Chapter 62

elljayskywalker- I'll keep that in mind thanks.

Fairy Tail Guild Hall

Makarov's office

"Are you certain of this, Naestra?" Asked Makarov as he looked at Naestra in surprise. The elven woman simply nodded as she looked at Makarov, who was behind his new desk in his new office in the new Guild Hall.

"Indeed, Makarov." Said Naestra as she looked at the man in charge of Fairy Tail. The day after Gajeel was introduced to Naestra and her sister as a member of Fairy Tail, Naestra came up with an idea. One that will surely not go well with her sister. "I wish to be involved with Gajeel's first job in Fairy Tail. The Dragonslayer needs to have constant supervision at the moment before he is deemed trustworthy and safe to be left alone. Supervision that needs to have both the patience to deal with Gajeel's hostile attitude and the kindness and wisdom necessary to help him adjust to his new Guild. Not to mention it has to be someone that's willing to give him a second chance, correct? Who better than myself to do this task?"

"I'm not disagreeing with that." Said Makarov. He was, of course, one hundred percent the idea of Naestra being there to supervise Gajeel in his first mission with Fairy Tail. Not only was she one of the wisest and kind members of Fairy Tail, but her words also carry great weight within Fairy Tail. If everyone hears that she supports Gajeel's inclusion into the Guild and that he means no further harm to them, then many will, at the very least, begin to open up to Gajeel. Many of the Guild still hasn't, as of yet, given the Iron Dragonslayer a chance. Granted for obvious and perfectly understandable reasons, but Makarov knew that Gajeel wouldn't consider Fairy Tail as anything but a way to support himself until the Guild opens themselves up to him more. Hopefully Naestra would be the key to that. If only there wasn't a slight problem. "I'm just worried what your sister would think of this sudden arrangement. Though Gajeel hasn't done much to harm you, according to your own words, I don't think Arahan would want you anywhere near Gajeel after our war with Phantom."

"I know." Said Naestra, agreeing with Makarov's words. Her sister would no doubt be against her helping out Gajeel when he was a former enemy not to long ago. However, she can deal with whatever disagreements her sister will have on her choices. She's quite used to it. Too much honestly. "I'll deal with whatever disagreements that my sister will have with this choice of mine. Gajeel deserves to have a chance of redemption with us. If this will help the others see that as well, then I'll gladly help him obtain that chance." Makarov couldn't help but smile at that. She truly was a merciful and kind soul.

"I'm sure Gajeel would be glad to hear that, even if he puts a front that says otherwise." Said Makarov before telling Naestra where Gajeel was. "Gajeel should still be in the Guildhall, looking at regular job board. I still have to approve of the job that he goes on, given he's still on probation, but that shouldn't be a problem. Not a lot of actually exciting jobs out there currently. Our region in Fiore has been peaceful as of late."

"Yes." Said Naestra, feeling quite happy with that. Rarely back in her old home did she ever have a moment of peace without worry about the future on account of all the threats that Athel Loren had to deal with constantly. "That is a blessing." With that, Naestra took her leave and left to find Gajeel. Luck would have it, she found him arguing with Mirajane at the new bar regarding a job flier in his hand.

"What the fuck do you mean, I can't go on this job!?" Demanded Gajeel as he glared at the smiling bar maiden. "I'm a fucking wizard employed in this guild! I got a right to take any job I want that isn't S-class! Plus, I need the fucking money or else I'm going to be on the streets! Do you want someone working in this Guild to be living on the streets!?"

"Technically you're a wizard on probation with us supervising you." Said Mirajane, reminding Gajeel of his situation at the moment. "According to the rules of the probation, which the Guild Master and your parole officer provided me, you aren't allowed to go on jobs that involve any sort of fighting or combat unless the guild is short on personnel to take those type of jobs. And even then, you need to be accompanied by at least two official Guild Members at all times. Break those rules or any other provided to the Guild and you'll be sent straight back to prison with no chance of parole again. Is that clear?" Gajeel growled at that and was about to yell at her again, there was no rule against being rude to members of the Guild, Naestra spoke up.

"I advise you stop trying, Mr. Redfox." Said Naestra as she made herself known to both Gajeel and Mirajane. Walking next to Gajeel, Naestra continued. "The terms of your parole are clear and while we do have enough people to look after you during your jobs with us, we also have enough wizards to take the current combat-related assignments. So, you can't take them as of yet. Not until Makarov and your parole officer both agree that you can be trusted with them. However, if you are in dire strait for currency, I can help you. There are quite a few jobs that you can do. While not glamourous, they do pay well, even if you split it with whoever goes with you on them." Gajeel glared at Naestra, but otherwise didn't do anything to her. With that done, Naestra looked at Mirajane and asked her if there was any such jobs available for Gajeel and her to take.

"There are quite a few jobs that you and Gajeel can take." Said Mirajane as she thought of the jobs that she knew were still available, wondering which one was best suited for them. Soon, she thought of one and smiled. "There is an escort job that you two can do. It should be a fairly easy assignment. It's on a route that doesn't see much conflict given the military outpost on the route. You shouldn't be facing any bandits on the road. Its also relatively high paying so Gajeel won't have to worry about money. At least if he's responsible in managing his money." Gajeel scowled at that, annoyed at what she was insinuating.

"And if we do come across bandits?" Asked Naestra with a frown. "Is Gajeel allowed to use his magic?"

"Actually, yes." Said Mirajane with a smile. "So long as its done in self-defense and there was no other option, then Gajeel can use his magic. So long as he's fine with going to a long talk with his parole officer about his usage of magic, of course." Nodding at that, Naestra then looked at Gajeel.

"Are these acceptable to you, Gajeel?" Asked Naestra, causing the Dragonslayer to look at her in annoyance.

"If it means getting money to feed myself, then fuck yes." Said Gajeel as he looked at Naestra with hostility and annoyance.

Far too use to dealing with individuals that held attitude issues, Naestra looked at Mirajane and told her that they'll accept the job. As Mirajane went to get the job offer from the board, Arahan made herself known. The White-Haired elf was busy interacting with Erza regarding the upcoming Miss Fairy Tail competition, a sort of competition to determine who amongst the women of Fairy Tail was the most beautiful or something akin to that. Truth be told, Arahan wouldn't have done such a thing in the first place if Naestra hadn't insisted on her staying in the lobby with Erza while she talked to Makarov regarding Gajeel. A small argument happened between the sisters because of this, but ultimately Arahan agreed to it and left to talk to Erza, who intended on entering the Miss Fairy Tail competition.

"I see that you are with the former Phantom Lord member." Said Arahan with venom in her tone, something that caused Gajeel to glare at her. He would have said something snarky to her, but he learned early on that it wasn't wise to be snarky with Arahan, lest he wanted something cut off or worse. "Why is that, sister?"

"We're going on a mission together with him, Arahan." Said Naestra simply, stunning her sister. That soon turned to fury and anger.

"Why are we working alongside this cur, sister?" Demanded Arahan as she glared at her sister, not pleased at all to hear that they were working alongside this human. She was already peeved that they allowed former the Phantom Lord members into their fold, working alongside them was just asking for an incident to occur between her and the former mages of Phantom Lord.

"Because the Guild needs to start accepting Gajeel." Said Naestra as she explained her reasoning to her sister. "The process will be long, yes, but that can be expedited if they see that we have given Gajeel a second chance. They look up to us, Arahan. It'll send a strong message to them that we're treating Gajeel like one of us."

"He isn't one of us, sister." Said Arahan as she glared at Gajeel, who tried to glare back, but the sheer intensity of Arahan's glare left him stumbling back a bit in fright. She truly was scary. Even scarier than Erza the first time she saw her in a frightening mood. "Have you forgotten what he did to us? What he did to Levy and her team? Or what he did to you? Are you so naïve that you're willing to forget all that just to give him a second chance."

"I haven't forgotten what he did, Arahan." Said Naestra, softly but firmly as well. "Gajeel hasn't done anything to me specifically, Arahan. That was someone else. Who, I still have no idea and neither do the Magic Council. As for everything else, I haven't forgotten any of it. I will always be upset and even angry with Gajeel at what he did to Levy and our Guild." She gave Gajeel a withering glare that sent him standing up straight and his blood running cold. Both sisters were scary it seemed. But just as quickly as the glare appeared, it disappeared in an instant. "However, he wishes to redeem himself and become a better person, Arahan. He wishes to leave his dark past behind and become someone better. And it's all genuine, but he needs guidance to do in order to continue on that path of redemption and atonement. Thus, I wish to help him in that path. And so does Makarov. As he said before, Gajeel can become a productive member of Fairy Tail. Even a friend to some of us, but only if we gave him a chance and don't treat him as a pariah forever. Its acceptable to do it initially, but not forever. Not when he puts the effort to become a better person and desire to atone for his dark actions. And if I need to be the one to make everyone understand this, then I will gladly do so." Upon hearing all that, Gajeel's face faltered a bit at her words, he even went a bit teary eyed at her defense of him, but it quickly went back to his usual face. However, it was noticed by both sisters.

Arahan, seeing the faltering of Gajeel at her sister's words, realized that Naestra spoke true. Gajeel was here because he truly did want to become a better person and not just to avoid prison like he claimed. Realizing this, Arahan internally sighed before speaking up.

"Fine." Said Arahan in an exasperated tone. "Let's go on a mission together. He needs to be under our care while he's on a mission, correct?"

"And we need to report his behavior throughout the course of the job." Said Naestra as she smiled at her sister's words, pleased she accepted the situation so quickly. Earthland has changed her for the better.

"Fine, but you're doing that reporting." Said Arahan as she turned to Mirajane, who came back with the flier for their job.

"Fair enough." Said Naestra as Mirajane approved the job to them and wished them good luck. "Let us leave for the train station. And Gajeel, please keep to the best of your behavior during this mission. It would help in your situation if you do so." Gajeel just grunted at that, but nodded his head at her words. With that and the paperwork in order, the trio left the Guild Hall to complete their new job together, all of them, some more than others, hoping it will prove a fruitful venture for several different reasons.

Meanwhile

Vilitch the Curseling

The Tzeentch Champion known as Vilitch let out a laugh as he watched his warband destroy the last warrior belonging to the pitiful followers of Nurgle. He and his ever-growing warband were on their way to another Norscan village to coerce them to assist in his grand mission when he received a vision of an ambush by followers of Nurgle who also wished to take the Norscan village for their own means. Laughing at himself at the thought of the ambush, Vilitch began making plans to turn the tables on his would be ambushers. Needless to say, his plan succeeded most excellently.

Letting loose another bout of laughter, Vilitch was soon approached by Khurze. Descending upon the leader of their warband, Khurze spoke to him.

"Vilitch, I bring word from the village." Said Khurze as the rest of the warband, those that didn't participate in the counter ambush, made their way to the location from the woods. The Doom Knight had also not participated in the ambush, having been sent ahead of the main force to the Norscan village. To see if they can find warriors to recruit to the warband. "They have agreed to give their finest warriors to our cause. If you agree to a duel with their village champion." Upon hearing that, Vilitch gave Khurze's a vicious smile.

"They wish to engage a champion of Tzeentch in a duel?" Asked Vilitch sarcastically. Though he had no eyes, Khurze knew they would have held amusement if he had them.

"I never claimed which of the four gods our warband leader swore allegiance to." Said Khurze simply. He may bare the colors of a champion of Tzeentch, but he never claimed that Vilitch was one when he proposed the conditions of the duel with the village elder. If he had, the duel wouldn't have been made in the first place. A pity, the elder didn't think to ask a simple question.

Vilitch let loose another bark of laughter at Khurze's words. He truly was a champion of Tzeentch. And so was he with how he turned to ambushers' ambush against them. Looking at the corpses as his warriors, from simple Chaos Marauders that came from the various villages he conquered in Tzeentch's name to mighty Chaos Chosen of Tzeentch that have either been provided by his God or have joined him willingly at their own volition, having heard of his exploits and receiving visions of the power and plunder he'll provide them, finished looting them for any valuables, Vilitch wondered what to do with them when suddenly the corpses suddenly began glowing a bright blue and pink color. Surprised at this, Vilitch's warriors quickly backed away from the corpses as they suddenly began floating in the air and began merging into one another.

Surprised at this, both Khurze and Vilitch gauzed at the spectacle before them as they readied their weapons. Khurze, his favored halberd, and Vilitch, his staff as well as Thomin's flail and sword. Vilitch's various warriors also prepared their own weapons, wondering if this was a test of their god or the rage of Nurgle, their patron's rival. They soon received their answer when the bodies all suddenly exploded, showering everyone nearby in blood. They all then watched as the sickly flesh of Nurgle's followers were soon merged into each other, forming a mass of blood and greenish flesh. Said mass was soon subjected to pink and blue flame that spontaneously came out of the ground, engulfing the mass in a pillar of pink flame.

It was then that the followers of Tzeentch realized that this was the work of their patron. Utilizing the flesh of their fallen enemies, thereby insulting and enraging his rival by using his own followers for Tzeentch's own purposes. Some of the followers kneeled at this sign of their god, showing their devotion, while others stood at attention, wondering what their god is trying to communicate or show them. Vilitch especially was wondering this. Was this a message of his guard, trying to tell him what to do next in his search for the Everchosen? That he needed to expand his warband more? Or was this a gift for defeating some of the pawns of his rival? Whatever it was, Vilitch hoped that it was something good. As fate, ironic given who Vilitch served, it was a good omen for him because the mass of flesh soon emerged from the pillar. Only in a different shape than before.

Rather than several pieces of meat jammed together, the mass of flesh was turned into a hulking monstrosity of purple flesh encased in black chitin-like armor that was around the size of a two-story building. Standing on four legs, the front forelimbs were larger then the back limbs and seemed to be made for grabbing onto things. For a mouth, the monstrosity had a mass of tentacles that surrounded a long, pole-like tongue, all of which lead to a massive maw filled with teeth. Each tentacle moved individually from one another and had rows upon rows of shark-like teeth embedded in them, each razor-sharp and looked like they can easily pierce metal armor. Finally, the monstrosity had a strange circle-like ball of energy that pulsates with magical essence. Overall, it was a monstrosity and just looking at it made one wish to gorge their own eyes out in horror at such a monster, not wishing to believe that such a monstrosity exists in the first place. Any sane man would, but for the followers of Chaos, especially those that follow Tzeentch, such a beast was seen as a good omen for it was a sign that their god was pleased with them. The case can be said for Vilitch's warband, who were all in awe at the massive beast before them, for this beast was a creation of their god, Tzeentch.

It was a Mutalith Vortex Beast. A powerful beast of Chaos that was a fusion of both flesh and magic. Often created through exposure to raw chaotic energy, Mutalith Vortex Beasts were a rare sight beyond the lands seeped with chaotic corruption and that was blessing for the Empire of Man and the forces of Order for the Mutalith Vortex Beast was a powerful beast of war. Not only was each one capable of ripping apart entire battalion of soldiers on its own with pure strength alone, each Mutalith Vortex Beast can use the Winds of Magic to induce painful and powerful mutations on enemy soldiers that are either brave enough or foolish enough to get into melee with such a beast. These mutations can range from simple adding of extra limbs, like an extra arm or leg in a inconvenient place, to something as horrifying and dangerous as causing dozens of soldiers to mutate into hideous Chaos Spawn, who soon turn on their former comrades with little thought. And if that was not enough, a Mutalith Vortex Beast can also use the Winds of Magic to heal itself of wounds should it already tough hide, that was capable of enduring cannonballs with ease, be pierced. A truly deadly beast and a testament to the truth strength of the Followers of Chaos. Thus, to have a Mutalith Vortex Beast in his warband was a sure sign of Tzeentch's favor with Vilitch and it pleased him immensely.

Looking at the Mutalith Vortex Beast as it stayed in place, somehow breathing through its strange mass of tentacles, Vilitch let loose a bout of maddening laughter.

"Tzeentch truly favors us, Khurze!" Yelled Vilitch as he looked at his newest addition to his warband.

"Indeed, he does." Said Khurze in awe at the beast before him. He had only seen Mutalith Vortex Beasts during his service to Tzeentch and even then, only rarely. To see one be added to their warband. It was a sign of their patron God's favor with them. "Indeed he does."

"Let us go on our way, Khurze!" Yelled Vilitch as he stopped his laughter. "We have a duel to participate!" Before he could move his brother around, the Mutalith Vortex Beast suddenly let out a roar and sent out a pulse of mutational energy. The pulse, surprisingly was harmless to everyone around it. Everyone except Vilitch, who was suddenly struck to the ground from the pulse, Thomin's body staying to the ground as Vilitch lost control of his brother's body temporarily. Stunned at this, Vilitch then received something from the pulse that sent his mind reeling from the sudden intrusion of images sent to his head. Screaming in pain, Vilitch dropped his staff in order to clutch his head. Khurze, seeing this, rushed to his leader's aid while Vilitch's followers looked at their leader in surprise. Some were unsure of what to do while others saw a potential way to ascend to the rank of leader of the warband when they saw Vilitch's state. Before they could make a move, Vilitch suddenly stopped screaming. They all then heard him laughing out maddeningly as if he was struck with an idea. Confused, they all watched as Khurze helped Vilitch, who soon regained control of his brother's body. Ordering Thomin to grab his staff, Vilitch continued to laugh as he regained his bearings fully.

"I have received a vision from our God!" Yelled Vilitch, speaking as if he was a mad prophet to his followers. "A vision of what we must do next! Come with me and we will receive much rewards from our God!" Upon hearing that, Vilitch's followers let out roars of approval and silent nods, all eager to receive more notice from their god. With that, they all began marching towards their next target with their newest addition to their warband in tow.