Arahan." Said Erza as she looked at Arahan, who was giving a small nod to her son as he sat down next to her. "I assume the guildhall has been peaceful since you came back from a job." Arahan just scoffed at that before speaking.

"If you mean they're properly terrified of me enough that they won't do anything stupid, then yes." Said Arahan as she glared at several Fairy Tail members, who skittered away in fright. "Honestly, so many of these idiots never learn. It can be quite frustrating to be a part of this guild with so many destructive morons that don't know when to restrain themselves." Erza just smiled at that as her former master spoke up. She knew that, despite what she was saying and how she acted around the other guild members besides a select few, Arahan would gladly fight with them and protect their lives in any battle or job. Even if she complained about their behavior and stupidity, Arahan would fight to the very end to protect her fellow guildmates from harm. That included Natsu and Gray, despite their dislike for her.

"They can be frustrating at times, I know." Said Erza. "But you have to admit, they're some of the friendliest people in Magnolia. Yes?" Arahan just rolled her eyes at that before looking over and speaking to her son.

"How was school today, Diederick?" Asked Arahan, looking at her son, who just looked back at her with a smile. Though he tried to hide it, Arahan can see that he had some good news for her.

"It went well, mother." Said Diederick as he kept that smile. "Got an A on two tests and a B in another." Arahan scoffed at that, finding the B to be slightly disappointing, possessing enough knowledge on the grading curriculum of Magnolia to know what was good and bad. Still, she expressed her approval and asked if there was anything else she needed to know. "Actually, there is something that you and Naestra need to know." Diederick took a deep breath before speaking up again. "In a few weeks from now, I and Daxter have to pick high schools for us to attend. So, having thought ahead, we went out of our way to pick up some high schools that we can possibly attend. And we have a few good ones." With that Daxter took the stage and began speaking up.

"Well, right now, neither of our families are in need of money so we can afford even the most expensive of schools in Magnolia. Possibly even in all of Fiore." Said Daxter, causing Arahan to look at him. Once he had her full attention, Daxter continued. "Now obviously, with the careers, we're planning on taking, we don't need the most prestigious of schools. Plus, it stands to reason for Diederick to be close in hand in case any dark guilds come after him because of you and your sister." Arahan scowled at that before speaking up.

"Cut to the chase, boy." Said Arahan. She never had liked Daxter or his parents. She found Daxter to be cowardly and weak. Smart, but cowardly. And his parents. Isha. They were so annoying. The mother was a germaphobe freak, always cleaning up things and insisting that Arahan clean herself up whenever she and Naestra visited them for whatever reason. And the father was just plain eccentric, always making up crazy potions. One of which nearly killed her and another nearly turned Naestra into a plant. To make matters worse, they didn't seem to be phased at all whenever she insulted them needlessly. They just carried on like nothing she said mattered, which infuriated Arahan. Needless to say, Arahan doesn't have a good opinion on them or Daxter. "What schools have you and my son chosen?"

"Mom." Said Diederick as he looked at her. He never liked the fact that Arahan didn't like Daxter or his family. Naestra did, finding them to be a good influence on Diederick, but Arahan never did. She tolerated them for Diedericks' sake, but that's the extent of it. Diederick and Naestra tried to make her more friendly with them to no avail. She just was that stubborn. Daxter, used to Arahan's behavior, simply granted her request.

"Well, I believe that the high school by the name of Orchid high is a good choice." Said Daxter. "It's a good school with a respectable reputation. It has all-round good teaching body in all subjects. And it's well-known enough that colleges will accept us regardless of what degrees we choose to go for along with careers. Plus, it's right here in Magnolia. So, no need to worry about, you know, people coming to take your son away or something." When Arahan glared at him for that comment, Diederick stepped in to save his friend.

"It's a good school, mom." Said Diederick. "We checked it out and I can safely say that it's a good school. Trust me. I wouldn't be doing this if I and Daxter weren't sure that it was a good school for us." Looking at her son and seeing the confident look on his face, Arahan sighed before speaking up.

"If you're certain that it's a good school, then by all means go for it." Said Arahan with her arms crossed. Both the boys smiled at that, happy that they got her approval. That meant that the biggest and only hurdle in their efforts to go to Orchid high was now over. Daxter got his parent's approval. In fact, they seemed ecstatic with it. And Naestra would one hundred percent agree with whatever school that her son wanted to go to. So long as it was good and affordable of course.

"Thanks, mom." Said Diederick giving her a hug, causing Erza to smile along with a few other Fairy Tail members to snicker. Twitching her ears at hearing those snickers, Arahan identified who they were before hugging her son back.

"Just do well in this school and get a good job, son." Said Arahan as she hugged her son back. She hated that she was doing this in front of other people, but her son started it and it would make even a bigger scene if she pushed him away or even just asked him to let go of her. Oh, how her people would react to seeing her hugging a man, even if it's her son.

Thankfully, her son let go of her soon and looked back at her with a smile. Nodding back, Arahan looked back at Erza and asked how her mission was.

"Fine, however, I have to go on another mission again." Explained Erza before getting serious. "It's not an official mission, but I have a hunch that it's a matter of grave importance." Upon hearing that, Arahan was immediately interested. Her sister was currently out giving that new girl, Lucy Heartfilia, a tour of Magnolia, but they should be back soon. And with their money situation more or less fine, they could go on an unpaid job. Especially if Erza convinced Naestra that it was a mission of grave importance.

"Then perhaps my sister and I can accompany you in it." Suggested Arahan, her eyes showing interest in this mission of Erzas'. Upon seeing the eyes of her master, Erza let out a smile.

"I would be honored to have you accompany me." Said Erza, happy to have an opportunity to fight alongside her old master. "Natsu and Gray will also be accompanying us, unfortunately, but I figure we can keep both of them in line, yes." Arahan just smirked at that. Then, before either of them can speak up, the doors to the guildhall were opened up, revealing Naestra and Lucy.

"We're back!" Yelled Lucy with a big smile, catching everyone's attention. Upon seeing the mess around the guildhall, she gasped while Naestra sighed. Before either of them speak, Arahan spoke up.

"Sister, we have a job to attend to." Said Arahan with a smile.

Meanwhile

In a desolated forest lay an old stone building. Within that building, a woman was meeting up with a human man. They both were alone, but the man was sure that the woman had guards nearby. It was in her nature after all.

"Are you certain that this plan will result in the deaths of all the Guild Masters?" Asked a woman in armor and a brand on her face as she looked at the human before her. A shirtless man with white hair smiled at her.

"Of course." Said the man as he looked at the armored woman, eyeing her beautiful face despite her brand, and white hair was done in a high ponytail. "Just leave everything to my guild and we'll take care of everything."

"You better." Said the woman with narrowed eyes. "And you better bring back Makarov alive. I want to kill that bastard myself."

"Of course." Said the man as he nonchalantly waved his hand, angering the woman. "So long as you pay the fee for it, we'll be more than happy to bring you the master of Fairy Tail alive. Don't worry, we won't fail you."

"You better." Warned the woman. "Otherwise, you'll face my wrath." With that the woman left, leaving the man to look at the presents that the woman gave him. One of them was something that his guild was searching for a while now. The flute of Lullaby, a powerful flute created by the Dark wizard Zeref himself. Once sung, anyone that hears its melody will have a death curse be inflicted on them except for the user. How the woman acquired it was up to him to decipher, but he didn't care how she got it, only that she did.

And the other present was a powerful poison gifted by the woman so that he and his guild can succeed in capturing Makarov for her. He didn't know what it did, but considering she wanted Makarov alive, he guessed it was some sort of paralyzing potion. If so, it must be strong if it's meant to paralyze a guild master.

Smirking to himself, the man went to gather his guildmates in order to complete their assigned task.