Era

"The idiots from Fairy Tail have gone and done it again! This time they destroyed an entire port!"

"What in the hell is the matter with them?"

"Apparently, their Salamander was the reason of the destruction of Hargeon."

Siegrain smiled. "The Salamander is quite the trouble maker, even if he doesn't quite get it after his multiple arrests. You've had the pleasure of speaking to him on several occasions, Ultear. Was he as destructive and uncaring as we perceive him to be?"

The said woman adorning a white kimono, which showed off her ever so big bust, and sandals smiled knowingly as fond memories of the pinkette found their way to her mind. Oh so fond memories indeed.

"I wouldn't say that he was." Her short but simple answer was enough for the council.

Siegrain's smile widened slightly. "Well Fairy Tail members are known for being extremely catastrophic. Besides, I'm rather fond of them and their lazy faired attitude."

Yajima nodded next to him. "They may act as though they are fools but we mustn't forget that they're very capable."

"True; they resent quite the contrary."

"We should leave them be. After all, it would be boring if they weren't around." Siegrain smirked. Ultear nodded beside him.

"We made it!" Happy yelled from his spot on Natsu's shoulder. Lucy gasped in delight, finally happy that she could join the guild of her dreams.

•••

Natsu pushed the door open slightly, allowing it to creak. When the inside was revealed, it showed an army of people brawling it out. Chairs flew, tables broke and multiple people were injured. Just like another day at the Fairy Tail guild.

Natsu walked in, Happy and Lucy following him. It grew quiet when Natsu began his expedition to the bar, his two companions still following him.

The pinkette stopped, taking a moment to look around the guild and noticing quite a few eyes on him. They weren't staring of fear, they were just staring. Lucy felt a little nervous, being next to the center of attention and all would make anyone feel that way. She gulped slightly as Happy flew up to Natsu's head, sitting on it once more.

The Dragon Slayer observed his guild and simply nodded his head. Upon that, everyone was back to brawling fighting to their hearts content as Natsu, Happy and Lucy continued to walk where the bar was. Said girl was severely confused.

"What was that?" She question, more than shocked to the whole guild fighting it out. What the hell was going on?

Happy shrugged. "Nobody likes to get Natsu annoyed. He gets real pissed off if he's annoyed so they wanted to make sure he wasn't irritated."

"Really?" Lucy began, a little surprised. "But he seems so calm and...er..."

"Emotionless?" Happy offered with a slight scowl plastered on his visage. "He may seem like that but he's not some heartless guy." He continued to fly along with her, seeing Natsu take a seat at the very end of the bar. The feline designated himself to be the one taking the new Celestial Wizard to get her guild stamp.

While walking, Lucy took notice of many members that stood out. One was right next to her, drinking her heart out. Another was fighting, a rather big guy, screaming about being manly and whatnot. There was this playboy guy with glasses surrounded by women (she crossed him out the list of her "Eligible Wizards" book), a blue haired bookworm reading whilst two guys cheered her, and last but not least-

"Hello! Are you new?" A cheery voice asked from behind her. When Lucy turned she was immediately filled with excitement, clear with the star like glint in her eyes.

"Oh my god!" She cheered. "You're Mirajane! The one and only!"

The beautiful model flashed her a motherly smile as she balanced a tray with multiple plates of food and drinks. "Correct!"

Despite being star struck, Lucy turned to look at all the racket that's going on around her. It was a battle Royale. People, chairs, tables, drinks, cups were flying and people were bruised and beaten, but they're still going! What the hell are these people on?

"Shouldn't we...ya' know...stop them?" She tried, but Mira giggled.

"I find it the more you tell them to stop the more they keep going. Besides-" The form of her flying brother approached her at dangerous speeds and slammed right into her, marking him unconscious and sending Mira in a state next to that. "I-it's kinda fun...a-am I right?" The soul of her body began to make its way out of her while Lucy cried out her name in terror.

That was when all hell began to break loose.

"That's enough guys. It's starting to get annoying." Cana stated, irritably as she held up a few of her cards.

"Says the drunk." Loke replied, readying his ring magic.

"We'll take you down for Levy!" Jet and Droy yelled in unison. The speed wizard took a running stance while the other let some plants seep from the ground.

Suddenly, one half of the guild became increasingly frigid while the other was searing mixed with the two was blood-curdling magical power that made the weaker members of the guild trembled in terror while the stronger ones gulped. The guild slowly turned to see who the crazy amount of magical power was radiating from.

The heat radiated from Natsu, who seemed to be unknowingly producing it. He sat upright, looking slightly up to stare at the person, in the corner, who created the chilling aura.

The other was a man with jet black hair and blood red eyes. He had very distinct demonic black markings covering the whole left side of his body. He wore a black and gray high collared waistcoat along with dark gray trousers and combat boots. His hair jutted upwards, giving the slightly 'mad' look to him to expand.

"W-who's that?" The Celestial Mage stuttered, looking at the 'scary' man in the corner. He didn't seem like the type of guy that would be in a cheery guild like Fairy Taill...'I guess Natsu doesn't either though...'

Happy spoke, eating fish that Lucy thought virtualized in his paws. "Oh, that's just Gray, Natsu's one and only rival!"

"Wow!" She expressed. "There are others the same as Natsu in strength?"

Gray looked at Natsu with his head tilted up, eyes looking down on him, a bit squinted. Both their face showing no emotion as they simply just stared at each other. Then, the crimson eyed man let a smirk creep on his marked face.

'W-what's going on?' The blonde stuttered, realizing fear was washing over her at seeing two release just raw magical power.

"You'll understand sooner or later. Well, not fully, even I don't." The emotion named feline admitted, not at all affected to the sheer power surrounding the guild. "But those two...they've always had this sort of...connection."

Lucy blushed. "You m-mean.."

Happy looked at with wide eyes, horror written on his face. "Wha~ god no! Eww!" He closed his eyes to out the image. "You're a weirdo Looney."

"IT'S LUCY!"

Like a press of a button, the intense power coming from the two stopped. When Lucy turned her head to observe the two powerful mages, they were both looking in different directions, though the raven haired man still had the lunatic smirk on his visage.

"WOULD YOU DIMWITS STOP BICKERING LIKE CHILDREN?!" Everyone quit their whispering and gazing at the pinkette and raven haired wizards to pay their heed to the newly arrived master, who was in the form of a-

"GIANT!?" Lucy screamed, which seemed to be an ongoing occurrence ever since she was brought to this ever so wonderful place called the Fairy Tail guild.

"Hello master!" Mira greeted with a beam. Lucy's eyes shot open.

"Master?!"

The Master took a moment of his time to look down upon the new face as she looked on, a frightful expression cemented by on her countenance.

Master looked down toward the scared blonde, sensing, and obviously seeing, her fear. "New recruit huh?" Mira nodded.

He grunted as air blasted up, surrounding him, preparing to get him down to normal size. Lucy took it the wrong way though as she squared down and braced herself for the impact that would never come.

"Nice to meetcha'!" The now short master, who has horrible color coordination as he wore a blue and orange pointy hat, a small, long sleeved vest with a white tee-shirt with the Fairy Tail emblem in the middle, said. Lucy stared, dumbstruck at the man.

"He's tiny!"

The short master back flipped, flying in the air. He hit his back on the railing, but ultimately recovered and stood on the same very fence.

"You've gone and done it again, ya' bunch of brats! Look at the paper work the Magic Council sent me this time! The biggest pile of complaints yet! Have you lost your minds?!" He started to shake. "All you kids are good for is getting the higher-ups mad at me!"

Some members looked down, ashamed of getting their precious Master angry. Makarov stopped his shaking, letting out a deep sigh. "However, I say; to heck with the Magic Council." He burned the list of complaints he held in his hand and threw it. Before it could hit the ground, the whole paper was burned to ash, scattering away along with the wind.

"Listen up. Any power that surpasses reason comes from reason right? Magic isn't some kind of miraculous power. It is a talent that only works when the flow of energy inside of us and the flow of energy in the natural world are in perfect synchronization. To perform magic; one must have a strong mind and the ability to focus. It should take over your being and come pouring out of your soul! If all we do is worry about following rules then our magic will never progress. Don't let those blowhards on the Council scare you. Follow the path you believe in. Cause' that's what makes the Fairy Tail Guild, number one!"

The entire guild, except Natsu and Gray- who were both minding their own business by the former resting his eyes and the latter mulling over his own thoughts, cheered.

"There you go, new member of Fairy Tail." Mira bubbly told Lucy with a smile the same as her voice. While giggling uncontrollably, Lucy squealed in delight at seeing the pink insignia on her hand. She ran up to Natsu and Happy, still excited as ever.

"Hey guys! Look! I've got my guild mark!"

She was expecting an answer, but Natsu simply opened his eyes to observe what was going on and let them shut seconds later, not showing the least bit of care. Lucy grew a bit frustrated from the lack of input as he was like this ever since the first met each other. She was going to question why he was such a monotone jerk, but a joggle from the pinkettes felines head stopped her.

"Ne, Natsu. You don't have to be mean about it." He tried but Natsu merely let out a 'tch. It took a moment but Happy let out a giggle, turning back to the blonde.

"Don't mind him Lucy. He just misses Erza!"

Natsu's shot a look at the cat, who merely smiled back cheekily.

"Erza?! As in the Erza?!" The blondes mouth gaped at she pointed her finger at the cat, who nodded back happily in return.

"You guys know Titania?!"

"Aye!" Happy began as Natsu sighed. "She's our partner! And my mom...sorta." He laughed.

Natsu shook his head as the smaller animal went on. "Those two are very much known in Fiore! You've never heard of the Salamander and Titania?"

"...! Oh my god! I forgot you're the Salamander!" She pointed a digit toward the pinkette who once again ignored her as an answer. This guy...grr! He wouldn't speak to her no matter what she says! He would either open his eyes to what his cat says or to look in the direction of that 'ice guy', as she liked to call him, with a slight scowl.

On the other side of the bar, Makarov was drinking his beer in solitude, until he heard small patted footsteps treading his way over to him. "How come my dad hasn't come back yet?" A young voice resonated under him. The master looked down; quickly figuring out that the voice was Romeo. "Calm down brat; your dads a wizard, a Fairy Tail one at that. Give him time."

"But he's been gone for more than a week! He said he would come back in three days!"

"The mission on Mt Hakobe is the one he took if I remember right." The old man said to himself, not at all fretting over the situation.

"Yes! It's not that far so why won't somebody go look for him?!"

"Brat, you're getting on my nerves! Your old mans a wizard and like every other wizard in this guild, he can take care of himself!"

Natsu opened his eye lids, taking a quick look at the child before closing his eyes again. Macao wasn't the strongest of wizards so it seemed to be clear that he was potentially taken over by those filthy Vulcans that reside in that troublesome mountain. But Macao being Macao would power through or maybe someone will come after him themselves.

With that thought, Natsu stood up and made haste to leave, the atmosphere not welcoming whatsoever. He just wanted to go home.

"Now go home, have some milk and cookies, and wait!"

"You're a jerk!" The young Conbolt proceeded to punch the old man before running away, tears streaming down his face. Makarov slightly winced at seeing the boy go before drowning himself in the mug once again.

Happy observed the scene with a sad expression. "Poor Romeo...Macao's a strong wizard, he'll get out of that."

He stood up from his spot, activated his Aera and took the air, but not before saying a few parting words to the new girl.

"It's good to have new members, and people are really nice here, so don't be afraid to talk to others. Maybe you can even join a team. But anyway, I gotta catch up with Natsu."

He started flying away. "See ya' Looney!"

"Again, IT'S LUCY!"

•••

It's been three days since Lucy joined Fairy Tail.

Since then, she went in a mission with her newly named best friend, Levy Mcgarden, and her two lapdogs, Jet and Droy. The mission itself seemed pretty easy; just destroy a book, but complications and such obscured the way so they couldn't collect the money. But now it looks like she starting to fit in with this rambunctious guild.

She hasn't seen Natsu or Hapoy ever since she arrived. She assumed they had other things to do, seeing as he was such a strong wizard and probably had request from all around for his help. The next time she sees the two of them she will offer them to take a job with her, as thanks for getting her into the guild of her dreams.

As if kami herself read her mind, the pinkette and his blue furred companion walked in the room. The chatting and such instantly stopped upon the arrival of the Salamander, who nodded at them, allowing them to chat once more.

"Woah!" Began Lucy. "They have complete control over the guild! They basically tell everyone if it's okay or not okay to talk!"

Suddenly, the atmosphere around her began freeze up. The counter grew frost, the beer froze, and everyone in the vicinity shuddered, the cold instantly affecting them. Cana's expression grew to that of a look of irritation as she knew who ruined her liquid lover but wouldn't blabber anything that could cost her more pain.

"Speak for yourself blondie."

The Stellar Mage slowly turned her head until her eyes were met with a rather chiseled chest from which the wintry aura was emitting from. She blushed crimson, backing away at top speed, not at all thinking how the abs that coated the man's chest was amazing.

"He doesn't even care if these people fight. I don't see him in complete control."

Lucy slowly retracted her cranium upwards, getting a good look at Gray's emotionless face.

He was looking down upon her, chin pointed up slightly. His eyes, like his attitude, cold despite them being red. The tattoo over his eye creeped Lucy out; which she believed began to twitch slightly. This guy's vibe practically screamed frigid.

"Gray."

Gray took his eyes away from the teenager to look in the dark, obsidian eyes that belonged to a certain pinkette. His impassive features changed into a smirk, his orbs vaguely narrowing.

A chuckle escaped his lips. "Natsu."

"What are you doing here?" He questioned, face and voice monotone.

A snort. "What? I can't investigate a member you yourself brought in? There's a first time for everything, and this is the first time you take interest in anybody that you didn't know." He laughed again. "Just a girl."

"Is there a reason to this?"

Gray's smirk grew as Natsu's eyes darkened.

Happy watched intently as the two tensely spoke to one another, him being on edge as well. Lucy noticed the cat unknowingly look into the two scary mages, reading them, and possibly discovering outcomes of where this could lead to.

Natsu and Gray fighting would not be for the best at the moment. They were two of Fairy Tails monsters, and monsters colliding; especially in such a rigid atmosphere would be a disastrous event. Lucy didn't know what to do, as did every other Mage in the guild.

Mira was probably the one who looked the most worried, not even able to clean the glasses without looking over to the two of them with concern. Her eyes shifted to them constantly, trying her best not to make her way over to them and break their little stare down, knowing full well what would happen otherwise. She grew up with those two stone-hearted psychopaths.

Natsu was always the type not to start a fight with anyone in the guild, always staying quiet and keeping calm. As a kid, he was always around Erza and Happy, never letting the two of them out of his line of vision. They meant, and still do, the world to him. If any one of them were to be hurt or sad, he would take the blame, even if it wasn't his fault.

But when they weren't around, Natsu was a passionless, antisocial, non-caring individual. He believes that's his true, unvarnished personality, but if you ask the scarlet haired woman and their cat, he was the kindest, bravest, and most loving boy they've ever met.

Gray was always antisocial. He tended to avoid every single one of his guild mates ever since the first day he joined Fairy Tail. They didn't understand him and, because of that, they never could. Ever since he was...forced to seize his ability, his darkness knew of no bounds.

That was until, on a cold gloomy day, a red headed girl and a pink headed boy stumbled into the guild. When his orbs landed on them, he thought them to be just regular kids, orphans most likely, coming to join. But when he stared into their eyes, the plainness of them disappeared.

The girl interested him, he would give her that, but the kid next to her; the punk scowling as Makarov helped the two of them inside, made something inside him click. When their eyes connected, through sheer luck, he knew the other boy felt it as well. They were left scrutinizing, observing each other for minutes before the girl next to him shook his arm gently, and earning is attention.

They went deeper inside to go to the guilds infirmary. Natsu felt eyes burn through the back of his head, and he knew who it was. He turned around once more, forgetting that Erza was holding him by the arm stopping her too.

Fortunately, Natsu knew when enough was enough. He then turned away, answering Erza's questioning glances with a shrug, and followed the old man to the back.

Gray, for the first time in months, smiled.

The seemingly telepathic battle between the two was cut short, due to a certain interruption by none other than Loke.

The fear-filled glasses-wearing playboy entered the guild with a bang. Eyes wide, heart beating faster than usual; his normal cool demeanor all replaced. "I've got bad news!"

The whole guild became silent.

"Erza's back!"

They screamed.

Natsu's orbs narrowed while Gray's rolled. The said taller Mage forgot about his issue with the pinkette and walked to his corner of the guild, annoyed. His fun was interrupted yet again.

The guild members scrambled about, all trying to get to safety. Happy took his spot on the bar, his smile wavering as little pools of sweat fell from his body and head profusely. The blonde next to him seemed to be shaking like a leaf as well.

The sound of boots hitting the ground resonated through the guild as she entered; holding what seemed like a giant horn in one hand. Each time she stepped, a rumble would happen, scaring everyone even more. Lucy peered her eyes as she looked at her. The woman seemed really familiar...who was she?

When Lucy brought her head back up, she noticed that Erza had stopped walking but was scouting the room, looking for somebody.

"She's pretty." Lucy muttered as she stared at her appearance. Scarlet red hair that flew beautifully in the wind along with chocolate brown eyes that fit in perfectly with her perfect hair. A Heart Kreuz breastplate, gauntlets a blue skirt and black combat boots is what adorned the rest of her body.

"I have returned." She began as she placed the monster-sized horn, her voice stoic. "Where's master-"

Her movement of the mouth was cut short when a sword was shoved in her face. It was long and sharp, with the word 'King" inscripted on it. The point was inches away from her neck, threatening to be unleashed and thrusted forward.

Startled, was what she was upon its arrival, but ultimately she found her eyes actively moving up, meeting another pair that were the deepest shade of onyx. His pink hair spiked up as always. A slight scowl adorned his features as he stared into Erza's eyes.

"Natsu-" She began but alas, was interrupted.

"When someone tells me they'll go on a mission and will return in two weeks' time, I expect the designated time; not a whole month." He was challenging; challenging her to come up with an excuse. His eyes bore deep down into her soul, and she wouldn't deny that hers tried to go into his, but that gaze of his was too intense.

Her very own eyes narrowed at the man in front of her.

It was quite the silence before she said a word. Members stood on the edge of their seats, watching the scene with eyes wider than an owl.

She sighed.

Taking a step backwards, Erza bent over and bowed, making Lucy's scared face turn into a one of shock as her jaw dropped.

'That's the scary Erza?'

"Please, forgive me! I never intended for a simple mission as such to take so long! I should've finished the mission and hastily returned to you!" She bowed once more. "If it will atone for what I have done, you may hit me!"

Everybody in the guild sweat dropped. 'That's Erza for you.'

Her eyes looked so sincere and heartfelt that Lucy thought she could see Natsu's facade wavering a bit, but alas, it was probably her imagination.

The Dragon Slayer raised his hand, causing the blondes already dropped jaw to break the ground, falling down to the basement. His hand pointing toward the sky before it suddenly flew down to the red heads face.

He stopped just centimeters away from her forehead. She didn't flinch, which Lucy had to say was the coolest thing she saw all day (she knew she would've). His pointed hand tucked in his thumb, ring and pinky finger, only allowing his index and middle finger out. He pushed them forward and gently tapped her forehead, causing the girl to let out a whimper. This punishment was oh so cruel indeed!

"There." Natsu said, patting her head lightly. "That shall suffice."

The red head pouted, but then remembered they were in FRONT of all of Fairy Tail. She blushed crimson at the closeness between her and her pink headed best friend and scooted back a bit, making Natsu raise an eyebrow.

As much as she loved contact with the fellow swordsman, she had some words to say to the guild, and it wasn't good.

Not at all.

She coughed in her hand, blush never dwindling. "S-so I have returned!"

'Yeah...we know.'

"Where's Master Makarov?"

Mirajane, who smiled cutely at the scarlet haired mages attempt to forget about what just transpired, answered her question. "Sorry Erza. He's at a guild masters conference at the moment. He should be back in two days."

Erza nodded. "I see..."

"Err...what's that thing you're holding?" A poor soul- Max asked.

"A horn of a monster I've slain. The villagers were so thankful they decorated it and gave me it as a gift. Do you have a problem with it?" She hastily questioned him.

"No ma'am!"

Natsu sighed internally. "Perhaps I should make way to clear out my storage, seeing as you probably won't be putting that thing in your own home."

Erza smiled as she shook her head. "I wouldn't deny that."

The answer only made him sigh once more.

"Anyways..."

She looked away from the scared Max, her eyes still scanning the room, and looked toward the guild. Her eyes narrowed as she put her hands on her hips, obviously meaning business.

"All of you listen up!" Everyone's attention was dragged to her (even though everyone was already staring at her). "While I was on the road, I heard a few things. Word is Fairy Tail is causing nothing but trouble as of late! Makarov may not care, but I most certainly do!"

The first victim.

"Cana!" The resident drinker spit out her beer that she was drinking from the barrel. "Start controlling your drinking!"

"Vijeeter! Take the dancing outside!"

"Wakaba! Take the smoking elsewhere or suffer the consequences!"

"Nab! Pick a job and get the hell away from the request board!"

"Macao!" She looked at him, already giving up hope. She sighed.

Macao: Please just say something!

"I don't even know where to begin with you." Erza put her hand on her face in irritation.

"Wow. She's really tearing into everyone." Lucy muttered to herself, loads of sweat running down her face. 'I take it back. She is scary!'

"Where's Gray?"

Everyone look on with wide eyes as Erza requested for Gray, though Natsu was little tense. The way his left leg moved an inch in front of his right, his right pinky finger twitched indicated her that as clear as day. What does she need him for?

Her frown came back as she looked at the direction the tattooed man was supposed to be, in his beloved corner. "Gray!"

He scoffed at her, but walked to her nevertheless, albeit slowly. He strolled lazily, ignoring the guilds eyes on him as he made way to the center.

"You called?" He joked but with no smile.

"Yes." She began. "I need you two to do me a favor."

That got their attention.

"While traveling, I overheard something that worried me." Natsu squinted his eyes. "Normally, I would consult with the master before acting, but he's not here and this is a matter of upmost urgency.

The two of you are the strongest wizards here. I could really use your help."

Nobody could breathe at the sudden request.

"Holy crap!" Laki muttered, after minutes of complete silence. "Natsu and Erza on one team are already scary but adding Gray? They're the most indestructible team in Fairy Tail!"

Lucy dropped to the floor. "What?!"

Gray grunted, taking a look at Natsu. The man was looking back at him, but eventually turned to gaze at the red head. She answered it with a narrow of her eyes and he responded with a snort.

To Lucy, it seemed as though they had some sort of secret way of communicating, some way only they can speak to each other- without the use of words. It was all in the eyes, mouth and arm movement. It was confusing the blonde, but she quit thinking about it, knowing there was no way she could understand it.

She tuned out of her thoughts when the raven haired Mage spoke again.

"I think I'll pass." He walked away, looking sideways at his other guild mates. His eye twitched as they continued to gawk. They were getting annoying.

"Gray." Erza started again, more serious. "This might be of your interest."

He didn't stop. "Look; don't you remember? Me being on a mission with your boyfriend would cause nothing but trouble. And that's my decision, not that old geezer's."

Natsu saved Erza from stuttering like a mess from essentially being called the Dragon Slayers girlfriend by crossing his arms and speaking.

"I agree. The three of us would be a bit much for a simple mission. Why do you require the two of us?"

Her face immediately became stoic, back to her regular self. There was no time for games, so she shan't stall any longer. "I know you have heard of the Demon Flute, Lullaby from the book of Zeref?"

Natsu remained still but Gray's eyes glared at the sheer mention of the book of Zeref. He looked down on his body, taking long glances at the demonic markings taking over half of it.

Erza took the action as a yes. "If things were to go wrong, I would need the two of you by my side. Afterall..." She trailed off.

The two men knew where she was going with this. Natsu took the time to grasp his own marked arm as well, feeling it burn with hunger. It hadn't been used for quite some time.

"You two are Fairy Tail's Devil Slayers."

•••

There we go! A week and a day...I counted.

This chapter was really just an introduction to two- no the rest of the main characters. Pretty much; it's a meet Gray! A teeny bit of Erza and a cameo (I guess) of Ultear.

Gray's character is different from canon. Since you've read this, you know he, along with Natsu (surprise!) is a Devil Slayer. His magic will be a huge reason of his personality change.

I think I hinted at Natsu being a Devil Slayer last chapter…right? Pretty sure.

Anyways, next chapter will be up soon.

Review, peeps!