It was a strange morning in Fairy Tail.

''Pfft-ahahaha!''

''Please, make it stop!''

''You're killin' me here!''

''Anything but that-Gramps, come on...NO!''

All these cries and more could be heard from Makarov's office. Everyone present could only look on in confusion, shock or pity.

Erza on the other hand, appeared amused as she sipped her tea. Endymion looked at her ''Erza, what on earth...?''

''Oh, it's nothing to be concerned about. Master's just taking care of business.'' She returned airily.

Lisanna looked at the others ''...Which means?''

''Oh, Master's giving Natsu and the others that punishment.'' Macao informed.

''Now it makes sense...'' Mira mumbled to herself, inwardly grimacing at the memory this brought to mind.

Hope tilted his head ''So then...''

''I think it's that one. Just look at Elf-niichan.'' Lisanna nodded at her brother, whose face was going pale. Neither of them knew just what that punishment entailed but everyone who endured it seemed to come out in quite a state...

Levy seemed curious ''Did you ever find out what it is? I mean, you and Endymion could see everything going in the office if you want to.''

Hope nodded, the link formed by his and the phoenix's fusion enabled them to share abilities with each other. But there was a reason he never tried looking into this. He still remembered what this punishment did to Mira years ago. If it scared her that badly...''I don't want to know."

Mira looked at the others ''So what happened to make Master go this far?''

''Ah, yes-you wouldn't know. See, after you all left...'' Erza proceeded to explain.

Natsu and Happy had stolen one of the S-class jobs in the middle of the night. The two were convinced finishing the job would have Makarov make them S-class and they wound up talking into Lucy going with them as she was a part of their team. The girl had rightfully thought it to be a terrible idea but the fact that Saggitarius' zodiac key was part of the reward had her throw all reservations to the wind. Gray was sent to get them back but he wound up joining them in the end, thus Erza went after them next.

The group went to the cursed island of Galuna, where the ritual to awaken the Demon Deliora was taking place. It caused a side effect on the island which made tis inhabitants believe themselves to be humans cursed into becoming demons when it was the other way around. The ritual was conducted by Gray's old friend Lyon Vastia, who was hell bent on reviving Deliora so he could defeat it and surpass their Master Ur Milkovich, who had sacrificed herself by casting Iced Shell to stop the demon years ago. But Lyon was defeated by Gray and they discovered that the Iced Shell had been slowly weakening Deliora that it was basically dead when the ritual was done. Erza figured out the truth behind the curse and proceeded to break it before they came back.

''They were complaining about the money but I believe it's what they deserve.'' Erza harrumphed at the end. ''They should be glad the mayor insisted on handing that key at the least.''

''Gray was right all along.'' Loke mused, recalling the ice mage's words about Natsu's plans earlier. ''Then again, it's not like he has any room to talk.''

''No kidding-honestly, why did they even think that crazy plan was all right?'' Bisca shook her head.

''You could stand to let up a little, Erza. I mean they did finish the job...'' Elfman started.

''Don't bother.'' Endymion cut in. Did Elfman not remember who he was talking to?

The phoenix wasn't too surprised when Erza glared at the take-over mage ''Are you suggesting I reward them for this blatant rule breaking?''

He stiffened, noting how a few of those nearby stepped away just as nervously ''Uh, o-of course not, Ma'am!''

No one commented, all of them were too used for Erza's strict and disciplinarian side after all. Her reaction was to be expected.

''Well, let's just be glad it worked out in the end.'' Hope offered.

''Only due to luck.'' Erza pointed out. Despite her harsh stance, they had to agree there. For one thing, what would the group have done if Deliora hadn't been dying for years now? They were talking about facing a demon created by Zeref himself here, definitely not a foe to be underestimated.

Makarov came out of the office; seeming satisfied ''That oughta get the point across.''

''It's so quiet...what happened?'' Droy mumbled.

''...I'd rather whatever it is stay a secret until the end of time.'' Hope stated, earning agreement from many of the others.


The next day...

Lucy had opted to take a walk for a change of pace. She found her thoughts drifting back to recent events as she went down a street, things sure had been crazy since she joined the guild. It wasn't until the Galuna Island job that she understood why Natsu and the others seemed able to take so many things in stride; they had clearly had quite the colorful lives for years now.

She knew agreeing to Natsu and Happy's idea was wrong, that it would've been bad for the guild. They were lucky things weren't any worse, hell, she didn't want to think what would've happened if Erza hadn't found her when she did.

Still...she couldn't regret it. Not after seeing the outcome, it was good that they managed to help the villagers. Even if they were demons, they didn't deserve to stay like that. She hadn't even paid attention to the money or Natsu's reasoning about them possibly becoming S-class (which she never believed) what really had her hooked was the zodiac key. There was only so few of those in the world, she couldn't just let that chance go. She was thankful Erza let her take the key at the very least.

But that punishment...Lucy suppressed a shudder. No wonder they had been so freaked out-why did Master have to do all that?

The sound of laughter nearby snapped her out of her thoughts. Loke and Bickslow were just ahead, going to what she knew was the Dreyars' home. After a moment of thought, she decided to head over for a visit. Maybe she could apologize to Master again and try to ensure nothing like yesterday's fiasco happens to her again?


Evergreen took a sip of her coffee and hummed contently. Bickslow noted her reaction and grinned ''Hope, you and Mira spoiled us for good food. Your cooking's way better than a whole lot of restaurants I've ever seen.''

The boy just laughed ''I'm glad you like it so much.''

It was growing to be something of a custom for some Fairy Tail members to occasionally visit the Dreyars' home. They took the chance to enjoy some peace and quiet, knowing that Makarov would not let anyone get away with mischief at his home. Hope's cooking quickly wound up being another benefit of the visit, as practically everyone in the guild agreed. Thus, Levy, Laxus and the Raijnshuu decided to take the chance to do just that today.

Endymion noticed Lucy approaching the door and so went to open it. The girl paused in surprise for a moment ''Oh, right-you probably saw me coming before-Morning!''

The phoenix was about to return the greeting, only to be distracted when something flashed purple for a moment. Lucy blinked twice ''What just...? Eh?!'' Her eyes widened as she spotted Natsu and Happy in the middle of the room, stuck in a translucent sphere of energy. ''Where'd they come from?!''

The answer came from Makarov, who had come to see what was going on. He snorted upon seeing the trapped duo ''They tried to break in again-good grief...oh, morning, Lucy. Come in, don't mind them.''

''Ah, right...'' The girl entered. ''...you guys are taking this a little too well...''

''Well, when you see it happen around the tenth time in a month you become desensitized.'' Endymion stated blandly.

Lucy had no idea what to say to that-other than ''...Why?''

''Are you really going to try making sense of those two?''

''...Point taken.'' Lucy exhaled, she had already realized that Natsu and Happy tended to march to their own drum more often than not and trying to derail that was a complete pain. ''So how long are they going to stay in there?''

''Until Master decides it's enough-so likely until after breakfast.'' Endymion guessed. ''They hate it when they miss a chance to eat...especially when it's Mira or Hope cooking.''

''Now that you mention it...'' Lucy trailed off, thinking back she could recall them expressing something along those lines. ''...is their cooking that good?''

''You'll see.''


Lucy thanked Hope as he passed her a plate of food ''So this is a usual thing?''

''Mmhm, we come around here when we're looking for peace and quiet. I mean...as much as I love the guild, the chances of us finding any there are slim to none.'' Levy explained and the former nodded in understanding.

Makarov noticed how Loke had immediately taken to the farthest side of the kitchen after Lucy's arrival. Laxus raised an eye at the clearly nervous man ''Did the newbie take his flirting like Erza did?''

The man had to suppress a shudder at the memory. Erza had been...less than pleased when Loke tried to pull his moves on her, to put it mildly. The experience was among the most traumatizing through his life in Fairy Tail.

''That's the strange part. As far as I know, they've hardly ever spoken to each other...'' Makarov trailed off, puzzled.

Bickslow snorted ''He runs away the second she comes close, Master. What's up with that anyway, lover boy? Never thought I'd see the day a pretty girl scared you off.''

''Same here.'' Evergreen admitted. ''You were so proud of charming many women. Is the shoe finally on the other foot?''

''Oh, no, no, no...ah, I just...'' Loke appeared very uncomfortable. ''...Lucy just-erm, reminds me of an ex. That's all, things were rather...bad, you know?''

Freed raised an eye and looked at Makarov ''Please tell me you don't believe that.''

''Heck no.'' The man said with a snort. his lips twitching as Bickslow continued to heckle Loke some more. ''But let's just leave it be for now...Loke clearly doesn't want to explain himself-everyone's entitled to their secrets.''

''Fair enough.''


Makarov decided to let Natsu and Happy go after everyone had eaten their fill, much to their chagrin.

''You guys could avoid this, if you gee, I dunno-use the front door?'' Bickslow drawled.

''But it's faster like this-Gramps is just stingy.'' Natsu huffed.

''Aye...'' Happy took out a fish from his bag and bit into it.

''Wha-?! You have food?''

''I like to come prepared.''

''And you couldn't have shared?!''

''If I let you near my emergency stash, there wouldn't be any left.''

''Hey, you can't talk-you eat a whole lotta fish every day!''

''Yeah, well you eat a whole lotta everything else!''

''You're both gluttons. I know we've been through this.'' Hope's droll voice cut in, their cries of protest were dutifully ignored. Loke chuckled to himself and Lucy snorted while the rest looked on in amusement.

The blonde took a bite of her food ''Oh, wow...'' A thought occurred to her ''...yup, it's amazing. I wouldn't ever want to miss a meal like this-right, Natsu?'' The dragon slayer grumbled, looking away. ''Nope, no way-it might be the highlight of my morning. No wonder you complain about missing this kind of food...''

''...I'm guessing this is payback for something?'' Happy said after a moment.

''The ship.'' Lucy said flatly.

''Oh...fair enough, carry on.'' To the others, he explained. ''We had to go on the pirate ship Erza got with her and Natsu got motionsick...''

''Wait, pirate ship?'' Evergreen blinked.

''...It's Erza, somehow I'm not all that surprised.'' Loke stated and she nodded, thinking it over.

''Anyway, he was so bad off that he rushed to the side so he can lean over and he knocked Lucy into the water.'' Happy finished as Natsu managed an apology. The two had to admit, they instantly saw where Lucy was coming from after that.

''As always you have to charge into everything...reminds me of that story Gildarts mentioned before.'' Laxus mused. ''That time he bailed you of a fight with the Vulcans-didn't it start off with a boat too?''

Happy blinked, remembering the day ''Now that you mention it...''

''Wait, wait-so what happened?'' Bickslow inquired.

''I don't know how it started exactly but this idiot ended up in one of the old boats by the river. By the time he could get out, he was out by the forest. Gildarts had no clue how but when he found him, he was surrounded by vulcans.'' Laxus explained.

Natsu grunted in annoyance at the memory ''I would've been fine-Gildarts is just a big worrywart!''

''I seem to recall that he found you dead on your feet, black and blue and as if you'd run a marathon.'' The blond countered readily.

Hope blinked and looked at the fire dragon slayer, surprised. The teen huffed, embarrassed. ''...Okay, fine! But nothing would've happened if that jerk Gray didn't piss me off...''

''Of course it'd be something like that.'' Freed shook his head, guessing that the entire ordeal likely started because of yet another fight between the fire and ice mages. ''No wonder he kept giving you advice not to overdo it for a while...''

''I told you, he's a worrywart!''

''Considering your track record, being worried is entirely justified.'' Hope pointed out.

''I'll say.'' Lucy agreed. ''So wait, this guy-he's Fairy Tail's strongest member, right? I think Lisanna said something about him being on a special job...''

''Special is right. You know how there are certain jobs which are so complicated that you could be at them for weeks, or even months, right?'' Levy inquired and the former nodded. ''Well, there are even ones that are said to go on for years. Those are especially hard but the toughest ones are the one hundred year quests. Gildarts took it a while back.''

The blonde's eyes were wide ''Wow...''

''It'll be fine if it's him...even if he does get sidetracked.'' Bickslow added.

''If? You mean when.'' Loke countered, leaving him and Makarov to snort in acknowledgement.

Natsu snickered ''Yeah, there's that too.''

Hope explained to a curious Lucy ''Gildarts likes to travel-he tends to wander off every now. Last time he finished a job; he passed two towns and stuck around to help them with monsters. Then there was that camp with the bandits and those caves...hm, I might be forgetting something...''

''All of this from just the one time-How?'' Lucy looked bewildered. Natsu and Happy just shrugged back, she guessed they were used to it. ''Isn't Crash Magic that really destructive power? I heard it takes a lot of control and skill to handle.''

''That's about right. You seem knowledgeable.'' Freed noted.

''I read a bunch of books about magic.'' She stated. ''It's been a while so my memory's kind of hazy but it did help me learn a lot of things.''

He raised an eye, intrigued ''Oh, like what?''


A while later, at the guild...

Natsu was almost slumped in his seat, hunger having gotten the better of him. Makarov had adamantly refused to let him eat earlier for breaking in and this was his best choice at the moment.

''You must be hungry if you're not even thinking of fighting like them now.'' Endymion stated, glancing at a few brawling members nearby. Natsu merely groaned in agreement. ''This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't broken in...''

''I wouldn't go there. Trying to make them stop is a lost cause, Endymion.'' Hope stated flatly.

''I suppose you're right. After all, none of the punishments they've taken even made a bit of a difference...''

Happy crossed his arms ''Hey, we're right here, you know.''

''It's nothing you haven't heard before.'' The phoenix pointed out. The former pouted but didn't respond, knowing that was true.

Hope gave Natsu a sympathetic look ''Hold on, I'll check if the food's ready.''

''Ah, Hope...'' Happy started.

''No, you can't have more fish. You just ate.'' The brunet interrupted before leaving to get the food he'd prepared before.

''...Am I that obvious?''

''Yes.'' Natsu and Endymion deadpanned.

The dragon slayer was relieved to find that the food was ready, thanking the other boy before digging into the plate Hope brought for him minutes later with gusto.

''So unfair...'' Happy muttered, eyeing the food.

''I'm sorry, was that a demand to test out those fish recipes from the cookbook for the next week?'' Hope asked archly.

''I'll be good!'' He said at once, shuddering at the thought. Happy firmly believed that fish were best eaten raw. He could never understand why people would do things like cook them with lemons and stuff.

Hope was called to the entrance by Mira, who was talking to a pair of men standing there. Happy blinked ''What's going on?''

Natsu, who could hear some of their talk thanks to his enhanced senses, spoke up ''They want his help...hm, something about a statue that Gray and a few of the others messed up in a fight. Oh yeah, I think I saw that on our way...''


A couple of hours later, Makarov received a request for help from an old friend, the mayor of a town to the south of Magnolia. The town was terrorized by dark mages who sought an artifact that had been in the town for many, many years. Thus, Makarov decided to send Erza and had her take whoever she wanted to come along. The knight mage wound up choosing the same team which came through for her during the Eisenwald debacle and everyone agreed to meet at the train station's entrance.

''Natsu.''

The dragon slayer jumped at the familiar voice, his voice quivering a little ''E-Erza! When did you...?''

She raised an eye ''What're you so afraid now? I was looking to ask you something.'' He blinked, giving her a quizzical look. ''Mira told me about that talk she had with you regarding the S-class. I've been wondering ever since...you approached Hope with help for training, out of the interest in growing stronger. Now let's say you were presented with training methods and advice, would you pursue them. I mean, would you actually work to ensure that training means something?''

Natsu took umbrage at this ''What's that mean? You don't believe I could?''

''You've given me no reason to do so.'' She countered calmly. ''I know I'm not the only person who mentioned this-you don't seem to have any diligence or patience. Just look at the other day, you seemed all set to train and Mira gave you some good advice. But what do you do? You charged straight towards into that job. You know as well as I do that Ur's actions years ago helped save all our lives.''

''T-that's...'' What could he say? She was right. Deliora had been an unstoppable menace before Ur's sacrifice, there was no denying that.

''If growing stronger is that important to you, you have yet to prove it. I'm beginning to think you just see me and the others as S-class wizards but you don't understand how much work we put in to get that far. You can become stronger, much stronger in fact. Of that, I have no doubt. But I think you need to learn to apply yourself.'' Erza carried on. ''I know what part of what motivated you to ask Hope is all the progress he made over the years, but that's because he works hard. He trains with Mira, Loke, Laxus and the Raijinshuu and even me at times.''

Natsu hadn't known that, he was aware that Hope was used to training often even before joining the guild. It was understandable, really-he had to fend for himself for so long and this was the way he had to get stronger. Another reason was that he had to adjust to the experiment's effects and Endymion's powers.

Natsu knew about Laxus because the blond had mentioned it, admitting that Hope's work ethic was one of the main reasons he began to respect the boy early on. Loke was a choice that made sense too, since he seemed to know a lot about light magic. Neither of the boys were sure how and Loke was very evasive on the matter, only mentioning that he wound up learning over the years. He really had no idea his old friend put that much effort in this...

Lucy and Gray were approaching the station too, barely noticing their friends nearby.

Gray quirked a brow ''Oh, so you know Hope's last name?''

''? Yeah-is that strange?''

''Ah, not really, I guess...See, he doesn't really use his last name much, if at all. We got to find out because he was Natsu's friend back when they were kids. Now there's only those in the guild and some of our close friends who know. Maybe a couple of people in the Council too-actually...before that though, he avoided it if he could help it.'' The ice mage explained.

Lucy blinked twice, she had her reasons for not wanting to use her family name but what could Hope's be? ''How come?''

''Someone sent a mercenary group to kill him.''

''What?! Why?!'' She demanded, appalled.

''That's just it, we never found out. It's been years now. We did solve the trouble, no one's been able to get an answer, really. We met one of them but even he had no idea-he said they were tricked into thinking it was really a creature they had to hunt.'' Gray explained.

''Eh? Wait, you mean...!''

''Yeah, they thought Endymion was some menace so they had to take him out.'' Gray stated, scowling. They might have resolved the matter but just the memory irritated him-because they had a very good guess as to why the group would say something like that and it was that reason that aggravated him.

''That's just...'' Lucy frowned at the thought of their phoenix friend being considered some monster. It was just wrong. ''...hold on, the way you're talking-did you actually meet this group?''

''One of them came here a couple of years ago. He's actually a pretty good guy, he left when he figured they were set up. He was ashamed to think they killed an innocent kid.'' Gray admitted. Hope made sure to lay low and it was likely that if it hadn't been for Natsu, they might not have even heard the truth when they did.

Not that he blamed the boy though; Hope had every right to keep his past a secret after all he had been through. He was just glad the boy turned out as good and kind as he had, that he'd been able to open up to everyone. It said a lot about their faith in the guild that Hope and Endymion confided in them like they did a year ago.

When the two caught up to their friends, it was to find everyone had arrived. Erza seemed to be scolding Happy about something but they only caught the last part.

''...honestly, sort out your priorities!''

Gray raised an eye and looked at the others, Endymion answered the unasked question. ''Happy spent a lot of time trying to pick some food up. She's not exactly pleased that he and Natsu seem to care more about that than our job.''

The ice mage snorted ''Shouldn't she be used to that by now?''

Hope sighed ''Come on, the train's going to leave soon. Erza, we haven't even gotten there yet. Aren't you worrying too much? If that's how they feel now let them be, they'll work hard when the time comes. They've already proven that plenty before.''

The duo smiled at him for the degree of trust in that statement while Erza relented, thinking that over. ''...I suppose you have a point, Hope. Very well, let's be on our way.''

''You're getting a lot better at handling them, Hope.'' Gray remarked.

''He's more snarky too.'' Happy chipped in before he could respond.

The boy raised an eye ''And whose fault was that again?''

Happy grinned sheepishly while Gray chuckled, both conceding the point. It had taken them sometime to convince the boy that he could relax and not be so formal with them. It was in his nature to be polite but they wanted him to feel like he was at home with family. Thus, neither were about to complain for this was a sign of their efforts paying off.


With the train on its way, Natsu was left to struggle with the usual bout of motion sickness. Lucy told those who weren't present a bit about the breakfast this morning, leaving Gray amused.

''Well, Loke's got it in one. That Gildarts sure is a busybody...'' He remarked. ''...though now that you mention it, does anyone know what that job he took was even about?''

Erza began to think back ''If I recall correctly, it was something that had to do with taking down a monster that was said to occasionally settle on a distant mountain...''

Gray blinked ''That must be one heck of a monster.''

''Indeed, I can't imagine what sort of being it must be to need such a request. Well, Gildarts can handle himself so I believe he'll be just fine.''

Happy noted the train slowing down and poked his head out the window ''Hey, I think we're here...''


''Wait, this is the town where you got that weird fang?'' Happy blinked at Erza, surprised at the bit of information she happened to let slip.

''Yes, a merchant who was passing by prepared it for me. I keep wondering what could've happened. Everything seemed all right when I was done...'' She trailed off. It had hardly been a week since she had been here. What could've happened in this brief span of time?

As they went on their way, something odd became apparent. Quite a few people were shooting them wary, downright fearful looks. Though they were also tinged with confusion-but it took the group a few moments to realize that the glances were directed at one member of their group...

The realization made Endymion ask ''What exactly did you do the last time you were here, Erza?''

But the knight mage appeared just as lost by this turnout, wondering the same thing. Natsu gave her a look ''She probably showed them what a real monster she is.''

The glare Erza gave him in return made him squeak and try to behind the others. Gray gave him a dry look ''You gotta know when to hold it in, man...''

It didn't take them long to find the client's home. But what was even more baffling was that while the client was glad to see them, his expression made it clear that was just as wary of Erza.

''Thank you all for coming. Count on Makarov to come through...'' The man started. ''...it seems we'll be in your debt once again, White Paladin.''

Hope shook his head with a small smile, briefly remembering the time he and Endymion helped out around here months ago ''There's no such thing, Sir. I'm glad to help.'' He missed Lucy's clear surprise at this bit of information. ''But what happened exactly?''

''Yeah, Gramps said you were still trying to figure out this mess. When did this monster show up again?'' Gray inquired.

''I'd say it's been a week more or less.'' The man admitted.

''Eh? But that timing...'' Lucy looked at Erza, who frowned in confusion.

''About that...'' The client's eyes narrowed. ''...I didn't expect you to be one of the mages Makarov would send but I'll take this chance. Titania, all this trouble started the day after you were done with your job-if we can even call it that. All the trouble you caused that day may as well have helped those damn creatures close in on our town.''

''What?! That can't-!''

''Kindly do not argue with me.'' He said sharply. ''I'm this close to having you arrested. It's only out of my friendship with Makarov and respect for Fairy Tail that I'm willing to give you a chance. You almost us many lives and it's only thanks to our treasure that the worst was avoided.''

Erza seemed stunned at this but Natsu spoke up ''Whoa, hold on, old man. We're kinda lost, what happened?''

The man tried to calm himself down ''Right, it's only fair to bring you all up to speed. She was tasked with bringing down a monster that was attacking these parts recently.'' They nodded and he carried on. ''Our town's most reliable defense if an ancient magical staff, a relic left by our ancestors. It creates a powerful shield that is usually more than enough to defend us. It's even said to unlock one's potential. It has limits of course but it's still a reliable measure. Titania's battle wrecked a portion of our home, including the place where we keep the staff. Thanks to that, it was damaged-and while we managed to repair it to a point, it's never been the same since. We've been using to repel the monster but it's not working like it used to. Everyone's been living in fear ever since. Even the Rune Knights couldn't do anything about this since it completely disappeared for days. It only came back after they left! All of this could have been averted if you hadn't been so careless-if you had just kept the fight out of town like you were told to do. If we had just known how bad the situation really was earlier...''

Erza felt shame well up within her at these words, wishing for the same. She had just been proud to finish her work when she had and thus given the consequences little thought. But the fact that she helped cause these people such fear and suffering was inexcusable...

''Then let's get to fixing this mess.'' Endymion's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

''Right. What can you tell us about the current situation? Let's start from there.'' Lucy added.

The man gave a nod, inhaling and exhaling before proceeding to explain. With the staff malfunctioning and the lack of mages in town, all they could really do was try to avoid the monster. There were a few people trying to do something about the staff but so far they had no luck. They knew the monster, a chimera, was somewhere in the forest surrounding the town. It kept coming at the most random of intervals though and no one had any idea if there was a reason for that.

''We'll take care of things.'' Gray assured.

Hope nodded ''We'll get right to it. I'd like to ask a favor, sir-can you explain things to everyone? Erza wouldn't hurt them and we'd rather not have any unnecessary trouble. If you could, we just want them to give us the chance to make up for this.''

Erza looked at him in surprise for a moment and the client hummed ''...Very well. I won't deny people will still be angry with her but I'll see if I can have them not lash out. She's your friend so I imagine it would help things along.''

''Thank you.''

The knight mage bowed her head ''I appreciate it-I'll do my best to make up for this mistake.''


First, they agreed to look for some information. Hope and Endymion took to scanning the area, in hopes of finding any sign of the chimera but all they saw were the tracks from its most recent attack. Since they knew the chimera could fly, it made sense. But it left them with one other option...

Lucy pursed her lips as a woman pointedly closed the door in their faces. ''That went well, didn't it?''

''Figures they're still mad...'' Happy grimaced. ''...I think Hope vouching for Erza is the only reason they're putting up with her now.''

The girl nodded, sparing the redhead a worried look. She was glad Hope thought to do that much-Erza clearly felt terrible about this and trying to fix the situation would the best way to help her. ''About that-was anyone planning to tell me that he was the White Paladin? It's like the mess back with the Galuna job-you guys seriously need to stop dropping this kind of news on me.''

''And miss your reaction? I don't think so.'' Happy chirped, ignoring the glare she gave in return. ''Seriously though, we just forgot. It's no big deal-Hope says so too. He just chose to help people and his rep grew. Endymion's the same way, it all started because Hope made the choice. They agreed to do what they thought was best.''

Lucy thought that was seriously downplaying things but then again, it sounded like something Hope would do.

Gray looked around, a bit uncomfortable. If the situation were any less serious, he would've been tempted to tease Erza given how many times she scolded them for destructive habits. But it would be like kicking someone when they were already down.

Seeing the town like this...Gray had taken the guild members general destructive tendency in stride but he didn't think it ever came back to bite them like this before. But now he found himself looking back and thinking-had they ever gotten people hurt due to their recklessness before?

Little did he know, Natsu was thinking along the same lines. He didn't really give the lectures from his friends about the usual destruction on jobs much thought but when he looked at the town now...it was hard not to remember them.

Hope was talking to a man nearby ''I'm sorry to bother you but we could use some information.''

''Yes, I heard. You're here to deal with that terrible chimera.'' The man pursed his lips. ''I know we can count on you, White Paladin but...''

''We're here to help. Nothing like this is going to happen.'' Hope cut in. ''I was wondering if you could just tell us about that monster. Apparently, it just showed up at random so far?''

The man nodded ''Now that you mention it, I thought that was strange. The attacks have lessened so far but that thing keeps turning up when we least expect it. Lately, it's even started to lash out and destroy whatever it is in sight before flying away...Actually, it never even went after people last time...''

Hope stopped to think ''...Did the attacks happen in any specific place?''

''Hm...well, lately-it's turned up at the town square. See, that's it down the street.'' The man pointed. ''Then again at the trail leading to the cable cars which we used to get up the mountain and I hear it turned up at the school and the market a few times.''

Hope thanked the man and rejoined his friends, Erza stepped up ''How was it?'' She frowned as the boy relayed the exchange. ''I see...''

''The client also thinks it turns up randomly. I'm not so sure it's that simple.'' Endymion stated.

''Yeah, it would have been easire to deal with that awful thing too. There has to be more to this...'' Lucy trailed off.

''Well, it doesn't look like there's any pattern to these attacks and we've got no way to track that monster down. What now?'' Gray asked the group at large.

''Maybe we should try to look ourselves anyway? If it was in the forest for that long...'' Happy started.

''But we'd still be looking all over that place-even with Hope and Endymion's sight magic, that's just too much.'' Lucy countered.

Erza clenched her fists ''We have to do something! This can't continue!''

''Calm down.'' Endymion said sternly. ''I understand you feel guilty but this isn't the way.''

Hope spoke up after a few moments ''...There might actually be a pattern after all.'' They looked at him in surprise. ''I remember this place from our last visit. There's one thing those targeted places had in common.''

''What is it?'' Natsu prompted.

''They're all places where people tend to gather.''

Erza's eyes widened ''He's right. I remember hearing about that cable car too-people like to go up the mountain because of the view and the inn located there.'' She paused. ''But does this mean it's targeting people?''

''That doesn't really add up with what we heard.'' Lucy pointed out.

''Yeah, there's more to it. Remember the monster never even turned up when the Rune Knights came.'' Hope added, an idea forming in his mind. ''But I think we can use this...''

Natsu perked up when he explained everything ''Hope, that's brilliant!''

''Aye, let's get to it!'' Happy exclaimed.


The word soon spread out about plans to deal with the chimera by enlisting powerful mages. Spirits seemed to be uplifted somewhat as people began to cheer up, already looking forward to it. Hidden figures watched in the shadows, believing the people foolish but deciding to give them a wakeup call soon...


Little did they know, what they saw was nothing but an illusion.

Another of Endymion's abilities was casting illusions over a certain perimeter. In this case, he could make it appear that the townspeople were all cheering up and coming together to anyone looking from outside.

With the people laying low already, it was easy for the team to mobilize their plan. And this was the first step-if their theory was accurate, the chimera should come around soon...

A roar resounded in the air and the huge chimera landed before a building. Just as it was about to strike, it was trapped within an Aegis spell with Erza, Natsu and Endymion landing before it.

The monster let out a roar, unleashing a plume of fire which was readily eaten by Natsu. When it struck again, Erza donned her Sea Empress Armor and the monster with a torrent of water. She swiftly donned her Lightning Empress Armor and electrocuted the enemy in an instant. Natsu boosted himself up with fire before proceeding to pummel the monster's face. When it tried to retaliate, Endymion unleashed four beams of light with a wave of his wing.

Gray watched the monster being thrashed from a distance. Well, in all honestly. Having all three of them was overkill. In his opinion, Erza on her own was a bigger monster than the chimera but all three of them? The result wass a no brainer.

He and the others had been left out of the fight as a precaution. The girls suggested and the rest of them agreed that something was still amiss with the situation. Which was why they were to keep watch over the area and see if anything strange came up...


Hope and Happy, who had been working to keep a view over the town, were the first to spot trouble. A few suspicious figures were sneaking into the building where they knew the staff was kept.

Hope quickly raised a wall of light that blocked their path, making the group turn to them. ''Who the heck are you brats, huh?!''

''Outta the way!''

''You're not going any further.'' Hope said calmly.

''Aye Sir!'' Happy added, bracing himself for a battle.

''And who's going to stop us? You?!'' Two of the enemies charged at them but Happy flew up, pelting them with feathers. Hope proceeded to cast Accel Force on the projectiles, increasing their speed and making the impact that much harder.

One opted to pelt the blue cat with lightning magic but Hope quickly shot both his arms, the solid light bullets not only hurting a lot but blinding him as well. Those nearby went next, some charging the boy while others casted a spell. Hope created a myriad of golden light spheres which pelted the enemies nearby and they changed into shimmering swords with a wave of his hand. This was Golden Storm.

Happy sent out another barrage of feathers, this one spun fast, creating a small tornado that blew its intended target into the air. The cat whipped out a frying pan before whacking him on the head, knocking him out.

''...A frying pan?'' Hope couldn't help but ask when the enemies were defeated.

''Hey, it works right?'' Happy chirped.

The boy looked amused ''I guess so...''

''So what do we do with these guys?'' The former asked.

''I can think of a few things...'' Hope's eyes narrowed, spotting a torn jacket that had fallen from one of the enemies, picking it up to see a familiar crest. ''...before that though-look.''

Happy stared ''Hey, isn't that...?!''


Gray frowned as he examined the cloth ''That's Phantom Lord's mark.''

It hadn't taken them long for the team to meet up. Erza had headed off to deal with the enemy mages the second she learned of their presence while Hope and Happy briefed the others in.

''So they were after the staff?'' Natsu wondered.

''It would make sense. The staff is clearly powerful, it must make for a tempting target for many people.'' Endymion pointed out.

''And they probably used the mess back from Erza's job to kick their plan off.'' Lucy added, nodding. ''Which explains what happened with the Rune Knights too-by laying low, the council couldn't do much.''

''Makes sense. But...'' Gray almost jumped when a loud cry reached their ears, looking back at the building behind them. This was followed by more cries of pain and more noise.

Suddenly, everything went eerily silent.

Erza walked out, holding the staff in one hand ''It seems they sought to steal the staff, using the chimera as a diversion to take it. All the trouble they caused was just a diversion for their scheme. Phantom has a base not too far away and they decided it was ideal to take the staff so they can climb up the ranks.''

''Err, yeah, we figured but...?'' Happy started, glancing at the building.

Erza merely smiled-something about the expression was very unnerving. Natsu and Gray held back the urge to recoil while Happy gulped. Lucy couldn't blame them. How did Erza do that?

''Sooo, I guess you're glad to take care of business.'' Hope said after a moment, breaking the awkward silence.

''Oh, quite. It was rather cathartic.'' She returned happily. ''But moving on-Hope, seeing as the people of the town had problems repairing the staff; I believe your magic might do the trick.''

''Well, I can try...'' He started, taking the item. Giving it a once over, Hope proceeded to cast Arcana Surge, the Memoria spell that restored damaged or even broken objects. Seeing little effect so far, the boy focused on the pendant's power, willing it to boost his magic. It shone with a brilliant silver light, bathing the staff in the radiance. In moments, the signs of wear and damage disappeared and the staff gleamed in the sunlight.

''As good as new!'' Happy cheered.

''Amazing!'' Lucy smiled.

Hope relaxed, feeling somewhat winded. It still wasn't easy to draw on this power. The pendant wasn't what it should be with some shards still missing but he was glad he managed to learn to use a part of its abilities.

If anyone looked closer then, they would've seen a shining crest of an intersecting sun and moon materialize for a few moments on Hope's hand.


The people were elated to know the trouble was all over. What's more, the ones who had watched the battle with the chimera had their faith in Erza restored and the people were quick to apologize to her. The redhead took the gesture in good grace, having no intention of holding a grudge.

''Now that's more like it.'' Gray smirked.

''Aye!'' Happy beamed.

The client had even invited them all to stay at the town's inn out of gratitude, which they accepted. The innkeeper was happy to welcome, even stating that their stay would be free of charge.

''Hope, thank you.'' Erza smiled. ''You helped make this happen-you even stood up for me like that...''

''Of course I would. It's nothing-really. What're friends for?'' He returned with a smile of his own.


After a few hours of well deserved rest, the team got together to talk about the remaining subject from today's events-Phantom Lord.

''I heard the Rune Knights are coming to get those jerks real soon.'' Happy said.

''That's good. But I really don't want to just leave things like this...'' Gray crossed his arms. ''...how about we talk to Gramps?''

''Yes, he should know about this. If anything, what he mentioned about Phantom's master troubles me.'' Erza started.

Lucy frowned, catching on her tone ''How bad is it?''

''Master's exact words were 'Jose Porla is a conniving snake who'll sell his grandmother up the river in a heartbeat if he thinks that works out for him.'''

''So a real scumbag through and through, huh?'' Natsu grunted.

Little did they know, Phantom Lord was already on the move with its own schemes...


Well, let's stop here.

I hope it was good. Sorry, it really wasn't supposed to take this long. I just haven't had time to really work on this story for a while and writer's block struck. But then inspiration hit in the last few days so, here we are.

Not sure about the 100 year request, I can't remember if it was mentioned in Canon but I assume it has to do with taking down Acnologia. Thought I'd try seeing what it'd be like for Natsu and the others to see a side effect of their destructive tendencies. I mean come on, with all the mess Fairy Tail causes; something like what happened in this chapter isn't all that far off. At least that's how I feel about this.

Oh and that thing about the staff unlocking potential is true, like what happened with Hope. But that's an idea for later. And yes, Fairy tail knows exactly what happened to him before but they're stopped from doing anything about it because Hope asked them not to. As much as he's recovering from the past he's no where near ready to face it yet. Also, he thinks they shouldn't have to deal with his trouble which he feels could just hurt the guild which is the last thing he wants.

I felt like maybe I could handle things a bit differently than back in the old story. So this is the beginning of the Phantom arc. To clarify, this is just a bunch of members who got greedy so they took the risk to steal the staff. But this mission's going to have consequences that will be revealed in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!