I do not own Fairy tail, that belongs solely to Hiro Mashima.

I would like to give a shout out to all the people that have stuck with my story and my bad habit of not writings chapters regularly. I would like to say thanks to those who have also taken even more interest by commenting and even messaging me. Shout out to...

Meazm/ erasempai946/ BomBashious/ Jermen/ anoyak111

Among others that have given me advice and just good feedback in general. Thank you all very much!

As always feel free to send comments and criticism if you have it. I always enjoy knowing what you think and that makes me a better writer as well. But enough of this.

Enjoy the story!


Chapter 17: Lyin' Eyes

September 17, X784, Southbay Town

It was early morning and the fire from last night was all but ashes now. The dawn light was coming over the horizon and a certain pinkete awoke with a searing feeling in his chest. However, it was not one of pain. Just as it had happened every morning when the sun came out.

It was the sun that gave him a significant boost in his magic, and that was a secret not many knew, not even Ultear. He sat up and saw that everyone was still asleep. He looked at his teammates with a scornful grimace before he stood and made his way over to them. He then kicked Erza in the leg as the redhead bolted up.

"Get up," Natsu said as he turned to walk away. Erza seemed to bore holes in his back with her fiery glare. But she nonetheless got up and woke Gray and Lucy.

Morning already?" Lucy said with a yawn as she outstretched her arms.

But before anything else was said Natsu spoke out. "I'm going to take out that sea monster and then I'm leaving," The slayer spoke in a sour voice. He woke Sabbas and the boy shifted up.

"I'm going to leave you with here with the others, for now, I'll be back soon," Natsu spoke softly as the boy nodded in understanding. This was the last thing Natsu said as he jogged away. Past the city gate and to the shoreline of the bay.

Everyone seemed to be confused by his sudden leaving. But Erza just sighed as she spoke. "Forget about him, he's still just angry. We have to wait for the council to show up," Erza said as Gray nodded.

"Yeah, I suppose we should leave Natsu to it, If anyone can beat that monster it's him," Gray affirmed to the others.

Lucy shuffled around in a rucksack she had brought with her. "Hey Sabbas, would you like something to eat?" The blonde spoke sweetly as the boy scrambled over to her side. "Yes, thank you," The boy spoke as he was handed something that was made of bread and felt flat.

It must be a sandwich he thought as he took a bite. "Mmhmm," The boy seemingly moaned as he continued eating. "This is good," Sabbas said with a smile.

The others grinned at the scene laid out before them. "No problem, that's what friends are for," Lucy spoke as they continued to wait for the arrival of Cain.


Natsu overlooked the shoreline as he smelled the fresh morning air. There was an eerie silence that enveloped over the sound of crashing waves. It was too calm for his liking and so he jumped in. He started to swim under the water as he saw some fish and large boulders underneath. There was some coral and brightly colored fish around the area. It reminded him that this was a tropical bay and island.

He was glad that he trained to hold his breath for a long while, if not he would not be able to enjoy this beautiful scenery. There were sea turtles and lobsters that swan and crawled around. But before long the reef stopped at the edge of a dropoff that was dark at the bottom. Or rather you could not see the bottom.

The pinkete was weary of this evaluation. He was never too fond of swimming into the open ocean before, and especially not now when there was a four hundred fifty-foot sea monster. But he then there was familiar burn in his chest that was different than this morning. This was stung and it would only grow.

He swam up to the surface that was only about fifteen feet above him. He came up for air and there was an ominous feeling he got. He was right of the edge of a dropoff and there's a huge monster. Natsu was not one to be scared easily, but even he got an almost sick feeling to his stomach just thinking about it. The was a long way don't and for some reason, it seemed to go on forever.

The slayer looked around as he treaded water. Luckily for him, he had a technique that was sure to kill this beast. And so he took one more big deep breath and he dove into the dark depths. Past the dropoff and into the unknown abyss.

There was a sense of urgency that crossed over his mind. He had five minutes before he needed air. And seven at the most. He knew the beast was in this ocean somewhere and he would be the one to vanquish it. The water was dark and hard to see. The light from above was all he gad as a reference. He could no longer see the reef and there was only pitch below him.

Shit! Natsu thought as he looked straight down in the water. This sense of fear he felt all too real. He would push on through. He decided to swim down further where e was brushed by a shark. The shark seemed to pay him no mind as it cruised on past. Then he saw around ten or more sharks follow the first and then when he squinted he could see a school of fish that must be what there were following.

There was no salvation for Natsu at this moment as he swans fast and hard in a straight line. There was a glowing in the distance that was a glinting blue color. He felt tense up as the shimmer faded and he looked frantically around.

Then he saw something move below him and then there was a shadow cast above him and their light seemingly was blocked out. It looked to be an eclipse from where he was and then he got a feeling that sent a shiver down his spine. He looked down and saw something that gave him a sense of deja vu.

It then struck him at this moment that was exactly like his dream he had when he was knocked out after his encounter with the dragon in Cape town. He dreaded what he saw. There was a pair of huge jaws coming for him and he had only a few moments more before he would undoubtedly be swallowed by the beast of the deep.

Natsu in that split second put in hands together and created a ball of lightning that surged under the water. The blue light it produced made the beast clear in full view as its jaws were only ten feet from the slayer. Natsu lost his breath as he shot forward a massive bolt of electricity that hit the beast in the eye. The beast jerked it's head tot eh right as Natsu scrambled up to get air.

He made sure to stay aware of the beast's location as he did. And when he was greeted with the scent of the air, it was short-lived. The beast crashed out of the water and roared out. The cry was heard for miles as its head rose from the water. Natsu felt so vulnerable as there was nothing under his feet.

The beast created a swell in the ocean that pulled Natsu toward it. He then thought of an idea as he was pulled closer. He got his hands above the water and fired off his flames with as much juice as he could. He flipped around in the air because he was not stable and smacked right into the beast.

He was about the slide off and back into the water when he latched with all the grip strength he could muster. He held onto a large scale that was indeed as large as him. The beast turned it's long body around and looked at Natsu with one eye bleeding out and closed.

Natsu in a second before the beast sprayed a torrent of water threw himself over to the back of the beast. He latched onto the large black dorsal fin that ran down the length of the whole beast. Natsu started to climb up the beat when it roared out and dove into the water. With the rest of the body following suit. The pinkete watched the body arched like a roller coaster and he was about the slam into the water. He held on tight and braced himself. Heis body smacked the water, but he held firm.

The slayer then opened his eyes and saw that they were traveling quite fast under the waves. He then carefully went up the back of the serpent by hold firm to the blackfin as he trudged on. The serpent then spun in the water as Natsu almost went flying off. But he clenched his teeth and held onto the spinal part of the fin.

Natsu looked at the light in relief as the beast was now surfacing. The serpent shook it's head furiously as Natsu climbed the fin all the wat to the back of the head where the fin stopped. There was something that struck Natsu as he looked at the large mark on the beasts head that was a black magic circle about as big around as Natsu's arm span.

This was a magic symbol unknown to him. But it was something that made Natsu realized this was not a normal serpent. It was a magic beast that was not normally found in Nature because it was not natural. It was no wonder serpents were never seen this big. Because this creature was created with magic.

This realization cause Natsu to look in awe. A mage with enough power to create to summoned something like this was a fearsome foe. And if that was what they were dealing with then there was only one explanation. But Natsu realized he had just been sitting here on the beast's head.

The beast was once again about to go under the water and Natsu held on with his right hand. With his other he thrust his middle and index fingers forward and shot a bolt of lightning at the magic circle. The beast roared out and then decided to stay above the water.

The beast spun about and Natsu flew off the serpent. He was tossed near the shoreline a mile or two east of the town. The water out of the bay dropped off far closer to shore. The beast then shot a torrent of water at Natsu and it slammed him under the water. He tried to catch his breath when he surfaced again, but he was once again shot with a water jet.

Then a thought occurred to Natsu as he felt a tingling in the scar on his chest. As the water jet was still connected, he produced blue electricity all around his body and let it surge. The energy released ran up the water stream and fired the serpent as it's head slammed onto the beachhead with a heavy thud. It was still alive, but it seemed to be out of it.

And so Natsu ran around the side to the head of the beast and leaped onto its neck. He stood over the mark on its forehead and gathered flames in his fist. He cocked it back and then with a mighty swing plummeted his fist into the serpent's skull. Fire Dragons Destruction Hammer! As he did this, an indention was created in the skull and the beast laid still.

Seemingly defeated, Natsu vaulted onto the shore and admired the beast. It was absolutely humongous. It was at this time Natsu had heard a large number of footsteps walking down the length of the beach.

He saw Erza, Gray, Lucy, and Sabbas along with what looked like a battalion of rune knights. Well, this should be interesting, Natsu thought.


Fifteen minutes earlier...

Erza and the others sat in the camp when they saw the approaching rune knights from over the hill that followed behind a few men atop horses. She stood abruptly and alerted the others to what she was gazing at. "Sabbas, stay behind us oaky," Erza said as the boy remarked.

"Okay," He spoke as he man on the horse came up to greet them.

"Hello, might you be the fairy tail mages that Officer Cain has told me about," The large man spoke in a stoic yet pleasant tone.

Erza gave the man a small smile and nodded her head. "Yes, that would be me and my teammates," Erza complied.

The man rode a white horse and wore a long-sleeve grey coat that went almost to his knees and was clasped with golden buttons on each side. He had a large golden-colored belt with tassels on one side. He wore cream-colored gloves and wore very tall black boots with spurs. Atop his head was a grey felt western hat. And adorning his belt was a saber. He was grey hair with a mustache and beard. Finally, he had a single gold star on either side of his collar.

"I am Brigadier General Herod, and from what I've been told. There is some corrupt business guy about. Thank you all for your work in solving this case is far more depth than the call of work required," The man spoke with proud confidence that made him seem an unquestionably honorable man.

"It was actually in part with the other team member that we solved this in the first place," Gray said as the General raised a brow.

"And where is this man you speak of?" General Herod asked.

"He went to deal with the serpent while we waited for the military to show," Erza spoke.

General Herod seemed surprised as he asked. "You let him fight that beast all by his lonesome?" He prodded.

"You would be surprised by his strength, he is quite the mage," Erza spoke as they all heard a large commotion in the bay. And they all saw first hand the small figure of a man climbing up the fin of the serpent. And to say that the General was surprised was in shock was an understatement. The other rune knights practically had their eyes pop out from their skull when they saw it.

"Wow, what courage under such a stressful situation," General Herod admired as Erza wore a worried face. She remembered well the last time Natsu faced a large beast such as this one. There was a flash of blue light atop the beasts head as it roared out and spun around.

Natsu was tossed to the shore as Erza then spoke. "Come on Gray, he might need help," Erza said as she started in Natsu direction.

"I'll be coming too, Lieutenant Nekoda, take company one, two and three and secure the town. Company four follow me," General Herod ordered.

"Yes, sir!" Lieutenant Nekoda saluted as he leads the rune knights into the town proper.

"Cain, you can accompany me with your friends here," Herod finalized as he and his company followed behind Erza and the others.

They all saw as they made there way around a rocky bluff and onto the beach that the beast was shooting water at the Natsu. But then with a flash, they all witnessed the blue electricity surge around him as they had to brace themselves from the gusts of wind that tried to blow them back. General Herod's horse grew nervous at this but then the wind died down.

The immense flash stopped and the beast had smoke coming from its mouth. It would seem that Natsu injured its insides with that attack and effectively brought it down. The beasts head crashed down and Natsu ended the fight with a final firey punch.

He looked over to them and was breathing heavier than usual.

"Well lad, I must say that's one of the most impressive displays I've seen. You truly are a skilled mage. I am Brigadier General Herod," The General held his hand out and Natsu shook it.

"The pleasure is all mine," Natsu said with a nonchalant tone.

"But I really need to be going if you don't mind. My associates can inform you about everything," Natsu said and he abruptly turned and walked off. The General seemed stunned that he would just up and leave like that. But Natsu had said he was leaving.

"Sorry about him sir, he's in a mood right now," Erza said as he merely nodded.

"Oh, I see. I wanted to speak to him some more. But alas. We need to apprehend those vile traitors," General Herod said.


An hour later the rune knight under General Herod's employ had rounded all the people associated with the plot. They were all cuffed behind there back. These people included Captain Ruether, Mayor Griffeld, the dark mages from Oahina, and a number of rune knights that were also part of the whole scheme.

The perpetrators were all put in the courtyard under the sharp gaze of Herod's men. Some of whom were special forces.

"And so you thought you could get away with this forever, didn't you," Herod spoke with a stern gaze.

"You sorry bastards! If it weren't for you," Ruether scorned as Herod turned his back.

"I've had enough of them, put them in the carts and take them back Lieutenant Nekoda," Herod ordered once more.

"Sir!" Nekoda spoke as he rounded up the lot of them and carted them off.

Herod stood atop the seawall that separated the base and the ocean. Erza and the others met him up there on his request and he spoke.

"I must thank you again, I knew there was something going on for a while. But I could never get anything solid. And so when I heard Cain's story. I was prepared with my men to finally snuff the two troublemakers out," Herod sighed.

"I will be staying here a few weeks to gain control of the area and reform some business dealing that was stopped since the serpent was here. But there is something I want to proposition you with," General Herod said turning to Erza.

The redhead raised a brow at this and then asked. "Of course, what is it?" The scarlet knight questioned.

"Now I will do some talking with the council, but I feel we need to dig deeper. And with the help of Fairy tail, we could find the root of the problem. And from what you tell me, your friend Dragneel is quite clever. And he very well might be onto something. So I want to work with Fairy tail," Herod spoke.

"We would love to help, of course, we need to go back to tell the master," Gray suggested.

"Of course, I understand. NOw I still have to work out the kinks with the council, but you would, of course, be paid and if need be have the full might of the council's forces on your side," Herod said.

"I understand, this sounds like a good plan," Erza smiled to the old general.

"No here me out. You will all leave and go home. I will talk to the counsel and contact you later in the week. And then once it is all finalized, you can help to solve this mystery that I have been tracking for many years," Herod said as he stroked his beard.

"What mystery is that?" Gray inquired.

"Well, this is definitely a sign of a very well connected dark guild. So high possibility of the Baram alliance. But I have a belief that there is another guild besides the main three," Herod said as Erza, Gray, and Lucy looked stunned.

"You really think there are more guilds within the alliance?" Erza questioned. This was a very touchy idea, if there are more than they thought, then that only adds more to worry about when it comes to the fight between light and dark guilds.

"Yes, this is a culmination of many years of work, but we have reports of a guild on par with the other three that are far more secretive than even them. Something my idea to be farfetched, but I do believe there are four guilds in the Baram alliance," Herod confirmed to the redhead.

"This is troubling indeed, and you think this is a connection to that guild?" Erza asked again.

"Yes, there was no evidence thus far of the other guild. Griffeld had told he was under the command of one from a powerful dark guild. But he said he only received orders, and that he never met him in person," Herod answered.

"I see, but the man could just be another underling of this guild," Erza said as she thought more on the matter.

"This is true, but something tells me this man was a part of the guild. He must have left by now though. The odd thing, however, is that even Griffled said he didn't know the name of the guild. He said he was just a small part of a large totem pole of underlings," Herod explained.

"I would like to say that I am fully committed to finding this guild. But there are still questions unanswered here," Gray spoke up as he looked very focused.

Erza nodded along with Herod. "The serpent is still a mystery," Erza spoke.

"Maybe you should ask your friend, he did fight the beast," Herod suggested to the redhead.

"You're right," Erza said in realization. She had not thought of it, however. Natsu did leave immediately after which didn't give room for questioning.

With this, Erza raised her hand and Herod shook it. "We will be ready when you say the word sir, we will be going to find our teammate now," Erza said as Herod gave a smirk.

"Yes, I understand, be careful now. It will only get worse from here on out. By the way, your reward is in the office with Cain, you don't want to forget that," General Herod laughed as they left the man to himself.


After they collected the reward and spoke with Cain once more, they left and were on the road back. Erza remembered something then and there and questioned the raven-haired boy.

"Sabbas, can you find Natsu's magic signature?" Erza questioned as the boy nodded.

"Yes, I am sensing him that way," Sabbas pointed to the southeast. "He's not too far from here," The boy added on.

"Thanks, kid," Gray said as he ruffled the kid's hair. They walked along the way to an alcove, and there was Natsu was sitting on the shoreline. He looked at them and stood abruptly. Erza was hesitant to approach, she could see the look on his face and she knew he was still pissed.

"Don't think I've forgotten. Were going to talk this out now," Natsu said in a dark tone.

Natsu then looked to Sabbas and spoke. "Sabbas, come sit and cover your ears for a little bit," Natsu said as the boy complied and sat down at the shore next to Natsu.

"What's going on?" The boy asked. "It's adult stuff okay," Natsu said as the boy then covered his ears.

Erza stood across from Natsu as Gray and Lucy were on the side. And it would seem that Erza would start this off.

"Look Natsu, I'm really sorry about what I said. I was just mad that you were insulting our capabilities," the scarlet knight said.

"I don't care what you say, I heard what you said. You think I don't belong. All you think I'm good for is fighting the fights you can't," Natsu gripped as Erza hesitated. Natsu seemed to think he proved his point.

"That's not true, and I don't really want you to leave. You're a part of this team. And whether you think so or not, we all respect you," Erza said as she gained an agreeable nod from Gray and Lucy.

"Well the way I see it, all you guys have done since we teamed up if gripe and scold my way of doing things. I already said I won't change just for you," Natsu glared at the redhead.

"We all got off to a bad start, but I think we need to start fresh and forget the past," Erza said with a pattern look.

"Don't you bullshit me, this is because you guys don't trust me," Natsu yelled.

"Natsu, I trust you, we trust you. Your the one who doesn't trust us. Why is that?" Erza tried to keep a level head through this whole thing.

"Because of this mission, Why did you think letting yourself be captured was a good idea. Sometimes I wish you would use your head," Natsu said as Erza fumed.

"This was what I was saying. You're insulting me, and you won't even admit it," Erza cried out.

"I don't have to explain myself, I just thought you were smarter than that. You jeopardized the mission! What would happen if I needed help?" Natsu asked in a bitter tone.

Erza looked down at her feet trying to avoid his gaze. It felt as if she was being scolded like a child. "I, I don't know okay," Erza said as she

"You want to know what I think, I think this team is a waste of effort. Your all dragging me down," Natsu said as he saw the looks he was getting from his teammates.

"If you really feel that way then I won't stop you, but," Erza said with a sour expression.

"But what?" Natsu questioned the redhead.

"I don't feel the same, and when you say these things, it makes it hard to forgive and forget all the things we question you about in the first place," Erza said.

"Why do you think I invited you in the first place. It's because your our friend, and I wanted to make sure you weren't alone," Erza spoke.

"Well thank you for the concern, but I think I've had enough of your bullshit," Natsu said as she turned to leave. Erza went to grab his hand as he turned around.

"Natsu, please. Don't go. You're a part of this whether you think so or not. And the team would just feel wrong without you. Even if you are temperamental all the time," Erza said with a pleading tone.

"I don't know," Natsu then turned to face her again. "What do I get out of just following you guys around. It can never work. I can't," Natsu said as he looked away from her gaze.

"You can what?" Erza questioned.

"I can't tell you. I just know that in the end. We can never be the team you think this is. And it's partly my fault. But I can't keep it up without, without. Screwing my own life up," Natsu said solemnly.

"Natsu, I don't understand, what are you trying to say?" Erza inquired. She was nor understanding what he as getting at. What Natsu, what do you need? Erza thought.

"That's enough of this," Natsu said as he turned away again.

"I can't tell you for personal reasons, okay," Natsu said.

"Okay, I won't pry. Everyone is entitled to there own secrets. But you should know, I care, we care. And I know you have things in your life that make you the person you are. And you will open up in time. But You shouldn't push those around you away. Okay. All your doing id hurting yourself," Erza said with a soft tone.

Natsu seemed to be in thought as he wondered if she was telling the truth. Maybe they won't turn me away if they knew the truth, Natsu thought.

"Alright, but I won't back down easily. And I won't forget what you said either. I hold grudges and for good reason," Natsu said as Erza nodded.

"Okay, just know we are here for you, and you're not alone," Erza said.

"Yeah, we'll support you no matter what you're going through. Because that's what friends do," Gray said as he put a hand on Natsu's shoulder.

"Don't worry, I think your a good person," Lucy said to the pinkete.

"Great, you guys are just terrific," Natsu sarcastically spoke as he felt like he was being crowded.

"You guys know I hate being crowded," Natsu said as they seemed to get a kick out of that.

"SO are we all good?" Erza asked the slayer.

"I suppose I can forgive you for now. But I'm still mad," Natsu answered.

He had a strange feeling in his chest. It had been a long time since he had ever gotten so worked up. But at the same time, he knew that he didn't want to go. But he felt a strange twisted irony in Erza's words that made him smile with guilt.

She said that he would never betray them. And that was the whole point of his being here. He was here to infiltrate Fairy tail. And for some reason, he had not sabotaged them as much as he imagined he was going to. He found himself just living. Living the life of a fairy tail wizard. And there was a funny way life twisted what you wanted.

He found himself liking something he was meant to destroy, and he would have to eliminate the people that gave him so much grief, so much bullshit, so much happiness? He was unsure if he was happy here. But all knew at the moment was that he did in fact like his teammates. Even if they annoyed him to no end.


September 19, X784, Magnolia

Back in Magnolia, the team trudged through the streets in mid-afternoon. The team had not said much to each other on the trip back. But at the least, they were not fighting anymore. Natsu was still pretty bitter about the whole thing and would be for a long time.

But it was just very hard to keep cool. But he just stayed quiet and walked along to the guild. Before they got to the guild Erza remembered something and even though it was most definitely a bad time, she had to know.

"Natsu, did you notice what was going on with that serpent and why it was there?" The scarlet knight asked the pinkete.

"It was created by a mage," Was all the slayer said as Erza, Gray, and Lucy widened their eyes in shock. Sabbas gave the pinkete a curious look before looking away.

"Something that big was summoned, that's not a good sign," Erza said in a foreboding tone.

"Someone able to summon that thing is incredible," Gray said as Lucy shivered at the thought.

"I could feel that serpent in the ocean," Sabbas spoke as some of the team looked to the boy.

"I bet you could, I'm sure any beast that size has lots of magic inside it," Gray said as Erza and Lucy nodded.

The five of them entered the guild and then most everyone glanced in there direction. Mira was not at the bar, so she was probably still stuck in her comatose state. The master raised an eyebrow at the boy who accompanied them. Others in the guild also noticed this interesting factor as well.

"Who's the kid?" Levy asked as she walked over. Many others crowded around and Natasu just about lost it.

"I'm out of here, you guys can tell the story," Natsu said as he went upstairs to many people's surprise and went into a spare room.

"Where the heck is he going, he's not supposed to be up there," Lucy said.

"He's not," Makarov said as he sighed. "But he seems quite irritable right now, and I know he doesn't like crowds," Makarov sad as some others nodded. In their minds, Natsu was just a special case.

"So you want to explain the kid?" Makarov said as he too was curious about the kid.

"Well he's going to be joining the guild," Erza said as the boy nodded.

"So lad, what king od magic do you use?" Makarov smiled.

Sabbas turned his heard in the man direction and then felt around with his hands until he found a bar stool. He then opted to sit on the stool. Some of the others were confused. But Makarov saw it immediately once the boy sat down.

"I don't know. But I know I can use it. My name is Sabbas," The boy smiled which made Makarov smile. "I see," the elder mage said.

"Well, we can fix that for you. I'm sure we'll find out what it is," Makarov confirmed.

"I don't know master, his magic is one I've never heard of," Erza said. "Yeah, it is quite the mystery," Gray tuned in.

"I might be able to find it in one of my books," Levy spoke as she gave the boy a smile. Sabbas turned to her and spoke.

"Really, that would be great," He spoke in a cheery voice.

Erza realizing some of the looks he was getting was about to speak up, but Sabbas beat her to the punch.

"I know what, you're thinking, and yes. But I can see quite well in my own way. I use magic," Sabbas said as they were all pleasantly surprised by his bold words.

Makarov was surprised at this evaluation and questioned. "How so?"

Sabbas went on to explain some of his abilities and Makarov was surprised, to say the least. "You were right Erza, I've never heard of magic like this one. Perhaps it was created just to suit him. That would be something," Makarov said.

By now most had gone onto there own business except for a few stragglers. "I think this magic of your is completely new, this is quite fascinating!" Levy said as she was now taking notes.

"By the way," Makarov started. "How did your mission fair?" He asked as he took a sip of his drink.

Erza looked down as she recalled the big fight that Natsu was still pretty sour about. And thus she, Gray and Lucy all explained with some intervening from Sabbas.

"I've heard of this General Herod, he's quite the reputable man. Maybe Gajeel and Laxus could help you. And Mira if she wakes up in time," Makarov said as he tried to remember all the mages that were quite skilled.

"Who knows, maybe even Mystogan will show up," Gray said with a sarcastic tone. And then from seemingly nowhere Juvia popped up and spoke out. "Juvia would like to help as well," She spoke as she tried to touch Gray.

"Hey watch out," Gray said with a slight blush crossing his face.

"Yes, this is good. If we can get all these members together, we should definitely be able to take on a dark guild," Erza said with a confident smirk.

"Who called my name?" The man said with a dark tone that made Lucy shiver. They looked to see Gajeel who had honestly been quite elusive since the phantom lord business.

"Oh perfect, were going to be hunting a dark guild. Would you like to join?" Erza more told than asked him. "Well Titania, That sounds like fun," Gajeel spoke with a grin.

"Who's going to be on the team?" The red-eyed slayer asked.

"Well so far, Me, Gray, Lucy, You, Juvia, and Natsu. But hopefully, we can get Laxus and Mira as well. And if we're lucky, we can get Mystogan as well," Erza said to the iron slayer.

"So Dragneel's on the team as well, huh," Gajeel remembered full well what Natsu had told him. And when he heard what happened to Mira, he thought maybe it was not exactly what happened. They say a snake, but Natsu never specified that fact.

"Yeah I know how you feel, but he's alright," Gray said to Gajeel. "Alright then," The red-eyed slayer said.

"What do you know about this guild?" Gajeel asked.

Erza thought a moment and then sighed in the realization. "Next to nothing, I'm afraid. All we found was a small branch of a much larger organization. I can't say for sure, but there are connections to the Baram alliance as well," Erza explained.

"Huh, sounds like it will be interesting. Gehehe," Gajeel grinned as he punched his open palm.

"I'll be there to help whenever you guys need me then," He spoke as he walked off.

"Erza," Makarov said as he scratched his chin.

"Yes master, what is it?"

"Do you think you can handle this. Even with all the might of Fairy tail, do you think we can take them," Makarov said surprising the rest of them. What was he talking about? Of course, they could take them. Right? The master never showed signs of fear or hesitation before when facing an enemy, so why now?

"I don't know master, but I believe in our strength. And I believe we can trust the council as well. I don't know what will happen. But I willing to place the bet that we will win," Erza said in a mildly direct manner. She herself was unsure. There was no telling how strong these men could be and if they were connected to the Baram Alliance, then there was a whole basket of problems they were about to face.

Makarov smiled in contempt and gave a light chuckle. "Then I will allow you to go. Just promise you won't all die on me."

"Erza and the others smiled at this ad they nodded their heads. "Don't worry gramps, I don't plan on dying anytime soon," Gray smirked as he thrust his fist into the air.


September 20, X784, Magnolia

The next day came soon and Erza had tried contacting Laxus and Mystogan to no avail. But she sent them alternate messages in the hopes to get their help. But the way things were looking right now, there were only going to have six members on their team. Mira was still paralyzed and there was little to nothing they could do to help her now.

Erza looked around the guild to see that her team members were scattered around the guild. With the exception of Natsu. She had not seen him since he stormed off yesterday and it was getting on her nerves. She understands that he is still bitter, but it is no need to just going brooding about all by himself.

The redhead sighed as she thought more of the dragon slayer. She knows she fucked up and now he was going to be stand-offish for a while. But then a thought came to her head that got her thinking. Maybe she could talk to him one on one and perhaps try to get back to his better side. Erza would not say she has ever seen his good side, but it was slow going trying to convince that stubborn man.

And so she lifted her self from her seat at the bar and sought out the seldom found Natsu. Taking a left at after she exited the guild, she went in the direction that she heard he was now living. It was only recently but he built a quaint house out in the woods. And so she would check there first.

And so after the scarlet knight made her way into the outskirts, she could smell smoke coming from in front of her. See this as a good sign she trudged on. ANd low and behold, there was a house that looked to be a sort of log cabin. There was smoke coming from a cobblestone chimney and she was surprised that he had built this himself. It looked strong and tough just like he was.

Erza then proceeded to open the door to his house to find him walking around with no shirt on. She stared at him with a slight look of embarrassment.

"If you don't want to see me walk around barechested, then you shouldn't just barge into my house," Natsu said as he glanced at her with seemingly cold eyes.

"It's fine, skinship between friends is good," Erza said in a manner that made her even more embarrassed.

Natsu gave the redhead a curious look before going back to stirring a pot that was over the fire. "Your weird, you know that," Natsu said as he took a taste of the soup and walked over to a large table that had a cutting board on. He proceeded to dice an onion and then scrape the bits into the cooking pot.

"Hey! I'm not weird," Erza retorted in frustration. But the smell of the house was too overbearing and it made her hungry.

"I would beg to differ," Natsu said as he put the lid to the pot on and left it to cook. He sat on a chair that was part of a table set. The wooden table and chairs were dark-colored wood and were simple in design.

Curiosity washed over Erza as she smelled the magnificent aroma filling the air. "What are you making?" Erza asked the pinkete.

"What do you think smart stuff," Natsu spoke sarcastically as Erza fumed.

"Why do you have to be this way," Erza said in almost a whisper, but Natsu heard it quite well.

Natsu saw her reaction and it was the opposite one then she had expected. He thought she would just get angry again but she seemed to be saddened by his remark.

"It just a beef soup with vegetables, you can have some if you like," Natsu suggested and he pointed tot eh seat adjacent from him.

Erza sat down and she requiped her armor off leaving her white blouse. Natsu stared a moment at her as at this moment she looked very pure in that white. "I didn't know someone like you could cook," Erza remarked as she looked at eh dragon slayer.

"What's that supposed to mean, someone like me?" Natsu irritably said.

"It's just that your a fighter, and I know for a fact that Gray can't cook," Erza said.

"Don't ever compare me to that blue-faced bastard," Natsu growled as Erza just sighed.

"You know Natsu, you will never make friends if you keep insulting everyone around you," Erza said in a worried voice. He was always so distant, it was hard to know what was going on in that head of his. But she wanted so direly to know so she could help him.

"I'm sorry that you are all pathetic, I just have higher standards."

"Damnit Natsu. What is your problem, what have we done to you?!" Erza yelled as she stood from the chair and put her fists to the table. Natsu stared at her with an acute glance.

"Do you want to be all alone? Why do you insist on pushing us away?!" Erza said with an undertone of sadness in her voice that audibly apparent to the pinkete.

Natsu glanced down to his hands as he twiddled his thumbs. He was unsure how to handle this, and Erza was so adamant about him. It was oblivious to him that she cared for greatly. But All he could feel was the sense of pity she resonated around her as she spoke to him. It was like she felt bad that he was alone most of the time and that he never got along with anybody in the guild. At least not for long.

Erza seemed to calm down as she pulled her chair closer to Natsu and sat down.

"Natsu looked at me," Erza said as he stared intently at him. Natsu put on his normally nonchalant face and he looked to her with a slight glare.

"We are alone right now, and you can tell me anything. I just a to help Natsu," Erza almost pleaded to him.

Natsu grew furious as he stood up. "Have you ever thought that I'm sick of you and you wanting to help me! I don't need your pity Erza!" Natsu shouted as Erza found a tear streaming down her face. She was trying so hard to help. But she guesses it was a matter of pride for him. He was a proud man.

"I've told you that all I want is for you to leave me alone!" Natsu said as Erza stood up and slapped Natsu in the face and she turned and stormed off.

Natsu was stunned as she saw her face before she left. She was crying, and she looked so confused as well.

"Damnit," Natsu said as he hit his palms to his head and sat in the chair. He stayed hunched over as he thought of what he just did. This was all his fault. And now it seemed that he pushed away from the only person who was trying to understand and reach out.

And for now, Natsu didn't feel hungry anymore.


Erza walked back through the doors of the guild with a pissed looked on her face. Her eyes seemed a little red and she sat down at the bar and put her head down. A few noticed this and walked over to her in concern, the perpetrators being Lucy and Gray.

"Are you alright?"Lucy asked.

But then Erza glared at them and the tow shivered in their spots. "No, I'm fine," Erza enunciated the last word as the two seemed to get the message and they backed off.

"What do you think happened?" Gray questioned the Blonde.

"Well if there is anything that can make her that mad," Lucy said and then the tow thought in unison and then said it aloud.

"Natsu," They spoke as they both wondered what it was he had done this time.


To be Continued...

Well, I hope you didn't mind the wait too long, I've been quite busy lately. Anyway, I hope you liked this one and I will send the next one your way in about two weeks or so.

I know what some of you are thinking and maybe I'm wrong. But I know I keep having my pairing fight and that is part of the drama of the story. As you may know, there is tension between the two and Natsu keeps trying to push away the other. Has he succeeded or has he only sparked Erza's ambition even more.

Anyway, I always like comments and criticism and I hope you guys offer plenty. It helps me nonetheless.

As I have said, we will be starting a new arc now that is of my own creation. It will have twists and turned and dramatic scenes that I think you all will like and enjoy. It will last at least four chapters and quite possibly eight chapters depending on how it plays out in my mind.

Don't forget to check back to the begging of chapter 16 for details on the original characters so you are all caught up.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great day and prepare for the next one! Chapter 18!