A/N: I'm debating on bringing in someone from Bleach... maybe a shinigami? Imagine the interaction between those two, esecially considering Starrk's 'last' act. :)

The guild unnerved Starrk. It was loud with the sound of cheering and fighting. There was always something going on around this place and it made him be on alert, more so than usual. He knew that they had good intentions but one couldn't be too careful... He had been careless with Aizen and look where it got him.

Stark had been a part of Fairy Tail for a few days now. He had no home as of yet and he had spent the past few days in the woods just outside Magnolia. No one knew where he went, as he had avoided them. They could see now that Starrk wasn't very sociable and the few times that they caught him inside of the guild, they saw him staring outside with a nostalgic look on his face that made them wonder... Just who was Starrk?

They didn't know where he came from, where he lived, what his age was... hell they didn't even know his favorite color! Did he even have one? He was a complete mystery to them and the only one who seemed to get along with the other was Wendy! That wouldn't do. This was Fairy Tail and everyone was family here, they'd get along even if they hated each other!

Starrk was splayed acoss a bench in front of one of the many wooden tables that adorned the guild hall. He skillfully ignored the cocophony of sound around him and with a skill he only had, went to sleep. He breathed in and out evenly, still keenly aware of his surroundings.

'These humans, I swear...' Starrk thought as he sensed one of them heading towards him. He instantly recognied the fiery reiatsu as the one belonging to the pink haired male that had accidently set him on fire. Inwardly Starrk groaned as he could still feel the pull of the skin on his back.

He hated thinking about it, much less remembering the amount of nagging that they had done... He shuddered just remembering it.

"Starrk!" A stern female voice said and Starrk very near banged his head on the bench in frustration. A shadow passed over him and lazily he opened a silver eye to stare at them.

There standing above him with arms crossed was a very displeased Erza Scarlet. Beside her was an unusually still Natsu Dragneel, olive colored eyes staring with an intensity that unnerved Starrk.

"I must insist, Starrk, that you use our medical facilities," Erza said, her voice leaving no room for objection and her gaze turned vaguely threatning and those around them took a few steps back, sensing the requiep mage's shifting mood. "You are injured and as a mage of Fairy Tail it is our duty to aid you."

Starrk sighed as he turned to look away from her as he sat up. "No thank you. I appreciate the offer but I don't need it." Starrk said and that was all they heard from him as he got up and walked away. If he satyed there then they would only continue to bother him.

"Starrk wait!"

"Starrk-san!" Wendy called out but her call went unanswered, which saddened her a bit. Erza came next to her, frowning disapprovingly. Mirajane came up next to them, a sad smile on his face.

"I wouldn't worry about him, you two. He's new to the guild you know, you have to give him time to adjust. I don't know what it is about him but there's something about him that tells me that he isn't used to this type of enviroment, to Fairy Tail." She said, her eyes staring beyond the doors and at her words the other two deflate rejectedly, nodding to her in agreement.

"I suppose..." Erza murmmured, remembering the first few days that she had spent at Fairy Tail. She had kept her distance from everyone for a long time, not really trusting anyone especially after the incident after the Tower of Heaven and her years spent as a slave.

Erza frowned severely, a menacing aura surrounding her as her hands tightened into fists. Those around them scrambled to get away as quickly as they could now. Her wine colored eyes gained a fiery glint to them.

"Then we shall make him feel welcome! He is a part of Fairy Tail! We will not have him like this! As our comrade and newest member of our family it is only fitting to help him adjust." She said and there were a few nods of agreement of those around her.

"But wait, don't pressure him okay? You don't want to estrange him because you were too pushy. Just make sure to give him some space." Mirajane quickly added in.

Natsu didn't pay attention to what was being said. His eyes were trained on the doors before him. After a moment of deliberation he left the guild with Happy following silently behind him. The tomcat could see that there was something serious going on.

No one noticed him leave.

Starrk kept his gaze straight ahead as he travelled in speeds faster than the eye could follow, a mere breeze to some. His wavy hair flowed gently behind him and he could only sigh in contentment as he felt the breeze.

He arrived to the woods on the outskirts of magnolia, appearing with a crack of static in a clearing surrounded by looming trees. He took in a deep breath, savoring the fresh cool air and he released it slowly. He could feel the tension he had accumulated slowly fade away.

For the past few days Starrk had been sleeping under the light of the stars in the woods. He didn't mind sleeping outside as he had slept in sand with Lily for the majority of his life and being outside had been preferrable than to sleep in the death trap that was Las Noches.

He knew that he shouldn't be acting the way he was but he couldn't help it. Though he had wanted to have friends and comrades he didn't really know how to interact with them as he had never really had any and Lily wasn't so normal so...

He sensed no ill intent form Fairy Tail and as much as he wanted to move on, he still needed time to process what was happening and to adjust to his new settings. He didn't know what to do. How could he move on? It was what Lily would have wanted but he felt that by moving on he would be forgtting Lily, that he would be betraying her and just the thought alone sent a stab of pain to his chest.

Starrk sat in the middle of the clearing with his legs stretched out in front of him and leaning on his hands with his head tilting back to stare at the stars shining brightly above him. The stars shined so brightly, so much more brilliantly than the fake light of the moon of Las Noches.

He sighed deeply, his mind wandering.

What should he do? What was goint to be his next step? He had no home. The clothes on his back werent even his, merely borrowed ones from the guild. He had no money, he didn't even know the currency that was used in this world! Not to mention that he didn't really know what threats were out there...

One thing was for sure, he would be on guard.

Starrk closed his eyes as he layed down on the grass, hands neatly crossed on his chest. He sensed someone approaching and if it wasn't for his heightened senses and powers he would have never noticed them coming. It didn't feel like a threat however.

He felt somone sit down next to him, the scent of smoke reaching his nose. Then there was something warm and light that settled on his chest and as he opened his eyes, he was greeted with the sight of a smiling blue cat which vaguely brought the image of Grimmjow...

"Aye, sir!" The cat said, Happy, if he remembered right.

Starrk merely blinked in response before turning to the intruder next to him. Natsu wasn't looking at him. Instead the mage was looking at the stars above him and then without turning to look at Starrk laid down next to him.

Starrk stared at the other, debating wether or not to ask why the hell the mage was there in the first place but he dismissed the thought choosing instead to go back to look at the sky above.

Happy stared at the two, confused as to what was happening but he shrugged it off and choosed instead to curl up on Starrk's chest. He had been apprehensive of the other as he got a weird feeling from the other but then Natsu had reassured him that the mysterious new mage wouldn't hurt him. Natsu was there after all.

The two spent the rest of the night in a companionable silence. That was the beggining of a new routine that would follow...

Erza creamed on rage as she threw a table into the wall, scaring many mages and sending many cowering. Her features were twisted into a visage of frightning fury. Mira merely looked on smiling as always while wiping down the bar.

"Where are they!" Erza yelled in rage. She grabbed a chair and it shattered in her grip.

Gajeel, a few feet away from her, scowled as chunks of wood came flying at him. He growled lowly as he brushed off chips of wood from his shoulder. He chewed noisily on chunks of iron and other metals. He eyed the requiep mage, as he scowled between bites.

"I wouldn't worry about it, woman" He said, turning away from her as Wendy came up beside him. She looked worried but she was no where as meek as when they had first met. Erza scowled at the other, confusion on her face.

"What do you mean? Natsu has not been in the guild for days and it doesn't help that Starrk has also not been sighted! I can understand Starrk but this is innexcusable from Natsu!" She stated in a vaguely righteous tone.

Wendy fidgeted, a frown forming on her face. "Natsu-san is okay, Erza-san. From what I've found was that he has been with Starrk-san." Wendy said, a small smile forming on her face. Her words stopped Erza, who had been in the middle of throwing a chair. She turned to the Sky Dragon Slayer, interest in her eyes.

"Really?"

Gajeel grunted in comfirmation. "His scent has Starrk's in it." At his own words he stopped, his studded eye brows furrowing at the thought of the newest member of Fairy Tail. He was a mystery that was for sure and Gajeel was stumped. As a Dragon Slayer, he had senses that were far superior and he could tell already that Starrk was fucking strong. No doubt about it and it made him itch for a fight but his instincts were telling him that this guy was dangerous... but his scent said otherwise. It was a weird, comforting smell that he had found to be intriguing.

He could tell that Wendy had smelled it too, which was one of the reasons that she was so comfortable with the guy, that and he had saved her. Gajeel could tell that even Laxus was intrigued.

Erza suddenly smiled, a proud glint in her eyes as she crossed her arms against her chest. "Well then, I supposed I could forgive Natsu then. It's good that he's making an effort. The same can't be said for the rest of you, however."

Cana snorted as she craddled her barrel of beer between her legs. "How are we supposed to do that? The guy wants his own space, besides it's just like Mira said... We can't pressure the guy." She said, tipping the barrel back to take a large gulp of beer.

Lucy was taken aback, shock written on her face. "What? How can you say that?"

Gray turned to her, eyebrows furrowed as he tried to keep Juvia from latching onto his arm. He motioned her to stop for a moment and surprisingly she listened and even calmed down, sensing a situationon on the rise.

"What do you mean Lucy?" He asked.

Lucy turned to him, a frown marrring her features and Gray was a bit confused at the hostility he saw in her eyes. "You're just going to trust him off the bat like that? We don't know anything about him! For all we know he might be a murderer or something."

"Exactly Lucy, we don't know a thing about him so we can't just jump to conclusions like that! I don't know why you're thinking like that Lucy, I mean considering the members that we've accepted... I don't know why we can't give him a chance." Gray shrugged and Juvia nodded along, though not only it was because Gray had said it but because she agreed with him.

Fairy Tail had given her and Gajeel a chance and the had attacked the guild. Look at where they were now. They had friends, family and it was amazing. It didn't matter if Starrk was a criminal or not, as long as he repented and tried to get back on the right track Fairy Tail would accept him. After all, Fairy Tail had a nack for accepting those who didn't fit in, those who needed help and so on.

"He's dangerous." Lucy pointed out and at that Gajeel had to roll his eyes.

"So am I." He muttered and beside him Wendy huffed. She was trying to be patient with Lucy, she really was, but it was really hard with the way she was talking about Starrk.

"Starrk-san isn't dangerous!" Wendy said passionatly and the others paused. Wendy huffed again in irratation and beside her, Gajeel could smell her anger simmering just beneath the surface, waiting to come out.

On one hand he was proud of the brat, not that he will ever admit it, because she had gotten stronger the past few weeks ever since they had returned from Edolas. Defeating the snot nosed King who wanted their power had given her the boost that she needed, the drive to strive to be better as a Dragon Slayer and as a mage. Gajeel had been the same and so had Natsu, not that the others knew that...

They didn't display their power. Not yet, especially considering that the S-Class trials were so close. No. This would be a surprise for them. The only ones that knew that had gotten stronger was them and that was because they were Slayers and because they had this uncanny bond that was indescribable. Others wouldn't understand what they shared.

"He isn't dangerous." Wendy repeated, deflating a bit.

"And how do you know that!?" Lucy snapped.

At once Gajeel reared back and growled, his red eyes menacing. He was really starting to get pissed off. The kid was just saying what she thought and here was this tramp arguing with a kid about a guy that had saved her? Both Wendy and Gajeel were surprised however, when Laxus suddenly apeared beside them in a flash of lightning.

Laxus was imtimidating as ever, his eyes glinting with power. Not only that but Natsu also appeared, Happy holding onto him with his wings outsretched. The scent of smoke, lightning, and dragon was calming.

Natsu looked at Lucy, confusion on his face. "What's going on here?"

Lucy hesitaded at the sight of the lightning mage but she was determined. Why couldn't they see her point of view? Why didn't they sense the danger that this guy was? She didn't understand why they didn't understand so she'll make them see. They'll see. Natsu will agree with her, he always does.

She turned to the Fire Dragon Slayer in question, her face serious and full of indignation. "Natsu! Tell them!" She pointed to Gajeel who was glaring at her and surprisingly, Wendy was too.

Natsu was confused. What was Lucy talking about? He could tell that his fellow Dragon Slayers were angry and an angry dragon was never good but they must have had a good reason, well Wendy must have had a good reason. Laxus was confusing as well. Normally he stayed away from them as they were 'lower' than him in many ways, specifically in terms of power.

All Laxus wanted to do was make Fairy Tail great again. He hated having to go on missions and out in general and have to hear Fairy Tail the laughinstock. Everywhere he went there was someone talking down on Fairy Tail and he hated it because Fairy Tail was supposed to be the greatest guild in Fiore and yet, still they were laughed at and riduculed and critisized for the way they did things and it angered him. It didn't help that he kept being cast in his grandfather's shadow and only being known as Makarov's grandson and not for his own being.

Laxus knew that he had to change things soon. He had a few ideas on how to change Fairy Tail however... the consequences of that plan would be severe depending on whether or not he succeeded. He knew that the Rainjinshu was behind him though. They were loyal to a fault and he would never, ever, admit it to anyone but he was grateful to have them.

Concerning the new member of Fairy Tail he wasn't sure what to think. He didn't know the guy well enough to form an opinion but judging from the demonstration of power that he did, Laxus could tell that he was strong. Not to mention that the vibed he gave off set off his instincts like no other that warned him to be careful around the other but at the same time he could sense no ill intent.. yet. Whatever the case may be, he wasn't going to let blondie talk like some self righteous bitch especially considering that she couldn't even try to save her own ass if she tried.

"Listen here, blondie" Laxus said, a scowl taking up his face and Lucy squeaked a bit as she faced him. She looked afraid of him and it caused him great satisfaction to see it. "You don't get to talk, especially since the guy's already levels above you so quit your bitching." He said lightning dancing over the mage's skin causing Lucy to back away from him in fear.

The other looked on in surprise as they had never heard Laxus actually defend someone. He was always arrogant, unwilling to work with anyone other than with his faithful followers and those he deemed 'weak' were left behind in the dust. Though Laxus had tried to get rid of them in the events of Fantasia, Makarov had surprisingly given the mage another chance. They had been sure that Laxus was about to be banned from the guild and excommunicated.

"And shut the fuck up alredy. It's annoying hearing you talk." He growled as he walked away, heading back to his table where his team was watching was interest.

"Laxus!" Erza barked, a stern and angry expression on her face and her hands rested on her hips. "Don't talk to Lucy that way! She's your comrade." She said, her tone full of tightly wound anger at his arrogance and pride.

Laxus merely rolled his eyes and paid them no mind, choosing instead to sit next to Freed where he wordlessly handed him his sound pods and Laxus gave a nod in return. The Rune mage knew him better than he knew himself. As he placed them on he kept them silent prefering instead to listen to the inevitable fight ahead that would be between Natsu and Lucy.

"Natsu! Aren't you gong to say anything?" Lucy cried out, her brown eyes filled with rage and with what seemed like disgust.

Natsu looked at her for a moment, olive green eyes looking unsually analytical. It deterred Lucy for a moment before anger raged up again. She didn't understand. Why wasn't he saying anything?

"Natsu?" She called, her tone depracating.

At that moment Natsu gave her a look that spoke of profound disappointment. He just shook his head, turned, and walked away with others looking on in curiosity. Lucy could only look at him in disbelief and shock that he didn't agree with her, didn't defend her from Laxus' fury.

It was a while later that th members of Fairy Tail had all gatehred together in the Guild Hall. They had received a summons from Master Makorov via Warden's telepathy. An urgent situation had come up it seemed though no one knew what it was yet. It was important that they solve the situation be solved as soon as possible because it was that time of the year again, the time for the S-Class Trials was soon upon them.

Starrk silently entered the guild hall unoticed. His eyes roamed across the hall and he took in the who was who. There were some that he didn't recognize but he knew most of them. He sighed tiredly wishing hecould just sleep the day away but there were more urgent things that needed seeing to such as what Makarov wanted from them. He owed the man but he wasn't about to make the same mistake he did with Aizen. No. The only one who has earned his full loyalty was Ichigo Kurosaki.

Everyone went quiet as they saw Makarov onto of the bar, where he had a better view of everyone in the room.

Makarov's face was devoid of any of his usual cheer, utmost seriousness taking up his face. "My children I'm afraid that we have recieved a request on behalf of the Magic Counsil." At this the guild broke in roars of disagreement and protests.

"Master! Why should we do anything for them! They hate us! All they ever do is try to bring down Fairy Tail!" Gray said and there were roars of agreements on behalf of the other members but Makarov calmly raised a plactating hand and they soon quieted down.

"I understand, my children. It as displeasing for me as it is for you, believe me. The last thing we need however is angering them even more but the reason I accepted this request anyway is because of the people that are being threatened. If there weren't any innocents involved I would have said to hell with it!" Makarov said passionately.

Everyone exchanged glances and there was a sudden understanding.

"What is the situation Master." Erza asked, voicing what was on everyone's mind.

Mirajane stepped forward. "There has been a recent cases and reports of kidnappings in a small remote village named Cordelia. It seemes that this has been going on for a while but this has only been reported as a mission because the town had hoped to have dealed with the situation with the local authorities and because they were short of funds." Mira said, her voice being easily heard.

"This is an B Classed mission but unofficially it is ranked high A to low S class, if only so the village can pay for the misison. Fairy Tail would have done it for free of charge of course but they had insisted. Our job is to invastegate the kidnappings, find them, bring them to safety if possible and take down those responsible!" She said passionately.

"Team Natsu, Team Raijinshu, Wendy, Gajeel, Juvia and Starrk! You all will be solely responsible for the success of this mission, do not fail! Erza you're in charge. Am I understood!" Makarov roared.

"Yes Master!"

Everyone mentioned left the guild hall and met in front, with Starrk relunctantly following close behind.

Erza scanned those gathered around and nodded after a moment, seemingly satisfied with what she found. "Alright, listen up everyone! Make sure to gather the necesary supplies for at least two weeks. We don't know how long this will take. The sooner we do this the better. Everyone should be at the trainstation in no more than an hour. If you're late there will be serious consequences!" She said seriously and they all nodded, not wanting to anger the requip mage.

"Go now!"

Everyone soon scattered and Starrk only watched them go for a moment before sighing. He didn't need to prepare for anything. He already had everything he needed on him, not that he had much to begin with mind you.

Mirajane had returned to him his uniform which looked brand new. He had forgotten though that he could have simply have fed reiatsu to it and it would have cleaned and mended himself, similar to Ichigo's shikahusho which mended itself by th euse of reiatsu. Though his was not as efficient because it wasn't a part of him like Ichigo. Ichigo's shikahusho was a result of his powers and not just a uniform to be donned.

Starrk had quickly found the train station and had gotten a train ticket with what meager money he had aquired. This would be his first mission so hopefully he would get a decent pay though he didn't expect much from what Mirajane said.

He patiently waited for the others to arrive and soon enough time passed by. The first one to arrive was the blond, Lucy Heartfillia if he remembered correctly. She gave him a hostile glare which confused him. He hadn't done anything so why was she looking at him like he had?

It made his shackles rise up but he paid her no mind. He didn't know her and she didn't know him. What she thought hardly mattered. From what he could sense her power level was laughingly low. She hardly even registered in his mind.

Starrk lent against a pillar and he showed his unaccny skill to relax anywhere. He could sense more members approaching. He could feel Lucy's glare trying to burn holes into him.

'The Raijinshu.' His mind supplied. He smelled the scent of lightning, lilacs and many more scents that made up the team that was led by the blond, Laxus Dreyar. It was better than the overpowering and artificial scent that came from the Celestial mage.

He sensed a quickly approaching signature and before he knew it there was arms wraped around him. The scent was quickly recognized and Starrk lazily opened and eye as he wondered how in the hell the little girl had wormed up to him so fast that she didn't even register on his senses a danger.

"Wendy." He muttered and she looked up at him, her brown eyes shining with happiness. She giggled a bit at the slightly exasperated look on Starrk's face.

"Starrk! I can't believe it! This is going to be our first mission together!" She said excitedly.

Starrk could only nod as a yawn escaped him and he lent againts the pillar, looking the perfect picture of laziness.

"Starrk!" The Espada very near groaned in annoyance. He looked up again and he saw the resident fire mage quickly approaching along with everyone else that was missing. Soon enough everyone was gathered near the entrance of the train hey would board.

Natsu only glanced at him before giving him a blinding grin to which Starrk rolled his eyes at.

"Alright everyone, lets head in. We have a few things to discuss once we're in." Erza said and she had the largest amount of luggage he had ever seen. He mentally added that she was very strong juding by the looming mountain of luggage on the cart.

Once they were all seated in the train, with Starrk sitting by himself, Erza stood where they could all see her. The members had taken up a segment of the train and there were hardly anyone near them.

"Alright. First of all once the train reaches its finally destination we'll still have to go a few ways to go before we reach the village. Second, everyone is to travel in a group. No one goes alone, understood?" She said, daring anyone to disagree with her. There were only sounds of agreement and she continued.

"From we know there was a recent guild that was established near the village and they're our biggest suspect right now. They're rumored to be a dark guild called Aberration." She raised a paper with a symbol. It showed a tacky skull with intricate designs around it. To Starrk it hardly looked intimidating.

"I want everyone to ask who's missing, where they were last seen and so on. Do not engage the enemy alone unless it is unavoidable." Her eyes roamed around the cabin and they stopped on Starrk. "Starrk since you're new you will be with someone else as a partner. It is a necessary act that everyone goes through in Fairy Tail, just to get them in the had of things. Later on you can choose to continue on missions alone or be in a team." She said and Starrk only nodded in understanding.

Soon enough the train began to move forward, Natsu and Gajeel quickly getting sick at the slightest motion. "That's all. For now, everyone relax until we arrive to our destination." She turned and before anyone could say anything she punched Natsu, knocking him out before she turned to Gajeel who had paled at the sight.

"W-Wait! I don-" He was quickly knocked out. Erza paid no mind to the incredulous looks that were thrown her way. Starrk merely raised an eyebrow at the sight before tuning to look out the window.

This would be his first mission in Fairy Tail. This would be a new expirience that was for sure... this was nothing like Las Noches. Starrk had only ever gone on missions that required a large amount of power but they were far in between. He had largely spent his time in the castle of Las Noches under the artificial sky. He had only ever fought to kill, to do what was expected of him and what Aizen had ordered.

It would take a while to get used to Fairy Tail. They ran things so differently it was almost surreal to him. The only thing he had ever known was the icy smile of Aizen and the cruelty and dark amusement in Aizne's eyes. Aizen had ruled with an iron fist and had inspired fear like no other that drove many hollows no other choice but to follow him. No one had ever wanted to serve a shinigami.

Starrk forced the thoughts out of his mind as he stared out the window. He wondered briefly how the mission would go and how he would get along with everyone else. He had already made an enemey it seems and its face was Lucy Heartfillia.

Starrk closed his eyes and rested his head against the window and allowed himself to go to sleep by the motion of the train and the quiet voices of the others.

At least he was sure that he had made a tentative firenship in Wendy, Natsu and Happy plus a few others.

Okay... I'm not too sure about this chapter. Anyway, review please. Did you get the hint? I hate Lucy.

TBC