~ The Encounter ~

I'm here! I've finally reached the town of Magnolia! The cobblestone paths, the beautiful houses, the lively streets, the busy marketplace! Everything about Magnolia made my heart flutter in excitement. I'm really here. I stood at the grand entrance stone arc, watching the people go about their everyday lives in awe. They seemed so joyous and so happy with their lives.

I took a deep breath, breathing in the Magnolia scent that lingered in the air, absorbing the Magnolia atmosphere. It smelled of flowers and freedom. But suddenly, a loud holler interrupted my moment.

"HEY! Watch out! Get out of the way!"

The voice came from behind me, and I immediately turned to look. There was a horse-drawn carriage with two horses charging towards me! The sound of the horses steady, rhythmic trotting resonated in my ears: Clop, clop! Clop, clop! I was rooted to the ground in shock as the carriage approached.

"MOVE!" The coachman bellowed. That brought me back from my daze and I scampered out of the way, right when the horses were inches from me. In my hurry, I tripped (of course) and fell on my behind. Ow! What a way to start my new life here.

As I sat on the floor, I watched the carriage go by. It was elaborate and it looked majestic. The edges were gold-plated and the walls outside the carriage had some fancy beige floral design. I noticed that the only window on the carriage door was curtained as well. Probably a noble, I thought.

As the carriage travelled further into the distance, I noticed a symbol on the back of the carriage. It was golden, matching the carriage design. It sort of looked like a dagger, but turned upside down. It was familiar, like I've seen it before. I tried to recall whose noble family's symbol it was, but nothing came up.

"Are you alright?" A voice disrupted my thoughts.

A woman was looking down at me, stretching her hand out to me. I realized the unglamorous position I was in- on my butt, on the floor, in a mini skirt- and the trance I was in WHILE still in that embarrassing position, and I became flustered. I took her hand and she helped me up. I thanked her and she smiled at me.

"You shouldn't stand in the middle of the road, young lady!" A man, several steps behind the woman, commented. Though it seemed like he was reprimanding me, his face broke into a huge smile. Out of embarrassment, I blushed slightly. I brushed myself down, and seeing I was fine, the woman walked off with the man, arms linked, looking very much like a happy middle-aged couple.

"I wonder if I'll ever be like that with anyone…" I sighed softly to myself.

Oh well. I shook that thought out of my head and finally stepped into Magnolia for real. I sauntered through the marketplace that wasn't far from the grand entrance. The place was bustling; it was so happening and lively. I think it's the food marketplace, because every stall was selling some type of food. The mouthwatering aromas filled the air, and I realized I was hungry. Well, I should be, after 5 days of travelling, escaping from what used to be my home… Okay, let's not let depressing things get in the way of this amazing experience.

I followed a smell that caught my nose's attention; it brought me to a stall with a pot. I eyed the pot suspiciously. It… looked more like a cauldron. I peered inside, and I saw brown goo. As great as it smelled, I was definitely NOT going to eat that. It was bubbling and it looked so disgusting. I quickly backed away from that stall and then I realized there wasn't anyone around that stall. I guess I knew why. Then, I decided to follow the crowd and I went to the stall with the most people.

People flocked to this stall like bees to flowers, and I could hardly get a glimpse of what all the fuss was about. But eventually I managed to squeeze through the crowd and stood right at the front. Whatever it was, it looked peculiar, but still, better than that brown goo. I asked the stall owner what is it, and with a cheery smile, he said, "Just try it! You'll love it! Here, I'll give you a bag for just 100 jewels!"

People of Magnolia are really warm and friendly. I decided it couldn't hurt to try, so I quickly paid him and took the bag. I squeezed out of the crowd and peered into the bag. It's some fried… meat, I suppose. I ate a piece and, it was yummy! I had no idea what it was, definitely not the usual chicken, pork or beef, and not fish either. But it tasted SO good! New experiences!

I finished the bag really quickly and then I explored the town. Soooo exciting! So many new things to see! Bookstores, magic shops, Caldia Cathedral and Magnolia Park! I even took a bath at the public bath! Before long, the day had pass and the Sun was setting. I sat at the café and watched the sky change colour. Magnolia is really beautiful.

I recalled today's events; I had lots of fun and thoroughly played all day. But I haven't forgotten why I'm really here, in Magnolia. I came here to join the strongest wizard guild in the Kingdom of Fiore- Fairy Tail.

Oh! I've forgotten to introduce myself! My name is Lucy and I'm a celestial wizard. I took 5 days to arrive at Magnolia. I walked here from… home. I'm not sure I want to call it 'home' anymore though. Anyway, now that I've have my fun, it's time to settle down and head for Fairy Tail.

I glanced around, and then I realized I didn't know where the guild was! I was kinda lost since I just wandered around aimlessly all day. I looked around for some signs, hoping to find some direction, but there weren't any. So I decided to ask the guy who was seated at a nearby table. He wore a navy robe, a cloak with gold lining, and a strange hat of the same navy and gold. He looked out of place. I stood from my table and approached him.

"Excuse me…" I started.

Expecting some response, I paused, but he didn't even look up at me. It's like he didn't even hear me.

"Sorry to bother you…" I continued.

I think he's ignoring me.

"…but can you tell me where's Fairy Tail?"

Finally he looked up. He stared at me, and I waited nervously under his stare for his reply.

"Do I look like I care about Fairy Tail?" He snapped, seemingly annoyed at me.

I flinched, not expecting that cold response. Upon closer look, his hat had the symbol that was on the carriage. Yes, the one that almost crashed into me earlier today. Immediately I understood. He's not from around here. I realized I had asked the wrong person, so I muttered an apology and walked off. I guess I'll just ask somebody else.

I left the café, and walked down the street. I asked the next person I saw, a lady who was walking pass. She was very nice and she had that warm, friendly Magnolia aura. I could tell she's from this town. She told me to just keep walking straight down this street and I would arrive at Fairy Tail. I thanked her and waved as I ran off, my keys jingled in the pouch at my waist as I sprinted. I can't wait!

I'm here. I stood at the tall double doors of the Fairy Tail building. It's very noisy, I could hear lots of commotion from the inside. I had mixed feelings: Slightly nervous, very excited, a little apprehensive. Will they let me join easily? What if they don't let me join? They're the strongest guild after all. I guess I'll just have to try and see what happens! I'm pretty strong with my celestial magic too.

Just as I reached to push the doors open, they burst open and WHAM! - Something slammed me onto the ground. No, wait… That's-! Pink hair… Flames on his fists… That's not 'something'! It's NATSU DRAGNEEL, the Salamander of Fairy Tail!

My heart sped up as I realized it was him. Never in my dreams would I have imagined meeting him! Oh my God, and meeting him LIKE THIS. Even though I was starstruck, I quickly realized that I was yet in another awkward, embarrassing situation. I am completely trapped underneath him! Geez, what was he even doing breaking the doors down like that anyway?

Fortunately, he got to his feet in lightning fast speed. I struggled to get up. By the time I got up, he was already the dining hall inside the guild house. The dining hall was a chaotic mess. "Damn, Gray!" He yelled. "FIRE DRAGON'S IRON FIST!" And then his blazing fist hit another guy, who was obviously a Fairy Tail wizard. He was topless, revealing his dark blue Fairy Tail stamp on his right chest. Why is he half-naked?

Getting hit by Natsu, he flew out of the building (I had to dodge!) and across the courtyard. It was a fight. Gray, I assume he's the half-naked guy who just got punched by Natsu, crashed in some bushes and then got up again. Woah, not knocked out cold with a hit like that by the Salamander? He must be strong too. Then, he put one fist together with his other palm and went, "Ice Make: Cold Excalibur!" And a giant sword appeared in his hands, made entirely out of ice. Wow.

By then Natsu had come outside as well, and the two of them started exchanging blows even more furiously. I couldn't see the whole fight very clearly, it was too fast. I could only tell that Gray kept swinging his sword and Natsu just used his flaming fists. It was a blur of fire and ice.

Then, a scarlet red-haired woman came out of the building. "OI! NATSU! GRAY! Break it up!" she yelled. She walked pass the starstruck me, still at the doors… or actually at the doorway, because the doors got busted into pieces when Natsu came flying through. I should really be taking cover from this, but I was too stunned. In a split second, she dragged Natsu and Gray apart, hanging onto Natsu by the collar. They both looked frightened by her and immediately stopped fighting. Seems like she's stronger than the both of them.

"Can't you see you've injured someone?!" she shouted at Natsu. Dragging Natsu by the collar now, she walked over to me and she ordered, "Apologize now." Natsu struggled free from the red-haired woman's grasp and then he stood upright. He was tall, slightly taller than me even though I wore my usual high heels. He wore a white scarf, a black vest and waistcoat with gold trimmings and white pants under the waist coat. He had no undershirt, and that showed off his muscles. In fact, it was not just his packs; he was muscular, just like Gray.

He ruffled his hair, somewhat feeling bad for knocking me down and smiled widely and then he apologized to me. His smile stopped my heart for a moment and I was dumbfounded by his good looks on top of being starstruck.

Then the red-head continued, "I'm Erza- Erza Scarlet!" And she stretched her hand out to me. I noticed she wore armour, and I realized her last name was the colour of her hair. For a brief moment, I wondered what her story is. She smiled warmly at me too, though her smile was not as sunny as Natsu's. I thought she was intimidating at first, but now I think I was wrong. She feels like a big sister.

"Lucy Hea- Lucy." I smiled back as I shook her hand, remembering the proper manners I was taught growing up. She looked at me expectantly, anticipating something more. Crap, I almost accidentally blurted out my last name. She gave me a look and I knew that she's wondering about my story too. She's observant, definitely.

"I'm Natsu!" Natsu exclaimed. He seems overly excited! Gray has already walked over by then, and he introduced himself too, "Gray Fullbuster." He was more composed and cool. Maybe it's the elements; Natsu's like a sparkling fire and Gray is just ice-cool.

And that was how I first encountered Fairy Tail. That day, I officially became a member of Fairy Tail. Master accepted me in a heartbeat; there was no test whatsoever and no fuss. I don't know why I was so worried that they wouldn't accept me. They were all very welcoming and excited about having a new member. Mirajane stamped the Fairy Tail symbol onto my right hand; I chose pink. I recognized Mirajane straight away because I always saw her in the Sorcerer Magazine. I was so thrilled! To be surrounded by all the famous wizards that I've always looked up to… It was like a dream come true.

Of course, I met many other members as well! I already met Erza, Natsu and Gray outside. But then there's also Levy-chan. She's really sweet! We became friends right away because she loves reading, like me! She's the only one I told about me writing down this book too, penning down all my Fairy Tail adventures…

Then there's Cana. She just drinks booze all the time. It's surprising how well she can hold her liquor. She uses card magic and it's really fascinating! I like her because she doesn't care about appearances and just does whatever she wants. Like how she drinks beer from the barrel even though it's unglamorous… She's strong too.

For the past 2 days, I've only talked to Levy and Cana.

Oh yeah! There's Happy too! He's a blue cat that has wings and can fly. Strange right? But he's Natsu's partner and they go everywhere together.

I don't know everyone yet, but I guess I'll just stay here from now on and slowly get to know the rest of them!

It's day three since I first set foot in Magnolia and since I've joined Fairy Tail.

Mirajane is behind the bar, and I sat on the barstool at the bar. Leaning on the bar top, facing away from her, I looked at the great hall. Everyone is just sitting around, laughing and chatting away, making merry. Cana's sitting on the table, hugging a barrel and drinking from it again as usual. It's all very noisy.

"Hey, Mira. Is it always this noisy?" I asked absentmindedly. There's nothing to do and I was bored.

"Yeah. It's not Fairy Tail without the noise. You'll get used to it." She replied me.

"But don't they do anything else during the day?"

"Ehh… Yeah, we have missions. Levy-chan's on a mission with Shadow Gear right now. Shadow Gear is her team. That's why she's not here."

I immediately sat up. This was news to me. Missions? What are they? And I didn't know Levy-chan had a group!

I turned around on the barstool and asked her, "Do you need a team to go on a mission?"

Then she stopped polishing the glasses and told me all about missions. Going out on an adventure, earning jewels! And no, I don't need a team to go on a mission! I can't believe I didn't know about missions when I wanted to join a wizards' guild! But oh well, now I know.

I stood up and went to the missions board. I scanned the notices. Hmm… 'Missing jewelry, reward: 100 000 jewels' That's quite a lot! Another notice said, 'Capture the serial burglar, reward: 300 000 jewels' and another said, 'Treasure hunt, reward: treasure' Treasure? Sounds interesting, but there's only one clue given: 'Start from Hargeon Town'

Hmm… I just need 70 000 jewels to pay this month's rent. Yesterday I found the ideal apartment on Strawberry Street! It's just by the river, and it's spacious and pretty! 70 000 jewels is well worth it. I brought all my savings out when I left home. That was close to 100 000 jewels. Then I paid the landlady for the first month… Then there was the food and lodging during my journey to Magnolia. That leaves me with… about 20 000 jewels. Yeah. I need to earn some money to pay next month's rent.

Well, I don't know what the treasure is, and it seems like a lot of trouble. Catching a burglar sounds like a lot of trouble too. So I guess I'll go search for the missing jewelry! A 100 000 jewels is a LOT too. It can't be that hard to find something. The owner probably just misplaced it in some corner of their house. Okay, it's set then! I'll go find missing jewelry!

Suddenly I heard someone call me, "Lucyyyyy~" It's Natsu, calling from some distance away. "You wanna do a mission?"

I was about to grab the 'Missing Jewelry' notice, but then I paused. I turned around and he saw him walking over, beaming brightly as usual. Happy was flying beside him. "Ohh! Natsu. Happy." I said their names in greeting. I smiled back and in response to his question, said "Yeah!"

He looked at the notice board and his eyes lit up when he saw the treasure hunt notice.

"Alright! Let's do a mission together!" He exclaimed suddenly. Eh? Do a mission with Natsu Dragneel?

He didn't wait for me to agree. He ripped the 'Treasure hunt' notice off the board and ran off, dragging me along. Wait, what? We're out in the courtyard now, and suddenly Gray bursts out of the front doors (or actually just burst through the doorway because the doors still weren't fixed), yelling, "NAAAAAATSU! You stealing my treasure hunt?!"

Without slowing down, Natsu yelled back, "It's mine now!"

I looked at Natsu; he was smirking childishly, and his pink hair blew in the wind. But his response sent Gray running after us, constantly shouting "Give it back!" I stumbled occasionally, but Natsu's strong grip stabilized me each time. Eventually, the three of us arrive at the Magnolia train station.

It's bizarre. Neither of them was out of breath, but I was panting. Natsu didn't stop or slow down once throughout our sprint here. Are they human?

"Just give it back, Natsu. Are you going to take a train?" said Gray.

Natsu froze for a moment, and then his facial expression changed, seemingly in serious thought. I didn't think he thought about things seriously… And why does 'train' sound like a threat? Clearly, I didn't understand something.

Just then, Erza Scarlet appeared. She dragged a huge pile of luggage on a cart behind her with just one arm. Is she human? That looked like a lot of baggage and she's just towing it like it's nothing! And where did she appear from?

"Natsu, Gray, fighting again?" Her saying that sounds like a real threat. It's like she's saying, I am going to beat you both up if you don't stop fighting. And the two boys immediately straightened up and put their arms around each other's shoulders. Anyone can easily tell it's an act, of course. But Erza just let it slide. Then she saw the scrunched up mission note in Natsu's hand and she easily figured out what they're doing here.

"Treasure hunt?" She said, and suddenly her mood changed and lightened. She's excited as well. "Let's all go together! Take the train! Luckily I have my luggage with me."

Natsu suddenly groaned, "Noooooooo~~ I don't wanna take the train…" What's with him and trains? But Erza didn't care and she dragged him by the collar again, still carrying her luggage in tow with her other hand, walking off to… I didn't know where actually. But I just walked behind them. Happy and Gray followed beside me, and they're both trying to suppress their laughter. Gray and Natsu may fight all the time but I realized that they're actually best friends.

"I'll get the tickets." She said firmly, like a natural leader, and then she made her way to the ticket booth. Erza came back really fast and then we boarded the train. I wonder where she deposited her luggage really…

The four of us sat in a cabin, okay, five including Happy. I sat by the window, beside Natsu and opposite Erza. It was a 2 hour train journey to Hargeon Town. Just as the train set off, Natsu's entire body just swayed and he collapsed on me.

"Hey!" was my immediate response. "What's wrong? Get up." I nudged him, but Natsu wouldn't budge. I was confused.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Natsu- Natsu can't- HAHAHAHA!" Gray erupted in laughter. He couldn't even finish what he wanted to say.

I looked to Erza, and she explained, "Natsu can't take transport. He gets motion sickness."

"Very, very bad motion sickness." Said Happy, nodding his head in agreement. He's floating in the air with his arms crossed.

My eyes widened in surprise. THE fire-breathing dragon slayer… can't take transport? Hahaha~ Even he has his weak moments! How cute! Oh well, can't hurt to help him feel better.I readjusted his position and put his head on my lap.

It was the same for the rest of the journey. I guess his sickness is really that bad. I chatted with Erza, Gray and Happy throughout the whole journey. They told me so much more about Fairy Tail.

Along the way, I realized… I'm going on a mission with a team! I'm not alone anymore.

[To be continued…]