Erza really hated when dark guilds thought the world of themselves.

Erza had stopped by a local tavern while on her way back from her solo mission when she overheard some drunk dark mages talking a little too loudly about how they were so going to have some fun with Fairy Tail while all of their scary members left for the annual S-Class trials.

She remembered crushing her mug before throwing it at the back of one of the fools' head.

"Ow, what the hell?!" He had exclaimed before standing up proudly, his back still facing her. "If it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you'll get."

Some of his buddies had already caught on to who she was and were gesturing him to shut up but the dimwit continued.

"Guess I'll just have to-" He had started as he turned around, only stopping when he had caught sight of Erza, realizing only too late who she was.

A whimper of fear had barely made its way out of his mouth before she had grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the table.

"What guild are you from?" Erza had asked, her tone deadly.

"D-D-Devil's... E-E-E-Eyeb-b-br-r-r-row." He had stammered, coughing harshly when she had let go of his throat.

"If I were you," Erza had begun. "I would make sure to tell your guild master... and all his little buddies, that if I were them..."

She had leaned in close to him before whispering menacingly.

"I'd think twice about attacking Fairy Tail. After all, I'll be staying there to personally make sure any dark mage who even thinks of attacking will get the punishment they deserve."

She had then leaned back and he had yelped in fright as soon as he got a good look at the terrifying expression of fury on her face.

"Do I make myself clear?"

The foolish mage had answered by scrambling off the table and running out of the bar joining his buddies, who were already long gone.

Erza sighed as she finished recounting the events to Master Makarov and watched as he frowned, taking in the information before sighing.

"Well, I guess we'll have to change some things then." He grumbled. "You'll have to stay here and keep watch."

Erza nodded, assuming that would have to happen.

"Well originally I was gonna leave Macao in charge but you'll have to do it instead." Master Makarov grinned at her goofily. "Guess I'll get to retire for a little bit, huh?"

Erza froze in shock before stammering out excuses why she couldn't possibly be left in charge.

"Ah, shut up." He waved her concerns away, a cheeky grin still on his face. "If you're that concerned about it then why don't I assign Lucy to co-master the guild with you while I'm away?"

Erza blanched, clearly not expecting the compromise he gave her.

"If Lucy can put up with you and that team of idiots that she can certainly help you out." Master Makarov said before laughing pervertedly. "Besides, two banging bodies is better than one!"

Erza blushed intensely, steam coming out of her ears.

"Master!" She scolded. "You shouldn't say such indecent things."

"Let's go announce the news to the guild!" The old man laughed before making his way out of his office. "I wonder how Natsu will react, the brat."

Lucy sighed before looking around at the bustling guild hall. Things were as crazy as ever, that was for sure. Natsu was waving around Gray's underpants while Juvia, bright red, steamed in the corner and Gray hurled insults at him. Still, the normal crazy couldn't distract her from her thoughts. Cana was Gildarts' (GILDARTS'!) daughter?! The thought of it still blew her mind.

Lucy had offered to be Cana's partner but she had already partnered with Laki and didn't want to break up the partnership before it had even begun. Lucy had understood but couldn't help but feel a little bummed. It seemed like everyone would be going but her! She knew she was wrong but she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

Master suddenly came out of his office and jumped up onto the railing of the second floor before shouting to get everyone's attention. The brawl immediately stopped and Juvia snatched Gray's underpants from Natsu before giving it back to her beloved. Master cleared his throat before beginning.

"Due to a change in plans, Erza will be staying behind during the S-Class exams." There were shouts of confusion before Master raised his hand and they fell silent. "She and Lucy will temporarily be co-guild masters in my absence."

Lucy choked on her own spit as noise filled the guild hall.

"What?! Lucy and Erza?!"

"HOW MANLY!"

"They're both females, you oaf!"

"Never thought Lucy would be master, but I can't say I mind it."

"Bunny girl's gonna be master? Gihi."

"ERZA'S NOT GONNA BE AT THE TRIALS?!"

"Woah, Lu-chan!"

"Better luck next time Macao!"

"Oh shut up Wakaba!"

Lucy... was going to be master? What kinda weird reality was she just thrown into. There was no way she was strong enough to be master, let alone good enough!

"Oh my," Mira said giggling when she saw Lucy finally break out of her trance. "You've certainly just had the shock of your life."

"Mira help me!" Lucy wailed before clinging onto the barmaid desperately as she continued to giggle. "I'm in no way good enough to be master!"

Lucy felt the air chill and heard Mira's giggles stop. She froze comically before letting go of Mira and letting out a small 'eep!' when she saw the look on the take over mage's face.

"Lucy." Mira frowned. "You don't mean that do you?"

"Lucy, I myself did not feel worthy enough to be master, which is why Master gave the job to the both of us instead of me alone." Erza said before Lucy could respond, somehow having made her way behind the blonde.

"Really?" Lucy replied. "I never would have thought."

"You'll do great, Luce!" Natsu piped up, mid-fight with Gray. "Don't worry about it!"

"What the idiot said." Gray smiled at her before getting punched in the face.

Suddenly everyone in Fairy Tail was showing their support, overwhelming Lucy in a matter of seconds.

"You guys..." Lucy said, tears dripping down her face. "Thank you!"

She grinned happily at them and watched as they returned the gesture.

Erza smiled at her and Lucy smiled back. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It's not like she was doing it alone after all.

Erza privately thought Lucy looked like an angel smiling like that. She looked so happy and sure of herself and Erza couldn't help but wish she looked like that all the time.

Erza had noticed that more often than not, Lucy had been looking a little down lately. She seemed unsure of herself and her capabilities lately and it concerned her. Surely Lucy knew of her strengths? They may not lie in the same fields as their fellow pyro friend and herself but they were there all the same.

Lucy was exceptionally smart and had very good leadership skills. In Erza's opinion, Lucy's smarts rivaled those of Levy's and Freed's. And whether or not Lucy recognized the fact, it took a lot of leadership skills to be a celestial spirit mage. In Erza's eyes, Lucy was a general and her spirits were the soldiers in her command.

Erza hoped that in time Lucy would see herself in these lights but she couldn't be certain. Maybe Erza would have to push things along a little and show the girl what she couldn't see for herself.

Erza always liked to think the world of her friends.