Makarov Dreyar put the last of his paperwork away, glad to have been done with the lot. The guild was buzzing with activity as usual-something that never failed to cheer him up. The old man had grown up in Fairy Tail and he could not imagine a life without it. He considered each member to be his own child. Fairy Tail was known as a wild and chaotic guild to many but even with the trouble they gave him, he would not trade it for the world.
His eyes traveled to the one person who was without a doubt, the main reason he could even finish the paperwork today. Hope was sorting out a few folders nearby, neatly putting them away. Years had passed since he and Endymion joined them. They already made waves just in the first few months since then.
They made for excellent mediators, even if they went rather differently about it. Hope was very patient and understanding but Endymion could be very intimidating when he wanted to. Natsu and a few others seemed convinced that he could be as scary as Erza.
Frankly, Makarov wasn't buying it. Not to deny the phoenix's strength but Erza was...well, Erza.
Hope's generally polite and kind disposition helped him get along with many well. What surprised Makarov that this even included Mira and Laxus. The boy was the main reason things between him and Laxus had improved. That night where Hope and Endymion convinced him to tell the truth about Ivan became the point where everything began looking up for them. It took time and effort but things were far more amiable between the two of them now. Laxus grew closer to the others in the guild and became protective of Hope, treating him as a little brother.
Mira had been another surprise. The Beast incident had hit affected the Strauss siblings the most. Lisanna had resolved to become stronger and protect those she cared for. Now she was even more proficient with her magic than ever before, even learning a second one to augment her abilities.
Mira became much kinder and no one knew what to make of it. She had later confessed to him and Erza that the incident had been rather eye-opening. It made her really appreciate them and she wanted to learn from it, choosing to change for the better. And she had indeed. She was far more cheerful and friendly, with a bit of a mischevious streak that made things that much more fun.
Elfman now...he was definitely the one who took it the worst. Despite numerous reassurances, he blamed himself for the entire incident. Like Lisanna, he wanted to become stronger but the incident scarred him. He couldn't use a full Take-Over at all, clearly he feared losing control but they couldn't find anyway to help him get over that hurdle.
''Grandpa?''
Makarov blinked and looked over at the curious Hope. ''Is something wrong?''
''Ah, nothing...guess I was spacing out.'' The man waved a dismissive hand. ''Heh, to think I'd practically gotten used to being swamped in paperwork before you came along, kiddo. It's almost like a dream now.''
His lips quirked ''You always say that.''
''Only because it's true.'' He glanced at the door as he heard more noise. ''Looks like they've been busy...''
A while later...
Mira hummed happily as she finished cleaning a few glasses. She hadn't ever thought she would like her work as a bartender a but she was glad to be wrong. The girl truly felt happier now that she could open up to her guild. Honestly, she lamented the time she wasted in that miserable state treating everyone so badly, she was so grateful they gave her a second chance.
Natsu and Happy had returned with a blonde haired brown eyed girl named Lucy, having learned she was looking to join Fairy Tail. The girl seemed rather nice, she was apparently a little overwhelmed but also thrilled to be a member.
''The name's Lucy, not Luigi!'' She heard their newest member snap only to find her glaring at Natsu, who was walking away, sniggering.
Lisanna shook her head at the teen's antics ''Typical...don't mind him, he's just messing with you. Anyway, how's it feel to be here?''
''It's amazing!'' Lucy beamed. ''I heard so much about Fairy Tail but nothing could've prepared me for it. Everyone's been so nice...'' A chair crashing against a wall at their far left, glancing at a rising brawl nearby for a moment. ''...the stories about the destructive habits weren't exaggerated, huh?''
Lisanna laughed ''Yeah, that's us. I know it doesn't look like it now but we really look out for each other-most of us might not be related by blood but we're still family.''
''That about sums it up.'' A new voice agreed, the white haired girl smiled as Endymion flew over, landing on Hope's shoulder as he joined them.
''Oh, Lucy those are our friends Hope and Endymion.'' The girl stated.
''Nice to meet you.'' The boy put in while the phoenix nodded.
Lucy returned his smile ''Likewise.'' She gave Endymion a curious look.
''Before you ask, I'm a phoenix.'' He stated. ''And no, not all of my kind uses fire powers.''
The blonde seemed amused ''...You get that a lot, huh?''
''So, I was thinking about showing Lucy around the town. How about it?'' Lisanna inquired.
Lucy's surprise was evident ''You don't have to...''
''It's fine, it's fine. I want to.'' She assured, looking at Hope and Endymion then. ''You guys want to come?''
And so the three took her around Magnolia, showing her various spots in the town. A curious Lucy took the time to ask them a few questions and it eventually lead to them telling her more about themselves and a few of the others.
A certain bit of information made the blonde pause ''Hold on, you're a Sherwind, Hope? As in that noble family from Aetheria?'' The boy nodded. ''Wow, I read a bunch about them...''
Hope knew what she meant. The Lyrian Altair was the most renowned Sherwind as far as many knew but others in the family had quite the feats to their names as well. They hadn't been able to find out more about what happened to bring him to Fiore but the tidbits Makarov had been able to pick up proved that he was definitely the Sherwind the Council knew of.
It was looking like his best chance to find some answers would be going to Aetheria but a part of him found that hard to believe. He just didn't think there was anything there for him. For one thing he had no idea where could he even begin to look. Besides, he had a home and family with Fairy Tail-something he'd never possible before. That was enough for him.
''Have you met any other phoenix?'' The newest member of their guild asked Endymion.
''Not in quite a long time, no.'' He admitted. The form he had now was a thought projection but he thought it was best not to explain that for the time being as it could lead to more troublesome topics.
''So you use light magic?'' She clarified.
The phoenix nodded ''I can see into very far distances-usually even through illusions. It lets me pick up on things others could miss easily and discern types of magic. I've come to discover a knack for telepathy.'' .
Endymion remembered something he had been meaning to ask about for a while ''On the subject of magic though-what kind do you use? Happy mentioned a 'wild, scary fish lady' and a tidal wave...''
''Oh, that...'' Lucy exhaled. ''...I'm a Celestial mage. I don't know if you guys heard about it. We use celestial keys to summon contracted spirits. Happy meant Aquarius, one of my spirits...and yeah, that's about what happened. She almost drowned us in that wave.''
''I heard a little about celestial mages-don't both sides agree to become partners so you can work together?'' Endymion clarified and she nodded. ''Why would she do that?''
''I wish I knew...'' The blonde's exasperation rang in her tone. Sure, Lucy had lost her keys but it didn't call for being so nasty to her, she couldn't help what happened back then. ''...she's been so unreasonable. Anyway Lisanna, Mira-san said something about a girls dorm but I never got around to asking more. Where is it?''
''Fairy Hills is at Magnolia's outskirts. A whole bunch of the girls live there and it's really nice.'' The girl informed. ''I think there's definitely room so you can stay there if you want.''
''Really?'' Lucy had a thought. ''...Wait, how much is the rent?''
''Oh, 100,000 jewels a month.''
The answer made her slump ''There's no way I can make it work...''
''Well then, let's find some other way.'' Hope returned.
Lisanna nodded ''Come on, Lucy. We'll figure this out.''
The other girl beamed ''Thanks!''
''...And then it turns out he was rushing so much that he left the sake bottle really close to the fire.'' Lisanna explained. ''If Elf-niichan hadn't caught on in time...I don't even want to think about it, that morning was a nightmare-which is why we're never trusting Loke alone in the kitchen again.''
''It's also why we've all agreed to avoid getting involved in his love life as much as possible.'' Hope added, after all that entire mess started because their friend was so determined to impress his date with his cooking skills. Of course he forgot to mention that said skills were practically non-existent.
''That too.'' Lisanna concurred.
''Now that's definitely a good call...'' Lucy snickered as they arrived at a crepe stand and ordered some. ''...you guys have some hilarious stories. I kind of figured you'd have colorful times after all I heard...especially after meeting Natsu and Happy.''
''They would give that impression, huh?'' Lisanna giggled a bit. ''I know they're wild and irresponsible sometimes but you can count on them to have your back.''
''Yeah, they're great friends.'' Hope put in while Endymion nodded. ''I can imagine you're overwhelmed after all you told us but it'll be okay. Fairy Tail's a great place, we're glad to have a new friend.''
This made Lucy stop ''Wait, you...think me of as a friend?''
''Of course.''
''Sure we do. Knowing Natsu and Happy, I'd say they feel the same way.'' Lisanna added.
Lucy was admittedly thrown for a loop, they hardly knew her and yet they really seemed sincere. For someone who'd never had friends before, this was quite a surprise to say the least.
A smile began forming on her face ''Thanks...''
Soon, they were called over as their orders were ready. The group was about to continue on its way when a little boy ran past them, chasing a balloon that was out of his reach. Lisanna proceeded to make her arm bigger before quickly grabbing the balloon and handing it to the boy, who thanked her and left.
''What was that?'' She couldn't help but ask.
''Transformation magic.'' The white haired girl returned. ''I asked Mira-nee to teach me a while back. It works nicely with my Take-Over magic and I like the freedom it gives me.''
''Wasn't that what you said when you pretended to be Erza and scared Natsu and Gray into behaving at your house?'' Endymion recalled.
''She did them a favor...just imagine how bad it would be if Mira or Elfman caught them again.'' Hope stated.
Lisanna beamed at him ''Exactly.''
''Wait, so who's Erza?'' A curious Lucy asked.
It was a short while later that the group lucked out, discovering that there was an apartment open to rent at Strawberry Street. Lucy settled things quickly with the landlady, who agreed to let her rent it at 70,000 jewels a month.
''So you got it?'' Lisanna smiled when their new friend confirmed. ''Great!''
Endymion tilted his head at her expression ''Did something else happen?''
''Oh...uh, no, just confused.'' Lucy glanced back at the building. ''Those guys back there made her sound like some dragon lady but she was pretty reasonable. She even said that so long as I don't do what the last tenant did, she can patient with the rent.''
''And what did he do?''
''Well, apparently this guy was a real slacker. He'd come up with a ridiculous excuse or another to delay the rent and apparently he always moved at his own pace.'' The girl looked thoughtful. ''I didn't get a name but apparently he's a guild wizard and he always took so long because he always says he has to wait for the perfect job for him or something.''
''Wait, but that sounds like...'' Hope exchanged a look with the others.
''Nab, of course.'' Endymion proceeded to tell a baffled Lucy how he was a friend who did just as the landlady said. The man would observe the request board for long periods of time, to the point that few were even sure when he would leave for an actual job.
''Oh.'' Lucy wondered which jobs were considered perfect by someone like that but it sounded like they didn't know either. ''Well, I'd invite you guys in but it's a mess. I'll leave that for now. But hey, I'm curious after hearing your stories-what kind of jobs does the guild get?''
''Well...'' Lisanna noticed the time on a nearby clock. ''...oh, it's already that time? Sorry, I have to go. I promised Mira-nee I'd help her back at the guild. See you guys later.''
The three bid her farewell in return before Endymion looked at Lucy ''About your question...''
''So Gray's stripping thing is actually usual?'' Lucy blinked. ''...Actually, that explains some of the charges Master Makarov complained about. So how'd you wind up helping him with the paperwork anyway, Hope? I get the impression that it wasn't a normal arrangement.''
''You'd be right. It was actually my idea. See...'' Hope began.
Hope had entered the guild master's office expecting to find Makarov. But the first thing he saw was tall piles of paper on the desk at the center of the room. There were so many that he could hardly see anything beyond that area. Which left him to wonder, was Makarov even here?
''Master?'' No response. ''Master?''
''Hm?'' Makarov poked his head from his far right. ''Oh, Hope-what is it?''
''We were wondering if you had lunch.'' The boy held up the plate of food he had in hand. ''I think almost everyone's eaten by now but we haven't seen you in a while. Erza put this together but she said something about having to take care of business.''
''Ah, thanks! I'll just...'' Makarov made to stand but then he noticed a few flashes through the window and he guessed that the others were brawling. It had to be the business Erza was handling.
The next thing he knew, a few loud thuds filled their ears. The papers shook before falling about, snowing Makarov over in seconds.
''Gah!''
'This is ridiculous...' Endymion trailed off as his best friend helped Makarov out of there. He knew a guild master's work was hard but how could there be so many papers?
''Back to square one...'' Makarov sighed in annoyance.
''Do you want some help?'' Hope's question made him pause. ''I'm not sure what I can do about this mess but it has to be better than leaving you to it alone.''
''Ah, I remember that. Master looked at Hope as if he were a gift sent from the heavens above.'' Hope shared his partner's amusment, both laughing a bit.
Lucy snickered "I can see why...it was nice of you to help though, Master sure has it rough.'' The two agreed and Endymion paused, noticing a familiar shock of pink hair as they passed a few shops.
''Natsu?''
The teen turned, perking up ''Hey! I heard from Mira, you got a tour, Lucy?''
The blonde nodded with a smile ''It's a great town-we even found a place where I can stay.''
''Nice!''
Endymion tilted his head a little ''Did you really come the whole way here for food?''
''It's not for me. Happy keeps complaining about that one time I burned his fish the other day so he wants to get something to make up for it. He's in there.''
Lucy arched an eye ''Isn't that sack he's always carrying full of fish?''
''That's what I said!'' He threw his hands up in exasperation ''Happy just went on about how it was the principle of the matter or something...I figured this should sort it out.''
''Well, when it comes to Happy and fish, there's no such thing as enough.'' Endymion mused.
Natsu snorted ''No kidding...''
''You'd be the same way if someone messed around with your food though.'' Hope remarked.
He stiffened for a moment before looking away ''...That's besides the point.''
Somehow, Lucy wasn't even the least bit surprised ''Sure it is...''
Once Happy joined them, they agreed to head back to the guild for a bit. But then...
''Natsu-nii! Hope-nii!'' A little boy with dark purple hair ran over to the pair.
The first caught him by the shoulder ''Romeo, what's up?'' He frowned as their gazes met. ''Whoa, what's wrong?''
Romeo wiped the tears off his face ''Dad...dad still hasn't come back!''
''What?'' Happy uttered, alarmed. ''But Macao left for his job when we went out to Hargeon...'' The others exchanged troubled looks at this.
''Exactly! He was supposed to take down some vulcans in Mt. Hakobe. H-he told me it'd be a cinch but...but he's been gone for days now...'' Romeo sniffled.
''Did you tell the others at the guild?'' The cat wanted to know.
A scowl ''I tried! Those jerks just blew me off. They just said something about how I should have faith in Dad. Something about wanting him to keep his pride. Mirajane-san, Lisanna-san and Master Makarov at least tried to help, Master told me they have to get ready. I don't know what to do! W-what if Dad's really hurt out there...?''
''We'll go.'' Natsu cut in.
Romeo looked up ''R-really?''
''You just leave this to us.'' Hope returned.
''We'll get Macao back for sure.'' Natsu assured.
''Aye Sir!'' Happy chimed in.
Endymion nodded ''You just go and fill them in-we'll see about this.''
Romeo smiled, greatly relieved ''Thanks!''
As the boy turned back and ran, the group changed directions to head out of town. Happy paused ''Lucy, you're coming too?''
''Well, I can't sit back and do nothing after hearing that. I want to help too.''
''All right, let's go!'' Natsu called.
Lucy was very glad she had taken Endymion's advice and grabbed her coat after a quick stop at her new place. Mt. Hakobe was freezing cold! That really made no sense to her-it was summer, for crying out loud!
''Hope, you're okay like that?'' She had to ask. After all, the boy didn't have any winter gear.
He nodded, waving a hand, which shimmered before a veil of translucent golden light appeared over his body. It looked like armor made of solid light.''It's something I've learned recently, this helps protect me-even from extreme weather.''
''Now that's handy...'' She mused. ''...I didn't know light magic worked like that.''
''Hope worked out a bunch of uses by himself. He's really, really smart.'' Happy stated.
''I can see that.'' The girl readily agreed, her lips twitching as the boy looked embarrassed. ''But jeez, what's wrong with everyone? That poor kid was worried sick and most of them brush him off like that? Who cares about pride in this situation? That was so uncalled for!''
''Tell me about it...'' Natsu ground out. ''...I'm gonna be having words with those morons...''
''It's all right.'' Hope patted his shoulder. ''Let's just focus on what we have to do here. Save your energy till we find out what's really going on.''
''Yeah, I know, I know...'' The former still sounded short but none of them really minded. They knew how Romeo's situation hit close too home for him. After all, if anyone knew just what it was like to have their father missing...
Hope and Endymion's eyes began to glow as they started to search around with the latter's sight spell.
Lucy blinked ''Say Happy, can Hope use that sight spell too?''
''Yup, ah...let's just say he picked it up from Endymion. It's a bit of a long story.'' He had no idea how much their friends told her but this was a discussion for another time.
''Well, there's no sign of Macao...'' Endymion started. ''...it's a little far off but there's a trench where some wolves are wandering not too far away...a few bears as well...''
''There's plenty of scorch marks around that place...some footsteps too.'' Hope added, looking pensive. ''...I think we should go over there.''
Natsu blinked ''Why?''
''The animals here avoid the vulcans for the most part just like in the forest.'' The former thought back to their previous experiences with this place. ''Macao must've been fighting the vulcans around that trench. But they've definitely moved away if the animals are out and about. So if we go there...''
''We get closer to finding some answers!'' Happy finished for him, elicting a smile in return.
''Exactly.''
Natsu stared at their destination in surprise. The snow had covered plenty of the scorch marks but there were signs that of a battle taking place here. A few big rocks were scattered here and there-others lodged in the wall were heavily damaged. The ground also bore a mark that seemed suspiciously like a big footprint.
Lucy looked around, wide-eyed ''I've only seen vulcans in books-are they strong?''
''Nah, not really.'' The dragon slayer dismissed. ''They're just a big annoyance.''
Happy rolled his eyes ''They can be. Gildarts, one of our friends, had to beat down some mountain vulcans before and he said that they gang up on people.''
''No wonder it looks like a big battle happened here...'' The girl noticed Natsu taking a whiff of the air before bending low to begin sniff more carefully, his expression suddenly alert. ''...what's wrong?''
''...I thought I smelled Macao for a second. It was really faint and all the snow makes it kinda hard to follow but I think it came from that way.'' He pointed to a route on their far left.
Endymion's eyes narrowed a bit in that direction as he concentrated ''Hm, there's a few caves and...''
Natsu blinked at his sudden pause ''What's up?''
''...Nothing.'' He shook his head. ''Let's get going.''
Hope bit his lip, when he thought of facing vulcans, a troubling possibilty came to mind. Adding that to what Natsu just said...
"Say, Endymion, you don't think he might have..."
"Let's save the conjecture for the time being. We'll find out soon enough." The bird cut him off, knowing they were on the same wavelength.
And so they headed off towards the caves, it took a bit of effort since the vulcan seemed able to traverse them with ease but they were eventually able to track it down. Something rather strange happened just after they entered the cave, it was in fact...
''Woman! Woman!''
Lucy shrieked when a big, ape-like figure seemed to leap out of nowhere towards her, hands outstretched. Natsu raised a wave of fire, forcing the figure-which they saw was a vulcan. ''The hell's your problem, huh?''
''Woman, give me that woman!''
''Forget it, Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!'' Natsu charged, his fist ignited but the vulcan leapt away.
Lucy took out a golden key ''Gate of the Golden Bull, I open thee! Taurus!'' A bell like chime sounded before a humanoid ox toting an axe appeared.
''Moo, anyone whoooo puts Lucy-san's nice body in danger is answering to me!'' He declared ''Lucy-san, you look as gorgeous as ever. How about a smooch if I win?''
''How about no?!'' She retorted. ''Ah, whatever-just stop that thing!''
So much for that entrance, Hope stared "...That's one of her spirits?"
Natsu looked equally baffled. ''What's his deal?''
''He's another weirdo...'' Happy hung his head, tthinking of Aquarius momentarily.
''All right!'' Taurus attacked but the vulcan stopped the axe, knocking it out of his hand. Just when it looked like the monster would triumph, Taurus soon pushed back eventually throwing it into a wall.
''Hey, not bad!'' Natsu remarked.
Lucy smiled proudly ''Taurus is my strongest melee spirit, there's no way that creepy pervert can beat him.''
The spirit easily held up a hand, blocking the vulcan's fist. The monster picked up the discarded axe quickly and stepped back, making Natsu and Taurus duck to avoid it.
''Hey, that's mine!'' The latter called.
Hope waved a hand, several spheres of light appeared around the vulcan. Suddenly, they changed into shining lances that protruded the from the ground, effectively trapping it. Endymion flew up, blasting it with a beam. Happy took out his wings. They shone as he flapping them once and sent a hail of glowing feathers at the enemy. The combined attacks sent it crashing against the wall.
''Whoa, Happy...'' Lucy stared at the blue cat in awe, he puffed his chest out proudly.
''Surprised? I didn't get to show it before but I can do a whole bunch of stuff with my feathers!''
The vulcan got up, growling. It jumped to the ceiling for a moment before leaping down for a body slam. The idea was ruined by Hope, who cast a spell ''Aegis.''
The shimmering shield of light surrounded the group, easily rebuffing the monster. Happy flew up, throwing more of his feathers at the vulcan. Most hit the mark but Lucy was surprised to see that the ones which didn't pierced through rocks. Taurus attacked with his reclaimed weapon but the vulcan hid behind a giant boulder to dodge.
''I see now...'' Endymion began. ''...Natsu, did you happen to catch that faint scent you told us about before?''
The boy blinked ''Actually, yeah...right before that freak showed up. You know somethin' about this?''
''Does this mean..." Hope began.
''We were right. This is why we couldn't find any sign of Macao before. He was here all along." His partner stated, cocking his head towards the vulcan.
Happy's eyes widened ''Don't tell me...''
Lucy blanched, remembering that vulcans could use take-over magic ''You mean it possessed him?! How do we stop that?''
''Easy, we beat the vulcan out of him. Let's hit 'em hard!'' Natsu jumped, summoning a burst of fire which the vulcan dodged. ''Nice try. Fire Dragon's Crushing Fang!''
''Eat this!'' Taurus swiped with his axe while Happy peppered it with more razor sharp feathers.
The vulcan roared in pain but it grabbed Natsu and threw him out, almost making him fall out of the cave. The teen didn't miss a chain of solid light wrapping around his wrist, making him smirk as he realized what it meant. Hope pulled on the chain, pulling his old friend back in with ease as Endymion grew in size and tackled the vulcan. Natsu used the opportunity to nail the vulcan with an extra strong Fire Dragon's Iron Fist and Hope blasted it a tornado of shining light.
The two attacks seemed to be what was needed to end the fight as the vulcan didn't move anymore. It glowed for a moment, disappearing and revealing the unconscious form of Macao.
''All right!'' Happy exclaimed before they hurried over.
''He's hurt bad.'' Lucy bit her lip. ''We might have gone overboard...''
''We had no other choice. Besides, there's no need for concern.'' Endymion cut in.
''It'll be okay.'' Hope knelt next to Macao, casting Ethereal Veil...
Later...
''Man, thanks a lot. All of you.'' Macao grinned, now back in good shape thanks to Hope's magic.
''No worries, glad you're all right.'' Natsu assured, to which the others agreed.
Endymion blinked, spotting something approaching them ''Hold on, everyone.''
They looked at him but then they heard voices calling. It was Mira and Lisanna, evidently having been looking for them too. ''Hey!'' Happy waved.
The latter smiled ''Sorry, we wanted to catch up sooner but finding you guys was hard. We had to deal with some of the trouble around here-glad you're okay, Macao.''
The young man chuckled ''Thanks, Lisanna. Didn't expect you girls to come too.''
''Master's here too, actually.'' Mira informed. ''We left him behind after seeing you all. Come on, it's this way.''
The group followed the Strauss sisters. Mira arched an eye at Macao's odd expression ''What's wrong?''
''I'm pathetic...'' He rubbed the back of his head. ''...I told Romeo I'll beat up the damn vulcans here but I couldn't even manage that. The twentieth one snuck up on me and I got possessed. How can I face him now?''
''What're you saying?'' The white haired girl frowned.
''Yeah, that's totally wrong!'' Natsu added.
''You beat nineteen of them, Macao. That's something to be proud of.'' Hope stated, Lucy and Lisanna nodding to this.
''But it would be pathetic if you keep beating yourself up for this.'' Endymion chipped in.
''Aye, besides, Romeo wouldn't care. He was worried sick about you, I bet he'll be thrilled to see you're back.'' Happy remarked.
Macao cracked a grin ''Thanks a bunch.''
Once they caught up with Makarov, the group returned to Magnolia where they found Romeo waiting near the guild. Everyone looked on happily as father and son reunited, glad to see everything ending for the best.
''You did good, brats.'' Makarov smiled. ''Honestly, I was all for leaving it up to Macao but when I thought about it, I just couldn't sit back and wait anymore.''
''We know the feeling, Master. At least everything's okay now, right?'' Happy reminded.
He chuckled ''Yeah...'' The man blinked as he heard the sound of two empty stomachs. A smirk settled on his face as he looked at the sources, Natsu and Happy. ''...so getting hungry, are we?''
''Jeez, you guys sure eat a lot...'' Lucy trailed off.
''Hey, it's been a long day.'' The first returned.
Mira smiled ''True enough. Just as well it's almost dinner time anyway, come on.'' The duo followed her with a cheer, eager for some food.
Lucy rolled her eyes while Lisanna giggled ''Well, I think we could all use a good meal. Let them have their fun.''
Hope looked amused ''Yeah, why not?''
Lucy began to smile as she watched them head to the guild. Her first day as a Fairy Tail member was full of surprises. Still, this guild was everything she thought it would be and more. It had warm and kind people who accepted her just like that, considering her one of their own already even.
''Oi, Lucy?''
She started at Natsu's call, bringing her attention to the confused dragon slayer ''You coming?''
''Sure.''
The girl knew for a fact that even if she spent so little time around these parts, she could deifnitely get to like it here.
And let's stop here.
What do you think? I think there was this one episode where Mira teaches Transformation magic and it had me wondering what it'd be like if I had Lisanna use it. I think it can actually be pretty handy. Oh and Hope wasn't adopted by Makarov but they're no less closer for it than in my other story. He still lives with Makarov and they're as good as family anyway. Same goes for Laxus, who sees him as a little brother. Especially after Hope helped bring him and Makarov closer.
I was on the fence about what to do with Happy. I thought of giving Transformation magic (But I figured it was already done enough with Lily and Carla) or some other power to change things up a little. Then I remembered Hawks from Boku no Hero Academia and inspiration struck. He's one of my favorite characters in that series. Happy's power is based off Hawks' quirk. Let's call that power Feather Magic for the time being, there's more to it than meets the eye.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
