YOOOOO
What's up lads! How you all doing?
Me? I'm doing wonderful, thank you for asking.
Now that we have the pleasantries out of the way, let's get this chapter started!
Start:
The morning light filtered softly through the windows of Makarov's office, illuminating the faces of those assembled before him.
Naruto, Gray, Gajeel, Juvia, and Lucy stood in a tense line, their expressions a mix of apprehension and resolve. The atmosphere was heavy, charged with the weight of the revelations they had unleashed on Fairy Tail's guild master.
Makarov, seated behind his desk, bore a look that could unnerve even the strongest of mages, a prominent vein bulging on the side of his forehead while his eyes, usually twinkling with mischief or warmth, were now storms of absolute coldness.
"Start from the beginning," Makarov commanded, his voice deceptively calm.
Gray took a deep breath, glancing at his companions for a brief moment before turning his attention back to Makarov. "It all started when we came across Jose yesterday, me, Naruto, and Lucy conversed with him and he made the offer for us to join Fairy Tail, we all refused and later that same night…
…"
A full hour since then passed, the sunlight in the room shifted, now casting long shadows across the wooden floor. The atmosphere, once charged with tension, began to mellow as Makarov's expression softened, his initial anger giving way to a thoughtful contemplation.
Finally, Naruto concluded their recounting, "And that's everything. If you ask me… It's not even a question at this point of whether Jose will quietly lie down or continue to attack when not only had he failed to capture Lucy, but that he had also lost two capable members in Juvia and Gajeel."
"I see." Makarov leaned back in his chair, letting out a long, weary sigh.
His gaze lingered on each of them in turn before finally settling on Gajeel and Juvia. The severity in his eyes melted away, replaced by a warmth that few had the privilege to witness when he was furious.
"Gajeel, Juvia," Makarov began, his voice gentle yet also carrying a weight that filled the room. "You've both faced difficult choices, walked paths that many would falter on..." He stopped, taking a moment to ponder his next set of words. "Your actions, driven by a sense of right, have led you here, to my office, under less than ideal circumstances."
He paused once more, allowing his words to sink in, watching as Gajeel and Juvia tensed, uncertain of the reception they were about to receive.
Knowing the kind of people they were, learning of how both former phantom mages tried to show mercy in their own way, something that was especially note worthy when one considered that they were under the direct orders of Jose…it was more than enough to tug at the wizard saint's heart strings.
Letting either Gajeel or Juvia suffer on there own was not an option. Letting them suffer at all was not acceptable.
Makarov regarded the pair with a fatherly warmth that took them both by surprise. "I understand the paths that led you here, and I'm grateful for how even if it had been easier to do just what Jose had told you, that you still chose to be kind instead, that you chose to be merciful even if it meant putting yourselves at risk."
A kind smile blossomed on to his elderly visage. "I would be happy and proud to have you both become a part of Fairy Tail, to be a part of my family."
The offer hung in the air, a surprising proposition that neither Gajeel nor Juvia had anticipated. Their initial shock gave way to contemplation.
"And just know that even if you decide not to join, I won't let you face Jose alone. And that you both are always welcome here." Makarov added gently.
Seeing as her beloved Gray was already a part of Fairy Tail, Juvia was much more inclined to join and made her decision loud and clear. "Juvia would love to join Fairy Tail." She stated cheerfully before her disposition turned more serious. "And Juvia wants to thank Master Makarov for being so kind."
"Think nothing of it my dear, I'm just as happy to have you join and be a part of Fairy Tail." The wizard saint replied earnestly before his gaze shifted to the only dragon slayer in the room. "What about you Gajeel? Would you like to join? Like Juvia, it would make me happy to have you become one of my brats."
An uncertain look criss-crossed Gajeel's features.
"I don't think you'd want me to be a part of your guild old man." Gajeel sighed morosely. "Juvia is kind and thoughtful, she isn't really capable of being cruel and last night proved that. But I'm a different story. I'm capable of being cruel. I have inflicted pain onto so many others. It would be a bad idea to have me in your guild. Trust me."
"And you think I'm not the same?" The guild master rebutted instantly.
"What?" Understandably, it wasn't just Gajeel who was taken aback by such a statement, pretty much everyone excluding Naruto in the room was caught off guard, though only the dragon slayer had voiced out their surprise.
Makarov eyed the dragon slayer fairly. "I too am capable of being cruel, and like you, I too have inflicted pain onto so many others. Dare I say that my list far surpasses yours. But being cruel is not all that I'm capable of. I am also capable of being kind, of extending a hand to a downed person, of showing compassion to a complete stranger."
"And you're no different." The wizard saint added with a small genuine smile. "You didn't know Naruto, but you tried to give him multiple chances to get away."
"Yup." Naruto helpfully chimed in with a thumbs up. "You were practically begging me to take the chances you were offering me with how insistent you were, even in mid-battle."
Gajeel was too caught off guard to reply properly as he stuttered. "T-Tha-"
"I apologize for interrupting you my boy." Makarov cut him off gently. "But what I'm trying to say is that like me, like us all, you too are capable of being kind, of being compassionate and merciful, and you already demonstrated plenty of that with your fight against Naruto and how you warned him afterwards of Juvia."
"You're a good fellow, anyone can see that if they truly try to get to know you. I can most definitely see it and so can everybody in the room" His small smile widened a tad to become a more cheerful grin. "So will you join Fairy Tail my boy?"
Gajeel took a few seconds "Are you sure you want me to join? I'll be plenty of trouble."
"Positive." Makarov answered before rolling his eyes. "And I'm already used to trouble with all my brats, what's one more brat on my plate gonna do?"
A small chuckle reverberated out of the dragon slayer's mouth. "Alright then, I guess I have no choice but to join."
His response caused Juvia to beam, for Naruto and Lucy to smile, while Gray smirked in satisfaction.
As for Makarov, a small laugh escaped him as he alternated his gaze between the former phantom mages. "Good, then welcome to Fairy Tail you two. We will celebrate you both joining after this whole ordeal."
His countenance turned serious. "But as of now, we need to deal with Jose."
"Master." Gray spoke up, dragging everyone's attention to him. "What will we do about his interest with Lucy? I doubt that he will give up on the chance of taking her away."
The reminder of how her father was responsible for the sudden surge of antagonism caused regret to swell within the celestial mage.
Lucy bowed down in guilt. "I didn't think my past would catch up to me like this, endangering everyone in Fairy Tail like this." Her eyes began to water as the guilt choked her. "It's my fault, Master. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Makarov's gaze softened at Lucy's admission. "Lucy, you are not responsible for the actions of your parent. And Jose has always been antagonistic towards us. This was going to happen regardless of your father's actions. I do not want you to continue blaming yourself, alright." He demanded sternly at the end.
"Juvia thinks Master Makarov is right, Lucy." Juvia chirped supportively as she laid a tender hand on the trembling blonde's shoulder. "Jose Parla always hated Fairy Tail, he was just looking for an excuse to attack." The blunette looked over to Gajeel for support. "Right Gajeel?"
"Indeed." The iron dragon slayer agreed. "As our master has already stated, this was going to happen regardless. Truth is… I'm surprised that it hasn't happened already considering his hate for Fairy Tail."
"I get that but!" Lucy took a moment to steady her emotions. "I still can't help but feel responsible. Even if you all tell me otherwise… I just feel responsible. I have to confront my father so he can stop this, if I don't then he will keep hiring other guilds to attack Fairy Tail until he gets what he wants."
"I have to leave master." She pleaded.
Makarov eyed the female blonde sternly. "If that is what you believe you must do, I understand, but I won't have you go alone. I have a plan." The guild master shifted his gaze over to residential ice wizard of Fairy Tail. "Gray, I want you to call Erza, Mira, Natsu, Elfman, Cana, and councilwomen Ultear to the office, tell them I want them here."
"Got it." Gray nodded and immediately left the office.
"Lucy." Makarov uttered her name softly. "I understand how you feel but I don't want you to be reckless, we're your family, that means you can depend on us, and in times of hardship, you have to rely on those you trust, your friends and family. Rely on us more, okay?"
Tears trickled down her cheeks as his words struck her defense, Lucy sniffed and nodded tearfully, gratitude swelling from within as she wiped the moisture from her gaze. "O-Okay."
Acting on instinct, Juvia enveloped the female blonde in a comforting hug.
"And now to call Laxus." Makarov barely quelled a sigh at the thought of his unruly grandson.
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Time-skip: Forty minutes later.
The office was a crucible of brewing emotions, each member of Fairy Tail carrying the weight of Makarov's news in their own way. The air was charged, thick with tension and the undercurrents of anger and shock that radiated from each individual.
Only Ultear herself was void of any anger, simply taking the news with stride while she contemplated the unexpected news.
The silence that had enveloped the room was suddenly shattered by Natsu's outburst.
Natsu's voice, fueled by an uncontrollable anger, cut through the tension like a sword. "We can't just stand by and do nothing! We need to take the fight to Phantom Lord now! I'll teach them to not mess with us!" Flames danced around him, a visual echo of his rage, his fists clenched at his sides as if ready to leap into battle this very second.
Laxus, who had been leaning against the wall with an air of disinterest, pushed himself off with a scoff, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and disdain. "Rushing in head first without thinking... You'd just end up flat on your back. Do you really want Fairy Tail to become the laughing stock of the magic world?"
The dragon slayer whirled furiously towards Laxus, ready to retort, but before he could get a word out, Makarov's power surged, filling the room with an oppressive force that immediately silenced him. All eyes turned to Makarov, the intensity of his gaze enough to quell the brewing storm.
"Laxus," Makarov's voice was stern, a commanding presence that demanded immediate attention and respect. "Now is not the time for your taunts or provocations. We need unity, not division. Your arrogance serves no one."
Laxus met Makarov's gaze, unflinching, his own arrogance undimmed. "While Natsu is a pathetic weakling who'd only bring shame to Fairy Tail." His words mustered frowns and scowls from nearly everyone in the room. "The sentiment and his approach isn't exactly wrong. Phantom Lord needs a lesson in respect. I'm simply suggesting that I'm the better candidate for delivering that lesson."
The guild master raised a hand, signaling for silence, a gesture that brought immediate quiet. "We will proceed with the plan I have laid out," He declared, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Makarov's gaze swept across the room, coming to rest on Cana, Gray, Juvia, and Gajeel. "Juvia, Gajeel… I apologize for already making a demand to the two of you when you haven't even joined officially but I want you two along with Gray and Cana to accompany Lucy back to her estate," He instructed, sending an apologetic look to the former phantom duo.
"It's fine, we can handle this." Gajeel responded with a nod.
"You can count on Juvia and Gajeel." Juvia chirped with a smile.
The wizard saint smiled gratefully. "Thank you both." His attention shifted over to the only female blonde in the room. "Lucy, do what you have to do, confront your father, reason with him, do what you feel is right. But don't go alone. You're our family and we're with you no matter what."
Lucy, who had been quietly listening, shoulders tense with the burden of the situation, drew strength from Makarov's words as she looked at him appreciatively. "Thank you master."
His response was swift. "No need to thank me, you're one of my brats."
Warmth crept up to the chest of the Heartfilla heir, her heart pulsing with equal magnitudes of happiness and serenity that she had been in desperate need of when the whole ordeal with Jose had started.
Cana turned towards her, offering a soft smile that was both comforting and determined. "We're with you, Lucy. It's as master said, you're not alone in this," The brunette declared, her hand finding Lucy's and squeezing it reassuringly.
The warmth of the gesture seemed to further fortify Lucy's emotional state, a small upward tug of the lips breaking through the last of her apprehension as she gratefully squeezed Cana's hand in turn.
Makarov shifted his focus to Elfman, Natsu, and Erza. "Erza, Elfman, Natsu. You three will remain here to defend Fairy Tail," He announced, his voice firm.
Natsu's reaction was immediate and explosive. "That's stupid! Why should we—"
His protest was abruptly cut off as Makarov unleashed a surge of power directed squarely at him. The force of Makarov's authority was palpable, pushing Natsu to his knees, a silent command for obedience. "You will obey my orders, Natsu."
As the intensity of the moment faded, Natsu, ever defiant, started to rise, his anger and frustration unabated.
It was Elfman who stepped forward, his voice booming and filled with a conviction that drew all eyes to him. "Natsu, listen! Master's right. We can't leave Fairy Tail unprotected, not after what happened with Tartarus. We've got to be here so we can defend our home."
Even now the memory of what happened still lingered strongly within the male Strauss's mind.
The room fell into a reflective silence, the weight of Elfman's words hanging heavy. Makarov nodded in approval, his gaze softening. "Elfman understands. Our priority is our family's safety. I can not and will not risk losing any of you."
Erza, who had been a silent observer until now, spoke up, her voice clear and resolute. "We understand, master, we will stay and protect Fairy Tail."
A smile, tired yet genuine, crossed Makarov's visage as he looked alternatingly between the red head and the giant. "Thank you, Erza, Elfman."
Turning his attention to the pinkette, the wizard eyed Natsu expectantly as said mage contemplated his thoughts silently.
He sighed wearily. "Alright old man. I understand."
Surprise criss-crossed the visage of all the veteran fairy tail members inside, having expected the dragon slayer to put up more of a fight.
Evidently, Natsu could sense their surprise as he looked over them with annoyance. "What!? Elfman has a point, we can't let our family be vulnerable to another attack."
A proud look bloomed across Makarov's features. "That's right, I'm counting on you along with everyone else to be ready to protect our family in case of another attack."
Makarov's gaze hardened as he turned towards his grandson, the powerhouse of Fairy Tail
known for his fearsome lightning magic and equally stormy disposition. "Laxus, prepare yourself. We're going to have a polite 'conversation' with Phantom Lord."
Leaning against the wall with a nonchalance that belied his true strength, Laxus couldn't help but let out a boisterous laugh at Makarov's euphemism. "A 'conversation', huh?" He smirked, the thrill of impending confrontation lighting up his eyes. "I'm ready when you are old man." The room's atmosphere thickened with anticipation, the air crackling as if charged by Laxus's own elemental affinity.
The wizard saint shifted his focus towards the only other male blonde in the room, the man who virtually appeared from out of nowhere and became an unintentional yet indispensable ally of Fairy Tail.
Naruto, who had been unusually contemplative throughout the meeting, already anticipated Makarov's request before the words could even be uttered.
"I'll join you too. I may not be a part of Fairy Tail but I haven't forgotten how kind you've all been with me. We'll make sure Phantom Lord gets the message loud and clear." He stated, his voice steady, leaving no room for doubt about his resolve.
Makarov, visibly taken aback by Naruto's readiness to step into the fray, found himself momentarily at a loss for words. The gratitude he felt towards the young shinobi that was already profound, swelled to an even greater magnitude at yet another act of immense kindness.
"Naruto, even though you're not a member of our guild, you've stood by us through thick and thin. Words fail to express just how thankful I am to you. Thank you.," He expressed sincerely, his voice heavy with emotion.
This exchange caught Juvia and Gajeel off guard. Juvia, her blue hair framing her face in a curtain of wonder, whispered to Gajeel, "I thought Naruto was already a member of Fairy Tail."
Gajeel, his iron-clad exterior softening with intrigue, voiced his confusion. "Yeah, I was under the same impression."
The shinobi, overhearing their murmurs, offered a sheepish smile, a drop of sweat trailing down his temple. "Seems like there's been a bit of a mix-up. I've been helping out because it felt like the right thing to do, not because I'm a member of Fairy Tail." He clarified, his words sparking a mix of amusement and admiration among the Fairy Tail wizards.
"Maybe it's about time you joined us, the guild would be even manlier with a man like you with us." Elfman proposed with enthusiasm.
Naruto chuckled. "I appreciate the offer brother, but I still need time before coming to such a decision."
Fairy Tail's cover model pouted. "It would be nice if you stopped being so stubborn and joined us already."
"Sorry." He apologized while scratching the back of his head. "I'll try and decide as soon as I can."
"You should listen to Mira." Natsu spoke up with a grin. "She is the smartest and the most mature out of all of us."
Mira beamed in response to the compliment.
A small scoff vibrated across the air as Gray crossed his arms and eyed the pinkette. "You only say that because you want Naruto to join just so you could fight him everyday."
"Better him than a shameless stripper." Natsu retorted.
"What did you say!?" A vein pulsed on Gray's forehead as he bashed foreheads with Natsu. The office immediately erupted into laughter as the tension dispersed away.
But while everyone in the room was subjected to varying levels of amusement at the dispute between the fire and ice mage, Laxus was the sole exception as he subtly studied Naruto with a keen intensity.
Rumors of the shinobi's prowess had reached his ears, piquing his interest in the newcomer. His gaze narrowed as he evaluated Naruto, not with hostility, but with the curiosity of a warrior sizing up a potential rival. Yet, despite the scrutiny, Laxus remained silent, his thoughts inscrutable.
After giving Natsu and Gray a good smack so they could discipline themselves, Erza asked
a question that had been lingering in her mind. "Master, what about Mystogan? Is he not able to help us when we need him?"
Makarov sighed, a hint of regret coloring his tone. "Mystogan is currently engaged in a crucial mission of his own, far from our reach. I'm afraid he won't be able to assist us this time," He explained, his words closing the chapter on any hope of Mystogan's involvement.
The room fell into a contemplative silence as Makarov continued, "I believe I have outlined everyone's roles. It's imperative that each of you sticks to the plan. We can't afford any missteps."
"And what about me?" Ultear stepped forward, pivoting everyone's attention to her. "What do you require of me, Master Makarov? Or am I right in assuming that you're simply informing me of what happened so Fairy Tail doesn't get in trouble with the council for Phantom Lord's transgression?"
"That is one reason I requested your presence, yes." The wizard saint nodded in agreement. "But I was also hoping you could join us in our journey tomorrow so you could see for yourself that we are free of blame in this conflict, that is if it is alright with you?"
"I do not mind at all." A small smile filtered across her visage as she gazed into the eyes of the Fairy Tail guild master. "I understand your reasoning and feelings and rest assured, I will come to Fairy Tail's defense when the council becomes aware of the guild conflict."
'After all, this gives me the chance to see Naruto's strength firsthand.' Excitement bubbled within her chest as she thought of the incredible opportunity. She couldn't wait.
"Thank you council women Ultear."
"Just Ultear is fine, I am part of your guild after all." Ultear remarked with an amused expression.
Makarov chuckled. "True, true."
Ever eager to assert his strength, Laxus broke the silence with a question of his own. "And when do we leave for our 'Conversation' with Phantom Lord?" He asked, the quotation marks around 'Conversation' heavy with unspoken intent.
Makarov met Laxus's gaze squarely, his resolve firm. "We will meet at the train station tonight at 9 PM sharp."
Naruto nodded, his expression serious and understanding the gravity of their task. Laxus, on the other hand, seemed satisfied with the arrangement, turning on his heel and exiting the room without another word, his departure as dramatic as his presence.
The focus then shifted to Mira, who had been unusually quiet throughout the meeting. Makarov's voice softened as he addressed her, "Mira, would you be so kind as to use the guild stamp on our two new members?"
Mira's response was immediate, her signature smile returning as she replied with an
enthusiastic "Okay!" Despite her outward cheer, Naruto, sensitive to the emotions of those around him, sensed an undercurrent of distress within her.
He made a mental note to seek her out later, concerned about what might be troubling the seemingly unshakeable barmaid.
Lucy, who had been following the discussion closely, spoke up when Makarov's inquiring gaze fell on her. "I plan to leave first thing in the morning," She affirmed, her determination clear. The matter concerning her family and the Heartfilla estate weighed heavily on her, but her resolve was unwavering.
"Good. Then that is all." With the meeting concluded and the roles defined, the room began to empty as each member set out to prepare for the tasks ahead. Makarov, left alone in the quiet aftermath, clenched his fists tightly at his sides, his thoughts darkening with concern for the battles to come and the shadow that Jose Parla cast over their guild.
The thought of Jose Parla, that scoundrel who dared threaten his family, filled him with a righteous anger.
Oh, They were going to have a polite 'Conversation' alright.
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"Naruto, can I talk to you for a second?"
Said man stopped walking as he looked over his shoulder, a curious expression marring his visage as his gaze landed on Erza's beautiful features. "I got time, what's up?"
Erza took a quick glance around, noting that there wasn't much attention on them before her gaze darted back to the blonde. "Not here, I prefer if we can talk privately."
"Let's take a walk." Naruto gestured her to follow him as he pushed open the door of the guildhall and stepped outside, the queen of the fairies following him all the while.
They continued to march silently through the town until they were a good distance away.
Stopping in his trek, he turned over to her and waited expectantly.
Erza didn't keep him waiting. "I have a request to ask. Can you look after Master Makarov when you're with him tomorrow?"
"I know he's strong but I can't help but worry, I'd really appreciate it if you were around to have his back the entire time." She added.
Sensing her worry and seeing the apprehension in her eyes, Naruto didn't have the heart to refuse her, not that he was planning to do so. "I will be with him at all times."
A grateful smile tugged at her lips. "Thank you. Normally I would be with him but considering what he asked of me, that's obviously not an option."
"I understand, and don't worry about it. I got his back." Naruto remarked with a cheerful grin.
Erza barely suppressed the urge to grin back in turn as she nodded softly, a small tint of pink coloring her cheeks. "You be careful, okay?"
"Yes ma'am."
End
And that ends this chapter, I do hope you all enjoyed it, this was more on the calmer side of things.
But next chapter is where things really pick off with all the mayhem and chaos.
More Chapters are posted on my p.a.t.r.e.o.n Feel free to check it out lads, here's the link
www.#patr#eon.#com/Demon_Knight939 (Just remove all the hashtags)
Anyway, take care lads. I'll see you all on the next chapter.
Peace.