《Endless Adventure: A Fairy Tail Fanfic》


 Chapter 1

    Fairy Tail is the strongest guild in the Kingdom of Fiore. The name of "Fairy Tail" represents a sense of adventure for one to be able to discover more about mysteries and fate. Fairy Tail''s currently situated in the Kingdom of Fiore, on the southern coast of the country in Magnolia town where it is the only guild. It was said that the founder of Fairy Tail guild was a real Fairy. It is revealed that the Fairy Tail guild was founded by Mavis Vermillion, Precht, Warrod Sequen and Yuri Dreyar in the year X686. The first Master of Fairy Tail was Mavis Vermillion. Mavis'' grave is located on Fairy Tail''s holy ground, Tenrou Island. Fairy Tail has existed for at least several decades, but has only grown to its current prominence and strength in the last few years.


    She sighed as she went over the information she gathered over her years of watching the anime by the very same name. She then smiled as she made her way through the very town the guild was located in. Her travels had only taken a few days. She was hoping she would wake up near the city, but things cannot always go the way one wishes. So she set out to find Magnolia.


    Curious as to who she is?


    Well let''s just say that she''s had another life before this.


    She was formally in the world where there was no such thing as magic. No guilds. No wizards. No dragons. No time travel. No major villains. Just a normal world. She was just a normal fifteen year old. A normal routine. She would get up in the morning. Grudgingly prepare for school. Grudgingly. She wasn''t the most popular kid in school. She had her fair share of bullies. Honestly she could do nothing against them. She was weak and frail. Her days were hell. She went to school only to get bullied. The teachers never did anything. They didn''t care. She didn''t even care.


    It was sad really.


    It got worse when the bullies took it too far and beat her until she bled. Of course once they saw the blood they ran. Cowards. They left her there bleeding. She was already weak as it is.


    She sighed as she shook the memory away.


    Good thing is that some kind deity saw her worth and granted her a second life. She was confused at first. She thought she had died. She had stopped breathing. Her heart would beat no more. Her blood would no longer flow. But she woke up. She was alive. She was very confused. She felt so small. Vulnerable. Weak. She felt exposed. It took her days to realize that she was an infant. A baby. A defenseless baby.


    She casually dodged a passerby and adjusted the scarlet scarf around her neck.


    As it turned out she was reborn into the world of magic. Even better she was in the dragon era and her parents were big shots. Opportunity hit her in the face. Hard. She had so many chances to change things. To make an impact.


    That is exactly what she did.


    And opportunity lead her to the Fairy Tail guild. The guild where anything happens. The guild of adventure and family. She was here. She was happy. She had things to do, starting with joining the guild of course. Hopefully she wouldn''t be recognized. She doubt it. Besides the mask she adorned it was practically impossible for anyone to know who she was. Except for the old master maybe. He may have heard of her family and might be able to discern her familial ties. The old ones always know the most after all.


    She adjusted her mask unconsciously. It doubled as an ear and neck warmer. Not that she needed it. She just found it to be a good look and far more comfortable. Plus she had no problem with the increased heat.


    Her palms rested on the double doors of the guild. The clear signs of a brawl could be heard from the other side. Typical of the Fairy Tail guild. Something would have seriously been wrong if it was quiet. That would have been very weird. A quiet Fairy Tail is like Anime without Dragon Ball. They belong together. Fairy Tail was the loudest guild in Fiore and probably of all. The guild that treats each other like family. The guild that would do anything for one of their own.


    And she was about to be a part of it.


    She slowly pushed the double doors open and suddenly eyes were on her. She blinked. Her phoenix red eyes looking over each face she saw. No emotion was present in those eyes of hers. Careful training and something she got due to her heritage.


    "Who are you? "


    The first person to speak was a half n?k?d boy who looked like a delinquent. His guild mark was present on his left ?h?st. Its color a deep blue. She smiled under her mask, instantly recognizing the boy.


    "Why are you half n?k?d? " she questioned as she casually walked past him. She chuckled at the shocked yelp he let out. She slipped her hands in her pants pocket as she approached the bar and the old master sipping his beer. "Hello there, master Makarov"


    Makarov had recognition in his eyes the second he took in her appearance. She was dressed in some knee length black pants that were tight at the knees and baggy as they went up. For shoes she rocked some combat boots of matching color. Going back up she had on a red shirt with one long sleeve on her left arm. On top of that she proudly wore a black sleeveless hooded jacket that had a flaming phoenix in the front. On the back were two letters he ?ssumed were her initials. And lasty she had on a scarlet scally scarf that was casually draped over her shoulder. And the mask of course.


    Her clothes were not his main focus. It was her physical appearance. Specifically her very long silver hair that was pulled into a high pony tail. Even then it reached past her behind. She had two long bangs that she swept to the side. Her eyes the color of a blazing phoenix. He didn''t have to see the rest of her face to know that she was a clear descendant of the Phoenix family.


    Another thing about the Phoenix family is their androgynous appearance. It was hard to distinguish her gender, but something was telling him that she was girl.


    She saw the recognition in his eyes and motioned to the guild as she made a sign with her hands.


    The master understood immediately and smiled.


    "To what do I owe the visit, little one? "


    "I would like to join the guild. If you''ll have me of course" her voice was calm. Her eyes calculating and observant.


    The Phoenix family is known for their intellect. It is said that they are the smartest humans in the world. There was also a debate over whether or not they are human. It is said that they are indeed Phoenix. Creatures of myth. If dragons could exist why couldn''t they? That debate was never settled. Not a lot of people were lucky or unlucky enough to meet a member of the Phoenix family. They tend to be very discreet and keep to themselves. There''s also the fact that they disappeared after ?ssisting in the war of dragons four hundred years back.


    The Phoenix family is the only known family to posses enough power to put Acnologia and even Zeref in their places. It has been recorded that a child of the family was strong enough to prevent Acnologia from killing a group of dragons.


    As Makarov looked at the child in front of him he could not help but wonder about what ever it was she was up to. Her family is known to have grand and almost impossible plans that are timed perfectly. These plans can take years, leaving their descendants to continue it.


    Could this child be following some plan. Did it somehow involve the guild?


    She wished to join the guild. He would let her. Anyone is welcome. And the Phoenix are good people. At least it is said to be so.


    "Of course" he retrieved the stamp that was conveniently nearby. He pressed it into the colorless ink as he raised an eyebrow at the young girl. "Where and what color? "


    In response she motioned to her exposed shoulder. "Scarlet red if you will"


    The old man hummed. "A very specific color"


    He got a quiet laugh from the girl. "I have a history with said color and it is my favorite. "


    Makarov only nodded as he added a bit of magic to the process. He pressed the stamp to her exposed shoulder. When he removed it the mark glowed for a second before it dimmed and revealed the chosen color.


    "What''s your name? "


    "Archer" she ran a hand over her mark as she glanced at the quiet guild. "I was told that Fairy Tail was a rowdy guild. Why so quiet all of a sudden? "


    The guild members didn''t react at first, but a second later they burst into cheers at having achieved a new member.


    "Let''s party in the honor of our new mysterious member! "


    "I wonder how weird this one is"


    "Could be as crazy as the rest of the kids"


    "Hey kid! What type of magic do you use? "


    Hands went to her pocket as she looked at the man who asked the question. It was Wakaba. His signature hair the same, just a bit shorter. Archer shrugged.


    "Do you like mysteries? " she asked.


    "I guess so"


    "So do I" She chuckled.


    "Oi! No fair. You should at least tell us what you can do "


    "It''s the stripper" Archer said bluntly.


    "I am not a stripper! " Gray shouted even though he was again shirtless. "The name is Gray"


    "Well Gray, you seem to have lost your shirt again" She pointed out to the amusement of the entire guild.


    "That''s not important right now. What type of magic do you use? "


    Archer didn''t answer. Instead she tilted her head as she ran her eyes over the boy.


    "You have a tendency to strip. Does that mean you do not like the heat? Do you prefer the cold? " she questioned.


    "Yeah, so? "


    "Ah, an ice mage then" she concluded very easily. "I see" she smiled under her mask. "You really want me to reveal my magic? "


    "Yeah"


    "Well, I''ll reveal it if you put me in a situation where I have no choice. How does that sound? "


    Gray narrowed his eyes at her. She was weirder than most. And here he was thinking Erza was a weird case. This girl is a different story. The way she looked at him was as if she was trying to decipher his very existence.


    "Deal"


    With that he made a dash toward her. His hands were already set in the ice make position. If he had to force her he would use his own magic. Surely she''ll have to use her own.


    "Ice make hammer! " a magic circle was present beneath him.


    Archer only raised an eyebrow at the incoming boy and his impressive hammer. Not bad. His magic was strong. His stance not so much. She easily sidestepped the boy and gently pressed her hand into his back. His momentum was already at a high level. With a tiny push he stumbled into the floor face first.


    Members of the guild snickered.


    "Your magic is strong. Your ability to create is impressive. But that''s about it. You have no fighting experience. I suggest you learn some hand to hand combat along with the use of weapons. It will go well with you magic. " Archer calmly suggested. "Would you like to try again? "


    Gray only ?r??n?d in answer and pushed himself back to his feet. His hammer was gone as he took his stance again.


    "You''re on"


    Again he attacked her. A new weapon now. A sword. She evaded his attacks effortlessly. Her steps were smooth. In fact she never even made a sound as she moved. Her hands were back in her pockets and remained there. Her eyes were focused on the boy and calculating .


    The guild could only watch as the new member easily went against Gray. No, she was toying with him. She wasn''t even taking her hands out of her pockets.


    She moved again. Gray stumbled and fell again. He tipped someone who crashed into a table which lead to a set of events and somehow someone bumped into the red head in the corner


    Archer''s eyes focused on her as the strawberry cake she was enjoying tipped and slipped out of her hands.


    "That won''t do"


    No one knew what in the world happened. One second Archer was in the middle of the guild. The next the ten year old was in front of the red head, easily catching the falling plate of cake. They blinked.


    What the?


    Was the kid that fast?


    "Here you are" she presented the cake to the shocked girl. "It would have been a shame if such a delicious cake was wasted. Don''t you think? "


    All the red head could do was nod.

 Chapter 2

    The guild was again quiet after what they just saw. Archer practically teleported to Erza. Actually they were sure that was what she did. How in the world could she be that fast? How can she go from the middle of the guild to the corner in the blink of an eye? The far corner. She had to have teleported.


    At the moment she still stood in front of the shocked Erza. She had been staring at her for some time. Her gaze made Erza uncomfortable. Something she noted and backed away.


    "I apologize for making you uncomfortable. I have a habit of staring too long. I like to observe, you see. You can tell a lot about people if you just carefully observe" she said. "I am Archer by the way. And you? "


    "Erza"


    Archer raised an eyebrow as she slipped into the seat opposite the girl. She rested her chin in her palm as she looked at her. She had completely forgotten her little scruffle with Gray.


    "Just plain Erza? "


    Erza nodded and looked away. She wasn''t comfortable around people and around Archer even more so. But unlike most it wasn''t because of her distrust or history. It wasn''t because of her fear of being judged or accepted. It was different. There was something familiar about the girl in front of her. She couldn''t dicern it. And why had she suddenly taken an interest in her? Her eyes were calculating. It made Erza very self conscious about herself. She found herself tugging on her white shirt.


    "Yes. Just Erza"


    Archer hummed. That wasn''t right. Jellal was supposed to name her. Didn''t they meet? Was she not captured by the men of the tower of heaven? No she was. She could tell by her right eye. It wasn''t filled with emotion. It was dead. Dull. Staring at it made her sad. She wasn''t there to protect her. She wanted to be, but the eclipse gate was set to open on July 7 year X777. She could not change that. If she did it would have been very dangerous. The risk of losing her memory was too big to take. She was forbidden from doing such a thing and ended up coming with the dragon slayers.


    She wondered what could have changed. Why didn''t Jellal name her?


    She sighed. Jellal.


    She was never a big fan of the man. Why? Because he just refused to get over himself. Everyone forgave him for his sins. Everyone except him. He alone believed that what he had done was completely unforgivable. He alone thought he was not worthy of Erza''s love. Even though he loved her. Even though she loved him. If she loved him it clearly meant that she deemed him worthy. Was it enough for his insecure edginess? No. It was not.


    Disappointing. Why did he have to hurt her like that. Hurt himself.


    "I see" Archer shifted, tugging on her scarf. "Sounds lonely. Have you ever thought of naming yourself? Giving yourself a name? "


    "No"


    "You should try it" Archer suggested.


    "I''m fine as I am"


    Archer hummed she finally stood up. She didn''t move however. She continued to stare at the coy girl.


    "If you say so. But it does not stop me from coming up with my own name for you" she said. One did not have to see behind the mask to know she was smiling. She stared at Erza''s hair. If Jellal didn''t do it she might as well. Who knows. She could be the one to always be there for the redhead. "I''ll call you Scarlet"


    With that she turned and left the girl. She waved as she did. "Enjoy your cake, Scarlet "


    Erza only watched as the girl casually walked away. Her interaction with her was odd. The feeling of familiarity remained. What was that even about? Scarlet? Why that name? Why did she even see the need to name her? Why was she looking at her like that? Why was she like that? So many questions. It was confusing and frustrating.


    She took a bite of her cake and finally took her eyes off her fellow ten year old. She''d push it away for the moment. She could think about it later.


    "Master, any suggestions when it comes to living arrangements? " Archer asked as she stood in front of the old man.


    Makarov, unlike everyone else, was paying attention to the interaction between the two girls. There was something there. Something between the two. It was the first the old man had seen the redhead talk so much to someone. She tended to avoid everyone as much as she could. She wasn''t comfortable around others.


    He''ll be keeping a close eye on the two.


    "You could stay at Fairy Hills. There''s plenty of room. You could live there rent free until you start making your own money"


    Archer nodded as she stuffed her hands in her pockets again.


    "No need. I have enough money to pay a year worth of rent" she said casually. She took amusement in the shock the man soon had on his face. "I''ll give you the money when I get settled in. Care to direct me towards the building? "


    "Key to your apartment " he said as he tossed it at the girl. She easily caught it and pocketed the item.


    Makarov saw an opportunity and looked towards Erza who had just finished her cake and seemed deep in thought. He smiled and looked back towards Archer.


    "Erza, would you please come here for a minute"


    At the call of her name Erza snapped out of her thoughts and looked towards the old man. Her eyes soon went to Archer who was looking right at her. Their eyes met and she looked away as she started to approach.


    "Yes master"


    "Would you be so kind as to show Archer here to her new home at Fairy Hills"


    "A girl! " the entire guild suddenly exclaimed and Archer winced. Even with the ear warmers as a form of protection her hearing was still s?ns?t?v?.


    "Yes, I''m a girl" Archer sighed as she pressed her palms against her ears, briefly. "I would like to ask you not to suddenly scream like that. I have very s?ns?t?v? hearing"


    The guild quieted down soon after.


    Erza had glanced at the girl before nodding to the master''s request.


    "Good. Off you two go"


    ~~~~~~


    There was silence between the two as they made their way through town and towards the guild''s apartment complex. The only thing between them was the bustle of the city. Archer was in step with her guide. She noticed that Erza was uncomfortable to be alone with her, but it slowly faded as they continued on. She knew how to respect the other. She didn''t want to make her uncomfortable. She had this overwhelming urge to protect the red head. Maybe it was because she was close to her mother. Maybe it was because she may have had a tiny little crush on her. Maybe it was because she was so fragile and hiding behind a strong facade.


    Maybe it was all of the above. Maybe something else.


    She wanted to get to know her. To become her friend. To build trust. She wanted to be the one that would be there for her. For that to happen she would have to talk to her. Show her that she could trust her. Rely on her.


    So she decided to start a conversation in the weird way only she could.


    "Do I make you uncomfortable? "


    Erza was a bit startled, but it didn''t show. She looked at the masked girl next to her. She''s pretty straight forward.


    "Slightly "


    "You''re not uncomfortable now though "


    "No. Not anymore"


    "That''s good. I wouldn''t want to make you uncomfortable. I understand that I sometimes to that. Well a lot actually " Archer scratched the back of her head. "I apologize. Again"


    Erza looked at the girl. Was she embarrassed? Sheepish? She was. She could see it in her eyes. So she isn''t always seemingly emotionless. She somehow gave off that impression. Although she did keep this calm as the embarrassment slipped through. It was still hard to tell if she actually was embarrassed.


    "Um.. It''s alright "


    Archer nodded. "I hope you don''t mind me asking, but for how long have you been in the guild? "


    "A year"


    "I see" Archer went quiet. There was a lot she wanted ask, but she didn''t want to bother the girl. "What type of magic do you use? "


    "Re-Equip the knight and Telekinesis " Erza admitted. Normally she wouldn''t talk this much. She wouldn''t feel comfortable around someone she only just met. But she couldn''t help it. Archer just gave off this friendly and trusting air. And the sense of familiarity added to the factor.


    "Interesting" Archer hummed. "Impressive actually. You must be good with sword or weapons in general "


    "Yes"


    "Well, don''t tell anyone this, but I can use Re-Equip magic as well" Archer admitted. "And telekinesis. I actually posses a series of different magic" she grinned under her mask. "Don''t tell anyone. I like to stay mysterious "


    Erza only nodded. "Why tell me? "


    "Because I like you" Archer nodded a bit proudly. "So keep this between us, alright Scarlet? "


    Again Erza could only nod as blood rushed to her face. She liked her? She was such an open person despite her want to be mysterious. Although she really was a mysterious character.


    "What''s your last name? "


    "Phoenix "


    Erza blinked and looked at the girl again. Why did that sound familiar? Was she supposed to know who they were? She felt like she should. But she didn''t. It just sounded as if she had heard it before.


    "Mention that to no one" Archer quickly added. "Only the master knows "


    "If you wanted it to remain a secret why tell me"


    "Like I said before. I''ve taken a liking to you. "


    "But you just met me"


    "You can learn a lot about someone through observation "


    "You''ve said that"


    "Yup. I''ve learned that you''re not comfortable around other people and don''t tend to talk much. Probably due to some traumatic past experiences and the likes"


    Erza was shocked. She understood all of that just by staring at her for a period of time? Observation was that useful? She didn''t know how to feel about it. She felt exposed. Vulnerable. It wasn''t a feeling she liked.


    Archer could sense her discomfort. She was tense. Archer then realized that she had done it again. She sighed. It was sometimes hard for her to remember the lines and when not to cross it. She would say things that could be insensitive and creepy and not know it until she noticed the state of others.


    "I apologize for making you uncomfortable again. I didn''t mean to. I just forget that I can sometimes be insensitive and too straightforward "


    Erza could say nothing. She was too socially awkward to know how to respond to her apology. She has been apologizing for her behavior a lot. It seems she really is aware of her bluntness and that it can sometimes be taken the wrong way.


    Archer spotted a bakery nearby and brightened. She''ll have to make it up to the redhead and she knew exactly how to.


    "Come" she said as she strayed off their path. She paused when Erza did not follow and tilted her head towards the bakery. She said nothing afterwards and continued on. She could hear the tentative footsteps following after her and smiled.


    A bell rung as she opened the door to the establishment and held it open for Erza. After she stepped in she followed after her and looked around the place. They had a lot of tasty treats. Cupcakes. Fruitcakes. Icecakes. Ice creams. Smoothies. Milkshakes.


    Archer was in the mood for some milkshakes.


    "What will it be, Scarlet? "Archer questioned as she looked over the ?ssortment of cakes. "Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake or a normal strawberry shortcake? There''s a lot to choose from. Strawberries ''N Cream Poke Cake. Strawberry Upside Down Cake. Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake. Strawberry Crunch Cake Strawberries & Cream Cake" Archer listed down all the strawberry cakes she spotted. She could see the spark in Erza''s eyes as she spoke of the available strawberry cakes. How many times has she said strawberry cake?


    "You are free to order whatever you want. I''m paying"


    "Anything? "


    "Anything at all. Consider it a gift as apology for continuously making you uncomfortable " Archer said.


    "Now, what would you like, Scarlet? "

 Chapter 3

    Archer stood in the practically empty room of her apartment. She had just said goodbye to Erza. She had to admit she had some fun with the redhead. It was nice to see her happy. Strawberry cake was the way to go. She''s gained some trust and made up for her mistakes. Now she was faced with her apartment. She wondered. Why were they called apartments when they''re placed together? It makes no sense. Welp, that''s life. It never makes sense.


    She stepped deeper into her room. There was a sizable closet in a corner. A bedside table by the bed. There was no chairs. There was a plain table in the kitchen area. She wandered into the bathroom. Not bad. The perfect size actually. A bathtub and a shower.


    The apartment was sizeable. Just empty. She would have to fill it.


    Not a problem.


    She threw her closet open and stood in front of it for some time. It may be empty now, but she would fill it with her clothing. She had a lot of clothes. Mostly jackets and hoodies. It''s just her preferred style.


    The kitchen was empty as well. There was nothing in the cabinets. Nothing in the fridge or freezer. Just an empty kitchen. There weren''t even any pots. She''ll get to that as well.


    She needed a couch too.


    "I''ve got work to do"


    And work she did. She was determined to have everything set up by seven, because she planned on returning to the guild. That left her with only two hours. She could work with that. She started with her wardrobe. With the help of her Re-Equip magic she filled the place with her clothes. Most of which she had bought upon waking up in the future. Some were from her time in the dragon age. She smiled when she looked at them.


    She wondered where they ended up.


    It mattered not. She would find them and bring them to the guild. She would make sure Fairy Tail had all the dragon slayers. They were all connected now. And she was that connection. They knew each other and their memory had not been altered.


    One major change she prided herself on.


    The other had to do with the dragons and celestial keys.


    Speaking of which. Now that she was here she would need to hunt her keys down. It might not be so hard seeing as she was the one that hid them. But it will be a challenge. They have been hidden for four hundred years. Locating them would take time and magic.


    "Much better" she hummed to herself as she stood in front of her hard work. Her wardrobe was filled. Her kitchen looked more like a kitchen and the cabinets were filled. Her bed was neatly made. Her walls were changed to her preferred color with the help of some magic. She did pretty good.


    The cool wind hit her as she stepped out of the apartment complex. The night was very calm. It wasn''t very dark though. She pulled on her hood as she started her trek back to the guild. She had so much she wanted to achieve as she grew.


    She wanted to become an S class wizard. Not just any S-class wizard. She wanted to be a SSS- class wizard. Triple S-class handle the most dangerous and life threatening missions. Like Gildarts. That guy was seriously overpowered. He survived a run in with Acnologia. He deserves respect.


    Next to reaching the rank of S-class Archer dreamed of becoming a wizard saint. She wanted to be so strong that another number would be added to the rank. Wizard Saint number Zero. Stronger than what''s his name. God Serena. Yeah that''s the name. You know someone is really ???ky, ignorant and self absorbed when they add God to their name. Yeah. She didn''t like the guy. She''ll kick his ?ss one day in the near future. The very near future. He won''t know what it him. The only wizard capable of using multiple elements of dragon slayer elements.


    A dragon is nothing compared to a Phoenix.


    She''ll put him in his place one day.


    She just needed to wait. Patience is a virtue.


    She arrived at the guild after a nice walk in the cool evening. She guild was busy beating each other up again. She carefully navigated her way to a group trying to stay out of the battle. It was a tiny group of misfits she was interested in getting to know more.


    "Hello, mind if I join? "


    "Nope, not at all. Take a seat new girl" the brunette grinned and made space for her. Archer took her advice and sat next to her. The girl then proceeded to place cards in front of her. "The name''s Cana "


    "Card mage? "


    "Pretty obvious"


    "Are you capable of guessing someone''s magic through observation alone? " a tiny girl with blue hair questioned as she pushed her glasses up her face. "I''m Levy by the way"


    "Nice to meet you, and to answer your question, yes I can" Archer placed her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her palm as she ran her eyes over the tiny girl. Even she didn''t know who she was she could still decipher her magic. "The smart type. Script magic, no? "


    Levy nodded eagerly. She was impressed. "Yes"


    "What about me? " another small girl. This one with white hair. "I''m Lisanna"


    "Straus? " Archer questioned as she glanced at the older sibling who was bu??ing heads with Erza. An interesting scene.


    "Yes"


    "You use take over magic like her, but it''s different isnt it? " Archer said as she casually scratched the young girl under her chin. She chuckled when she sighed in content. "Animal soul"


    "Hit the nail right on the head" Cana laughed. "Choose a card"


    Archer gazed down at the ?ssortment of cards in front of her. Five in total. She shrugged and picked one up. It was immediately taken from her.


    "What does your sister have against Scarlet? "


    Lisanna shrugged. "I don''t know"


    "Why do you call her scarlet anyway? " Cana asked as she read the chosen card with interest. Archer had an interesting fortune.


    "Have you noticed her hair? " Archer turned her attention to the mentioned girl. She and Mira did not get along at all. It was very amusing to watch. It was almost hard to believe that she would turn into the sweet girl Archer knew in the anime.


    "Yeah? It''s red" Cana placed her chosen card face up and motioned for her to choose another one.


    "Yes it is. Scarlet to be precise "


    "Oh" Levy said in sudden realization. It was obvious all the time. Huh. How had she not realized it?


    "What''s with you and that color? Your scarf and guild mark are the same color "


    "I just love the color. It means a lot to me, believe it or not"


    "Oh, tell us more"


    "If I did I wouldn''t be so mysterious anymore"


    "Oi! That''s it I am ending this right now! " Gray shouted as he took up his stance. Archer raised an eyebrow in interest. Things were going a tad too far.


    "Oh yeah? You think you''re brave stripper? " Mira laughed darkly as she started her transformation. A magic circle appearing beneath her. Archer noticed that guild members backing away from the group of kids. They knew what was about to take place.


    "Would you idiots shut up! " a familiar blonde roughly stood from his corner as lightning started to spark around him. Laxus. Archer recognized him immediately. She smiled. She liked where this was going. This is what the Fairy Tail Guild is known for. All out brawls that leave the place totaled. She was gonna enjoy this. Or stop it if it got too out of hand.


    Erza said noting as a magic circle made itself known beneath her as well.


    Archer chuckled. No she laughed. Chaos. She loved it. She lived for it. The sweetness that was chaos. This is why she loved Fairy Tail. No other guild could be like this. No other guild could even dream of being like this.


    "This is getting out of control" Lisanna said nervously.


    "Ice make.. "


    "Satan soul... "


    "Lightning dragon... "


    "Re-Equip... "


    "The possibility of someone dying tonight is very high" Archer stated as she watched the magic charge. "Interesting "


    "How do you say that so casually? "


    "I wonder who will come out the victor" Archer leaned forward as if she was watching a scene out of an action movie. "I want to root for Scarlet because I think she''s impressive. But that would just be me picking favorites "


    "If Laxus is joining then so shall I " Freed stood from his seat and activated his magic. "Rune magic... "


    "Idiots" Evergreen stayed where she was and watched. "Go off and get yourselves injured. See if I care"


    Archer chuckled again. Things were definitely getting out of hand. Maybe she''ll join.


    She stood up, drawing attention to herself. Her hood was pulled down. Her eyes were glued to the group of kids in the middle of the guild. The urge to join was strong. How long had it been since she took on an entire group?


    "This looks interesting" she pushed away from the table and calmly walked towards the group. Her hands found her pockets as she chuckled again. "I''m interested in joining this little scruffle"


    "You think you''re up for it newbie"


    "Oh yes I do" She stood in the middle of it all. "I''ll make it interesting for ya"


    "We''re listening "


    "The person who lands a clear attack on me gets a question answered. Truthfully "


    "Deal! "


    They jumped her simultaneously. She grinned under her mask as she stood her ground. Gray was right in front of her. Laxus and his pal to her right. Erza behind her. Mira to her left.


    "Alright"


    A ball of darkness came flying towards her the same time a lightning attack was sent her way. On top of that she was suddenly in a rune that stopped her from moving. They were serious here. Gray was ready to bring his weapon down. Erza had her sword raised.


    Archer sighed.


    "Cancel "


    With that one word everything fell apart. The rune broke immediately. The ball of darkness and the lightning attack disappeared in thin air. Gray''s weapon melted away. Erza''s sword was gone.


    "And... Freeze"


    At her words her opponents froze on the spot. The guild was silent as they watched with open mouth.


    "Perfect " she hummed as she walked towards Laxus. She tapped him on the forehead. She then moved on to Freed and did the same. Next was Gray and Mira. She then stopped in front of Erza. She looked at her and stroked her chin. She snapped her fingers and the girl stumbled into her arms.


    "Heyo"


    "What did you do? "


    "Nothing much" Archer shrugged as she held out her hand. In a second she held a sword. It''s sheath was a deep red. It''s hilt blazing red with a phoenix drawn on it. She gazed at it proudly as she presented it to Erza. "Here you are. "


    "What? "


    "I''m giving you this sword. Take it"


    Erza hesitantly took the sword in her hands. It was light. Surprisingly light. It felt perfect in her hands. She could feel the magic flowing through it.


    "It has an armor. I''ll give you it later" Archer stepped away from her and placed herself on a table. She brought up a knee and rested her chin on it as she looked at the frozen wizards. "Resume"


    And they did. They stumbled to the ground in confusion.


    "What the hell did you do! " Laxus shouted as he tried to activate his magic. To his shock nothing happened.


    "Yeah, you''re in time out for twenty minutes. So simmer down"


    "You canceled our magic? "


    "No, I just put it in time out" Archer chuckled. "You know the mind is an interesting place. It controls everything we do. Think about it"


    "What type of magic do you use? "


    "Nothing too special"

 Chapter 4

    In Earth Land, there is an organized system that Guilds utilize to intermediate Missions or otherwise known as Jobs which Mages are able to partake in and receive reimbursement upon completion, most commonly by Jewels.


    Missions vary in difficulty and are divided into different ranks. The current known ranks are Normal,S-Class, SS-Class, SSS-Class, 10-Year and 100-Year missions,divided as such in order to have the Mages distinguish them by the level of difficulty involved. This also helps a Mage select a mission that is convenient of their capability.


    Normal missions cater to Mages of different levels of strengths, and a Mage does not need to be exceptionally strong to undertake these ?ssignments. Also, the reward is variable upon the task required to complete, so Mages may leverage amongst different available missions to the amount of Jewels offered when making their decision of what mission to participate in.


    S-Class missions are extremely dangerous, where even the smallest mistake may lead to a Mage''s death. In order to undertake an S-Class Job, the Mage must be an S-Class Mage. However, an exception to this rule is that a group of non S-Class Mages must be accompanied by an official S-Class Mage. The reward for these missions can be rather large,with some missions, such as Subjugation missions, spanning into millions of Jewels.


    SS-Class missions can be inferred to possessing a much higher level of risk and difficulty than S-Class Jobs. An experienced Mage must have acquired S-Class status to undertake these missions. The missions may also be given to an eligible candidate within the Guild that the Job is mediated through.


    SSS-Class missions have the same rules as SS-Class missions. However one is only eligible for such a mission after completing a test. A special test. No one really knows what that test is. It''s rare for a mage to reach such a high level.


    Off to ten year missions. As the name suggests, 10 Year missions are the missions that have been available for over 10 years and have yet to be completed.They are incredibly dangerous in nature.


    Similar to the 10 Year missions, 100 year missions are named as such due to the fact that the missions have been available for over 100 years, but have yet to be completed by any Mage.Gildarts Clive is currently the only known Mage to undergo a 100 Year mission, but even he was unable to complete such a mission. He is also the first one to return alive from one of those missions, which would infer the immense level of danger involved with these missions.


    Archer knew the rules and ranking very well. Something she learned by heart. She was a new member and wasn''t classified for S-Class missions so it would be normal missions for her. For the time being at least. She shifted. She adjusted her scarf. She was dressed similarly to the day before. The only difference is the color scheme. Her pants, boots and jacket were now red while her shirt was black. Her mask was the same. It protected her ears and functioned as a neck warmer. It made her feel cool. She chose the mask she did, because it reminded her of Kakashi. Besides it made her mysterious.


    At the moment she was intently focused on the board. Her eyes scanned every mission with calculated interest. Which mission took her interest? Which mission would be worth it? Which seemed fun? And most importantly,which one could she take with Erza?


    When she had told the old man that she wanted to go on a mission he had told her to take someone with her. She was new and he wasn''t sure how experienced she was, despite the clear display of power she showed the day before. Whatever. She shrugged and agreed. She already decided on choosing Erza. She would like to spend more time with her. Plus it would give her time to give her the armor belonging to the sword.


    She hummed when her eyes landed on a peculiar mission.


    Arrest the killer of cakes.


    There is a tragedy in Hargeon town! The famous patisserie Arist¨¦a is being attacked every night. Poor Mrs. Elena Claire doesn''t know what to do anymore. One week ago, all the cakes of her store started to be destroyed. Once she arrives on the patisserie at morning, she has to deal with the traumatic scene of chocolate cupcakes, strawberries, confection, meringue and marshmallow messed up and spread everywhere.


    The cakes from Arist¨¦a are famous for their delicious and unique flavor. They are like a taste of heaven. But it seems like somebody is trying to ruin the store.


    What is really strange is the fact that there are no traces of forced entry. Mrs. Claire even hired someone to stay in the store, but at some point of the night, the person fell asleep and when he woke up, the cakes were destroyed. This must be the work of some mage.


    With the great contest to elect the best cake of Hargeon town nearing, the old lady is getting more and more upset. So, please, somebody arrest this cake killer!


    Requester: Mrs. Claire. (shop''s owner)


    Reward: 8,000 Jewels + 75% discount on the Arist¨¦a Patisserie for one year + free tickets for the Great Cake Contest of Hargeon''s Marine + you can taste all the cakes that are competing on the contest for free.


    "Not bad" Archer took the mission off the board. It was perfect for the two. Cake was the reward. The money didn''t matter. It would be an interesting mission. Archer was starting to think it was the security. The one the woman left to watch the shop. No signs of forced entry. There would be none if the person was in the shop.


    "Scarlet"  Archer climbed onto the barstool next to the girl, placed the mission sheet on the bar and slid it towards the redhead.


    Erza looked at it, confused for a moment. Why was she showing her a mission? She focused on what exactly the mission entailed. She was interested the second she spotted cake. A mission involving cake? Someone destroys cake? Who would do that? Why would anyone do that? It''s cake. It''s delicious and so fulfilling. The thought of someone destroying, no, killing cake was horrifying to her.


    "Master insists on me choosing someone to attend a mission with me. I do not understand why he doesn''t want me to go alone. " Archer grumbled. "So I''ve come to you. Will you attend the mission with me? I know you love cake, and this mission rewards you with cake and a discount on cakes "


    The guild was silent as they listened to the conversation. Archer was really asking Erza to go on a mission with her. For as long as they''ve known the girl she has never accompanied anyone on a mission. It doesn''t matter who asked or why. She always goes solo. They have never seen Erza go on a mission with another human being.


    Erza stared at the mission sheet. She then looked at the masked girl. She was staring at her again. She wasn''t uncomfortable, however. She''s gotten used to Archer''s odd behavior and tendencies. Should she accompany her? She doesn''t go on missions with others. She prefers to work alone. That way she could do the mission how ever she saw fit without worrying about what other''s think or suggest. It was better that way. She prefered to be alone.


    But Archer was different, wasn''t she?


    She was weird, but friendly, trusting and calming once you look past her oddities. And going with her would give her the opportunity to ask her about the sword and why she decided to give it to her so suddenly. And she mentioned an armor as well.


    So she nodded. She agreed to go with the girl. "I''ll accompany you"


    Jaws hit the floor at those simple words. Erza just said yes. She just accepted an offer to do a mission with someone else.


    All eyes were suddenly on Archer. She was the cause of the change. She was the one who affected Erza. She was the one that tested everything they knew of the coy girl. She gave her a nickname and Erza did not kill her. In fact she responds to it. She easily, very easily beat Erza in a fight. Along with some of the strongest kids in the guild. She didn''t even break a sweat. She hardly raised a finger. She acted all cozy with Erza and was not at all affected by the aura she emits. And now she somehow got her to accompany her on a mission.


    What?


    Who is this kid?


    Erza slipped off her stool. Her cake was finished. Archer had informed her that the train to Hargeon would be leaving in an hour, so she was off to pack. She ignored the silence of the guild as she left.


    "Why are you staring at me? " Archer questioned once she decided to address the situation.


    "Erza never goes on missions with others" Gray said. He was still in shock. He had asked the girl to go on missions with him like a million times. Archer was new. She just met her and she accepted. The world is a lie.


    "Oh? "Archer seemed amused as she hopped off her own bar stool. Her hands found her pockets again. She raised a curious eyebrow. This was new info for her. She did not know that, but she was not all surprised. Erza prefered to be alone after all.


    "Yeah, she thinks she''s too good to have a teammate" Mira scowled in a corner.


    "I''m seriously curious as to why you dislike Scarlet so" Archer said as she looked at the girl. It''s the first she''s looked at her. She really looked like someone completely different. "And I apologize for putting your magic in time out yesterday. "


    "Why do you keep saying time out? You canceled it"


    Archer shook her head. "I put it in time out " Archer said with a hidden smirk. "You do not want me to cancel your magic. I''ll easily cancel attacks, but someone''s magic is a different story "


    "You are weird"


    "I take that as a compliment, so thank you"


    With that, Archer made a move to leave, but the door suddenly flew open and Laxus stood there. They locked eyes and he scowled.


    "You! "


    "Hello"


    Laxus growled as he shot himself towards Archer. Archer raised a curious eyebrow as she casually stepped out of the elder boy''s way. The second she did that a lightning fist was aimed at her. She dodged, but was impressed. Laxus was fast. His fist was followed by a kick that Archer evaded. She stood opposite the boy, her hands still in her pockets.


    "Fight me seriously "


    Archer said nothing and didn''t move. Fight him seriously? Archer never fights seriously. No one would want to face her when she''s serious. The harm she could cause them. She''s never serious. She''s never at full strength. No one challenged her enough. She''s fought dragons. And even then she hadn''t used more than half her power. Laxus wanted her to get serious? He didn''t know who he was up against.


    An angry groan left the boy''s throat as he threw himself at the girl again. Again she stepped out of his way and was fast enough to dodge the attack that followed immediately there after.


    The guild watched in amazement as Archer dodged every blow Laxus aimed at her. The boy was serious. He was using his full speed and strength. Yet Archer was evading him as if it was the easiest thing. Her moves were smooth. Practiced. Natural. Silent. She wasn''t exerting herself. She wasn''t out of breath. She was calm an gave off an air of disinterest.


    She never took her hands out of her pockets.


    She sighed. She knew that this little scruffle could go on for minutes. She didn''t have the time. She had a mission. She had a train to catch in a few. She had to pack.


    "Freeze"


    The boy froze. His body was positioned for a hit to the ?h?st that would most likely have been followed by a kick to the chin.


    Archer stared at him for some time before turning her back to him.


    "Ten"


    That was the last word she said as she left.


    Exactly ten seconds later Laxus stumbled and almost fell.


    "Damn it! "

 Chapter 5

    Erza was confused. Her brows furrowed and her lips pulled into a frown as she observed the calm Archer. The mysterious girl had her head leaning against the window of the train. Her eyes were closed and her face was a bit pale. Every time the train took a turn she either ?r??n?d or got a bit green. She hadn''t said a word since she stepped in the train. She was her usual self on their way to the train station. Hands in her pocket and in a cheery mood. At least Erza thought she was cheery. It''s hard to tell. Archer was being her curious self and delved into a conversation with the red head. She asked her interesting questions, but never anything personal. She never wondered about her past. Parents. Her story. She didn''t ask any of that and it was relieving. But all of that stopped when they stepped into the train. Archer took her seat and immediately rested her head on the window. She said nothing. She only hummed a soft tune as they waited. And then the train moved and the color left her face.


    Was she sick? Erza wondered. Did she have motion sickness? She did remember her saying she had s?ns?t?v? hearing. Maybe that is why she was sick. She could hear the sound of the train moving as it past through the town. As it turned and twisted. The sounds must bring a sick feeling to her stomach.


    "Are you alright? " Erza finally asked. She didn''t want to admit it, but she was worried about the other. She didn''t even know her and yet she was worried. It wasn''t like her. She never goes on missions with others. She never really talks to anyone. She doesn''t concern herself with others. And yet here she was worried about someone she only knew for a day.


    Archer had opened her eyes and only glanced at her before closing them again. She took a deep breath and sighed deeply. And then she chuckled dryly.


    "Motion sickness " she admitted. She always hated the fact that she had motion sickness as well. She didn''t think she would. She''s different from the dragon slayers. But then again she does have higher senses than them. By a lot. She sighed. Of course she had motion sickness as well. And of course she ran out of her pills. She''d have to make herself some more.


    "Is it because of your hearing? "Erza questioned.


    "Among other things" the train made a sharp turn and Archer went with it. She straightened herself as best she could and quickly opened the window. She then proceeded to stick her head out and let the winds calm her. She sighed as it cooled her down for some time.


    "I see" Erza watched with curiosity. She just found out what the other''s weakness is. She''s not all powerful. She is human as well after all. And as strong as one might be they must always have some form of weakness. "Don''t you have medicine? "


    "I forgot to make more pills"


    So she makes her own pills. That was interesting. Does she have some other form of magic that helps her with such things or is she just smart enough to dabble with medical chemistry? Erza didn''t know, but she wanted to find out. She was curious and wanted to know more about the mysterious girl who appeared out of nowhere. Who seemed to have this knowing look in her eyes as if she knew what would happen.


    "May I ask why you gave me the sword the other day? " she decided to finally ask what had been bothering her. Archer just suddenly gave her a sword. She didn''t know why. She didn''t want to take it, but the girl wasn''t having it. Erza had to admit that it was an amazing sword and she would not mind receiving the armor to it. The sword was as light as a feather and sharp enough to cut through iron like bu??er. The guard of the sword was shaped as wings. Blazing Phoenix wings. The fuller was the red of Archer''s eyes and seemed to glow. The hilt was soft and comfortable for her to hold. The sword was simply amazing.


    That''s why she wondered why it was given to her. Why give away such a wonderful sword? Does Archer want something from her? What could it be?


    In response to the question Archer leaned as far back into her seat as she could. She seemed to be trying very hard to get comfortable.


    "Because I wanted to" That was the answer she gave the redhead. Was it true? Yes, definitely. She gave it to her because she wanted to. Why not? She didn''t have a use for it. She doesn''t frequent swords. She''s more of a Katana person. Those are sleek. Besides she specifically had it made for Erza. The perks of being born four hundred years in the past was that there were some interesting things to be found. Including metal. The metal the sword is made out of is unbreakable. The magic within it is used to nullify any elemental attack, su?k?n? it up and storing it to be released with twice the force at will. It was made so Erza was the only one capable of wielding it. Well Archer as well, she was the one to make it after all. It was a fun project and she was proud of how it came out.


    "Because you wanted to? " That didn''t make any sense to the redhead. Archer gave away a fantastic sword because she felt like it?


    "Yes because I wanted to. I don''t frequent swords. I use Katanas, bows, staffs. No swords"


    "Then why do you have one? "Erza questioned. Why have something you don''t fancy?


    Archer chuckled and leaned a bit close to the curious redhead. "Wanna know a secret? "


    Erza nodded hesitantly.


    "I made it myself"


    Erza could imaging the smile hiding under that mask when Archer revealed that. In all honesty Erza was shocke, but felt as if she shouldn''t. She already told herself to expect the unexpected from Archer. She''s just one surprise after another.


    "Why? "


    Archer shrugged. "I don''t really know. I just did. It''s very powerful if I do say so myself"


    That was something Erza figured on her own. How powerfull she wasn''t sure. She hasn''t used it yet.


    There were so many questions she had for the currently sick girl. She was an oddity and she couldn''t help her curiosity.


    Archer let the wind hit her face and sighed. How much longer would she need to be on the God forsaken train? She knew it wouldn''t be long. Hargeon is the neighboring city. It would take little time. But it was still longer than she wanted to be on a train. At least the company was nice. Erza smelled of the fruit she enjoyed so much. That fruity scent was paired with the light aroma of metal. The other was the scent of her magic. It''s very pleasant, reassuring , yet strong. The scent of a knight? Archer was always curious when she received the scents of magic. It''s a rare thing that as far as she knew only members of the Phoenix family somehow had. Each person has a different scent. Each magic has a different smell.


    The last smell was that of her mother. It was an odd smell that Archer could not figure out. Either way it was a scent she enjoyed.


    "What about the armor? " Erza asked.


    "All in due time"


    There was silence for the rest of the train ride. Archer was trying to keep her breakfast in her stomach. Erza was trying to figure Archer out to no avail. Why was she hiding her face? Why won''t she reveal her magic? She did, but no one knows what type it is and she''s said she uses multiple types. Why won''t she reveal her last name? Why does she evade most questions?


    When the conductor made it known that they arrived at their last stop Archer was immediately out of her chair. She somehow managed to gracefully stumble out of the train on her feet. She took a deep breath of air and puffed out her ?h?st as she laughed quietly.


    "Finally "


    Erza followed after her, quietly. Archer''s cheerfulness had returned the second her feet touched the ground. The blood had returned to her face as well.


    "Let''s go"


    ~~~~~~


    The two soon found themselves in the bakery, which had been victim to some cake hating villain. When they had arrived and revealed that they were the ones to accept the mission the owner of the bakery, Mrs. Elena Claire, immediately welcomed them into her shop. It was a mess. Cake was everywhere. The floor, the walls, the ceiling. It could be a crime scene. Archer had carefully stepped over some strawberries that looked to be in good shape. At least not everything was lost, but it was still a major set back for the old woman.


    "Thank you so much for coming to help me" The woman bowed in thanks and ushered the ten year olds to sit at the one clean booth. She quickly placed two plates of Cheesecake before the two. "This is all I can offer you as thanks for now. I hope you like it"


    Erza smiled happily as she ate the cake. Cake is cake. It did not have to be strawberry specifically, she just prefered strawberry. Archer had glanced at the cake and pushed it towards Erza. It''s not that she didn''t want the cake, it''s just that eating it would mean removing her mask.


    Erza understood that and gladly accepted the cake.


    "Do you not like cake? " Mrs. Elena questioned.


    "It''s not that. I just prefer keeping my mask on"


    "Oh, I see" the woman nodded in understanding and took a seat by the booth with the two. "I''m ?ssuming you''ve read the full artical? "


    "Yes we have and I have a question " Archer turned her attention to the woman.


    "Ask away"


    "When did you hire this guard of yours? "


    "Around two days of coming to meet a destroyed bakery. "


    Archer stared at the woman as she usually does. She paid close attention to her body language. Her eyes. Her breathing. Her pulse. She was telling the truth.


    "How did you go about hiring someone? "


    "I distributed posters around town"


    "How many were interested? "


    "But one"


    "May I ask where this guard is? "


    "I sent him home this morning"


    "May I have his address? "


    Elena hesitated for a moment. She doesn''t feel all that good about giving away someone''s address without their permission. But it would help the investigation wouldn''t it? The two may be children, but they belonged to a guild. That qualifies them enough. She would do as suggested or told. So she wrote down the address.


    "Thank you Mrs. Claire. We shall take our leave for now" Archer slipped out of the booth and motioned for Erza to follow. The redhead took one last bite of cake before leaving with a polite smile. She quickly followed after and caught up to the pensive Archer.


    "You think the guard did it?" She asked. The questions Archer asked were obvious enough to make her suspicion known.


    "A suspect "


    "What about Elena? "


    "Innocent. I doubt she would deface her own bakery when a special event is approaching "


    "And if the guard is Innocent? "


    "Then we shall accompany him on his duty tonight "


    ~~~~~~~


    The guard, or Takashi, lived in a small apartment. Very small. When they arrived he was curious as to what two children were doing on his doorstep. When they explained who they were and why they came to see him he let them in. He lead them to the small livingroom and offered them something to drink, which they politely refused.


    "You''ve got questions" he stated.


    "That we do, shall you answer them? " Archer raised an eyebrow.


    "As best I can"


    Archer rested her chin in her palm. He''s being honest.


    "How is it that all the cakes were still destroyed despite you spending the night in the bakery? "


    The brunette sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don''t know. I planned on doing my job every time, but somehow I always fall asleep and when I wake up everything''s a mess"


    He was telling the truth.


    "You succumb to sleep unexpectedly? "


    He nodded. "Yeah. I always have some coffee with me and it keeps me up. I''m really good for jobs where I have to stay up. Everyone knows it"


    "But you fall asleep when guarding the bakery"


    Another nod.


    "Do you fall asleep at a specific time? "


    "Yeah, I think. It''s around one or two in the morning that I remember blanking out"


    Archer nodded and glanced at Erza. It seemed the redhead was coming to the same conclusion as she was.


    The perp was indeed a mage and they must have some form of sleep magic.


    "We wish to accompany you tonight "


    ~~~~~~


    Archer was seated on a table near a window. She was again in the bakery. It was late in the night. Just past midnight. She had been sitting there for some time. She hardly moved. She just stared out at the moon. She had been in thought. Wondering about future events. Current events. Past events. There are things she needed to do. Things she wanted to change even more than she has already. She was born in the age of dragons. She met all of the first gen dragon slayers. And the second gen as well. She met their dragons. She met Irene. She even met Zeref and Acnologia. She met them all and she had an important hand to play in everything.


    Her current goal was to find each dragon slayer. Natsu will find his way to Fairy Tail soon enough. Things had to go somewhat the same. That left Gajeel, Wendy, Sting and Rogue to bring to the guild. She knew Gajeel would come eventually, but she wanted him at the guild sooner. She''d hunt them all down in time. She just had to wait on Natsu. Together they would set out to find the others.


    Erza was seated in a booth nearby. She wasn''t doing much. She was admiring the phoenix sword. It glimmered in the moonlight. Archer had told her to keep the sword in hand if she did not want to be affected by the unknown wizard''s magic.


    She sighed and glanced at the quiet Archer. She hadn''t said much for the past few hours. Erza wondered if she was starting to feel sleepy. Erza wasn''t bothered all that much. She could spend a night awake. It looked like she wasn''t affected at all.


    Suddenly Archer hopped off her table on full alert. She glanced at Erza and pointed to the now sleeping Takashi.


    "Our cake killer has arrived"

 Chapter 6

    The cake killer, as they''ve been dubbed, was dressed in all black. Their face was concealed and they were actually pretty stealthy, but Archer could tell that they were shocked. They were not expecting to find anyone awake in the establishment. After close observation Archer determined that the vandal was male.


    "Hello there" Archer calmly approached the man with a hidden smile. Her eyes, as per usual revealed nothing. Behind her, Erza stood on guard with her sword drawn. She wasn''t feeling an ounce of sleepiness. All thanks to the magic resisting sword apparently. "I am Archer of Fairy Tail and I have been hired to catch you. I would like to ask you to hand yourself over to prevent unnecessary violence "


    The man was quiet for a moment. As if he was debating whether or not he should go along with Archer''s suggestion. Of course he did not. They were but children. It didn''t matter if they belonged to a guild or not. It didn''t even matter that they somehow resisted his sleep magic. He didn''t rely on his magic. He had a weapon.


    His sword was drawn and Archer sighed, her hands in her pockets.


    "Would you like to test your sword against an opponent, Scarlet? "She asked as she glanced over her shoulder.


    Erza eyed the sword in her hands before looking to Archer. She nodded and stepped forward. She would be more than happy to see what the sword could do and if it increased her fighting ability in any way. The weight would most likely allow her to move faster, which means more mobility.


    Archer stepped back to observe. If things got out of hand she could always step in and put a stop to it. She was certain Erza could handle her opponent on her own. She was strong enough and very skilled when it comes to swords. Her opponent didn''t even have the right stance to accommodate the weapon. It was obvious he did not use it much.


    Erza adjusted her position. The new sword allowed her more freedom of stance. She eyed her opponent carefully. She could see the errors in his stance. She was calm and kept her breathing steady. She couldn''t help the small smile that formed on her lips. It had been some time since she had a good sword fight.


    The man made the first move. He was fast and swift. His sword was brought down on the calm Erza. She didn''t move. She would meet the attack head on. She gripped her sword tighter as she awaited the perfect moment.


    And she moved. Slightly. Her feet slid smoothly across the floor as her arms followed. Her sword was directed at the incoming sheet of iron. Her movement was fast and precise. The phoenix sword cut through the other like bu??er. It left a trail of red in its wake as she did. Apparently the sword had an area of effect ability, for not only did it slice through a sword like bu??er, but it slashed her opponet straight in the ?h?st. But oddly enough, there was no blood.


    The man was frozen in shock as the pain in his ?h?st registered. It was excruciating. He looked down, but found no blood. It felt as if the sword had made contact with him. The pain was real, so how was there no wound? He didn''t know and could not form the words to ask, for his legs gave out and he tumbled to the ground.


    Erza blinked in shock as she eyed the unconscious man.


    "What? "


    "Magic is the physical embodiment of the spirit. When the physical spirit of an organism connects with the spiritual flow of nature, the spirit forms Magic as a product of the connection " Archer had started to study the passed out vandal. The sword worked perfectly. "If you disrupt either one you effect someone''s magic. And seeing as magic is connected to our life force, interfering with it would naturally  have some drawbacks "


    The man was alive. His magic was disrupted and would take some time to recover. A day or two should be enough. If he tried to use it anytime sooner it wouldn''t work out so well.


    "The sword disrupts magic"


    "Among other things" Archer took the man by the collar and easily dragged him to a nearby chair. She placed him on it and equipped herself with some rope to securely bind him to the wooden chair. She pulled off his mask and put it aside before stepping back. She recognized the face.


    "Scarlet, isn''t this man a famous baker or something? "


    Erza sheathed her sword and came to stand beside Archer. Despite the darkness of the room she could clearly see the man''s face and he was indeed a baker. He was supposed to take part of the contest in a couple of days. He''s known for his odd looking cakes that taste absolutely heavenly. No one compared to him until Elena opened her bakery.


    "That''s Mr. Rourke. Owner of Oddities Bakery" Erza informed.


    "I''m going to ?ssume he''s one of the participants of the baking event coming up? "


    Erza nodded. "Mrs.Claire is his biggest threat. He hasn''t won since she showed up"


    "Ah, I see. An act of jealousy and rage. With her out of the competition the victory would easily go to him"


    Again Erza nodded.


    Archer sighed and made sure the baker was secured. It was late and she would very much like to fall into a bed and see what happens. So she pulled a pen and paper out of nowhere and proceeded to write a letter. After it was fully crafted she attached it to the unconscious baker''s forehead and turned to leave.


    "Let''s go, Scarlet"


    "We''re leaving him there? "


    "He''s restrained and can not escape without someone untying him. Besides he won''t be waking up anytime soon" Archer held open the door for her companion.


    Erza said nothing as she followed after Archer. They had booked a hotel room earlier in the day. It was luxurious, something Erza wouldn''t bother with. But it was the last available room. Archer happily paid for the suite. She was obviously looking forward to the room. They would have to share a room. That fact had Erza anxious. She wasn''t used to such things. She didn''t want to share a room. What if she had a nightmare? She didn''t want Archer to see her waking up in panic and tears. She''d ask questions. Her opinion of her might change. She would be judged.


    The two arrived at the hotel in no time at all. Archer checked them in and they silently went up to their ?ssigned room. Archer was the first one in the room. She let out a satisfied sigh as she threw herself on the massive sofa present in the room. She closed her eyes and sunk into Its soft folds.


    "You can have the bed" she mumbled as she started to remove her jacket. Her shoes were kicked off soon after. She felt good. She didn''t know when sleep would kick in, but she was very much relaxed.


    Erza looked to the bed that was offered to her. It was a king size bed. She then looked back To the sofa. It wasn''t small, just big enough. Shouldn''t Archer take the bed? She''s the one who paid for the room. It would only be fair.


    "Shouldn''t you take the bed? "


    Archer hummed, still face planted in the sofa. "I like this Sofa. Take the bed"


    ~~~~~~


    Archer wasn''t aware of how long she had been asleep. It was nice while it lasted. She couldn''t remember the dream, but she knew it was pleasant. However she was awake and quickly sat up. What had awoken her? Her ears were very sharp and she was easily woken up when she heard trashing and crying. She was on immediate alert. It was Erza. Nightmares.


    Immediately Archer sprung out of her sofa and made her way to the massive bed in the room.


    "Erza"  She called gently as she climbed on the bed and towards the redhead. "Erza wake up, it''s a nightmare"


    It took a few minutes for Archer to get her awake. When Erza opened her eyes to see her an unrecognized emotion flashed through her eyes and she looked away from Archer in shame.  Archer only sighed and used my thumb to wipe her tears away. This seemed to shock Erza a bit and she looked back at Archer.


    "Are you ok? " Archer asked and then realized what a stupid question that was. "Of course you''re not, you just had a nightmare, what a stupid question" she scolded herself. Why would she ask such a thing? "Do, do you need anything? I can get you some water, or milk or a strawberry cake, I''m sure there''s some around here somewhere" she looked around and spotted the mini fridge in the corner. Perfect. It should have some treats in there. Hopefully there was something strawberry flavored. She was about to get up to go get Erza something when the redhead tugged on her scarf. She looked back at her confused and met pleading eyes. Red ones softened and she climbed back in bed. Without a word Erza moved herself closer to her and buried her head in Archer''s ?h?st. She was gripping onto Archer''s scarlet scarf as if it was her life force. After a few seconds of uncertainty Archer gently wrapped her arms around her and pulled her closer. She rested her chin on the other''s head and started slowly stroking that red hair of hers.


    Archer didn''t tend to show physical affection very often. She didn''t know why it made her a bit uncomfortable at times. So having Erza hug her was a bit of a shock. Despite her odd discomfort with physical affection she had to do something, didn''t she?


    She sighed as she increased her grip on the redhead. It wasn''t so bad. Pretty nice actually. Comforting and warm. Erza was quiet. She still had a tight grip on Archer''s scarf and didn''t move. Her sobs had stopped and she just enjoyed Archer''s warmth. She was very warm. Warmer than one normally is. Maybe it should have concerned her, but she was very much enjoying it.


    She had nightmares again. The one thing she feared would transpire on her first mission with another person. Of course she had a nightmare. She missed them. She missed every one of them. She wished she could help them. She could tell the magic council. They would do something immediately. But she couldn''t. He would hurt them. And he was strong enough to do it. She could only stay away. It was the one way she knew to keep them safe. They must hate her. The thought crushed her.


    "Are you feeling a bit better? "Archer asked softly. She didn''t know what to say and decided that such a question was appropriate for the situation. She wasn''t one to be put in such situations. Where she needed to comfort someone.


    She received no verbal response, just a nod. A sigh of relief left her at that. She was happy to be able to help in some way. She was curious. She was very sure Erza''s nightmare was about the tower of heaven. About Sho, Millianna, Simon, Rob. Jellal. It was already determined that things had changed  somewhat. Originally Jellal had dubbed Erza as Scarlet because of her hair. That obviously didn''t happen. Archer wasn''t suspecting such a thing. She wondered what else could have changed.


    "Why are you so warm?"


    Erza''s question made Archer laugh a bit. Erza sounded genuinely curious and had such an innocent voice. It was as if she hadn''t been crying some minutes ago.


    "Because I''m Archer"


    "That is not a proper answer"


    "Yes it is"


    "No, it is not "


    Archer sighed. "Fine. Tell me, do you know of dragon slayers? "


    "It''s lost magic that was created four hundred years ago. It was a way of giving humans power so they could help in the war of dragons. Not many know about them" Archer explained. "God slayers exist as well along with devil slayers. Those are also known amongst very few"


    Erza remained quiet and listened. Was Archer one of them?


    "And then we have the Phoenix. There are no slayers of these creatures. People don''t even believe they exist or existed. They''re very mystical beings that like to keep to themselves. They don''t like too much attention. People don''t notice them. They walk amongst them freely. Taking on their shape. Human. They look like humans. They function as such. "


    Archer brought a hand to the air and smiled under her mask. Slowly flames the color of her eyes danced elegantly on her fingers. When she turned her hand slightly the flames became blue. They jumped to green. It took on many colors until it settled on silver. The small flames illuminated the dark room.


    "Those magnificent creatures are my family. I am a Phoenix. My flames burn hotter than that of a dragon. My elements far outclass those of any other. If someone dares try to take me down I''ll only rise"


    "For I am Archer Phoenix and I always rise from the ashes"

 Chapter 7

    The next morning Erza woke up alone in bed. At first it didn''t bother her. The memory of the night before had not fully returned to her. She continued to sleep. She had a pleasant sleep. No nightmares. She hadn''t dreamt at all. It was new. As she lay there in the massive bed she realized a change. The warmth she had felt for the entirety of the night was gone. That is when the memories returned. She had a nightmare and Archer comforted her. She was so warm. She had fell asleep soon after she told her story.


    Where was Archer?


    "Good morning "


    Erza was startled at the sudden voice. She heard someone laugh and found Archer at the end of the bed. She only had on a pair of black pants and a white tank top and her scarf. No jacket. No boots. No mask. Her hair wasn''t in a poneytail either. She was just standing there. She looked odd without the jacket, mask and combat boots.


    "Where''s your mask? "


    "I took it off. I can''t wear it all the time. I need to take a shower. Brush my teeth. Eat. You know stay alive " Archer shrugged as she walked over to the dresser in the corner. She observed herself in the mirror for some time.


    Erza watched her. Archer didn''t seem to mind that she saw her face. She looked like any other ten year old. She smiled to herself and Erza caught sight of fangs. They looked sharp.


    "Why do you have fangs? "


    "I''m a Phoenix" Archer said with a bright smile. Erza noted that she had dimpled cheeks. It made her look more childish than the air she gave off. Her personality was calm and collected. Her appearance that or a true child. Masks can hide or tell a person a lot.


    Erza was starting to wonder about the girl. She kept saying she was a Phoenix. Did she mean so literally? Is she not human? Do Phoenix have fangs?


    Erza had to stop staring and climbed out of bed. She needed a shower and some food. They would be sticking around for the contest so they would be visiting the current room often. That meant a few more days with Archer. Erza didn''t know how she felt about that. On one hand Archer seems to understand her. On the other hand she still fears she''ll think differently of her. Irrational fears, but one very common to someone as antisocial as her.


    Archer was humming as she pulled on her jacket and combat boots. Her mask followed soon after and her hair was pulled into the usual ponytail. There was a reason she chose the mission they attended. Other than the fact that it would a nice mission for her to attend with Erza it also helped that one of her keys were hidden nearby. She could feel the pull on her mind and magic. She''ll go out looking for it after business was taken care of.


    She had ordered them some food and was delighted when everything was brought to their room. She was humming happily as the mask was removed. She realized she put it on for no reason because she took it off soon after. She shrugged and got herself a piece of the cake she had ordered and took her cup of milkshake.


    "How do you like strawberry nutella? "Archer asked.


    "It''s delicious "


    "I''m ?ssuming you like anything as long as it''s strawberry? "


    Erza nodded as she took a bite of the cake she had on her plate.


    "We go see our benefactor today and help around the shop" Archer said as she seemed in thought. "After that there''s something I have to go hunt down, I hope you don''t mind coming along"


    "What are you looking for? "


    "My keys"


    "Keys? "Erza had heard about wizards that use keys as a part of their magic. Celestial wizards if she''s correct. Is Archer saiying she could use that type of magic as well? It''s also a type of lost magic. "Celestial keys? "


    "They''re slightly different. Celestial keys summon the constellations, the zodiac. They are silver and gold. My keys are different"


    "How so? "


    "I have two types of keys I need to find. My Ruby keys and my white keys"


    Erza nodded. She never heard of ruby or white keys. She always thought there were only two keys. Levy even confirmed it so she was sure of that fact.


    "My ruby keys are home to dragons. They are very important and I must find them. The good thing is that if someone else finds them before me they cannot use them since they only respond to my magic " Archer explained with a relieved sigh. If someone got hold of those keys and could wield them it would be trouble. "My white keys are home to gods and goddesses in a way. It''s more similar to the celestial keys. They are very powerful and as long as they are still contracted to me, no one can use them"


    "Are they made for your use? "it was starting to look that way. They only function if she wields them. That could only mean it was created for her.


    "The ruby keys are, the white keys not so much. I just happen to be the current contractor " Archer had finished her sweet breakfast and put on her mask again. She did a quick stretch as she glanced at the contemplating Erza. "You ready? "


    Erza took the last bite of her cake and nodded.


    ~~~~~~~


    To say Mrs. Claire was shocked to find a familiar man tied to a chair in her shop was an understatement. He was the first thing she saw when she stepped into her bakery. He was unconscious and for a moment she thought he had died. Did the kids do that to him? She heard the ring of her bell when the door opened and found the two young wizards she had contracted.


    "Good morning" A masked Archer greeted as she adjusted the scarf at her neck. Erza was close behind her and greeted the woman in the same fashion. Her eyes had landed on the still unconscious man and she remembered what Archer had told her about the sword. It''s very powerful. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that Archer gave it to her so casually. All because she wasn''t the sword type.


    "Did you two do this? " the woman asked and received nods. They were stronger than she expected. She didn''t expect to find an unconscious Rourke.


    "Yes, it was quite simple really. All it took was one slash of a sword" Archer shrugged and Elena''s eyes fell to the phoenix sword at Erza''s waist. So it was not for decoration. "He uses some form of sleep magic that easily put our bodyguard to sleep"


    "It didn''t affect you? "


    "My magic is stronger than his so I was not affected. My friend here has that special sword I gifted her so the affects were canceled " Archer explained.


    "Well, thank you for catching him. I knew he didn''t like me but I didn''t think he would go so far"


    "Humans are unpredictable, especially when negative emotions are set into play" Archer said with keen eyes as she observed the man. "I always have to wonder how every individual''s brain functions"


    Mrs. Claire didn''t know what to say to that, so she said nothing.


    "I''ll have to pay you for a job well done and of course you''re free to stay for the competition in three days. Since I''m the winner of the last competition I kind of have VIP passes that I can give to anyone I want" as the woman said that she retrieved two cake shaped badges and gave each ten year old one. "With this you can sample any and every cake at the competition "


    Erza seemed very happy to be granted such access. Her love for cake amused Archer a great deal.


    "I need to get everything fixed up and get to making some cake and pastries before opening time" Mrs. Claire sighed.


    "We''re at your service ma''am " Archer said as politely as ever.


    "What do you need us to do? " Erza asked. She had hidden excitement in her eyes.


    "I still need to get this place cleaned up, can one of you handle that while another helps me in the kitchen? "


    "I''ll handle things out here" Archer said as she lifted her hand and the unconscious body in the room levitated towards her. "I''ll also take care of him, no need to worry about a thing"


    "Ah, thank you. " Mrs. Claire then looked to Erza and smiled. "Well I guess you can help me in the kitchen. "


    Erza nodded with a small smile. She could learn to bake her own cake.


    "Have fun, Scarlet "


    ~~~~~~


    Archer checked the clock just as she finished cleaning the last table. Just in time she noted. She put every cleaning object she had away and vualted over the bar leading to the kitchen. She met Erza carefully carrying a very impressive looking cake and quickly side stepped as to not bump into her. Mrs. Claire followed after her with an equally impressive cake and Archer just had to step aside.


    "This place is spotless"


    "Nice job, would you like a treat as a reward? "


    Archer shook her head no. As she made her way to the door and flipped the sign.


    "Are you sure? You''re friend even made her own strawberry cake,don''t you want to try it? "


    Archer looked to Erza with raised eyebrow. The girl seemed embarrassed about the reveal.


    "Huh" Archer pulled the doors open and returned to the two. "I guess I change my mind"


    ~~~~~~~


    "Do you really think one of your keys is in or nearby this village? "Erza asked as she fell into pace with Archer. They had left the bakery some time ago. She was still feeling proud of the fact that Archer loved the cake she made for the very first time.


    "I know for a fact that it''s nearby" Archer ?ssured. "I can feel it tugging on my magic. I just need to follow the pull"


    "Do they both pull on you or just the ruby keys? "Erza questioned. The ruby keys were special keys for her so it would make sense if that was the key calling to her.


    "Both of them. The contract with the white keys is far stronger than that of celestial spirits" Archer explained.


    "How many do you have? "


    "I have fourteen dragons and an amount of gods and goddesses "


    "They have names? "


    Archer nodded. "Which should I name? Dragon or Gods? "


    "Dragons"


    "Well" Archer stuffed her hands in her pockets. "I have Igneel the fire dragon. He actually has a trained slayer by the name Natsu Dragneel. He''s one of the slayers I spent time with. He''s a childish and goofy one, just like his dragon. " Archer smiled fondly at the memories. The amount of times Natsu has challenged her to fight is the same amount of times Yamcha has been less than useless. He always ended up with his face in the dirt and promising to beat her one day. "Then there''s Metalicana the iron dragon king. He also has a slayer I''m familiar with. Gajeel. He has a very amusing laugh he adopted from Metelicana" Archer could remember the amount of times the boy got his ?ss handed to him by his own dragon. "Grandeeny the sky dragon queen. Her slayer is just a toddler but she''s very skilled. She always calls me big sis and always followed me around. She''s a big cry baby and very kind"


    Erza could tell they meant a lot to Archer. It really made her want to know more.


    "Where are they, your friends? "


    "I don''t know" Archer admitted. "We got split up and I need to find them. Especially the young ones. Wendy must be scared out there. Sting and Rogue too, although I''m sure they''ll remain strong "


    "What will you do when you find them? "


    "Bring them to the guild of course.. We''re family. We''re supposed to stick together and as their older sister I must look after them "

 Chapter 8

    Erza dutifully followed after the now quiet Archer. She had told her a lot. About the dragons she possessed. About the supposed gods of the white keys. About the ones she deems her siblings. They all sound interesting and she seemed very fond of them. She couldn''t see it but Erza was sure the girl was smiling under that mask. Why does she hide her face anyway? She let her see what''s underneath that mask earlier. There was absolutely nothing wrong with her. She looked like a normal ten year old. Of course there''s the fangs, but that''s nothing. Erza didn''t ask her that. She has her reasons and maybe she''ll tell her one day. She had a feeling that if she were to ask her at that moment she wouldn''t give her the answer she wanted. Archer tends to be very cryptic and the times she does properly answer feel like a miracle.


    She''s exaggerating.


    But still.


    Erza stopped beside the silent and now unmoving Archer. There was a cave looming over them and those red eyes stared into its dark abyss intently. She couldn''t tell what the mysterious girl was thinking. She was just staring with an intensity. Erza didn''t say anything. She hardly moved. She felt like she would interrupt something if she did. Archer seemed concentrated, amongst other things.


    And then she moved. One foot stepped ahead of the other and she made her way towards the dark cave. Erza followed. She fell in step with the silent girl. The intensity in her eyes had faded somewhat, but it was still there.


    Something wasn''t right with the cave.


    The moment she stepped in everything changed. It''s a tremendous contrast from the outside world. The sun was high and bright in the sky. It was warm and there was a nice breeze. The minute she stepped into the cave it was gone. The cave was darker than the night and freezing cold. Erza could feel the chill in her bones. Her arms went around herself in an attempt to gather some warmth, but it was futile.


    Archer glanced at her. She wasn''t affected by the cold. Her body temperature refuses to allow it. Erza wasn''t like her though. She almost forgot about that. Archer said nothing as she touched the hilt of the Phoenix sword she had given her new friend. She added a new ability to the weapon then and there. She fused more of her magic within, her eyes focused and calculating. When her hand retreated the sword hummed in the darkness between them and did as Archer just instructed it to do.


    Erza felt a sudden warmth. It was unexpected. She actually jumped in surprise. The warmth had started at her hip and she looked to her sword that hummed softly, it''s red glow the one light in the cave. She then looked up to Archer. She could b?r?ly see her face, but those eyes seemed to glow in the darkness they found themselves in. The warmth quickly climbed over her entire being and the cold became nothing.


    Wow.


    "Did you do that? "


    "Yes" Archer said simply, those red eyes staring at her as she tended to so very often. "I must apologize for just dragging you in here without a warning or anything"


    Erza shook her head. Archer apologizes to her a lot, she noted. It was always sincere . She meant every word. It was displayed in those odd eyes.


    "It''s alright" Erza waved her off. She doubt Archer had anything to apologize for. It''s not like she forced her to come. She was following of her own free will.


    Archer held up a hand. Within an instant a small ball of light formed above her palm and drifted into the air. Archer eyed it and hummed contently before putting her hand back in her pocket. The ball of light was small and Erza was not expecting it to be so bright, but it lit up the cave easily. It''s white light drowning every shadow.


    Archer was moving again so Erza had to follow. The cave was plain. There was nothing, but rocks to be seen. The deeper they went the more the rocks smoothed out. She could feel her given warmth increase when cold starts to make itself known to her. It seems that the deeper they go the colder it gets. Why in the world was the cave so impossibly cold?


    Erza stepped over some very sharp looking rocks and continued on. There was nothing to see in the cave. Just rock after rock after rock. The only continuing difference is that they smoothed out.


    Again Archer stopped. There was a fork in the road. Archer observed each carefully for a moment before continuing. She could feel the pull getting stronger the closer she gets. She walked into the passage on the right.


    Everything remained the same for some time until everything took a sudden change.


    Erza blinked in shock when her eyes landed on blue gems? Were they gems? They were definitely not crystals. The deeper they went the more became present. Soon the walls and ceiling were littered with them. A glance at Archer let Erza know she wasn''t at all affected. It was hard to faze the girl.


    After some more walking and wondering about the gems, they stopped because they came to an end. Huh. There was a sort of podium like rock displayed. It had something within it. Erza got a look at it. A ruby key. It looked as if the rock molded around it. Erza felt more warmth being given to her. She wondered if the intense cold of the cave was because of the key


    "There you are" Archer said in a happy tone as she reached out to the key. When her hand came in contact with it there was a dim light coming from it as the stone retreated from its form. Soon Archer was holding the key in her hand. "As easy as that" she hummed and turned on her heel. "Come now, scarlet"


    Erza blinked and quickly moved to follow the contented girl.


    They had returned to their hotel room and Archer ordered some food. She was toying with the ruby key in her hand as she fell onto the bed. Erza was eyeing the key for some time. It had an intricate design from the blade to the bow that swirled into what she thought was a snowflake with a creature wrapped around it. Is that creature supposed to be a dragon?


    "Time to let you out, you''ve been crampt in there long enough" Archer eventually said as she eyed the now pulsating key. "Come forth Glacier, King of the ice and snow dragons"


    Was Archer seriously summoning a dragon in their little hotel room? Erza looked to her with raised eyebrow. That doesn''t seem very ideal, but she said nothing. Archer tends to do things in her own way, sometimes they are odd and hard to understand.


    There was a magic circle on the ground. Its color a blueish white that was emitting a cold breeze that decided the temperature of the room immediately . So it was the key causing the inhuman chill in the cave.


    Erza watched as a humanoid form appeared in a bright light. She had to shield her eyes from the intense glow. When it all faded she cautiously returned her gaze.


    Huh. Apparently dragons can take on the form of humans. There he stood. A shirtless ?du?t male, who was smiling cooly as he looked at the masked Archer. Why was the man only dressed in a pair of blueish white pants? That was literally the first question in Erza''s head. Why was he half n?k?d? She ignored that crucial factor for a moment just to take in his appearance. To define his physical appearance she would have to use the word lean. He had muscle, but they weren''t bulking. If he had on a shirt he could easily hide the obvious strenght in those arms. His torso was in obvious display and he obviously worked out. His eyes were an icy blue that stared down at Archer fondly. His hair was the blueish white that seemed to be ?ssociated with him. It was long and straight and was pulled into a neat man bun.


    "Little Archer, you finally found me" he finally spoke. His voice was smooth, almost icy. "Am I the first to be reclaimed? "


    A nod from Archer brought a smile to his lips. A flash of competitive victory flashed in those cold blue eyes.


    "I cannot wait to see the look on that fire breather''s face when he realizes my victory"


    Archer chuckled. "The two of you really gambled on who would be found first? "


    "Why yes we did. That fool was all too smug about him being found first I just had to wipe that smug smile off his face"


    Archer chuckled again. That sounds like them alright. Glacier and Igneel do not get along. That was something that did not surprise Archer. They are ice and fire after all. Their bickering always reminded her of Natsu and Gray. It was amusing to watch them argue about the smallest thing. Igneel would brag about the fact that he had a student and the other did not. Natsu would even sit there and cheer on his dragon with a total look of glee in his eyes. She almost laughed at the memory of them shivering in fear when Irene stepped in to put them in their place.


    Soon ice blue eyes were on Erza and she swore she could feel the temperature around her drop considerably. The man eyed her with a calculating gaze for a moment. He had a hand on his chin and seemed deep in thought. Something must''ve clicked because he got a look in his eyes and looked back to Archer.


    There was a silent question there. One Archer understood. He wanted her to confirm what he''s thinking. Was the redhead accompanying her the daughter of the woman that could strike fear in him with her gaze alone? He got a nod. There was no clear emotion displayed on his face at that. Archer found it amusing though. He was probably thinking of everything he could do wrong and get the attention of an angry mother


    "Glacier meet Erza" Archer inclined her head.


    "It is a p???sur? meet you" he bowed slightly. "I am the king of the ice and snow dragons and very good friends with this young Phoenix "


    Erza didn''t really know what to say to him. She was curious about him though. He was a dragon, was he not? And yet he took the form of a human very easily. She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity showing.


    Archer had her eyes on her the moment she made the movement. Erza was adorable at that moment. Archer couldn''t help, but stare and take in this rare sight. She was beaming behind her mask.


    Erza looked to her, feeling her gaze. Archer didn''t look away. She never really does, does she? Why does she stare? She did explain that it was just something she tended to do. Was she studying her? She seemed to be curious about the inner workings of other people, so it could be.


    "May I ask why you''re shirtless? "


    Archer was amused that that was the very first question she decided to ask the dragon. Glacier looked at her confused. He looked down on himself and shrugged.


    "I find tops to be constricting and they make me warm, which is not something I like to feel"


    Ah, he''s like Gray. It must be a habit that comes with ice magic.


    "Is it easy to take on the form of a human? " she asked next.


    "Yes, very much so" he said with a smile. "It''s efficient, don''t you agree? "


    Erza nodded. It really was. If he was his full form and size it would draw attention. What type of attention varies, but things would take a turn very quickly.


    "I shall take my leave now" Glacier bowed again. "It was nice seeing you again, little Archer. And it was a p???sur? meeting you little Erza. "


    "You''re going to rub this in Igneel''s face, aren''t you? "


    "What else must I do, my princess? "


    "Well, you just met a dragon. That is not something everyone gets to say" Archer said.


    "I suppose"


    Archer glanced her way. "It amuses me that the first thing you asked him had to do with his lack of a shirt"


    Erza flushed embarrassed for some reason. It was the one prominent question in her head. She couldn''t help it. Wouldn''t anyone wonder why a grown man is shirtless in front of two ten year old girls?


    "That''s one dragon down"Archer sighed and fell into the massive bed. "Thirteen more to go"


    "Does he have a slayer? "


    "No" Archer admitted. "Maybe he''ll take interest in Gray"


    "How does one become a dragon slayer? "


    "It''s a process" is all Archer said as she hopped out of bed and went to the mini fridge. She pulled out two glasses of milkshakes and offered one to Erza.


    "What do we do now? "


    Archer shrugged. "We''re here until that competition so I say we just relax. We can walk around town. Buy stuff. Do this do that"


    "I don''t have money to spend like that"


    "Well I do and I''ll be more than happy to buy you anything you want"


    "You don''t have to"


    "I suppose, but is that going to stop me? "Archer raised an eyebrow. Erza sighed.


    "You''re odd"


    "Am I? "


    "Yes"


    "How so? "


    "You''re just.. "Erza trailed off not really knowing what to say. There was a lot that confused her when it comes to Archer.


    She sighed.


    "You''re just odd"

 Chapter 9

    Erza was again on a train. It had been three days since their completed mission and it was time to go back home. They had stayed for the competition and sampled many treats. Mostly Erza because Archer kept her mask on. The only thing she actually took interest in was any form of milkshake. The day went by too quickly in Erza''s opinion.


    Now she sat next to a sick Archer who had her head on the window. The color had drained from her face and she had her eyes closed. She seemed to be regulating her breathing. Erza was still wrapping her head around the fact that she had motion sickness. It was explained why, but it felt odd. She was so powerful and yet a ride on the train renders her to a sick mess.


    "Will you be alright? "


    Archer nodded, not opening her eyes. She really needed to make sure to have her meds the next time around. How could she forget them? Of all the things. She sighed. She had to endure for a few hours. She needed to distract herself so she thought of what she would do when she returned. She planned on going on another mission. There was a pull on her magic and mind. She had to follow it. She would see if she found a mission that would lead her to a town in the direction of the pull. She wondered if Natsu arrived at the guild yet. She was fairly certain things still had to go somewhat as they did in the anime. He would have to stumble onto master at some point. Hopefully she wouldn''t have to wait too long.


    She''ll need his help if she''s going to hunt down the others. She really had no clue where they were. She could track them, but things would work out faster if two people were in search of them. She needed to find Wendy, but she would be safe. She should run into edo Jellal and travel with him for some time. Archer had no idea what Gajeel or the brothers are going through though. Hopefully they were safe enough.


    The train took a sharp turn that sent Archer''s stomach rolling and she tipped over. Why? Why did the train have to turn like that?


    Erza was surprised when Archer fell limply onto her ??p. It seems she just went with the movement of the train, having no strenght to keep herself upright. She didn''t move though. Erza wondered if she was alright.


    "Archer? "


    Archer didn''t really respond. She just took another deep breath and sighed. She adjusted herself so she was more comfortable in her new position. She felt slightly better in her new position. The scent of strawberry was calming and kept her distracted enough for her motion sickness to not be such an antagonist.


    "I hope you don''t mind me using you at this moment" she said quietly as she closed her eyes and tried to direct most of her focus on the scent of strawberry. There was always something more to a person''s scent. Erza''s was mainly strawberry, but of course there was something else. A unique scent to her alone. It had a hint of her mother''s unique scent to it as well.


    Erza didn''t say anything simply because she didn''t know what to say. Archer seemed a bit better, so she figured lying in her ??p helped. She didn''t mind if it was helping her she supposed. She just didn''t know what to do with her hands now. They were in her ??p until Archer landed on her. She hesitantly placed a hand on Archer''s head. Her hair was soft. Really soft. Impossibly so.


    "Archer? "


    Said girl hummed in response.


    "Are you even human? "


    Archer chuckled. She had a feeling Erza was debating whether or not she was or not.


    "Who knows?"


    "You do"


    "Yes I do, don''t I? " Archer hummed. "I don''t feel like telling"


    Erza said nothing. She only stared at the girl. She looked human, but it is shown that dragons can take the form. Archer even said the Phoenix walk amongst them. Taking the form of human .


    She''ll have to be patient she supposed.


    ~~~~~~~


    Archer sighed once she stepped onto the road of the familair town. Her motion sickness almost immediately evaporated, leaving her relieved. She did a couple of stretches and looked to the sky. Back in magnolia. Time to hunt down another mission. One that was beneficial and in a town placed in the direction she needed to go.


    "It''s good to be back" she mumbled as she starter her trek through town.


    "Do you plan on going on another mission soon? "Erza asked a she fell into step with the silver head.


    "Yes" Archer answered and glanced at the redhead next to her. "Do you wish to accompany me? "


    Erza nodded. Her mission with Archer went well enough and the other didn''t care about knowing too much about her. She didn''t even ask what her nightmare was about. Erza appreciated that. Plus she was curious about her and would like to accompany her in her search for her keys and siblings.


    "The guild members will be shocked" Archer chuckled. "They informed me that you don''t tend to accompany others on missions"


    Erza only nodded to the statement. She was not comfortable around others, hence her lone missions. But she was surprisingly comfortable around Archer. There was the still unknown familiarity she felt around her. She was trying to understand why that was.


    Soon enough they were standing in front of the guild. Archer had her hands in her pockets and casually kicked the double doors open. The guild was in a frenzy. An obvious brawl was taking place and she dodged the table that flew towards her. She stepped into the guild, glancing around. She didn''t see the old master. He must be in his office then.


    Erza made her way straight to the bar to order her cake. She was used to the fighting by now and skillfully evaded anything that was headed her way. She spotted Archer moving to stand in front of the request board.


    "Welcome back"


    "Thanks" Archer nodded without even glancing at the younger Strauss next to her. She was in search of a good mission.


    "How''d your mission go?"


    "Very well. It was easy enough" Archer said as she pulled a mission sheet off the board. She read it over and nodded to herself. She finally turned to look at the little Strauss. She scratched her under her chin and took amusement in the blissful look she adopted.


    "Hey Archer" Levy appeared near them. Archer waved at her and stepped away from Lisanna. "Will you please tell me what magic you use? "


    "I use multiple magic, Levy" Archer shrugged. "Where''s the master? "


    "He left two days ago. He should be back soon"


    "Alright" Archer pocketed her chosen mission. She would await him. For all she knew he could be bringing back Natsu. "I guess I''ll be sticking around "


    As she said that she made her way to a corner of the guild. She stood there, observing for a moment. Wordlessly she pushed the tables present aside. Same went for the chairs. She vacated the area. She was making space for something. No one in the guild except Erza knew what she was up to. Erza wasn''t paying Archer as much attention as everyone else.


    Archer hummed to herself as she willed an object to appear in the place she secured. Everyone gawked when a piano appeared in the guild. I literal piano. Full sized grand piano. Archer seemed proud of herself as she ran her hand over the ivory keys. She placed a hand on the cover for a moment. When she removed her palm there stood a multicolor guild mark on the black surface of the piano. Archer then proceed to write in the air. Every letter she formed appeared just under the guild mark. She finished the last letter with a flourish and smiled.


    "Fairy Tail" she nodded to herself as she pressed a couple of keys.


    "You have a literal piano so casually stored away" Gray exasperated.


    "Put on a shirt" Archer said without even looking at the boy.


    "Can you play that? "Levy asked.


    "Of course" Archer nodded and placed herself on the stool in front the piano. She again ran a hand over the keys, a smile behind her mask. She hummed as she started to happily play the fairy tail theme she''s so proud of. The thing she loves about the theme is that it can cheer her up anytime. But of course if you manipulate the tunes a bit, you get the sad version. It always made her cry. She didn''t think about that. Instead she played the cheery upbeat tune she''s familiar with. She was humming it to herself as well


    Everyone in the guild was mesmerized. They again learned something new about the weird kid. She could play the piano. She had a talent for it, that''s for sure. Her melody was nice to listen to. Cheerful. For some reason they found that it suited the guild perfectly. They were all smiling as they swayed to the tune.


    Erza knew she shouldn''t have been as surprised as she was when Archer started to play the piano,but she was. She found herself staring as the ten year old easily manipulated the keys. There was look in her eyes as she played. She seemed happy and nostalgic. The tune must really mean something to her.


    Archer had a smile hidden under her mask as she played the familiar melody. She couldn''t help the emotions that bubbled up within. She could remember the days she spent watching the anime. She went through a lot with Fairy Tail. She laughed with them. She cried. She had fun. There were times where she was angry along with them. It was fun, feeling as if you really are apart of the guild. At the same time it was a bit sad because she knew she could never have such friendships in her world. Not in her life. Not ever. Fairy tail was always the place she went to on her bad days. It may sound childish to others and it most likely did. People don''t tend to like the anime for reasons.


    It makes no sense. The fight scenes suck. The show was retconned. No one ever stays dead. Everyone always gets some boost out of nowhere because of the power of friendship. It was a total ripoff of One Piece.


    Archer could care less about those words. She looked past all that. The show had it flaws, that''s true. Nothing''s perfect. What mattered to her was what Fairy Tail represented. The friendships. Family. The bonds they share. That is what makes them Fairy Tail. That is what makes them strong. Their emotions. Magic is based off of emotions after all, so looking at it in a different angle, it makes sense.


    She remembered the debate over who the true main character was. Natsu or Lucy? In her opinion it was neither of them, yet it was both of them. The main character were Natsu. Lucy. Gray. Erza. Happy. Wendy. Juvia. Gajeel. Mira. Elfman. Makarov. Levy. The main characters were the members of the guild. The guild itself. She wondered why no one took the time to understand that.


    She remembered all the times she wished she could be in the world of magic. To be there with the ones she followed. To be a part of Fairy Tail. It would never be her reality. She had accepted that.


    Little did she know back then, huh?


    Look at her now. Playing the Fairy Tail theme in the guild itself. The impossible became possible and she couldn''t be happier. She could go on adventures with the people she admired so much. She''d experience it all again. But this time she would be there.


    She was a true member of the guild.


    She will forever be proud of that.


    The song came to end and her hands rested motionlessly on the keys. She was still humming to herself as she let the foreign silence take over her being. She was very tranquil at that moment.


    "Whoo! "


    Archer looked up from the keys when the guild bursted out cheering. She blinked. The silence was gone and the guild was as loud as ever. She snickered and laughed out loud.


    For some reason the guild was shocked to hear her laugh. She would chuckle. Snicker. But she never really laughed. It made them smile to see that despite the air she let off she was still a child. She did experience emotions like the rest of them. She was like them in her own way.


    "Encore! "Wakaba shouted. "Grace us with more of your music, mysterious Archer! "


    "Yeah, play again" Levy encouraged from her corner. She was really enjoying her music. It was relaxing, but exciting. It was so many emotions in one. It was like Archer was projecting her own emotions through the song. It was nice.


    "You''re not half bad newbie " Cana commented and drew one of her cards. Archer''s fortune will forever interest her.


    Archer chuckled and looked back to her piano.


    "Sure, I suppose I can play a bit more"


    Archer returned to the keys and effortlessly began to play Snow Fairy. The first song of Fairy Tail she had heard. She fell in love immediately. She never once skipped an opening. Their songs were amazing. She actually memorized the lyrics. In all honesty she learned Japanese only to start watching the show without the pesky subtitles. They distracted her from all the action.


    "Fairy, where are you going


    hikari zenbu atsumete


    kimi no ashita terasu yo"


    Again the guild was shocked.


    "Holy crap she can sing"


    Her voice was beautiful. No one could take their eyes off her as she let herself fall into the music. They just learned something major didn''t they? Archer loves music. They could tell by the way she plays. The way she sings. They couldn''t see it but they knew she was smiling under that mask. Those red eyes were full of emotions. Emotions she was projecting through her music.


    Archer was more human than they originally thought.


    ~~~~~~


    Archer was quiet as her guild members asked her questions. She was patient with them, letting each ask a question. She answered none yet though. She caught Erza''s eyes once, when she glanced at the bar. The girl was watching and Archer understood that she was asking if she needed help. Erza was somewhat concerned and Archer was happy her mask hid the big smile she adopted at the realization.


    The questions stopped and her attention was back on her guild mates. She sighed


    "I can play any instrument given to me, but my preffered instrument are the piano, guitar and drums. I can also play a launchpad. "


    She explained. That answered three questions immediately. "The songs do mean something to me, but that is about all I''m telling you. "


    Archer stuffed her hands in her pockets and made it clear that she was answering no more questions.


    The guild knew better than to push. They got more than expected.


    As Archer made to join Erza at the bar the guild doors were pushed open. She stopped to see who would be stepping in and met Makarov and a familair boy following behind him. She smiled.


    The boy looked up and saw her immediately. He brightened upon seeing her. Onyx eyes bright with joy.


    "Archer! "


    Archer didn''t move as Natsu tackled her in a strong hug. She stayed on her feet and easily took the boy''s weight. He was laughing as he hugged her. She sighed. Arms and legs were wrapped around her.


    "Where were you?! What happened?! Where''re Igneel and the others?! "


    "Natsu you''re yelling in my ear" Archer said calmly and carefully got the boy off her. She ruffled his hair as she did. "It''s a long story"


    Natsu tilted his head in question.

 Chapter 10

    Natsu was feasting on the food Archer got him as he processed what she had told him. He was aware that something weird would happen but he didn''t know what and when it happened he just wasn''t very conscious of it. Apparently that weird gate he remembered was dubbed the eclipse gate. Walking through that gate was one of his last memory. His most recent was waking up in a forest with no sign of anyone he knew. There was no Gajeel, Sting, Rogue, Wendy. Not even Archer and Igneel. He didn''t know where he was and where the others were. He was alone and he was scared as he wandered around. And then he remembered that Archer always told him that when such a thing happen it''s best to stay calm and think things through.


    At some point he stumbled upon the old man and he offered to take him to Fairy Tail. He would give him a place to stay and make sure he was fed. It was a good offer so he tagged along.


    Good thing he followed the kind stranger.


    So Archer told him the eclipse gate led to the future. Four hundred years into the future to be precise. Why they were sent to the future was not disclosed. Archer sometimes kept secrets when she sees the need to. He didn''t bother pushing her. It was no use. She never budged when her mind was set.


    The reason why he couldn''t find everyone was because they were all scattered. Igneel was no where to be found because apparently Archer had dabbled in a bit of enchantment magic with Irene and somehow sealed him in a key. She just has to hunt him down. Also she has to find one of her white keys. A specific one that will help her hunt down the others very easily.


    "Did you process everything? "


    Natsu nodded with food in his mouth. He didn''t know why things were how they were, but Archer probably did so he would leave it at that. If he needed to know something she would tell him. He was content at the moment. At least he found his big sis.


    "Slow down, you''ll choke"


    "No I won''t" Natsu said defiantly and continued at the same fast pace.


    Archer sighed when the boy started to choke just as she predicted. His cup had no water in it and for a moment she just watched him suffer in silence. At some point she took his cup and willed water into. She pushed it towards him and watched him gulp it down. She raised an eyebrow when the boy sighed and cleared his throat.


    "I''ll slow down"


    "Good to know" Archer rested her chin in her palm as she watched the eight year old enjoy his food. "Chew your food properly"


    Natsu nodded as he took another massive bite of his chicken leg. It was delicious. He wondered who the guild''s cook was. Everything in front of him was heavenly.


    "After your meal go to the old man and get your guild mark" Archer instructed.


    Natsu nodded again.


    "He should have a place for you to stay as well"


    "Did you hear a word I just said? " Archer asked with a knowing look.


    Natsu froze for a moment and shook his head no. Archer sighed and flicked his forehead.


    "Don''t zone out so much, you need to be aware of what''s taking place around you" Archer scolded and lectured. "How do you wish to beat me one day when you refuse to follow my good advice? "


    Natsu swallowed whatever food he had in his mouth with a determined look on his face. "I''ll train everyday and kick your bu?? in the future"


    Archer hummed, amused. "Is that so? "


    "Yeah. I''ll teach Igneel a lesson too! And that metal head. Wait till I find that idiot. I have a bone to pick with him"


    Archer could see that playing out in her head. The last time the two had a disagreement they destroyed a forest. She sighed.


    "So, you''re buddy buddy with Archer? "


    Gray has a tendency to appear out of nothing. He was in nothing but his boxers at the moment. He was curious. This new kid seemed to know Archer pretty well. He wanted to know how well and try to find out about her for himself.


    "She''s my sister" Natsu said casually and finally looked at Gray. "Are you a stripper or something? "


    "I am not a stripper! " Gray said in defense. He wasn''t doing himself any good. He was practically n?k?d.


    "Then why are you in your und?rw??r? "Natsu asked a bit annoyed by how loud Gray had been.


    Gray then seemed to realize that his clothes were no where to be found. Archer chuckled when he started frantically searching the guild.


    "What kind of idiot loses his clothes like that? "


    "Who are you calling an idiot!? " Gray yelled angrily while he pulled on his pants.


    "I didn''t call any names. If your angry that means you know what you are" Natsu said with a victorious grin.


    "At least idiocy is one level above you, ya moron! "


    "At least I know how to keep my clothes on! " Natsu said standing up now. Archer saw some fire flicker around his hands. She chuckled. The rivalry has started.


    "Well at least I know how to properly eat my food! "


    "You n?k?d bastard! "


    "You no good pink doofus! "


    Archer watched the two bu?? heads and throw insults left and right . Look at that. It started so quickly.


    She slipped out of her seat and made her way towards the bar. The old man was watching the two boys with amusement. Archer climbed onto a barstool and placed her chosen mission on the bar. She grabbed Makarov''s attention and he glanced at the paper.


    "I wish to take on this mission"


    "Are you going alone? "


    Archer glanced at Erza, who was seated next to her. She slid the mission sheet over to the redhead. Said girl temporarily took her focus off her cake to read over the information given. The mission didn''t seem too hard. They would just need to deliver an item to some important person. Their only concern would be bandits. Erza nodded, not needing Archer to ask the obvious question and returned to her cake.


    "Scarlet will be accompanying me"


    Makarov nodded with a smile and stamped his approval on the paper. He was happy to see Erza opening up somewhat. Besides he was still interested in their odd behavior with eachother. Erza doesn''t tend to talk to a lot of people. Gray always asked some question that ends with him on the floor, battered and bruised. And Mira doesn''t like the redhead for some reason. The other guild members don''t really approach her because she made it very clear that she wished to be alone. Archer was the first she actually seemed to like.


    "When do we leave? "Erza asked when she saw Archer pocket the mission sheet.


    "Tomorrow around noon"


    "Any specific reason for choosing this mission? "


    "Yes" Archer said casually. "Two keys are in the direction of the town"


    Erza figured as much. She didn''t know if Archer picked the last mission because she sensed the key nearby or because it involved cake. It could be both. She didn''t know and didn''t bother asking. She returned her attention to her cake. She was about to take a bite of her strawberry when a chair slid across the bar and carried her cake with it.


    Archer had watched the chair take the cake across the bar with an unreadable expression. At some point she chuckled as she noted Erza''s anger that was rising rapidly. The redhead abruptly turned to face the brawling guild and zeroed in on Natsu and Gray who were throwing chairs at eachother.


    Archer whistled. "Poor Natsu"


    She did nothing as Erza approached the boys. She was surrounded by a dark aura and everyone who detected it made a good distance. Natsu and Gray were too caught up in their fight to notice her until it was too late.


    Archer hummed when Erza grabbed the two by the hair and slammed their heads together. That took care of them pretty quickly. They crashed on top of each other, groaning in pain.


    Natsu suddenly shot up with excitement. He pointed an enthusiastic finger at Erza and Archer knew where this was going.


    "You''re strong, fight me! "


    "She''ll wipe the floor with you" Archer warned from her place at the bar. "She''s pretty strong"


    "What!? You''re my sister. You need to have my back" Natsu pouted like that child he was.


    Archer chuckled . "Fine. Fight her. Feel free to come to me when you need medical attention"


    "I won''t! " Natsu said with a grin and slammed his fists together. A magic circle formed underneath him and fire surrounded his form.


    "Let''s do this! "


    ~~~~~~


    Natsu ?r??n?d in pain from his place on the floor. His everything hurt. Archer was right when she said Erza was strong. She handled him in one minute. How in the world that happened was beyond him. He saw familiar combat boots in front of him and trailed his eyes up to meet the masked Archer.


    "What did I say? " she asked as she casually took the boy by the scarf.


    Natsu sighed and let Archer drag him to a corner of the guild. She easily lifted him and placed him on a bench and he ?r??n?d.


    "Listen to me next time"


    "Next time I''ll win! "


    "No need to shout" Archer flicked his forehead. She smiled under her mask as she willed red flames into existence in her palm. "Eat" she said as she offered the boy her flames


    Natsu didn''t need to be told twice. He happily gobbled up Archer''s flames. Her flames were awesome. It always gives him a massive boost and when he eats it he feels as if he ate a full meal. It also heals up all and any wounds, somehow.


    "You''re the best" Natsu was back on his feet and doing some stretches.


    "Did you just eat fire? "


    Natsu jumped when Levy appeared close to him. Where did she come from?


    "Yeah? "


    "Amazing" she adjusted her glasses with a look of fascination in her eyes. "Are you a dragon slayer? "


    "Oh yeah. I''m the fire dragon slayer" Natsu said proudly.


    "How did you get your magic? Were you trained by a dragon or did you have lacrima implanted? " Levy asked excitedly.


    "Igneel trained me. He''s the fire dragon king"


    "Dragons don''t exist" Gray said with a roll of his eyes.


    "They do exist. I''m telling the truth. Ask Archer "


    "Dragons exist" Archer said casually. "Multiple exist"


    "See! In your face you minty bastard! "


    "What did you call me, flame for brains!? "


    "You heard me Popsicle! "


    "Stupid pyro! "


    "Stripper! "


    "Matchstick! "


    The two started wrestling again.


    "Those two really don''t get along" Levy said.


    "Fire and ice, what do you expect? "Cana said as she slipped in next to Archer. She started to place cards face down on the table. "Pick a card"


    "Are you related to Natsu? "Lisanna asked as she placed herself next to Archer as well. "He said you were his sister "


    "No I''m not" Archer answered as she picked a random card and handed it to Cana. "We just happened to spend a lot of time together and he took to calling me big sis. I did nothing about it and it stuck"


    "So you don''t mind? "


    "No" Archer picked up another card. "I''ve gotten used to it. He''s not the only one who looks at me as an older sister. I really don''t know why they started reffering to me that way"


    Archer was not expecting it. She just accompanied Anna to see the dragons one day and kept coming back. She ended up training with the slayers and spent a lot of time with them. One day Natsu called her big sis and soon the others did too. Gajeel took longer than the rest, but he let it slip once.


    "Huh, I never took you for the big sis type" Cana said honestly as she rearranged her cards. She again motioned for Archer to pick a card.


    Archer only reaction to the statement was a shrug.


    "Do you ever take that mask off? "Lisanna asked curiously.


    "Yes"


    "Why don''t you take it off in the guild? "


    "Because I don''t want to"


    "Why don''t you want to? "


    "You''re a curious little kitty" Archer said with a chuckle and scratched the younger girl under the chin. She really reacts like a cat. It''s amusing.


    "Are you going to tell me what type of magic you use? "Levy asked.


    "At some point"


    Levy pouted but didn''t push it. She already knew of a couple that she uses. Her cancelation magic. Her re-equip. Her fire magic. She most likely uses teleportation magic. And then there''s the magic she uses to freeze a person. Levy did not know what type of magic that was.


    "Cana, why do you constantly make me pick cards? "


    "Because I like your fortune"

 Chapter 11

    Erza again found herself in a train with Archer. Unlike last time the girl was not sick. Apparently she had remembered to take her medicine and now she was perfectly fine. She was bright and cheery on the train. She has an interesting personality that tends to switch up often. She at the moment has taken to her habit of staring. Again Erza found that she should be used to it by now. Archer always stares when she tries to figure something out. She said it herself. She likes to observe and ends up making people uncomfortable.


    "I have a question"


    Archer raised an eyebrow. Her way of indulging in the future question. There are times when she speaks. Other times she takes to being quiet and only speaks when she feels the need to.


    "Do you know what keys we''ll find? "


    "Yes but also no" Archer said and glanced out the window. She was seated on the opposite side of Erza. In all honesty she wouldn''t have minded forgetting her meds. It meant she would be sick, but at least she''d have an excuse to use Erza''s ??p. She''s getting off track. "I know that I will find a white and ruby key this time. What I don''t know is what specific key I''ll be finding"


    Erza hummed her interest. "What about this key you say you need to find to help in your search for your siblings? "


    "Demeter" Archer said calmly. "She''s an old goddess. Very old. She''s very connected to the earth and can track down anyone walking on her domain" Archer explained.


    The name was odd, but she had heard it before. Levy spoke of the name once. She had read about some gods in one of her books and was very fascinated with everything she learned within. She would talk about the twelve Olympian gods and Demeter was a mentioned name. If she remembered correctly the bookworm had said that she guaranteed fertility on earth and protected farming and vegetation. Archer''s talk about her being connected to earth was no surprise then.


    "Although Athena could also be of use. She''s very resourceful" Archer said to herself. The keys of the gods is something that came as a surprise to Archer. She had just stumbled upon one on a fateful day. She had found Athena''s key first. She wasn''t very nice to her. Something about mortals not being worthy of the god''s power. It was an odd meeting. Six months later the goddess had reappeared out of the key and deemed her worthy. It was one of the most confusing things to happen to her in this life. To this day she was still confused. She had so many questions that they''d left unanswered.


    They each have their own odd personality that Archer came to accept and grow used to. Ares is almost always angry and loves to pick fights with Apollo. Aphrodite is... Well, she''s Aphrodite. That woman likes to coddle Archer. She would pop up out of nowhere and pamper her. There are times when she flirts with Anna, Irene, Igneel and Weisslogia . Archer sighed. It was sometimes a bit hard to keep them under control because they can fight over anything. And they''re amazingly strong it''s not even funny.


    "Hopefully I find Demeter or Athena on this trip" Archer said as she reclined in her seat. "I don''t like the idea of the others being out on their own. Especially not the youngest of them"


    "How old are the youngest? " Erza asked.


    "They''re toddlers. Wendy is around four years old and the boys are five" Archer informed.


    "Why were they being trained at such a young age? "


    "Potential, I suppose" Archer said truthfully. She herself had found the three to be too young, but they were skilled little munchkins that adapted and grew. They have obvious potential. She remembered the one time Sting and Rogue teamed up to beat up Natsu because the boy ate their food. It was hilarious because that was the day Natsu got his ?ss handed to him by toddlers. It''s a event Gajeel never let''s the boy live down. "They''re really strong , despite their age"


    "Do you miss them? " Erza questioned. At the question Archer stared back out the window, seeming pensive.


    "Well, yes actually. I do" Archer said after some time. Erza wasn''t sur, but Archer''s tone of voice made her think the girl was a bit surprised at her admittance. "Which means I''ve grown attached "


    "Is that bad? "


    Archer hummed and tugged on her scarf. "No not really, I suppose. My family doesn''t get attached to those outside of the "circle" for reasons. Although my parents have no problem with interacting with others. We tend to keep to ourselves.I''m the only one who doesn''t completely follow that rule"


    "Where are your parents? "


    Archer shrugged very casually. She didn''t seem to care too much about the question. "Who knows? They do their thing without informing me. It''s where I got the habit I suppose. I''ll find them when they wish to be found. Or maybe I''ll just stumble upon them one day"


    Archer was so casual about it. She just admitted that she had no clue where her parents were. Erza doesn''t have parents to begin with so she wouldn''t know much. But she did feel that Archer should not have been so casual with it. Maybe it''s just different with her. She is a weird person and Erza was still debating whether or not she was actually human.


    In the end she dismissed it. Archer tends to be odd and she was getting used to that.


    Things were perfectly fine.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Archer was the first to step off the train when it came to a stop. The sun was high in the sky and she basked in it. She took a breath and sighed contently as she started walking down the streets. Trains are so crampt and stuffy. It wasn''t very pleasant. Too many scents mixed together. Too many random sounds. She didn''t like the form of transportation, but she went along with it anyway.


    Soon the two stood in front of a discreet house. It was modest and painted a vibrant blue. Archer stared up at the house, glancing at Erza to make sure they were at the right place. The girl nodded in confirmation so Archer knocked on the door.


    The door was opened by a young man in his early twenties. He raised an eyebrow and Erza showed him the mission sheet. He looked skeptical for a moment, but opened the door wider for them to come in.


    "The job is very simple and just as instructed on the mission sheet" the man began as he stood in what appeared to be the living room of his house. He pulled open a drawer on a desk and retrieved a moderate sized wooden box that he held up. "You need to deliver this box to a friend of mine in the neighboring town"


    Archer held the box in her hands. Her calculating eyes observing and wondering. What is in the box?


    "Can you manage that? " he asked with a stern look.


    "Yes we can"


    "Good. What is in the box is none of your concern. You are not to open it under any circumstances. "


    "Yes sir" Archer said politely as she toyed with the box. "Worry not, we will deliver this box to whomever we need to"


    The man smiled in appreciation and informed them of the receiver of the box. A mister Amethyst. A very rich man. When asked about what type of house to lookout for all the man said was that they would know when they found it.


    ~~~~~~


    Archer was toying with the box in her hand as she and Erza made their way through the forest. The next town was easy enough to reach so no train was needed. If they did plan on going with the train they would have to wait until later in the day. They decided to walk and were sure to make it before nightfall .


    Archer spun the box around in her hand. She had the air of a curious child as she did. She was wondering what was to be found in this little box. It was unassuming. Just a wooden box that was sealed shut. She didn''t try to open it because she was told not to and she would rather get paid for her job. But of course being the observing child she is she was curious. Through observation she found that the box was infused with magic and that what was to be found within was magical. So she concluded that they were escorting a magical artifact to a rich man.


    "A magical artifact. I wonder what it does"


    "The man said not to open the box" Erza said, her voice stern.


    Archer waved her off. "I did no such thing. Observation reveals a lot. I''ve told you this. I can sense the magic infused in the box and also the magic that whatever item within it contains" Archer explained as she glanced at Erza. "Observation is key, Scarlet"


    "Why do you refuse to use my name? "Erza raised an eyebrow. Ever since their meeting Archer had been referring to her as Scarlet. She didn''t know why the girl saw the need to do that. She didn''t even know why she chose that specific name.


    "Does me not using your name bother you? "Archer asked. Her tone was innocent which let Erza know that Archer was genuine with her question.


    "Not necessarily " Erza began. "I just find it odd. Why have you chosen such a nickname for me? "


    "We''ve got a situation "


    Archer was serious and Erza knew to be on guard. She had her hand on the Phoenix sword she took to carrying around more often. She was silent as she watched Archer. She was sure the girl had detected something. She kept her eyes on her for a sign.


    And a sign came.


    Erza was quick to move when she felt a shift in the air. She was quick on her feet and dodged the thick vine that had targeted her. With one swift movement her sword had sliced through the vine, immobilizing it. It fell to the ground unmoving. Erza effortlessly evaded the set of vines that soon targeted her. With each effelortless evasion she introduced her sword to a vine until none was left. She eyed the direction they had come from and sliced the open sir. A red glow sliced through the air in an arc. The grunt of pain she received made Erza know that she had made contact with her target.


    Archer had her free hand in her pocket as she tilted her head to the side. She was not interested in whatever object had flew past her. She kept her eyes on the three men that appeared in front of her.


    "Hand over the box kid" one ordered, drawing a bow.


    Archer said nothing. Instead she threw the box into the air, gathering the men''s attention. Her now free hand found its place in her other pocket and she casually walked towards the three men. One of them was quick to attack with some odd form of magic. She evaded it easily enough and pushed off the ground.


    She was too fast for them to follow. Before they even knew what was happening each was sent tumbling down to the ground with a firm kick to their temples.


    Archer landed back in her original spot and caught the descending box. She turned her attention to Erza to see her topple the last of the three that attacked her. She had one at the end of her blade, a glare aimed at him. Archer smiled as she approached the frightful man.


    "It''s best you tell me why you were after this box. We don''t want to know how sharp that sword is, do we? " Archer raised an eyebrow.


    The man knew better than to do anything else. His magic was not responding to his command. It hurt when he tried to use it. He was very aware of the fact that the children in front of him far outclass him.


    "We were hired" the man was quick to spill. The look that Archer was giving him was unnerving. She eyed him as if he was some object. Something she could use and dispose of. It sent a shiver running down his spine.


    "By who? "


    He hesitated and the blade at his neck pressed harder against his flesh.


    "A rich guy. His name is Everet Rourke. He promised us one million jewels if we manage to get the box"


    Archer continued to eye him. Her eyes judging.


    "I''m telling the truth. That''s all I know. I swear" the man tried to sell his case. "Don''t hurt me"


    Wasn''t Everet Rourke the name of the cake killer they faced on their first mission?


    "You''ve learned how to control the sword in such a short time. Impressive " Archer complimented. The first time Erza had zero control over the sword. That is why her first target was left unconscious. With control over the sword one can determine how much damage is done to a user''s magic by regulating the magic within the sword itself.


    Erza had smiled at the compliment. She had been testing the sword since its first use and learned to slightly manipulate its magic.


    Archer noted the smile on Erza''s face and smiled herself. She didn''t think the girl would appreciate the compliment that much. It was absentminded on her part. Erza had looked at her and she raised an eyebrow.


    "You were about to tell me why you call me Scarlet before those men appeared" Erza reminded. It seems she hadn''t forgotten.


    Archer could only let out a small laugh at the question.


    "It''s my favorite color" Archer pointed out, motioning to the scarf at her neck and the guild mark on her shoulder. "Like most shades of red the color is ?ssociated with courage, passion, heat, and joy"


    "I don''t see what it being your favorite color has to do with me" Erza said blankly.


    "It''s the color of your hair"


    Erza blinked at the statement and took a strand of her hair between her fingers. She observed the string of hair and looked to Archer''s scarf. How had she not noticed that before? She looked to Archer, who she knew was smiling under that mask.


    "I see"


    "Yup" Archer was cheerful. "You just so happen to have the hair the shade of my favorite color. It''s quite beautiful and I won''t ever forget who it belongs to"


    "You won''t? "


    "Most definitely not and that I promise you"


    Erza suddenly took interest in the dirt they walked on as she felt heat rise to her face. She couldn''t help her reaction.


    That''s the nicest thing anyone ever said to her.

 Chapter 12

    "Ah, welcome. Come on in"


    The girls were welcomed into the mansion they easily stumbled upon when they entered the next village. Their contractor was not kidding when he said they would know the place when they found it. They had made it before sundown, but it would not be long before night met them. They would need to find a place to spend the night.


    Archer was quick to deduce that the person who opened the door for them was the butler. The way he dressed and spoke was enough for her to figure that out. Both her and Erza were quiet. Actually the redhead had been quiet since they spoke of her nickname. At first Archer was thinking that maybe she ended up making her uncomfortable again, but her thoughts changed when she observed better. She wasn''t uncomfortable. She was embarrassed and happy? Archer didn''t know why she would be happy. Embarrassment was understandable. Happy was questionable. The child being the person she was wanted to know why she was happy. She started to run multiple theories through her mind all the while staring at the person holding her attention. It took her some time, but she understood at last.


    She was happy because of what she had said.


    Archer can be slow when it came to emotions. Human emotion was hard to understand and she was just getting familair with the basics. She couldn''t understand why she lacked understanding of emotions in the beginning of her new life. She had them before in her last life. She had lots of feeling. So many. But in her new life it took a few years to understand, recognize and develop emotions. It was explained to her why things were how they were though. So she came to accept things as they were.


    It helped that she clung to the memory of her last life. She remembered how certain emotions felt and what they were and such. It wasn''t as hard as it should have been to start to understand and develop them. She understood the basics. Anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. Basics. She wasn''t to the point of understanding others or deeper emotions. For good reason apparently.


    She sighed. Basics is what she has to start off with. Stronger emotions aren''t something she could control yet. Her parents said it''s because she''s still young and as skilled as she is when it comes to her magic she would not be able to control them if she dived into deeper emotions. So she kept it at that and wasn''t constantly trying to discover emotion.


    She strayed from the main topic.


    "The wizards, sir"


    At those words the man smiled brightly and motioned for the children to join him. The butler lead them to a place at the dining table, pulling back their chairs for them.


    "I ?ssume you have the object? "


    Archer nodded and displayed the box. It was taken by the butler, who dutifully brought it to his master. He stood at his side, his face stoic.


    Classic butler.


    "Splendid. Job well done young ones. Go on, eat. I''ve ordered the chef to prepare the best of the best. You''re free to eat anything at the table" the man said happily as he eyed the box given to him.


    He was giving off an air of pure friendliness that Archer trusted. She retrieved a slice of strawberry cake and placed a plate in front of Erza, motioning for her to eat up.


    "Thank you for your hospitality " the two said politely.


    "Such polite children" the man laughed. "It''s my p???sur? to entertain you. You''ve safely delivered something meaningful to me"


    Such a friendly man. It''s interesting to find such a man. Mostly the rich men end up being snobbish jerks.


    "It''s getting late so you would have to spend a night in the village. I offer you a night at my estate as my thanks" the man said a bit more seriously. "This box contains a family heirloom of sorts. A magical artifact that has been in my family for years"


    "May I ask why it was with our contractor ? "Erza asked after she had finished eating a fourth strawberry.


    "Your contractor is a dear friend of mine. It was with him for multiple reasons" the man said. It was obvious that was as much as he planned on telling her.


    "On our way here we were attacked by bandits. They were hired to steal the box by an Everet Rourke " Archer brought up.


    Brief anger and distaste flashed through the man''s violet eyes. He sighed and silently sipped his wine.


    "Than disgraceful man has been at my throat for impossibly long now"


    "What does he want with the artifact? "


    "His only interest is money. He wants to sell the artifact to the highest bidder. It would pull in quite some money. He''s been trying to convince me to give it to him, but I refused. I am determined to keep this artifact within my family for years to come"


    Now that Everet sounds like the kind of rich guy one would expect. Well at least he sounded like the type Archer would expect.


    "What are your names? I imagine those bandits were strong. It''s not the first time such a thing happened , I''m impressed no harm came to the box."


    "Erza"


    "Archer "


    "Erza and Archer of Fairy Tail. I will remember you and what you have done for me" Mr. Amethyst said with gratitude. He then eyed Archer curiously. "I hope you don''t mind me asking whether you''re a boy or girl. It''s very hard to tell and your name gives no hints"


    Archer expected as much.


    "I''m a girl. I''m used to getting such questions it''s fine"


    "Ah, if you say so. Also, why do you not eat? Do you not wish to reveal your face? "


    Archer nodded.


    "Well we can''t have you going to bed on an empty stomach. Feel free to take as much food as you want to your room"


    "Thank you"


    Erza was seated on the king sized bed of the guest room given to her and Archer. They ended up sharing a room again. And again there was one bed. They could have had separate rooms. The man had plenty of space. But for some reason Erza suggested one room. Why? She didn''t know. She just said it without actually realizing it until she ended up in the room. Now she could only watch Archer hapilly enjoy the ?ssortment of food she had escorted to their room. She even had a strawberry cake brought over for Erza along with a bowl full of strawberries.


    "I did not expect you to want to share a room" Archer suddenly said, not looking at Erza. "Glad you like me so much" she chuckled.


    Erza said nothing. She didn''t know why she said that. Thinking about it maybe she wanted them to share a room because of the comfort Archer had brought her on their first mission. She had slept without suffering through her prominent nightmare. Maybe that''s why. She just craved the warmth and comfort.


    It was embarrising.


    It had only been five or six days since the two met. She didn''t understand why she was so trusting of the other. She has been nothing but trusting. She found it hard not to like her oddness.


    "Strawberry? " Archer asked as she munched on one herself.


    Erza moved herself to sit next to Archer on her self claimed side of the bed.


    "I was thoughtful enough to bring some chocolate fondue along" Archer said cheerfully as she dipped another strawberry into the chocolate mixture. "It goes very well with your favorite fruit"


    Erza was delighted by that. She was happy to join Archer. There was a comfortable silence between the two as they enjoyed the sweet desert. Archer had a big smile on her face and was happily humming a familiar tune to herself.


    "You really love music" Erza noted. When she was with Archer on their last mission she had witnessed the girl buy two different types of guitar. A keyboard. A drum set and some odd device she dubbed a launchpad. Why she would need them all was beyond her. She must be capable of playing each instrument. If that wasn''t an obvious sign of her love of music than the happy smile she wore when she hummed was a give away. Erza may not have been able to see her face, but she was sure the other was smiling when she played the piano for the guild.


    Archer glanced at her, a bit in thought. "Love? "


    "Yes, you love music. You''re always so happy when you hum your tunes. And you were very happy when you played the piano" Erza said.


    Archer looked back to her food and continued to eat. Love. She loved music? She furrowed her brows. What does love even feel like? She did realize that there were different forms of love. Some much stronger than others. There are eight types she''s familiar with. Unconditional Love. Romanic Love. Affectionate Love. Self-love. Familiar Love. Enduring Love. Playful Love. Obsessive Love.


    She couldn''t fit love for music into any of the eight types she knew. She was confused for a moment. Love of music. She hummed and continued to eat. She wouldn''t look too deep into it. It was a weaker form of the emotion so she was fine. There are certain types she is free to experience. Others not so much. She knows which is good and which is bad. Which she can handle and which she cannot.


    It''s odd having boundaries when it comes to emotions. It was because of who she was and the powers she had. They are strongly connected to emotions. All magic is. But unlike most she couldn''t control her magic when certain emotions are put into play. That is why she was limited to basic human emotions. She was not allowed to dive deeper, hence her odd behavior.


    Archer was suddenly looking at Erza. More specifically she had her attention focused on her right eye. She had been thinking about the loss of her eye for some time. She wanted to help. She had an artificial, but that''s a major difference from her real eye. It wasn''t filled with emotion. It wasn''t as bright. It wasn''t exactly the same shade of brown even though it may appear the way. She could tell. She could help. She knew all sorts of magic. Restoring a lost eye was easy enough for her.


    "Scarlet"


    The minute the nickname left her mouth her senses were alert. She looked away from the curious redhead and towards the nearest window. She was quickly on her feet and pulling on her mask as she made her way towards the window. She opened it and leaned out of it. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes she focused.


    "We''ve got trouble. A group of men invaded the estate " Archer reported . One smells like a rich man. The scent of money, wine and jewelry was all over him. "They''re here for the box"


    Erza didn''t need to know anymore. She stole one last strawberry before striding out the door. Archer followed, using her good sense of smell and hearing to locate the group. They had scattered.


    "We''ll split up" Erza said when they came to stand at hallways forming a T.


    Archer nodded. They''d get around better that way. "Careful" is all she said as she went down the right hallway.


    Erza took left.


    ~~~~~~~


    Ten steps down her chosen hallway and she was attacked. She was as fast as ever and evaded the first bandit followed by the next two coming at her. They weren''t using magic. Were they not wizards?


    She didn''t stop to ponder. She was quick to handle each of them, making sure they were out cold. It was easy enough and she was left standing over them. Why did they not send wizards this time? It seems ridiculous to send non magic users to do the job. Maybe Everet did not think Erza and Archer stuck around.


    Either way it was a big mistake.


    ~~~~~~~~~


    Archer was quick to locate and handle every bandit in her way. With them taken care of she focused on the scent of the dirty rich man. She was not happy to find it very close to the scent of Mr. Amethyst. She was quick on her feet as she ran through the mansion. She was fast enough. As fast as she needed to be. She came to a stop in front of grand doors. Must be a special room.


    She shrugged and casually kicked the door open.


    Standing within were an unknown man and Mr. Amethyst. He was wrapped tightly within what could be shadows? It was questionable. The man using the magic had the familiar box in hand and a devious smile on his face. He did not at all seem worried about Archer''s presence.


    "Finally" he chuckled. "You had your chance to earn some big money and you passed it up. I''ll be very happy to take this off your hands"


    He was very ???ky. He was obviously ignoring Archer. The girl had slid her hands in her pockets. Automatic actions. She took a step and the man finally looked at her.


    "Don''t try to be a hero kid. We don''t want you going home with a booboo" the man joked while shadows crept towards the unaffected Archer.


    "Oh believe me, I''m not the one who''ll be needing their mother" Archer said calmly as she continued to walk towards the man.


    "Don''t mock me kid"


    The shadows shot towards he, but she kept walking. His magic was nothing. His shadows were nothing. When they got within three feet distance of her they evaporated immediately. The man was shocked and sent more shadows at her , but alas none came close. He started to panic. His shadows increasing their grip on Mr. Amethyst.


    Archer was not listening to his threat to hurt Mr. Amethyst. He really couldn''t because the shadows evaporated at her will. She was smiling under her mask as she read the man''s body language. He was ready to run.


    Too bad.


    "No running away" Archer said as if she was scolding a child. "Freeze"


    And he did. He couldn''t move a muscle. He could do nothing to stop Archer from retrieving the box and handing it to its true owner.


    "That was easy" she said casually. "He''ll be like that for as long as you wish , sir"


    "I must thank you. You saved my life" the ?du?t bowed his head in thanks only to get a casual wave.


    "It''s alright"


    "Ah, but I must show my gratitude in some way"


    Archer hummed and looked around the room. It seemed to be the place he stored his priceless collections. Her eyes landed on a glass case containing what she was in search of. Two of her keys embedded in stone.


    "Those keys. May I have them"


    Mr. Amethyst furrowed his brows as he followed her gaze. "Those keys? "


    "Yes"


    "I''m not sure you can take them. One of them is impossibly hot and the other sinks into the stone when anyone tries to take it"


    Before Archer could answer Erza walked into the room. She had her sword at her hip and was eating some cake. She must''ve stopped by their room


    "Easy pickings, were they not? "Archer asked.


    "Yes. Very easy "


    Archer chuckled and directed her attention back to her keys. She approached them.


    "May I try to take them? "


    Mr. Amethyst nodded. It''s the least he can do. If Archer wanted to try he would let her. If she manages to get the keys he would let her keep them. He was no celestial mage so they would just be sitting there.


    Archer opened the glass case and eyed her keys. She was smiling as she touched the ruby key. Its temperature incredibly high but not hot enough to harm her. She pulled it out of its place in the red stone it was stuck in. Next was the white key. Upon touching it the stone it was within shifted, presenting the key to her.


    She ran a thumb over each key.


    "Igneel and Demeter"


    Perfect.

 Chapter 13

    Archer and Erza had retreated back to their room. Archer was in a very good mood and Erza enjoyed the unknown tune she hummed. She was happily eyeing her new keys and had said that she would be summoning them when they returned to their room. Erza had gotten a glimpse of them. The ruby key looked somewhat like the last. The difference being that it had flames and embers engraved on it. Also Erza could feel the heat coming off it just like she felt the cold coming off Glacier''s key. The white key had more intricate designs and looked very elegant. She couldn''t describe further than that. It just had a unique look to it.


    Once they were in their room Archer sat on their bed and looked between the two keys. Apparently she was trying to decide who to summon first. She hummed and held up Demeter''s key. She''s a goddess and a pretty elderly figure, so she went first. Respect the elderly. Archer didn''t need to say anything special to summon the goddess. She didn''t need to say anything at all. She never did. They would appear when she pushed just the tiniest bit of magic into their keys.


    There was a bright glow in the room that prompted Erza to shield her eyes. Why must there always be a blinding light?


    When the light faded and she opened her eyes she was met with an incredibly beautiful woman. She blinked in disbelief. She had never seen a woman as beautiful as the brunette she was staring at. Her hair was as brown as the earth and flowing all the way down to her feet. Her eyes the green of summer leaves. She had a wise smile on pink lips. Her skin fair and clear of any blemishes. Her form mesmerizing. Her dress was a mix of green and white that fit her body perfectly.


    Didn''t Archer say something about Demeter being am old goddess?


    The woman in front of her looked to be in her twenties.


    "Little Archer, how good it is to see you again"


    Wow. Even her voice was out of this world. She was sure she never heard a voice as soft as her own.


    She truly was a goddess.


    "It''s a p???sur? seeing you again as well, Demeter"


    The woman hummed as she eyed the young girl. "Rid yourself of that mask, child" Demeter spoke as a mother would speak to her child. Her gaze stern yet loving as she watched Archer.


    Archer sighed and did as told. The mask was removed and Demeter smiled. She sat next to Archer on the bed and carresed her cheek.


    "Let me see those fangs of yours"


    Archer looked as if she wanted to protest, but a look from the woman stopped her. She grumbled like the child she was and b?r?d her fangs for the woman to inspect. She hummed as she observed them.


    "You''ve taken good care of them. Good girl"


    Archer sighed. Demeter was such a motherly figure. It was hard enough to deal with her own mother.


    "Have you been taking care of yourself? "


    "Yes"


    Demeter eyed her for some time. Archer didn''t look at her. It was interesting to see Archer truly act like a child. Specifically a child who was either embarrassed or annoyed by the attention Demeter fed her.


    "I''ll believe you for now" The woman kissed her forehead like any mother would.


    Erza didn''t even know what to do when those green eyes landed on her. The woman was staring at her kindly. Within a blink of an eye she was in front of her and gazing at her the same way she gazed at Archer. She was truly a motherly figure.


    "Ah, Erza" Demeter said knowingly as she looked the girl in the eyes. She frowned as she rested a hand on the child''s right cheek. "What happened to your eye, child? "


    Erza flinched at the question, the bad memories started to resurface and she closed her eyes. Her eye was a constant reminder of the life she managed to escape and those she left behind. It was hard to think about and those bad memories only make themselves known in her dreams. But now she was awake and they were coming back.


    "Terrible memories" Demeter said with a sad smile as her thumb stroked Erza''s cheek softly. She was comforting the child. She seemed to have brought up some bad memories. While she could easily view them she decided against it.


    Her eyes then went back to Archer and the girl shrunk away from her gaze with a nervous smile.


    "Why have you not helped this child? " Demeter asked with a scolding gaze.


    "Um... Well.. "


    "You could have easily restored her eye. Why have you not? "


    "I was going to" Archer defended. "I just didn''t know how to go about it without making her uncomfortable. I didn''t want to make her think about what lead to her losing her eye" Archer said truthfully.


    "Close your eyes, I will restore what has been lost" Demeter said softly.


    Erza couldn''t disobey. Her tone of voice was so comforting to her. She found herself trusting the woman and loving her presence.


    Archer sat back, looking like a disappointed puppy. She didn''t like being scolded. She was a child despite everything else and no child likes being scolded by or disappointing their parents. Demeter may not be her true mother, but she started seeing her as a second mother at some point. Her real mother always found it amusing.


    Her red eyes followed Demeter''s every movement. She closed her eyes and uttered some silent words. Archer didn''t know how her magic works, but she can heal anything. Demeter is the one who helped her learn healing magic , and a very strong type to boot. So she sat silently as she watched the soft green glow appear near Erza''s right eye. She smiled slightly. Erza would have her eye back. She was sure she would be happy. She didn''t know what it was like to have an artificial eye, but she knew her vision was not what it was. That was for sure.


    When the glow faded Demeter was smiling as she pushed Erza''s bangs away from her eye


    "You can open your eyes now"


    Archer almost panicked when Erza released tears soon after opening her eyes. Why was she crying? She questioned it, running theories through her head. It was when she hugged Demeter that she calmed down. She realized that they were happy tears. She sighed in relief.


    Erza couldn''t help her tears. She had her eye back. It wasn''t artificial. It wasn''t lifeless. It was her real eye. She didn''t know what type of magic Demeter performed, but she was grateful. She had noticed the change immediately. Vision from the artificial eye was dull. It lacked the vibrance her real eye fed her. It lacked the brightness. She was happy to have those back. She couldn''t help hugging the woman. She didn''t think about the fact fact she just met her or that she was a goddess. She was just so happy.


    "No need for tears little one" Demeter said tenderly as she wiped the tears away. As she did more tears were produced to replace the ones she had discarded. She giggled at Erza''s effort to stop her tears.


    Demeter made sure Erza stayed in her ??p even when she stopped the tears. She had tried to get off her, but the woman was having none of it. Archer couldn''t help her laugh when Erza''s head was placed on Demeter''s sizable ?h?st. The girl went red in the face with embarrassment. This made Demeter shoot a warning look at Archer and the laughing immediately stopped. She cleared her throat and looked away.


    "When do you plan on retrieving your siblings? " Demeter asked.


    Even she started seeing them as siblings.


    "I need to know where they are to find them. That''s why I really needed to find you. Would you please locate them for me? "


    "Of course. It won''t do having them out in the world on their own. Especially not little Wendy. She must be frightened" Demeter said with worry and suddenly stood off the bed. Erza yelped and clung to the woman in the sudden action.


    "You know, you''re treating Erza like a baby"


    "Don''t be jealous I''ve shown you enough attention."


    "I am not jealous" Archer huffed as she too climbed out of bed. She grumbled when Demeter disappeared. She knew where the goddess went though. She pulled on her mask and jumped out the window.


    "What have I told you about windows? There are doors for a reason" Demeter scolded when Archer landed next to her.


    "It was the quickest way to get to you"


    Erza was standing next to the kind goddess. She was looking around, basking in her restored sight. Everything was even now. She couldn''t help the happy smile on her face. Her attention was broken by a familiar soft green light that started to emit from Demeter''s body. She was again speaking silent words as she worked her magic. Erza looked on in question, glancing at Archer for an answer. The girl only smiled and stood by patiently.


    When the glow faded the woman sighed with a faint smile.


    "They are very far, but Wendy is the closest "


    Archer nodded and quickly fished for her new key. She would be needing Igneel''s help. Well she could call Glacier, but it would only be fair to finally release Igneel into the world. She toyed with the key in her palm before holding it before her.


    "Alright Igneel" Archer said cheerfully. "Come forth Igneel, king of the fire dragons"


    Erza already knew what would take place. When she saw the blazing red magic circle appear she knew to turn around to avoid the bright light. There was an incredible increase in temperature that would have worried her had her the magic from her sword not keep her cool enough to not be affected by the heat.


    "Freedom!" Igneel shouted the minute he manifested near them. He took a deep breath of the night air, grinning brightly.


    Erza looked at him and sighed. Why is he also shirtless? Glacier was understandable, somewhat. Igneel being shirtless had no explanation. The man was very tan and scars littered his well built body. His hair was fire red and pulled back messily with spikes pointing in every direction. All he wore were a pair of baggy red pant. Literally that''s it. He wore no shoes. No shirt. Nothing except for the pants.


    "You don''t know what it''s like being trapped in that weird world you created" Igneel said with a good natured laugh. He chuckled as he ruffled Archer''s hair, messing up the pony tail she had pulled it into. She swatted his hand away.


    "You may love the messy hair style but not me" Archer said calmly as she worked on fixing her hair.


    "Why in the world are you shirtless, dragon? "Demeter asked with raised eyebrow. "Is this how you present yourself in front of children? You should be ashamed "


    Igneel waved her off, not affected at all. "I don''t see the big deal. They don''t seem to care"


    They really couldn''t care. Archer was used to seeing him and almost every other male dragon shirtless. And Erza was used to seeing a n?k?d Gray. This was nothing new.


    "Even so, you must compose yourself better around children. You''ll give people the wrong idea if you were to be seen" Demeter said with a sagely nod.


    "She''s got a very good point" Erza and Archer agreed.


    "You may be looked upon as a creep"


    "I see" Igneel seemed to be in thought for a moment. "I still don''t feel like wearing a shirt though "


    "Do as you wish" Archer said with a shrug.


    "So, where''s Natsu? "


    "Magnolia"


    "Magnolia"


    "Yes, we joined a guild by the name of Fairy Tail"


    "Oh" Igneel nodded. "So what do you need me for? "


    "Actually I need your dragon form. We''ll be hunting down the other slayers. Demeter located them and said that Wendy was close by"


    "Grandeeny''s kid" Igneel stated. "Alright"


    "We can''t have you transforming here though. You''ll be spotted. Let''s find a secluded spot"


    ~~~~~~


    Erza''s heart was beating out of her ?h?st as the night wind blew in her hair. She was holding onto Archer for dear life, not daring to look down. Archer seemed amused by her apprehension. She was not affected by the events because she had ridden on dragon back multiple times. Next to that she could fly herself, something she didn''t do often.


    "You''re holding onto me pretty tight there"


    Erza said nothing. Her eyes were closed as she refused to look down. It was terrifying. It was new. She felt like the wind can carry her away if she let go of Archer, who for some reason was not affected by the strong wind. She didn''t know how to hold onto the dragon so she clung to Archer.


    Demeter sat nearby, enjoying the ride as much as Archer was. She could understand Erza fright. The wind was strong and holding onto dragon scales is hard and odd. Only those used to it know how to go about it.


    "There is no need to be afraid, Erza" the woman tried to reassure the child to no avail. She did not loosen her grip on Archer and she did not open her eyes. Instead she buried her face in the crook of Archer''s neck, to said girl''s amusement.


    She didn''t think Erza would be so afraid of riding on the dragon. That''s a new discovery.


    "She doesn''t seem to trust those words" Archer stated.


    "I can see that"


    Archer hummed and looked ahead of her. She enjoyed the cool night wind. It was nice flying in the night. One could always view the stars.


    "Scarlet, at least open your eyes. You won''t fall. You''re holding onto me after all" Archer said, a voice reassuring and very amused at the last sentence.


    Erza muttered something. Archer hardly heard it. She was refusing to open her eyes


    "Come now. Enjoy the night sky. It might look different now that you have your true right eye back"


    Again muttered words signaling her refusal to open her eyes.


    Archer sighed, but didn''t push it.


    "Oh well, you''ll have to face your new found fear at some point. This won''t be your last time hitching a ride with Igneel"


    The groan of displeasure she received made her laugh.


    Erza was amusing.

 Chapter 14

    A familiar scent was presented to the ever observant Archer. There were two scents. The familair being that of sweet little Wendy. She smiled upon receiving the scent. She frowned at the smell of the other. She didn''t recognize it and it wasn''t bad. It was interesting. She had an idea as to who it was and knew that Erza could not see the person. It was most likely edo Jellal who was kind enough to look after Wendy as they traveled. She appreciated that. She may not like earth land Jellal, but she was a fan of edo Jellal. She needed to get Wendy herself. Erza would have to let go of her if she planned on doing such a thing.


    "I''ll go get her" she said determined as she rested her own hands on Erza''s. She was gentle when she made her release her firm grip. "Cling to Demeter for a moment"


    The ease with which Erza was casually lifted and placed into Demeters arms was embarrassing to her. That didn''t last because she had looked down. Big mistake. She''s never flying again.


    "Are you going after her on your own kid? " Igneel''s voice boomed. "Want me to drop you off? "


    "No, I''ll be fine" Archer said as she stood on Igneel''s head. She gazed down at the earth, her hands in her pockets. She took a deep breath and sighed. The night air was amazing. With that she casually stepped off the dragon.


    Her face was neutral as gravity pulled her down with a force. She only stared down at the quickly approaching earth with calm eyes. How many times had she dived off dragons? It was a stupid game the boys used to like playing and she would come along only to make sure none of them died.


    When she was close to the ground red flames erupted from her feet slowing her descent considerably.The flames were soon to go and she landed softly on her feet. She tilted her head, sniffing out the familiar scent. She hoped Jellal didn''t attack her thinking she was hostile. She followed the scent, easily adapting to the night. Her eyes seemed to glow in the night. Maybe they were. Maybe they were just that bright. She spotted Igneel flying over head, making sure to stay close.


    After a minute or so of wandering through the forest she came face to face with an apprehensive Jellal. He looked on guard and took a step back. He had a sleeping Wendy in his arms.


    Archer raised both hands as a sign of friendliness. Jellal stared at her for some time. Debating whether or not to trust her.


    "Who are you? "


    "Archer"


    At the name he looked at her with new eyes. Recognition.


    "Do you know a little girl named Wendy?" He asked.


    Archer nodded with a hidden smile. "Yes,I was looking for her for some time and followed her scent to you" Archer eyed the sleeping toddler. "I''m glad to see you''re so protective of her"


    "She talks about you a lot " the boy said with a fond smile.


    "Yeah? She probably talks about Natsu, Gajeel and the twins too. And Grandeeny as well" Archer said, fondness in her voice. "Wendy isn''t used to being alone and I''m glad you found her. You seem like a nice person"


    Jellal nodded. "I couldn''t leave her alon, but she can''t continue to travel with me" he said a bit disappointed. "I love having her around. She''s like a little sister, but.. my travels are dangerous"


    The boy was careful as he repositioned the young girl. He approached Archer slowly and careful not to trip on any tree roots. He let out a sigh as he slipped the sleeping toddler into Archer''s arms. He smiled when he saw her cuddle into the other, tiny hands gripping her scarf.


    "Thanks for taking care of her" Archer was genuine with her thanks as she held Wendy carefully


    "It''s alright " Jellal made to walk away when he seemed to suddenly remember something. He dropped his backpack to the ground and rummaged through it.


    He pulled out a ruby key. She suspected he had one. The pull was strong. She hadn''t been focusing on it until that moment.


    "When we were traveling through some odd cave we found this. For some reason there was a hurricane in the cave, I don''t understand that. " the boy said with confusion. "Anyway. I handled it and we found this key. She said it was one of your keys so I retrieved it. She was really happy when I did. She wanted to give it to you as a gift apparently " Jellal placed the key in Archer''s palm.


    "She did,huh? " Archer observed the key. How lucky. Wendy found the key of her dragon. She chuckled. The child would be very happy. "Thanks again"


    Jellal turned his back to her, picking up his backpack he started to walk away. Archer watched him go, deep in thought. She liked the boy. She always liked Edo Jellal. She wanted to thank him. She already did, but maybe she can gift him something .


    "Hold on" Archer called after him and was quick to catch up to him. "You''re from Edolas, aren''t you? "


    At the statement the boy froze in shock. He looked at Archer, her eyes were knowing. He nodded, slowly.


    "How do you know that? "


    "I know a lot of things. We Phoenix make it our business to know what happens on Earthland"


    Again the boy was surprised. Phoenix. That explains her unnatural eyes that seemed to glow in the dark.


    "You''re.. "


    "Yeah"


    "I see" He looked to the ground for a moment. He then realized something. "I never introduced myself. I''m Jellal"


    "Well you already know who I am" Archer said with a chuckle. "Anyways. I just wanted to thank you, so... " Archer trailed off and carefully held the sleeping Wendy in one arm while she plucked Jellal''s staff from his backpack. She focused and her hand and the staff glowed for a moment. When the glow faded the wooden staff was now the red of her eyes and had a Phoenix engraved in it. She smiled proudly and handed it back to him


    "What did you do? "


    "You now have the very rare magic of us Phoenix " Archer said proudly. "I made sure the former magic of the staff remained as well"


    Jellal was amazed as he held the staff in his hand. He had gained the magic of a Phoenix. It was rare indeed. In fact he wasn''t sure they existed. He didn''t even know if the Phoenix were real creatures or if they were just humans with such odd abilities. He didn''t think he would meet one of them.


    "Thank you. I never thought I would ever come close to such magic"


    "You''re welcome. It''s only fair" Archer smiled and looked down at Wendy. "I don''t feel right about just taking her. She would be sad to not have a chance to say goodbye"


    "It''s alright. It''s for the best"


    Archer hummed and ran a hand through Wendy''s short hair.It didn''t feel right to her. She stroked her cheek gently. She needed to say goodbye.


    "Wendy"


    "Please don''t wake her" Jellal said with worry.


    "She must say goodbye"


    Jellal was worried. He didn''t want to make things harder than they already were. He could do nothing as Archer gently woke the child.


    Brown eyes fluttered open and she stared up blearily. She blinked as she met phoenix red eyes. They were familair. She didn''t need to see behind the mask to recognize Archer. Tears welled in her eyes when she saw the older girl.


    "Hey Wendy" Archer pulled down her mask to smile at the girl.


    "Big sister! " Wendy clung tightly to the older girl. She had her tiny arms and legs wrapped securely around the smiling Archer. "I missed you so much"


    "I missed you too WenWen" Archer chuckled at the nickname the younger was given by her and everyone else. She glanced at Jellal who was smiling at the scene. She grinned back and decided to get Wendy''s attention.


    "Wendy, you have to say goodbye to Jellal" Archer said as gently as she could.


    At the words the younger girl abruptly turned in Archer''s arms. Luckily Archer was strong and fast enough to react to the action so the girl did not fall or even come close to it.


    "You can come too" Wendy said to Jellal. She said that, but they both knew that was not happening. "He can come , right Archy? "


    Archer sighed as she adjusted the girl in her arms. "I''m sorry, he has his own journey to traverse"


    Jellal smiled an apologetic smile and patted the child''s head. The way she was looking at him was heartbreaking. She was on the verge of tears again. This is why he preferred she not be awake to see him leave.


    Wendy struggled in Archer''s arm and the girl let her fall into Jellal''s arms. She clung to him just as she had clung to Archer before. She was sobbing as she clutched his shirt.


    "It''s alright. We''ll see eachother again, I promise"


    ~~~~~~~


    Wendy was tearful as she watched Jellal walk away. She was safely in Archer''s warm arms, but even then she felt sad. She had come to see Jellal as an older brother in their short time together. She didn''t want him to go, but he needed to. There was something he needed to do and she couldn''t come with.


    "Will I really see him again? "


    "Yes, of course. He promised" Archer reassured as the girl twisted in her arms. She was clinging to her tightly ,seemingly afraid to let go. She mumbled something as she burried her face in Archer''s ?h?st.


    Archer proceeded to walk through the forest until she spotted Igneel. Wendy had fallen asleep in her arms at some point and was oblivious to the happenings around her. When the dragon was spotted Archer propelled herself into the air and landed softly on Igneel''s head. She was keeping Wendy warm in her arms so the cold breeze would not bother the child.


    "Thanks again for the help Igneel"


    "Anytime kid"


    Archer easily walked on Igneel''s scally back and came to sit next to Demeter and Erza. Demeter had the girl seated in her ??p. She still seemed a bit frightened, but her eyes were no longer closed. She focused on Archer when she sat next to her. Soon enough her eyes went to the sleeping toddler.


    "Wendy? " she asked.


    "Yeah" Archer shifted the sleeping girl in her arms, careful not to wake her. "The youngest of us"


    Erza stared at the little girl. She looked very peaceful in Archer''s arms. Her small hands were clutching Archer''s scally scarf and she was curled towards the older girl. She was probably attracted to the heat Archer naturally radiates


    "She''s cute"


    "I know right? " Archer smiled as she looked down at Wendy. "She''s precious and I''m never leaving her alone ever again"


    Erza giggled at the protective nature Archer started to show.


    "A true elder sister" Demeter said proudly and patted Archer on her head. "We should return now. You children need your sleep. You are still growing so you need to make sure to sleep on time"


    Archer sighed when Demeter started to mother her again.


    "I know. I know" she waved her off only to earn a pinch on the cheek. "Woman! "


    "Don''t get cheeky" Demeter warned.


    "Don''t pinch me" Archer pouted in her slight anger.


    "You should show more manners. Your mother and I taught you better"


    Archer rolled her eyes and didn''t look at the woman. "Sorry"


    "Good girl" Demeter brightened immediately and patted Archer on the head again.


    Erza just sat there and watched their interaction. Archer was a true child around the woman. It was funny to watch. She actually apologized for misbehaving. Erza couldn''t help her giggle.


    "You are such a child"


    "Uh.. I''m ten" Archer said confused. "Of course I''m a child"


    "No, I mean" Erza looked at her to find genuine confusion on her face. She was not expecting the cuteness of it. She didn''t have her mask on so she could see the confused frown she had on her face. She looked away and tried to hold in the laugh she felt coming. "You really are a child"


    "I don''t understand. Am I missing something? "


    Erza giggled and couldn''t look at the face Archer was making. It was cute. She was not expecting it and she didn''t know why it was so funny to her.


    "You seem to amuse Erza. "Demeter commented.


    "Why is she amused? I''m confused"


    Demeter suppressed her own giggle as she looked at Archer''s confused expression. "It''s alright"


    Archer said nothing and just watched Erza giggle to herself. What was so funny?


    ~~~~~~~~


    Archer sighed from her place on the king sized bed. It was so soft and comfy. Demeter had left them some time ago, she had returned to wherever it is she goes when she retreats to her key. Igneel left as well. He said something about teaching Glacier a lesson. So it was just Erza, Wendy and Archer.


    Wendy was placed on the bed and Archer glanced at her sleeping form. She couldn''t help but smile. She just needed to hunt down three more of her siblings and she would be content.


    She felt the bed shift and rolled over to face Erza, who was now dressed in some casual pajamas. Archer had on a hoodie and shorts and seemed very comfy.


    "Tonight was exhausting" Erza mumbled as she buried her face in a soft pillow. "I can''t believe I flew on an actual dragon. It''s a terrifying experience "


    "You''ll get used to it" Archer reassured. "It''s fun"


    Erza said nothing to that. Archer may find it to be fun, but she was not used to it. She didn''t want to experience it again


    "Question"


    Erza hummed, hugging a pillow. She was really comfortable. The bed was amazing.


    "What was so funny earlier? "


    Erza smiled and hid her face in her pillow. It was funny how Archer could not figure out what she meant when she was such an observant child.


    "Nothing"


    "Don''t lie"


    "It''s nothing"


    Archer let out a breath but didn''t push. She just lay there on her back and stared at the ceiling. She looked to Wendy when she felt the toddler roll into her.


    "Archy" the toddler mumbled as she sleepily climbed on top of her. She said something unintelligible as she fell asleep on top of her.


    "She''s really cute" Erza said again, having witnessed the entire scene. "You have a nickname"


    Archer adopted a look when Erza mentioned the nickname.


    "This stays between you and me"


    "Archy" the name was adorable.


    "Don''t you go getting familiar with that name too. It''s acceptable with Wendy. You are a different story"


    Erza didn''t really listen. Instead she moved closer to the girl, craving her warmth.


    "It''s an adorable name"

 Chapter 15

    Archer was the first to wake up. The light of the sun is what pulled her out of her slumber . She tried to evade the light, but could not. She could or would not move because of the fact that she was the source of warmth for two girls. Wendy was still on top of her and clutching her scarf. Erza was curled into her side also holding onto her scarf. So she could not move. If she did she could wake one of them and she did not wish to do that. She closed her eyes again, maybe she should just go back to sleep. That thought was soon to leave her head. She was already up and going back to dream land was no option. She would just have to patiently wait for the two to wake up.


    She was left to stare up at the ceiling. She was absentmindedly tonguing her sharper canines. They were technically fangs. She tended to tongue them often. It was a personal feature that interested her. She had wondered why she had fangs in the first place. Was it needed? It did allow her to tear into her chicken leg far easier. But she didn''t find that very important. She had asked about it. Her parents happily explained their use. It was interesting to say the least. Since the day she had learned of its most important use she looked at it a bit differently. Either way, she took to tonguing it often. Sometimes she would hurt herself. They were very sharp after all.


    She sighed when she tasted blood in her mouth. She hurt herself again. A small cut on her tongue. She stopped playing with her sharp teeth and silently soothed her bleeding tongue. Archer glanced at Erza. Her hair was scattered around her. A scarlet halo. She wasn''t being creepy and staring at a sleeping person. She only looked at her because she was losing feeling in her arm. She didn''t do anything about it, because Erza was comfortable. She sighed. She was too nice sometimes.


    A few minutes passed of Archer just staring at the ceiling. She felt Erza shift and looked at her again. She was staring long enough for the two to meet eyes the minute Erza opened her own. Archer seemed very curious when Erza slowly became as red as her hair and abruptly sat up. As curious as she was she was still very relieved. Her arm was free and while she could not feel it she was happy.She just had to wait for the blood to circulate properly and she would have her arm back.


    "Morning" she said casually as she flexed her arm. She smiled in success.


    "Sorry, is your arm ok? I didn''t mean to use it as a pillow" Erza was quick to apologize and bow her head.


    "I lost feeling in it, fortunately everything is perfectly fine now"


    "I apologize. Please hit me! "


    Archer almost forgot about Erza''s odd form of apologizing. Why she sees the need to be hit is worrying.


    "I will not hit you, sit up" Archer said sternly and sat up herself. She was careful with Wendy in her arms and placed her on the bed. She sweat dropped when the child refused to let go of her scarf.


    "She has a strong grip even in her sleep" Erza mumbled with an amused smile. She watched Archer try to detach the younger girl from her scarf, but she failed multiple times. In the end she sighed and removed her scarf, letting Wendy have it. The little girl hugged the article of clothing to herself and mumbled something incoherent. "Why does she cling to your scarf? "


    "I''ve worn that thing for most of my life, so it has my scent on it. Wendy likes my scent hence her refusal to release it" Archer tugged on her hoodie in discomfort. "I''m not used to taking it off. I feel very uncomfortable without it"


    "Why do you wear it all the time? "


    "It was made for me" she mumbled. It was not only made out of dragon scales but out of phoenix feathers as well. Her parent''s magic is infused within. Irene enchanted it while Anna made it. "It consisted of dragon scales and the feathers of a phoenix "


    "Phoenix are creatures resembling birds" Erza said with furrowed brows. "So why is it that you have what could only be fangs? "


    "Reasons" Archer tugged on her jacked again. She was really uncomfortable without her scarf.


    "You''re not telling me? "


    "Sounds about right"


    Erza figured that was something else she would need to find out on her own.


    ~~~~~~~


    Erza was staring at herself through the mirror. Everything looked so much better now that she had her eye back. She couldn''t stop smiling when she thought about it. She was eternally grateful to Demeter. She sighed with a happy smile and fixed the bow on her shirt. Since she was in front of the mirror she saw Archer and Wendy leave the bathroom. Archer was already fully dressed while Wendy was wrapped in a towel.


    "I don''t have any clothes "


    "I can see that" Archer smiled as she wrapped her scarf around her neck. She then moved to the dresser where she had stored some of her clothes and rummaged through them. She was humming the entire time and pulled out some short pants and a long sleeved shirt.


    "I don''t think that will fit" Wendy said quietly.


    "Don''t worry about it" Archer helped put the big clothes onto the young girl. Erza almost laughed at the outcome. It really didn''t fit. Wendy looked very embarrassed by the situation.


    "It doesn''t fit"


    Archer only smiled as she sat back and watched a small magic circle appear under the confused Wendy. When the glow faded her clothing fit perfectly on her little body. She looked amazed, her big eyes shining with wonder.


    "Wow" Wendy pulled on her clothes. "It fits"


    "Yes it does" Archer patted her head. "I told you not to worry didn''t I? "


    Wendy nodded with a bright smile and quickly followed the retreating Archer. She only took three steps before tripping on air and face planting. Erza winced at the sight and was quick to help her up. Her forehead was red and she seemed on the verge of tears.


    "You fell" Archer said blankly as she watched the tears gather.


    "Don''t cry" Erza said in slight panic. She wouldn''t know what to do with a crying child. She tried to comfort her but she didn''t know how to comfort a four year old or anyone for that matter.


    Archer took great amusement in watching Erza try to prevent the tears. She looked like she would panic the minute a tear slid down Wendy''s cheek. She would interfere, but then again it was fun to watch Erza struggle. There was that and the fact that there was a knock at the door. She was quick to retrieve her mask before going to the door.


    Upon opening it she met the butler, who bowed respectfully.


    "The master has invited you to have breakfast with him"


    "Thank you for delivering the message " Archer said in her usual unreadable tone and watched the butler retreat.


    "Archer, what should I do? "Erza asked in panic as she sat in front of the sniffling Wendy.


    "Kiss her booboo better" Archer said. Her tone was very serious. Erza did not take it seriously despite that, but she did it anyway.


    Huh, it worked. Wendy stopped crying once Erza convinced her she took care of the bruise.


    "Works everytime"


    ~~~~~~~~~


    "Mr. Amethyst I must apologize " Archer said very politely as she took a seat at the massive dining table. "Last night I left the manor in search of my sibling, you see"


    The man was surprised to find a four year old with the other two, but after Archer''s explanation he let it go and smiled. He didn''t really mind . The child was adorable and the other two did save him the day before. With the new addition he made sure sweets of all kind was available for the four year old to enjoy. She took a liking to the blueberry pancakes he had his chef make.


    "I suppose you''ll be taking your leave today" he decided to start a casual conversation.


    Archer, who was focusing on the pull she felt, nodded to the man.


    "Yes, we shall return to our guild today. It was a p???sur? working with a man such as yourself"


    "The p???sur? is all mine. I must say you two are powerful children. I suppose the rumors about Fairy Tail are correct"


    "Flattering" Archer hummed as she stared out the near window. "Again, I must thank you for housing us for the night"


    "And again I must deny your thanks, it was the least I could do"


    Such a generous man. She would remember him. Good things will come his way and if he''s ever in a troublesome predicament she will help him.


    "Well, we must speak of rewards" as he said that he placed a big sack of jewels on the dining table. "Your initial reward was 20.000 jewel. You have delivered the box unharmed and took care of my biggest enemy, so I will reward you extra. You''re amount of rewarded jewel is 1.000.000"


    Archer''s only reaction was a raised eyebrow while Erza seemed more curious that''s anything. Wendy wasn''t entirely sure what was going on and just watched while eating her pancakes.


    "That is a massive raise, you don''t have to do that"


    "Oh but I want to" The man clapped his hands and his butler was quick to hand the heavy bag of money to the ever calm Archer.


    She hummed. "I can get Natsu an apartment and rent another room at fairy hills with just half of this"


    Or maybe she should just get an entire house. She had a feeling Natsu would want to live with her. The only reason she refused an entire house was because the boys are troublesome and could destroy it within a day. So buying a house was out of question. So why not just build her own house? She never really thought about it. It''s not like she couldn''t do it with the ?ssortment of magic she had. Building a house would be very easy. Since the house would be built with her magic the boys could not destroy it.


    But she already had an apartment. At least she didn''t give the old man all her rent money yet. She could pay for the current month and work on her own house.


    While Archer was thinking about living situations Erza already had her mind set on buying the armor she had been eyeing for some time. Of course she would also treat herself to some strawberry cake. She had told the blacksmith to hold onto the armor for her. She was glad she did, she would buy it the minute she returned to Magnolia.


    "Thank you for your generosity "


    "Again, I deny your thanks. You''re good kids and you helped me a lot. If I ever need something taken care of I will request your help again, if you do not mind"


    "No, feel free"


    "Splendid. I like to see this as a start of an interesting friendship"


    ~~~~~~


    Wendy was seated on Archer''s ??p on the train. She had placed herself there without a word. Archer hardly noticed. Both were staring out the train window with interest. Erza was opposite them and watching as she tended to do whenever she found herself on a train with Archer. The two acted like true siblings. Archer seemed very protective of the young girl. In turn Wendy likes being around her. On their trip to the train station Erza was lucky enough to watch the two walk hand in hand. It was a nice sight.


    "Where are we going? "Wendy finally asked?


    "Fairy Tail" Archer patted her head as she answered.


    "What is that? "


    "A wizard guild"


    "Am I going to be a member? "


    "Yes. It''ll be fun. I''m a member and so is Natsu"


    "Big brother Natsu is there?"


    "Yup, he''ll be happy to see you again "


    "Did he burn down the guild? "


    Archer chuckled at the question. Of all the questions she could ask. She had to ask whether or not the boy burned down the guild.


    "No, he didn''t "


    "I believe there is a back story behind that question" Erza said unknowingly.


    "Oh yeah" Archer was definitely amused. "Once Natsu burned down the house I had built. It was almost as big as the guild. I left him alone in the house for just ten minutes and when I returned it was in flames"


    "He got into trouble with Aunt Anna" Wendy added.


    "Yes he did, because he was a bad boy"


    How did Natsu even manage such a thing? Erza couldn''t think of anyway the boy could''ve started a fire and let it rage until the house was nothing but ashes. Could he not have put it out?


    It was obvious that Natsu could not be left to live near a lot of people


    ~~~~~~~


    The Fairy Tail guild was as rowdy as ever. The guild was a mess as a brawl was in the process of taking place. At the head of it were Natsu and Gray who had gotten into a fight for unknown reasons. The boys could not stand eachother and the guild learned to stay away from them when things got heated. One poor soul tried to stop the growing fight only to get thrown across the guild by the angry boys. So the rest knew to stay away and let things run their course.


    And so a brawl took place.


    Cana had thrown down a table and taken shelter behind it with Levy and Lisanna. They had no interest in getting harmed and hoped the table was enough to keep them save. Cana was mainly annoyed because they messed up her cards with their dumb brawl.


    "Everytime" she grumbled as she counted her cards. She''s missing one. "Those bastards. I swear if my missing card is damaged in anyway I will kill the dragon and the ice cube! "


    Just then the guild doors were kicked open and everyone froze. Standing in the door were Archer and Erza along with a little girl all, but one person recognized.


    "Wendy! " Natsu dropped the table he held above his head and practically teleported to the little girl. He laughed happily as he picked her up and held her in the air. "I missed you! "


    Wendy was giggling as Natsu pretended to fly her around like an airplane. He would tilt to the side as if he was about to fall, but quickly fix himself and continue on like nothing happened.


    "Natsu, be careful" Archer warned as she worriedly eyed the two. Natsu dropped Sting more than once, Archer didn''t trust him with Wendy.


    "Who is that kid? "


    "Wendy" Natsu said brightly as he presented the four year old to the guild. "She''s my little sister and a dragon slayer too. She''s pretty strong for a baby"


    "I''m not a baby"


    "No way" Gray of course doubted Natsu''s statement.


    "Shut up stripper! " Natsu glared. "Wendy, roar! "


    "Okay" Wendy nodded and took a deep gulp of air.


    Natus grinned when a magic circle appeared under her and aimed the child at a now nervous Gray.


    "Sky dragon... "


    Archer sighed, already seeing the damage.


    "Roar!"


    A massive gust of wind was directed at the sweating Gray who was quick to create an ice shield. That didn''t save him for he was swept away by the strong wind. Everyone paled at the sight. Master Makarov dropped his beer when he saw the hole that Wendy had created with her magic. The money it would cost to be repaired.


    "Good going Wendy" Natsu laughed proudly as he saw Gray groan on the floor. He still managed to get out with a few aches here and there.


    "My guild hall! "


    "Don''t worry about it " Archer waved off Makarov''s concern as she stepped over the broken wood. "Reverse "


    At her word the wood drifted into the air and quickly returned to what it was. Everyone blinked in shock to see a completely fixed wall with no scratch whatsoever.


    "See, everything is perfectly fine"


    Makarov almost cried tears of joy upon realizing what a blessing Archer was. She saved him so much money, he would forever be grateful.


    Archer then hit Natsu upside the head and took Wendy from him.


    "What did I tell you about using Wendy as a weapon? "


    "But-"


    "No buts" Archer flicked his forehead and headed towards the still shocked Makarov. She climbed into a barstool and placed Wendy on the bar facing the short old man. "She''ll be joining the guild"


    "How old are you, child? "


    "Four" she displayed the said number on her hand.


    "Such a cute little girl" Makarov smiled. "You''re very strong little one"


    Wendy was pink with embarrassmen, but smiled happily at the compliment.


    "Welcome to the family, little Wendy"

 Chapter 16

    Archer sat at the bar, watching the guild break into a fight. She was amused by it all. Natsu and Gray had started it all again. A table was thrown. She watched it hit Elfman in the face. The boy was of course riled up and said something about being manly and so he joined the fight. Archer chuckled at the scene before turning towards the bar. She sat next to Erza as per usual. She tapped her fingers on the wooden surface while she summoned two ruby keys. She held the keys of Igneel and Grandeeny. She hummed as she eyed them. She then turned back towards the guild, the keys between her fingers. She focused some magic into them while muttering the summoning words.


    The guild had stopped their fighting when the glow of the keys caught their attention. All attention was on the glow of magic at that moment. The scene was familiar to Erza and she knew to look away when the light got to bright. There was a moments of intense heat followed by a strong gust of wind as the light faded, leaving two figures standing in front of Archer.


    "What''s up, Archer? "Igneel asked in his casual way.


    "Thank you for summoning me, young Archer" Grandeeny spoke politely with a small smile.


    Erza was quick to observe the new addition. Het hair was something to stare at since it was a light pink and reaching past her waist. She had two bangs almost blocking her eyes and she didn''t seem bothered by it at all. Her skin was very pale, almost matching the white of the dress she had on. Her eyes were a sky blue and matched the lines following the flowing dress. She let off a regal air, unlike Igneel.


    "Igneel! "


    Natsu came flying at the redheaded man with a flaming fist. Igneel only laughed and caught the boy out of the air. He proceeded to hold him in a headlock very casually and watched him struggle to break free.


    "Is that all you got Natsu? I thought you were going to beat me"


    "I will!"


    "Grandeeny? "Wendy was standing in front of the woman. Her scent was that of her dragon but she had never seen her in human form.


    The woman looked down at the child with a gentle smile. With a gust of wind Wendy was lifted into the air and fell right into Grandeeny''s arms.


    "How have you been, child? "


    "Oi, Archer " Igneel was holding Natsu by the scarf as the boy struggled to break free. "The metal head is complaining about not being found yet. Something about you taking your time"


    "Patience is obviously not his strong suit"


    "Wait a minute" Gray was the first to speak after getting over his bewilderment. "How in the world did two people come out of keys? "


    "Celestial magic" Levy adjusted her glasses as she spoke. Her eyes were very focused on the two. "It''s a rare type of magic that let''s wizards someone spirits through use of their keys"


    "Oh"


    "We are very much alive, however" Grandeeny informed.


    Levy seemed surprised and very curious as she practically teleported to the woman, holding a notepad and pen.


    "Really? I''ve read that celestial magic only summons spirits"


    "That is true" Grandeeny said simply. "Our keys are not celestial keys. They are keys created to summon us dragons should we be needed. The only person capable of summoning us is Archer"


    Levy nodded as she scribbled the answer down. "So where is it the you spend your time then? "


    "Dragon realm" Igneel shrugged.


    "There''s a dragon realm? "


    "Well, that''s what we call it" Igmeel said in thought. "Archer never gave it a name"


    "Dragon realm seems good enough" Archer didn''t seem to concerned about it.


    "Why would you have to name it? "


    "I created it"


    To say everyone was shocked would be an understatement. Archer was telling them that she practically created another dimension for the dragons to live in. She said it as if it was not some mindbogling action.


    "How? "


    Archer shrugged and tugged on her scarf. "A mix of multiple magic that needed to be handled with perfect control. It was a hard and dangerous task to pull off. If had failed I might have destroyed our own realm" Archer seemed in deep thought a she said that. "Oh well"


    "I can''t even begin to comprehend " Levy muttered as she scribbled something down on her notepad. She had learned of another type of magic Archer was capable of using. Finding out that she created another realm was unbelievable.


    "Another question" Levy looked to Grandeeny, who was occupied with Wendy. "You said dragons such as us"


    "Yes I did"


    "Igneel and Grandeeny are the dragons that trained Natsu and Wendy. They take human form for obvious reason" Archer explained.


    "Huh"


    "You know, Archer you''re very weird and stupidly strong" Gray said, shirtless.


    "You seem to have lost your shirt again" Archer pointed out.


    Igneel watched the boy scramble around the guild in search of his shirt and chuckled .


    "Reminds me of someone "


    "Now that you have been reunited with your slayer, will you continue to train them in the arts of dragon slayer magic? "


    "Yes we will" Grandeeny said with a smile as she ran a hand through Wendy''s hair. "You still have a lot to learn, little one"


    "Cool, what are you going to teach me Igneel? "


    "Some badass moves"


    "You know, Igneel" Archer started. "Why is it that you shouted freedom upon being summoned. The dragon realm was designed for you dragons, you have enough freedom there"


    "I just felt like it" Igneel shrugged. "I was also locked in some underground room by that metal head as some stupid prank. I was there for an entire month until you summoned me. That damn popcicle would stop by just to torment me even more"


    "Such childish antics" Archer and Grandeeny sighed in disappointment.


    "Okay , a child has no right to say that" Igneel looked offended.


    "I''m not a mere child" Archer eyed Igneel''s key. "Need I remind you of my status? "


    Igneel scoffed. "Child"


    "I will burn you"


    "I dare you! I''ll spank you this time"


    "You won''t come close to touching me"


    Grandeeny looked between the two with a smile. It seems they''re back to their playful bickering.


    "That''s enough" Grandeeny took Igneel by the ear and started pulling him along. "We''ll locate a suitable training ground "


    "Have fun"


    ~~~~~~~~~


    Erza again found herself on a dragon and again it was a terrifying experience. Despite having told Archer that she would no longer put herself through the unnecessary stress of hitching a ride on a literal dragon she yet again found herself doing exactly that. She couldn''t undertand how Archer could sit so casually. There was hardly anything to hold onto and yet she sat there as if the strong wind was nothing.


    Erza huffed in Demeter''s ??p, to the goddess'' amusement. The woman had succeeded in calming her through her embrace and she relaxed just a bit.


    "How did I end up here? " Erza asked herself. How did she let Archer convince her to ride on a dragon? There was a rumble underneath and she realized Glacier had chuckled. She looked towards Archer, who was seated comfortably on his head. She seemed to be having a conversation with the dragon as she helped him follow Demeter''s directions. She had let the goddess point out the twins. Retrieving the youngest of them was the first priority. She also said someing about Gajeel being more than capable of taking care of himself.


    "How is she so comfortable? "


    "A bit of magic is in play"


    "Is that why you''re so comfortable? "


    "Why yes it is"Demeter said pleasantly.


    Before Erza could question Demeter further Glacier shifted, flying down. Erza was startled by the sudden shift and couldn''t help the small yelp that escaped her. Demeter only giggled in her expense.


    "You''ll get used to it"


    She doubted that.


    Glacier landed in an open field, falling to a lying positions. He seemed very relaxed and even yawned, making Erza question if he actually intended to take a nap at the moment. She didn''t wonder for long because she was quick to get off his back when she noticed Archer doing the same.


    "Somewhere around here" Archer said to herself as she angled her head. She could smell them, they weren''t very far away. As expected, the two were together. She could only smile at that. They may not be actual brothers but that mattered very little. They could fool anyone. She then turned to face Erza, taking amusement in the relief she seemed to feel. "Scarlet, I''ll go hunt down the twins. I will return in a short while"


    Erza sighed and sat down in the grass. She did not like flying on dragons at all. Demeter came to sit next to her.


    "She seems to like that nickname"


    "She never once used my actual name"


    "Archer has her odd moments" Demeter said with a fond smile and looked at Erza. "Am I right in ?ssuming you''re a knight of some kind? "


    Erza nodded, not caring enough to explain the nature of her magic and tell Demeter that she was not exactly a knight.


    "And you''re a strong one" Demeter eyed the phoenix sword at Erza''s waist. "I have a feeling Athena would love to train you, being the warrior that she is"


    "She''s a sword master? "


    "She''s more a weapon master among other things. She specializes in multiple activities, sword fighting is just one of them. " Demeter explains. "Studying under her will prove to be very beneficial to you. She can teach you the way of the sword better than any creature in this world. "


    Erza never pictured herself being trained by a goddess. The thought didn''t seem possible. She didn''t even know goddesses existed until meeting Archer. She would like to learn as much as she could when it comes to using her weapons. She needed to be strong. She had to grow stronger if she wishes to face Jellal and save her friends. It was the only way. She couldn''t go to the council about it because he threatened her friends. The only way to save them is by confronting Jellal. She would have to face her past. It wasn''t something she liked to think about but it was something she needed to do.


    Glacier was just relaxing in the sun while he listened in on the conversation. He was smiling as he did. Irene would be very proud of her daughter. Well, she is proud. He saw her just a few days ago and made sure to let her know that Archer has found her. She was very happy to hear it. She knew that if anyone could keep her daughter safe it would be Archer. She was a proud mother. For reasons she could not be with her daughter. She had something important to do and it would take time and dedication. She didn''t like the idea of abandoning her daughter but it was better than pulling her into her dangerous world. She trusted Archer to protect her.


    The separation of mother and daughter. Such a tragedy. Of course Erza will see her mother one day. It won''t be anytime soon though.


    He sighed. The plan needed to be followed to the T. Everything had it''s purpose . Everyone had a roll to play. The dragons. The dragon slayers. Anna and her descendants. Irene. The guild. Erza. Archer and her parents. Each had a role in the very calculated plan of theirs.


    It just so happens that Archer needs to oversee most of it. Joining the guild was something she wanted to do, but it was also something she needed to do. She needed that guild involved. She needed to gather all the slayers and the keys of the dragons. She needed the goddesses. A multistep plan that needed to be followed very carefully.


    That''s what you get from the Phoenix family. Elaborate plans that can actually last for centuries.


    There came the sound of a yelling child and everyone turned their attention to the sound. Archer could be seen emerging from the forest, carrying a struggling blonde toddler and being followed by a calmer toddler. Archer didn''t seem one bit bothered by the child so easily tucked in her arms.


    "No fair! You cheated! " Sting shouted as he punched the unaffected Archer repeatedly.


    "I did not. You attacked and I defended myself. It''s your own fault" Archer responded very bluntly. "Don''t go throwing a tantrum just because you can''t break free of my grasp"


    "I see you''re still a very energetic little boy" Demeter said with amused smile as she easily plucked the blonde out of Archer''s arms. "And you, little Rogue. Still the quiet one of the two"


    Rogue smiled weakly upon seeing the woman and silently approached her. He always liked Demeter and would spend as much time as he could with her while she was present. Sting was the same when it came to the woman, but he tended to challenge her on multiple occasions.


    Archer seemed very proud as she watched the boys recount their days to the ever motherly Demeter. Four down, one to go. She sighed in content and fell into the grass next to Erza.


    "What now? " the redhead asked


    "Now I go retrieve the metal head. After that I hunt down all my keys while racking up missions" Archer said as she stared at the clouds. "I plan on claiming S-class as soon as I can"


    "Any reason why? "


    "Yes"


    "You''re not going to tell me, are you? "


    Archer smiled at the question, instantly answering that question. Of course she wanted that title for her own personal reasons, but there was more to it. She wanted to be noticed by the council and gain the title of wizard Saint at some point. That would get her close to the council and she could be aware of what they were doing if she needed that info. It''s best to be within the power circle. She would climb the ranks and earn herself a brand new number in the saints. She strived to work under the leaders themself.


    Patience.


    She needed to fulfill her crucial role after all.

 Chapter 17

    When finding Gajeel Archer had expected a lot. She most definitely expected an iron club aimed at her. She alse expected an iron sword to be brought down upon her. She expected everything Gajeel did the minute they laid eyes on eachother. She knew Gajeel enough to predict his actions very accurately. Of course she was quick to shut him down with a simple kick to the chin. Just like that he was lying on the dirt, groaning in pain under her feet


    "What did we learn? "


    "Screw you" Gajeel scoffed as he got back on his feet and dusted himself off. He folded his arms with an annoyed look on his face as he took in Archer. "What''s with the mask? "


    "Precautions" Archer said simply.


    "No one knows who the hell you are" Gajeel said and stomped past her. He had his sights set on Glacier who lingered nearby. He ignored the young boys that greeted him and instantly regretted it. Sting pounced and bit him for his ignorance." You little brat! "


    Rogue looked very concerned and tried to pull Sting off the older boy. The last time he asualted Gajeel he ended up in a river filled with deadly animals and he couldn''t swim. His brother tends to be very dumb sometimes and he''s afraid his idiocy could get him seriously injured or killed.


    "No fighting, boys" Demeter detached the angry Sting from an equally angry Gajeel. The boys glared at eachother before deciding to ignore the other''s existence.


    "Apologize " Demeter ordered.


    "Why should I apologize to the brat? He bit me"


    "Well you ignored me"


    "Stop it" Demeter held them both apart an sighed. "You shouldn''t have ignored Sting, Gajeel" Demeter said sternly and then looked to a victorious Sting. "And you should not have bitten him, Sting"


    "But-"


    "No buts" Demeter patted them both on the back. "Apologize and shake on it like good little boys"


    "I''m not a little hoy" Gajeel mumbled even as he shook Sting''s small hand and muttered an apology


    Sting didn''t seem any happier. He mumbled something about stupid metal head, before apologizing for biting the older boy .


    "Good boys"Demeter patted their heads. "You should both follow Rogue''s example. He''s such a well behaved child"


    "It''s like watching a mother discipline her children" Erza whispered as she watched the scene. Demeter really took everyone as her child. A true motherly figure that explained why Archer referred to her as mother natures more often than not.


    "You should see her when we''re all together. It''s pure madness. I do not understand how she can handle us all. I admit to getting a bit caught up in their idiotic antics and somehow this woman never blew a fuse" Archer said, suddenly appearing at the redhead''s side. "Her patience may outlast my own. I give her all my respect for that alone"


    Erza hummed. "You''ll all be together again now"


    "Yes and the possibility of the guild being utterly demolished is very likely" Archer seemed very unconcerned by what she just said. That earned her a look from Erza. Archer tends to say some interesting things people wouldn''t normally say with a casual and uncaring demeanor.


    "I don''t get you"


    "You most likely never will" Archer said in such a reassuring tone it confused Erza to no end. She genuinely cannot understand Archer sometimes and she makes it worse by increasing her feeling of confusion around her and seems to take amusement in it. She just watched Archer march towards Demeter and the boys and motioned towards the silent Glacier who had just been watching.


    "All aboard the dragon everyone"


    "Where''s Metal? "Gajeel asked as he passed her.


    "The knowledge of his whereabouts is currently unknown " Archer replied.


    "Why did you see the need to use those words"


    "I have come to notice that my use of intellectual words highly antagonize you " Archer said simply.


    "I hate you"


    "I in turn do not match your level of resentment"


    "Stupid Phoenix "


    "Need I remind you of the time you were proppeled into the nearest mountain with as much grace as a drowning mouse? "


    "You arrogant piece of sh-"


    Demeter was quick to silence him with a scolding glare. "What have I told you about vulgar words? I blame that dragon for teaching You such disgraceful manners and words"


    Erza had almost forgotten about Archer''s incredible manners. She doesn''t seem to use such a high vocabulary as often anymore which makes her curious.


    "I noticed that you don''t use intelecyoal words as often anymore"


    "I tend to confuse or irk people when I do so. Apparently speaking that way makes others believe me to be some dotted rich child" Archer seemed confused by what she had said. "I cannot understand why they would think such a thing. I was merely trained to be a respectful member of the aristocracy"


    Of course Archer would be confused about such a thing. She obviously came from a wealthy family. Her vocabulary and manners were a clear sign but the information she had just disclosed sealed the deal. She was from a very rich family.


    "You are a spoiled rich kid! "Gajeel shouted from his place on top of Glacier. "You''re just too clueless to see that! "


    "I doubt I''m spoiled" Archer didn''t seem bothered by his accusation. "I did not always get what I wanted and I did not wish for much either. Money was never my only focus or even a priority . I spent more time in the forest with you lot than I spent attending any of the lavish balls that were held " Archer pointed out.


    "Yes archer is not spoiled. Her parents would not allow such a thing" Demeter backed up. "This child was more focused on world changing discoveries than she was with the lavish lifestyle she had"


    "See" Archer walked up Glacier''s scally tail, tapping Gajeel on the head as she passed him. She again placed herself right on the dragon''s head. "Alright, Glacier. We''re homebound"


    "Why not direct him to your closest key? "Gajeel asked.


    "I plan on finding my keys on missions"


    "You''re just going to make things take longer"


    "I do not care"


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Arriving back at the guild, Glacier took on human form a decided to explore and maybe drop by and bother Igneel. Archer sighed when he did. She hoped they didn''t get into a fight. That Would be disastrous. Sting made to follow the dragon, only for Gajeel to hold him back by the collar.


    "I will be taking my leave ." Demeter announced. "I will of course return whenever you need me or whenever I see fit"


    "Goodbye for now then" Archer waved and watched her vanish in a flash of light. With that she turned towards the guild and pushed the doors open only for a table to be sent her way. She stared unfazed and when it was just inches away from her it froze before being launched in the direction it came from.


    "Ow! "


    Natsu and Gray were under the now broken table, groaning in pain.


    Gajeel snickered at the scene, immediately drawing Natsu''s attention. The pink haired boy glared at the new arrival and shot up for under the broken table.


    "Metal head! What''s so funny huh? "


    "You''re face" Gajeel smirked.


    "It''s far better than your nailed up face! "


    "You wanna go you pink bastard!? "


    "I''ll kick your ?ss, try me! "


    "That''s big talk for a boy with girly pink hair"


    "It''s not pink, it''s salmon"


    "Keep lying to yourself"


    "That''s it! I''m gonna melt your ?ss! "


    Archer did not seem very amused when the two growled and but heads together. She sighed before walking up to them. She rested a hand on their shoulders, drawing their attention. They froze when they noted the air around her. The color left their faces impossibly fast and they stood straight and stiff.


    "You do know that if this Guild is destroyed you will be punished, right? "


    "And you do remember the kind of punishment you were dealt the last time right? "


    Another rapid nod.


    "Great, I suppose I''ve made my point"


    She stepped away from them and they sighed in relief. They still glared at eachother but went their separate ways.


    "Who are they? "Levy was quick to ask.


    "Sting" Archer pointed at the small blonde who was already picking a fight with Natsu. "Rogue" said boy was sitting at the bar, drinking whatever juice was offered to him. "And that''s the ever rude Gajeel"


    "What did you say about me? "Gajeel raised an annoyed eyebrow and rested his arm on Levy''s head unconsciously. When he realized what he had done he looked down at her with raised eyebrow . "You''re short"


    That irked the short girl and earned Gajeel and book to the side. He didn''t seem very affected and only watched the bookworm storm off in her anger.


    "What''s up with the shrimp? " Gajeel asked.


    "Well, It''s not like you just called her short or anything like that" Archer rolled her eyes. "It''s not something she likes to be reminded of"


    "I''m just saying it like it is"


    "Yes, very blunt" Archer spun the boy towards the bar where Makarov was seated. Does he ever go into his office anymore? "Go ask the old man to stamp you"


    "Who said I wanted to join this stupid guild"


    Archer kicked him towards the bar, ignoring his ugly words. She then made her way to the request board. She was planning on heading north this time around. Anything in that direction would benefit her greatly.


    "So are all the boys dragon slayers? "


    Levy was back at her side


    "Yes"


    "What type? "


    "Sting is the white dragon slayer. Rogue the shadow dragon. Gajeel the iron dragon" Archer informed as she zeroed in on the perfect mission for her search.


    "Were they all trained by dragons? "Levy asked. "Yes, but the twins also had lacrima implanted, making them stronger than they normally would be" she pulled the mission sheet off the board.


    "Oi, Archer. I don''t have a place to stay" Gajeel brought up.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''ll have something set up by the end of the day" the mission was pocketed. "I''ll be gone for a while "


    "Can we come? "Natsu asked excitedly. He was holding Wendy in his arms and something told Archer he planned o using her as a weapon again


    "Natsu, what did I say about firing Wendy? " the girl was retrieved from the boy.


    "Sorry"


    Archer sighed, but then spotted Gajeel doing the same thing with a passive Rogue.


    "Gajeel, put the boy down"


    The elder freezed. He growled in annoyance before putting Rogue down. He folded his arms and leaned against a wall while munching on a spoon.


    Another sighe and she spotted Sting holding a table above his head.


    "Sting! " flames were aimed at him, climbing up his body and holding him where he was. He wh?n?d his disappointment as Archer approached and took the table away from him. The flames faded after that and Archer slung him over her shoulder.


    "I can''t leave you guys alone for a minute" she picked up Rogue and Wendy while eyeing Natsu and Gajeel "You''re all coming with me. It''s the only way I can keep an eye on you lot"


    "Awesome! "Nays raced out of the guild in his excitement.


    "Troublesome"


    ~~~~~~


    "And you ended up with us, how ? "


    For some reason Erza ended up on the edge of the town with the slayers. When asked why she came along no answer was given. Maybe she didn''t know either. Maybe she was just curious as to what would happen. Maybe she found the group amusing. Either way she ended up coming along and found herself carrying Wendy. Apparently the girl took a liking to her.


    "Why are we here? "Natsu asked as he fought off Sting who was in his small arms. "There''s nothing here"


    "Exactly " Archer took in the massive empty land. "I had a little talk with some people and managed to buy this land for a very cheap price"


    "So you''re going to build a house on it? "Gajeel asked.


    "Yes"


    "Can you do that before nightfall? "Came Erza''s question.


    "Yes" Archer stood in the middle of the land. "I planned on taking my time, but I refuse to house everyone within fairy hills. The entire apartment complex will not live to see the sunrise"


    Archer always spoke in a way that let Erza suspect the entire group is a rowdy bunch. After seeing them together for just a few minutes and the things they already planned on doing it was very easy to believe. Natsu always fires Wendy as a weapon and Gajeel seemed to do the same thing with Rogue. Sting likes to pick fights with everyone and everything. The only ones not out of control are Wendy and Rogue, but they are constantly used as destructive forces.


    "So you''ll construct a house before nightfall? "


    "Yes of course, Scarlet. These guys need a place to stay"


    "What about your apartment? "


    "I''ll find a use for it"


    Archer retreated to stand near the others. She seemed to be picturing something, the house obviously. In all honesty a mansion would be amazing. Each of them would have the own room and it would indestructible. She didn''t need her house to suffer the consequences of their fights. There needed to be a kitchen of course. A bath in each room along with one upstairs and another downstairs. A living room. And... Well that would be sufficient . If she found that anything else needed to be added she could easily do it.


    "Seems good enough" she muttered to herself and crouched, placing her palms on the ground. With a simple word a massive magic circle appeared in the open space and blazing flames erupted from it. The Phoenix flames climbed into the sky, taking the form of a house. To anyone else it would look as if the child set a house on fire with little struggle.


    "Fire! "Natsu made a move to run towards the house, but Erza held onto his scarf, keeping him in place.


    Another word was muttered and the flames quickly changed in color. It was burning blue within a second before losing all color soon after. Slowly, the fire faded. With it absence of revealed more and more of the house Archer somehow constructed out of flames.


    "I''m not even going ask how you constructed a house out of flames"


    "Suit yourself, I actually would''ve told you"


    "You would? "


    "Yes, but you aren''t going to ask, so"


    "No, I want to know now"


    "It''s too late. Better luck next time"


    "You''re not being fair"


    "Have you met me? "Archer had her hands in her pockets as she asked the question. She seemed very amused.


    "Fine, I won''t ask"

 Chapter 18

    Makarov paled as he watched his guild do battle. It wasn''t their usual brawl, no. It was war. All out war between three boys who got into a disagreement. What should he do? He didn''t know how to handle them as well as Erza and Archer and it just so happens that the two went off on a mission again. That was around three days ago. Natsu went on his first mission with Lisanna just one day ago and earned some small money. Gajeel tagged along with Levy, Jet and Droy and came back today. The minute he returned a fight was started between him and his fellow dragon slayer. Soon after that,Gray joined when one of them hit him.


    "That''s the last straw" Gajeel said with a smirk as he aimed the silent boy in his arms toward Natsu. He kept switching from the dragon slayer to the ice mage.


    "Oh yeah? "Natsu glared, his weapon in the form of a confused Wendy. He was also switching between his two opponents.


    "It''s on" Gray grinned brightly. Finally he had his own slayer weapon in the form of Sting. Of course it was not easy to get him to agree, but a bribe can change a mind very quickly.


    "The guild" Makarov cried.


    "Boys, Archer said not to use the kids as weapons" Lisanna warned from behind the safety of her table. Levy was accompanying her and nodding to her statement. She could already see the future destruction that was about to take place. Of all the times for Archer and Erza to be away on a mission.


    "Well, I don''t see her anywhere" Gajeel chuckled. "What she does not know won''t kill her"


    "I couldn''t agree more" Natsu and Gray said at the same time and glared a moment later. "Stop copying me, you moron! "


    Again they glared.


    "You suck!"


    "Shut up! "


    "Dimwit! "


    Suddenly they both turned to eachother, aiming their human weapons at eachother


    "Eat this! "


    "Fire! "


    "Don''t ignore me! Shoot! "


    And just like that everyone''s lives flashed before their eyes as they saw the magic circle form under the children. Makarov was quick to say his prayers and downed a cup beer. Levy and Lisanna hid behind the table shield they had formed together. Cana was under a hidden table, sipping on some beer she managed to steal. Elfman was admiring the manly sight when his sister cursed the idiots stupidity. Laxus seemed unfazed as he watched everything unfold.


    There was a blinding light and most people in the guild closed their eyes. When they opened their eyes they found no damage done to the guild. I fact the three boys stood frozen, all color gone from their faces. They messed up and they knew it. In the middle of their face off stood the ever calm Archer and the stoic Erza. Archer had apparently handled two of the magic attacks while Erza had handled Rogue''s roar. She had her Phoenix sword held in front of her, the sword was pulsing slowly, a brighter glow to it


    "A-A-Arc-Archer" Natsu stuttered and immediatly put the still confused Wendy down. He then proceeded to laugh nervously and take a good step back.


    Gray gulped and quickly dropped Sting, who seemed to be amused by the scene. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked away, ordering a juice by the bar.


    Gajeel was very nervous and hid it with a scoff. He also put his human weapon down and watched Rogue walk off to the bar as well, he back tracked to bring Wendy along and the three kids sat watching them while they enjoyed some juice. Sting seemed to know exactly what would be happening and going by the satisfied look on his face he was very much alright with it.


    "I remember saying something about using the kids as weapons"Archer started, pulling down her hood. "And what do I return to? "


    "Gray! " Erza aimed her sword at the fearful boy. "I expected better of you"


    "I''m sorry" he quickly apologized. "Please don''t kill me"


    "I suppose Scarlet can handle you"


    With that she left the guild draging the sorry boys with her. As they went they had a pleading look, but for some reason not one guild member looked their way. Everyone stared down at their table or hands in silence. Wakaba and Macao silently sipped their beer with a face that would make someone think there''s been a passing.


    There was nothing they could do.


    ~~~~~~


    Later that day Archer strode in The guild in her usual demeaner. Everyone glanced at her in curiosity. They all wondered what she had done to the slayers. A minute later Natsu and Gajeel came in after her in complete silence. Natsu was still pale and Gajeel could match his look. They didn''t even look at any of their guild mates and just sat at empty tables.


    "Are you alright Natsu? "Lisanna approached and asked softly. Natsu nodded slowly and face planted into the table.


    "I''m still alive" he mumbled to himself as if in total disbelief.


    Levy had asked Gajeel the same question and got the same response. Archer must''ve really done something if Gajeel was that pale. He didn''t even wear his annoyed expression.


    Gray was a safe distance away, watching the boys. He had gotten out of his punishment with a number of bruises and shivered anytime he saw Erza. Natsu and Gajeel had no injuries. They were perfectly fine and yet they seemed very shaken by whatever it is Archer did to them. He was relieved to not have ended up with them. It seemed that Archer''s punishment was far worse.


    "Archy? "


    "Yes, Wendy? "


    "Can I come with you on your next mission? " Wendy asked, her eyes slightly bigger. The puppy eyes. A classic move and one Wendy can effortlessly pull off. The beauty of it was the fact that Wendy did not even know what she was doing. "Please ?"


    Erza almost Let out a Coo at the face Wendy was making. She was so cute , Erza can''t even handle it sometimes. Archer wouldn''t say no, would she? She wouldn''t disappoint the innocent child, right? Erza looked at her waiting for her to answer the question


    "Sure" Archer pushed a plate of pancakes towards the happy child. "And one must use "may" in such a question"


    Wendy nodded happily. "May I come with you on your next mission? "


    "Good girl" Archer patted her head affectionately.


    "Can Rogue and I come too? "


    "May, Sting"


    "Awe, answer the question"


    Archer eyed the boy for a moment. She could bring him, but he''s a troublemaler. It''s best she bring the brothers along the next time.


    "Next time"


    "You promise? "It was Rogue who asked this time. If he spoke it meant he really wanted to be reassured


    "Yes I promise, little dragon"


    Rogue smiled and let Archer push his bangs away from his eyes.


    "Mission! Yeah! "Sting cheered and fistbumped the air


    "Mission" Rogue repeated with a weaker fist bump


    ~~~~~~


    "Let''s play truth or dare" Mira demands as she placed a bottle on the bar in front of Archer. Archer eyed the bottle as if it was some oddity, before turning her gaze to the punkish Mira.


    "Why?"


    "For fun" Mira pulled Archer off her barstool and dragged her towards a round table where there were practically all of the youngsters seated safe for the youngest of them. Archer fell into a seat between Cana and Mira. Opposite her was Erza, who didn''t seem very happy with being dragged away from her cake.


    "Do we have to, Mira? "Levy asked.


    "It''ll be fun"


    "Why do we have to olayy? "Natsu asked with a look of disappointment. "This is a girls game"


    "No it''s not"


    "Maybe, but I don''t want any part of this" Gajeel said and stood, only to be pulled back into his seat by Levy and Lisanna.


    "If we''re playing this then you are too"


    "Our time could be spent on better activities" Archer stated simply.


    "I hate this game" Gray grumbled, taking off his shirt in the process. Cana tapped tapped on the shoulder and pointed to the shirt in his hands.


    "What the? "


    He was quick to put it back on.


    "Enough complaining, let''s play" Mira said and spun the bottle. She brought up the game because she saw it as a chance to learn more about the the mysterious and confusing Archer. As the bottle spun she chanted the girl''s name in her head and almost shouted in joy when the bottle landed on her.


    "I don''t get the purpose of this game"


    "Truth or dare? " Mira smiled with glee.


    The game was pointless to Archer. Truth or Dare. Either way things could end up screwing you over.


    "Truth, I suppose"


    "Why do you wear a mask? "


    "Reasons"


    "Thats not a good answer" Mira protested.


    "It''s an answer. You never added any specifications"


    Mira huffed and gave up. She would just have to await her turn again.


    Archer stared at the bottle for a moment before spinning it. It landed on Gray and she saw the boy stiffen .


    "Truth or dare? "


    "Dare"


    Why would he do that? He asked himself that. Truth would''ve been far easier. There was no telling what Archer would make him do.


    "You discard no artical of clothing for the rest of this game. If you do otherwise you will be punished"


    Gray cursed himself. He could not strip. How was he supposed to go up against that? Removing his clothes is something he does unconsciously.


    "Fine" he mumbled and spun the bottle. He was instantly smiling when it landed on Natsu. "Truth or dare? I bet you''ll punk out and pick truth"


    "I''m not a coward like you" Natsu raised his voice. "Hit me with a dare"


    "I dare you to be super sweet to Gajeel for the rest of the day" Gray grinned brightly. Gajeel mirrored his expression.


    "Fine. I''ll show you"


    "Have I ever told you how stupid you sound? "Gajeel decided to see if the boy could really pull it off.


    He glared and was about to speak before shutting up and smiling.


    "Sorry for bothering you then . I''ll try not to be such a pain" he said in his sweetest tone.


    Archer''s amused smile was hidden behind her mask. She never saw either of the boys smile kindly at eachother before. The sight was ridiculous enough for her to want to laugh.


    Natsu grumbled and spun the bottle, watching it pass everyone until landing on Cana.


    The two stared at eachother for a moment. They never really talked to eachother.


    "Truth or dare? "


    "Dare" Cana said with that smirk of hers. "Let''s see what you''ve got fireboy"


    Natsu seemed in thought for a moment. And then he suddenly perked up.


    "I dare you to be the Popsicle for three turns"


    "Good one" Mira nodded.


    "I could''ve done far better than that stupid pyro" Cana said herself while taking off the shirt she had on. Everyone at the table seemed amused by that. The exception being Gray who seemed a bit annoyed.


    Cana then spun the bottle and it landed on the ever innocent Lisanna.


    "Truth or dare"


    "Truth? "


    "Do you prefer your idiot brother or the evil sister? "


    Gray smiled a bit proudly. That was exactly what he would''ve called the two despite the dangers of suffering Mira''s wrath.


    "Um, both? " Lisanna fidgeted. "I love both my siblings "


    Mira beamed happily at that and Cana sighed. The bottle was then spun, while everyone shared a snicker when Cana "unconsciously" took off her pants.


    The bottle landed on Gajeel, who adopted a scowl. Lisanna looked at him nervously.


    "Truth or dare? "


    "Truth"


    "Huh, I was not expecting that" Levy muttered.


    "What are you trying to say , shrimp? "Gejeel said gruffly.


    "Stop calling me shrimp"


    "What''s one of the most embarrsing yet scary things Archer has done to you? "


    Gajeel almost growled at the memory it brought up.


    "That good for nothing thought it was a good idea to throw me into a mountain completely n?k?d. I had to make it back down all by myself, with no protection against the cold or anything. And I would have to pass people who were scaling that stupid rock. When I got back she made me go through the day bu?? n?k?d"


    Natsu had to stop himself from bursting out in a fit of laughter. Gray did not hold himself back, however. He was hardly breathing with the amount of laughter that shook his body. Gajeel only glared at everyone. The girls were giggling minus Archer. She was however very amused and Chuckled.


    "Shut up" Gajeel ordered and spun the bottle. "Alright, she devil. What will it be? "


    "Dare"


    ~~~~~~~~


    Archer sighed as she crashed into her bed. She was never playing that game with any of them ever again. It was a disaster right after Mira''s dare. One thing lead to another and soon there was the usual brawl. Things had started out innocently enough. A jab was thrown at Erza for not picking dare. Natsu finally snapped and broke his nice act towards Gajeel. Gray was suddenly completely n?k?d. Cana was having a blast. She seemed to be enjoying it far too much. She could''ve been a bit drunk. Archer saw her steal Wakaba"s drink when he wasn''t looking. Erza and Mira got into a fight again.


    She sighed. She needed sleep. The minute she returned to the house she had built she made sure every slayer was washed up and in their own room. She was the last to take a bath and now she was just relaxing. She had on a long sleeveless shirt and some shorts. Her hair was still a little wet but she didn''t care enough. Again she was idely tonging her sharp teeth until she cut her tongue. She had another mission tomorrow.


    "Ah, I forgot to summon Metal and Poseidon " she muttered to herself. "Tomorrow"


    She had acquired the two keys on her last mission. One was located in an interesting cave while the other was literally at the bottom of a river, being protected by all kinds of under water creatures.


    "What a day" she closed her eyes and sunk into her bed. She was sure to fall asleep anytime now.


    There was a knock at her door.


    She sighed again.


    "Come in"


    She was hardly surprised to find Wendy, Sting and Rogue. They each had a pillow in hand and climbed into her bed with her.


    "You have your own rooms" Archer mumbled even as she let the kids snuggle closer.


    "We want to sleep here " Wendy informed. "You''re warm"


    "And you smell nice"


    "Safe" Rogue muttered, already half asleep.


    "Fine, just for tonight" Archer said. "You sleep in your own beds tomorrow "


    She got no reply.


    "Seriously "

 Chapter 19

    Having younger siblings can be bothersome sometimes. Archer always thought that and that very thought was running through her head at that moment. She yawned as she made her way down the hall, carrying three toddlers as she did. They had woken up before her and Sting thought it would be a great idea to jump on her stomach until she awoke. It worked, but it was annoying. After they had successfully awoken her they demanded she make food. Well Sting demanded food while Rogue and Wendy asked nicely. There was a reason Archer tried to prevent Sting from spending too much time with Natsu and Gajeel. He took after them a tad too much.


    Archer stopped in front of a normal looking door. She slid it open and stepped into the big bathroom she added to the house. Sting tried to run but she easily caught him and held him despite his struggles. She let the tub full up while she instructed the kids to strip. She had to forcefully remove Sting''s clothes.


    "I don''t want to take a bath yet, I''m hungry! "


    "It''s too early for this" Archer sighed. "You''ll eat after your bath"


    Wendy and Rogue were perfect little angels. Sting was the only real problem. While the other two knew to neatly fold their clothes and climb into the tub, Sting was trying to fight Archer. So she just dropped him in the tub, not at all caring about all his shouting. Soap was added to the mix and bubbles started to form in their bath. Archer even dumped some toys in there to keep them entertained.


    "If you quiet down and behave like a good little boy I''ll make you your favorite, how does that sound? "


    Sting brightened immediately and nodded with a huge smile


    "Good" she ruffled his hair. "You''re the oldest so you''re in charge. Each of you must be squeaky clean and dressed in time for breakfast. Can you handle that? "


    "Sir yes sir"


    "Awesome " she smiled. "Be good you two and if Sting abuses his power you have my permission to overthrow him" Archer said to Wendy and Rogue who each giggled at her statement. The last time Sting got drunk on power Archer had found him in a very sticky situation .


    With that Archer left the kids alone. They were more than capable of taking a proper bath by themselves.


    She continued down the hall stopping in front of a red door. She swung it open and eyed the messy bed. Natsu had kicked his sheets off the bed and was sleeping in a very awkward position. She stepped into his room, picking up his sheets when she came by his bed. She took him by the scarf and dropped him on the ground, watching him sit up with a completely confused look on his face. His hair was a mess.


    "What happened? "


    "It''s time for you to get up. Go take a shower" Archer ordered as she handed him his towel.


    "What time is it? "


    "Around eight"


    "It''s too early" Natsu m??n?d and flopped back into his bed.


    "I have to leave at ten and I''m not leaving you lot alone in this house"


    "We won''t burn it down"


    "That''s not what I''m worried about, go take a shower and get dressed"


    A groan left his throat as he did as told and slowly shuffled towards his bathroom. When the door closed behind him Archer left his room and traveled towards Gajeel''s. His door was a deep grey and made of actual metal. He had requested it but it took some convincing for Archer to grant him the door he wanted. She didn''t want him eating it.


    Stepping into his room, she took a moment to observe the position he was in. How? Was the one question as she looked at the scene. But then again he''s Gajeel. Of course he wouldnt be bothered by nails in his bed. Why were there nails in his bed in the first place? What was he doing the night before?


    He was treated the same as Natsu. Archer casually kicked him off the bed. He was not as confused as Natsu. The first thing he did was aim an iron club at the unfazed Archer.


    "Time to get up"


    "Stop kicking me out of my bed dammit! "


    "Sure"


    "Dirty liar"


    Archer only smiled in response and threw him his towel while pointing to the bathroom. He got the message easily enough. He growled as he stomped towards his bathroom, cursing Archer as he did.


    With that taken care of Archer made her way down the stairs and towards the kitchen. She promised Sting his favorite, which meant she would have to make everyone''s favorite. It wouldn''t be fair otherwise.


    Either way it would be a feast.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Natsu was grinning as he modeled in the mirror. Archer said she had bought them all new clothes and frankly he wasn''t sure if he would like them. Turns out he loved them. He thought he looked awesome in his little black waist coat and baggy pants. It went great with his scarf too. He had to thank Archer for this.


    Gajeel was thinking the same thing. He too had on a waist coat, but it was secured by a studded belt around his . Instead of white he had Beige baggy pants that were tucked into his boots. He loved his boots most of all. They were most definitely combat type. They were strong and didn''t dent when he bit them. Top quality. He grinned at the studded brown gloves paired with similarly studded wristbands.


    "Nice"


    He stepped out of his room to come face to face with Natsu. The two stared ay each other before grinning and fist bumping .


    "You don''t look absolutky terrible today, metal head"


    "I can say the same for you, salamander"


    "I''m starting to like that name" Natsu commented as the two made their way down the hall. "It doesn''t sound too bad"


    "Whatever you say"


    "Big bros!" sting called as he ran down the hall. "Look at me, my outfit is so cool"


    The boy sported a white shirt under a blue vest with golden outer edges. For pants he had on loose white pants held up by suspenders which were attached to the pant loops by square-shaped rings that are gold in color. The one question the boys had on their minds was how he had managed to put on the suspenders. He was also gifted with some combat boots.


    "This is amazing! "


    "Archy got us all new clothes" Wendy said, sporting her little green dress.


    It was a simple dress with two wavy stripes running across the dress and ending in small pointed edges at the bottom. Around her arms and legs she wore wing like attachments.


    Rogue stood near her as silent as ever. He was observing his clothes like everyone else. His was very simple and very comfortable in his opinion. He had on a turtle neck long sleeved shirt the color being a light grey. He had tucked it into his black pants which was held up by a grey sash. His shoes were not combat style, but simple knee length sneakers he felt comfortable in. He liked it. It would draw little to no attention to him.


    "It pays having a rich big sis" Natsu grinned.


    ~~~~~~~


    Archer kept a good eye on her siblings as they traveled towards the guild. She was happy to see them enjoying their new clothes so much. She of course got them because of what they wore in the anime and Manga. It suited them. Sting and Rogue''s were a bit different from original. Sting actually had on a shirt under his vest. Also his vest was lacking the fur collar he was known for. Rogue''s outfit lacked the cape and waist guard. There were a few armored parts also missing. Natsu''s outfit was practically the same as in the anime. The only thing Gajeel was missing was the feather type thing he had around his neck.


    And of course Wendy had her green dress.


    At some point Natsu and Gajeel decided to race and were soon out of sight. Sting didn''t want to be left out and followed after them as fast as his tiny legs would allow. Which was very fast. He would catch up to them easily enough


    Rogue and Wendy stayed back.


    "Will they make it to the guild? " Wendy asked in worry


    "Yes they will, don''t worry about it" Archer reassured.


    "They left us behind" Rogue said quietly


    "That they did" Archer glanced at the two. "Do you want to catch up?"


    "What did I teach you? "


    The two seemed in thought for a moment before apparently remembering what was taught. They each took a starting position on the ground, staring ahead intently. Slowly a ball of their representing element formed beneath their raised foot and within second they used it to push off the ground with incredible strength and speed.


    Archer watched them go with a proud smile.


    "I can''t wait to see their faces when those two make it before them"


    She chuckled and fished her two new keys out her pocket. She should summon them before she forgot again.


    Holding the two between her fingers she simply swiped them through the air and awaited their appearance.


    She ignored the scowls the two aimed her way and continued her walk.


    "Insolent child" Poseidon spat as he marched towards the calm Archer. She merely glanced at him, taking in his sea blue hair and eyes. His skin was fair with a few scars here and there. He wore no shirt, but a white cloth across his ?h?st. He also wore no pants but instead a blue clothed waist guard. He pointed his trident at Archer, sweeping his long hair from his face.


    "Why are you so bad tempered? " Archer asked as she pushed the golden weapon away from her face. "I summoned you, did I not? And it was not like you couldn''t have manifested by yourself. You''re a god after all"


    "Don''t test me. How dare you store me in your pocket. You should treat me with respect"


    "What ever you say" Archer waved him off.


    Metal was silent next to her, he was letting off an angry air as well. He was a tan man in human form. Like Gajeel he had studds on his body. Three representing the one visible eyebrow. Three on each side of his nose. One on his chin. Multiple on his bicepts. He dressed very casually. All he had on was a grey shirt under a black vest and some black pants that were tucked into studded boots.


    "I understand Poseidon being angry. He is a very bad tempered god. But why are you so angry, metal? "


    "You sommoned that ice idiot and fire fool almost immediately after finding them and I get forgotten"


    "You''re being childish if that''s why you''re angry "


    "I don''t care kid"


    "Alright. I''ll leave you be. If you two want to be angry then by all means be anGry. It''s not like I care enough"


    ~~~~~~


    "Hello Scarlet"


    Erza hummed as she glanced at the masked Archer. She climbed into the stool next to her as she usually did. Wendy climbed into the one next one her and was immediately offered a little cup of juice. Erza saw Natsu and Sting still sulking about their apparent loss. Some time ago Wendy and Rogue bursted into the guild thirty second before Natsu, Gajeel and Sting. The two were smiling happily at their victory while the other three looked shocked. They did not expect that. They didn''t think the two would join the race.


    "Ready for our mission today? "


    The redhead nodded in answer while she enjoyed her cake. The mission is as simple as any they had taken before. This time around they would be escorting someone of a high status for an impressive amound of money.


    "Are you ready for your first mission Wendy? "


    The little girl nodded brightly.


    Archer was sure their mission would be easy enough for Wendy to handle. If any trouble found them Archer could always handle it or dispatch Wendy if the threat was low. A roar from her is capable taking down anyone really . They won''t be expecting a strong attack from Her which will work against them.


    Wendy will have a taste of the mission life. She will find three new keys, hopefully she finds Athena soon. Demeter had told her about the possibility of the goddess training Erza and she liked the idea. Who better to teach the knight than the goddess of warfare?


    If she deems Erza worthy she might even gift her new armors. Armors from her are powerful and indestructible.


    She was hoping to find Skiadrum and Weisologia as well.


    Hopefully she found all three on her next mission because she estamated three in the direction of where she''ll be going.


    She thought back to the angry Poseidon. If he was angry Ares would be furious had she left him until the next day. He is a bastard of a god sometimes. He could be found very last for all Archer cared. He and Poseidon fight too much for her liking. She already had enough with Gajeel and Natsu and their respective dragon along with Glacier. She didn''t need two gods constantly fighting with her making sure no one dies.


    The gods are hard to deal with sometimes. They tend to hold pointless grudges against eachother that made no sense sometimes. She tends to stay out of such things and let them fight but she would always shake her head by the simplicity. They were like children, Demeter being the only one who doesn''t get into this nonsense.


    She sighed just thinking of the troubles she would have when all the god keys were found.


    They were such children.

 Chapter 20

    Sometimes one can feel like a proud mother for all the wrong reasons. Archer found herself experiencing that emotion as she watched Wendy school the poor bandit that decided to attack them. There was a whole group of them and once Archer determined their strenght she didn''t hesitate to throw Wendy at one of them. Yes, she had her moments of using Wendy as a weapon. It wasn''t often and it wasn''t for dumb reasons. By throwing her towards the man she helped the child build up enough speed to increase the strenght of her feet coliding with the fool''s face. While that happened Archer and Erza decided to handle the other men before they could even touch the carriage they were guarding. They chose the wrong day to plan such an attack. I''m sure that one guy was not expecting a bullet in the form of a toddler to be sent to his face. Wendy has had enough hand to hand training to be capable of handling the fumbling bandit. She knew to use her size to her advantage. She manipulated the air with trained ease and was giving the man a run for his money.


    Grandeeny would be proud of the little fighting machine she trained.


    Well, Archer was the one who taught her all her hand to hand combat. She taught her a style that would help her very much. Using the air with her moves was perfect.


    At some point the four year old ended up standing on the unconscious man''s ?h?st after a wing attack knocked him out. She stared at him a bit confused before looking towards Archer and pointing at the man.


    "He won''t get up"


    "Good job. Go for that man, he''s very bad" Archer threw a stone at the man she was indicating, striking him in the head and caused him to collide with a tree with the force of the hit.


    "She''s impressive " Erza said as she dropped her defeated bandit casually and sliced through the air, taking care of two more. "She incorporates her magic into her fighting style very easily and her way of fighting makes use of her size"


    "Nice observation" Archer threw another stone and knocked out four bandits almost immediately. Another stone was sent flying, knocking down the one closest to the carriage causing the other to trip over his body. "Guess who taught her"


    "I could tell by that proud look in your eyes"


    Archer grinned under her mask as she manifested a white bow out of thin air. She pulled back the string, a fiery arrow forming as she did. She was calm as she aimed it at three other bandits. Once released the arrow split in three and struck the bandits in the ?h?st. They crumpled to the floor unmoving. They won''t be moving for a full week. Their body cannot handle the flames of a Phoenix, even the weakest of said flames.


    Archer glanced at Wendy just in time to see her standing on the ?h?st of her second victem before taking to the air in time to dodge another bandit. She kept herself in the air and prepared her powerful roar.


    Erza and Archer saw opportunity and grabbed the last two bandits, throwing them towards the one about to be hit by the incoming roar. They crashed on top of each other and could not untangle themselves in time to dodge the attack


    "You sure showed them" Archer laughed as she caught the little girl. She was beaming with happiness at her success and the compliment she received from Archer.


    "You were amazing Wendy"


    "Thank you big sis Erza" Wendy giggled in her joy and jumped over into the redhead''s arms.


    "Big sis? "


    "Look a that" Archer chuckled even as she struck a bandit in the head before he could get up.


    She threw him against a tree, placing a hard boot to his ?h?st and looking him in the eyes.


    "Speak or suffer"


    The poor soul was quick to crumble under her burning gaze and spilled everything he knew. When he could deal no more information Archer let him run away, ignoring the multiple thanks he sobbed out.


    "Do you know anything about a dark guild by the name of bleeding heart? " Archer asked the blonde coachman.


    He paled at the name and nodded. The name seemed to attract the woman inside the carriage for she stepped out despite the protest of the man who was with her. She was a very regal woman, dressing as elegantly as a queen. Despite the air she let off she wasnt as bad as one would think. She had a stern gaze and cold aura, but Archer can tell a person''s true character easy enough.


    "Were those bandits sent by that guild? " she asked calmly to which Archer nodded. She could read the look in the woman''s eyes. The news angered her.


    "Those scum"


    "Is there something I should know, ma''am? "


    "Tell me, do you know the Amethyst? "


    "Ah, yes I do. He was one of my contractors a few days back"


    "He''s my cousin and he was the one who recommended you two to me. He said that despite your young age you are very competent wizards, a fact which was proven moments ago" there was a ghost of a smile on her face as she said that. "If you know dear Oliver than you must know that slimy Everett "


    "Yes, we know of him"


    "He is part of this dark guild although he denies this whenever brought up. I know without a doubt that he is behind all of this. All he cares about is his money and will stop at nothing to get it"


    "Do you have something he wants? "


    "Yes, you must know of the artifact that has been in our family for years" she revealed a familiar little box, but it was not the one they were hired to protect. "There are three of them. One is with my cousin. One with me and the other''s location is confidential"


    "He wants the artifact " Erza sighed. "He failed to snatch the one from Mr. Amethyst and decided to go after Lady Emerald"


    Archer had a feeling when she heard the woman''s last name.


    "If that is what''s going on I ask you not to worry ma''am " Archer reassured. "We will make sure he does not get his hands on your priceless treasure and keep you safe on this journey"


    "I thank you" The woman curtsied before eyeing Wendy, who had been paying close attention. "I would like that child to ride with me, I do not feel right having her out here with you despite her capabilities "


    "Are you sure? You don''t have to, she''s fine with us"


    "Yes I am sure, I wish for her to join me, unless she does not want to" Lady Emerald said with the kindest smile they had seen her with. "I have lots of treats I''m sure she''ll enjoy and I would feel safer having a brave little wizard by my side"


    Archer chuckled at her words. She knew what she was doing. A lot of people took a liking to the cute little Wendy. She knew the she would like her. She must probably awaken her maternal instincts.


    "Do you want to, Wendy? "


    The girl nodded. "Lady Emerald is really nice"


    "She is isn''t she" Erza said with a giggle as she handed the happy child over to the smiling woman.


    "You are the cutest thing" She said with a coo. "I promise to award you for your acts of bravery"


    "She is quite adorable" the man at her side said looking defeated. He sighed and held the carriage door open for the woman, stepping in after her.


    "Of course Wendy gets the royal treatment " Archer said amused as they continued along .


    "I doubt anyone can ignore her charms" Erza said.


    "Truer words have never been said"


    ~~~~


    Coming into the town that is their destination the two followed the carriage to an impressive mansion. They hadn''t stumbled upon any trouble after the bandits, but Archer was sure another attempt would be made. She had a feeling the wizards of the dark guild itself would be coming to handle the situation this time. If Everett returns she will escort him to the magic council. Thinking of it, she wondered if he was related to the bakery owner they caught on their first mission. They had the same last name. What are the odds of them being family?


    They were invited into the home of lady Emerald and given their own room to spend however long it is they wanted to. Archer was not focused on most things. There was a very strong pull in the mansion . Could the woman have collected her keys like her cousin? Most likely. She felt the pull of two keys. The other key was some distance away but not too far from the town.


    Archer decided to bring up the issue with her keys when the opportunity presented itself. Surprisingly it was Lady Emerald who brought the subject up.


    "My cousin has told me that you retrieved the keys he held as treasure after many failed attempts of removing them from their protection" she spoke as she lead the girl down a hallway. "He told me that these keys belong to you and hence can only be collected by you"


    They came to a stop In front of double doors that were pushed open by the butler that followed them. The room wad filled with priceless objects just like that of Mr. Amethyst . The two really were family. Archer was quick to locate two keys behind glass cases. She smiled upon seeing the ruby keys. Skiadrum and Weisslogia always stick together. You wouldn''t find one without the other.


    Archer approached the cases observing the keys withing. Skiadrum''s key was drifting in literal shadows the only way of knowing it was there was the glow of the key itself. It had it''s own design in the form of a shadow wrapping around the bow of the key. With Weisslogia it was the complete opposite. It was odd to look at. It was enguled in a white glow that hid the key almost completely.


    "These keys do not allow anyone to get close to them. The darkness or white glow around them would swallow them up completely when someone reaches around three inches close to them"


    Archer hummed and opened the first glass case. She reached out towards Skiadrum''s key, easily grasping it. Upon contact the darkness around it faded and the key was within her palm. The next glass case was opened and she retrieved Weisslogia just as easily. She held the two between her fingers, a smile of success on her face.


    "I thank you for allowing me to retrieve my keys"


    "It''s the least I can do"


    "You''re as kind and generous as your cousin , ma''am "


    "I would like to think that our parents raised us properly"


    ~~~~~~


    "What are you doing? " Erza asked as she eyed Archer who was seated on the windowsill. She was staring out into the night air with an intent gaze.


    "Keeping an eye out" Archer said simply. "They will be back, it''s best we be prepared"


    Wendy moved to stand by the window with Archer, staring out as intently as the elder was. She didn''t see anything nor did she smell any unfamiliar scents nearby.


    "There''s no one out there"


    "Not right now, but there will be at some point"


    "Oh" Wendy tried and failed to climb onto the windowsill. She looked to Archer for help but the girl shook her head.


    "We wouldn''t want you falling off now, would we? ".


    "But you wouldn''t let that happen"


    "You''re right, but you''re still not coming up here"


    Wendy pouted and returned to Erza, who giggled at her expression. She was genuinely disappointed. With the help of Erza she managed to climb into the big bed and secured herself under the soft blanket.


    "Going to bed already? " Erza asked.


    Wendy hummed in response. "It''s an hour past my bedtime"


    "You''re allowed to rebel" Archer said amused.


    "I want to sleep"


    "Suit yourself, you''re still a baby after all"


    "No I''m not".


    "You actually are" Erza informed.


    "See, Erza knows "


    "How am I a baby? "


    "Because you''re four years old. " Archer said.


    "Baby can be used to refer to any child from birth to age of four years old" Erza informed. She had learned of such thing after listening to Levy ramble one day.


    "Oh" Wendy said quietly in her realization. "So Sting and Rogue aren''t babies? "


    "No, they are five thus not in that category " Archer said


    "Okay" Wendy seemed in thought. "So big brother Natsu was right"


    "Surprisingly, yes"


    Archer glanced back out the window when a couple of new scents made themselves known. Wendy must''ve caught onto them as well because she was suddenly sitting up in bed


    "Are they here? " Erza asked as she placed a hand on her sword.


    "Yes" Archer stood on the windowsill, summoning her bow and pulling back the string. A familiar fiery arrow formed between her finger and she carefully aimed her weapon at the unsuspecting targets.


    She smiled and let the arrow silently travel through the air at incredible speed. It split off into four smaller arrows and each hit a target.


    "Shall we disable them before they get a chance to enter the mansion? " Archer asked


    Erza nodded before easily jumping through the window with her sword drawn. The poor bastards didn''t even know what hit them. They were on the ground within seconds. This alerted the rest of them, putting them on guard.


    "Wendy, let''s play"


    Wendy recognized those words and quickly approached Archer. The older girl picked her up and aimed her at a group of wizards, already activating their magic.


    "You see those guys? ".


    Wendy nodded.


    "Hit them with your best shot"


    Wendy nodded again and accepted the ball of air Archer offered her. Archer''s elements taste differently than nornal elements. It was a conclusion they all came to after tasting her version of their elements. Archer''s air was pure and not contaminated by the dirt in the air. It was far more nutritious and a small ball was enough to fully restore Wendy''s energy along with giving her magic an impressive boost


    When she released her roar of air it was twice the size and moved twice as fast. Even when it hit its target it didn''t immediately disappear, but took the form of a tornado dealing more damage.


    "Nice job" Archer ruffled her hair when her attack finally faded, leaving eight unconscious men.


    "Thank you"


    "You''re welcome, now it''s time for bed" Archer placed her back in the bed and covered her up.


    "But I want to help"


    "You''ve done enough for today. Go to sleep, it''s already past your bed time after all" Archer pulled on her mask and returned to the windowsill.


    Wendy watched her manifest her bow again.


    "I''ll return in less than ten minutes"

 Chapter 21

    Everett Rourke found himself in a deadly situation. He was cowering before two ten year olds who he had encountered before. The minute he saw those red eyes he knew it was over. He remembered how easily she had taken care of him and now he was terrified.


    Erza had him at the end of her sword, her gaze hard as the man shook in fear. Archer was nearby, leaning on a wall, staring at the frightened man. She had questions and he would answer. In reality she only had one question .


    "I have but one question" She said her voice loud enough for him to hear "you answer correctly and no harm will come to you. At least no harm will be inflicted by me or my partner"


    "I''ll tell you anything" he was smart enough to know there was no getting out of his current situation. He hated the smile that woman wore as she watched the ten year olds reduce him to nothing but a quivering coward.


    "That''s what I like to hear" Archer pushed off the wall, placing her hands in her pocket as she approached the man. "Where is this dark guild of yours located? "


    Everett froze at the question. That was the one form of info he was not allowed to disclose. The whereabouts of his guild were to be kept secret from anyone outside the guild. If he told he was guaranteed to die a slow and painful death. But if he didn''t give Archer the information she wanted there was no telling what she would do to him. The look in her eyes was enough to let him know that she was not joking around and if she needed to hurt him she would. He never thought he would be this afraid of a child before in his life. He was in no Position to withhold info. A very sharp and very warm sword was being held against his neck . The longer he took to answer the hotter the tip of the sword got.


    He didn''t know what to do.


    He debated with himself. If he told Archer she wouldn''t hurt him and would most likely turn him into the council and proceed to hunt down and take care of his guild. If he somehow managed to escape his prison and Archer did not eliminate every member of the guild he would be killed . If she did take care of the guild and turned every member over he would most likely meet them again.


    None of these were very pleasant.


    "You sure are taking your time" Archer said casually crouching before him.


    He winced when the tip of the word burned him. He tried to move away, but his head hit the wall behind him and the sword was held harder against his neck


    "The guikd is located in the forest near Hunting village" he suddenly rushed out. His heart was beating out of his ?h?st as he did. He felt the heat on the sword lessen when he spilled that set of info. "One of our members uses nature magic and helps keep the guild somewhat hiden "


    "Thank you" Archer patted his head, humiliating him even more. "Tomorrow I will drop you off at the council and then handle that good for nothing guild"


    "There is a request to defeat that guild, but it is ranked S-class" Lady Emerald informed, intructing her butler to do something. The man ran off immediately after and returned just as quickly. He presented a mission sheet to the curious Archer. "This mission was put out by the magic council and sent to every legal guild"


    "S-class, huh? " Archer wore a broad smile under her mask as she eyed the mission sheet. "Five million jewels reward"


    Erza stared at the mission over Archer''s shoulder. They would get into trouble with master if he knew of what they planned on doing, but could do nothing if they complete it. Erza was sure they would. Archer was strong and hardly used her magic. A single arrow from her can paralyze a person for days. A slash from Erza''s sword can damage someone''s magic.


    "Well" Archer folded the mission sheet and placed it in her pocket. "Seems we have another mission, Scarlet


    Taking down a dark guild would do wonders for her reputation. It would get her noticed, bringing the title S-class far closer. Boy was she lucky to have stumbled upon this. This mission would be far too dangerous for Wendy so Archer decided to leave her with Lady Emerald until they returned. The woman was very kind to Wendy so it was perfect. She would summon one of the dragons to get them to their location faster than they normally would and the mission would be over in a day. As as easy as that. They just had to eliminate a dark guild and deliver them to the council. Would this get them in trouble with Makarov? Maybe.


    He knows what Archer could do or at least knows how strong she could actually be, so he could not be very angry at her doing this.


    "Do you know how many members are present in this guild? " Erza asked as the two wandered outside the mansion, taking to the forest to summon a dragon.


    "No, I should''ve asked him that as well now that I think about it"


    "Why didn''t you? "


    "Didn''t see the need at the time. It hardly matters how many are present. It will end the same way" Archer said with a shrug.


    "Very confident"


    Archer chuckled. "Should I not be? I know what I am capable of"


    "What are you capable of? "Erza asked in her curiosity. She knew Archer was strong, but exactly how strong was a mystery. She was hoping to get an estimation.


    "Stronger than a dragon, that''s for sure" Archer said very amused by the look of shock on Erza''s face. "I once took on a dragon when I was nine years old. I didn''t challenge the creature. I was on a little mission and I stumbled upon him. You know a dragon is ruthless when he does not hesitate to attack a child"


    "What happened? "


    "I defended myself quite easily. Once he realized who he was dealing with he was smart enough to retreat" Archer said at the memory. "I hadn''t even used half my power to battle him and he was and is considered the strongest dragon"


    The strongest dragon. It took Erza little time to realize what dragon Archer was talking about and when she did her look of shock said everything.


    "You took on Acnologia without using half of your power? "


    "That''s what I just said"


    Erza couldn''t even wrap her head around it. Acnologia is the most feared dragon alive. Anyone dumb enough to go against him would surely die.


    "I managed to snatch some scales from him and decided to wear it as a trophy" Archer chuckled indicating her scarf. She did say it was made out of the scales of a dragon along with the feathers if a phoenix. She was unbelievable. "I also managed to severely damage his left eye. He won''t be seeing out of that eye anymore "


    "You''re unbelievable "


    "You think I''m strong, wait until you meet the monsters that are my parents" Archer laughed in her amusement . "I''m not a m?tur?d Phoenix yet so my power does not compare to those older than me. I''m technically still a fledgling "


    Knowing this a couple of questions might arise.


    First being why the phoenix didn''t just end the whole war? They could''ve easily killed Acnologia. Why not just defeat the dark wizard zeref before he caused more destruction?


    There was a very simple answer to that.


    It was none of their business.


    Yup, that''s it. They didn''t do anything because it was not their problem. They didn''t start a war. They did not have anything to do with Zeref. Everything that happened was the humans and dragon''s business. They had nothing to do with it. All they do is observe. They may interfere if they want to and sometimes do, but they mostly let things run their course. The world could be destroyed and they wouldn''t bat an eye


    Why?


    Multiple reasons. Reasons we shall not get into at the moment.


    So since they don''t tend to poke their noses in other people''s business it''s a wonder they helped Anna and Irene in their little project. They helped build the eclipse gate and dispatched Archer to help out with anything else they would need. Archer helped the good dragons in their fight against the bad dragons. She helped the chosen dragons train their slayers. She created a cure for the dragon seed that was growing within them, succesfully preventing the need for the dragons to reside within their slayers. She along with Irene and Anna found a way to create keys and summon the dragons from them. With the help of her parent''s knowledge she created a realm for the dragons to reside in. She had fourteen keys because of the fourteen dragon kings and queens. There were more than fourteen dragons present in the realm she created. Also by creating the cure she helped Irene with her own dragon transformation. The woman would not have to suffer through the pain of changing and would not lose herself. So she was not the messed up Irene she knew in the anime.


    Also she made sure to take care of the bastard of a husband who decided to lock up his wife when it was discovered that she was taking the form of a dragon. She was angry when she learned of it but had to keep her emotions in control. Why would you do that to the love of your life. It was obvious he did not love her as much as he said he did. He didn''t believe she was pregnant because she didn''t give birth in the nine month span. And even before that. Of course she wouldn''t birth her child in the cage she was trapped in.


    That was his last day alive.


    Archer regrets nothing.


    There was nothing anyone could do, because Archer dared the fools to try something and see if they wouldn''t end up in the grave like the pathetic king they were so loyal to.


    Irene became the primary ruler after that. She could''ve given birth to Erza in that age, but she had different plans. Archer respected that and as such she infused the woman with some of her magic taking all the strain off her. Withholding the birth of a child can be very strenuous.


    It was because of this magic that was infused within the w?mb that Erza felt familiarity around Archer.


    We got off track. Let us continue to follow Archer and Erza on their journey to defeat a dark guild.


    "I think this is a good enough spot" Archer decided once they stood in a clearing . "Who should I summon? "


    She decided to summon both. They were practically brothers.


    Erza was used to the bright glow by this point and was not at all fazed to find ome of the human form dragons shirtless. It appeared as if the men preferred to walk around shirtless.


    Skiadrum had equally long hair that was also pulled into a pony tail. His eyes were blood red with slitted pupils. Unlike Weisslogia he was very tan skin and was riddled with old battle scars. He also had a little pointy beard. He was shirtless for some reason, dressed in some knee length pants and combat boots.


    "Why are you shirtless Skiadrum? "


    "I lost my shirt" he said simply and folded his arms over his ?h?st.


    "How could such a thing happen? "


    "He participated in a childish game with Igneel, Glacier and Metalicana. Surprisingly Elicius joined this game as well" Weisslogia informed.


    "He did, huh? " Archer gave Skiadrum a pointed look to which he just shrugged. "I suppose you''re perfectly alright with being shirtless"


    "Yes I am"


    "Very well"


    "May I ask how young Sting is doing? "


    "He tries to fight everyone and everything. He''s stubborn and likes to compete. In other words he''s doing very well"


    "And Rogue? "


    "Quiet and reserved. Well behaved and mannered"


    Skiadrum smiled. "I taught him well"


    Suddenly both dragons eyed the quiet Erza as if only then noticing her. Instant recognition flashed through their eyes upon seeing her.


    "And who might you be? "


    "Erza"


    "Friend with the ever mysterious Archer I see" Weisslogia had a knowing smile as he said that. He knew how the girl can come off and how much she confuses others.


    "Enjoy the trip of getting to know her" Skuadrum added. "It will be very long and very entertaining"


    Erza glanced at Archer who was quietly laughing at their words.


    "Since we''ve gotten all of that out of the way, I would like to ask one of you to transform into a dragon"


    "You need transportation" Skiadrum stated. "Why don''t you just fly yourself"


    "Mutilple reason Skiadrum"


    He shrugged.


    "I shall help you" Weisslogia said, ever the kind dragon.


    "What is it you two plan on doing? "Skiadrum asked in interest as he watced his friend transform in the distance.


    "We plan on eliminating a dark guild"


    "Interesting" Skiadrum grew a small smile. "May I ?ssist you"


    "I don''t see why not"

 Chapter 22

    Erza sweat dropped as she watched Archer kick some poor bastard in the ?h?st. He was sent flying into a near tree, his impact having broken the poor thing. He grunted in pain, blood dripping past his lips as he whimpered. Archer placed her hands in her pockets and easily dodged the magic attack that was sent to her from behind. She was letting off an air of complete casualness that Erza couldn''t ignore. Of course she couldn''t pay too much attention to Archer seeing as she had to defend herself. She twisted away from an odd looking whip and brought her sword down on her attacker. She sighed as she stepped out the way of a blade. She was handling things better than she thought she would. But then again, they didn''t even arrive at the guild. They just wandered the forest and stumbled upon six guild mates who tried to rob them. When they found out they were in search of their guild they got serious and one thing lead to another. Archer is such an honest person. Even in the face of danger.


    The six wizards were quickly taken care of. Again, Erza found it to be surprisingly easy.


    "Well, they were weak" Archer said bluntly as she cast a disinterested gaze at an unconscious man. "Disappointing"


    With her hands in her pockets as usual, Archer followed the scent that lingered on the men they had fought. It was the scent of their guild, most likely.


    Erza was quick to follow after the other. She glanced up only briefly and caught sight of Weislogia soaring through the sky. It was hard to notice him if you were not in search of him. His color made him blend in easily enough. He would look like a drifting cloud to anyone else. Her gaze returned to the silent Archer. She was in a good mood. She''s usually in a good mood though. Erza''s never really seen her with a damp mood. She''s always happy enough. She only then realized that fact. Archer is mostly cheerful and amused in her calm fashion. It seems to be her go to emotions.


    "Something on your mind? "


    Erza shook her head when Archer suddenly directed her attention to her.


    "Are you sure? You were staring"


    "Just thinking, I guess"


    Archer hummed. "What about? "


    "About your mood or personality I guess? I mean, you''re mostly very cheerful and amused in such a calm fashion. I kind of just realized that"


    Archer had a raised eyebrow and the familiar glimmer of amusement could be found in those eyes. She chuckled an returned her gaze to the forest ahead.


    "You''re not saying anything about that? "


    "Nothing to say. I am always like this, there''s nothing else to it"


    "Why are you like that? " Erza questioned. "Does my question make sense? I guess you''re like that because it''s just your personality. I don''t even know what I''m asking"


    "I''m just like this. Cheerfulness and amusement are the first emotions I was introduced to, so I suppose that is why. My calm take on everything is just something that seems to run in my family " Archer answered honestly with a shrug.


    "Your first emotions? "


    "Yep" Archer said, popping the p.


    "Did you have trouble experiencing emotions? " Erza was now very curious. It was hard t believe Archer had such a problem. She''s displayed emotions like most people. Although she never saw her angry or annoyed or anything like that. Does she have struggles with those emotions as well?


    "You can say that" Archer seemed in thought. "I was born without emotions, to put it plainly"


    "How were you born without emotions? Is it an illness? "


    "No, I can''t suffer any illnesses" Archer admitted. It''s a cool pro about her family. "It''s just how it is in my family. We just learn to experience emotions. We don''t have to, though. We simply do what we want. I for one like to observe and human emotion was alluring"


    "I''m starting to think you''re not human the longer I spend time with you" Erza sighed as she processed what was said. She could actually be a real living phoenix. She was friends with a phoenix. But she could be human who has an interesting family and way of seeing the world.


    Archer was staring at her when she said that. "Do you now? "


    Amusement again.


    "Yes I do"


    Archer stared down at her hands. "But I have the appearance of a human, do I not? "


    "And so do the dragons"


    "Touche"


    "Am I right? "


    "Are you? "


    "I''m asking you" Erza ?r??n?d.


    "And I take amusement in your confusion"


    Erza sighed, deciding not to press forward. She decided to ask more about her experience with emotions, but could not at the moment. They stepped past a group of trees and came face to face with a wooden structure. It was impressive to say the least. It blended in with its surroundings. It wasn''t expertly hidden, however.


    "Bleeding heart" Archer muttered as she stood before the doors. The members within were obviously enjoying a small party by the sounds of laughter and the smell of alcohol.


    "Do we have a plan? "


    "I kick the door down, go in there and inform them of my mission. They laugh at me because I''m a child and then I kick one of them through the roof. They take me slightly more seriously and all hell breaks loose" Archer said in her casual tone.


    "You''re serious"


    "Hopefully they won''t be a bore" a voice said from nearby.


    Skiadrum was approaching them. He was still shirtless apparently.


    "May I handle them for you? "He asked.


    "That would not be be fair, this is our mission after all"


    Skiadrum shrugged. "I''ll just have a bit of fun then. Humans are entertaining creatures"


    "I agree completely" Archer nodded. "The inner workings of their brain fascinates me"


    Erza was very sure Archer was not human. The way Archer spoke of humans was a give away.


    "These do not smell very pleasant" Skiadrum admitted as he scruntched up his nose in disgust.


    Archer nodded to his statement. Their scent left a bad taste in her mouth.


    "Let''s get this over with"


    Archer returned her hands to her pockets and kicked the doors open. There was a bang as the doors almost flew off their hinges. All attention was immediately on her. Erza placed her hand on her sword hilt, eyeing every member she could see within. She was suddenly nervous about what would be taking place. She would be facing an entire dark guild this mission is ranked S. She could get hurt. Seriously hurt. Was she skilled enough to take on such a task?


    She let out breath, gripping her hilt tighter.


    She''ll just have to find out wouldn''t she?


    "What the hell? "


    "Good day everyone" Archer said calmly. There was a hint of excitement in there. "My name is Archer and I represent the Fairy Tail guild . I''ve recently took on the mission of eliminating you lot"


    "Eliminate us? " one of them laughs. He was obviously drunk. "You? A kid? "


    "Seriously kid. you may be be a member of the strongest guild, but you don''t stand a chance against even one of our members let alone the entire guild"


    "Looks are very deceiving" Skiadrum finally spoke. It was only then that the men within the guild took notice of him. They were immediately on guard. "Calm yourself. I will do nothing until Archer starts things off"


    "Seriously? "


    "Yes"


    "You''re a delusional fool then" they laughed.


    "What''s she going to do? Politely talk us to unconsciousness? "


    "Jest if you must" Archer spoke as she stepped deeper into the guild. "I have already made my intentions clear"


    As she said that she swiftly kicked an unsuspecting member in the gut, sending him flying through the roof as she had told Erza. She really keeps her promises.


    There was total silence. Every member of the guild stared in shock at the hole in the roof. They couldn''t believe what they just saw. A kid just kicked one of them through the roof.


    Their opinions on her changed immediately and they looked ready for a fight.


    The first to charge came up from behind the unmoving Archer, only to feel an overwhelming pain register through his entire body. Something was not right. He stumbled to the floor, all energy leaving his body. He was on the verge of unconsciousness. What happened to him?


    All eyes were then on Erza, who held her sword before her. She had a smile of success on her face as she watched the man crash to the ground.


    "Two members have already been handled by us kids" Archer said a smile on her voice. "I see no more jesters"


    Someone growled, a magic circle appearing under both Erza and Archer. Before the man could complete whatever it was he was trying to pull off, Skiadrum was before him and kneed him in the face.


    Everyone started to take things very seriously now.


    Archer chuckled.


    "Feel free to be my entertainment for today "


    ~~~~~~~~


    A whimper of fear left the lips of the supposed guild leader as he''s tossed against a tree. He could do nothing as his guild became one with a raging fire Archer had created. The members of his guild were scattered across the dirt in the same pathetic state as him. He didn''t take the kid seriously. Not her. Not the redhead. They were kids. One may have sent a member through the roof and the other may have practically crippled another with the slash of her sword,but they were still kids. They were just very lucky kids. He told himself that. The main danger was the man who came with them.


    How wrong he was.


    Turns out those kids are very powerful. He never should''ve underestimated them.


    "Alright" Archer dusted off her palms, despite there being no dirt. "That''s taken care of''


    "What is to be done with these fools? "Skiadrum asked as he lightly kicked one of them in the side. The poor man ?r??n?d in pain, blood pooling beneath him. "I''m convinced this one will bleed out"


    "You weren''t supposed to cause that much damage" Erza said with a slight grunt as she tugged on the rope she had used to tie a group of men together.


    "His shadows were disgusting. He''s a disgrace to all shadow wizards"


    "Horrendous" Archer said in mock outrage as she stepped towards the man. She located the bleeding wound and added pressure. The man let out a wail of pain. She hummed before willing some fire onto her hand. She transfered the flame to the wound, watching it spread to engulf the gash.


    "He''ll live"


    Skiadrum kicked him again before producing some rope and getting to work.


    "Why must they live? "


    "Council orders"


    Once everyone was tied up Archer towered over them. Her hidden smirk would''ve made their fear of her far worse at the moment. She hummed as she crouched before them, placing a hand on the ground


    "What do you plan on doing? "Erza asked.


    "Nothing much" Archer shrugged as a colorless magic circle appeared under the tied up men. There was a bright glow that Erza''s eyes could not handle. She closed them, shying away from the bright light. When it faded and she dared open her eyes there was nothing there. She looked to Archer, who had a tiny flame between her fingers.


    "What did you do? "


    Archer stood and moved towards her. She held up the little flame, giving Erza a good view. Erza furrowed her brows as she gazed within. She blinked when she noticed the small fiery ball within the flame. It contained the same men that were cowering before them just a few moments ago.


    "That''s very useful"


    "I''m glad you think so" Archer rolled the flame between her fingers. "It''s harmless despite what one may think. The flame does not burn"


    "Since that''s taken care of, let us retreat" Skiadrum said before jumping with enough force to create a small crator.


    Archer shrugged and started heading back the way they came. She saw Weislogia fly by, Skiadrum already on his back.


    "Your fire is very versatile "


    Archer raised an eyebrow. "I suppose"


    "Does each color flame do something different? "


    "I don''t know"


    "Yes you do"


    "I do not wish to tell"


    "You''re a bother sometimes"


    "I''ll take that as a compliment"

 Chapter 23

    The magic council. Archer did not see herself visiting the place so soon, but here she was. Erza was at her side and very quiet. She was nervous of course. Taking on an S-class mission while not being of that rank is punishable. Very punishable. Even so, Erza still came along despite Archer telling her she did not need to . Archer was very calm about it. In fact Erza was sure there was a smile under that mask of hers. Erza could not adopt her calm, but she was skilled enough at conceiling her emotions. She took a deep breath and pushed her nervousness away, following after the carefree Archer. At the doors to the building stood two rune knights acting as guards. The minute they noticed the two they stood up straighter and ordered them to stop.


    "State your business"


    Archer pulled the mission sheet out of her pocket and showed it off.


    "We''ve completed this mission "


    The two men looked very skeptical. Archer expected no less. They were ten year olds after all. She held up the tiny ball hiden within flames. With her command it expanded enough to make those within visable. The rune knights widened their eyes in shock and eyed the phoenix child coutously


    "Who are you? "


    Archer sighed, the flame prison reverted to the small size it originally was. She pocketed the mission, her hands remained where they were and she stepped forward. The guards would not hesitate to detain her, but of course Archer was having none of that. They were frozen before they could even make a move.


    "That''s going to get you in trouble" Erza stated as she walked past the frozen soldiers and caught up to Archer.


    "Eh, I doubt the higher ups will punish me" Archer said as she pushed the massive doors open. Eyes were on them and before anyone could open their mouths or do anything they were frozen on the spot.


    "You''re just going to freeze everyone until you get to the chairman? "


    "Yup " Archer proceeded up the stairs with complete nonchalance.


    "Again, you could be punished"


    "Not very likely"


    And so they continued through the massive building. Anyone who made a move to question or stop them were frozen on the spot and Archer just continued on. She would usually let these distractions take place. It was amusing. She didn''t mind entertaining the poor souls, but she wanted to see what the chairman would do with them. Obviously he would not punish them. Archer had a smile on her face as she traversed the halls of the building. They passed a couple of employees who hardly paid them mind. Lucky them. Had they tried to do anything they would''ve ended up like the rest who tried.


    "Here we are" Archer came to a stop in front of massive doors. What''s the point of such doors? It was just for show. The big door just means someone important resided within. Important buildings tend to have massive doors. Archer pushed the thought away and pushed the door open, not at all caring about what could be taking place within. The minute she stepped into the room spears were aimed at her and Erza. She raised an eyebrow, amusement glimmered in her eyes. She looked up, meeting the eyes of the old man towering over them. She smirked when his eyes widened.


    "Stand down"


    The soldiers followed their order and stepped back.


    "Leave"


    And they did.


    "Hello old man" Archer waved, her tone was very friendly.


    "You" the man eyed her cautiously. What was a phoenix child doing in his office? He did not know they still existed. He wasn''t sure that actually existed to behind with. They obviously did. He was looking at one. A child, but still dangerous. It wasn''t hard to identify Archer as one of them. She had the eyes. The phoenix red eyes that burned into him. Those eyes burned with knowledge he would never obtain. With wisdom far beyond her years. "Phoenix child , what do you want? "


    "My reward" She threw her flaming prison on the ground and it expanded, releasing her prisoners. "Me and my partner have brought you every member of the bleeding heart guild. The building was burnt to the ground and everything valuable was also gathered"


    Doma eyed the girl. He noted the guild mark on her exposed shoulder and tensed. Of all the guilds for the child to join it had to be that one. She just had to join the most destructive guild in Fiore. Just great. He sighed. That makes things harder. He was hoping she was without a guild. That would be far easier. He could''ve recruited her to do his bidding if she had let him. Judging from the air of nonchalance she had, he had a feeling she would''ve if he made it worth her while. But seeing as she is in a guild he could not do that. He also had a feeling she was not yet S-class. The same would go for her partner. That meant they took on a mission exceeding their rank. That is punishable. He would have to punish them


    Yeah, he would not he doing that.


    He would not risk angering a Phoenix. It''s best to stay on her good side. He doesn''t know a lot about her family but he does know that they are ridiculously powerful people or creatures. He wasn''t so sure when it came to what they were. They could be humans or actual phoenix. No one really knew.


    He looked at her, avoiding her eye. She was staring. Her stare made him uneasy. Unlike most people she did not seem afraid of his judgment . She was very calm and casual as she watched him. She watched him as if she was trying to decipher his existence . As if she was judging him. Judging his worth. He did not know what she was thinking. All he did know was that she was very dangerous and it''s best to stay on her goodside.


    He cleared his throat.


    "I see you have joined the fairy tail guild " he spoke, regaining his composer. He then eyed the redhead. He could not punish Archer but he could punish Erza. She was not as important. "I''m ?ssuming you do not have clearance for that mission"


    "That is correct"


    "Such a thing is punishable"


    "I''m aware" Archer shrugged. "What shall my punishment be? Shall I not receive the reward? Will I be banned from taking any more missions? Will my advance in ranks be compromised? "


    Doma opened his mouth to speak, but Archer''s gaze changed just slightly. That slight change was enough for him to freeze on the spot.


    "I understand that you do not want to punish me for multiple reasons" the girl spoke. "You don''t want to get on my bad side because I''m dangerous, right? "


    She didn''t wait for him to respond.


    "Well, if you plan on punishing my partner you will end up on my bad side. " again her gaze shifted. It was no longer so intense. The casualness returned. "No one wants that right? I''m sure we all want to be friends"


    Erza glanced at the cheerful Archer. For a moment all trace of cheerfulness was gone. Erza shook her head. No. Not completely all. She didn''t lose every ounce of cheerfulness. She was serious but did not let that be the dominant emotion. Her cheerfulness overpowered the seriousness in her tone and that is how she ended up sounding so happy at the last sentence. It was a quick shift in mood, but apparently enough to affect the chairman. Erza has heard a lot about the council and of course the chairman. He makes all the decisions. Disrespecting him could land someone in jail or worse. Watching him now, she noticed how apprehensive he was . He hardly focused on her. All his focus was on Archer. He seemed uncomfortable under her gaze, but hid that fact quickly. Erza caught it though. It seems even he cant stand her stare. Erza looked back to Archer. The name of her family has enough power to affect Gran Doma to the point where he does not want to do anything to upset her. He knew who she was the minute she stepped foot into the office. The same went for Makarov. She had noticed how quickly recognition flashed in his eyes. There was an obvious history behind Archer''s family and now she was curious.


    "Ah, well... " the old man cleared his throat. "You have completed the mission despite not having clearance" he cleared his throat again. "However, you two are obviously competent wizards and as such I shall grant you your reward"


    Archer smiled behind her mask.


    Look at that. She made Gand Doma bend over. Getting into the council will apparently be far easier than she thought.


    Five million jewel split two ways is two and a half each. Again, Erza earned a large sum of money by attending a mission with Archer. She didn''t know what to do with the money. She still had more than half remaining from her last big reward. She''ll just save the money then. As the two walked through the halls of the building again, everyone was released from the spell Archer trapped them in. They really couldn''t do anything because they all stumbled out of the spell and were not fast enough to catch them before Archer teleported them out.


    So that brings up a question


    "You can use teleportation magic and yet we take the train or use the dragons" Erza pointed out.


    Archer shrugged.


    "May I ask, why your name affected the chairman so much? You didn''t even need to introduce yourself. He already knew who you are just by looking at you"


    "My family has distinguishing features. The long silver hair, androgynous appearance and of course the red eyes. It mattered not that I had my mask on, if one had heard of my family and is wise enough to understand the danger, they will take caution" Archer said simply. "Doma sees me as a danger and he apparently knows of the power I hold. As such he does not want to risk upsetting me because I could end him just like that. Although uf he had punished me I would not have minded. I think everyone should be treated fairly. But I knew that would not happen"


    "I''m really curious about your family now" Erza admitted.


    "You''re not the first. Any who know of the phoenix are curious. They are not sure if they exist. They will however know when they meet one" Archer informed. "We''re not hard to notice of we want to be noticed"


    "You want to be noticed? "


    "By certain people, yes" Archer nodded. "It''s crucial"


    "You know, Master Makarov and gran Doma recognized you. Isn''t the mask useless? "


    Archer chuckled at that. "Maybe"


    "Why did I expect a straight answer from you"


    "Because you still believe" Archer tugged on her scarf. "I wear the mask to help hide my identity. The old men wouldn''t know who I am if I did not want them to. A look into my eyes will tell them everything I want them to know. I like my mask because I like to be hidden. Besides with the mask I could always commit something illegal and get away with it"


    "I believe you could do such a thing even without the mask"


    "Imagine being a famous wizard. So famous in fact that you gather fans thoughout earth land"


    "You would be crowded on the streets the minute you were noticed, iifwere going for the same type of famous"


    "Yes we are. So imagine if I''m that wizard. I would let myself become so popular without letting anyone get a glimpse of my face. So if I wished to wander the streets I would simply have to remove my mask"


    Erza sighed.


    "Plus I like the mysterious appeal" Archer added with amusement.


    "Ah, yes. Your mysterious appeal "


    Archer laughed as she walked. She walked oddly in her amusement. She took almost wobbling steps where she would lean onto the foot she was on to the point where she could fall. She would then tilt herself in the other direction and continue on.


    "All joking aside. The mask helps my s?ns?t?v? ears. Although. I have very good control of my senses, I just prefer the mask doing the work for me"


    "Why are you walking like that? " Erza asked as she watched Archer do her childish walk. The girl only laughed. A laugh of true childish joy.


    "I''m happy" she said. She did indeed sound happy. "I''ve learned something today and I''ll shall use it to my advantage. This discovery helps a lot "


    "Oh"


    "And I have so much more money. I can buy the others more stuff. The kids can get some nice toys and the boys well,I''m not sure what to get them that will be harmless. I''ll just give them some money and let them buy their own things"


    "Did you already spend the money we earned the other day? "


    "Not completly, but I did use a lot of it"


    "What did you do with it? "


    "I rented another apartment at Fairy hills. I also got everyone new clothes and stuff. I had to buy an incredible amount of food to last us at least a month too. And the rest was given to the old man to store away for the future"


    "For the future you mean, when anyone of our guild causes havoc on a mission? "


    "Yes"


    ~~~~~~~~


    Erza was left alone with Weislogia and Skiadrum. She sat under a tree and stared at the cave Archer stepped into. They were all lead there by the pull she felt. Apparently there is another key to be found. Erza decided not to accompany her this time. She needed a break. She almost had a heart attack when Archer released her hold when they were on the dragon. She was sure she would fly into the sky and plummet to her death but instead Archer supported her just b?r?ly and guided her hands to the long white hairs on Weislogia''s back. His hair is surprisingly soft. She was told to hold on and that she would be secure. Archer did not lie to her. If only all the other dragons had hair like him.


    After Archer retrieves her key they will return to lady Emerald and collect Wendy. After that it was time to head home. Of course they would end up traveling soon again . Archer goes on missions practically everyday. And of course Erza comes along. She didn''t know why she always came along but it was always a learning experience in some way.


    "Hello there"


    Erza glanced up at the smiling Demeter in confusion.


    "Did Archer summon you? "


    "No" Demeter said simply and sat next to the confused Erza. "I can enter this realm anytime I want"


    "Oh"


    Demeter only giggled at the response. "Yes, I am a goddess after all"


    "So, only you can do that? "


    "No. Celestial spirits can as well. So can the dragons. " Demeter explained.


    "So in the end you are all similar? "


    "In that fashion. Unlike the celestial spirits the strenght of our summoner does not affect our own. In other words our summer can be a weak magic user while we can be strong enough to overpower a dragon"


    "Are you strong enough to overpower a dragon? "


    "Of course. I''m a goddess. I rank higher than those creatures"


    "What about Archer. Are you stronger than her"


    Demeter chuckled. "I have a feeling that is a question she would not answer"


    "But you''re not her"


    "Yes, but your confusion amuses me as well"


    "None of you are very fair to me"

 Chapter 24

    Being held at the end of a very sharp looking sword was not very ideal. Any normal person would have been afraid or apprehensive at least. Then there are those who apparently fear nothing, like Archer. So of course Erza was not very surprise to find her smiling cheerfully, despite being at the sharp end of a golden sword. When the blonde worman in front of them appeared and held the sword to Archer''s neck like that, Erza could only focus on her sword. Her sword was magnificent. The blade was pure gold. Erza knew for sure that it was most definitely gold just by the way it glimmered in the sun. The pommel and cross guard were a bloody red while the grip was seemingly gold as well. There was an odd symbol engraved on the rain guard. It wad only after she fully admired the sword that she focused on the situation. She felt very bad about being so captivated by a sword while her friend was in danger. Of course she knew that Archer wad not actually in any from of danger, but if it had been anyone else they could''ve been dead by now or something.


    The woman wielding the sword had piercing red eyes that did not seem to affect Archer. She was dressed in some impressive amor. It matched her sword and again Erza was distracted. She couldn''t help but admire and appreciate the masterpiece that woman wore. Everything from her helmet to her gloves to her boots. That armor was amazing.


    "Why must you treat the child like that? " Demeter asked and pushed the sword away. The woman glanced at her for a moment before sheathing the sword and eyeing Archer for a while longer.


    "I was testing her"


    "You always test her" Demeter sighed.


    "She passes everytime" The blonde responded, her tone unreadable.


    "Well, good to see you again Athena" Archer finally spoke and waved. "How have you been? "


    "Good enough" the goddess responded absentmindly as she eyed the mesmerized Erza. She took in the armor and sword she spotted. The corner of her lips tilted up slightly at the sight. "Who might this be? "


    "Scarlet" Archer shrugged.


    "Her name is Erza" Demeter informed. "She seems captivated by you"


    Erza blinked at the words and blushed in embarrassment. She was staring at the woman and only then realized it. She looked away, but kept glancing at her armor and sword very often. She couldn''t help it.


    "Erza"


    When the woman said her name she stood up straighter. Her voice was very authoritative and she felt like she needed to follow her every order. When the woman smiled she found it very hard to look at her. Why did she feel as if she was standing in front of a high ranking council member?


    "You''re a knight, aren''t you? " Athena asked as she eyed the sword and her armor. "I must say, you have a very impressive sword"


    "Thank you"


    "That''s Archer''s sword is it not? "


    "Yes"


    Athena hummed. "She deemed you worthy of it. Interesting. " Athena observed the armor. "That armor is not as impressive"


    "Don''t you have an amor to go with the sword, Archer? "Demeter asked.


    "Yes I do"


    "Why have you not given it to your knight? "


    Her knight? Erza glanced at Archer, who shrugged. Why would she refer to her as "her knight"?. It was embareasing.


    "It always slips my mind" Archer shrugged.


    Athena said nothing to that and continued to eye Erza with interest. She wondered how good she was with that sword and if she would make a worthy student.


    "Draw your sword" Athena finally said. "You shall fight me"


    Despite Erza doing as told she was internally questioning everything. Did a goddess just tell her to fight? Was she going to fight a goddess? Would she live to see the next day? What''s was point of this? Why would she want to fight her? She was definitely not as good as her. She was a goddess. Her skills must be perfect.


    Even with these thoughts in mind she still found herself standing opposite the blonde. The woman was observing everything she did. She judged her stance. The way she gripped her sword. Her movements. Everything was being observed and she felt selfcousious. Erza glanced at Archer, who had taken a seat under a near tree and was watching with a smile. She didn''t know if she should be reassured or not.


    There was silence between them. The only sounds being the blowing wind and the birds. Erza steadied her breathing. It would do her no good to be nervous. She needed to calm her nerves and focus. She kept her eyes on her opponent. Looking for any sign that would signal her next move.


    She resisted the urge to yelp in shock when the goddess was suddenly in front of her. She buried the nervousness that erupted and moved immediately. Her first attack was b?r?ly evaded. She didn''t get time to formulate her own, for Athena was impossibly fast and returned her sword to her. Despite her incredible speed Erza was quick enough to evade her second attack and wisely make distance. She took a deep breath, adrenaline already pumping through her. Athena stood a distance away, watching her.


    She moved again, but this time Erza kind of knew what to expect and tried to parry her sword. And she did. She smiled in her achievement, but did not let it get to her head.


    Athena had an almost invisible smile on her lips as she eyed the redhead.


    ~~~~~~~~~


    Archer watched the little match. Erza never landed a hit, but she met many. Athena was fast and Erza did her best to keep up with her. The woman was also stronger and Erza was very careful. When the woman had her pinned she summoned another sword to ?ssist her. She grazed the other. That was the closest she got to striking the blonde. That was impressive. If one got that close Athena deemed them worthy. Hell, if they managed to survive longer than twenty seconds she would consider. The fun thing is that she is not very serious in this fight. It was just a test . It was always a test.


    In the end Erza lost and was left a panting mess. She was sprawled out on the grass, staring up at the sky with glazed eyes. She was soaked in her own sweat and her clothes felt very uncomfortable on her. Her body hurt in places she didn''t know could achieve such pain. She never once touched the woman. She tried very hard, but it was futile.


    "Yo" Archer stood over her with a smile. She seemed very amused.


    "This is not finny"


    "I know, but.. " Archer continued to smile.


    "Ignore her" Demeter came to sit at her side. She placed a gentle hand on Erza''s stomach and began the process of healing the child. "Archer enjoys watching others struggle"


    "I''m not a sadist"Archer frowned. She seemed in thought after that. "It''s just oddly satisfying to s-" she cut herself off with a look of realization.


    "I''m a sadist"


    Erza ignored the girl. She seemed to know herself very well and yet she now discovered such a thing. It would explain a lot.


    Once Erza was fully restored she did a couple of stretches to make sure she felt no more pain. She retrieved her sword and returned it to its place at her waist.


    "I shall train you, child" Athena spoke. "You impressed me"


    Erza opened her mouth to say something, but she didn''t really know what to say. She felt honored. And very happy. She was mesmerized by this goddess. Being trained by her would be amazing. The things she could learn. She could become so much stronger.


    "Thank you ma''am "


    "You call me Athena"


    "Of course. Athena"


    Archer had a look of interest as she watched the interaction. This would do Erza a lot of good. Archer learned most of her weapon use from Athena. She even learned hand to hand from her, although most of that was taught by her parents. Erza is already very skilled in the arts of swordsmanship. With Athena''s help she could become a master. She would be the best swordswoman on earth land.


    It would be very interesting.


    Archer and Erza soon returned to Lady Emerald''s estate to collect Wendy. They would be returning to the guild after that. Archer was wondering about her next mission. She would be taking the twins with her this time. That meant she would be leaving Wendy in the hands of Natsu and Gajeel. That was not the brightest ideas. While the two can be amazing older siblings they can be a very bad influence. She was not leaving Wendy with them. She was better off in the hands of Levy and Lisanna. Hell even Mira would be a great options. She''s very sweet to her siblings.


    Archer was snapped out of her thoughts when Wendy ran into her. The toddler fell to the ground upon impact. Archer looked down with furrowed brows. She watched the girl stand and try to force back the tears that were threatening to spill. It amazed Archer that this child knew how to take an ?du?t in a fight and yet she cries whenever she falls.


    But then agaim she is still a baby.


    Before Wendy could cry Archer picked her up and tried to comfort her. It worked immediately. Wendy just buried her face in her scarf and calmed down.


    "Huh" Erza eyed the scene. "Look at that"


    "You shouldn''t run into people like that" Archer said as she adjusted the girl in her arms.


    "I was excited" Wendy mumbled in reply.


    "Yes, you were, but you got hurt"


    "I''m sorry"


    "No need to apologize. You didn''t do anything wrong. Just try not to get hurt next time "


    "Where''s Lady Emerald? " Erza asked as they walked down the hall.


    "I am right here" a familiar voice spoke. Lady Emerald appraoched them with a smile. "Wendy knew of your arrival before anyone else and could not contain her excitement "


    "Oh we know" Erza giggled. "Thank you for watching her"


    "It was a delight. She''s an angel" Lady Emerald said as she plucked the giggling Wendy out of Archer''s arms. "I could keep her"


    Archer chuckled. "You could, couldn''t you"


    "Unfortunately we''ll be taking our leave today" Erza said. "We need to return to our guild"


    "So soon? "


    "Yes"


    "Disappointing" Lady Emerald sighed in her displeasure. She would miss the sweet little Wendy. Such a cute child. She smiled as she neatly arranged the blue hair on her head. "Do keep in contact. I would love to have you all over again. You''re a very delightful bunch"


    "You''re too kind" Archer said, her smile hidden under her mask. "Worry not, we shall visit whenever we can. I know you cannot go without my angel of a sister"


    Erza was one to pay close attention to Archer''s changes. She tended to talk as she usually did around those who are more likely to understand her. Those people tend to be people such as Lady Emerald. Her way of speaking would convert back to how she spoke upon their first meeting. It was interesting to watch.


    "That sounds splendid. I shall make arrangements for the future. Do make sure to visit very soon"


    "I shall try"


    During the entire conversation Wendy had been paying close attention. She admired how proper Archer was and how well she spoke. She wondered if she could be like that.


    "Big sis is amazing"


    "You think? " Erza asked. She had caught up to Lady Emerald and decided to entertain the toddler.


    "Yeah, she talks so politely "


    "She does, doesn''t she? "


    "Yeah. But sometimes she doesn''t talk like that " Wendy said with a curious look. "Sometimes she''s very funny and normal"


    Erza hummed in response.


    "I like that Archy too"


    "I do as well"


    "Do you like proper Archy too? "


    "Yes I do. I like both sides of Archy"


    Erza smiled innocently when Archer shot her a look. She was told not to use that nickname, but she still did anyway. It amused her. And it was very cute name. Even more so because Wendy seems to be the only one who uses it.


    "Sometimes she''s mean" Wendy suddenly said.


    "Oh?" Lady Emerald suddenly took interest in the conversation. "Whatever has she done to you? "


    "Nothing. She''s never mean to me or big brother Rogue" Wendy informed. "But she can be very mean to big brothers Natsu, Gajeel and Sting"


    "Oh? " Lady Emerald glanced ay Archer. It''s interesting to know the child had more siblings. "What does she do to them? "


    Archer sighed as Wendy dived into all the stories of all the times Archer punished or just toyed with the boys. Thinking back to it, most of the things she did to them amused her. She chuckled at the thoughts. Wow. She really was a sadist. How had she not discovered this about herself before? She prided herself on knowing who she was and yet this crucial factor was not known.


    Oh well.


    It''s not a very big deal.


    But then again she wasn''t very aggressive. Her sadism didn''t go that far. She''s only amused by the little things.


    Well there are times where some extreme actions do amuse her to a degree. But it''s only on that level if the person suffering is one she deemed her enemy.


    The smile she had on her face when she punished Erza''s good for nothing father was devilish.


    She never thought she would be that type. In all honesty she wouldn''t be surprised if she found out she was a m?s??h?st. She''s been bullied for her entire former life. If she had developed a liking to such things she would not be very surprised.


    "What''s on your mind? "


    Archer glanced at the redhead. Her eyes suddenly gleamed with interest.


    Erza yelped when Archer pinched both her cheeks and pulled. She didn''t need to see under the mask to know of the smile she most definitely wore. That look in her eyes annoyed the redhead while it also embarrassed her.


    "Let go" Erza wh?n?d and slipped out her grip. She rubbed her cheeks while letting out an annoyed huff. "What was that for? "


    "Just making sure" Archer shrugged.


    "Didn''t you say you were immune to illnesses? "


    "Yes"


    "Does a disorder count as an illness? "


    Archer furrowed her brows. Now that''s a question.


    "I suppose, yes? "


    "Is sadism not a disorder? "


    Archer stopped for a minute. Okay. Now that she thought about it. Sadism was considered a mental disorder. Wow.


    "You bring up an important subject" Archer said in thought. "But I suppose it all depends on how sadistic I am"


    "Maybe"


    "I''ll be thinking about this for some time"


    "Sure"


    "What''s sadism? "


    Both girls and Lady Emerald immediately looked at the curious child. Each of them smiled.


    "Ah, nothing you need to be curious about"

 Chapter 25

    Natsu was laughing like a maniac as he waved Gray''s boxer in the air like a flag. The ice maker mage glared at him from across the guild. He was completely n?k?d and Natsu was loving it. Sting was enjoying it as much as his older brother. The five year old was practically dying of laughter.


    "I''m going to kill you! " Gray yelled


    "Big talk Popsicle! "


    Natsu took off the minute Gray came running after him. Things had escalated pretty quickly that day. They started fighting the minute their eyes landed on each other. It was on sight. One thing lead to another and Gray was n?k?d. Natsu held his boxer like a flag of pride. He was never getting this back. He was going to burn it and watch him try to find another to conceil his n?k?dness.


    "Bwahahaha! You''ll never get this back! " Natsu jumped over a group of guild members, miraculously dodging the hammer that was aimed at him. He was laughing his ?ss off and wasn''t paying too much attention to his surroundings. He was on a roll, until he crashed into someone. He was quick to get up and run, but then he realized who he crashed into and all color left his face. Even Gray froze and took multiple stumbling steps back, before tripping and falling.


    Natsu had crashed into Mira.


    The girl was pissed. The dark aura around her terrified the dragon slayer. All laughter died, except that of Sting. In fact he started laughing even harder.


    "It was nice knowing you big brother" he cackled and almost fell off his seat.


    Rogue was next to him and watched the scene with worry. Mirajane was not happy and the magic circle forming beneath meant trouble.


    "Big brother"


    Gajeel snickered in amusement as he watched Natsu run for his life.


    "What an idiot"


    The boy collided with Gray, who was trying to get as far away from the scene as possible. He could care less about his boxers at the moment. He wanted to live. He was quick to kick Natsu off him and bolt.


    "Dragneel! "


    Natsu screamed in terror at the sound of Mira''s voice and ran as fast as he could.


    "I''m sorry! Don''t kill me! " Natsu pleaded. As he ran for cover. He almost ran into Lisanna in his haste. He hid behind her, begging her to protect him. He didn''t want to die today. "Lis save me"


    The youngest Struas giggled nervously as her sister came to a stop in front of her.


    "Hey sis"


    "Stop protecting him, move"


    Lisanna smiled, still very nervous. "Don''t You think you''re going a bit too far? It was all an accident. He didn''t mean it"


    "He made me spill my drink! "


    "I''m sorry! "


    "Kick his ?ss! " Gajeel encouraged from his corner of the guild. This earned him a glare from Levy. "What? The idiot had it coming"


    "Why am I your friend? "Levy questioned. It was something she asked herself often.


    "Mira, leave the kid" Cana said casually as she played with her cards. "It was an accident and if you want to punish him just tell Archer "


    At the mention of his older sister Natsu almost shed a tear.


    "Don''t tell big sis! Please don''t tell big sis. I''ll do anything. You can beat me up if you want to! "


    Everyone sweat dropped at his change. So apparently telling Archer wad more fighting than getting his ?ss handed to him by Mira.


    That made Mira smirk deviously. She deactivated her magic and turned to walk away.


    "I''ll take your advice Cana"


    "Nooo! "


    "Yes! " Gajeel grinned. "Oh please tell her"


    "Shut up metal head! " Natsu yelled. "You''re not so innocent. I''ll tell her everything! "


    "You Bastard ! "


    "Scardie cats" Sting laughed.


    "Shut up you little good for nothing, we''ll tell her about all the dumb stuff you did! "


    "What?! " Sting almost fell off his stool. "What kind of big brothers are you!? "


    "We were supposed to behave" Rogue said quietly, but the others heard him. "But you three didn''t behave"


    "Damn you Rogue! You''re lucky she likes you"


    "That''s because I behave" Rogue said bluntly. "I never burned down a house or destroyed an entire village or accidently caused a volcano to erupt"


    "Oh so now you have balls? " Gajeel asked, annoyed .


    "Of course I have balls, I''m a boy" Rogue looked very confused.


    "He doesn''t get it" Natsu sighed.


    "Enough of that" Gajeel glared at Natsu and Sting. "You two will keep your mouths shut or else"


    "Or else what? " Natsu challenged.


    "Or else I''ll kick your as-" Gajeel was cut off when he caught wind of a very familair scent. He froze on the spot and stared at the guild doors. "Crap"


    Natsu was sweating bullets when he caught the scent in the air. A shiver ran up his spine and he ran in search of a hiding spot.


    "She''s back" Sting muttered. "Rogue, what do I do? "


    "You pray"


    They were screwed.


    Everything was quiet as the dubble doors were pushed open to reveal Archer, Erza and Wendy. Mira grinned upon seeing them and immediately made her way towards Archer.


    "That damn demon" Gajeel cursed and tried to creep away. If she told on Natsu, Natsu would tell on him.


    "Archer, welcome back" Mira slung an arm over the girl''s shoulder.


    "It''s good to be back " Archer glanced at the other. "What is it? "


    "Can''t I welcome you back from a mission"


    "You''re a literal demon, I don''t expect this from you . What''s your motive? "


    Erza chuckled at the statement as she put Wendy down and followed the four year old to the bar.


    "Fine, I just wanted to tell you about all the fun things Natsu has done since you were gone"


    "I''m listening"


    With each word that left Mira''s mouth, Natsu could feel the life leave him. He ignored Gray, who was laughing in a corner. He ignored the sorry look Lisanna wore next to him. He ignored everything else.


    He was dead


    "Ah, I see" Archer said, her voice as calm as usual. Her eyes roamed the guild until it landed on terrified onyx ones. "Natsu, we need to talk"


    Natsu was terrified and before he knew it he told Archer everything Gajeel had done.


    The iron dragon slayer cursed and crept towards the door faster. He was almost there. That damn salamander couldn''t keep his damn mouth shut.


    "Gajeel" Archer gripped the boy by the collar stopping him just before he slipped past the doors. "Where do you think you''re going? "


    "Let go of me you sadistic evil bastard!"


    "That''s not very nice" Archer sighed.


    "Curse you Salamander"


    "If I''m going down, you''re going down with me tin can"


    "Petty fool"


    "Sting, come"


    "What? But I didn''t do anything"


    "Don''t lie to me" Archer was very calm as she eyed the boy. "We need to have a little talk"


    "Fine"


    "Scarlet, keep an eye on Wendy and Rogue for me"


    ~~~~~~~~


    "Hello master" Archer waved a she strolled back into the guild. Following after her were the three boys. All three of them had relief on their faces. They thought Archer would''ve punished them, but she just had a talk like she said. It was a terrifying talk, but better than what she usually did to them. Just the thought of it sent shivers up their spines.


    "Archer" Makarov eyed the girl as he enjoyed his beer. His eyes then flickered to Erza, who was focused on the strawberry shortcake in front of her. "What''s this I hear about you two attending a S-class mission? "


    At those words the entire guild quieted down. Did they hear right ? Did the old man just say that those two went on an S-class mission?


    "They did what? "Laxus leaned over the railing of the second floor. He glared at Archer who was meeting his eyes. "You really are full of yourself aren''t you? "


    "And you really are a salty one, aren''t you? " Archer raised an eyebrow. "I don''t remember anyone asking for your opinion"


    Bixlow almost choked on his drink in shock. He had to stifle the laugh he felt creeping up on him when he saw Laxus'' face.


    "Why you lit-"


    "Quiet" Archer interrupted. "I''m not interested in hearing your


    voice right now. I''ll get back to you later"


    Bizlow again almost chocked. He decided it was best to put his drink away for the moment.


    "I really like her" Evergreen commented with a smile. "She knows how to shut our mighty leader up"


    "How dishonorable " Freed sighed. "How dare she insult Laxus like that"


    "There''s nothing he can do about it she''ll kick his ?ss again" Bixlow snickered.


    "Kick his ?ss. Kick his ?ss" his puppets chanted as they drifted around him.


    "Shut up! "


    The three did as told and kept quiet. Laxus growled and redirected his attention to Archer and his grandfather. He was pissed. How dare she talk to him like that. She treated him like some lowlife.


    "Archer" Makarov sighed. "You''re not allowed to go on such missions. That''s not your rank"


    "I''m aware" Archer tugged on her scarf. "But I did it anyway. It was easier than I expected. Scarlet and I took care of the guild with little effort"


    "An entire guild!? "


    Archer winced at the volume of the exclamation.


    "Would you please quiet down" She unconsciously touched her ears, before looking at the old Makarov. "Do you plan on punishing us, master? "


    Makarov sighed again. What was he to do with this child. "No, I do not. I see no need for it. You obviously handled it and are not harmed. I''ll let it pass this time"


    Archer raised an eyebrow.


    "Wait" Levy entered the conversation. "What you two did is punishable. Why didn''t the council do anything? "


    Erza glanced at Archer at that. If only Levy knew.


    "Well, I talked to the old chairman and sorted things out" Archer shruvved.


    "How in the world"


    Archer said nothing more and headed to the bar. She was humming a tune to herself as she did. She would be sticking around for at most two days before going on another mission. Maybe she''ll go about town or something . She could go shopping with her siblings. Could be lots of fun.


    Her thoughts were interrupted by a flash of lighting. She stared at the burnt wood in front of her with furrowed brows before looking at an angry Laxus.


    "There are better ways to get my attention" Archer told the boy.


    "Laxus" Makarov warned.


    "Shut it old man" Laxus spat and jumped off the railing. He landed right in front of Archer and opened his mouth to say something.


    Before he could, Archer gripped him by the collar and pulled him down to her height. She looked him dead in the eyes, smiling under her mask and kneed him in the gut. She kept hold of him even as he crashed to the ground in pain.


    "I apologize" Archer released his collar. "But I don''t feel like entertaining you today"


    "Archer" Makarov ?r??n?d.


    "What? " Archer climbed into the barstool next to Erza.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Erza''s eye twitched in annoyance as she tried to ignore the chaos taking place behind her. She just wanted to eat her cake in peace. Was that too hard to ask? Could this guild not go a day without breaking out into fights? Seriously? Natsu and Gray started it again. Those two idiots. Erza didn''t get involved. She would not get involved. She was determined. She would just eat her cake and ignore it all.


    She didn''t understand how Aexher could be so nonchalant about it all. It''s not that Erza isn''t used to the mess of a guild Fairy Tail was, it''s just that it''s still very annoying. Archer didn''t seem affected at all. She just sat there, watching. Wendy and Rogue were at her side. She told them not to get involved and stay close. Sting was lost cause and she let him into the chaos.


    "How are you so casual with all this? Doesn''t it bother you? "


    Archer shook her head no.


    "Not even their loudness? "


    "No, I''ve already regulated my senses to a good degree so the noise doesn''t bother me as much" Archer informed. "I''m just very used to chaos"


    "No wonder you''re so odd"


    "You''re one to talk"


    "What does that mean"


    "Take it however you want" Archer said. "In my eyes not one person in this guild can be considered normal"


    "I suppose you are right "


    "When have I ever been wrong? "


    "Don''t get smug"


    Archer hummed in reply and continued to watch the guild. She saw Sting fly through the air a second ago. She wondered if he was thrown or something. Either way it was dangerous. Not for the toddler. No, he would be fine. It was dangerous for whoever he landed on. Sting will fight anyone on sight.


    "This guild is very amusing"


    "Of course you would think that" Erza sighed. "This guild is chaotic and brews trouble wherever its members go"


    "That''s why it''s so amusing. I enjoy chaos "


    "Of course you do"


    Makarov was nearby and sighed in frustration, but smiled anyway. His guild is chaotic, yes, but despite it all they were a family. A big destructive family. As troublesome as they all were he did not wish for his children to change. He didn''t wish for them to change. He liked things as they were. He even had a few new additions. The mysterious Archer. The every excited Natsu. The sweet Wendy. The gruff Gajeel. The ever bold Sting and the reserved Rogue. They were as odd as the rest of them and fit right in.


    "Master, may I ask when the S-class trials will be held? "


    Makarov didn''t even have to look at Archer at the question. He had a feeling she was interested in the title. It was obvious enough after that stunt she pulled.


    "Six months"


    Archer nodded in understanding and eyed the mission board.


    "We have six months to be noticed, Scarlet"


    "I''m aware and I''m sure we''ve already been noticed"


    "Even so" Archer continued to eye the mission board. "Wouldn''t it be an honor to be the youngest S-class mages of Fairy tail"


    "It would"


    "I would like to achieve that goal"


    "I have a hard time believing it will be very hard for you"


    Archer chuckled. "I do as well"


    "I envy your confidence"


    "A few days with Athena will help with that " Archer reassured. "Make sure to train hard and get stronger. I wish for you to become S-class alongside me"


    Erza seemed a bit surprised by that statement. "Really? "


    "Of course. You''re my partner after all"

 Chapter 26

    "Big sis! Big sis! "


    Being woken up by shouts early in the morning was nothing new. Archer sighed and buried her face in her pillow. What time was it? She heard multiple feet running towards her room and wondered if they were all coming to her room. What could be so urgent?


    Pulling on her scarf, Archer sat up in bed. She glanced at the clock, noting that it was nine in the morning. It was still relatively early. With another sigh she stood from her bed just as her door flew open. Standing in her doorway were all five of her siblings. Natsu seemed to be leading the group and held a familair egg above his head. Archer stared at the egg for some time.


    Was it that time already.


    "Look I found an egg" Natsu said with a grin as he waddled into her room. He was struggling to hold the big egg in his arms. "It''s huge"


    "I can see that" Archer responded as she looked trough her wardrobe . It seems it was tome to start the day . "Where did you find it? "


    "In the back yard"


    "Why were you lot outside of the house? "


    "Because this egg fell out of the sky!" Sting exclaimed. "Can you believe it didn''t break? "


    "Why yes I can, I''m looking at it" Archer placed her outfit of the day on her bed and turned to look at her siblings.


    "What do you think is in the egg? Could it be a dragon? Do I have my own dragon now? "Natsu questioned with excitement.


    "I doubt that''s a dragon egg" Gajeel said bluntly. "What do even think you''re going to do with it? "


    "I''m going to keep it and take care of it until it hatches" Natsu said determined.


    "We could just eat it" Gajeel suggested.


    "That''s mean" Wendy said with a look of disappointment. "Why would you want to eat it? You''d be killing a baby"


    Gajeel scoffed and said nothing more.


    "Can I keep it, big sis? I''ll take good care of care of it, I promise" Natsu pleaded with big puppy dog eyes.


    "Sure" Archer shrugged. "Maybe it''ll teach you some responsibility "


    "Awesome! "


    "Big brother we need to build a nest for the egg" Sting said.


    "It needs to be warm" Wendy said.


    "My blankets" is all Rogue said.


    "I''m going to the stupid guild"


    Archer watched the others rush out of her room, eager to build a nest for the exceed egg. When they left she grabbed her towel and stepped into her bathroom. She was now curious. She knew they all get exceeds, except for Gajeel. She wondered if he would get one this time. It should be interesting. Would he get Lili if he did indeed get an exceed.


    She found exceeds to be interesting creatures. Cats hatching out of eggs. Leave it to Fair Tail to come up with such strange things.


    She personally liked the exceeds. She had an interest in them after all. Their primary magic is Aera, but they could perhaps learn more. Carla learned transformation magic, so maybe the others could as well. She wondered what a human form Happy would look like. Maybe he could learn battle form like Lili.


    It always amused Archer that a male cat was named Lili. Such a feminine name for such a character. Lili was a warrior. One would think he''d have a more masculine name.


    Archer chuckled as she thought about it and enjoyed a soak in her tub.


    ~~~~~~~~


    After her bath she changed into her outfit of the day . Unlike almost every anime character she does change her clothes. Today she happened to wear a casual white shirt and some knee length black pants. After getting dressed she left her room and headed downstairs. She would have to prepare breakfast. Gajeel already left so he must have found some empty can and made it his breakfast. Coming down the stairs she heard the excitement of her siblings as they built a nest in the backyard. She only spared them a glance, spotting multiple blankets and pillows. Natsu gathered wood, from who knows where and was saying something about building a little shelter.


    She''ll let them do their thing.


    Once in the kitchen she gathered everything she would need, while humming a song to herself. She wasn''t sure exactly what she would be making and decided to just go with the flow. She always ends up making something even when she had no idea what she doing.


    "I''ve been havin'' dreams. Jumpin'' on a trampoline" Archer began to sing without actually realizing. "Flippin'' in the air. I never land, just float there. As I''m lookin'' up. Suddenly the sky erupts. Flames alight the trees, spread to fallin'' leaves. Now they''re right upon me"


    She started to hum the chorus, a smile on her face. She always enjoyed that song. She didn''t know why. It was just nice to listen to.


    She was interrupted by multiple crashes. She raised an eyebrow at the sound.


    "So cool, more eggs! "


    Well isn''t that conveniant.


    Archer decided to go out to the backyard to guage the situation. There were indeed more eggs. She recognized most of them based on their color. She spotted Carla''s egg, which Wendy took interest in. Sting was already trying to pick up Lector''s egg. Rogue was tentatively rolling Frosh''s egg towards the nest they were building.


    Archer eyed the one unknown egg. She had no idea who would be coming out of that egg. Like the others it had flame like lines. Its color was grey, so Archer guessed the exceed will be of that color.


    "Big sis, now we all have our own dragon eggs" Sting said happily as he struggled with his chosen egg.


    Archer only nodded and proceeded to pick up the new addition. She placed the unknown egg amongst the others in the nest the kids were building. Rogue carefully rolled his own into the nest and covered it with one of his blankets. He did the same for Wendy''s egg too. He then sat down in front of them and watched.


    "Hey Natsu, why don''t you warm them up? " Sting suggested when he finally got his egg amonst the others.


    "In a minute" Natsu was struggling with the amount of wood he was carrying. "You know I could use some help"


    "You had better have your shelter built before eleven "


    "What, why? "


    "We head to the guild at that time"


    "We can bring the eggs"


    "No we can not, Sting"


    "Why not? "


    "It''s best they remain in one place"


    "Awe, I wanted to show everyone"


    "They could always come see them here"


    Natsu beamed at that.


    "Cool I''ll invite Lisanna. She''ll love this " Natsu Grinned. "And Levy too, maybe she knows what type of eggs these are"


    "Can big sis Cana come too? "Wendy asked.


    "Yes"


    "And big sis Erza"


    "Of course"


    "What about Elfman? "Sting asked.


    "Everyone is welcome"


    "Awesome, I''m inviting the entire guild"Sting almost shouted.


    "That''s not what I meant" Archer sighed.


    ~~~~~~~


    Gajeel was walking the usual path to the guild like most days. He wondered if he should go on a mission today? He already went on three mission with the shrimp. The old man said he was allowed to go solo after three partnerd missions. He''ll go on an exciting one. He wanted a fight. Maybe he can take on some vulcans or something.


    He was thinking of possible missions when something hit his head. Hard. It took him a moment to register the pain, but when he did he hissed out every single curse word he knew.


    "The hell!? "


    He gripped his head in pain and looked around. What the hell fell on his head? What was it even made out of if it hurt him that much?


    His eyes landed on an egg. It looked just like the one Natsu had found. The only different was the color of the odd lines. They were black.


    "What kind of egg is this? What is it even made off? " he questioned as he picked up the thing. There was not a crack on it. Matter of fact there was not even a scratch to be found.


    "What sorcery is this? "


    How is that egg perfectly fine after impacting his head so strongly. His head. What the hell produced this type of egg?


    The boy ?r??n?d and turned the other way. He was leaving this thing at the house. The others can mother it or something. He didn''t understand why they couldn''t just eat it. It was an egg. Thinking about it now, he wondered if they could even crack the thing open. His head still throbbed with pain.


    It was awkward, carrying the egg. It was almost the size of his body. He had to hold it above his head as he made his way back home. He got looks from many people but ignored them. He just needed to drop off the egg and go back to the guild. He found it stupid to just find some eggs and decide to foster them. They have no idea what was in these things. But seeing as Archer is ok with it he''ll go along. She has more knowledge than anyone he knew. She must know what type of eggs these are. If they were dangerous she wouldn''t let Natsu keep his.


    Arriving at the house he went straight to the backyard. Why wad he not surprised to find four new eggs? There were four new auditions and his siblings were hard at work building a nest.


    "Oi, I found another" He said gruffly and carelessly placed it amongst the rest of the eggs. "Do with it what you want"


    "Dont be so rough with the egg" Wendy said with worry.


    "These things fell out of the sky and did not break. Hell this one fell on my head and is perfectly fine. I think I can be a little rough with the egg" Gajeel said in frustration and turned to leave.


    ~~~~~~~~~


    Getting her siblings to leave was not as easy as most days, but she got them to leave. Archer also took them shopping and some toys were bought. Mostly for the toddlers, but Natsu was practically a toddler himself so. She would most likely regret getting him a water gun. That''s the most childish thing he could ask for. Archer did something efficient and got the toddlers little cars they could ride in. Wendy had her own little vehicle while the boys shared theirs. It was efficient because she could push them to the guild and they would have a grand time.


    "I want a car too" Natsu wh?n?d.


    "You got your water gun"


    "Yes, but now I want a car too"


    "Well, too bad" Archer ruffled his hair. "You''ll have to do without"


    "You''re such a child" Gajeel scoffed as he chewed on a spoon.


    "We''re the same age you idiot"


    "At least I don''t act like a damn toddler"


    "Shut it down you two" Archer had a hand on both their heads and pushed them apart. "No fighting. At least not on the street"


    "Fine"


    Sting wasn''t paying attention to any of that. Archer let go of the stupid thing sticking out of his car. He let her buy this car because he read it could go super fast once he puts some magic into it. It''s like the real thing. Now was his chance. He could make a break for it. With a big grin he stepped on the gass, his hands on the steering wheel.


    "Eat my dust! "


    Archer sighed when their little car shot off with unexpected speed. Poor Rogue, having to go through such things.


    "Why did you get him a car that can go that fast? "Gajeel asked.


    "He promised to be on his very best behavior" Archer informed.


    "Well, unsurprisingly he lied"


    "I can tell"


    "That''s dangerous "Wendy voice as she stared off into the distance with a frown. "Rogue must be so scared"


    "Poor guy" Natsu sighed in sympathy.


    "I''m taking away that car"


    ~~~~~~~~


    Erza, like everyone else, glanced at the guild doors when they bursted open. In came Sting and Rogue, sporting a little car. Sting was laughing like a maniac as the little vehicle shot through the guild with a speed. Erza raised an eyebrow at the chaos that soon surfaced. The boy''s a little trouble maker.


    without a word Erza slipped off her barstool and approached the speeding car. She hardly cared about how fast it was going. She was quick on her feet and managed to grab onto the back of the car. She was strong enough to slow it down, which made Rogue stomp down on the break.


    "Why would you do that?! "Sting exclaimed as Erza picked him out of the car.


    Rogue moved over to the drivers seat and carefully parked the car in some corner in the guild. He exited and came to Erza''s side, pulling her towards the bar.


    "Why do you even.. " Erza sighed not even knowing what to ask the struggling Sting.


    "Big sis got us the car" Rogue informed as Erza helped him into his chosen stool. He was immediately offered a little cup of juice.


    "Sting made a run for it, didn''t he? "


    Rogue nodded.


    "Geez" Cana smirked. "I can already see him in the future"


    "Archer is going to take that thing away for sure" Levy said with a nod.


    "No she wont" Sting protested.


    "Yes I will"


    Archer was already walking into the guild. She spotted the car that was parked in a corner almost immediately. She then looked to Sting who smiled innocently.


    "You broke your promise, Sting" she flicked him on the forehead. "What do you have to say for yourself"


    "I''m sorry"


    "Good boy"


    "Are you really taking it away? "He asked with big eyes. "I won''t do it again. I promise. For real this time"


    "Is that so? "


    "Yeah, for reals"


    "Those eyes don''t work on me" Archer smirked under her mask when the look got even cuter.


    "But big sis"


    "I''ll think about it"


    "So you have a little vehicle too? "Erza asked as she eyed Wendy''s little car. The toddler beamed with joy.


    "Yeah, it''s fun"


    Archer chuckled at her statement as she placed her on the bar. She was instantly offered a cup of milk, which she happily accepted.


    "Did you get the others anything? "Erza asked.


    "Gajeel decided that he was a big boy and didn''t need toys. I just gave him some money to get him by on whatever mission he takes"


    "And Natsu has a watergun" Erza said blankly as she watched the excited boy spray Lisanna and Levy with the toy weapon.


    "Natsu has a water gun"

 Chapter 27

    "That''s a big egg"


    "You don''t say, Scarlet"


    Erza ignored the comment as she inspected the eggs Archer and her siblings found. How did they just happen to crash into her backyard. That was very convenient. They were such odd eggs. She''s never seen such before. She figured that maybe Levy would know, but apparently she didn''t. The bookworm was just as clueless and was fascinated with the things. She had a notepad and pen as she carefully observed the eggs, scribbling anything she found interesting. Which was everything. From their sizes, to their design.


    "Do you really plan on keeping them? " Erza asked her friend , who shrugged in response. She was currently toying with a yoyo and was very good when it came to manipulating the toy.


    "I don''t see the problem with it"


    "Do you even know what type of eggs they are? "Erza asked with raised eyebrow. She knew Archer wouldn''t be keeping the eggs if she thought they could cause any harm. She doesn''t see them as dangers. So perhaps she knows what is being grown within. The girl was very knowledgeable and it was very obvious. If anyone knew what the eggs were it was her. And from the amused look in her eyes Erza knew immediately that she did indeed know what would be emerging from those eggs.


    "So you do know? "


    "Maybe" Archer had her eyes on her white yoyo as she toyed with it. "Yoyos or very entertaining"


    Erza sighed at the comment and said nothing. Archer didn''t seem to want to correctly answer her question. Whehter it be because she was amused by her curiosity or because she knew that the other already guessed right, Erza didn''t know. The redhead returned to watching the others interact with the eggs. Natsu was placed in the middle of the self made nest, with the eggs surrounding him. He was on fire and seemed very happy with the job he was given.


    "Natsu, you''re going to drain your magic" Archer warmed, but didn''t seem very concerned.


    "You''ll help me out when that happens, right big sis? "


    Archer didn''t answer and only focused on her yoyo. Natsu grinned, taking her silence as a positive answer.


    "Are you sure that''s the brightest of ideas? "Levy asked as she calculated the distance of the eggs and the heat Natsu was letting off. She was muttering to herself as she scribbled some thing down. "Natsu, lower your temperature a bit, you''re too hot for the eggs"


    "I wonder what will come out of these" Lisanna wondered aloud.


    "Why in the world would you just decide to nurse eggs? "Mira asked with a frown. "These things could be dangerous"


    "Maybe, but big sis wouldn''t let us keep them if she predicted any danger" Wendy pointed out as she sipped on some milkshake Archer had made. "Archer never let''s us do things that could cause us any harm"


    "Your vocabulary is pretty impressive for a four year old" Levy noted.


    "Have you met her older sister? "Cana asked with an amused smile and eyed Archer. "You probably taught these guys everything they know"


    "Oh yeah, Archer is the best teacher " Natsu cheered. "She taught me to read and write and how to behave around people and stuff"


    "And yet you act a fool" Archer said bluntly.


    "That''s mean"


    "It is the truth"


    "Big brother is a fool" Sting snickered.


    "You''re as big a fool as him"


    "Why do you have to be so mean? "


    Archer ignored the look the boy was giving her. She would not fall for those eyes. The only one who could manipulate her with such eyes is Wendy. Sting was not as innocent as her and those eyes were big lies.


    "How long do you think it will take for them to hatch? "


    "I have no idea" Archer replied honestly.


    "I have a feeling you can make those things hatch any moment if you wanted to"


    "Correct you are" Archer chuckled even as her yoyo hit her on the head. That didn''t dampen her mood one bit and she returned to trying out a complicated trick. "But I will not. One should not interfere with life, not like that. They''ll hatch when they are ready"


    Erza only hummed in reply and proceeded to drink the milkshake Archer had offered her. She recently learned that the girl was quite the cook. She figured it made sense if she was the caretaker of five younger siblings.


    "Will we be going on any missions any time soon? "


    "Im not sure to be honest. Perhaps I should just stay here until the eggs hatch. The idea of leaving my siblings with babies of any race is not very appealing" Archer had furrowed brows as she said that. Natsu did managed to raise Happy on his own and such but there was still a lot of other factors that were in play. She just didn''t think baby exceeds would be very safe in a house with Natsu, Sting and Gajeel. "So in the mean time I might as well enjoy some time in the guild and such"


    "I guess" Erza shrugged . It would be interesting.


    "In the mean time you can train with Athena. She has already requested you and said training will start early tomorrow "


    "At your house? "


    "Yes of course" Archer nodded. "You''re welcome to spend the night if you wish"


    The offer was appealing for multiple reasons. One being the fact that Archer seems to be able to keep Erza''s nightmares away. But of course she would be having her own room so her hopes of a dreamless night were immediately thrown away. She was thinking things over, hardly noticing Archer''s observing stare.


    "Do you wish to sleep with me? "Archer asked with true curiosity. "You seem to enjoy sharing a bed with me"


    Erza glanced at her, but didn''t reply to the statement. She just continued to suck on her straw, savoring the strawberry flavored drink.


    "Do I bring you comfort? "


    Erza found herself nodding before she could stop herself. Yes the girl did bring her comfort. But she didn''t know why. It doesn''t seem like Archer is even aware of it.


    "I see" Archer seemed thoughtful. "Do I keep the nightmares away? "


    Another nod and Archer seemed pensive. She wasn''t completely aware of these things, but at the same time she was. She did know that Erza seemed to like her higher temperature, but that''s about it. She didn''t know she brought her comfort. Archer doesn''t exactly know how to comfort people in the first place. She wondered why Erza took comfort in her presence. With that in mind she was staring at the redhead, trying to come up with a reason. Maybe it was because of her magic. She did help her mother carry her for around four hundred years. The girl must be used to her magic without even knowing. Seeing as she experienced her magic within the w?mb it would explain why Archer brought her comfort.


    She nodded to herself. That was a valid reason for her attachment to her. Although she wondered how weird that must be.


    "You can stay in my room with me then" Archer said with another nod.


    Why did she seem so proud of that? Erza raised an eyebrow in question at that. Why was she proud?


    "Hey Archer" Mira was suddenly approaching the girl with a determined look in her eyes.


    Archer looked on curiously when the girl came to stand in front of her. They stared eachotbr down until Mira did the most unexpected thing.


    She hugged Archer.


    Archer was genuinely surprised by the action. So much so that her yoyo did not come back up. Why in the world was the takeover mage hugging her?


    Mira sighed with a content smile.


    "Look at that. You really are super warm"


    "She is? "Lisanna asked with curious eyes. "Can I hug her? "


    And just like that the youngest Struas was hugging a still confused Archer. The younger girl giggled in delight as she hugged the older.


    "Wow, so warm. It''s amazing"


    Cana had a raised eyebrow and approached the two. She pulled Lisanna off the baffled Archer and hugged the girl. Cana seemed surprised by her warmth and sighed relaxing in her arms.


    "She''s like a cozy blanket" Cana murmured, refusing to let go.


    "Uh" Archer stood motionless. She''s never been hugged that much in a day and it was so unexpected. She had no idea what to do in such a position and just let things happen.


    "Let me try"


    Even Levy came to enjoy the warmth she emitted and didn''t seem to like the idea of letting go.


    Erza just watched with an unreadable expression. She continued to suck on her straw as she watched. She didn''t know if she should be bothered by this display or not. It was adorable to watch so she decided to enjoy it. Archer looked like a confused puppy as she was used as a stuffed toy. The redhead was amused by the delighted squeel Lisanna let out when Archer hesitantly hugged back. And just like that everyone wanted to hug her again, just to feel her hug back. It was like a game that seemed to make everyone happy. Even Wendy and Rogue came looking for hugs. Erza couldn''t help her amusement because Archer kept her confused expression the entire time. The entire situation baffled her to no end. She even looked to Erza, questioning her. Erza laughed quietly at the scene.


    "What just.. I am so confused. Was I just used? I mean, they only sought my warmth? I''m not sure what just happened or what to feel about it" Archer said, still pulling on her scarf. "I''ve never been hugged so many times and it''s odd"


    Erza tried not to laugh. She really tried but she couldn''t stop herself. This earned her curious look from Archer who was trying to decipher what just happened.


    "Why is this funny?"


    "It just is, okay? "


    Archer went quiet and let Erza get it out of her system. The redhead sighed once she recovered, still giggling every now and then.


    "Should I hug you too? "Archer asked as she faced the girl.


    "Why would you ask that? "


    "Because everyone else hugged me" Archer said. It seemed logical.


    "So you''re offering a hug now? "


    Archer nodded.


    Erza stared at her for some time, before taking her up on that offer and hugging her. She sighed into Archer''s scarf, enjoying her comfortable heat. She would never get tired of this.


    "So, will you be spending the night? "


    Erza nodded, not releasing the other. She could just feel the amusement rolling off Archer at the moment and hardly cared. She could just melt at that moment.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Cana and Mira sat in a corner watching the two hug. Both of them had massive smirks on their faces as they did. Oh this was good. Mira chuckled darkly, a dark aura surouding them.


    "Oh, yeah" she muttered quietly. "Definitely "


    Cana nodded, glancing at her cards. Doing that only made her smirk more devious.


    "They are totally getting together "


    "Totally" Mira grinned as she glanced at her friend. "Should we interfere? "


    "I don''t know" Cana seemed thoughtful. "Should we? "


    "This is gold I tel ya. The best pairing of this damn guild yet. We must make it happen" Mira said determined with an evil grin


    "You''d think that your dislike for the redhead would make you hate this"


    "Why? "Mira raised an eyebrow. "A ship is a ship and I will make it sail"


    "That''s some devotion right there" Cana chuckled.


    "In all honesty I think they would be great together. Just think about it" Mira observed the two. Archer seemed to be trying to escape Erza''s grip but the other wasn''t having any of it. "Archer is the first and only one to bring Erza out of her dumb shell. She''s the first and only person to convince her to go on a mission with her. And they are now an actual team. And while this is just a hunch, I believe Erza takes full advantage of Archer''s amazing warmth. Do you think they sleep together? "


    "Maybe"


    "I need to see that"


    Cana sighed. "Don''t do anything to rash"


    "I won''t"


    "That''s a big fat lie"


    "It''s not like you''ll do anything about" Mira said with a shrug and her smile was quickly returned as she stared at her brunette friend . "You know I still don''t have someone for you. I paired you with Gray at first but that didn''t workout"


    "You do realize that we''re just kids right? "


    "So, that''s not gonna stop me"


    "You''re a dangerous romantic"


    "Whatever you say" Mira smirked and continued to stare at Erza and Archer. "I''ll find you someone soon enough"


    "Give it your best shot. I don''t have a crush on any of the idiots in our guild"


    "I doubt it, you must like someone. Everyone has crushes "


    "Yeah, no"


    "Oh come on. There''s no one? "


    "Not at all"


    "Don''t lie to me"


    Cana said nothing and proceeded to gather her cards. She didn''t see the point of all of this. Arent they too young to be thinking about these things? What''s the point of a crush. It''ll fade at some point. And crushes are pretty shallow. She didn''t know why Mira believed there was such a thing as romantic love between kids their age. They weren''t teenagers yet after all. That''s when things get really interesting.


    Even so, she enjoyed listening to Mira go on about these things. And she didn''t mind helping her execute her plans. It''s was fun.


    She just liked hanging out with Mira in general.


    "So what do you have planned, she devil? "


    "Nothing yet but I''ll make it work"


    "Is that so"


    "Give me a couple of days and then five hears"


    "You''re serious? "


    "Yeah, like you said we''re kids. There''s nothing too interesting right now. At the moment all we can experience is a "like like". But when we''re teenagers, that''s when things take a fun turn. That is when these two will become official. I will see to it, if it''s the last thing I do"


    "You''re being too dramatic"


    "I shall dub this ship ScarletPhoenix"


    "Why? "


    "Because of the nickname Archer uses and because of Archer''s last bame"


    "How did you find that out? "


    "Natsu talks to my little sis and my little sis talks to me" Mira said proudly. "Plus I''m a pretty good detective "


    "Okay"


    "Great" Mira grinned. "ScarletPhoenix will become a reality"

 Chapter 28

    The guild was a ruckus again. Another fight was taking place and unsurprisingly it is Gray and Natsu standing at the center of it all. The minute Natsu stepped into the guild he picked a fight with the half n?k?d Gray. Why, no one really knows. It just happened and soon the entire guild was pulled into it. Even Sting had joined the brawl and was happily taking down anyone he could.


    "I''ll kill you,you flame bastard! "Gray shouted as he came flying through the air with an icecannon at the ready.


    "Id like to see you try, you damn stripper! "Natsu was on fire and seemed to be readying an iron fist.


    Archer was nearby and watched the scene with a blank expression. She turned away from the scene and headed for a table in the corner of the guild, not at all caring about the collision that took place soon after. There was a crash and the sound of broken wood followed by angered shouts. All of that was ignored, although Archer did pity the old man who looked devastated. The old man couldn''t stand to see his guild fall apart like this. Even though Archer can easily fix it up, it still hurt to watch. And Archer is unpredictable. What if she doesn''t feel like fixing the guild? Usually she stops these fights but she was ignoring it at the moment.


    Wendy was in the corner of the guild with some of the girls. They watched the brawl with worry while Cana dealt cards. The brunette didn''t worry much. She managed to save her cards so she could care less about everything else right now. Lisanna and Levy on the other hand worried about the brawl spreading towards them. They really did not want to get involved in anyway. Erza didn''t even seem to notice the brawl, seeing as she was too invested in her cake. That was another thing that worried the girls. If something happened to Erza''s cake she''ll get into everything and all hell will break loose. And if that happened Archer might finally step in and things could escalate even more.


    "Why does this always happen? "Lisaana questioned as she watched her sister beat up a group of innocent guildmates for no apparent reason.


    "This is fairy tail" Levy said absentmindly as she flipped through the pages of her book. She had learned from Cana that Archer''s last name was Phoenix. She remembered reading something about that, but she couldn''t remember the book. At the moment she had a stack of them in front of her and was quickly searching each with her glasses. She had a feeling it was something fascinating. Leave it up to her to forget about something like that.


    "What are you looking for? "Lisanna asked as she took a look into her book.


    "Archer''s family"


    Wendy made a sound at that and tried to look into the book as well.


    "Why? "


    "I just want to know. I had read something about them, but I can''t even remember the book"


    "What did you read? "Wendy asked.


    "Something about them being considered godly creatures who did not bother themselves with us humans" Levy said.


    "Seriously? "Cana suddenly took interest in this. "Why? "


    "Archer said that there was no point to it since humans don''t live as long as they do. So it''s best to not interfere and risk getting attached" Wendy informed as she recalled what Archer had told her. "But Archy does get involved and I''m sure she''s attached"


    Levy stared at Wendy, a beaming smile forming on her face. Of course. Why was she searching through books while she had someone who knew Archer better than anyone rigt there with her.


    "What else do you know? "it was Erza who asked this time. "Is Archer an actual Phoenix, or is she just a human with odd powers"


    "Well-" before Wendy could finish her sentence Archer suddenly slid into the seat next to the child. Wendy brightened immediately and climbed into her ??p.


    "You were just about to make me less of an enigma, Wenwen" Archer said said amusement.


    "I was? "


    "Yes you were"


    "Oh" Wendy seemed thoughtful. "Then I won''t tell them"


    Levy deflated and sulked in her seat while Erza sighed.


    "Should''ve known it was too good to be true"


    "Oh well, we tried" Cana shrugged while she let Archer pick some cards. The brunette took a liking to reading the other''s fortune. It was filled with mystery and loads of adventure.


    "Why do you keep secrets about yourself? " Levy asked in a wh?n?. "I want to know more"


    "It amuses me" was Archer''s answer.


    "You''re not very nice" Lisanna pouted in her anger.


    "Apparently I''m not the nicest of people"


    "Can we at least ask one question? "


    "I don''t see why not" from the tone of her voice they were all certain there was a smile behind that mask. "Be careful, certain questions will receive no answer and you only get one try"


    This was tricky for they didn''t know what question would receive an answer. There was so much they wanted know but only very little Archer was willing to reveal to them.


    While they were so deep in thought Archer took to entertaining Wendy and Rogue, who had approached her moments ago. She made dragon toys of both their elements and willed them to move with the twitching of her fingers. It was like manipulating a puppet.


    "I''ve got it" Levy stood abruptly in her exclamation. "How are you capable of using so many different types of magic? "


    "Smart question" Archer sounded a tad bit impressed or was it pride? They weren''t sure. "I studied each form of magic I currently know and am still studying more at the moment"


    "Yes but a wizard can only use two types of magic at most unless they use lacrima or other forms of magic implants" Levy pointed out.


    "That is true, but I''m not like your everyday wizard. Therefore those rules do not apply to me" Archer replied in her calm demeanor. "That should be obvious enough"


    "I guess that makes sense? "Levy wasn''t too sure. "So, you knowing that many forms of magic is what makes you as strong as you are? "


    "Yes and no" came the reply. "Yes,the many forms of magic I use are powerful, they do not make me powerful. There is a massive difference. The reason I''m so strong has a bit to do with who I am and which family I belong to while the other part is me putting my life in danger"


    "Why do you say these things so casually? "Cana sweat dropped.


    "Having natural power is one thing but if you are not capable of controling it, it will tear you up from the inside out. That is basically what happened with me. I already had immense power, but it was painful to posses due to me having no control over it"


    "Oh, well. I never thought of that" Levy admitted. "So you have control over it now? "


    Archer nodded. "To a good degree. If I did not, my body temperature would be far higher than it is now to the point where no one around would be able to stand it" Archer admitted.


    "When you say to a good degree, what does that even mean? "


    "Exactly what it is. I don''t have perfect control, but I have a decent amount that can stop me from being a danger to myself and anyone else "


    "If you don''t have full control, does that mean there''s still a bit of pain? "


    Archer didn''t answer that. Instead she leaned back with a carefree air about her


    "Who knows"


    "And that''s the end of that" Erza sighed. "Whenever she says that there''s no hope of her telling us anything else"


    "Well we got more than we expected" Cana said with a shrug. "It''s better than nothing"


    "I guess we did" Levy agreed with a content smile. "We''ll try next time"


    "I wish you luck" Archer said sounding very sincere while she returned to animating her created toys.


    "Can I ask another question? "Lisanna asked.


    "May"Archer corrected.


    "Why care so much about grammer? "Cana asked


    "It was drilled into me"


    "May I ask another question? "


    "Sure go ahead "


    "You seem to like music, so I gotta ask. Are there anymore instruments you can play? "


    "Why yes they are"


    "Big sis can play a lot of instruments" Wendy said, gesturing with her hands.


    Rogue nodded to the statement.


    "Really?"


    "Yes really "


    "The guitar? "


    Archer nodded and within an instant she held a guitar in hand. Wendy had slipped off her ??p so that Archer could properly hold the instrument. Archer was already humming a familiar tune when she started to manipulate the strings of her guitar. She played the very same melody she played the other day with practiced ease. In all honesty the group of girls weren''t too surprised. This is Archer after all. She''s good at a lot.


    "See, I can play the guitar" Archer said with a quiet laugh. "Along with practically any other instrument"


    "Well geez"


    Cana had a glimmer in her eyes. "Hey, ever thought about making your music a career? Let me be your manager, the money we''ll make"


    "Seriously, Cana? "


    "What? "


    "You know, I''ve never seen you in a dress of skirt, I wonder how you''ll look in it" Lisanna said as she eyed Archer, picturing her in a dress. "Why don''t you wear them anyway? "


    "It makes my gender very clear. And if you all haven''t noticed I take amusement in watching others try to figure it out".


    "We already know you''re a girl, so you can wear a dress" Lisanna smiled. "I think you would look really great in it"


    "Little Archer looks absolutely wonderful in dresses"


    The new voice drew everyone''s attention to the smiling Demeter. Lisanna, Levy and Cana were very confused. As were everyone else who noticed her appearance.


    "Hello Demeter" Archer and Erza waved.


    "Hello lovelies. I''ve decided to spend some time with you today"


    "Suit yourself" archer scooted over to make space for Demeter.


    "Who?.. "


    "I am Demeter. It is a p???sur? to me you all. " the woman smiled her motherly smile as she greeted the girls. "You are all lovely little girls"


    The three girls couldn''t help but notice the motherly air around this woman. It was was very comforting and the feeling of security was very nice.


    "Demeter, Archy let me help her make pancakes today" Wendy reported proudly.


    "Is that so? I know you were the best little chef" Demeter had the girl in her ??p and looked to the quiet Rogue. "And what of you little shadow? "


    "We found eggs" he said. "We made a nest"


    Demeter hummed in curiosity at that.


    "You''ll have to show me these eggs later"


    ~~~~~~


    Archer wondered how the girls managed to get her into the dress she found herself wearing. Each of them looked overjoyed as they inspected her, praising her look. Archer only sighed and let the girls treat her as a doll. What can you do in such a situation? Demeter was there as well and seemed just as amused. In fact she was the one supplying the girls with more and more dresses to put the androgynous girl in.


    "Are you lot done with me yet? "


    "Not even close" Mira smirked as she held up an outfit similar to her own. "Put this on"


    "I really don''t feel like continuing this. We''ve been at it for almost an hour now"


    "You''ve got no say in this" Mira said firmly as she started to help Archer out of her current dress.


    "But I really should have say in this. You''re treating me like a doll"


    "You''re a very pretty doll" Lisanna complimented.


    "Why not let her wear what she feels more comfortable in"Erza suggested. She had started to feel a bit bad about the situation. Despite her having a major part in It.


    "Fine" Mira ?r??n?d.


    Archer again sighed as she selectred what she would rather wear. It consisted of a dress shirt and a fancy looking jacket, its red the color of her eyes. Seeing as she had to wear a skirt she went with a high and low style, the color black. She of course had to wear the stockings she was given by the girls. She even retrieved a breton hat to top it off. She was adjusting the ribbon a her neck when everyone entered her room to get a look at her.


    "I think this suits me for now" Archer said as she adjusted her hat on her head, tilting it to the side as she did.


    "Okay, that really does suit you" Mira admitted with a look of wonder. "It really brings out that formal and polite part of you"


    "Nicely said" Cana nodded. "Not bad"


    "Oh you''ve got to dress like this more often. Ditch the pants for a whole. " Levy suggested.


    "That takes away all the fun of it. "


    "Awe come on. Just for this week. You already said you won''t be going on any mission soon so what''s the harm? "


    "Fine, you win"


    "You really do look good that outfit" Erza complimented.


    "Thanks" Archer said as she tied her scarf around her waist in the form of a sash.


    "Lose the mask! "Mira reached for the offending article and pulled it down, only to find another mask. "The hell? "


    Archer laughed at the face she was making. She pulled a classic Kakashi on them.


    "Why are you wearing two masks!? "

 Chapter 29

    It was around eleven in the morning and Archer was still at home. She was seated in the back yard, snacking on some chocolate as she watched the scene before her. Erza''s training had finally started and she was being treated the same as the first time. Athena''s form of training at the moment was fighting the redhead until she landed a solid hit. Only then shall they move on to other forms of training. So far, Erza has only b?r?ly touched the goddess with her sword. The phoenix sword was stripped of its power for training purposes. For good reason. Erza was meant to land a clear attack without the use of any form of magic. She was no longer allowed to equip a second sword like the last. It was to help her swordsmanship improve.


    Erza was great with a sword. In fact Archer had placed her in her top five or ten. She didn''t really remember. What she did remember was that she was not tumher one. No, that went to Zorro. She was a big fan of Erza but she was also very fair and honest. In her opinion Zoro could beat Erza when it comes to the battle of swords.


    Zoro has had years to train with his swords. He uses each of them skillfully, simply because it''s the same weapon set. He''s made it his goal to be the best swordsman of his world and as such challenges any other sword user on the daily. Erza is exactly what he''s used to. That''s nothing new. He could fight her. He could win. Erza is impressive but her skill in swordplay does not compete with that of Zoro simply because she wields many others. He focuses on the three he has while Erza has over a hundred sword. Each sword might need to be used differently. Plus there is is fact that she doesn''t only wield swords.


    Erza and Zoro are comparable in strenght, speed, durability and much else. But when it comes to their skill in wielding their weapons Erza does not stand above the mighty Zoro


    Let''s say Erza took the time to train her skill on wielding the multitude of weapons she had, she would come close to him. Each of her swords are different. Some have special abilities. They need to be handled differntly. The phoenix sword for example is very light and incredibly sharp. Using such a sword requires precision. There is little strenght needed due to it''s sharpness and light weight. Speed would benefit in the use of this sword.


    If Erza were to use her heavier swords, let''s say the sword of the purgatory armor she has not yet acquired. That is one heavy sword and requires strenght of all things. Wielding it would be totally different to wielding the phoenix sword and therefore requires a different set of skills.


    Archer already knew what Athena was going to do. She was going to let Erza fight her using each and every one of her weapons. One by one. That way she''ll learn to use them better. Learn to adapt and change her style of fighting as fast as she can re-equip.


    Archer was happy to watch her struggles. Of course she was not simply there for observation. Erza would fall soon enough and she should heal her. Or maybe she should just let Wendy do it. She should practice her magic more. But then she remebered that the dragons took their kids out for training, so she was left alone. Her siblings specifically told her to take care of the eggs.


    That''s why she''s seated in the nest, her temparature slightly higher. She would be acting as their temporary heater until Natsu returns.


    "When will you lot hatch, I wonder" Archer said to herself as she took in the eggs. Maybe a month or two. It was never said how long an exceed egg took to hatch. That was certainly information she could have used.


    "You''ll be seeing little cat creatures in a month''s time"


    Archer hummed and absentmindedly waved at Demeter. Of course she should have asked one of the gods. They know these things.


    "Thank you for that bit of information"


    "You''re welcome" Demeter smiled. "I must say, the others are not so very happy with you taking your time in finding them"


    "Even Aphrodite? "


    "Yes, she seems more sorrowful than angered"


    "Of course she is" Archer sighed. "Maybe I should hunt them all down today. It''s not like I don''t know where they are and I can just teleport"


    "Why have you not done that since the very start? "


    Archer chose to ignore the new presence. Poseidon wasn''t her biggest fan as of late. He really knows how to hold a grudge that one.


    "How have you been Poseidon? "Demeter asked kindly, not at all affected by poseidon''s glare.


    "We saw each other less then five minutes ago. You asked this already"


    "Yes, but your mood tends to switch very often"


    "He could put a teenage girl to shame" Archer jested.


    "Your treatment of me is very disrespectful" Poseidon said with clear mirth.


    "You are just a vengeful god who can not look past me being forgetful sometimes. You do as if I took days to summon you. And you do know that you can enter the world on your own, right? "


    After that Archer did not listen to what Poseidon had to say. He can be very kind when he''s not being his vengeful self.


    Archer had focused on the closest pull she felt and easily used her magic to place herself in that area. The scenery around her changed very quickly and she was soon standing in a forest of cherry blossoms and beautiful flowers. She blinked, the colors asualting her for a moment. She didn''t expect to find herself in such a forest. She didn''t need much else to let her know who''s key had lead her to the forest.


    "Of course" she sighed as she followed the pull deeper into the odd forest.


    "Aphrodite just had to be surrounded by all of this"


    ~~~~~~~


    There was a sense of D¨¦j¨¤ vu as Erza lay on the grass. She had failed to land a solid blow on Athena. She had hardly come close. It was far harder than the last time. Back then she could summon another sword. Now she was left with the one and had its power stripped. Now she was without any strenght and struggling to get the needed amount of oxygen.


    Demeter came to sit at her side and wordlessly began to heal her. Erza noted a new figure nearby. A man with blue hair that was eyeing her with judgment.


    "She is your chosen student? "He asked Athena who had retrieved Erza''s fallen sword.


    "Yes, I deem her Worthy"


    Poseidon said nothing and continued to eye the redhead. Athena took her as student. He was not expecting her to take anyone as a student. The redhead must actually be special. What could be so special about her? He continued to stare in thought. Athena must see a warrior in her. The child appeared to be knight so that must''ve played into it.


    What would he know. It''s not like he cared about what his fellow deity was occupying her time with. However it did make him consider taking a student as well. Although humans don''t tend to have the qualities he''s looking for. In fact they don''t tend to have the qualities any god is looking for. It is rare that a deity took a human as a student.


    Erza was soon back on her feet and had her sword back in hand. She would go at it again. She didn''t see herself winning this anytime soon, but she sure as hell was not going to give up.


    "Why has Archer not given you the armor yet? " Athena asked as she took in Erza''s form. "It would benefit you greatly "


    Erza almost forgot about the armor. She supposed Archer forgot again. For someone like her she tends to be a bit forgetful.


    "It must have slipped Archer''s mind again"


    Athena seemed very unamused. "That child" the woman sighed in her disappointment.


    "She tends to be forgetful" Demeter said with a small giggle.


    "It''s hard for me to comprehend how she can remember practically everything she reads, but forget about the armor"


    "She''s Archer. She does many questionable things "


    "Why are you guys talking about me? "


    "Why do you not give your knight the armor" Athena asked as she pointed her sword at the unaffected Archer.


    "I forgot" Archer was smiling sheepishly


    Erza still questioned why Athena referred to her as Archer''s knight. It was a bit embarrassing when she thought about it.


    "You remember now, don''t you? "


    Archer nodded her smile remaining as she walked up to Erza. Without a word she placed both hands on her shoulders, confusing Erza for a moment. The redhead soon decided it was best not to be confused or shocked even when she was surrounded be a glow. She could feel Archer''s magic and it felt very familiar. Maybe it''s simply because she seemed to be using a form of re-equip magic. Erza never tried using her magic on someone else. She didn''t even know her magic could be used that way.


    When the glow was gone Archer stepped back, her brows furrowed. She proceeded to circle Erza, taking in her appearance. Judging and observating. At some point she stopped and nodded in appreciation


    "Welp, it fits you well enough. Though that never would have been an issue" Archer said more to herself than anyone else. "How does it feel? "


    "Light" Erza took in the red gloves she adorned. They werent metal. At least they didn''t look or feel like any form of metal. They felt more like leather than anything else. She flexed her fingers easily enough. It was as if she didn''t have gloves at the moment. The entire armor allowed maneuverability. "What''s with this metal? "


    I was very odd. The armor was half plated, with a leathery fabric beneath. The parts that were metal were her boots, leg and arm braces along with her br??stplate. Unlike her formor armor it was not stiff at all. She felt like she could actually bend the metal. Could she?


    "One I created. Super light so you can move around freely. You shouldn''t feel stiff or constricted in anyway. Despite all of that, it is pretty strong armor.


    "Are the gloves metal? "


    "Yup, don''t feel like it do they? "


    "Not at all. Feels like leather"


    "Yup and you got to keep your blue skirt you seem to love so much"


    "Why does that amuse you? "


    "It just does" Archer grinned. "Heads up"


    Erza yelped when Archer manifested a katana and came straight at her. She was fast enough to draw her sword in time. The speed with which she moved surprised her.


    "I thought you weren''t into this"


    "I only said I''m not a sword person" Archer corrected. "That does not mean I can not wield a blade"


    "A sword and katana are not that different"


    "Swords are designed to have flexibility so that users can handle them easily. And their blades are designed to be able to chop things by power.Adjusting these purposes, some swords were made lighter and more flexible so that users could handle easier; some other swords were made heavier so that users could easily put more power and chop bigger/harder things easier" Archer explained very casually. "Plus I''m sure swords are double edged while Katana''s are not"


    Erza raised an eyebrow, seeing as Archer had lowered her weapon. The redhead did no such thing because Archer can be very unpredictable. Most likely even more so with an actual weapon.


    "On the other hand, katana, Samurai''s swords were designed to have higher cutting quality and solidity.Because Samurais were not tall and not physically tough like knights, they needed to have blades which enable them to cut things easily with less power.Therefore, swordsmith had developed a method to forging steels by hammering numerous times, and sharpen the blade by natural stones.Thus, katana, very thin and multifold razor-edge steel blade, were invented" Archer continued while she ran finger over her blade. "Maybe it really isn''t much of a difference, but I like to be a samurai"


    "Of course you do"


    "Plus a katana is curved, which I find very impressive. I''m also a fan of the long and round hilt"


    "At least I learned something new about you today" Erza decided to see the bright side of her day.


    "Yes and you''ll find out just how skilled I am with this amazing blade"

 Chapter 30

    "I''m on the ground again"


    "It seems so"


    Erza stared up into amused red eyes. She did indeed learn of how skilled Archer is with a katana. She''s very skilled. Erza couldn''t touch her. She really felt like a beginner when it came to handling a blade. It really didn''t help that Archer found amusement in her struggles. She had to look away from those eyes when she felt embarrassed by her lack of skill.


    "Are you alright? "


    "My confidence took a very hard hit"


    "That''s because I''m so good with my Katana" Archer chuckled at her words. She couldn''t help but feel as if she was suggesting something very perverse. It seems Erza might of thought so as well because she soon turned as red as her hair.


    "Please don''t say it like that. It sounds very weird"


    Archer nodded. She had to agree with the redhead, while at the same time she couldn''t help but laugh at what she had said. It would''ve been much more effective had they not been ten year olds. She should try that again when they''re older. She wondered if Erza would remember it. If she did, it would be even more laugh inducing.


    "Need me to help you up? "


    "I would appreciate your help if you weren''t enjoying this too much" Erza sighed. Accepting help from an amused Archer wounded the little pride she had remaining. "But yes, I need your help"


    Archer hummed and easily pulled Erza to her feet. The redhead stumbled, but miraculously regained her balance. She stood unmoving for a moment, not trusting her feet yet. After a minute she took a step and immediately regretted it.


    She fell right into Archer''s arms. Archer chuckled, so very amused, as she picked the redhead up.


    "Wow, just one round and you already can''t feel your legs. I must be better than I thought"


    Again Erza picked up on the hidden message there and again her face was super red.


    "Why did you have to say it like that? What is wrong with you? "


    "I''m just very amused and these jokes just popped out of nowhere" Archer admitted as she managed to open the back door with her foot. "I think Erza''s had enough for now, care to come back later? "


    Athena nodded after a moment of thought. She did work the child to the bone and Archer did a number on her as well. It''s best she let her rest for a few hours. She remained silent as Archer carried Erza into the house, making another crude joke as she did.


    "Apollo would respect her jest" Poseidon said with disdain at the mention of his fellow deity. "I hope she takes a long while to find that fool"


    "It amazes me that you can hold such a grudge. It has been over a million years" Athena sighed.


    "He''s not the forgiving type, you know that Athena" Demeter said with her everlasting smile. "I''m not surprised he hasn''t forgiven Apollo yet"


    "Poseidon" Athena started seriously as she looked ay the blue haired god. "You are a bully aren''t you? "


    "Woman! How dare you!? "


    "Such a bully" Demeter teased. "Are you still bitter about Cecrops choosing Athena over you? "


    Poseidon scoffed and walked away from the women. Demeter loves to rub his failures in his face. Yes he was still bitter about it, but was trying to work past it. It was very hard when Athena can come off so arrogant. Or maybe that''s just his imagination.


    "It seems we chased him away" Demeter said with disappointment when Poseidon faded from before them.


    "You chased him away" Athena corrected as she sheathed her sword. "I''ll be taking my leave as well"


    "Oh, what will you be up to? "


    "I''ve started observing the life of a child named after me" Athena admitted with a proud smile. "I must say, I find her to be deserving of my name"


    That''s some high praise. This child must be very impressive.


    Athena said her goodbyes and disappeared soon after. Demeter was left alone. She stared at the sky with little thought in mind before fading from the world as well. She should find something to occupy herself with.


    Maybe she''ll grant the wishes of sweet children.


    ~~~~~~


    Erza was very happy when she found cake in Archer''s fridge. She could hardly care about the loss of energy. She just needed her cake and she found a way to get it. She was enjoying it so much that she hardly noticed Archer return into the kitchen. The redhead chose to ignore the raised eyebrow. Archer can tease her all she wants, she just needs her cake.


    "I knew I shouldn''t have left any in the fridge" Archer chuckled. "Are you sure you should be eating that? All you eat is cake. I doubt it''s very healthy"


    "I don''t care"


    "Well, I suppose it has little affect on your body. Must be because your so young. When puberty hits you, you might not be so lucky "


    "Whatever you say" Erza munched on her strawberry, already wondering if there was more to be found in the fridge.


    "I''ll make you something to eat" Archer slid off the barstool she had placed herself on. "And it''ll be healthy"


    "Sure"


    Archer worked on gathering all needed ingredients . The main being strawberry since it was an obvious favorite. She already had an idea in mind and knew Erza would love it.


    "Today I shall serve you the best. It''ll be something you can find in the fanciest restaurants" Archer grinned. "At least I hope so"


    Erza liked the enthusiasm Archer showed and was very interested when Archer pulled on an apron and chef''s hat.


    "You''ll be served an appetizer, a main dish and a sweet desert "


    "You''re really getting into it, aren''t you? "


    "I promised you the best and that is what you shall get"


    Erza was content with watching Archer prepare her appetizer. It really didn''t take long. The girl had gathered two juicy looking strawberries and cut them open only to fill them with vanilla cheesecake cream. She filled the strawberry to the brim until the cream was standing beautifully on top. When she was satisfied she found something unknown and sprinkled it right on top. Erza didn''t get to see what she had added to her creation, but she was sure to find out.


    "For your appetizer I have served you cheesecake stuffed strawberries " Archer spoke proudly. "Enjoy"


    Archer didn''t stick around. She found a pan and a fire was lit as she got to the making of the main dish.


    So Erza was left to try the delicious looking appetizer. Without much thought she took a bite.


    The delighted m??n that left her spoke for itself.


    "Well, good to know you like it" Archer quiped


    Erza nodded with a happy smile as she enjoyed what she had in her mouth. Turns out Archer had sprinkled cracker crumbs onto her stuffed strawberry. It was perfect.


    "This is amazing" Erza complimented as she moved on to her second strawberry. She took to watching Archer prepare her next delicacy. She seemed to be mixing a salad of sorts. "Citrus? "


    Archer nodded as she expertly mixed the ingredients she had gathered while she had a piece of steak on the fire.


    "Healthy yet delicious food, my friend"


    It only took a couple of minutes for the genius to cook up her main dish and place it before an awe struck Erza.


    "I present to you a citrus steak salad, with some strawberries mixed in of course" Archer beamed. "And for your beverage I give you a strawberry lemonade slush"


    Erza had sparkles in her eyes as she gazed upon her food. Archer was a gift from the gods. She was sure of it. Who else would be so kind as to cook such delicacies for her. All the while adding her favorite fruit into the mix.


    "You enjoy that while I work on your desert"


    Erza did enjoy the salad presented to her. She savored it. Archer really was amazing. She was sure the odd girl could do anything if she wanted to. Where did she even learn to cook like this? She could put the best chef to shame and she''s only ten years old. Erza was in heaven as she watched Archer prepare her desert. Archer would make an amazing girlfriend and wife, Erza realized. Who would''ve thought? She doesn''t even come off as the type but apparently she is.


    Erza wondered how Archer made her food so quickly. Are her oven and stove enhanced or something? She saw her put something in the oven and it only took ten minutes to come out. Maybe whatever she had in mind didn''t need much time in the oven.


    Apparently Archer made cookies. At least that''s what they looked like in front of the curious Erza.


    "Cookies? "


    "Strawberry shortbread cookies. I love these" Archer took off her chef''s hat and motioned for Erza to try her creation. "They''re amazing, I promise"


    Archer chuckled in pure amusement once Erza took a bite of a cookie. She enjoyed the redhead''s reaction to her food. It was funny and flattering.


    "These are amazing" Erza m??n?d with sparkling eyes.


    "Told you so"


    "Why are you so good at this? "


    "I take care of five younger siblings" Archer said blankly. "Most of them eat a ton. Plus I like to cook"


    Archer could not get enough of the blissful look in Erza''s eyes. Seriously, it was funny to her.


    "I love this"


    "Glad you do"


    Archer really is amazing. Erza will have to come over more often.


    "Will you cook for me if I''m around?"


    "Sure"


    "Maybe I should live here" Erza muttered to herself. She could get top quality food everyday if she moved in with Archer. She could see it now.


    "You can do whatever you want, it''s not like we don''t have room"


    It was decided. Erza found the perfect person to ever exist on the earth. Archer was perfect. Absolutely amazing. Her food is awesome. And she''s so nice about everything.


    "Archer, marry me"


    Archer raised an eyebrow, completely amused.


    "Sure"


    ~~~~~~~


    At the guild Mira had a feeling in the back of her head. It made her smile brightly, a glint in her eyes. Cana caught on immediately, looking at her friend in question. What''s with that frighteningly sweet smile on her fac? It almost scared Cana. It most likely would have was she not used to her friend''s horrifying nature.


    "Mira, you''re scaring our guildmates" Cana pointed out. "What''s with that smile"


    "I feel like one of my ships took a step in the right direction" Mira giggled. A giggle that sent chills down everyone''s spine. "Oh, I bet it''s Archer and Erza. I wonder what they''re up to"


    Cana sighed, not bothering to offer any form of commentary. Only Mira would spiritually pick up on something like that. She''s so dedicated to her self given job that it''s almost admirable. Cana went back to playing with her cards soon enough. She doubt Mira would go all the way to Archer''s house today. She would ruin the moment or something like that.


    "Hey Cana" Mira called with a playful voice


    "No Mira, I do not have a crush on any of these idiots here"


    "Don''t lie to me. I know you like someone. You have to like someone even just a little bit. It is impossible to not like someone! "


    "On the contrary that is not an impossibility" Cana corrected with a smug smirk.


    "I don''t care, you have to like someone! "


    Cana shrugged and casted a look at Mira. The look was devious.


    "What about you, huh? You keep going on about who others like and you never once told me who it is you like "


    Mira''s face spoke volumes and she turned away from a victorious Cana. "This isn''t about me"


    "Oh, so now that the tables have turned you don''t feel like talking? "


    "It''s not like that"


    "Sure looks that way to me" Cana grinned. "Who do you like Mira? "


    "No one"


    "Aren''t you the one who just said that it was impossible not to like someone? "


    "And you said it wasn''t "


    "And you said you didn''t care"


    "Damn it! Don''t be so smug"


    Cana only laughed. "Well, if you''re not willing to admit anything then there is no point in me admitting anything" Cana said with a winning smile. "It''s only fair"


    "You''re no fun at all" Mira sighed. "Why can''t you just tell me? "


    "Why can''t you just tell me? "


    "I hate you right now"


    "Awe, I''m flattered" Cana didn''t seem one bit affected by her words. In fact she just kept her smug smile.


    Mira ?r??n?d when she caught that smile. It was annoying to look at. Cana just loved to boast her victory.


    "Wanna play a game? " Cana asked as she offered Mira her cards.


    "I don''t feel like playing with you anymore"


    "Why do have to be a soar thumb? "


    "I am not a soar thumb. You''re just a smug jerk"


    "Well, that hurts" Cana decided to play by herself. "Oh well, I can do without you"


    Mira watched Cana slide off her barstool and place herself at a table in the corner of the guild. She seemed content enough as she spread her cards around the table. Mira sighed, why is Cana so unaffected? She expected her to be a bit disappointed or at at least apologetic. But she really was alright playing on her own.


    With a groan Mira proceeded to join her brunette friend. Cana hardly bat an eye at her and only smiled.


    "Can''t do without me, huh? "


    "Shut up"

 Chapter 31

    Archer was in a familair position. She was outside watching Erza struggle against Athena. Archer almost forgot she suggested the goddess come back later. It was later and she was back. Just like that Erza went back to her training while Archer watched. The red eyed girl had two keys in each hand. One belonging to the one and only Aphrodite. And the other belonging to a dragon. Who should she summon first, she wondered. She heard Aphrodite wanted to see her, but she also heard she was infatuated with a human and went on an adventure with her. That was interesting to hear. This human must be a special case if she has a goddess accompanying her on her adventure.


    "I guess I''ll summon Aphrodite and ask about it"


    Archer didn''t bother with the theatrical way of summoning and just casually swiped her key through the air. The glow that followed had little affect on her and so did the redheaded woman in front of her. Archer could only sigh when a happy smile spread across the woman''s face. She knew what followed next.


    "Little Archer, it''s so good to see you again" Aphrodite was very jovial as she picked up the ten year old. Archer looked like a disinterested cat in her arms.


    "I''m not a toddler"


    "You''re so adorable" Aphrodite chuckled as she fell into a seated position with Archer right in her ??p. The ten year old knew there was no getting out of her situation so she just embraced it. Aphrodite''s ?h?st made great pillows.


    "So, I heard an interesting tale" Archer started casually.


    "It was Demeter wasn''t it? " Aphrodite questioned. "It''s seems keeping secrets is not her forte"


    "She''s Demeter"


    "I suppose you''re right" Aphrodite said. "What you''ve heard is correct"


    "You''re serious? You really joined a human? Who is this person? What''s so special?"


    Aphrodite giggled. "Well little Archer, I love her purity"


    Purity? "Aren''t I pure? "


    "No, no you are not"


    "Well, I don''t know what to think of that" Archer muttered. Aphrodite was so blunt with it too.


    "I decided to accompany her because I''ve tired of my fellow deities" Aphrodite sighed. "There is always conflict amongst us. Demeter is the only one that doesn''t involve herself with such pety matters"


    "Why do you guys always fight?"


    "Us gods and goddesses have done many things during our existance, little Archer. Somethings lead to us betraying and loathing eachother. Very tragic"


    "I suppose. I have read the stories"


    Aphrodite nodded, but a smile returned to her face. "Wanna know a little secret? "


    Aphrodite chuckled before bending down to whisper into Archer''s ear. Each word that left her made Archer''s brow raise higher and curiosity increase. When the secret was told there was silence as Archer processed this.


    "I don''t... " she trailer off, unsure of what to say at the moment. "Is that adequate? How old is she? "


    "Fifteen"


    "Oh" Archer stared at Aphrodite. "That is not ok. Or at least it normally wouldn''t be adequate, but I guess it is in that dimension? I''m not sure here. You seriously made her a harem protagonist and gave her a tool?"


    "Yes I did"


    "And you plan to-"


    "Yes I do"


    "I-" Archer looked away from the redhead.


    "I should introduce you sometime"


    "No" Archer said that faster than she intended. "I want a girlfriend. And I want her to remain my girlfriend. I know this girl must be a nice one , but she is a harem protagonist with all the perks you gave her. She could take my girlfriend without even knowing it"


    Aphrodite had to laugh at the worried expression on Archer''s face.


    "Yes, that would happen"


    "And I might end up falling for her too, I''m a girl and I don''t know how strong those perks of yours are. " Archer continued. She was genuinely worried right now.


    "You do think everything through don''t you?" Aphrodite smiled. "You say you want a girlfriend, yet you know that you experiencing love is a dangerous thing"


    "Yes, but my parents seem ok"


    "They are both Phoenix. It''s easier that way"


    "Who''s to say I won''t end up with another Phoenix? "


    "I''m the goddess of love, child. Trust me when I tell you that you will love a human"


    "I will?"


    "Yes"


    "Well, that''s not so good, is it? "


    "It really depends"


    "But it will make things harder"


    "Yes, but what is love without hardship? "


    Archer sighed. "What is love without pain. Why must emotions be so hard for me? "


    "It''s the life you were given"


    "Tell me, does anyone even have a soulmate? The one they are destined for? Even in this world of magic it seems impossible "


    "Yes, everyone has the one person they are destined for. The problem is that they don''t find them right away, if at all"


    "If that is so, do you know who is meant for who? "


    "Yes I do"


    "That''s how you know who I''ll end up with? "


    "Yes"


    "Let''s say you can see this in the form of the classic red string" Archer started. "Would you be willing to tell me how far or close my special someone is? "


    "No"


    "It was worth a try"


    "I have another question" Archer was curious how. "If everyone has a soulmate, what does that mean for your harem protagonist? "


    "That is something I will not share"


    Archer sighed. She couldn''t help but think there was more or maybe less to it. Talking about all of this made her think of her situation. Of how she ended up where she was. Of how it all became possible. Life is interesting. She died and she was reborn. If she died again the same would occur although a bit differently. Unlike last she most likely won''t have her memories intact. That will suck. Forgetting everyone and everything she knew didn''t sound all that great. She would forget her adventures. She would forget her time spent with with the friends she made. Her siblings. The guild.


    She sighed again. She didn''t tend to think about it much. She was practically immortal, wasn''t she? She can die like everyone else, but she always comes back in the end. Even if she doesn''t die her lifespan is impressive. She could. Live for five hundred to a thousand years. That''s troublesome. Humans don''t live that long and she''s become attached. Maybe that''s why one loses their memories upon rebirth. It must help.


    "You shouldn''t think about these things so much, you are but a child" came Aphrodite''s concerned voice. "You mustn''t worry yourself about such things yet. Live your life and enjoy it"


    "I forgot you can read my thoughts" Archer pushed her hair out of her face and brought her attention back to Erza and Athena. The goddess had the redhead at the end of her sword and Erza didn''t look like she had the energy to fight back or dodge.


    Archer was suddenly lifted off Aphrodite''s ??p and placed on on the blankets forming the nest they were in.


    "I will be taking my leave now" Aphrodite planted a affectionate kiss on Archer''s cheek before standing. "It''s always wonderful to talk to you. Do make sure to summon me often and say hello to your siblings for me"


    "Sure" Archer waved. "Have fun"


    "Oh, believe me I will" Aphrodite smiled a very seductive smile as she faded away.


    "I doubt Aphrodite''s person of interest gets enough sleep"


    Archer sat unmoving for some time before she located her second key. She eyed it for some time. The lightning bolt in the middle told her who''s key she had found. She wondered. Maybe he could take Laxus as his slayer. The boy already has the lacrima implant. He would be a third gen and a very powerful one


    But then again, Laxus goes down an interesting path and she would rather not make him stronger for that. She shouldn''t give him power when he''ll use it to harm others. She won''t stop him from going down his path either. There are lessons he must learn. She''ll let it go how it should.


    "Elicius" Archer muttered as she observed the key. "I wonder how you''ve been"


    As she said that she willed magic into the key and waited patiently for the dragon to appear. It was only a second long wait. The dragon was soon standing before her with an almost unnoticeable smile.


    "Hello Archer " He greeted, blue eyes displaying little emotion. "How have you been? "


    "I''m great" Archer nodded as she took in the form of the blonde dragon. "You''re the second I''ve summon who actually has a shirt on"


    Elicius raised an eyebrow at that and adjusted the very casual shirt he had on. The lightning bolt on his shirt a clear symbol of his element.


    "Ah, yes. I don''t understand why those fools choose to remain so exposed. They have little manners, don''t you think? " Elicius asked as he pocketed his hands in the pants he wore. His eyes drifted to Athena and Erza as he spoke. Interest flashed in his eyes. "Is that Irene''s daughter? "


    "Yes"


    He hummed. "A knight, huh. That''s interesting "


    "You don''t say"


    "Is she your knight? "


    "No? She''s my partner"


    Elicius soon had his eyes back on Archer. His small smile soon turned into a grin as a thought seemed to cross his mind. "That won''t do. A princess needs a knight. How will you be protected? "


    Archer sighed and rolled her eyes. "Don''t go bringing that up. I can protect myself"


    Elicius chuckled and leaned against the nearby tree. Archer took him in for a moment, wondering why his hair is always a mess. For as long as she''s known him his hair has been a mess. He''s a very easy going dragon too. He was nice company, but had the habit of teasing little Archer more often than not.


    "Did you show her your katana? "


    Archer almost laughed at the question. "I did. I did indeed"


    "How long did she last? "


    "Twenty minutes"


    "Rookie numbers" Elicius smirked.


    "That may be, but she couldn''t feel her legs when I was done with her"


    It was Elicius turn to withhold his laughter. He could only imagine.


    "Impressive"


    "Thank you, my good sir" Archer chuckled. "Nothing beats earning the respect of the master himself"


    "Oh yeah, my Katana far out classes anyone who dares step to me"


    Archer snickered. Elicius could compete with Apollo when it comes to the dirty jokes. She could just imagine the two together. She should introduce them. She wondered why she hasn''t before.


    "Archer, will you be so kind as to tell me where that fire bastard and metal head are? " Elicius asked with a certain smile. "I need to have a talk with them"


    "What did they do? "


    "Many things. Where are they? "


    "If you head north you''ll find a forest. Keep going until you find a clearing"


    "Thanks for the directions " Elicius saluted and vanished with a strike of lightning.


    "Well, I guess I''ll be hearing of this later"


    ~~~~~~


    Athena held her sword in front of her, gazing at the glimmering gold of the blade. She hummed in content. As clean as ever. With a self appreciating nod she returned the sword to its place at her hip and let her eyes fall on the panting Erza. She had gotten closer this time, but she still did not accomplish her given task.


    "You did well" Athena said to the girl with a respectful nod. "Learn from today and adapt. I want to see your improvement tomorrow"


    Erza nodded, not trusting her voice. Talking would waste the oxygen she was trying so hard to supply herself with. How long had she been trying this time? The sun was already setting so it had been hours. She was starving. It wasn''t a very pleasant feeling but I made her look forward to the food Archer would make her.


    "You seem to be good friends with the ground nowadays " Archer mused as she stood over a tired Erza. "Need help? "


    Erza could only manage a nod in her state.


    "Guess I''ll have to carry you again"


    "You could always just heal me and I''ll walk on my own"


    Archer seemed to think her words over, but the smile on her face let Erza know that she was not going to go with her idea.


    "You''re a very bothersome child sometimes" Athena stated as she casted a sideways glance at the smiling girl.


    "I''ll take it as a compliment"


    "Of course you will" Athena sighed as she turned away from the children. "I''ll be taking my leave. Try not to overdo it with your little knight"


    "No promises"


    "This context feels odd" Erza muttered although her words went unheard.


    With Athena gone Archer happily picked up the weak Erza. She was humming all the way to the house.


    "I don''t know why you are amused by this"


    "I like carrying you"


    "Why? "


    "I feel like prince charming" Archer admitted. "Although in my case it would be princess charming"


    Erza didn''t have anything to say to that. She didn''t even know what to think of it. She decided not to try to say anything about the matter and just let Archer carry her up the stairs


    "Where exactly are you carrying me?"


    "Bathroom. I''m sure you want to take a shower"


    She really did. She really needed to


    "While you''re in there I''ll make you some food, which I know you''re looking forward to"


    Wow


    "Should I make you your favorite cake or would you like some of my cookies again? Or perhaps I can make you a pie? Or would you like frozen yogurt or ice cream? "


    Archer was being so nice and considerate. It made Erza''s former thoughts return. She really would make a great wife. Seriously, how can she be like that? Thinking of that made her realize that she had told Archer to marry her and the girl agreed so very casually. It was embarrassing now that she thought about it.


    "You''re awfully quiet"


    "Uh, just thinking"


    "About? "


    "Nothing much"


    "Sure, I totally believe you" Archer''s voice was full of sarcasm.


    "I''ll have the cookies again"


    "Great choice" Archer beamed. Soon she had pushed the bathroom door open with her foot and stepped in. "So, do you need me to help you? "


    "No"


    "Are you sure? " Archer raised an eyebrow. "Do you have enough energy to use your magic? I doubt you can even stand. "


    Erza shook her head. She didn''t need help with that. Letting Archer help with that would be a whole other level of embarrassment.


    "Okay, if you say so" Archer gently placed Erza on her feet and took a step back. As she had expected Erza didn''t have enough energy to keep herself standing. "I don''t mean to say I told you so, but well.. "


    Erza ?r??n?d and let Archer hold her up. Why must this always happen? Why does Athena work her to the bone.


    "Just heal me already"


    "There are no wounds to heal"


    Another groan. "Archer, you know what I mean"


    "Yes I do" Archer chuckled. "But again, it would be little fun. I don''t mind being your nurse. "


    "I mind, so please restore my energy"


    "Fine" Archer sighed and focused magic into her hands. "I guess I''ll take care of you next time"


    "No you won''t"


    Archer''s only answer was a chuckle.


    Soon Erza felt strong enough to keep herself standing and made sure Archer knew.


    "I''ll go then" Archer turned to leave. "You''ll find me in the kitchen"


    Erza was then left alone in the bathroom. She sighed and looked to the tub.


    "Why does she behave like that? "

 Chapter 32

    Natsu was practically buzzing with excitement as he sat among the eggs. He was acting as their heater as per usual. It was his self appointed job and one he took very seriously. He couldn''t wait for them to hatch. He wondered what would be coming out of them. It had been a month. Demeter had told him that they''ll be hatching any day now. It could be today or tomorrow, but it would be soon. Boy was he excited. He really couldn''t wait. He would ask Archer to speed up the process, but he knew she didn''t interfere with such things.


    "Natsu, calm down. You''re temperature is higher than it should be" Levy''s voice snapped the pink haired boy out of his thoughts. He blinked in question as if he didn''t hear what she had said.


    "Huh?"


    "You''re too hot" Lisanna said with a sigh. She stood a bit farther away. When Natsu''s temperature increased she moved to stand next to Gray, who was annoyed at being used as an AC.


    "Oh, sorry. I''m just super excited" Natsu grinned happily and easily lowered his temperature. As he thought about the hatching eggs it quickly rose again, only for him to quickly ground himself.


    "Why do you get hotter when you''re excited? "


    "Well, I don''t have the best control of my magic I think. Yeah, that''s what Archer said" Natsu nodded to his explanation. Igneel said it too so it must be true. He''ll get better soon enough. He just needs to train harder.


    "Shouldn''t Archer be doing this? "Igneel asked as he stood nearby. "She''s a girl. You''d think she would nurse the eggs"


    "But I want to do it" Natsu wh?n?d. "I''m great at it"


    "Yes, but still"


    "Let the child do as he wishes" Grandeeny said with a small smile. "He is doing a good deed and he''s very devoted. You should be proud"


    "I guess" Igneel sighed. "When are these things hatching anyway? "


    "Any day now" Natsu grinned and swayed happily. "I can''t wait to see what comes out of them"


    Gray sighed and wandered off. What was he even doing at the flame brain''s house? He was invited by the girls but he didn''t have to come. On the other hand he was very curious about the eggs so here he was. At the moment he had no interest in being around the dragon slayer. He increases the temperature in the air and that is annoying. So he wandered off. His eyes landed on Cana and Mira and so he decided to join them. They are entertaining enough.


    When he sat under the tree with them, they didn''t acknowledge him. He felt very offended, but didn''t bother saying anything. Instead he followed their gazes and just furrowed his brow. Why were they so focused on Archer and Erza. They''re just training. What''s so interesting about them training? Was he missing something? Did something happen? Are the two planning somethibg?


    "I really don''t see the need for us to do anything" Cana spoke, finally taking her eyes off the two girls. It was only the that she noticed Gray and waved casually. Her eyes stayed on him for a moment and she laughed quietly. "Missing something? "


    Gray was confused but then Cana pointed at him. He looked down on himself and gasped to find he was missing his shirt and pants. He was quick to get to his feet and sprint across the backyard in search of his clothes.


    "Never gets old" Cana sighed and pulled a deck of cards out of nowhere. She poked Mira in her side to get her attention. "Stop staring, you''re being a creep"


    "Don''t poke me" Mira glared and returned the gesture. She smiled in victory when Cana jerked away from her. "Anyways, we have to do something"


    "No, I don''t think we do" Cana glanced at the girls they were so focused on. She didn''t see the need to interfere at the moment. "Theyre fine"


    "You''re no fun at all"


    "You''re untrustworthy"


    Mira sighed and leaned against the tree. Cana had a great point. She didn''t need to do anything. The two were getting along splendidly. Even so, the urge to interfere was very strong. Oh well. Next time. They will be a need for her special services later.


    "Yo, Archer. Wanna play a game? "


    Mira looked up at that. Archer was approaching them, her face hidden behind her mask. At Cana''s words the girl tilted her head in her curiosity. Mira looked past the ever mysterious Archer, her eyes landing on a panting Erza. The redhead sat in the dirt looking exhausted and stared at the retreating Archer.


    "Your training session over? "Mira asked.


    Archer nodded with an amused chuckle. "Yes, for now. Athena has to step in. She told me to have my way with Scarlet, so I did. " Archer explained sounding very amused. "I must say, I had a very enjoyable time"


    "You know, I noticed that you never use Erza''s name " Cana pointed out as Archer sat in front of her. Archer''s only response was a hum of acknowledgement. "Why? "


    Archer shrugged. "I enjoy the nickname I appointed her"


    Mira raised an eyebrow. She wasn''t buying it. She didn''t believe Archer was lying either. She just wasn''t telling the whole truth. Mira wondered what the full truth is and if Archer even knew it.


    "What is this game we shall play? "Archer asked as she stared at the five cards placed before her. "Do you wish to read my fortune again? "


    "Nah. Not this time" Cana shook her head with a grin. She seriously loved reading Archer''s fortune. It was beyond interesting. It was filled with the same level of mystery the girl had around her, while at the same time it told the brunette everything. It was odd. She could read it again, but she felt like playing a game. "We''ll just play a game. It''s really easy and you''ll get the rules as we go"


    "If you say so"


    "Soooo, Archer " Mira drawled a smile growing on her face as she met red eyes. "You and Erza have become very good friends, huh? "


    "I suppose" Archer casted a quick glance at said girl. Why was their relationship being brought up? And by Mira of all people. "What of it"


    "Oh nothing, just curious" Mira grinned.


    "You are? "


    "Yeah"


    Archer stared at her. She was suspicious, but really couldn''t think of any reason behind Mira''s sudden curiosity. Was she missing something here?


    "Anyway, why is she training? "


    "That is a very vacuous question"


    Both Mira and Cana stared at Archer blankly. The girl had started speaking with her high words again. Her very well mannered form of speech had returned and they had not been bothered by it. They could understand every word up until that moment. What does vacuous even mean?


    "Could you... "Mira trailed off. What does that words even mean? It doesn''t even ring a bell. That was a very foreign word. "What was that? "


    Archer raised an eyebrow.


    "We need you to repeat the sentence, but use a word we can understand " Cana said to the other.


    "Ah, well. I said that was a very stupid question"


    Ah.


    So apparently stupid has a very important sounding synonym. Who knew.


    "Wait, that''s insulting" Mira looked offended. "How is that a stupid question"


    "Well it kinda is" Cana said with a shrug, earning a glare from her friend. "I mean, why does someone train? "


    "It''s a reasonable question "


    "Whatever you say" Cana sighed. "But seriously. People train to imporove, so why would you ask that? "


    Archer could only watch as the two fell into a debate about Mira''s question. The attention was no longer on her. As always Archer was amused. Seeing the two bicker was quality entertainment.


    But all good things must come to an end. Soon Mira''s attention was back on Archer.


    "Question. Has Erza been staying here? "


    "I suppose " Archer seemed in thought. Erza spends most of her nights at her house because she starts training early the next day. Although Archer is sure she stays for the food more than anything else. She really enjoys her cooking and Archer does not mind cooking up whatever the knight wants.


    "You suppose, as in yes? "Mira smiled brightly.


    "Yes"


    "So that means she has her own room or does she sleep with you? "


    Why does she feel like she''s walking into something right now? She seriously felt like giving Mira the answers she sought would be her own downfall.


    Or maybe she''s looking too deep into things.


    Should she answer that question? She didn''t mind answering it, but what about Erza? Maybe it would be embarrassing for hee. Especially when the person that receives the info is her rival.


    "Why exactly are you interviewing me? "


    "She thinks you two make a great couple" Cana said bluntly.


    There was silence for a moment.


    "Cana! "Mira wacked the brunette upside the head. The girl wore a look of complete betrayal. "Why would you expose me like that? "


    "This is Archer, look at her. She doesn''t even seem to care" Cana pointed that out while she nursed her head. "You damn demon, why did you have to hit me? "


    "You should''ve kept your mouth shut"


    "You suck as a friend" Cana mumbled and scooted away from the takeover mage. "I don''t even know why I stick around"


    Mira stared at the brunette. She seemed genuinely upset right now. Archer took interest. She retrieved a bowl of popcorn out of nowhere and enjoyed the scene. They were talking about how she and Erza would make a good couple. But what about them? They seemed like a good pair to Archer.


    Was Cana actually mad at her? Mira didn''t really know or maybe she couldn''t actually believe it. Cana has never been mad at her. She always shrugs everything off and offers to play a game. She''s never once gotten upset with her. Mira didn''t even know what to do in this situation. She glanced at Archer, who was enjoying the scene a bit too much. Archer raised an eyebrow. Mira had to wonder how she planned on eating with that mask on.


    "What.. "


    "You seem to have upset her"


    "I can see that"


    "Talk to her then"


    "She''s never been mad at me before. I don''t know what to do here"


    Archer chuckled. "An apology goes a long way"


    Mira sighed and looked towards Cana. It was really weird to her. Cana is never angry with her. She never understood why the brunette was never bothered by the things she did sometimes to be honest.


    "Hey.. Um. I''m sorry" Mira said hopefully. "No seriously. I really don''t know what to do, you''re never mad at me. I shouldn''t have hit you. "


    Cana glanced at her. Look at that. She knew to apologize. It was a rare sight. The she devil hardly apologizes. Then again, she never really got upset before.


    "I should accept your apology, why? "Cana turned towards her with a raised eyebrow.


    "Because "


    "Because? "


    "Well"


    "Come on, you can do it" Archer encouraged.


    "Because you''re... I''m your friend and you''re mine and I don''t like seeing you angry. It''s super weird and makes me feel really bad" Mira said all of this a bit too quickly, but Cana caught it. "Are you happy now? "


    Cana said nothing and turned away. "Not enough"


    "What?! "


    "Not enough"


    Mira was shocked. How is that not enough?


    Archer looked between the two. Yeah, they really make an interesting pair. Her eyes then landed on Cana''s deck of cards.


    Mira looked to Archer when she offered her Cana''s cards. It wasn''t hard to understand what to do with them.


    "Wanna play a game? "


    This time Cana smiled and turned back to the apparently nervous Mira.


    "Of course I do. Why didn''t you ask sooner"


    "Wait. So all I had to do was ask you to play a game? "


    "Yeah"


    "What? "


    "I''m a simple person, you said so yourself"


    "But you.. I"


    Cana smiled brightly. "You actually being honest with your feelings was just a bonus. I doubt that will be something I experience often, so I decided to enjoy it"


    Mira ?r??n?d. "Cana, why do you do this?"


    Cana only smiled. She just enjoys it. Mira can be a very proud person and in all honesty she might be a tsundere. It''s hard to get her to admit her feelings and Cana knows this. That is why she does what she does. Certain things she does just gets her the right rewards.


    "Never mind me" Cana decided to change the subject. "I just told Archer about who we think she''ll be good with and she''s just casual with it"


    Archer found eyes on her again. How was she supposed to feel? She really didn''t know. So she was casual.


    "Why are you so casual"


    "I dont know what to feel about that revelation" Archer said honestly.


    "How do you not know how to feel about it? "Mira asked, bewildered.


    "Emotions are not my forte. There are only certain emotions I am familiar with. And only certain I know to express. If you haven''t noticed, I always express a small number of emotions" Archer informed.


    Mira and Cana took the time to think about it. She was right. Most of the time Archer is amused, cheerful, carefree and calm. She''s never really been angry, at least the have never seen her angry. Who would''ve thought.


    "How come? "


    Archer shrugged. "Like I said, emotions are not my forte. I learn to experience them as time goes by though"


    "So, were you initially without emotions? "


    Archer nodded.


    Well, that''s something new.


    "Have you experienced love? "Mira just had to ask.


    Archer nodded. "Yes. I think. I''m pretty sure I love my family"


    "You''re not even certain" Mira sighed."Seriously "


    "Well, I don''t know what love feels like so I wouldn''t know"


    "You''re an odd case"


    Archer said nothing to that. She chanced a look at Erza in curiosity. Would they make a good couple? Huh. She never thought about it.


    Oh well. If it''s meant to be it''ll be. It''s not like she has any feelings at the moment. Or maybe she isn''t aware of them. That''s something to think about. But then again, if she did have such strong feelings she would have to know. Phoenix don''t tend to work with emotions because emotions fuels magic. They already possess strong magic and having emotions in the mix can just be disastrous. Archer was still learning about her own magic and recently got a good handle on it. If she had any romantic feelings for anyone it would seriously mess with the control she had.


    And as far as she could tell she still had a good grasp of her magic and herself. She understood the part about her magic being unstable. What she could not understand is the part about her losing control of herself. What does that even entail?


    She sighed.. It''s best she not worry about such things.

 Chapter 33

    Archer found herself staring into grey eyes. They were the color of the clouds, brimming with a curiosity Archer was very familiar with. However, that curiosity was buried beneath a cold exterior. Cold and calculating, yet very curious. Those eyes bored into her, refusing to look away. They followed every movement she made. She shifted, watching those eyes follow her movement. They traveled up and down her body and landed on her eyes. The one opposite her shifted as well adopting the very same position Archer moved herself into. A smile was hidden behind her mask as she took note of this.


    "You''re an interesting little creature" Archer finally spoke as she took in the form of the exceed. Like the others who just recently hatched she was small. There were two white feathered wings sprouting out her back. Tiny little things they were. The exceed that seemed to be curious about her was silver in color. Well, silver grey. That''s still silver in the end. She had three shades of grey to define her. The overall color of her fur was silver, of course. Archer had spotted three horizontal lines on her back, a deeper shade of grey. Shadow grey if she was correct. And of course her eyes. The color of the clouds. They were quite beautiful in all honesty.


    Archer already had three possible names for this newborn exceed. Silver. Shadow and Kumo. Kumo being cloud in Japanese. Then again she could just name her Silver Shadow for the sake of being cool.


    Archer tilted her head and the exceed followed her movement, eye still glued onto her form.


    "Can you speak?"


    Archer was curious. The others don''t speak. Happy''s only word was his trademark "Aye" as he popped out of his egg. Archer wasn''t sure if that should be considered a word. Lector and Frosch make incoherent sounds. They are excited sounds, acute to the coos of a baby. Carla was silent, something Archer saw coming. She was a tricky one after all. And lastly Lili. She wasn''t sure about him actually being in the egg, but turns out he was. A little Lili came out of the egg. He was silent as well. Until Gajeel decided to approach and probe him. His first sound was a grunt as he shifted away from the gruff Gajeel.


    So that left Archer''s exceed. She hadn''t made a sound, but she was so observant and apparently calculating. Archer was sure she was dealing with one smart little exceed. So maybe she could speak. She seemed to be copying her movements, maybe she''ll copy her words.


    "You''ve been having your little staring contest for thirty minutes now"


    Archer didn''t let her eyes wander from her exceed. Her only sign of acknowledging Erza was a hum. She was aware of the time she spent staring this creature down. She didn''t mind. She was interesting.


    "She copies" Archer said, stating the obvious.


    "I can see that"


    "A copy cat" Grey laughed to himself.


    Archer furrowed her brows before reaching out. Grey eyes instantly snapped towards her, but the exceed made no move to resist in anyway. Her hand came to rest on a furry head. The exceed was quiet under her hand. Her eyes stared up at her arm with her own furrowed brow.


    "And here I thought Archer would get a scratch " Mira said in disappointment. She then grinned when her younger sister shot her a warning look.


    "You are soft" Archer muttered quietly as her fingers enjoyed the grey fur they were on. Soon she pulled her hand away and picked the exceed up. She made her stand, holding her just in case. After a moment she let go and immediately the exceed tumbled. Archer just watched it happen. She wouldn''t hurt herself. She was still in the blanket nest.


    Something interesting happened.


    Before she landed on the soft blankets she literally disappeared from sight. Archer clicked her tongue and looked to the sky. Sure enough there was a blob of grey heading straight to the ground. This exceed was seriously an interesting case.


    "What was that? "Erza wondered as she too gazed up at the sky. "Did she teleport? "


    "I suppose" Archer followed the exceed''s descend carefully. Would she catch herself before reaching the ground?


    She did. That was a relief. She drifted above the ground, staring at the grass beneath her. Again those eyes found Archer and she approached.


    Archer raised an eyebrow when the exceed planted herself on her head. The wings were gone and she just sat there.


    "Well" Erza looked between the two. Out of all the magical cats that hatched out of the eggs this one seems to be the oddest of all. Erza sighed, still not processing the fact that cats came out of eggs. Cats with wings.


    "Seems she likes me" Archer said cheerfully.


    "Will you name her? "


    Archer shrugged and leaned forward. This caused the exceed on top of her to slip off her head and right into her arms.


    "Would you like me to name you? "


    The exceed nodded.


    "You know" Erza came to stand next to Archer. "For a baby she has a pretty cold gaze"


    "You think? "Archer chuckled. "I don''t mind. She''s observant and curious"


    "So, since she''s a baby and you''ll be taking care of her" Erza started. "That makes you her parent" Erza smiled in merriment at the thought.


    "That''s something to think about"


    Archer eyed her exceed. "I have three names for you. Silver. Shadow and Kumo"


    "Because of her color? "


    "Yes" Archer nodded. "Although I can also name you Silver Shadow. That''s sounds impressive doesn''t it? "


    The exceed nodded, but the look in her eyes didn''t change.


    "What''s the point of two names? " Erza asked


    Archer only shrugged. "I''ll name you Silver"


    Another nod from the exceed.


    "I am Archer and this is my friend Scarlet"


    "Erza" the redhead sighed


    Archer was sure Silver could speak if she wanted to. All that observation were certainly not for nothing. But it looked like she didn''t want to. Archer didn''t bother herself with it too much. Having already named her exceed and introduced herself, she placed the creature back on her head.


    And just like that Archer had a fuller house. She could already see her night. Happy is a ball of sunshine that always flying around. Lector seems to enjoy playing with Sting. Playing with him meant running around the house and yard. Frosch, well Frosch is frosch. Carla was her serious and quiet self. Lili was. How does she even describe little Lili?


    Archer sighed and turned towards the house. She should make some food for everyone or something.


    "What would you like to eat today, Scarlet?"


    "I''ll eat anything you cook, in all honesty"


    "Oh? "


    "Yes. You''re an amazing cook"


    "Well of course I have to be if I''m going to marry you" Archer chuckled and almost laughed when Erza spluttered and almost stumbled over herself.


    "What? " Erza wasn''t sure she heard her correctly.


    "Why so surprised? Weren''t you the one who asked me to marry you? " Archer quirked an eyebrow. "Well you actually told me to marry you"


    "I mean.. I wasn''t.. You "


    "You''re flustered" Archer stated as she eyed the blushing Erza. "Why?"


    "What do you mean, why? "


    "How do I explain that? I want to know why this conversation has you flustered"


    Erza opened her mouth to reply, but could think of nothing. She sometimes forgets that Archer doesn''t know much about emotions.


    "I can''t even begin to.. " Erza sighed. "why did you even agree to my dumb demand? "


    "It amused me"


    "Of course"


    "And I did not know how to reply to such words nor how to feel about them"


    "Thought so"


    "Either way" Archer was cheerful again. "I don''t think I would mind. The idea is very amusing after all"


    "You don''t say"


    "Who would be the husband in our relationship? "


    "Well, I always think you''d make a good wife so I guess I would be the husband? I''m not sure"


    "So then I would be cooking and cleaning and taking care of the children while you busy yourself with work" Archer snickered.


    "That''s very stereotypical "


    "Yes, but amusing"


    ~~~~~~~


    Erza found herself in Archer''s room. The girl had said something about picking out clothes for Silver and Erza was interested. So there she was. Seated on Archer''s bed, cup of smoothie in hand, watching Archer stare at Silver. Apparently Archer was taking this task seriously. At least that is what it seems like.


    "You''re really taking this seriously, huh? "


    Archer looked away from Silver, a thoughtful frown on her face. At some point she shrugged and returned to staring at the exceed.


    "She can''t go around n?k?d"


    "There is nothing to see" Erza pointed out.


    "Doesn''t matter. She must wear clothes. What do you think will look good on her? "


    "I don''t know, a dress? "


    "Maybe I''ll give her a weapon too"


    "She''s literally a baby" Erza sighed.


    "A very intelligent baby" Archer smiled. "Or so I believe "


    "Just let her choose then . Lay out an ?ssortment of clothes and see which one she picks"


    Archer nodded and her eyes shifted to Erza. She stared at the smoothie in hand and quirked a brow.


    "That''s my smoothie"


    Erza nodded and continued to enjoy the cold beverage. She was very much aware of the fact that it belonged to Archer. She should''ve asked, but in the end she didn''t. She just really wanted a smoothie and Archer tends to be very generous, so she took it.


    "My smoothie" Archer repeated, her eyes still on the cup of delicious strawberry cantaloupe smoothie.


    A sigh left her as she turned her attention back to Silver. Oh well. Erza was really enjoying it. There was no need to take it back. That''s just mean.


    "Do you want some? "Erza asked when she saw the look on Archer''s face. It was starting to amuse her.


    "I''m fine"


    "You sure? "


    "Perfectly "


    "Not even a little sip"


    "Not even a drop"


    "Okay" Eras shrugged and continued to sip on her straw.


    Archer clicked her tongue


    "Fine, give me some"


    "You just said no"


    "Now I''m saying yes"


    "It''s too late"


    "No it is not. I still have the right to consume the drink I made myself"


    "Why are we arguing about this? "


    "I have no idea"


    ~~~~


    "Happy! "Natsu shouted as he displayed the blue exceed to the entire guild. All eyes were on them the minute he stepped foot into the guild. There were multiple looks of amazed shock around the guild when the wings were spotted.


    "It''s a freaking cat! "


    "Aye! "


    "It can talk! "


    "Aye! "


    Natsu was beaming with his joy as he displayed Happy to every member of the guild. Sting was right behind him doing the same. He brought Lector to everyone who wanted to see him and if anyone said anything weird about him they got a little fist to the face.


    Rogue had followed the two to the guild. It''s not that he actually wanted to. He had no interest in introducing Frosch to anyone. It''s just that he doesn''t tend to be away from Sting. They''ve been together for the longest of time now that it''s weird to be without him.


    "What are they anyway? Who''s ever heard of cats with wings coming out of eggs. Everything about it seems unnatural " Wakaba commented.


    "Who knows. There''s a lot to this world"

 Chapter 34

    "Archer, how I''ve missed you"


    Archer sighed as she was pulled into a bone crushing hug by the humanoid dragon she had recently found. Erza was of course nearby and quickly hid her little laugh at Archer''s expense. She really looked like a disinterested cat that did not want to be there. Silver,who was on Archer''s head, had to leave her space to avoid being pulled into the hug. The two week old exceed sprouted small wings and made her way to Erza. There she found a comfortable place in her ??p and stretched out over her, ready for a nap.


    "You''ve been sleeping most of the day " Erza said as she scratched the back of the exceed''s ear. Silver was interesting to say the least. An intelligent exceed, as Archer liked to say. She hasn''t said a word yet and tends to just sit and watch. When she''s not watching she''s asleep on Archer''s head or hidden in her jacket. If she''s not with Archer she could be found following Erza until she was accepted into her arms.


    As expected no words were said and Silver simply closed her eyes and went to sleep.


    "Juniper"Archer said the woman''s name the same way a child would when being publicly humiliated by a parent. She squirmed out of the woman''s grasp and gave her a pointed look. The woman returned the look with one of her own. She then smiled. That smile turned into a small laugh.


    "Why, you never change" Juniper pressed a finger to Archer''s forehead, smiling at the way she furrowed her brows. She giggled and pushed her hair behind her ear. Green locks still managed to slip past, but she paid them no mind.


    "I can say the same to you"


    "Is that you, Juniper? "


    Archer let out another sigh at hearing Demeter''s voice. She was quick to slip away and let the nature women talk. She found Juniper, which meant another motherly figure was added to the group. She would be coddled again. At least the two weren''t around Anna and Irene. She would really be in for it if that was the case.


    "She asleep again? "Archer asked as she approached Erza. She plopped down next to her before fully taking in Silver''s still form


    "Yeah"


    "Well, she''s a cat" Archer shrugged. "Though she sleeps far more than the others"


    Erza hummed, sparing a glance at Archer. She had fell back into the high grass they found themselves in and stretched.


    "Any missions soon? "


    Archer shrugged. "Not sure. I quite enjoy my time at home with you and the others"


    Their friends from the guild tend to visit more often. Natsu and Gray got into a fight just the day before and did some serious damage to their backyard. Cana and Mira always pull her into their little conversations. She was almost always their moderator. Levy of course kept up with her questioning. She moved on from Archer and started questioning the gods and goddesses along with the dragons. The exceeds settled in pretty quickly.


    Archer had something confirmed in the last two weeks. It may be very insignificant or maybe not, but it was important to her. The matter concerned Frosch''s gender. She never knew if the exceed was a boy or girl. Male or female. She found out and has some peace of mind now.


    Turns out Frosch is girl.


    She suspected. She felt a bit of pride at being somewhat right.


    "Weren''t you going on about the S-class trials and stuff"


    "You and I both know I''ll be a candidate " Archer said. "And so will you"


    Erza sighed and joined Archer on the grass. She stared up at the cloudless sky, instantly relaxing.


    "So, what do we do then? "


    "Go about our day and continue to hunt down my keys"


    Speaking of keys. "So Juniper is the nature dragon"


    "Yeah"


    "And Demeter is more or less mother nature"


    "Yeah"


    "So both are motherly"


    "Yes" a huff. "Yes they are"


    Erza smiled. Ah, that meant double trouble for Archer. She didn''t seem to like being coddled or mothered. She would always pout whenever Demeter checked on her or scolded her. Now she had Juniper too. It should be fun to watch.


    "Laugh at my struggles why don''t you"


    "I wasn''t laughing" Erza smiled and could feel the laughter bubbling up.


    "But you want to"


    She bit her lip and looked away from Archer, giggles spilling from her.


    "Yeah. Yeah"


    ~~~~~~~


    "Hello Archer"


    Archer entered her room to find Mira and Cana already residing in it. Erza came up behind her and peered over her shoulder, arching a brow. Silver, who was on Archer''s head looked at the two, recognizing them immediately. She then took no more interest in them and returned to doing nothing in particular. Archer didn''t seem one bit concerned about the fact that the two were in her room. They broke in. How? She did not know and did not bother asking.


    "How did you two get in here? "Erza asked what Archer did not care about. Mira smiled smugly while Cana shrugged.


    "Told you Archer wouldn''t care one bit" Cana said to Mira. She knew very well that Archer would care little about them appearing in her room. Nothing seemed to faze her. She didn''t know why Mira even bothered. "Interested in a game of cards? "


    "Depends" Was Archer''s response as she glanced at the cards.


    Erza looked between them, a question in her head. Was this normal? No. Of course not. She was at Archer''s house everyday. She would know if the two entered her room like this. She realized that Archer''s nonchalance should have been totally expected. This was Archer they were talking about.


    Archer climbed into her bed, immediately finding place under her covers. She hardly cared that Cana and Mira were present on her bed. Cana started sharing the cards while explaining the rules to the new game. Archer nodded along while taking her cards


    Archer could really care less, Erza realized.


    Oh well.


    She joined them on the bed, catching sight of Silver. The exceed seemed to have fallen off Archer''s head and made to sit at an angle where she could see everything. That just so happened to be Mira''s head. All of them watched as the little exceed went on her mission to scale the mountain that was Mira.


    "Why doesn''t she just use her wings? "Mira asked as a paw stepped on her nose.


    "Physical exercise is good. Climbing builds great muscle" Archer said simply.


    "I''m not a mountain to be scaled"


    Silver adjusted herself on Mira''s head, eyes roaming over the bed beneath. When she was content she sat quietly and patiently awaited the game to start.


    "What is with her? "


    "She likes to watch"


    The game was set in motion and everyone had their cards. Erza didn''t know how she was pulled into the game, but she was there. Might as well go along with it. Cana had an amazing poker face unlike Mira, who gave everything away with her expressions. Erza wasn''t serious about the game so she hardly tried to conceal her reactions. So it was mostly Cana and Archer.


    "Is it fair to have that mask on? "Mira asked at some point. "It''s impossible to read you"


    "Sore loser" Erza muttered.


    "What was that, redhead? "


    Erza smirked. "Nothing. Just noticing what a sore loser you are"


    "Me? "Mira scoffed. "At least I didn''t lose within the first ten seconds of the game"


    "Has Mira succeeded in finding anyone for you yet? "Archer asked, decided to start a conversation.


    "Of course not. I told her it was useless. I don''t like any of the idiots in our guild" Cana rolled her eyes. Mira never learns.


    "I wonder if she''ll ever think of herself as a candidate "


    Cana quirked a brow, actually wondering about that possibility.


    "Who knows" Cana didn''t seem to care much. "She''s still dedicated to you and Erza"


    "We''re one of her ships, I hear"


    "A passion actually"


    "That so? "


    "Something about you two being perfect for each other"


    "I find Mira to be a very dangerous romantic"


    "You and me both. Keep an eye out"


    "Will do" Archer dropped a card and collected from the deck. She had a good hand. A few more plays and victory might be hers.


    "You''re not bothered by it at all, are you? " Cana collected the card Archer had dropped.


    "By what? "


    "Mira shipping you two"


    "Should I be? "


    "I don''t really know. You''re the first person I''ve met who''s been so casual about being paired with someone "


    Archer shrugged.


    "What are your thoughts on it exactly? "Cana wondered.


    "I don''t care about it much. I can''t really. I don''t possess the emotions, I think" Archer admitted. "Next to that I wouldn''t mind. I actually like Scarlet although I don''t know how attached I am yet. If it turns out that I have feelings for her or if I do develop them I''ll be perfectly fine with it"


    Ah, well. That was more than Cana expected to receive in answer. It was an interesting reply to say the least.


    "Oh" Archer seemed to remember something. Cana could hear the amusement in her voice. "There is also the fact that Scarlet told me to marry her"


    Cana spluttered and bursted out laughing. Mira had a huge smile on her face at the words. The minute she heard them her fight with Erza ended. She had been ignoring most of their talk, but caught the important bits.


    It was gold to her.


    Erza was quickly becoming the color of her hair. She didn''t think Archer would tell them that. It''s embarrassing. But then again Archer is Archer. She was regretting those impulsive words. Well not really. She still believed Archer would be the perfect wife. So she will not take back her words.


    Doesn''t make it any less embarrassing though.


    "You move quick don''t you, redhead? "


    "Shut up, demon"


    "Again Scarlet, why do you get red when this is brought up? "Archer asked with a slight tilt of her head. She was genuinely curious.


    "Because it''s embarrassing" Erza ?r??n?d.


    "It is? "


    "Yes Archer it is"


    "Why? "


    Erza can''t. She really can''t. She ?r??n?d again and burried her face in a pillow. She really can''t with Archer sometimes. She really was a child.


    "You''ll get it when you''re older" Cana repeated former words with a hand on Archer''s shoulder.


    "I will? "


    "Yes you will" Mira nodded. "When you m?tur?"


    Silver was also very confused. From what she understood Erza wished to marry Archer. Here she was thinking they were already wed. She was still an infant before all else so of course she saw the two who took care of her as parents. And from that one book she stumbled upon just the other day she took it that parents are usually wed. So in her mind Archer and Erza were married. It made perfect sense to her.


    Now she learns that is not the case. She was mistaken. She frowned. Well that won''t do. She needs to do more research. She can''t be wrong about something so simple.


    "Cana" Mira sang the girl''s name happily.


    Cana looked at her, suspicion on her brow.


    "I heard what Archer said. It''s pretty genius"


    Cana didn''t say anything. She only narrowed her eyes at her demonic friend


    "So I will be shipping the two of us starting today" Mira grinned and earned a jab to the side. She flinched and almost fell into the bed.


    "Absolutely not" Cana immediately shut it down


    "I''ll dub it CanaJane"


    "No! "Another jab, this time she did fall.


    "You wound me"


    "You''re an idiot. I don''t like you like that"


    Mira pouted and rolled onto her back. She then smiled again.


    "But then, what if I like you like that? "


    Cana faltered for a minute, but did not let Mira fool her.


    "No you don''t"


    "How would you know that? "


    She clicked her tongue. Of course she could not know that.


    "I''ll take you out later and then we can go to my place"


    Cana''s brow twitched in annoyance and she jabbed Mira again.


    "We are ten! Stop being an idiot! "


    "Hey that hurt. Stop being so cruel" Mira wh?n?d. "I''m just offering a date"


    "Come back in five years then"


    Cana regretted her words when the smile on Mira''s face grew.


    "Alright then, I will"

 Chapter 35 - To restore hope to you all

    "This is outrageous"


    Mira sat at the bar with an angry pout on her face. Blue eyes were intently focused on the masked Archer. The resident Phoenix was seated in a corner with Levy and Lisanna, dutifully listening to whatever it was they were talking about while casting an eye on the youngest of her siblings. It was infuriating to the oldest Straus. One year. It had been one year since Archer joined the guild and she had not once seen her face. She didn''t think about it too much until it was recently brought up. Now she was frustratingly curious about what lay hidden behind that mask. She didn''t ask of course. She knew it wouldn''t be as easy as that. Archer avoided many questions about herself. What''s hidden behind the mask was one of them.


    "She will take that mask off" Mira said with devious determination.


    "Sure" Cana said in monotone. She glanced at the ever calm Archer before returning her focus to her cards. "As if that''s gonna happen"


    "You don''t think I can do it?" Mira asked, a challenge in her voice.


    Cana sighed with a shrug. "No, I don''t"


    "And why is that?"


    "You really want me to say?" Cana looked at her, amusement present in those brown eyes. It was very plain too. Mira could see it. It didn''t help that she was openly smiling.


    "It''s so good to know you believe in me, Cana. Truly"


    "Such genuine words" Cana rolled her eyes. "What''s your first plan of action? "


    Mira was quiet for a long time. Sadly she had no actual plan that she believed would work. Archer was one to always see somethibg coming. She would expect anything she came up with and know what she was up to before she even fully got the chance. It was sad really. Mira always had elaborate plans up her sleeve. She had many, many plans up her sleeve, but when it came to Archer there had to be a mind blowing plan involved.


    "Nothing, huh?"


    "This is Archer"


    "Exactly" Cana shook her head as if she was greatly disappointed. "You''re over thinking things because your plans are always so elaborate and she always sees them coming"


    "How am I overthinking this? "


    Cana shook her head again, eyes focused on the cards she had spread out before her. Unlike Mira she knew what to do and how to go about it. A year with Archer was an eye opener. The first thing to know about her was that no matter how emotionally deficient she was, the people she cared about the most were her siblings and a certain redheaded knight. The second thing she learned was that Archer wasn''t entirely too complicated when it came to asking her question. Sometime she doesn''t feel like answering so she leaves everyone puzzled with some weird riddle. Sometimes she was in the mood for answering, but did not want to give it to you straight. One would have to work for it. But then there are times she just gives you what you want. The third thing Cana has come to learn about her favorite person to watch is that she''ll do anything as long as Wendy or Erza ask it of her. These were very important points of Archer to know of. And Cana was very observant, despite what others may think.


    So of course she knew what to do.


    "Just ask her. If she doesn''t answer use Wendy or Erza. You''ll get what you want. It''s that simple" Cana tilted her head towards Archer as she spoke. "Really not that complicated"


    "I refuse to believe that" Mira decided she was going to be stubborn about her choices.


    "Just try it" Cana waved her off without so much of a glance. "If neither works I''ll tell you who I like"


    At those words Mira''s eyes lit up brighter than the stars. Cana wasn''t even fazed by the sparkling excitement encasing the take over mage. The reaction was expected. She knew her well enough. Mira should know her well enough as well. Her excitement was useless for Cana was not wrong. She would never have said such a thing if she wasn''t completely sure of her words.


    Mira knew this of course but, there was still hope. There was the smallest chance that Cana could be wrong. She was actually hoping for it. Her want to know of Cana''s possible crush slightly out weights her want to see Archer''s face.


    "You''ve got yourself a deal"


    ~~~~~~~


    "Archer!"


    Said girl blinked when Mira slammed her hands down on her table. She stared at her hands before slowly trailing up her arms to meet her eyes. They burned with determination that had her curious. Within her jacket Silver stirred from her sleep, popping her head out the unzipped portion of the hoodie. Mira glanced down at her, eyes softing as she took in the sleepy little exceed. She was adorable with droopy ears and half lidded eyes. And when she yawned Mira almost squeeled. She took hold of herself however. She forced her eyes away from the adorable creature and focused all her attention on Archer.


    "Hello Mira" She finally spoke. Her voice lacked any clear emotions as it mostly did. "Do you need me for something?"


    "It''s been a year Archer" the way Mira spoke made the others think she was for some reason angry at the resident Phoenix. This of course got many people interested in their confrontation


    "Technically it had been three hundred and sixty three days and not a full year"Archer corrected nonchalantly. "But do continue"


    "It doesn''t matter how many days it''s been. What matters is the fact that almost no one in this guild has seen your face yet" Mira got straight to the point to prevent Archer from stating any other technical facts.


    "And this upsets you?"


    "Yes"


    "Why?"


    Her gunuine curiosity and confusion had Mira speechless for a moment. It was sometimes easy to forget this kid has trouble understanding human emotions and behavior. It just points more and more to her not being human, something she hasn''t cleared up yet as well.


    "Wha-? What do y-... " Mira rubbed her hand over her face as she struggled to even try to explain this to Archer. She always makes certain situations harder for people. "It''s been a year god damn it. You''re our guildmate and friend. Don''t you trust us enough to let us see your face?"


    "So it''s about trust" Archer nodded as if she got an answer she had been long searching for. "But it''s about my trust" she seemed deep in thought as she processed this. "Well, I trust you all with my life, does that help?"


    "Archer, for crying out loud" Mira ?r??n?d. Maybe Cana was wrong after all. She glanced at the genius who had Archer figured out and saw her gesturing towards a rather amused Erza. Soon Mira''s attention was on her. "Erza!"


    "What is it,demon?" Her voice was filled with mirth as she smiled sweetly at Mira. She knew it irritated her and was even more entertained when she forced herself to not call ger a rude nickname in return.


    "You spend a lot of time with Archer" with each word a smile grew on Mira''s face until she was grinning deviously. "Hell, you''re practically her girlfriend aren''t you?"


    Cana snorted when Erza almost choked on the cake she was so happily enjoying. In some corner of the guild Sting bursted into a fit of laughter already knowing that things were going to get super fun. He should get himself a snack and sit back. It''s always fun when it has to do with Erza and Archer''s relationship. Now the entire guild was tuning in to the scene, ears perked for more. It was true that Erza spent a lot of time with Archer when she had wanted nothing to do with the others prior to her appearance. The change had many curious. In fact many of them thought the two may like a each other as well. Archer may not show or even realize it, but Erza had her moments.


    "W-n.. We''re not.. Mira!" Erza''s face was quickly becoming the color of her hair.


    She was obviously quite affected by the words while Archer didn''t seem to care that much. Her only reaction was the slight tilt of her head. In her jacket Silver''s eyes gleamed with interest. She wondered what would be said about the two she saw as her parents.


    "I said it!" Mira smirked. "You''ve seen her face already haven''t you?"


    "I-" Erza fumbled before shutting her mouth and letting out a pathetic sigh. "Yeah"


    "I knew it" Mira seemed proud of herself for having figured that out. "Well I need you to help me here. Tell her to let us see her face"


    "Why do you think that will even work?" Erza looked at Archer as she asked this. All she got was a quirked brow and shrug.


    "Because she does anything for you" Mira said boldly.


    "I doubt that"


    "You remeber that time we saw this cute dress that would look super good on Archer? Remember when we all begged her to put it on, but she refused because she didn''t feel like getting out of her comfortable clothes?"


    Archer chuckled at the memory. She remembered that day. She was very comfortable in her pants and shirt. It was simple clothes for a simple day. She didn''t have any missions then nor did she set out to find any keys.


    "Yeah I d, Mira"


    "Well please tell me who it was that asked her to try it after we all gave up on asking her? Who was it she said yes to without much thought when she had refused Levy, Lisanna, Cana and I?"


    She had a point there, Erza realized.


    "And how about that time we asked her about one of her magics? She was beating behind the bush like she always does but the minute you got interested and asked about it she was very straightforward about it"


    Huh. That''s another point.


    Mira went on to list a number of times Archer has done things for Erza simply because she asked or told her to. The guild was silent as the list grew while Erza started to realize that Mira actually made a valid point.


    And, well Archer listened intently, furrowing her brows as she too realized that what Mira said was the complete truth. She did do a lot for her, didn''t she? She never really thought about it much. Erza was her friend. Friends help each other, no? She was a friend she wished to protect and make happy like she did all her friends, no? She wanted to protect her siblings too. She wanted to make them happy. That wasn''t any different, was it? And had nothing to do with having had a crush on her in her last life. She couldn''t remember the feeling anyway. It was long lost to her. However, she did like her a bit more than others. She''d admit that. But that''s it. It was nothing else. She would know.


    Since when did she start lying to herself? She wouldn''t know that even if it punched her in the face. She was ignorant to many emotions to begin with. She wouldn''t know what she was feeling, when she was feeling it if she was feeling anything at all.


    She sighed.


    "This certainly gives me things to think about, doesn''t it?"


    Maybe she shouldn''t think about it. She wasn''t allowed to anyway. It would be pointless to go down that road. At least until she had perfect control of her powers. She didn''t need to spiral and put everyone in danger.


    But then again, Aphrodite did say there was not much she could do when it happened didn''t she?


    She sighed again, staring down at the top of Silver''s head before her eyes drifted to the person she supposedly liked a bit more than others. Erza was already looking at her. How long had she been staring she wondered. Usually she was the one to initiate such things. It was always Erza who would notice and meet her eyes. It was reversed now, wasn''t it. It really had been a year. Erza didnt look much different, but she was. Her hair was a bit longer, though many didn''t notice. Archer didn''t think she noticed herself. She wore the armor she gifted her more often now. For some reason she greatly enjoyed seeing her in it. It helped that she recently made it her default armor. She''d gotten stronger too. Athena''s training was a major factor in that. Aphrodite would help too.


    She was staring for too long again. She blinked when she realized that. It was not new. Erza was used to it already, but Archer had told herself she would stop since it was not very proper.


    So she stopped.


    She liked looking at her though. She wouldn''t openly admit it nor would she actually admit it to herself until now.


    Mira was very troublesome sometimes.

 Chapter 36

    Drops of sweat fell from her face and onto the dirt darkening the sand even more. She panted with eyes shut tightly as the fire burned in her ?h?st. It spread across her entire form, control not known to her. She struggled terribly to keep the form she had been working towards for so many months. She finally achieved it and now it was crumbling away. Embers sparked all around her, ignighting the air and burning everything in its path. Fire was friend to no one and certainly not her. Not until she learned at least the slightest bit of control. A weak whimper left her as she almost crumbled. Flames framed her body, burning in the shape of wings. She was quickly losing the battle of control. It only made the fire burn hotter. It hurt the hotter it got. The more her control slipped the more harm she was doing to herself.


    "Focus"


    The familiar voice brought a feeling of calm for a moment. It helped little for the flames still flared angrily. She opened her eyes, meeting the black shoes of the person standing over her. She looked up, meeting eyes that match the flames staring down on her. Emotions were not present. None could be seen nor felt. Silver hair was carried with the wind, b?r?ly contained in the long pony tail it was in.


    She tried to do as he told her. She tried to focus. But on what? On the flames? The pain? The heat? What was she to focus on? What would help her reign in the flames. The longer this went on the harder it got until her ?h?st clenched with something she never felt before.


    "What are you feeling, fledgling?"


    "I don''t know"


    She could feel him scrutinizing her entire being for a long minute. His gaze was heavy on her back as she broke even more.


    "I see" he was calm. Forever calm. A calmness she now wanted to return to her. "Ignore it. Bury it and do not dare approach it. Your focus should not be on whatever emotion seems to be rising"


    Yes, she knew that. She knew she had to ignore it. She should not acknowledge whatever it was she was feeling. Not yet. It was causing her to slip up even more for it increased the intensity of the flames.


    "Emotion fuels magic. The stronger the emotions the stronger the fire. This is beneficial for many who use magic, but for us phoenix it is our downfall" he began to explain something she already knew. This knowledge was burned into her since a very young age. She knew it by heart. "Your magic is too much for you to handle. It burns your very being and will forever burn unless you learn control. Until then you must stray away from human emotions or risk increasing the flames"


    "I know"


    "Then why are you giving in, my child?"


    "It hurts"


    "I know it does" He symphatized. "Are you going to let it stop you? If you don''t learn control now you will forever be in pain"


    She knew that, but it was hard to fight for so long. It had almost been a full day. She was struggling to hold her newly acquired form for almost a day now. With each passing minute she would crumble some more. With each passing minute the pain would increase.


    "Who are you?" He questioned above her, his voice carrying an intensity.


    "Archer" her name slipped from her lips weakly.


    "Who are you?" He asked again, the intensity in his voice increasing.


    "Archer. Archer Phoenix" that was her name. She was Archer Phoenix. It took her a long while to accept that.


    "Yes, you are. And you will overcome this for the flames can never conquer you"


    ~~~~~~~


    The sudden appearance of the memory had Archer intently focused on the ever changing flames that danced on her fingertips. She wasn''t sure why she suddenly remembered that. Maybe it was the current situation. Maybe it was caused by what Mira had brought to her attention. She was taught to stay away from human emotions at a very young age. It was something her parents heavily advised her against. For emotions fuel magic. And magic was something she had an abundance of. And everyone knows that too much of something is never good. And sure enough it was not very good for her. She had to learn control very quickly before the flames fully consumed. Her parents protected her until they deemed her old enough to fight for herself.


    Her thoughts were soon interrupted by a loud crash. Looking up she was met with a familair scene. Natsu and Gray were fighting again, each holding a table above their heads while throwing insults at eachother. They were dangerously close to the bar, she noted. Erza noticed as well apparently for she gathered her cake and vacated the area in record time. Soon Archer was moving over to make space for the redhead.


    "Are you going to take the mask off?" She asked before eating her strawberry. The conversation of just a few minutes ago was still fresh in her mind, but she opted to ignore for the time being. It didn''t matter how she felt about Archer for she knew it would be complicated for the other in the end.


    Before answering the question Archer glanced at Mira who narrowed her eyes at her, daring her to say no or evade the question and situation entirely.


    "I''ll take it off"


    "It won''t be like that one time will it?" Mira asked suspiciously. The last time she pulled her mask down she had another one underneath. Who does that? How can she even breath with two masks on?


    "No, I promise" Archer chuckled as she gripped the edge of the mask. She was highly aware of all the eyes on her. Everyone was curious as to what she looked like and in all honesty she could not blame them. "No tricks this time"


    "Alright. Then do it"


    Archer hummed, clearly amused as she slowly tugged her mask off. With every inch that went down more and more of her face was revealed, testament to her not pulling their legs again. Mira grinned brightly once the mask was fully tugged down revealing a smiling Archer who leaned back in her seat.


    "Here I am" she said simple, smile widening.


    There was silence in the entire guild for a solid ten seconds. They couldn''t help themselves, seeing her face for the first time. They didn''t know what to expect but they were surprised and impressed.


    "You''re adorable" Cana was the first to speak. She was expecting a lot, but not this. She didn''t expect to find cute dimples. "Seriously, why are you adorable?"


    "I don''t know?" Archer tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowed and lips pulled into a frown.


    It was different seeing her expressions fully. Truly different.


    "You really are adorable" Mira beamed. "Adorable Archer"


    "I''ll thank you for the compliment" Archer said after a moment of thought. "I have been called adorable many times before"


    It didn''t take a lot of thinking for Erza to know she was referring to Demeter, Aphrodite and any other woman that coddled her like they do. Unlike everyone else she wasn''t stunned for she had seen her face many times before.


    "Geez you''d think you''d have some massive scar or something for you to be hiding your face all the time" Mira mumbled after the thought crossed her mind. She thought for sure something about herself must''ve been bothering the girl for her to constantly hide her face. Turns out there was nothing to hide. At least nothing she could find as she eyed her. Archer continued to smile, revealing the sharp teeth Mira somehow failed to notice. "The hell? Do you have fangs?"


    "More or less" a shoulder was raised in a half shrug as Archer adjusted her position when Silver climbed fully out of her jacket in favor of sitting on Erza''s ??p.


    "Why the hell do you have fangs? It makes no sense" Mira wondered.


    "My siblings have them as well" Archer pointed put.


    "They''re not as sharp as yours and it, so I won''t consider them fangs. Next to that it makes sense they have it, being that they take after dragons. You on the other hand are supposed to take after phoenix. They are birds. Why do you have fangs?"


    "They''re highly efficient"


    "That''s not the point!"


    "Well the fangs are for biting" Archer stated the obvious to which Mira ?r??n?d in exasperation.


    "She''s playing her game again" Lisanna spoke as she carefully eyed her sister. The eldest Straus wasn''t a fan of her game.


    Silver remained silent in the arms of the equally silent Erza. Every now and then the redhead would offer the sleepy exceed a piece of her cake, enjoying the face she wpuld make as she ate it. The situation was interesting to said exceed. Not interesting enough for her to pay enough attention, but interesting none the less. Bringing up the subject of Archer''s sharp teeth had her remebering something she read in a book just recently.


    "To mark" she mumbled, her voice small and unexpected. Erza glanced down at her in question, surprised by the fact that she actually spoke. It was something she hardly did for watching was more her area.


    "To mark?" Levy repeated the word in confusion. "What do you mean?"


    Archer glanced at her little exceed with a raised brow. What book had she recently read and should she let her explain what she meant? Silver learns through observation and reading. Sometimes questions would be asked, but mostly she would try to understand on her own. Which wasn''t terrible, she was very smart. On the other hand she could still be considered a child and that means she sometimes misunderstood what she had read.


    "To mark" Silver repeated rather slowly as if she was trying to understand what she had said herself. "It is how certain species make sure others know who they belong to or who belongs to them"


    Archer sniffed at the words. What book had Silver recently read? She needed to question the young exceed and take a good long look through the books she had present in her house.


    "Really?" Mira asked a smirk slowly forming as she looked Archer right in the eye. "Is this true Archer?"


    "Yes it is, for certain species" Archer said carefully, not breaking eye contact. "I do not see what this has to do with me"


    "Don''t lie" Cana was suddenly at their table, curiosity getting the best of her. "That''s what the teeth are for,huh?"


    Archer said nothing for a long while, brows furrowed as she tongued the very teeth they were conversing about.


    "I''ll take that as a yes" Mira grinned. "I guess it''s safe to say you''re a biter"


    "Remember that, Erza" Cana added what Mira clearly wanted to hear and the two shared a high five.


    "You know me so well" Mira beamed.


    "And I''m proud of it"


    "I''m not even going to say anything" Erza mumbled as she continued to eat her ice cream. She would not let those two tease her again. This conversation meant nothing. Nothing at all.


    Archer crossed her arms as she eyed the two who had been rooting for her and Erza''s supposed relationship with a raised brow.


    "You really are invested in this aren''t you?"


    "Yes, yes I am"


    "You won''t give up on it, will you?"


    "Nope" Mira smiled brightly. "Not at all"


    Erza sighed at the words. She knew Mira well enough to know that the words were the complete truth. Whenever she set her mind on something she''ll see it through to the end.


    "You just want us to admit our "feelings" for each other right? " Archer asked.


    "Of course. Honesty is the best policy"


    "It is isn''t it?" Archer nodded. "So why don''t you go ahead and tell Cana exactly how you feel about her"


    Mira opened her mouth to respond, but no words left her mouth. She glared at the content Archer as she tried to stop the blood rushing to her face.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about"


    "Thought so"

 Chapter 37

    Red eyes remained intently focused on the two sets of keys lying on the table. Archer was successful in gathering all of her hidden keys and as she sat there in thought she wondered why she hid them in the first place. What was the point of that? She could have just taken them with her, couldn''t she? So why did she see the need to hide them? She didn''t know. She didn''t bother dwelling on the thought for too long. She finally had all her keys which meant she was free to go on her d?s?r?d missions. Since becoming an S-Class wizard she had only attended one job of that rank and that had been six months back. Now, however, things have changed. Now she planned on doing what she had wanted to for some time now. She still wanted to be a wizard saint and in order to achieve that goal she must be recognized, not that she isn''t already. The keys were put away as her focus drifted to the second floor. Laxus was still not a big fan of her. She hasn''t went up there in some time. The last time she went up there Laxus wasn''t too happy. Why? Well, he didn''t believe she deserved her new title. Why? Because she didn''t take the test with everyone else. He was pissed at his grandfather for giving her another test. He was mad at her for getting special treatment. Because of the separate tests Fairy Tail got two new S-Class wizards instead of the one. Of course the other was Erza.


    "You going up to the second floor?" Erza wondered as she followed her gaze. It had been some time since they last went on a mission.


    "Yes I am" Archer nodded a smile starting to form. "Laxus won''t be too happy to see me up there. I wonder what he''ll do this time"


    Erza didnt answer that. She was aware of how much Archer enjoyed tormenting the dragon slayer. He had tried to beat her many times in the last year, to no avail. He just refused to accept that she was stronger than him, for in his mind no one in the fairy tail guild could meet his power let alone surpass it. To have Archer so easily break whatever fantasy he was living must not be easy for him.


    Sad really. While he was filled with hate and anger, Archer was getting a kick out of it.


    "Are you going on an S-Class mission?" Natsu appeared at Archer''s side once the girl was on her feet and headed to the stairs. She glanced at him, silently asking if he actually thought she would bring him along. Natsu being Natsu either did not catch the silent question or just chose to ignore it. "Can we come?"


    "Yeah, we''ll be good" Happy added, drifting next to the grinning Natsu.


    Archer said nothing for a long while. She kept her gaze on them, wondering if they would ever give up. They would ask her the same question anytime they thought she was going out on a mission and the answer would always be the same. She would not be taking them along. She had many reasons for saying no. Many reasons the two knew of, and yet they found themselves in the same situation countless of times.


    "No" Archer said bluntly as she stopped at the stairs, fully facing the two. "I will not bring you along"


    "Whyyyy" Natsu wh?n?d with a pout.


    "You know why" Archer was calm as she spoke to him. "I always have to pay to repair the damage you cause on any mission you partake in. Until you can make up all that money and until you complete ten missions without an incident you cannot come along with me"


    "That''s impossible and you know it!" Happy exclaimed dramatically, earning a look of disbelief and betrayal from Natsu. "What? We both know it''s true"


    "You didn''t have to say it"


    "Impossible or not I''m not taking you with me until the requirements are met"


    With that Archer turned away from them and headed up the stairs. The first person she saw when getting up there was of course Laxus. The older boy stood towering over her, looking down his nose at her with the usual scowl playing on his face. He looked even angrier than usual. It most likely had to do with the fact that Archer was without her mask. Beneath the mask it was even more obvious that she was younger than him. She was adorable and he hated it. He hated that she could easily beat him. What he hated even more was the smile playing on her lips as she stood before him. She tilted her head slightly as her eyes roamed his figure for a moment. She was scrutinizing him again. He hated that too.


    "What''re you doing up here?" He grumbled as he stood at the top of the stairs, blocking her path. The size comparison between the two was as clear as night and day. His big build blocked her path entirely.


    "Oh? We''re doing this again are we?"


    Another thing Laxus absolutely despised about this girl was the way she spoke to him. Nothing he said could faze her. Her tone would never change, always remaining calm. She was mocking him and he knew it.


    "You don''t belong here"


    "And you do?" She quirked a brow. "Last I remembered we were both S-Class, no?"


    "Doesn''t make us equal" he took a step towards her, towering over her even more.


    "You''re right it doesn''t" she chuckled. "It clearly doesn''t" she moved to the side, he moved as well, continuing to deny her entry.


    "Laxus" Evergreen sighed as she called him. How many times would he do this? He knew it was useless. Did he really believe things would turn out differently now.


    "Stay out of this"


    Archer brought her hands to her pockets as she met Laxus'' gaze.


    "I would like to pass, Dreyar" Archer said as she looked past him to the mission board. "I''m interested in attending a mission and maybe you didn''t know this, but the mission board is behind you. In other words I would like you to move, please"


    Laxus glared down at her, daring her to even try to get past him. To his displeasure she didn''t move a muscle, clearly not seeing any reason to accept the obvious challenge.


    "I''m not moving. So if you want to pass that badly you''ll have to move me yourself"


    "You''re just looking for a fight, aren''t you?" Archer questioned. "How many times must we do this Laxus? I''m starting to think you like the taste of defeat"


    "Don''t mock me!"


    "Now now, you better watch your temper there"


    Laxus growled and despite everything he told himself before the confrontation, he attacked. The guild went quiet as sparks of lightning touched the air around the two. They were a complete contrast from each other at that moment. Laxus was gritting his teeth in anger while Archer still wore a smile, as calm and unaffected as ever.


    "Laxus is about to get his ?ss beat again" Mira said bluntly as she watched the scene unravel before her.


    Within the safety of his office Makarov sighed, already knowing what was taking place. It was a usual occurrence in the guild. Laxus could not accept Archer as a part of the guild. He could not accept that she was stronger than him. And most of all he couldn''t accept that she was given the same rank as him.


    Again there was silence in the guild as everyone kept their focus on the two. The wood around the two was scorched beyond repair, but Archer stood unscathed. In fact the wood beneath her feet did not suffer the same fate as the wood around her.


    "Well" she eyed the dark wood around her casually. "Master won''t like this at all"


    The guild could practically hear Laxus'' teeth grind as he glared daggers at the unharmed Archer. Another failed attempt. Nothing he did would ever cause her harm in any way.


    "I''ve had enough of this" he made to raise his fist, most likely planing on connecting it to that deceptively adorable face, but he found himself in a rather familair situation when he couldn''t move.


    Archer looked him right in the eye, smile turning to a smirk, revealing those sharp teeth. The way she looked at him sent a shiver down his spine. The urge to curl in on himself and retreat made him curse. He was suddenly nothing but prey before her. He had never felt that before. Not when facing her. It seems that mask hid a lot of things from them, didn''t it?


    Just like that she waved and was gone. Evergreen sighed as Archer appeared before the mission board, eyes only focused on what was to be found there. She had warned her oh so great leader, hadnt she? She had told him not to bother the girl, but of course he didn''t listen. He never did.


    "How long is he going to be frozen?" She asked the younger girl.


    "Five minutes"


    "You have no right to treat Laxus so cruelly" Freed spoke, his voice filled with venom.


    Archer said nothing in response for her attention was on the chosen mission. It sounded interesting and like a challenge so she took it off the board to fully read through the request. It was only when she pocketed the piece of paper that she looked at Freed. He was never comfortable around her. She would always look at him as if he were nothing but an object. It was as if he was of no importance to her. Which was most likely the case with her.


    "And you''re saying he has every right to treat me the way he does?" She questioned. "One must treat another the way they wish to be treated. If he treats me as if I''m bellow him and not worth more than the dirt he walked on than I shall gladly return the sentiment"


    She smiled as she said that. A dangerous smile they noted. "I''m not very kind to those who treat me badly, you see. And I take great p???sur? in tormenting them"


    With that she turned on her heels and walked off.


    "I like her" Bixlow commented with a grin.


    ~~~~~~~~


    "Scarlet" Archer appeared at their table with the chosen mission in hand. She waved it around slightly as she slid into the seat across the redhead. "I have chosen this mission for us"


    The mission sheet was placed on the table for her to review. Silver shifted from her place on the table as she too eyed the piece of paper right in front of her.


    "Am I coming?" Silver asked after fully informing herself of the mission and exactly how dangerous it would be.


    "Of course" Archer petted her head with a small smile.


    "She gets to come but we don''t!? "Natsu shouted from the other side of the guild. "This is not fair!"


    "Silver always goes with Archer" Wendy pointed out from her place near the elder boy. Carla could be found in her arms and she did not look very happy. Natsu''s shout irritated her to a dangerous degree.


    "We have to defeat a group of unknown creatures" Erza concluded after reading the mission sheet. It would be the first mission of its kind for the two, for the missions they went on mostly involved protecting and or escorting a person or object.Even their first S-Class mission was of that type.


    "Yes, should be interesting" Archer was actually looking forward to it. These unknown creatures could actually pack a punch. "It might be a challenge"


    "I guess" Erza nodded. "We''re leaving tomorow, right?"


    "As we always do"


    "This village is pretty far away, are we taking the train"


    "Yes"


    A nod was Erza''s only response to that. She''ll have to make sure to pack Archer''s medicine for her. She could never understand how she forgets her pills as often as she did.


    "You know" Archer suddenly remembered something. "Shouldn''t we head to your apartment?"


    Erza furrowed her brows in confusion at the question. Why would they need to go to her apartment?


    "I can see you''ve forgotten" Archer chuckled. "You said you needed more clothes"


    Oh yeah. She did need more clothes. Now that it was brought up she realized she had hardly spent time in her apartment in the last year. Most of her time was spent at Archer''s house.


    Something Mira always brought to her attention.


    "I hardly spend time there" she voiced her thoughts.


    "You have an apartment?" Silver questioned, truly confused.


    "Yeah?"


    "Of course she wouldn''t know since you practically live with me" Archer snickered. "We might as well transfer all your belongings to my house"


    "Yeah, we should" Erza said almost immediately after, earning her a curious glance.


    "What is this I hear about moving in together?" Mira was suddenly at their table, having caught only the last couple of sentences of their conversation.


    Erza sighed. "It must be hard"


    "Huh?" Mira was obviously confused by the words. "What must be hard?"


    "Minding your own business" Erza said with a smug smile.


    From her place at the bar Cana almost chocked on the beer she had managed to steal.


    "Damn"

 Chapter 38

    Archer stood motionless for a moment, eyes completely focused on the odd creature looming before her. She tilted her head slightly as the guttural sounds it released practically scratched her ears. It was massive. She was actually surprised to find something almost as big as a dragon. With each step it took she could feel the vibrations in the earth. Each rage induced roar it let out pierced her ears painfully. A single swing of that thing''s claw was strong enough to rip through three trees. Archer was hoping for something somewhat challenging and here it is right in front of her. She was rather surprised the creature hadn''t attacked her yet. She had been standing before it for almost thirty seconds now. She expected it to lash out at her, with how it growled in anger and frustration. She would be frustrated too if she was in its place. She was hard to catch. Every deadly swing of this creature''s claw was evaded. It hadn''t even touched a single hair on Archer''s head. She rather enjoyed running about as she did. The creature was fast on top of everything else and that too impressed her.


    Another roar cut through the night sky as a monstrous arm raised into the air above her. Archer followed the movement, her posture remaining relaxed and unbothered. She remained where she was as that arm came swinging down on her. She could hear the whistling wind and practically feel the force that arm held. She didn''t even flinch as she leaned back just slightly, sharp claws missing her by just an inch. She felt the air on her face. The force would be strong enough to at least send her tumbling back. Right before her very eyes those claws impacted the earth, an explosion of dirt and debree ending as the result.


    Another explosion followed almost immediately after, drawing Archer''s attention. She had looked over just in time to see Erza nimbly sliding between the legs of her own monstrous opponent. She was quick on her feet as she twisted her body in the opposite direction, sword already mid swing. It glowed brightly with the magic it had collected, ready to be fully released. With a complete arch a single red gleam cut through the air, carrying with it an impossibly destructive force that went straight through the the creature''s body. Erza seemed surprised at this, watching with wide eyes as the damage spilt the monster right in half. She had never released the energy stored in the sword. Or at least not in a full attack. It was mostly released in smaller, less destructive bursts. She didn''t expect the power behind the sword. Archer had told her it would return what it had absorbed with a vengeance, but she didn''t let her know exactly how devastating that would be.


    The creature was defeated with a single swing of her sword. Erza looked down at the sword, its glow fading to nothingness. Even after a full year with the sword she still had some things to learn about it.


    "Ni-" Archer hardly got the first half of a word out before she had to duck a wild claw. She almost forgot about her own opponent. It seemed it was not very happy about being so casually ignored.


    "Almost forgot about you" Archer mumbled once she made a distance. Her hands were placed in her pockets as she thought of ways to handle her situation. There were many things she could do at the moment. All were equally appealing to her.


    The earth shook as the monster thundered towards her. She seriously wondered what the creature was. It was very rare for her not to know something. Even she was surprised by her lack of knowledge in this situation and of this creature. However, it wasn''t something she dwelled on. She could always ask Demeter or any deity if the thought continued to plague her.


    Again she stood motionless before the beast. It was rapidly approaching while she was still considering her options. She calculated fifteen seconds at most. When that time runs out she would be face to face with the creature set on ending her life. Within three of those seconds she went over her options. That left her with twelve. Her bow had formed in her hand within less than one second, her arrow formed soon after, its color a silver flame. She took aim, releasing a steady breath as she pulled the arrow back. Seven seconds remained. She hummed to herself as she released the arrow. It only took her five seconds to actually react, she noted. She could''ve waited longer. It would have been far more exciting had the creature come closer. Just inches away from. The thrill it would bring. The risk. She sighed. Too bad.


    The creature was struck by an arrow in the head. It stood frozen for a few seconds before it suddenly combusted. The flames wrapped tightly around its bulky body, pulling an ear splitting screetch from the terrible creature.


    Archer winced slightly. It was still too loud even after she dampened her senses before hand. Lesson learned she supposed.


    "That was far easier than I hoped" she spoke as she watched the creature be riddled to nothing more than ashes. Her eyes followed as it got swept off by the wind. She had planned on doing something other than setting the thing on fire, but she decided against it at the last moment. Orange and red flames would''ve been more suited for what had just taken place. Maybe next time she''ll properly utilize her silver fire.


    "You don''t say" Erza commented as she approached her partner. "Nothing is ever a challenge to you"


    "That is true" Archer nodded. "That is why I long for a challenge. It has been a while since I''ve had a good fight"


    "And what does a good fight mean in your case?" Erza wondered.


    "My idea of a good fight is one where I actually have trouble standing back up to face my opponent. Where I''m actually battered and bruised and bleeding. Where I''m struggling to even breathe or draw on my magic" Archer admitted after a moment of thought. There was a silence between the two after the admittance. A silence that was soon broken by Silver, who had managed to stay comfortably hidden in Archer''s jacket despite everything.


    "That sounds m?s??h?stic" she said slowly, her speech having almost been interrupted by a yawn. She rubbed at her eyes sleepily before slowly pushing herself out of her hidding spot. It ended with her actually falling out of Archer''s jacket, only to disappear just before hitting the dirt. She reappeared in the air near Erza, having sprouted her wings for once.


    "It does, doesn''t it?" Archer chuckled.


    "Yes, and it''s also something someone as battle hungry as you would say" Erza pointed out.


    "I wouldn''t consider myself battle hungry"


    "I wouldn''t either, but you tend to show it sometimes. It''s very seldom, but it happens" Erza said to her as she remembered all the times Archer joined in on their reckless fights in the guild. It was something that scared the master to no end. He actually got a heart attack once.


    "If you say so" Archer shrugged before looking off to the distance. The moon was high and bright in the sky, illuminating the night wonderfully. It was a night to enjoy. Alas she could not enjoy it for she had more monsters to slay. She heard the roars, and could hear them approaching. They were surely attracted by the screetching of the two already taken care of. Their employer had said that there could be over twenty of these creatures. Which meant her night would be rather entertaining. She wouldn''t actually mind spending the entire night slaying monsters. It''s not like she needed sleep in the first place.


    It didn''t mean she didn''t enjoy it either. Sleep was wonderful, even though she didn''t need it.


    "The night is still young Scarlet and we''ve got many more monsters to slay" Archer said rather cheerfully. Something that had zero effect on Erza. She was already used to her personality and behavior.


    Erza yawned as she started to follow Archer. She was tired. It had been a long while since she''d stayed up late into the night.It was starting to effect her. She would prefer completing the mission in the morning or afternoon, but these creatures only come out at night. During the day they just disappear, apparently.


    As she walked she kept glancing at Silver just to make sure she was following. The exceed was hovering just near her head, eyes surprisingly bright and full of energy. She''s almost always sleepy that it''s odd seeing her bright eyed. Erza still could not understand how she could sleep most of her days away. She would sleep for over eight hours, wake up and still be in need of sleep. She was an interesting creature to say the least. She remained silent often times, only speaking when she feels the need to. She enjoys reading books apparently. She had always had one in her tiny arms. They would be too big for her body and all one could see were tiny furry hands and feet along with two fluffy ears. It was a sight Erza enjoyed a great deal.


    Erza glanced back to her right, expecting to see Silver, but she was not there. She blinked, surprised before looking behind her. She wasn''t there either. She turned back to inform Archer of the missing Silver, only to almost stumble over the little exceed.


    "Why do you do this?" Erza sighed as she stared down at Silver who was walking in front of her. She always does this. She''s very hard to notice. Her presence was almost non existent and Erza could never know where she was was she not in Archer''s jacket. That is why she always kept an eye on her because if she went missing she wouldn''t notice her absence. She would feel terrible about it, despite her not being the only one oblivious to the little exceed''s presence. Silver knew this. Erza wasn''t sure if she was doing it on purpose or if it''s just something about her, but she took full advantage of it at times.


    As expected Silver did not answer the question, nor did she increase her walking speed. Those tiny legs only got her so far. So Erza was left carefully walking behind her. She didn''t want to walk past her in fear she''d lose sight of her again. Nor did she want to walk next to her because of said fear.


    There was something about Silver Archer noted. Something that had her paying close attention to her surroundings now that Silver started to hinder Erza''s pace. The exceed seems to naturally sense danger. She was the only one who noticed this for it wasn''t very obvious. Whenever she senses danger of any kind she would do something like this. Whether it be abruptly appearing in front of someone or subtly leading them in another direction. She would never tell anyone of the danger she apparently sensed, but would make sure the person she wanted safe was either far away from the problem or somewhat managing to notice it in time.


    Her walking in front of Erza slowed the redhead down, allowing Archer to head on ahead and figure out what exactly Silver was sensing before whatever danger she spotted could reach them.


    However, Archer didn''t even have the time to locate and identify the threat for it was right in front of her within a blink of an eye. Apparently she had not truly witnessed the true speed of these creatures before. Nor had she truly witnessed their strength. The force with which its claw descended upon her forced her multiple levels into the ground. The sound of her impact was deafening, pulling a wince from the s?ns?t?v? Archer. She was stunned more than anything. She lay in the crater she found herself in, eyes wide and staring up at the creature. It growled deeply, its jagged teeth on display as it slowly approached her.


    That was unexpected.


    Archer slowly sat up, dusting herself off as she did. She released a slow breath, eyes momentarily flickering to the monster approaching her. She wasn''t worried just very surprised. There was zero need for worry. She could easily handle this creature as she did the last. Even if she couldn''t, Erza was looking out for her. She expected nothing less when Erxa suddenly appeared above the beast''s head, being carried by the silent Silver. Her sword was already in her grip as she descended upon her opponen, aiming for its neck. A quick clean slice was all she needed. And that is what she got as she skillfully twisted her body in midair, eyes filled with confidence as she brought her weapon down. This was nothing. She had spent a year training and sparing with a goddess. She could handle some monsters. There was no need for doubt, worry or fear.


    An arch of blazing red signaled the completion of the attack. It was swift and deadly. The beast wasn''t even aware of the attack even when a fine line appeared around its neck.


    While Archer wasn''t affected by the sight she didn''t know how Erza would react.Well she didn''t show any particular reaction to having cut a living creature in half earlier that night, but Archer knew adrenalin could bury a lot. If it wasn''t the adrenalin the redhead could have forced herself not to react. Burying emotions isn''t the best of choices to make. She glanced at her curiously, to find her eyes already on the decapitated head. She couldn''t read the emotions in her eyes nor the expression on her face. She did note the way her hands shook slightly as she gripped the sword tighter in an effort to stop it.


    That was worrying.


    Archer almost scrambled out the crater she almost forgot she was in. Once out she almost tripped in her rush to get to Erza.


    When she reached her she slowly pulled the sword from her grip, carefully sheathing it.


    "Hey" she spoke gently, both hands coming up to her cheeks to redirect all focus on her. She only continued to speak once brown eyes found her own. She wasn''t entirely sure how to go about the situation, but she knew she couldn''t let Erza spiral. And she admitted that. She really couldn''t pretend she knew what to do. She also couldn''t tell Erza she was alright, because she clearly wasn''t. She couldn''t pretend she fully understood what she was feeling, for she had never actually went through this. She was never affected by such things and it couldn''t bother her. She didn''t know if that made her a terrible person or not. "I may not know how to fully handle this situation but I do know I cannot let you drown in whatever thoughts you''re having right now. So I''m going to ask you to tell me exactly how it is you''re feeling right now in hopes I can help in some way"


    The only response she got was Erza practically tumbling into her arms. She was surprised for a moment, for some reason not expecting her to do what she always does when something bothered her. She said nothing for a long while. She didn''t feel like talking about it.


    "You don''t want to talk about it?" Archer wondered after the long silence, arms finally wrapping protectively around her friend. She felt somewhat relieved that she hugged her. It was the one thing she was sure she could do to help.


    "No"


    "I feel like you should"


    "Yeah, I know"


    "But you''re not going to"


    "No"


    "Do you feel a bit better at least?"


    She received a hum in response,which was good she supposed. They couldn''t remain as they were for long for they were in the middle of a highly dangerous forest, but Archer would keep Erza in her arms for as long as she could.


    She sighed before resting her chin on Erza''s head. She had spotted Silver approaching, smiling as the little exceed wiggled between their bodies in an effort to join their embrace.


    "Do you want to return to the village? I''ll handle the rest for tonight" Archer suggested after some thought.


    "No, I''m staying with you" Erza mumbled, not liking the idea in the slightest. She would get over herself and finish her mission. This wouldn''t be the last she would be put in such a situation.


    "Alright. This is going to be a long night then"

 Chapter 39

    It was almost sunrise when the two defeated the last of the beasts. They didn''t think it would''ve taken that long, but where both proven wrong. When they stepped into their hotel room Erza quickly equipped into some pajamas and all but jumped into the soft mattress that awaited her. She was tired and had all kinds of aches. Her lids felt heavy with sleep as she struggled to keep her eyes open now that she was in bed. The room was quiet safe for the shuffling and rustling of Archer ridding herself of her clothes. She was still filthy after getting buried in the earth earlier. She wasn''t a fan of the dirt she was covered in. Erza shifted, pulling the blanket into her arms and hugging it tightly as she watched Archer quickly undress. She left a trail of clothes in her wake as she made a beeline for the bathroom. She didn''t seem tired at all. Did she even need sleep? Erza noticed that Archer could spend an entire night awake and still be full of energy the next day.


    There was a click as the door to the bathroom closed. Soon there was the sound of rushing water as the shower was turned on. Erza wiggled slightly when she felt Silver trying to get between her and the blankets she was clinging to.


    "There are many other places you can sleep, you know" Erza informed once Silver popped her head out the blanket. Her ears twitched quickly as she eyed her. She said nothing to the redhead and soon looked away. Erza watched as she climbed out of the blankets and higher up her body. She came to stop at her stomach and slowly forced herself into Erza''s arms.


    There was a comfortable silence between the two as they both listened to the sound of the shower. It was really calming and enough to almost lull them both to sleep. Erza could feel her eyes closing when the door to the bathroom opened again. Archer came walking out with a towel on her head and fully dressed. Her hair was very long. When in the usual pony tail it already reached past her waist. When let down it was reaching her knees. She never asked why she let her hair grow out like that.


    "Why''s your hair so long?"


    Archer hummed to the question as she worked on drying said long hair.


    "Because I let it grow out of course" she replied with a chuckle, knowing that was not what Erza wanted to hear. She turned around just in time to find Erza looking at her with a blank face. She snickered at that, but still did not reveal the truth. She turned back to the mirror she was facing and continued the task of drying her hair. The towel was infused with warmth which helped achieve the goal she was going towards. With her hair acceptably dry she took a moment to consider. What should she do with it? It was always a nightly question. Her hair was long and that was sometimes troublesome. She didn''t know why she always wasted time wondering what she''ll do with her hair when she always just pulls it into her trademark pony tail and goes to sleep.


    "I can braid your hair for you" Erza suggested having slowly come to realize why Archer lingered in front of the mirror.


    "Aren''t you in desperate need of sleep?" Archer quirked a brow in question even as she dutifully approached the bed. She understood that Erza would insist on doing her hair no matter what she said.


    "I''ll survive" Erza sat up and moved to the edge of the bed as Archer sat herself on the floor.


    Archer replied with another hum as she toyed with a single strand of hair. She watched the way the light seemed to bounce off it curiously.


    "Are you going to answer my question?" Erza wondered, slowly running her fingers through soft silver locks. At her side Silver rested her head in her ??p before promptly going back to sleep. She had a long night and would need to recover her loss of sleep as soon as possible.


    "My hair is a representation of who I am" Archer found herself saying, remembering the words of her father. "Or so my father said anyway" she admitted.


    "Why is that?" Erza was even more curious now. She expected a simple answer, but instead she received something that could tell her more about the person who liked keeping herself a mystery.


    "I had asked him that very same question" Archer recounted. "He had then asked me another question"


    "Which was?"


    Archer was quiet for a moment as if she was debating whether or not to continue the conversation.


    "What would you feel if your wings were ever cut?" She repeated the very question her father had asked her one day. The memory was playing in her mind. She could remeber them sitting under a tree together. She didn''t know what they had been doing beforehand, but she was filthy.


    Erza paused midbraid at the words. Wings? She already suspected Archer wasn''t human, but that sentence was proof enough.


    "It would hurt" she continued slowly. "It would hurt terribly. To have my wings cut. The feature that defined me as a phoenix. To have it removed would bring a pain like no other. I would lose a part of myself. A part I can never reclaim"


    Her wings were the one thing she could not lose. Because once gone there was no hope of her ever getting them back? What is a phoenix without their wings?


    "Now you know something else about me" Archer smiled and tilted her head back to meet Erza''s eyes.


    "You''re not human are you?" Erza asked the question that had been plaguing her mind for a year. The question she had asked multiple times and never got an answer to.


    "No, I''m not" Archer admitted freely. She wore an amused smile on her face at the revelation. She already knew it had been on Erza''s mind for a long time.


    "You admit it so easily now, but when I asked you a year ago, you refused completely" Erza recounted with a huff. What was the point of that then? She seemed perfectly fine with revealing this little secret. It became very obvious that Archer didn''t care if others knew. Or at least she didn''t care if Erza knew.


    "I didn''t refuse, I just danced around it" Archer corrected factually. "I never denied it nor did I confirm it"


    "You do that a lot"


    "I know" Archer said. "So, now that you have this confirmed, are there any questions?"


    "Would you answer them?" Erza quirked a brow. She of course had questions, even if she couldn''t think of one at the time. Questions are deserving of an answer and Archer has a tendency to not do that. So it would be pointless to ask any questions when Archer won''t fully answer them.


    Archer''s only reply was a chuckle that died very soon. She remained quiet after that. Quiet and unmoving as she let Erza finish braiding her hair. She wondered if the redhead would go ahead and ask the questions. She would answer them this time, however Erza didn''t need to know that. It was always fun dancing around the subject, as annoying as it could be.


    "Phoenix are immortal, no?" Erza broke the silence with an obvious question.


    "I suppose" Archer replied. "We can and do die, but we come back"


    "Rise from the ashes?"


    "Rise from the ashes" Archer confirmed.


    "How long can you live for?"


    "500 to 1000 years" Archer said casually. "And we stop physically aging at some point"


    "So, how old are your parents?" Erza asked curiously.


    "Five hundred each, although my father is older by five years. Or so he says" Archer sounded skeptical of her father''s words.


    "Is it complicated, this process of being reborn? " Erza had to wonder about that. They were immortal in a sense. What does being reborn even mean? Would she have to start all over again? Or would she just be brought back in the state she passed in?


    "I never saw it as such" she had been told of what would happen when she took her last breath. "I''ll just come back as me. Which is great since I won''t have to relive my infancy years"


    "So you''ll just come back like nothing happened" Erza concluded. When there was a long silence after her words she glanced down at Archer, a brow quirked. "Archer?"


    She hummed before chuckling to herself. She pulled her knees up to her ?h?st, using them to rest her chin. Of course it wasn''t like that. She wouldn''t come back like nothing happened. She''ll keep her control of powers, yes. The skills she had gained over the years would be instinctual. The magics she learned would be known to her as well. But that''s it. Her memories would be lost and so would the emotions she had learned to experience.


    "Things are never truly that easy" she finally said. "I''ll come back of course. All wounds would be healed. It would be like nothing happened as you said. It would seem that way, but nothing''s ever what it seems"


    Erza wanted to say something, but she didn''t know what it was she wanted to relay to her.


    "But that''s life I guess" Archer said as she stood. She did a stretch before quickly climbing into bed.


    "What do you mean?" Erza wanted to know what Archer was referring to and she feared she wouldn''t elaborate. And she knew that fear was justified when Archer b?r?ly looked at her and instead focused on curling into the thick blankets on the bed. "Hey, come on, answer me"


    "I don''t feel like it" she spoke rather quietly, not how she usually speaks when taking amusement in Erza''s curiosity. "It brings a terrible feeling"


    She never liked the idea of losing all her memories and emotions just like that. She did understand that everything had its price and that was the one she had to pay for her eternal life. Maybe it was for the best. Maybe it would spare her the pain of living on without those she grew to care about. It was logical enough, but even then it brought a terrible feeling in her gut. It was even worse now that she had to admit it to Erza. She didn''t want to tell her at all. She may not fully understand her own emotions right now, but she wasn''t oblivious. She knew that her feelings towards Erza aren''t merely platonic. She knew that Mira was right. She knew, but refused to face or acknowledge these feelings.


    Rolling onto her back she released a long sigh. She stared up at the ceiling blankly as the thoughts ran through her mind. She could feel the mattress sink next to her as Erza joined her under the blanket. Silence lingered in the room for a long while as neither of them dared say a word. Erza wasn''t going to question her anymore for she didn''t want to upset her. She had never seen Archer upset before and didn''t plan on making this her first time. It was obvious enough to her that the subject of her rebirth cycle was a s?ns?t?v? one to touch on.


    Erza was suddenly staring into fiery eyes when Archer rolled onto her side. She was far closer than she expected and it took Erza a moment to realize.


    "It''s interesting how your face could almost match your hair in color when you''re flustered" Archer observed with a small smile.


    Erza had no words to reply and the only sound that left her was one resembling a whimper. It had Archer quirking a brow as she quite enjoyed it.


    "That''s new"


    "You''re very close"


    "I''m aware of that" Archer didn''t move at all.


    "It was on purpose wasn''t it?" Erza mumbled as the smile on Archer''s face slowly grew.


    "Yes" she admitted. "I knew you''d get so red, but I didn''t expect that sound. That''s very new"


    "Are you going to kiss?"


    The sudden voice of a half asleep Silver had them breaking eye contact. The exceed was between them and didn''t seem fully aware of what was going on.


    "Why would you ask that?" The words came out rushed and in a higher pitch as Erza''s cheeks got redder.


    "You''re really close" was Silver''s reasoning.


    Archer bit the inside of her cheek to stop the laughter bubbling up inside her as Erza struggled to get any words out at the blunt statement.


    "You should go to sleep Silver" Archer suggested, b?r?ly stopping herself from laughing.


    Silver nodded, not needing to be told twice. It seemed that was enough for her to forget what was currently happening as she curled into Archer''s ?h?st and fell asleep almost immediately.


    "Isn''t she precious?" Archer snickered


    "This isn''t funny"


    "Oh? But I find myself quite amused" another snicker escaped her.


    Erza huffed, still very embarrassed and turned her back to Archer. The other continued to snicker until she was quietly laughing.


    "There''s no need to be mad at me"


    "I''m not"


    "That''s good then"


    Erza almost jumped when she heard her voice so close to her ear. In fact she actually felt her breath touch her skin. How does she get so close without her realizing? Soon she had her arms securely around her waist and pulled her snug against her body. She was quiet for a moment before she started to hum softly. The tune was unfamiliar, but not unwelcome.


    "You should go to sleep as well"


    Erza wasn''t sure if she liked the way her voice had her shivering or not. She nodded to the words, agreeing with her completely. She did need to sleep. She was tired and had a long night.


    "Goodnight then" Erza said in a yawn.


    "It''s morning"


    "Don''t do that"


    "I apologize" again, her voice was very close to her ear. It was an odd sort of ticklish that Erza was still debating the feeling of.


    "Your hair is a beautiful color" Archer repeated the words she had spoken many times.


    "I know, you tell me often"


    "I do"Archer confirmed as if she needed to. "I''ll never forget the color of your hair"

 Chapter 40

    Life was interesting. As she drifted idly above the heads of those who took care of her, Silver found herself wondering about life. She didn''t know why she was suddenly pondering life. It would be rather useless for no one truly knew the answer to the question she was now asking herself. Not even the all knowing Archer. Those who claim to have the answer were surely liars or delusional. Since the very day she was born Silver had been acquiring knowledge. It came instinctively to her. Her search of knowledge has led to her discovering many things about the world and the people walking on the earth. Even then her knowledge was lacking for she misinterprets most of what she had learned. She was a child after all. Often times Erza or Archer would have to correct her when she made a wrong ?ssumption. She learned that as much as the books tell her she would forever be lacking knowledge. Archer had told her that and it was completely true. One can never truly know everything about the world. About life and existence. Not unless you''re a deity. Having realized this she tried to search for the answers by the gods and goddesses Archer held as friends.


    Of course she learned nothing. They were very determined to keep those answers to themselves.


    "You can put me down now"


    Silver drifted closer at the sound of Archer''s voice. She came to rest on her head, wings fading into nothingness. She sat quietly as she stared down at the silver hair. Tiny paws patted her head softly as if trying to comfort her in some way. She tilted her head slightly as she continued to stare. Archer had been whining for some time now. She wanted Erza to put her down. It seems she wasn''t a fan of riding piggyback. Silver thought it would be rather fun. It is actually. She does it all the time. Far better than putting effort into actually walking or flying. But Archer didn''t think so.


    "You''re sick" Silver spoke as she patted Archer''s head again. She hoped that helped somehow. It most likely didn''t offer anything safe for a little comfort.


    "No I''m not" Archer sighed, having repeated the same words over five times. She was not sick. That was an actual imposibility. Phoenix do not get sick. Their bodies are far too hot to house any harming bacteria or viruses. Even if they do catch a virus it would do little to nothing to them for their immune system was as powerful as them, so to speak. So the chance of Archer being sick as factually zero.


    "Phoenix can not get sick" Erza recounted Archer''s own words from memory.


    "Exactly, so I do not understand why you''re carrying me" Even as she protested she offered no physical struggle in Erza''s arms.


    "You were dizzy and nauseas" Silver pointed out blankly.


    When Archer had stumbled out of the train she went on to almost fall over her own feet and throw up in some random trash can. She had gotten motion sickness on the train and for some reason she didn''t take her medicine even after Erza told her to. The redhead failed to understand how she could forget to take her meds even after she told her multiple times.


    "Yes, but I have already convalesced"


    "I''ll ?ssume that''s another word for recovered" Erza mumbled having failed to recognized that word. Leave it to Archer to introduce her to words she''ll most likely never use or hear from anyone else.


    "Yes it is" Archer confirmed. "I have rejuvenated"


    "You''ve been saying that for a while now"


    "Yet you refuse to believe me"


    "There is no reason not to believe you" Erza said simply. "You''ve never lied to me"


    "Then put me down"


    "No"


    "Why?" Arxher was truly baffled. She was better. Erza understood that she felt better. There was clear communication between them. They clearly understand eachother. So how could they not come to the same conclusion?


    Erza had a smile on her lips at the question. She wasn''t putting her down because it was finally her carrying the other. It had always been Archer carrying her. Something about being princess charming. It was entirely unfair and she was always so smug about it. Next to that she would refuse to put her down even when she told her to. This was payback.


    "Scarlet"


    "You''re whining like a child"


    "I am a child"


    Erza said nothing to that. Archer clearly had her moments. Funny how these moments never happen around the others. Erza was sure none of them had ever seen Archer act the way she does around her. She''s truly herself with all her quirks.


    "Is this because I always see the need to lift you?" Archer asked after some deep thought. When Erza giggled she got her answer. "I''m acting like a child you say"


    "I don''t consider this childish" Erza avowed.


    "Well I do" Archer mumbled. "But that''s alright"


    "That so?"


    "Of course" Archer sounded rather happy as she continued. Apparently she was over her whole wanting to be put down. "After all you are my knight and as such you''re just protecting your princess"


    The fact that Erza almost stumbled face first into a cobblestone path was somewhat humorous to Silver. Her steps stuttered for a moment at the words. Archer had never referred to her as "her knight". It had always been others reffering to her as such. Never Archer herself. Her suddenly calling her her knight felt entirely different than when she''s normally ?ssociated with that title.


    She really liked it.


    But could she really be considered her knight? Archer was more than capable of taking care of herself. She did not need her to come in and save her. A knight was to protect their princess. But if their princess was more than capable what was their purpose then?


    "Protection is always needed" Archer spoke, having seemingly read Erza''s thoughts. "Or wanted perhaps" she was rather thoughtful as she spoke the words. "At some point in time I will need you to protect me, whether you believe that or not. When that time comes I truly hope you''ll be there to catch me when I fall"


    There it was again. That bittersweet tone Archer would sometimes adopt. It had Erza worrying. Archer seemed to be hinting at something that was to take place in the future. The more she hinted the more Erza would worry. This event that would take place. She may not know what it was and Archer most likely wasn''t going to tell her, but she felt as if it wouldn''t end very well for her.


    "You worry for me" her words were but a whisper in her ear as her arms tightened just slightly around her shoulders.


    No words left Erza''s mouth in reply. How could she not worry? Archer was clearly going to be hurt in some way or another in the future and she worried there was nothing she could do. How could she protect her from what unknown threat was to come? She was pathetically weak, even though she had gotten stronger over the past year. Compared to Archer she wasn''t even an ant under her boot. How was she to protect her from something capable of harming her?


    "Do not think of the bad too much scarlet" Archer poked the side of her head in an effort to pull some sort of response from her. "It can be very depressing"


    "Depression is bad" came the soft voice of Silver. Archer coul feel her shift on her head until she was hanging over her eyes, grey meeting her own.


    "Yes it is" Archer agreed with a small smile. "So stay away from it okay?"


    "I cannot say that I''ll stay away from it for it could suddenly take hold, no?" She was thoughtful as she said this. She knew she was right when Archer made no move to correct her.


    "That is unfortunate" Archer reached above her, carefully taking Silver by the collar and placing her on Erza''s shoulder. She patted her head softly as she contemplated her next words. "But that''s not to say it cannot be prevented. Remember to always come to us if something''s bothering you, okay?"


    She received a nod in answer, which was good enough when it came to Silver.


    "You two take care of me" the exceed suddenly said as she climbed onto Erza''s head. "Since the very day I was born"


    "I wonder where you''re going with this" Erza said quietly. There was this feeling in the back of her head. She knew where this was going. She knew what words would be leaving Silver''s mouth.


    "That would have to make you my parents"


    There it is. She knew it.


    "We''re very good parents for eleven year olds" Archer said in amusement and some pride. She was very confident in her ability to raise another living creature even if she may seem incapable.


    Erza only sighed. Still she couldn''t help but smile as she let the two distract her from the unpleasant thoughts.


    ~~~~~~~


    There came an ear splitting scream followed by the sound of something breaking. Whether it was wood or a human skull Cana didn''t know and didn''t care enough to find out. Her only reaction to the loud noises was to just b?r?ly glance away from her cards. A second was all it took for her to understand what was and had taken place. With a dry chuckle she went back to her cards. There was zero need for her to get involved. There came another scream, this time followed by an enraged roar. Again she chuckled, this time in true amusement. The poor buffoons. Sucks to be them. Truly. The idiots just had to anger her, didn''t they? Well, now they can deal with the consequences. She was not going to save their ?ss. She wasn''t that nice. It would make her look bad. They''ll have to survive on their own, somehow.


    "Um Cana"


    "No can do Lisanna" Cana didn''t even let her get past her name for she knew what would be asked of her. She turned a card upwards, brow quirking at what was revealed.


    "But, she''s really mad" worry was laced in her voice and even then Cana didn''t budge.


    "Not my problem. I''m not the one who pissed her off. Let the idiots deal with it themselves"


    "She''ll seriously hurt them this time"


    "Archer comes home today, she''ll fix them"


    "But Cana" Lisanna wh?n?d. "You have to help them. I think they''ve been punished enough"


    "She''s your sister, why don''t you go talk her down? " finally brown eyes met worried blue. Lisanna stood before her, small hands gripping the ends of her little dress. Cana sighed as she looked into her eyes, knowing she could not say no to the youngest Straus. "Don''t pout"


    "You know you''re the only one who can talk some sense into her. She won''t listen to me or big brother Elfman"


    "But my cards" Cana gestured at said cards rather dramatically. "I''m busy, you see"


    Another scream tore through the air and Cana looked up just in time to see Natsu flying across the guild. All she saw was a blob of pink and a streak of blue as Happy quickly made his way to his idiot friend. Cana snickered, finding the entire situation humorous.


    "You''re not very nice"


    "Oh? I thought I was the sweetest thing to walk this earth" the sarcasm was heavy in Cana''s voice.


    With a annoyed groan the brunette abruptly sat up, hands on the table and eyes on Mira, who held a terrified Gray by the hair. She always had to snap her out of her little demon mode. She could be very sadistic and cruel when she transformed. Far more than she usually was. And while Cana enjoyed watching Natsu and Gray get pummeled she did agree with Lisanna. She did have to stop her. Not because she could hurt the boys, but because she''ll trash the guild. It''s already a mess. She didn''t care to get a scolding from the master for something she didn''t do.


    "Mira!" Cana shouted as she boldy approached the angry girl. She didn''t even flinch when demonic eyes snapped towards her. All she did was smirk as she came to stop before her. With a swift movement she grasped both wrists and tugged her out of the air. "You''re being as dumb as those fools"


    Mira growled and Cana flicked her forehead.


    "Don''t growl at me" Cana scolded. "Deactivate your magic already and stop being so dramatic. You''re destroying the guild and I don''t want the old man to talk my ears off again"


    Cana smiled smugly when Mira ?r??n?d. Slowly the transformation faded, leaving behind a still very pissed off Mira. She glared at Cana for a long while before looking away and huffing. She lightly tugged in Cana''s grip, silently asking her to let go.


    "You better not attack me when I do" Cana warned before she released her arms. She raised her own and took a step away from Mira. Thw guild was silent as they watched the two with bated breath. Mira looked as if she wanted to pounce and Cana didn''t have a care in the world.


    "I hate you"


    With that Mira walked past her, stomping her feet as she did. Cana turned to watch her go, arms folded and patiently waiting for her to come back. She may be angry at her, but she was not going to sulk without her nearby just to annoy her.


    And like clockwork Mira turned on her heels, groaning as she returned for Cana. She said nothing as she grabbed her by a single loop on her pants and dragged her off to their usual table.


    "So" Cana smirked smugly.


    "Don''t talk to me"

 Chapter 41 - 41

    {The time skip is five years}


    Flames danced across her fingers idly, pulling all her focus. Red eyes were sharp as they intently gazed into the flames. The brightness did nothing to hinder her vision, nor did the heat. A slow breath escaped pushing the flames slightly back. They flickered dangerously, almost dying out. Slowly they burned brighter, transitioning from blue to red. As she folded her fingers the flames followed quickly. They were too afraid to lose contact with her. She formed a fist. The fire engulfed her hand completely. Its color had changed again, now the color of her hair. It was brilliant. Truly magnificent. Nothing like it. A phoenix flames were truly unique. A fire no other creature could hope to create, hold or control. Nothing could withstand the heat their fire brings.Sometimes not even the phoenix themselves. Tragic really.


    Scarlet hair fell before her eyes causing Erza to momentarily lose focus. She blinked, staring through fine locks to see the flickering flames. Archer was motionless across from her, all too focused on her created fire. She had been playing with them since the moment they sat down, silently and unmoving. She didn''t speak. Her breathing was dangerously slow, sometimes leaving Erza wondering. It was as if she wasn''t even breathing. Why had she distracted herself so? She wanted to ask her. Was something bothering her? Was something plaguing her mind? Erza didn''t know and she wondered. Yet she didn''t dare say a word, not wanting to break her trance.


    Six years. It had been six years since Archer joined the guild. Six years since Erza met her. Six years of learning as much as she could about her. She knew what others did not. The fact that Archer easily revealed more of herself to her always made her proud. Erza knew her far better than most in the guild. Most of what she had learned had been through quiet observation. Something she had learned from Archer. Observation can tell one many things, as she liked to say.


    February fourteenth.


    That is what Erza learned. On February fourteenth Archer would be a tad bit different. Such as she was at the moment. Distracted. Unmoving and silent. She would smile as she often did, but it wouldn''t be the same. It was strained and tight. She never went out on missions on this day. She never antagonized Laxus, something she enjoyed doing. She wouldn''t play any music. She wouldn''t sing any songs. She wouldnt tell a random story that would prove to be irrelevant. She was just distracted. It was purposeful. She purposely distracted herself. She purposely remained far more detatched than she usually was. She purposely sealed up most of her emotions.


    Erza didn''t know why.


    At first she figured she just wasn''t a big fan of Valentines day.


    Then she learned it was her birthday. An interesting discovery. One Archer admitted with a strained smile.


    Erza couldn''t understand. She didn''t seem very happy about it. She never celebrated her birthday. She never mentioned it. Nothing.


    There was obviously something else that had her this way. Erza wanted to know, but Archer didn''t seem keen on enlightening her.


    "I really don''t get you"


    At the voice both red and brown eyes found Mira standing at their table. She had her eyes firmly planted on Archer, who showed no actual reaction to her appearance. She had glanced at her for just a second before her eyes were again focused on her ever shifting flames.


    "What is it now Mira?" Erza decided to ask.


    "Her" a finger was pointed at Archer.


    "What about her?"


    "It''s valintines day and she''s anything but festive. This happens every year. What is your deal with this day?"


    Archer shrugged as she slowly formed a fist. The flames were quickly gone as she placed her hand on the table. Only then did she meet Mira''s eyes.


    "I see no need to celebrate this day" she said stoically, eyes drifting around the guild slowly. It was decorated to the theme of the day, something Archer couldn''t even try to care about.


    "It''s the day of love" Mira argued


    "Changes nothing"


    Mira was ready to say something else. Anything to convince Archer and also find out why she wasn''t a fan of this day. However she stopped herself. Archer had stood from her seat, hands on the table and eyes casted downwards for a moment. She was quiet for a long while before she mumbled an apology and walked past her. Mira was left confused and shocked as she watched her retreating form. The guild was silent as they too watched her go. They had all noticed her unusual behavior,but had said nothing. They had shrugged it off as her just being as odd as usual. She was rather unpredictable after all. With her just walking off like that they realized that that was not the case. Something was truly weighing on her.


    "What''s wrong with her?" It was Cana who asked the question. She was worried despite herself.


    At the question everyone looked to Erza, who furrowed her brows under the sudden attention. She quirked a brow in question.


    "Why are you looking at me?"


    "You''re the only one who would know the answer to that question" Mira pointed out the obvious. "In all her six years of being here you''re the one who knows the most about her, next to the dragon slayers"


    Erza would tell them to ask them instead, but none were present. For some reason each of them were off on a mission.


    "Well I don''t know" the words left her in frustration. She had been trying to learn the truth for six years. Archer just refused to talk about it. When she asked the slayers they didn''t tell her anything either. All she learned was that they weren''t entirely informed of the details, but something had happened that had Archer retreating behind a built wall.


    "She doesn''t want to talk about it"


    ~~~~~~~~~


    "Family is important"


    Erza almost jumped at the sudden voice. She almost stumbled over her feet as she tried to find the person those words came from. She was too lost in her thoughts to notice anyone behind her and was relieved to find a familiar face. Behind her stood Hera. One of the many goddesses Archer had the honor of summoning. The woman wore a small smile, brown eyes softing in a silent apology at having frightened the redhead. As she approached Erza found herself mesmerized by her elegance as she had been upon first meeting her. She moved with such grace and beauty that it was sometimes hard to comprehend. Red trailed behind her as her dress rose with the wind, giving the illusion of vermilion wings. It almost had Erza forgetting her words.


    "Family" Erza said the word questionably as she followed after the goddess. She watched the way her hair cascaded down the length of her back in a beautiful coutain of auburn.


    "Yes" was her answer as she slowed her pace, allowing the sixteen year old to walk beside her. "The Phoenix hold family dear, primarily putting family before all and anybody else. To lose one of their own can weigh on them for centuries"


    This had Erza confused. Phoenix were immortal were they not? Were they to perish they would simply return. That is what Archer had told her. That is what she believed, but Hera was telling her something completely different.


    "I can see your confusion" the goddess spoke after a long pause. "Phoenix can shuffle off this mortal coil permanently. There will always be something that renders those thought to live untill the ends of time mortal"


    A hand came to rest on her head softly, stopping her. Looking up she met soft brown eyes and a tight smile as Hera gazed at her. She seemed truly sorry for reasons unknown.


    "Losing one''s family can be cripling" she spoke softly , bittersweet. "For Phoenix even more so for it is often times the only ones they care for. It is even harder for those not truly capable of control. The grief can overwhelm them. The fire can burn too brightly, too powerfully until it engulfs them entirely"


    The weigh of what Hera was implying came crashing down on her heavily. It had her speechless as her mind and heart raced at the realization. She expected many things. She had come up with many reasons for Archer''s dismissal of this day, but for some reason she never considered what was actually the truth.


    "That''s why she''s so detatched today"


    Hera hummed before gazing ahead. She seemed thoughtful for a moment.


    "She builds a wall and retreats to prevent her spiral. She numbs herself to all emotion so she won''t feel the pain her grief would bring" the emotion in her voice was poigent as if she too could feel the terrible pain the loss brought with it. "While it saves her from the fire it does nothing to save herself. She should not bury all that she feels for it will surface eventually. And when it does she won''t be strong enough to withstand it"


    Her heart pounded loudly in her ?h?st as worry quickly overcame her. Archer was hurting. She was mourning and in pain and she was oblivious. Erza was supposed to protect her. She was supposed to be there for her and yet she was blind to her pain. Archer was always the one bringing comfort, but now that she needed it she was retreating. She should''ve come to her. She didn''t even have to tell her what the problem was. All she needed to do was come to her. When she needed her she would be there.


    She made a promise. She promised to always be there, but now she wasn''t.


    She was sprinting before she even knew it, forcing her legs to carry her as fast as they could. The world was a blur as she sped through the streets in her desperate wish to be at Archer''s side. Her ?h?st was tight with guilt even when she knew it was not her fault. She didn''t know what was going on. How could she possibly? There was no need for guilt to grip her so tightly. There was no need for her to blame herself for anything. But the thoughts in her head said otherwise. She should''ve known. She should''ve seen past it all. Why didn''t she look harder?


    Coming around the corner she narrowly avoided falling onto the pavement or crashing into the door. She was panting when she stumbled through, immediately climbing up the stairs in search of Archer''s room.


    "Archer"


    When words fail, action speaks volumes


    So Erza did the one thing Archer would always do when she needed her.


    "Scarlet?" The surprise could be heard in her voice as Archer mumbled into her shoulder. She was unmoving as the action caught her off guard. Erza had hugged her many times. She was used to it. So why did this feel different? Erza clung to her tightly and gently. Fingers tangled in her hair, softly pressing into her scalp. Arms wrapped around her shoulders holding her close. It was different. She had climbed into her ??p, th??hs straddling her own. It felt different. Why?


    Her scent was intoxicating. Archer couldn''t help herself as she nuzzled between her neck and shoulder. She let her eyes shut as her arms snaked around her waist, pulling her tighter against her. She filled with warmth as she took deep gulps of her scent. It was calming. It brought emotion, something she had been avoiding all day. She didn''t want to feel anything for she did not want the pain that would come. It was dangerous. So she retreated. Sorrow and grief didn''t come. Erza never brought with her such emotions. Yet she brings with her emotions she was told to be wary of.


    "You were told" the words were mumbled into her flesh as Archer kept her face buried between her neck.


    A hum in admittance was her answer. There was silence for a long while as Archer seemed to mull over her thoughts. She released another breath, pressing further into her.


    "I had a brother" eyes were glazed as Archer stared ahead at nothing. Something stirred with the words. Something that had her ?h?st tightening almost painfully. "Today is his birthday as well"


    Her memories of him were very little. They didn''t get to spend much time together. The time they got was more than enough for them to grow close. Very close. It''s true what they say about twins. They did almost everything together for they seemed to enjoy the same things. It was nice having someone like yourself. Someone who you could understand and vice versa.


    "I only had five years with him. Five short years before he was taken from me" such short time and she was impacted so. Sometimes she wished she didn''t remember those times so clearly. Just when she needed to forget her memories remained. They would play over and over again as she forced herself to talk about it. A tragic movie constantly playing behind her eyes. "He was gone, just like that. Lost to me on this very day"


    All Erza could do was hold her. There were no words she could say that would help in anyway. What could she say? Nothing. She couldn''t think of a single word that would make things any better. It almost had her feeling useless, but she pushed those thoughts away. She could somewhat relate to what Archer was experiencing, having been forced to abandon those she saw as siblings.


    "It hurts terribly" Erza almost panicked at how brittle her voice was. She sounded close to tears. Her grip on her had tightened greatly. She was clinging to her desperately as she hid her face in her shoulder, trying not to let the dam break.


    The pain in her ?h?st made it hard to breathe. She could feel her insides burning as her emotions grew stronger. Her breath stuttered as she held back a sob. The heat lingered beneath her skin, threathing to explode. It wouldn''t happen. She mentally told herself that repeatedly as Erza''s scent became all she could focus on. She kept her tettered. She kept her in control. She was strong enough to resist the fire in her presence, for her d?s?r? not to harm her was far stronger.


    "Archer"


    It was Silver she opened her eyes to. The exceed was at her eye level, paw resting lightly on her forehead in a kind gesture.


    "It''ll be alright" she reassured softly. "We''re here so you don''t have to go through anything alone"


    "You should''ve come to me" with hands on her cheek Archer was compelled to meet brown eyes. "Why didn''t you?"


    She was afraid. She was avoiding all emotion. She did not want to feel anything and all Erza does is make her feel things. She knew that if she were to come seeking her comfort she would be breaking before her and she tried to avoid that. She makes it terribly hard to resist no matter how hard she fought against it.


    "You''re... "She trailed as she searched her expression. She made her very vulnerable to many, many emotions. She experiences them so strongly when she''s near, something she wasn''t supposed to allow. And yet she never lost control. The fire burned hotter under her flesh, but never consumed her. It would pulse almost pleasantly, contrasting everything she had expected.


    "My sweet surrender"

 Chapter 42

    Walking the streets of Magnolia were five dragon slayers, each with their exceed partner in tow. They had just returned from a very successful mission and Natsu was looking forward to telling Archer about this one. He didn''t set anything on fire, be it the forest or the town itself. That was mostly due to Wendy and Rogue constantly making sure he didn''t destroy anything. It was hard work for them both seeing as Natsu was so reckless. Them actually succeeding was a miracle in its own right. Naturally Natsu was very excited as he walked ahead of the group. He was far too enthusiastic to get to the guild hence his quick paces in order to get there faster. It took him five years, but he managed to do the one thing Archer told him to do. He managed to complete a mission without damaging the village in anyway or burning down a forest. If he were to request an S-class mission with her she could not deny. He grinned brightly at the idea. Finally he had the upper hand. Archer could not say no. He knew she wouldn''t say no. She always kept her promises, even the stupid ones.


    "S-class mission here we come" Happy was as his name suggested as he flew above the heads of the group. Of course he had been looking forward to the mission as well. A higher ranking mission meant more money amd more money meant more fish. And more fish meant a greater chance at getting Carla''s attention. Okay, maybe the last part was invalid. She never accepted any fish from him. She doesn''t like it he guessed. She always eats cake and drinks tea. Erza must''ve influenced her at least a little bit.


    Gajeel scoffed at Natsu and Happy''s joy. He had never asked to accompany Archer on one of her missions. He saw no need to. The only time he would be attending an S-rank mission is when he achieved that status himself. Nothing else would be acceptable. He was determined to finally earn that title in the next upcoming tests. He was sure to be recommended again. And though his first and second try were a bust, due to his very terrible luck, his third try would have to b?r? success. He was still angry over the last two tests. It was very unfair to add Archer as an opponent in his way. Actually it was his own fault anyway. The only way she was to become his opponent was if he challenged her and like an idiot he did. Archer knew exactly what bu??ons to push. He needed to learn to be more calm and level headed. If he always let her get to him he was never passing that test.


    "I wonder what happened while we were gone" Lily mused as he landed on Gajeel''s shoulder. The exceed wore nothing but tiny pants on this day, having rid himself of the shirt he wore. He found he was far more comfortable without it. He might make it a habit.


    "Someone could''ve died for all I know"


    Wendy glanced at Lector at those words. He said it with a shrug and a fair amount of nonchalace. Her first instinct was to scold him,but then she realized that he had a point. The way the guild was set up she wouldn''t be surprised either. The fights they get into were terrifying, especially when Archer decides to join out of pure amusement. So Wendy said nothing to Lector''s rather crass statement.


    "This year for sure" Sting mumbled to himself with a fire in his eyes. The upcoming test would be his first if he was nominated. Last year he was disappointed at having been left out. He was excited since he turned ten for that was the required age. From then on you can qualify for the tests and he was sure he would be noticed. Alas he wasn''t, but Rogue was. The shadow dragon slayer had almost done it. He had almost gained the title of s-class mage. He was so very close. "We''ll both do our very best Rouge"


    "Sure" he wasn''t as enthusiastic as the others. S-class or not, it made no difference to him. A mission is a mission and the money earned is still worth much. That was all that mattered to him. He had enough money to support himself, finally not needing Archer''s help. He didn''t want to be too reliant on her. She already gave them a place to stay and everything else they wanted. Their monthly allowance was actually more than what they had earned on their mission. She always took such good care of them. Rogue appreciated that and would like to thank her by learning to look after himself. So he started with going on his own missions and earning his own money. He never really spent that money though, most of it went into savings.


    "Frosch thinks Rogue will do his best"


    "I will" Rogue reassured as he petted her head with a small smile. Precious little thing she was. Rogue was still not sure when she started speaking in third person or if he should do something about it. It was cute, that he would admit, but should he help her speak in first person or not?


    Finally the group of five arrived at the guild. It was as loud as expected, but not of a brawl. That was rare and also made much sense for it was Natsu and Gray who often times started these fights. Were it not those two it would have to be Sting and Gajeel. Somehow those two would end up in the middle of certain free for alls in the guild. In Sting''s case he would''ve most likely challenged someone and proceed to beat the hell out of them. As for Gajeel someone simply needed to piss him off and that''s all it would take.


    "We''re back!" Natsu shouted as he kicked the door down.


    "No one cares!" Came Gray''s shout in reply as he stood shirtless over some helpless guildmate.


    "Yes, giving me attention is not caring at all" the sarcasm in his voice was heavy. It wasn''t something many would expect from Natsu, howbeit he did spend a good amount of time around Archer which extends to Mira and Cana as the two were her friends.


    "We just got back" Evident disappointment could be heard in Wendy''s voice as she watched Natsu approach Gray with a flaming fist. Sting was also no longer at her side, having already found someone to pound his fist into. Lector was close by to cheer him on.


    Rogue watched silently before sighing and carefully maneuvering through the mess of a guild with Frosch securely in his arms. Things never change in this guild.


    Gajeel had rolled his eyes before following Lily to wherever it was Levy had placed herself this time. She was buried in a book, b?r?ly aware of the chaos happening around her. Hovering nearby were Jet and Droy. They had joined the guild a year or two ago and had instantly attached themselves to the script mage. With Gajeel being around her often they were of course intimidated and tended to stay a good distance away. As they were currently. When they saw him approach they scrambled like a pair of ???kroaches.


    "You''re scaring them again"


    "And you could''ve stuck around to keep me company"


    "I apologize" the words were purred as Lily leaned into the attention he was getting. Levy treated him lavishly, unlike a certain grumpy dragon. Next time he would remain at the Guild with Levy or accompany her on a mission.


    "Traitor" Gajeel said almost inaudibly.


    "They just got back" Cana ?r??n?d as she quickly packed her cards. The guild had already been throwing things and eachother around it would only get worse with those idiots returning. They could''ve stayed away a bit longer. Would that have been so bad? Cana was seriously debating leaving the guild for a few hours. She could either hide out at Archer''s house, for she was always welcome. Her second option would have to be her apartment and her third somewhere else, obviously.


    "Running off?"


    Cana instinctively moved to make room for Mira when she approached. When she noticed she stopped what she was doing to appreciate just how dumb she was. Glancing at Mira she met a sweet smile, one she never trusted. She looked back to her cards, returning to packing them away.


    "What of it?"


    "I know a place"


    Cana looked at her again. And why exactly was she telling her this? What would Mira be getting out of it. She would want to accompany her for one. That Cana was sure of.


    "The catch?"


    "No catch"


    "Don''t lie to me,demon" Cana placed her cards back in their box and proceeded to pocket it.


    "A date"


    Cana sniffed at the word, boldly meeting Mira''s eye.


    "Try again"


    "I am" Mira pointed out. "You told me five years and I did ask you out last year. Of course you had to be stubborn and say no so here I am asking you again. Go out with me"


    "You''re telling me" Cana corrected and said nothing further for a moment. Yes she had told her to come back in five years. Yes she knew she would do it. Yes she was not surprised when she did. Yes, she did feel kind of bad about turning her down the last time. Mira wasnt a bad person, especially not to her. And she would be an idiot as dense as the pink dragon slayer if she said she didn''t actually have some type of feelings for the take over mage.


    Did she pursue them? No of course not.


    Why? Because it seemed like a lot of work and worrying and guessing and emotional rollercoasters and everything Cana did not want to waste energy on.


    "Sure"


    Again she had to take a moment to appreciate the level of stupidity she had achieved. It was truly amazing.


    Even Mira seemed surprise at the answer as she stared at her wide eyed for the complete of five seconds.


    "Yeah?"


    "Yeah"


    "You''re not joking are you?"


    "No"


    Silence followed as the two simply stared at each other.


    "Okay" Mira finally spoke, slowly smiling. Cana had finally said yes and it took all Mira had to contain the overwhelming joy she was suddenly experiencing. How she had managed to remain calm was beyond her, but it was relieving. "A date it is. Wait here"


    Before Cana could say anything Mira was gone. She watched her walk out of the guild with a dumbfounded expression playing on her face.


    "Never thought I''d see the day" Lisanna giggled next to her, snapping Cana out of her own thoughts. She turned to the younger sister, curious as to when she had moved to her side. "You actually said yes"


    "I did" Cana nodded as if she had to confirm it herself. "And she''s very happy"


    "Wanna know a secret?" the twelve year old held a secretive smile as she smoothly moved closer to Cana, who seemed immediately interested. "She was super nervous to ask you out because you''re a dumbass and she''s an even dumber dumbass"


    Cana leaned away from the youngest sibling. She was stuck between taking offence and being genuinely impressed with the kid.


    "And you wanna know something else?" She beamed with a childish glee. "I may have "accidentally" started a fight in the guild and I may or may not have instigated a fight between Natsu and Gray"


    "You knew I would want to leave didn''t you?" Lisanna could be very devious it seems. Not too surprising seeing as her sister was a demon literally and figuratively. She''d have to rub off on her one way or another. "You sly kitten" Cana could only smile in respect and pat her head affectionately. She can''t even be mad at her.


    "Enjoy your date"


    ~~~~~~


    Cana was a simple person. She said so herself and it was easy enough to see the truth in her words. Mira knew her better than anyone, at least she''d like to think so. Cana would not enjoy some grand romantic gesture. Asking her out on valentines day would be overly romantic hence Mira avoided that. Taking her out to a fancy restaurant or any restaurant in general would offend her. Taking her out to a bar, however would be greatly appreciated. But Mira was not trying to get her drunk so that was crossed out. Mira had years to think of the perfect date for Cana. There was no such thing, she realized. There could never be a perfect date. Her date would just have to consist of elements Cana would appreciate.


    What would Cana like?


    Mira would like to think she answered it correctly.


    "You''re staring"


    The statement was accompanied by two fingers between her brow, pushing her away slowly. Mira giggled as she let Cana put a distance between the two of them. Once she was satisfied with their lack of closeness she returned to eating the sandwich she had so rudely plucked out of Mira''s hands. Her eyes were intently focused on the horizen dipping off the cliffside they found themselves on. Mira had led Cana out of the city and into the forest only to come out to a lush clearing with plenty of trees to shelter them from both the sun and the rain. The cliff was just an addition. Cana had made multiple jokes about pushing Natsu and Gray off the edge for entertainment.


    "It''s quiet" Cana observed with a blissful smile. It was quiet, secluded and far enough from the guild that none of the idiots could accidentally stumble upon them and ruin the calm she was enjoying. "I''m surprised"


    "Well I know you don''t like anything over the top and you don''t need much. You like to be alone in quiet places where you can just relax and entertain yourself with your cards. You also like the outdoors, that I noticed. Plus you like sandwiches and your favorite drink is lemonade, next to booze of course" she had years to pick up on the simple things about Cana. She was a simple person so much wasn''t needed to satisfy her, something she had said herself many a times. She would not like anything she considered needlessly romantic nor would she like anything that involved spending money for no reason. Hence Mira didn''t even try to bring up this occasion just the day before knowing Cana would absolutely decline on valentines day. It was also why she crossed out anything to do with the town or guild knowing Cana would enjoy a quiet place instead. That was what led her to where they currently found themselves. she had accidentally stumbled upon it some months ago and thought it was perfect for the brunette.


    "I heard you were too scared to ask me out, demon" the sudden words almost cost Mira her life for she came very close to inhaling a piece of her sandwich. She blinked multiple times as she looked at Cana, who wore a smug smile.


    "Lisanna" she hissed silently. Her younger sister was dead the next time she saw her.


    "I had you shaking in your little boots, huh?"


    "No!" Her cheeks puffed as she angrily ate her food, swearing to get back at her little sister. "I wasn''t scared. I was nervous. It''s different"


    A soft hum was her only reply as Cana finished her grilled cheese. She glanced at the take over mage in interest, a tad bit curious. She wouldn''t expect Mira to be nervous when it came to such thing. She didn''t seem like the type,so to learn that she had her anxious was interesting.


    "But I didn''t let that stop me" she mumbled through small bites of her ham sandwich. "And that''s brave don''t you think?"


    "I guess it is" Cana agreed. She had pulled her knees up to her chin and had her eyes on Mira, silently watching her in wonder. "You really like me, don''t you?"


    "What kind of question is that?" Mira looked at her with furrowed brows. Was she blind? Why did she say it as if she only now realized it?


    "A valid one" she bit the inside of her cheek gently as she met her eyes. "I didn''t think you actually did. You''re kinda tricky to read sometimes"


    "I''m tricky to read?" the gasp of disbelief was almost comedic. "Have you met yourself?"


    "Relationships aren''t something I''m as enthusiastic about as you" Cana admitted with a shrug. She never looked forward to such things really. Relationships never last for long and someone would end up broken and forgotten. Her mother was proof enough. Hell she was living proof of that. "And admitting my feelings isn''t my strong suit"


    "Buuut?"


    Cana resisted the urge to move closer to the eldest Straus when she leaned towards her in interest. Her sandwich had been completely forgotten at this point.


    "But" Cana rolled her eyes, even as she smiled happily. "I''ll admit that I like a certain dumbass"


    "I am not a dumbass" the offense on her face was enough for the both of them, which had Cana holding back a laugh


    "Lisanna sure seems to think otherwise"


    "What?" That kid was dead. "What did she say about me?"


    "She said you''re even more of a dumbass than I am"


    The audacity of that little minx.


    "Sweet little Lisanna" the amusement was clear in her voice as she thought of the younger sister. She shifted slightly as she reached into her pocket to retrieve her deck of cards. She had multiple, all varying greatly. Her current deck was one used for silly little games she liked to play to entertain herself. After a quick shuffle she placed three cards face down on the blanket they were seated on. Her deck consisted of three types of cards. Some bad luck. Some were good luck and some were neutral. The chances of there being one of each were very low. The chances of there being one of good luck even lower. It made the game interesting.


    "Pick a card" she spoke quietly as her eyes remained on the cards. If Mira got bad luck she would flick her on the forehead. If she received nuetral, she won''t do anything at all. If she got good luck, she''ll reward her by doing anything she requested.


    "No rules?"


    "None needed"


    "How do I win?"


    "You don''t need to know that" she waved her hand in dismissal. "Pick a card"


    Mira was thoughtful as her hand hovered above the three white cards. She didn''t know what they were playing or what would count as a loss or a win. Cana had always explained her rules so this was rather unexpected. This lack of knowledge had Mira taking far longer than she usually did to pick a card.


    When she finally did she held it up to Cana, not even looking at it herself.


    "Four leaf clover" the card was plucked out of her hand. "Good luck"


    "I won?"


    Cana shrugged in reply. There was no winning or losing in the game. Just luck.


    "You got good luck. As a reward I''ll do whatever you say"


    "Okay, that I do not believe" Mira was very skeptical. "There are many things I can ask you to do that you wouldn''t even bother thinking about"


    She had a point, but Cana was not admitting that.


    "Name one"


    "You wouldn''t kiss me" Mira said almost immediately.


    Silence.


    Cana chewed on her bottom lip in thought as Mira smirked in victory. Mira knew she wouldn''t do it And Cana knew she knew. Cana never liked when Mira was right. She always had to prove her wrong. It was very childish but she couldn''t help herself. If they weren''t arguing over something stupid, gossiping about their guild mates or plotting some dumbass plan then they were constantly trying to prove each other wrong.


    And this was no different. Mira said she wouldn''t do it. She knew her well enough and she was right. Normally Cana wouldn''t do it.


    But she had to challenge her.


    Mira blinked in surprise as she was suddenly trapped between the tree and a determined Cana. The distance between them was almost none existent as Cana slowly straddled her. Surprise couldn''t even begin to touch upon what Mira was feeling. Cana never got this close. She would always push her away when she was within thrity centimeters of her. So for her to suddenly reduce their distance to b?r?ly two inches was astonishing.


    Cana remained where she was, silently watching color coat Mira''s cheeks with their proximity. It had her resisting a ???ky smirk at her achievement.


    Slowly she trailed a single slender finger down a pink cheek to her chin, tilting her head back until she was looking into her eyes. She had no idea where the sudden confidence came from, but would not complain. She allowed herself a small chuckle to steady any nerves she had before she closed the distance completely, closing her eyes at the last minute.


    Her lips were soft, tasting of the sandwich she had just eaten. And yet Cana found them to be the sweetest thing. The kiss was nothing more than the soft touch of lips. Having never kissed someone before Cana was curious as to what it would feel like. She didn''t expect the sudden warmth that filled her ?h?st and engulfed her entire body. Nor did she expect her heart to be hammering out of her ?h?st. She didn''t expect to feel drunk off the taste of her. She went and forgot how to breathe as the terrible urge to deepen the kiss arose making her pull away.


    It did her little good for Mira followed her retreat until their lips met again. The take over mage pulled her fully into her ??p as she deepened the kiss enough to receive an audible response from the brunette. As her arms came around her waist and she gently held her bottom lip beteeen her teeth, fully enjoying the taste of her, Cana pulled away.


    Her cheeks were tinted pink as she panted hotly. She had her hands on Mira''s shoulder to make sure she remained where she was and did not tempt her into another breathtaking kiss. She had to stop when she felt those arms around her waist. That wasn''t allowed. She wasn''t allowed to hold her like that. She wasn''t allowed to have her sitting in her ??p like this.


    The brush of a single finger on her b?r? hip almost made her jump as a sudden rush of feelings overcame her.


    "Dont do that" Cana tried to scramble out of Mira''s hold but she wasn''t letting go. "Mira, let go"


    "I don''t want to" Mira protested as she held her securely. She was confused as to why Cana was fleeing. "What''s wrong?"


    "You!" Cana huffed angrily as she gripped her wrists tightly. "You can''t hold me like this"


    "Why not?" Mira was genuinely baffled at the moment.


    "I don''t know, just let go" cana couldn''t come up with an explanation. All she knew was that Mira holding her had her feeling things she had never felt before and that was very unexpected.


    "Fine" Mira let go of her and held her hands up in a harmless fashion.


    Cana stayed exactly where she was, seated in her ??p. She released a sigh of frustration as she was immediately missing her touch. With a groan she ordered the very confused Mira to hold her again.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?"


    "You, goddamn it!"

 Chapter 43 - 43

    "Wait" Natsu looked around the guild rapidly all of a sudden. He had only then realized that both Archer and Erza were no where to be found.


    "Where are Archer and Erza?" Wendy was the one to ask the question on their minds.


    "Haven''t seen them since yesterday" Lisanna informed with a tiny shrug. "Could be at Archer''s"


    "Alone?"


    Cana sighed as she stepped into the guild next to an excited Mira. She just got back and was already in matchmaker mode.


    "Yeah"


    Slowly she smirked deviously, looking to Cana subtly.


    "No"


    "I di-"


    "No"


    Cana didn''t let her say anything else for she took her by the choker she usually wore, dragging her behind her.


    "Let them be"


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~


    There was a soft thud as Silver landed on the wooden floor. She sighed as she stood and dusted herself off before walking off. Archer watched her curiously, wondering how she fell off the bed in the first place. The exceed said nothing as she opened the door and left, leaving Archer and Erza to stare in confusion. Erza raised a brow,but said nothing. That wouldn''t be the weirdest thing Silver had ever done in her life. She was an odd creature, almost comparing to Archer in that factor.


    "I wonder what she''s up to today"


    Clear amusement could be seen on Archer''s face when Erza jumped at the closeness of her voice. She never noticed when she creeps up behind her and it was always quite amusing to see her reaction to the sound of her voice. She had to wonder whether her reaction was due to her liking the sound of her voice or just her having s?ns?t?v? ears. The fact that she still hadn''t gotten used to it was gold to Archer. Her reaction would never get old.


    "You did that on purpose" Erza ?r??n?d as she made a distance between them. Archer tilted her head at this action, looking at the space Erza had vacated critically. She said nothing, however and just stared at the empty space before her.


    "Maybe" she finally replied with a growing smile. "Your reaction is amusing"


    "Yes I know you take great p???sur? in getting me flustered" even admitting it had Erza''s face red.


    "Is it my voice you like or do you just have s?ns?t?v? ears?" The question was asked before Archer could actually take a moment to think on it. She was unblinking as she kept her eyes on the redhead, watching the way the pinkness on her cheeks turned red.


    "I''m not telling you that" it was embarasing to even think about. She wasn''t going to enlighten her on this subject. She''ll abuse that knowledge to no end. What was almost as embarrassing was having Archer staring at her. It was something that happened usually but the embarrassment didn''t lessen. "And you''re staring again"


    "I''ve accepted something about myself yesterday" as she spoke Archer finally tore her eyes away from her. Was it acceptance or realization? She didn''t truly know. It didn''t actually matter did it? Erza made her experience many human emotions. Sometimes she feared she''d be the reason she''d lose all grip on her magic. That never happened, however. It would feel as if she was slipping. The flames would burn hotter and brighter beneath her skin, but never would it rage. It was surprising to say the least, but not unwelcome. It was pleasant albeit worrying. She wasn''t reacting as she should to her emotions. As relieving as it may be it could also mean something was wrong with her.


    Or she could just be very unique as her parents always said.


    "Which is?"


    "My teeth are aching" The statement came out of nowhere as Archer openly tongued her teeth.


    Erza stared at her blankly for a long moment before sighing. She didn''t know what she was expecting,but that was not it. However it was something Archer would randomly do for no apparent reason. She was either avoiding a serious topic or just pulling her leg. It was hard to tell with her sometimes. That emotionless mask was something she could easily wear for it was just another side of her.


    "Im not sure if you''re serious or not" she mumbled as she moved to get off the bed. She didn''t have anything planned for that day so she was curious as to what the day would bring her. There was no going to the guild yet. She wasn''t sure Archer wanted to return just yet. It was something she suspected when she glanced at the clock. It was almost seven. She was most definitely not returning to the guild.


    As she moved for the door she could hear the shuffling steps of Archer as she wordlessly followed. They had spent the entire day in the house,which was new. Often times they would be at the guild or training outside. None of that had taken place on this day.


    "Are you hungry?"


    "Not really"


    "Do you d?s?r? some cake?" Archer was at her side rather quickly and eyed her expectantly at the question.


    Erza had a feeling she would be whipping up a cake even if she were to say no. The look on her face told her everything. She gets that way sometimes. She would ask whether she was hungry or not. Even when she wasn''t and clearly told her so she would happily make her food. Erza never questioned it. It was just Archer being Archer.


    "Strawberry nutella"


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Soft fur brushed against her arm when she sat on the couch. Looking down Erza found Silver sprawled out right next to her. She furrowed her brow in question even as she ate her cake. She hadn''t noticed the exceed until that moment. She was just lying motionless with eyes directed at the ceiling. Erza wondered if something was wrong. How long had she been there? As Archer joined her on the couch she brought Silver to her attention. She quirked a brow as she watched her silently. She looked as if she was contemplating the meaning of life. Honestly Archer wouldn''t put it past her. She too sometimes wonders what the purpose is.


    "Are you alright,Silver?" Archer asked as she gently poked her in her side. She hardly reacted to the action,not even flinching away.


    "Natsu and Sting have most likely returned today" apparently she had just recently remembered that. "Happy and Lector too"


    Erza looked away to hide her smile. Of course they were the reason she was like that. She wasn''t a fan of them simply because they can be very loud and tend to interrupt her reading. She would hide away in Archer''s room whenever they were around. Now that they were returning she probably had a headache just thinking about it.


    "It''ll be alright Silver" a pat on the head was the comfort Archer offered. It didn''t do much for she remained unmoving and almost unblinking.


    "How can Carla even put up with them?" Silver had to wonder. Maybe she should ask the other for some advice.


    "You still love them"


    "They''re vexatious " Silver muttered. "So vexing. They ruined my book a few days ago. Set it on fire. It was an accident they said. They''ll get me a new one they said"


    The memory was very fresh in Erza''s mind. Silver was not happy once she found her burned book. Not happy at all. She had said nothing when she saw it. One look was all it took for Natsu,Happy and Lector to confess. After that she simply walked away,leaving the boys to wonder what she would be doing to them. They were sure she would try something. She spent almost all her time with Archer. She had to have adopted some of her behaviour.


    And she did indeed get her revenge. It was executed in such an Archer mannner that Erza couldn''t even be surprised.


    "And they''ve failed to do so,haven''t they?"


    A chuckle followed the words that had Erza blinking in surprise. Looking to her right she met red eyes and a smile. When had she done that? Archer had her chin resting on her shoulder and an arm around her waist. How did Erza not notice that? You would think she''d feel the weight on her shoulder or the grip on her hip, but apparently not.


    "Yes they have" Silver had her eyes closed as she sighed. She''d just have to get the book herself. There was no use in relying on the boys.


    Erza b?r?ly heard her words as the sound of her own pulse filled her ears. She almost cursed at her reaction to Archer. No matter how much time they spent together or how often she does the things she does she just could not remain calm. It was something Archer knew very well for she could easily pick up on the smallest of changes. Even if said changes sometimes confuse her.


    "Hey" erza unconsciously tilted her head when Archer nuzzled her neck. It was an almost instinctive reaction to her. It was only when she was pulled closer that she realized what she had done. "Are you alright?"


    Archer didn''t usually do such things randomly. Of course Erza wondered if there was something wrong with her. Maybe she was still feeling off.


    "Yes"


    She was fine. She was simply curious is all. Curious about the flutters she would feel whenever Erza paid her enough attention. Or when she remained in her arms even when she questioned it. Just her scent was enough. Her curiosity had her wondering how her flesh would taste. Would it be as good as her scent? Just as intoxicating? Was she be allowed to chase the answer to this question? She didn''t know and she didn''t ask. Pressing closer, she slowly brushed her lips against the flesh of her neck. She could feel her pulse under her lips. The way it jumped at the soft touch. It wasn''t enough to give her a taste,but it would have to do.


    "Wh-"


    The words died in her throat for the action was repeated. Erza swallowed thickly as her brain refused to think of anything other than the feel of Archer''s lips on her flesh. Where the hell did that suddenly come from? Archer was very random at times but never before had she done anything even remotely close to what she was currently pulling.


    Closing her eyes she took a deep breath in an effort to calm her racing heart. It did very little. Her heart was still beating out of her ?h?st,be it from surprise or from what she was currently experiencing. It was hard to ignore the way her kisses left her flesh practically burning in a way she never felt before. And considering how she usually reacted to the phoenix that was saying something.


    "Archer?" She ignored the way her voice trembled as she carefully retreated. She didn''t get far before Archer was following. She was pulled snugly against her as she returned to her usual nuzzles. "What was that?"


    "Curiosity" her words were muffled as she hid her face in the crook of Erza''s neck. She didn''t plan on detaching herself from the redhead anytime soon.


    Erza had to wonder what she was curious about and if the answer would lead to her instantly becoming the color of her hair. There was only so much she could be curious about if it lead to her doing something like that.


    "May I do it again?"


    "Huh?"


    Erza had to turn to look Archer in the eye. Was she seriously asking her that? What did this even mean? Her confusion was so clear on her face that Archer couldn''t help but smile. How could she not be confused? All of a sudden Archer was laying kisses on her neck and they felt amazing. But of course she didn''t really know what was happening. But just the simple touch of her lips on her flesh had her entire body burning. But she was confused because what did that mean? She could never truly understand Archer and at the moment she was completely lost. Did Archer even fully understand what she was doing and what it implied?


    "May I?"


    "What is happening right now?"


    "I''m asking if I can kiss you again" she said it very simply as if Erza wasn''t questioning their entire interaction at the moment. As if she couldn''t read her confusion. As if she didn''t know what she was doing. "On your neck. As I did but a moment ago"


    "Why?" That was one of the most prominent questions on her mind. Why.


    There was Silence as Archer took her time. Meanwhile Silver wore a look of contemplation as she looked between the two. She kinda knew what was happening so of course she decided it was time to go. Being as unoticable as she was she easily slipped away without them seeing her. She''d leave them be and let them sort it out on their own.


    "I want to" Archer smiled as the words left her,amused by the look of frustration on Erza''s face.


    "Damn it Archer,you''re confusing" she ?r??n?d desperately.


    "I know" the admittance was accompanied by a gentle coaxing as Archer expertly repositioned them both until Erza was comfortably nestled in her arms. She smiled in a small victory when she felt the redhead relax in her arms ,knowing any annoyance she felt disappeared right then. "I confuse myself sometimes"


    Fingers trailed her cheek to rest under her chin. They idled there for a moment before traveling to her neck. Erza watched as Archer''s eyes followed her fingers very intently. She seemed very invested and Erza wondered why. Slender fingers curled loosely around her neck and again Erza had to question what was going on. Everything suddenly changed and she didn''t fully understand why. Even through her confusion she enjoyed it. She could not lie to herself nor could she lie to Archer. She enjoyed every thing she was doing to her and that was something she would not openly admit.


    Archer had her fingers trailing up the back of her neck before they were lost in her hair.


    "My parents taught me many things about the phoenix" her words were but a whisper. She watched Erza closely as she spoke,searching for any reactions to her voice. She was not speaking close to her ear this time and yet she could see it. She could hear it and feel it. She heard the way her heart jumped. How her pulse quickened. She reacted to her voice. So it was her voice that she enjoyed. Or was it both? Her ears could be s?ns?t?v? as well. That makes it even better,doesn''t it? "So I know very much about my kind. About myself"


    A small tug had her tilting her head back as her mind swam. Archer had all her focus on her at the moment. She refused to take her eyes off her as she continued her story. Erza listened intently even as her brain spammed her with many,many distracting thoughts and images.


    "Because of this I find my feelings for you very contradicting" she had furrowed brows as she atmitted that. She had been contemplating her emotions in regards to Erza since the day before. She wouldn''t say that Erza had her reacting the opposite of what she was told. No. She could feel the way her magic would flicker. As of it was debating whether or not to rage beneath her skin. It felt as if it would decide not to at the very last minute. It was tricky to understand. "That is why I dub you my sweet surrender"


    She never truly wanted to resist anything she felt for Erza. She never actually tried even though she knew it could bring pain. She could never bring herself to stop anything. She made her want even when she shouldn''t,something that had Aphrodite smirking all the time. She would be very smug the next they see each other.


    "So in conclusion" Archer paused just centimetres from Erza''s neck. She was close enough that the warmth of her breath could be felt. Close enough that her scent almost had her drunk. She could never fully understand why she enjoyed her scent so much. "Ive chosen to give in go these feelings im having"


    Everything else be damned.


    "So then,Erza"


    The redhead had a very noticeable reaction to the sound of her name. She seemed surprised and in all honesty so did Archer. The two ended up staring at each other in equal parts of shock until Archer broke into a smile.


    Erza looked even more surprised when Archer quickly delivered a peck on her cheek.


    "Oh" was all she could say as she stared at the girl before her. She didn''t know if she should be surprised or not. Archer had always been honest with her. Well that was whenever she chose to answer her questions. "You called me by name"


    She felt stupid that that was what she was bringing up at the moment. But to be fair Archer has not reffered to her by name in six years. She would consider her reaction to be very appropriate.


    "Yes I did" Archer nodded slowly. "I wasn''t expecting that"


    "I see" Erza was still letting Archer''s words sink in. She was surprisingly calm with the admittance. "Understandable"


    Archer bit her bottom lip in an effort to stifle her laughter. Erza was really surprised wasn''t she? But she was so calm about it too. She hasn''t fully registered what had been said ,has she? It''s really taking a moment for it to soak in.


    "Take your time"


    Those were the only words of warning before Archer did exactly what she had asked permission for. She never got it,come to think about it. It didn''t matter much. She would''ve done it anyway.


    Her kisses lingered as she resisted the urge to do more. Kisses were enough. She told herself that even as her teeth briefly scraped against skin. It wasn''t needed at the moment. Her instincts could wait a while longer.


    It still did not stop her from latching on to soft skin and gently su?k?n?. She didn''t actually mean to,but she wasn''t going to stop unless Erza made her. The gasp she received had her smiling as she felt Erza''s thundering heart. It must be very pleasurable she mused. Most likely. So then what would her reaction be were she to direct her focus elsewhere?


    Erza almost crumbled when a hot tongue touched the flesh just beneath her ear. That was far more than she felt she could handle at the moment. She had to stilfle a m??n as she quickly pushed Archer away from her,needing to make a distance between them.


    "You are...you''re.." She panted as she tried to find words. None formed in her mind as she met Archer''s eyes. How had it come to this?


    "Your ears are s?ns?t?v?" Archer stated.


    "Yes they are" The admittance had said ears tinted pink. "So don''t go doing things like that without warning"


    "I am allowed to if I have permission?" A brow was quirked.


    "Yes"


    "Okay"


    "Im not sure what to do here" Erza sighed.


    "Hmm?"


    "This" the redhead made a gesture between the two to which Archer shrugged.


    "I believe Mira had told me to take you on an outing on multiple occasions" she recalled. "A date I persume"


    Erza couldn''t imagine Archer actually taking her on a date.


    "I cant believe you just did all of that" as she thought of everything that had happened she couldn''t be confused anymore. Archer was very straightforward so that was to be expected.


    "Ah yes" Archer nodded a bit thoughtfully. "That was me wanting to sink my teeth into your flesh"


    A blank look was all she received.


    "Do you know how that sounds?"


    "It is the truth. Have you forgotten what these teeth are for?" Sharp teeth were revealed to her in a way of empathizing.


    In all honesty she did. That conversation was almost forgotten. But with Archer having brought it up again it had her curious about this process.


    "What exactly does marking someone entail?"


    Archer shrugged as she thought of it. "A great deal. It''s just something we do apparently. To let everyone know exactly who belongs to us. That sounds very bad when i say it" she trailed off before quickly continuing. "Apparently it connects two people,creating an immensely strong bond. We''re very picky with this too I''ve heard for it''s considered a very serious act"


    That was as much as she knew about it. Her parents had told her that she would learn more of it when she had experienced it. They could''ve just told her,but no.


    She sees where she gets it from.


    "You''re very calm" she noted as she watched Erza. "Very accepting"


    "Should I not be?" Archer seemed to have feelings for her. That was relieving because she thought their relationship was one sided. She would''ve been perfectly fine even if Archer was running from her feelings. She knew emotions were a complicated thing for her. She really questioned why she had to go for Archer. Of all people. She wasn''t even human. She would live far longer than her. She could practically not be killed. And she struggled when it came to human emotions. She could''ve chased anyone else. Everyone else. But it had to be Archer.


    And worst of all Mira was right.


    "I''m happy with this" she admitted with a small smile."But you can''t pull what you did today"


    "Whatever do you mean?" Archer feigned ignorance.


    "You know exactly what I mean" Erza scrambled off her before she could try to do anything that would make her forget. "You can''t just kiss me in such a manner. It''s..it''s.."


    "Arousing?"


    Erza abruptly stopped her rambling to just stare at the very unaffected Archer for a long while.


    "Pleasurable?" She continued as she reached for the redhead,smile in place.


    "No" Erza mumbled even as she let her pull her back. "You are not doing this"


    "Doing what?"


    "You are surprisingly s?xu??" she realized as she suddenly felt slender fingers around her b?r? hip. Archer smile almost deviously at her statement,further confirming it. That was sudden. She had never noticed before. Most likely because she was never like this before. It was entirely new for and to her.


    Before Archer could reply there was a loud bang as the door was thrown open. There stood Natsu and Sting in all their glory,grinning brightly.


    "We''re back!"


    Archer stared him dead in the eye for a complete thirty seconds before sighing and closing her eyes.


    "You have terrible timing"


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    It was late into the night when Erza finally crawled into bed. Sting was acting up for some reason which was troublesome. She heard a scream of true terror,but ignored it with no worries at all. Sting was the cause of his own suffering. It was late and she needed sleep. As she lay in bed she realized that Silver had disappeared. She had most likely gone into hiding to stay away from the chaotic boys. She couldn''t blame her. They were a lot at times. She''d wake up with the exceed in her arms in the morning,that she was sure of. She always found her way into their bed at some point.


    "He actually bit me" Archer said in amazement as she entered the room. She held her hand up as if to see a wound. There was nothing there however. "He still acts like a toddler"


    "What did you do to him?"


    "I offered punishment" she said simply as she quickly climbed under the covers with Erza. The redhead was immediately in her arms as the two faced eachother. "He immediately started behaving decently"


    A hum was her only reply to the information as she fought the sleep that was threatening to overtake her.


    "Do we return to the guild tomorrow"


    "Yes"


    "Okay"


    "May I ask a question?"


    Erza nodded as she stiffled a yawn. She should really get some sleep.


    "Would it be alright if i kissed you?" Archer wondered. "It was a thought that suddenly entered my mind and now I truly want to kiss you. Am I allowed?"


    Due to the need to sleep it took a moment for Erza to process the question. She was nodding even before she fully realized what she was consenting to. When she did sleep was suddenly a very small problem.


    "It could be the sleep talking" Archer mused.


    "You''d do it either way" Erza pointed out.


    "Yes,of course i would"


    She brushed her lips against hers just b?r?ly. She had pulled away for less than a second before continuing the contact. It was soft and affectionate as Archer tended to be. Erza found herself clutching at Archer''s jacket almost despertaly. She had never been kissed before. She was happy to let Archer be her first. And knowing that she was Archer''s first as well made her swell with joy. The kiss felt amazing. Like nothing she ever felt before and it was just the simple act of touching lips.


    Archer had pulled away, ???k?n? her lips. The kiss was very pleasurable for her. She was s?ns?t?v? to touch amongst other things. Her eyes left those of Erza and gazed at her glossy lips. So enticing. A thumb traced them softly. She wanted to kiss her again, but something told her that if she did she would not stop for some time.


    Erza watched Archer entranced by her lips. Her eyes seemed to burn a bit brighter. She was sure they seemed like actual flames now. Her temperature was slightly higher and the air around then was sparking. Literally. Archer blinked. Her eyes darker,but still as bright. She tore her gaze away from the redhead''s lips and looked back into her eyes.


    They were kissing again. Just as softly but a bit more ?ssertive. Archer gripped her tighter, moving her lips against her own. Soft. Warm. Strawberries. The only words in the young Phoenix head. She could get lost in this sensation. A feeling beginning at her ?h?st and swelling through her. Burning hotter than her own flames. An ache that longed and hurt at the same time. Just the thought of her redhead had her aching in an unexpected way. She kissed her. Letting her new found emotions fill her. She would pull away to allow Erza to breath and then swiftly continue.


    Erza didn''t know how long they were at it. She really didn''t care. All she could think about was Archer and her soft kisses. They never grew in intensity. They didn''t need to. They were more than enough. Erza was feeling a different kind of heat. A very pleasant heat. She was enjoying it.


    They lost most of their night like that.

 Chapter 44 - 44

    "Archer, I need to see you in my office"


    To have the master need her the minute she walked into the guild wasn''t something entirely new to her ,however,she did not like the idea of needing to leave Erza''s side with the vulture known as Mira quickly approaching. She looked to Mira and then to Erza before releasing a sigh and approaching the old master. She realized that she was the reason Mira would be pestering Erza far more today,because she was the one to convince her to wear an article of clothing belonging to her. Why? Well she had many reasons and none she explain to the redhead who had to suffer the intense interrogation Mira would be putting her through. She wasn''t too worried though, Mira isn''t all bad and she had Cana to reign her in when she was too much.


    "What do you need my lord?" It was Silver who spoke the words as she popped her head out of Archer''s jacket. The feline was in a good mood this morning for reasons unknown to both Archer and Erza and as such she has been very amused with both herself and other people.


    "Is Silver allowed to be here?"


    "Yes she''s fine" Makarov didn''t mind the exceed. Its not like she''s one to let any classified information slip and she has been present for every meeting the two had. As the old man sat at his desk and retrieved a document he seemed very pensive as he debated whether or not to hand it to Archer. The truth in the matter was that the old man of the council had personally requested Archer to complete a task for him, before bestowing upon her the highest ranking in the wizards saints. That was odd for the old man for many reasons including the fact that the current highest ranking saint was god Serena,so he was either replacing him or having the two duel.


    "Gran Doma has requested your presence"


    "Has he now?" that was something she had been waiting on for most of her life in this world. One of her most important goals was to achieve a position in the magic council, preferably a very high ranking and powerful position. She had her reasons and reading that look on the short man''s face she was getting one depending on how this meeting with the chair man went. That would be a milestone achieved which would allow her to work towards the next goal. Took her long enough didn''t it?.


    "Im curious as to what he wants,however, I believe I know where this is going"


    "Ive always wanted to meet this Doma" the exceed''s thoughts were vocalized absently as she too realized where this might be headed for the beloved Archer. She also wanted to meet God Serena for the simple fact that he has God in his name. She was unaware if it was a self given name or one given by others,but she wanted to see exactly how much of a bastard he was. "Ive heard a lot about him"


    "Yes the old chairman of the council" it took Archer a week after first meeting him to realize who she was actually talking to. Grand Doma wasn''t supposed to be the chairman until after the tower of heaven arc. It was supposed to be the one built like a literal ball by the name of Crawford Seam. He was apparently an informant of Tartaros. She was surprised it took her that long to realize,but it was an interesting change and she womdered if it was for better or worse.


    "I would advise you to leave immediately, that man does not like to wait"


    "A little patience wont kill him although he looks like he''s getting to that age" the phoenix commented as she turned to leave. She waved goodbye as she did and promptly left the office. Laxus was dutifully ignored as she did not feel like tormenting him on this very day and he''s definitely not going anywhere anytime soon.


    "When will you leave?" Silver inquired as she scrambled out of her usual hiding place.


    "I''m not sure. I will collect you when I do so don''t worry"


    She did promise him that, didn''t she? And he was quite strong so she believed he could handle such a mission with her accompanying him. So yes she will grant his wish of attending one of these missions, however, it will not be this day for she had other plans.


    "I''m proud you finally accomplished that goal,but I am not going on an S-class mission today,at least I''m not sure, so I can''t take you with me today" she apologised. "Try tomorrow"


    Natsu grumbled,but nodded. He waited all these years,another day wont kill him and to pass the time he can go on a short and fun mission. He might ask Lisanna to come with him this time since he''s not going alone in fear of undoing his hard work of not setting anything into flames.


    Archer had finally returned to Erza and was ready to interrupt Mira and direct her attention to her,when the guild doors were thrown open. All eyes immediately found the entrance to see who had visited their guild,but Archer didn''t need to for a familiar scent filled her nose and it had her frozen to the spot. In that single moment the young phoenix asked herself millions of questions with the last being; why. For the person standing in the doorway was one she did not expect to see for at least another two years and she was hoping it would be longer not shorter.


    The entire guild was baffled to see someone almost identical to the local Phoenix who was still standing in the same spot and position. They looked between her and the new figure repeatedly trying to decide whether or not they were twins or if their eyes were deceiving them.


    Red eyes met red eyes as the two stared at eachother for exactly seven seconds before the new presence slowly smiled a smile Archer would always wear when tormenting a poor Laxus.


    "Hello little sister"


    The voice was filled with a sweetness rivaling Mira herself.


    Archer looked away from the new figure only to rapidly cast her eyes about every inch of the guild for she was not prepared for this. When she finally moved again it was to jump over the table standing in her way and make a bolt for the door. Sadly for her the one claiming to be her sibling was faster to everyone''s surprise and caught her by the collar before she could flee. An arm came around her neck and the other rested on her head as she was quickly pulled into a chokehold that had her struggling.


    Everyone was shocked by her outburst and many wondered if they should try to help,but then they realized that the person was most definitely her sibling and could possibly be far stronger than her.


    Death didn''t seem very pleasant so they remained as they were.


    "That is no way to speak to your older sister, dear Archer" apparently she was a girl just as Archer and just like Archer she seemed to take great amusement in watching other''s suffer. Either Archer adopted it from her or they both inherited it from parents.


    "If you weren''t such swine, I would not speak to you in this manner" Archer argued as she struggled to escape her hold. She seemed to be growing frustrated with each passing second and that was bringing with it a sense of panic for she knew her sister was the only one capable of angering her to the point where her magic actually slips. And that was about to be proven as sparks were already manifesting in the air around them.


    "Ash,let go this instant!"


    "You should watch your temper sister, we don''t want you setting this building on fire" the sister apparently named Ash was rather calm even as she too saw the strings of flame starting to manifest from the younger. "I was right in ?ssuming you still struggle with control"


    Archer released a sound akin to a growl that everyone felt in the depths of their ?h?st.


    Erza was quickly growing worried for she was aware of what could happen should her emotions get the best of her. She felt she had to do something and she was standing before fully realizing,which caught the attention of Ash,who eyed her for a long moment. Her eyes went down to the dress shirt she was wearing and her nose wrinkled for the smallest moment before she seemed to realize something. She then looked between Erza and Archer in deep thought.When the fire was starting to consume Archer''s body she acted on the theory she had quickly devised.


    Ash moved faster than anyone could comprehend and before anyone could process what was happening Erza was casually thrown at the flaming Archer. It all happened in the blink of an eye that even Erza didn''t realize until she was on a collision course with Archer, who was engulfed in an uncontrollable flame.


    Ash smiled when the flames vanished into nothingness just a milisecond before Erza impacted her and they both tumbled to the floor.The smile was replaced by a small laugh as she realised she was right. Who would''ve thought. Her sister truly was unique wasn''t she? Instead of being her weakness these feelings bring an unknown control over herself. What an odd one,that sister of hers. She just made her job far easier.


    Archer was staring at the ceiling of the guild as she tried to register what just happened. She was panting as the burning pain of her fire slowly faded away and the anger,fear and panic went with it. She was soon sitting up to make sure Erza was alright to find her already staring at her with obvious relief in her eyes.


    "You''re okay?" She asked


    "I should be asking you that" Archer managed a smile before looking at her sister with accusation in her eyes. "Why must you always provoke me to that point?"


    "So you can learn control, sister dearest,just as I did" she admitted with a casual shrug and smile. "I wasn''t sure how to teach you control,but now I have a very adequate idea involving that redhead there"


    "You thought it was a good idea to throw Erza at me? Are you demented?" Archer had to resist the urge to straight out slap her older sister simply because she knew that would end with her face on the hard wood floor. "She could''ve gotten hurt"


    Ash said nothing. She was not going to hurt some random human for the sake of testing a theory. She would intervene if she thought she would be harmed,but she knew better. She didn''t need to know what happened that led to her wearing something that belonged to her sister. All she needed was their mixed scent. That was more than enough to let her know her sister cared for this girl greatly. And seeing as her sister was never the typical Phoenix she somehow expected she would be different when it came to the emotions and magic department.


    "You know me better than that Archer" she finally spoke,but did not meet the eyes of her sister. Instead she was looking to the old man who seemed dumbstruck by her presence. He must be surprised to have anothet phoenix in the building.


    "Hold on" Cana interjected after deciding she had been quiet for long enough. "You''re really Archer''s older sister?"


    "She''s horrible"


    "I am not" Ash refuted. She did not believe she was a terrible sister for all she did was for the best interest of her younger even if Archer wont admitted. "I am a typical older sister"


    Lisanna and every dragon slayer or younger sibling nodded to this statement. They each had experience with an older sibling and knew they could be monsters for absolutely no reason at all.


    "Why are you here?"


    "Never mind that" Ash waved off the statement the minute it left Archer''s mouth. Instead she had an inquiry of her own as she eyed the redhead she had so rudely thrown onto her sister. "You care for this redhead so please explain what your relationship is"


    She was standing before a surprised Erza within the span of a second and scrutinizing her very obviously.


    "She''s a pretty little thing too. Is she your lover?" She asked quite bluntly with a side glance at her sister who seemed bothered by her closeness to Erza. "She''s wearing something belonging to you so she must be. You''re already this possessive of her, I wonder how long this has been going on or exactly how deeply you care for her. I am very interested in the details dear sister"


    Erza was slowly blending with her hair color while Archer tried to find words to answer her sister''s comments and questions. In the end she sighed knowing it would be hard to keep her composure around the elder Phoenix,for she was the only one capable of bringing out parts of Archer no one has had the p???sur? of seeing. This point was quickly proven when Ash turned to face her sister with a suggestive smile and the younger reacted with pink cheeks.


    "When are you going to claim your mate sister?"


    "Asher"


    Ash quirked a brow and said nothing further. Whenever her full name was used she knew to back down lest her sister starts plotting revenge.


    "I digress" she held both hands up in a form of surrender. "For now. We will come back to this"


    "I would rather not"


    "Is that a blush I see? Is Archer Phoenix actually flustered?" Mira beamed from a distance away, enjoying the turn or events. She knew today would be interesting since she was sure the idiots she had been supporting for all these years finally took her advice,but with the appearance of Archer''s sister things exceeded her expectations. And she was happy about it.


    "I hate that you and Ash will get along" Erza couldn''t help her words because it was true. The minute those two took the time to have a conversation,which will be very soon she''s sure, they will unfortunately find they are compatible individuals who will most likely form a terrifying friendship. But on the other hand Mira''s statement had her looking to Archer who was indeed flustered and was trying very hard to compose herself. She was failing greatly for her sister was not as relenting as she said she would be and while Erza felt bad for her she found her to be quite adorable this way. A blushing Archer was something never seen before and truly a treasure.


    "Ah, Erza, I think your name was" Ash was again focused on Erza as she still had many questions in store. "I w-"


    Before she could get her words out Archer had grabbed her by the collar and very rudely pulled her away from the redhead. She did not need her asking questions that would surely embarrass her knight


    "That was very rude of you" the elder didn''t seem bothered at all as she rubbed her hands on her dress to straighten out none existent wrinkles.


    "You''re curiosity knows no bounds" Archer pointed out.


    "Neither does yours" with a smile Ash leaned to the side and looked right past Archer and to Erza. "I apologise for my sister''s behaviour towards me. She''s making me seem like some fiend"


    "You act like one"


    "Audacity is on sale today isn''t it?"


    ~~~~~~~~


    "Has she ever told you about the time she fell face first into a grand cake?"


    Archer didn''t know how her sister ended up on the train with them,but there she was shamelessly telling all of her most mortifying stories. She said nothing for she knew nothing she said would stop elder phoenix from exposing her so cruelly to the only two who knew the most about her. For all their knowledge they were not aware of the moments where Archer was truly an idiot. They have witnessed the times this idiocy tried to surface,but it never got the spotlight. And now with all those stories being told they get to enjoy the thought of a mortified Archer.


    "How did you fall face first into a cake?" her laughter could not be held in as Erza pictured the incident in her head. What could have possibly led to that?


    "An unfortunate series of events"


    "She was running from our parents" came the blunt truth from Asher.


    Silver almost chocked on air as a laugh spilled from her guts. She couldn''t imagine Archer running from anyone and most definitely not to the point where she wasn''t aware of her surroundings.


    "Why are you here?" Archer had to ask that again since she failed to get an answer the first time around


    "Im supposed to help you learn control"


    "But instead you''re telling my childhood stories"


    "Yes" she smiled brightly revealing sharp teeth. "And how does that make you feel?"


    "Annoyed"


    "I can tell since your temperature has been steadily increasing with each story told" she pointed out. "Flames will start manifesting if you do not manage yourself"


    Of course that was Asher''s way of teaching her control; aggravating her to dangerous levels.


    "Are you sure it''s the best idea to aggravate her?" Erza wondered when she touched her skin to feel the incredible increase in her already higher temperature. It almost burned which had her pulling her hand away.


    "It''s perfectly fine,you''re sitting right there"


    "What do I have to do with it?"


    "She''s more in control when around you" Silver informed as she decided to climb onto Asher''s shoulder. The elder simply let the feline have her way and even helped her in her endeavour. "Your hair is far longer than Archer''s"


    "It''s been growing far longer than her own" was the reply as she petted the curious exceed. "You''re a fine creature"


    "Thank you"


    Archer sighed as she allowed herself fall right into Erza''s ??p and turn away from her sister in favour of nuzzling into the redhead for comfort.


    Her days were going to be far more chaotic with her sister now present

 Chapter 45 - 45

    Asher stood leaning against a building as red eyes followed a curious blonde wandering the streets of Hargeon town. The phoenix hardly blinked in her intent observation for it had been a long time since she last ran into a Heartfillia and this one bore a striking resemblance to one Anna Heartfillia. It could be pure coincidence or perhaps the Heartfilia genes was just that strong, which was impressive to her. The Heartfilias always produce such beautiful men and women that it was just offending at times. How dare they produce such amazing humans? It was a ridiculous thought and one pointed out by many including Anna herself ,but Asher could not help her somewhat childish thoughts.


    "Nero, do you see her?" Asher asked as she turned to her companion who stood silently at her side.


    The woman she was addressing tilted her head just slightly as if to get a better look at the young woman they had been following for the past hour. Of course she saw her, even through the curtain of azure that fell before her eyes. And yes she could see the startling resemblance between her and their beloved Anna. She would be blind and a liar if she said otherwise.


    "Of course I do,Ash" she finally replied after a long moment of silence. "Deviously beautiful offspring wouldn''t you say?"


    "Do not jest with me" deciding that they had been following the girl for long enough Asher watched her turn a corner before finally moving from her place against the wall. Walking past Nero she ignored her amused smile and looked to the sky in an effort to judge the time. "Producing humans that gorgeous is a crime and no one will convince me otherwise"


    "You''re an odd one, even more so than your younger sister" Nero followed after the retreating Asher ,having nothing better to do at the moment and wanting to spend a bit more time with her. Returning to the dragon realm was not within her list of things to do on this day for Igneel and the others were most likely up to some ridiculous scheme. "And it''s been four hundred years. You''d think you''d get over your little ...well I''m not sure what it is with you and the Heartfillia"


    "They''re beautiful" was the argument to Nero''s words which only amused her further. Asher has her moments of being a ridiculous woman and this was one of them. "Every offspring they produce is magnificent and it is offending to me,because why must they be so attractive?"


    Their men are always handsome and their women some of the most beautiful she has had the p???sur? of meeting.


    "So they offend you?" Nero quirked a brow in question as they stopped before a stand selling the latest sorcerer weekly.


    "Yes"


    "But you adore them at the same time"


    "Yes"


    "Frustrating,no?"


    "Yes" the Phoenix focus was directed at the front page of the popular magazine while Nero leaned over her shoulder to get a look as well. Fairy tail again,specifically the well known duo that is Archer and Erza.


    "All of this attention just because they''ve never seen her face"


    "And because her gender is something they cannot identify"


    "Yet they fawn over her" Nero furrowed her brows in apparent confusion at the humans actions. They are unaware of her gender and her facial appearance as well as many other things about her and yet they fall head over heels for her.


    "I cannot fault the humans for that" Asher radiated pride that she hid very poorly. "We Phoenix are quite attractive"


    "Then something must''ve went horribly wrong with you"


    There was a long silence as the words took their sweet time reaching Asher and even longer for her to fully comprehend that this woman had insulted her. The look of both offence and betrayal she wore on her face was comedic and tore immediate giggles from the humanoid dragon.


    "Dragon" Asher turned to fully face the woman she had known for many, many years. These words did not hurt as much as she pretended they did,however, they were still a great offence. "You have the audacity to say such a thing? Are you not my greatest companion? My most beloved dragon? My sweet,sweet Nero whom I would never harm in any way? Your words wound me,truly"


    Nero bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from bursting into a fit of laughter at her words. She was far too dramatic for no reason at all and she knew she was holding back a laugh of her own from the way her lips twitched ever so slightly. When she could take it no more she turned her back to her and coughed as if that would help against her growing laughter.


    "I understand now why Archer tires of you" Nero let out a snicker which was answered by one of Asher''s own.


    "My younger sister loves me despite my childish behaviour at times and I her" Asher continued her trek through the sizable town with no clear destination.


    "She wasn''t capable of understanding her feelings towards me at that stage,but I suppose she did adore me"


    The memory was fresh in her mind even if it was four hundred years ago. Archer made a habit of following her around everywhere she went. She would never speak nor would she actually approach her, but just lurk nearby,carefully watching with eyes filled with emotions she could not comprehend.


    "She was precious" Asher allowed a small smile at the imagine of her younger sister. " Still is"


    "And here I was thinking you were a terrible sister"


    The comment was ignored completely,but the way she folded her arms over her ?h?st said enough to the dragon. She allowed herself a laugh at her reaction before hurrying to catch up and walk at her side. It was always amusing to poke at her about her behaviour for she would react in such an entertaining manner"


    "You are provoking"


    "As are you"


    "I suppose this is why my sister never remains with us when we are together"


    "She hates to be around us even more so when Ios is present"


    "Well the last I saw and heard of him he was pulled into a scruffle with igneel and the rest. Im not sure how that ended,but i suppose those idiots ended up poisoned" Nero recalled. "Again"


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    Lucy was very unimpressed as she stood at the very back of a crowd of raging fan girls surrounding a famous mage. Her arms were folded over her ?h?st as she eyed him from head to toe before her eyes fell on the ring he sported. It took her little time to realize that he was using charm magic,which would explain the crowd of girls because this man was in no way that attractive. And was he truly Salamander of Fairy Tail? She was doubting it,but one could never truly know. She''d hate to think a mage of Fairy Tail would use a charm spell,for they were illegal and immoral amongst other things. With a quirked brow she listened to what he was spouting before turning on her heels to leave,having lost interest in this man and his nonsense. The girls fawning over him would be relieved of his spell at some point and it wasn''t entirely dangerous as far as she could see.


    "Salamander?"


    A questioning voice had her stopping in her tracks as she turned back to the crowd she had been retreating from. Her eyes landed on a little girl who could be no more than thirteen if she guessed correctly. On her shoulder sat a white feline dressed in a cute little dress,but with a glare hard enough to kill. Lucy hummed for she recognized this little girl as Wendy Marvel of Fairy Tail, otherwise known as the Sky Maiden and the mage belonging to the guild''s strongest team. She was considered one of the strongest mages despite being so young and while some failed to understand why this child was so high in ranking Lucy could recognize talent and potential and this girl had both in abundance.


    When this so called Salamander got a look at her he was pensive until she took a step towards him which had his smile falling. He turned to the women he had charmed with a dramatic bow and say of goodbye before flying off on created flames. The young mage only watched him go with furrowed brows before eyes landed on the women who were fawning over him. With a simple hand motion she mumbled a spell and the charm was broken, leaving the women confused as to how they had gotten there and why they were there in the first place.


    "You should''ve stopped him right then and there, child" the feline, Carla spoke in a scolding manner as the two retreated from the scene.


    "I could''ve, but I heard that he has something planned on a yacht later today so I figured I should wait until then, this way catching him in what many accused him of with far more evidence and also capturing any who work with him" Wendy explained herself as she tugged lightly on the edges of her dress.


    Carla remained quiet with a proud smile on her face,for that was a good plan and it was spoken with confidence. And that was good, she was confident and independent,needing to rely on no one for she was capable enough.


    Wendy glanced at Lucy upon hearing her words before smiling kindly in thanks. She had noticed her approach and could feel no ill intent from her so she had let her follow her ,patiently waiting for her to finally address her.


    "Thank you"


    Lucy stared for a moment as she was surprised by the sheer cuteness of this pre teen. Her adorable looks and personality was just two of the reasons people fawned over her more than her teammates.


    "He isn''t the real Salamander, right?" Lucy already knew the answer to that,but felt more ?ssured of her realization when Wendy nodded.


    "I came out here because of him. He''s doing terrible things and tarnishing the Fairy Tail name" Wendy informed. There was that and the fact that Natsu wasn''t available at the moment for he was off on a mission with Lisanna. Sting and Rogue had something else to do and Gajeel recently left with Levy, leaving her,so she took it upon herself to investigate this so called Salamander. "I''m Wendy by the way"


    "I know and I''m Lucy"


    "Nice to meet you Lucy"


    She looked exactly like Anna and Wendy had to refrain from commenting on that. She kept glancing at her every few seconds,noticing every similarity and wondering how their genes could be so strong.


    The Heartfilia were truly something else.


    The little group ended up in a local diner somehow and were enjoying a meal while getting to know each other. Wendy learned that Lucy was a budding mage who wished to join the Fairy Tail guild. She found it somewhat funny how she would be added to the guild as well. Was it coincidence that the Heartfillia ended up in the same guild as the dragon slayers her ancestor took care of or was there truly such a thing as destiny? Archer would vote for the latter. In fact she did remember her saying something that would suggest she knew Lucy would end up with them at some point. She always knew far more than she let on at times.


    As far as Wendy knew Heartfillias were kind people, or at least Anna was a very kind person and Lucy seemed to have adopted that as well. She continuously thanked her for buying her lunch even though she had the money to pay for herself. She said something about it being a thank you of sorts for helping those girls snap out of the deception being used on them. Either way she was grateful for the food since she was starving.


    "I''ve got a request, feel free to turn it down" Lucy leaned forward on her elbows with a smile slowly spreading. Wendy raised both brows in question while Carla simply glanced at her in silence.


    "And that is?"


    "You''re trying to take this guy down,right?" She received a nod of confirmation. "So why don''t I help you?"


    "And what exactly are you getting out of this?" Carla finally spoke after her long minutes of silence for she was not about to let someone take advantage of the sometimes naive Wendy.


    "Nothing much, I just despise scum like him is all" Lucy replied with a somewhat casual shrug while unconsciously fixing her collar which had gotten out of place somehow. "I recognised him as a member of that one dark guild, I think his name''s Bora and I''ve also heard that he gets up to some illegal stuff at times such as selling people off to slavery, specifically women"


    Ah well, it seemed Lucy knew far more than they thought. Her smile was lost as she stared off into the distance with a hard gaze before releasing a huff of breath.


    "I just need to get his attention and be invited to this so called yacht party of his"


    "I would feel really bad if you got hurt" Wendy voiced her worries with a downcasted gaze.


    "I''ll be fine,I promise"


    ~~~~~~~~


    Sadly, to attract the attention of a man such as Bora,Lucy had to change out of her former clothes so that is why she found herself in some of her less combat oriented clothing. It made her appear as a harmless teenager excitingly reading the latest of sorcerer weekly. While the former was very much a lie the latter was not for she was truly invested in the magazine. She lingered on the page featuring the model of the guild better known as Mirajane Straus. The she devil was portrayed as a very appealing dom in most of her shoots which had Lucy seriously wondering. Then there was Archer Phoenix who could always be found in the trademark mask. No one besides those present in the guild had the p???sur? of seeing their face. Lucy like many could not help but wonder what Archer''s gender was. Fairy tail truly was an amazing guild and was always on the front page of the popular magazine. If it''s not their well known model or their local mystery mage it was their strongest team and the destruction they would mostly cause when things get out of hand. That team of dragons was truly something else. From what she had observed the destruction was always caused by just two of their members. Natsu Dragneel and Sting Eucliffe.


    "Interested in joining Fairy Tail?"


    Popping out of a bush behind her wasn''t creepy at all. And yes she was interested in joining fairy tail,not that he would be of any help. She had to resist a glare when she looked at him and instead hid it with an innocent smile.


    Act as if he was your idol, the only one you adored more than the guild itself. Put on a pretty face and play to the naive girl he though you were.


    Those were the words she silently told herself in an effort to keep from doing anything rash. It wasn''t that hard to put up an act,for she had been doing it for most her life. It was simple enough as well. Just dont let them know that she was anything other than what she was painted out to be. Play to what they wanted to believe that way it''ll be easier to win them over.


    So she smiled sweetly for him and told herself to wait patiently for the moment she got to punch his face in.


    "If it isn''t Salamander" she tried very hard to hide the snark in her voice and succeeded since he didn''t seem at least bothered by her words. Or that could just be his idiocy.


    "The one and only" he stood proud with self obsorbant smile on his face and not so subtly flashed the ring he wore. Lucy quirked a brow and he wore a look of confusion when she was in no way affected by the spell. With a cough he tried to hide his obvious reaction and instead wore his "charming" smile again. "And I, Salamander of Fairy Tail,would like to invite you to a party on my yacht later tonight"


    Lucy smiled brightly at the invite. That was far easier than she thought,but she was not going to complain.


    "Sure,I would be honored"


    ~~~~~~~~~


    Lucy stared down at the wine stained carpet with a pensive frown. He tried to drug her. And it was fairly obvious too. Huh. Look at that,now he had red wh?n? all over that beautiful carpet. Now he was pissed because she so rudely slapped the drink out of his hands. And now he was degrading her with all kinds of terrible words. She looked at him,brows furrowing the longer he spouted his nonsense while his men surrounded her. He tried to drug her and was now attempting to forcefully subdue her. So if she attacked him, it would be in self-defense. So the time had finally arrived.


    She could finally punch his face in.


    Finally. She was getting tired of him.


    "What is it with men thinking they can own a woman?" She asked with genuine curiosity before connecting her fist to Bora''s face. He dropped to the floor in pain, surprise written all over his face. A bloody nose suited him quite well now that she got a look at it. He must be in some terrible pain.


    "Don''t just stand there!" Bora shouted at his men who were frozen to their spot in shock at having witnessed the recent scene. They all knew Bora as a strong individual and to see him on the floor with a bloody nose because of some dumb blonde was surprising. "Get her!"


    With his orders they regained themselves and moved to attack only to all be sent flying by a strong gust of wind.


    "Are you okay?" Wendy quickly approached Lucy,who looked at her with amazement. Why was she so casual after she just sent everyone flying with the mere flick of her wrist? She knew this kid was strong but was unaware of exactly how much power she held.


    And where exactly did she come from?


    "I''m fine"


    Her words were only believed once Wendy took a good look at her. Once the child was satisfied she finally took a look around the room only for her eyes to meet the terrified of Bora. She quirked a brow and he took a step back in fear.


    "Salamander?" Wendy questioned as she stepped towards him,not stopping even when he was backed against a wall. "If I''m not mistaken Salamander is the monicker given to Natsu Dragneel,my elder brother"


    "Ah well you see , it''s not what it looks like" Bora tried to distract her while worked on conjuring one of his strongest attacks. He was no fool and knew exactly who this kid was and what team she belonged to. She was the real deal and unless he watched every single step he took he would most likely be in a world of pain.


    "It''s never what it looks like" a white feline was on his shoulder,scaring him half to death. "At least when it comes to those accused, no?"


    "You go around telling everyone you''re Salamander of Fairy tail all the while dealing in illegal businesses,thrashing both my brother''s and fairy tail''s reputation in the process. Next to that you use illegal magic to trick women into admiring you just so you can sell them off as slaves all for your selfish d?s?r?s. You do not care about what happens to others as long as you benefit" Wendy ranted with each step towards the guilty man. "So explain to me how this is not what it looks like"


    Lucy could only watch in silence as the young girl stared the pathetic flame user down. Her eyes traveled to the blue insignia on her shoulder and could not help,but admire the guild she was apart of. Some of the strongest mages originate from that guild and all of them treat each other like family and would even go this far for each other. She could tell that Wendy was seriously angry, even more so when Bora tried to spout nonsensical lies about his situation and what he has been doing.


    "I would suggest getting off this ship before it capsizes"


    Asher blinked when she found herself at the end of a very sharp dagger that was most definitely infused with some very dangerous magic. Instead of feeling threatened in any way she wore a look admiration at how fast she reacted. That was truly impressive.


    "Who the hell are you?" The blade was pressed harder against the flesh of her neck at the question and she was pushed against a wall. Asher stared for a long moment before releasing a chuckle.


    What an interesting situation.


    "Asher Phoenix at your service, princess" she relaxed against the wall and waited patiently to be released,but that did not happen.


    "Ash, what are you doing here?"


    "Don''t mind me,dear Wendy, I was just curious is all" Asher smiled at the young girl before her eyes returned to Lucy. "And I would suggest you hurry this up because Nero is just outside and is about ready to sink this ship"


    "She''s a friend then?" It appeared so,but Lucy did not release her until she received a confirmation. With the nod of Wendy''s head she took a step back ,only to end up against a wall within seconds. Her surprise was momentarily before she reacted by spinning her blade between her fingers and bringing it to the back Asher''s neck.


    "Asher!" Wendy seemed more embarrassed than anything else.


    Asher had her pinned securely against the wall with fingers wrapped loosely around her neck. She eyed her intently as a sly smile spread across her face.


    "You let go or I stab you in the neck" Lucy threatened.


    Asher chuckled again before complying and carefully stepping away from the blonde.


    "Why did you do that?!" Wendy was holding Bora by the collar, after disabling him when he tried to attack her. The way she dragged him made it very clear that his weight did little to bother her. "She could''ve stabbed you"


    "And I could''ve chocked her" Asher replied, a smile still very present and eyes still locked on the brown of Lucy.


    Before any of the two could form a reply, the ship jerked roughly, sending them all flying to the side. Asher crashed into a sofa with a small laugh of amusement to the confusion of Lucy.


    "Nero, you could stand to wait just a bit longer"

 Chapter 46 - 46

    Wendy sighed when she stood before the doors to her guild. It was noisy as always and from the ruckus she knew there was most likely a very lively party taking place. What they were celebrating was something she never figured out and never truly tried to really. Fairy tail just likes to party and that was the end of that story. Standing at her side Lucy could do little to suppress her excitement as she gazed upon the building with eyes of admiration and wonder. She was finally here. She finally made it to the guild she had dreamed of being part of. She never thought she would actually be standing where she currently was. She dreamed of this day,but never believed it could become a reality. Not with her overbearing father constantly looming over her head, always trying to control her life. But here she was before the one and only Fairy tail about to become a full fledged member and mage.


    When Wendy fully prepared herself for what she would be revealing to Lucy she finally pushed the doors open,slowly revealing the guild in all its glory.


    "Welcome to fairy tail"


    A party was in full swing as every member induldged in the celebration. Drinks were dealt and passed and multiple conversations were unfolding. Gray was shirtless as he always was while engaging in a very unfair arm wrestle with Elfman. At the bar Mira was handling the beverages while yelling at Wakaba for asking her out again and was apparently going to throw a mug at him until Cana quickly snatched it out of her hands in favor of gulping it down herself. Thankfully there wasn''t a raging fight taking place at the moment and Wendy supposed it was because the instigators weren''t present at the moment. That was a big relief because Archer and Erza weren''t going to be back for another day or two and they were the only ones who could stop the guild from falling apart.


    Lucy wore a goofy smile as she took in the complete chaos in the guild. She had heard a lot about the guild and how rowdy they are,but experiencing it in person was so much better than she imagined. She was so lost in her excitement that she was unaware of Wendy carefully taking her hand and expertly guiding her through the guild and to the bar. It was only when Mira stood in front of her that she snapped out of her head and brought herself back to the current happenings


    "This is Lucy and she would like to join the guild" Wendy gently nudged her forward with her introduction. "Lucy this is Mira and that''s Cana"


    Lucy refused to let her fan girl come out at meeting both the local model and drunk who just so happen to be featured in multiple magazines, all of which she made sure to read. Even if she refused to smile like a dummy she couldn''t fully hide how much of a fan she was for Cana laughed knowingly,but didn''t say anything.


    "Welcome to Fairy Tail where we fight and party everyday" Mira grinned. "Are you sure you want to join this guild?"


    "Hey, if she wants in she must be as crazy as us and if not she''ll be gone by next week" those were the words of Cana who then glared at Wakaba when he again tried to get Mira''s attention. "Oi! Don''t make me go talk to your wife old man!"


    There was silence as Wakaba realized she was dead serious so he kept his mouth shut and slowly sipped on his beer. Some of the members were laughing at him while others shook their head because he brought it upon himself.


    Although he was just joking.


    "Awe" Mira immediately migrated to the irritated Cana just to tease her. "Were you jealous?"


    Cana took a big swig of her beer before replying to the question,deciding to beat Mira at her own game.


    "As Archer would say, jealousy is wanting something you do not or cannot have. So no ,I was not jealous"


    Hooking a single finger under Mira''s chocker she pulled her closer until there was just inches of space between them. It would be so very easy for either of them to close the distance completely,but neither did. There was a smirk playing on her lips as her eyes flickered from wonderful blue eyes to enticing pink lips. Often times Mira was the one torturing her like this, the wonderful tease. And then there are moments such as this where Cana decides to be the tempress. Their closeness promised much and as she made to close the distance she stopped just a breath away, smirk growing when Mira released a sound of frustration.


    "I was simply territorial since I was protecting what is rightfully mine"


    "Damn it" Mira disappeared into the backroom for a mere thirty seconds before returning with a somewhat angered expression on her face as she refused to even look in Cana''s direction. That added another victory under her belt, officially making her own far more than those Mira had acquired. She would absolutely not stand for this. She did all of that and had the audacity not to kiss her. She did all of that for what?


    Meanwhile Cana didn''t seem bothered much as she continued to enjoy her alcohol all the while keeping a close eye on her pouting girlfriend. She was most likely going to try to ignore her until she could no longer pretend to be mad. Cana could always just give her what she wanted and be over and done with it,but she wasn''t one to give in that easily.


    "Fun duo,no?"


    What is it with people just randomly popping up behind her lately? She has had to point her dagger at people far more as of late and was seriously wondering why it was quickly becoming a usual. The woman finding herself at the end of her blade this time was one she had not met before,again. She was as calm as the last as she simply looked at her,then at the blade before quickly running a hand through short azure hair to clear her bangs. Baby blue eyes glimmered with an odd excitement,to Lucy''s wonder.


    "Very dangerous weapons you cary around" she commented as if she was talking about a nice top.


    "Very dangerous people walking around" was the just as casual reply.


    "Very dangerous predicament you''re in" came another voice behind her.


    Lucy quickly recognized it as Asher and made no move to face her for Nero was still unknown to her. She simply smiled as Asher did the day before and still did not even try to get away from her as if she was challenging her to do something,anything.


    "Friend of yours?"


    "I can see why you two get along" the dagger was expertly placed within her boot as she deemed Nero no threat, at least for the moment. Asher was... she was something,but she wasn''t terrible, her friend seemed to be the very same. "You''re both weird"


    "Asher!" Mira scrambled to catch the woman who was close to escaping the minute she heard her name being called. She was lucky to catch her by her collar and even more lucky when Asher did nothing to resist. She was pulled towards the bar and spun to face Mira, who looked at her accusingly. "You ran away"


    "I do not run away" Asher replied simply as she took a seat at the bar and was soon joined by Nero who had a smile of amusement on her face. "I simply had other matters to attend to"


    "You ran away" a stamp was placed on the bar before them, earning the attention of Asher, Nero and Lucy for they all knew what the stamp was. "Time for your mark"


    "I had ?ssumed both you and my sister had been jesting about me becoming a member of this rumbustious guild" she spoke as if this development disturbed her,but she was already working her shirt out of her pants to reveal her abdomen to Mira in an invitation. It didn''t matter much to her and she didn''t really mind having her name ?ssociated with the guild. And it''s not like she wasn''t already situated in the town and visited the guild regularly. Mira was right, she was a member in every other sense so why not just get the guild insignia stamped on her body?


    "Where and what color?" the cheer in her voice was as clear as day as Mira brandished the stamp proudly.


    "Above my right hip, the color is of no importance"


    "Alright, random color it is" the take over mage seemed far too excited for what she was about to do. Pressing the stamp into the colorless ink she looked to Lucy and Nero, both watching with interest in the process. "You two are next"


    "Me?" Nero wondered, incredulous.


    Nero was about to point out that she was only there because Archer never forced her back to the dragon realm. However, to be fair Archer gave them all the freedom they needed to do as they pleased. Her reasoning was always that she did not own them and they were not celestial spirits so there was no need to limit them. So she was free to do whatever it is she wanted in the human world.She supposed joining this little guild could be one of her enjoyable endeavors. In the end she said nothing further nor did she try to repudiate the idea. She just silently watched as Asher received her own trademark stamp, curious as to the color she would receive. At her left Lucy seemed to mirror her in that department, although there was more excitement on her part. She couldn''t suppress her smile at the moment and Nero was sure she would like to. She was absolutely beaming. She must really love this guild.


    "I''m curious as to why you want to join this merry band of misfits" she decided to ask the blonde,knowing she might not get the answer seeing as the blonde wasn''t very fond of her, or at least it seemed that way. It did little to stop her curiosity, however.


    Lucy side eyed her, very much untrusting of the woman she had just met. There was a silence between them for a long couple of seconds and Nero was sure she would get no answer from her. Then she released a deep sigh, eyes far off as if she was lost in a memory.


    "My mother"


    That was all she said before she was staring off to her side in a somewhat sorrowful silence. Nero knew not to press for more information as it seemed to be a sore subject. But she did look to Asher who was staring at her with no clear expression on her face. Her friend appeared to have something to say,however, she decided against it. Both of them were aware of Layla Heartfillia and what had happened,as avoidable as it was. Asher kept in contact with both her and Anna,knowing something could happen to either of them. She knew this, yet she was unable to save her, leaving Lucy without a mother. As good as Asher was at burying her true emotions or anything that happens to bother her, Nero knew her well enough and she knew she places blame on herself for what had happened.


    She could have prevented it,yet she failed.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    "A fight was inevitable"


    Those were the wise words of Nero to Lucy as they both quietly watched the battle royal suddenly taking place. Lucy had no idea how things had come to what it was and frankly she didn''t entirely care as long as no one approached her. She held her hand before her, smiling at the pink mark decorating the back of her hand. It had a certain magical tingle to it as it still worked into her skin,but she loved it. All the chaos happening around her went unnoticed as she simply admired the insignia and all it stood for. Her mother had shown it to her when she was younger, a smile always on her lips when she spoke of this guild. The insignia was supposed to be a fairy with a beautiful tail ,as was the name of the guild. She had wondered as a child. Do fairies exist? If so, do they have tails? Her mother had simply giggled at the look of confusion on her face and gently explained what it meant to her.


    Romantic in some sense.


    "Fairy tail is more than a guild. It is a family and family do everything and anything for each other" fond words of her mother came to her as she watched the chaos unfolding before her. She always loved to hear srories of her adventures with this guild for it never failed to be filled with wonders. Her mother enjoyed talking about her days as a mage as much as she enjoyed hearing it. She would speak of the friendships made. The adventures. The fun. She wanted to experience that for herself and she was finally getting the chance to.


    If only her mother was here to see it. She would be overjoyed and so very proud. Maybe if she was still around her father would support her as she did.


    Someone was easily tossed across the building and she b?r?ly bat an eye. Brown eyes scanned the guild intently in search of whatever celestial spirit was residing within the chaos. She could feel it the moment she walked into the guild and had only then gave it her focus. It was a strong pull on her senses so it was very hard to ignore and also very easy to track. Her eyes landed on a familiar redhead by the name of Loke. He had been featured in sorcerer weekly many a times for his good looks and charm. He had all the girls falling head over heels for him and she could understand why. He was indeed very attractive and from what she could currently see he was very charming as well. His high ranking was understandable. What Lucy could not understand is why she could feel no connection from him. As in she could tell he was not contracted to anyone and was present by his own power. And from what she knew of him he was a member of this guild for a couple of years now. If he was truly relying on his own powers he was slowly and very painfully killing himself.


    "Highly attuned to your magical senses, I see"


    Lucy had almost forgotten that she had Nero and Asher flanked at her sides in her observation. They had taking a liking to her apparently and they showed it by constantly being nearby. It had been somewhat annoying for Lucy was constantly aware of their presence to their amusement. When she found a place in the corner, away from all the fighting they were at her side within moments, questions at the ready even when she sent them away. They were very odd to her and she needed to adapt quickly because this was her new life apparently.


    "That is Leo" Asher spoke once again when Lucy acknowledged her words with a nod. "I believe you know of him"


    "Leader of the zodiac and apparent strongest" at least that is what she had heard. Her mother was in possession of this key at one point in time,yet she never had the p???sur? of meeting him. "Is there a celestial wizard in the guild?"


    "Not technically,no" Nero decided to exclude Archer for she really wasn''t a celestial mage. "Leo has no contract"


    "No" the words earned Asher a look of confusion from the blonde. If he was not contracted and not using his own magic,how was he present in their world? "Your bewilderment is understandable. You see,my sister is the one keeping him here. He is in no way suffering or killing himself for my sister''s magic is enough to keep him in this world for as long as he wished to roam it"


    "So you really are related to Archer" it was a statement as it was very obvious by the name and silver hair. She wondered if they were twins,if so she actually did get to see Archer''s face didn''t she? "Older, younger?"


    "Older"


    "By how many years?"


    "Over four hundred"


    A blank stare was her reaction to the words spoken so casually. Asher only smirked as she patiently awaited for the information to settle and be fully processed. It was always so entertaining to see the reactions to her age be it human or not. She glanced at Nero, who was silently laughing at the expression Lucy was making.


    Slowly a discernible expression found her face and it was one neither expected. It was one of acceptance. That was not the usual reaction to such a disclosure.


    "You''re an actual phoenix,aren''t you?" Lucy asked and didn''t wait for a response. "My mother talked about you guys a lot when I was a kid. She told me you were real. And dragons too"


    "Did she now?" That would make sense. Of course Layla informed her daughter of their existence. "Well, Nero there is the queen of the water dragons"


    A single brow raised when she switched to Asher and asked just as many questioned just as rapidly. It had been a long time since she had been questioned so precisely. Lucy wanted to know everything about her, from her phoenix form to the myth of their rebirth.


    "Curious little princess, isn''t she?" The words were directed at Nero,but her eyes were locked on the chocolate brown of the curious Lucy. Nero giggled in reply to the words and the look of offence on Lucy''s face.


    "That she is" she had to agree wholeheartedly for she couldn''t have said it better. "I find it quite adorable"


    Lucy looked between the two, stuck between being offended and embarrassed by their words and stares. Why must they be this way with her? And they made no move to hide how much they enjoyed what they did.


    "Little princess" the words were uttered with a scoff.


    "Would you like to be called something else, sweetheart?" Asher teased.


    "We''ll be more than happy to discover names for you, precious" Nero joined with a sly smile to Lucy''s embarrassment.


    "Just call me Lucy" she looked straight ahead of her,deciding not to look either of them in the eye. Nope. She was not playing their little game. Just ignore them and don''t take the bait. That would be far easier were they not as attractive as they are and attracting all her attention. She was fascinated by them for they were not humans,but then they had to do this.


    At the bar Mira was smiling like a madman with eyes rooted on the three new members of the guild. Cana looked at her before following her gaze and lingering. She sighed and took a sip of beer,knowing Mira had just found her next project and that she would have to help in her endeavors. She glanced back to the trio and couldn''t help her smirk. Of course those two would double team, they weren''t past sharing after all. She could only imagine having to deal with them and wondered if Lucy could handle it. The blonde was a soft shade of pink as the phoenix and dragon continued to tease her with all sorts of pet names.


    She almost pitied her.


    "Welcome to the guild blondie"

 Chapter 47 - 47

    "Cut it out you fools!"


    The entire guild froze upon hearing the booming voice, causing everyone to immediately stop what they were doing. Lucy looked up at the giant figure in question before casually tossing the poor member she had knocked out. In her defense, he had started it so of course she had to end it. Shaking out her hand she stepped over the pile of bodies she had accumulated, ignoring their groans of pain as she did. Looming over her was the man she recognized as Makarov, the guild master. His magic allowed him to change his size quite easily and it was being displayed right in front of her. She had wondered when he would come out his office. Once everyone recovered themselves he shruk down to his original size and hopped onto the railing of the second floor. He held a stack of papers in his hand with a look of frustration. Lucy could see the stamp of the council on the very top and concluded that they were the complaints directed at the reckless guild. She also realized that Nero was the cause of Hargeon port''s destruction. She didn''t know how she almost forgot about that. Multiple ships were riddled to nothing,but scrap and the port was none existant. It was all accidental apparently,but they still had to flee before the military arrived and arrested them.


    Whatever happened to the port after that?


    "You''ve done it again fools!" He boomed as he held the documents high. "Look at the stack of complaints the council dumped on me"


    "Gray!"


    The half n?k?d mage perked at his name,but refused to meet Makarov''s eyes.


    "You did a fine job completing your mission,but you walked around n?k?d after that and later stole und?rw??r that was hung out to dry"


    He did what? Lucy looked to him in surprise. She had heard of the ice mage who could not keep his clothes on,but that was far more than she had expected. Did he really lose his clothes and proceed to steal some random person''s und?rw??r? She could faintly hear him commenting on how it would have been much worse had he remained n?k?d in all his glory.


    "Elfman!"


    Elfman flinched,but not because he was being scolded by his master,but because he immediately earned a look from his older sister. When she asked how his mission went he told her it went smoothly with no incidents.


    "You were supposed to protect a VIP but instead you attacked him!"


    He obviously lied to his elder sister


    "It went smoothly you say?" Mira scoffed.


    "He said men are all about education so....I may have went a bit too far" Elfman admitted with a sad puppy air.


    "Cana!"


    The brunette almost chocked on her beer when her name was called. It couldn''t be about her alcohol spree the other day. There was no way they found out.


    "You drank 15 barrels of alcohol and charged it to the council"


    "And Mira you were with her,you could''ve done something"


    That comment was completely ignored as the take over mage pretended to be too focused on cleaning the mugs at the bar.


    Fifteen barrels? Lucy didn''t know if she should be surprised or impressed by the amount Cana could consume. How had she not died from alcohol poisoning? She had heard great tales about the guild''s drunk and how high her alcohol tolerance was,but fifteen barrels was just ridiculous.


    The master sighed as his eyes landed on Asher and Nero, who met his gaze with a very innocent smile on both their lips. Lucy looked to them as well and knew what was coming.


    "Asher and Nero" Makarov seemed on the verge of giving up. Those two were odd ones who never actually caused him any trouble,but the one time they actually did,it was a big mess. "You two practically destroyed Hargeon port completely. Ships and possession were lost. The clock has been completely destroyed. Some houses almost suffered the consequences of whatever attack had taken place and the list goes on"


    At the mention of the clock, Wendy shifted from foot to foot, notably uncomfortable. Sitting on the table in front of her Carla just shook her head slowly at the guilty child,but made no comment. Slowly the young dragon slayer raised her arm to get the attention of her kind guild master.


    "What is it Wendy?"


    "Um...." She twidled with her thumbs with eyes on the floor and pink cheeks. "The clock is actually my fault"


    Yeah, that was totally on Wendy. Lucy could still remember the devastating roar that caused the destruction of the famous clock. She was almost swept away with the attack.


    "Yeah" she fiddled nervously. "I was really mad and things kinda spiraled and before I knew it the clock was destroyed"


    Makarov was silent for a moment before nodding. He really could not be mad at Wendy, she was such a sweet girl. On top of that she was a part of fairy tail,causing unnecessary damage was what they did best so Wendy was in no way in any trouble.


    "It''s okay kid, things happen" he reassured her with a kind smile before his hard gaze returned for the others,who were still in somewhat trouble." As for the rest of you..."


    A list of names was added to the already growing and Lucy was left to learn exactly how much damage this guild caused on a daily. How do they manage to pay for all of this, especially the destruction of towns. This happens very often.


    "Those guys at the council are pissed all the time because of this" they could hear the frustration in his voice and all looked down in shame at having disappointed their master. The only three who did not share their thoughts or emotions were Asher, Nero and Lucy. Lucy because she was new to the guild and actually did nothing wrong, while Asher and Nero could care less. To them the damage caused could be easily rectified, for they had both the money and capability to fix it should they want to.


    "However" Makarov stood proud with a smile on his face as he adressed those he saw as his own children. "I don''t want any of you to fear the fools on the council.Forget about them completely. Do whatever it is you think is right even if the higher ups end up mad, because that''s the way of the fairy tail mages!"


    So no one''s in trouble then?


    The guild erupted into loud cheers,obviously up lifted by their master''s speech and complete dismissal of what they had done apparently. At her side Lucy saw both Asher and Nero tense up just slightly as if the noise bothered them. Lucy realized it most likely did for they had enhanced senses.


    "Unnecessary" Asher mumbled as she worked on damping her senses when it started to hurt. She was not a fan of doing such a thing for it made her less aware of the world around her, which she wasn''t used to. But the guild was too loud at the moment so she''d have to unless she wanted bleeding ears.


    Speaking of home, Lucy had no place to stay.


    As if reading her thoughts Asher slung an arm loosely around her shoulder,smiling when she didn''t immediately try to stab her.


    "Have you acquired a living space yet, Princess"


    Lucy shrugged and shook her head. She wanted to say yes so she could leave her alone ,but on the other hand she may be able to help her out. She was more familiar with the town.


    "Oh?" Nero seemed far too happy about the answer. "Ah well, Asher and I live together in this nice three bedroom ap-"


    "No"


    ~~~~~~~~


    Asher and Nero were of little help to her for she was not going to take up their offer of a free place to stay. It was very tempting and very hard to turn down once they tried to negotiate,but she remained strong and decided to search the town for an apartment. She found one quite faster than she thought she would and was very happy with the offered price and with the apartment itself. It had no furniture safe for the bed and the single table in the kitchen,but that was perfectly fine. She had more than enough money to get what she needed to and if she ran out she would need to quickly find herself a mission. So her first three days in Magnolia was spent settling into her new apartment and discovering just how crazy the guild was. She had more fun in three days than she had in years with her father, which, she realized was very sad. Was he worried about her? She had left without letting anyone know. Telling him would do no good. He''d tried to keep her there and control her life for as long as she remained there. It was for the best. Perhaps he was mad instead. Most likely. After all, she was his only hope of keeping the money flowing wasn''t she?


    She sunk deeper into her tub with the though of her father. Her relaxing bath was becoming anything but at the moment. With a sigh she tried to forget about her father. Forget about the life she had left behind. Forget about all the pain. Things were different and they would never return to what it formally was. She wouldn''t allow it.


    As she stepped out of the bathroom she had to resist the urge to grab her dagger and impale the smug phoenix sprawled out on her couch. And she had to try even harder not the strangle the dragon who let herself into her room. Those two could never stay away from her for too long. After five days without them popping up she had ?ssumed they had no clue where she lived and she was happy about that. But here they are, in her apartment, making themselves very comfortable. She didn''t even try to kick them out. It would be useless because they wouldn''t leave or if they did they would only return some time later. They were always there and she was always aware of their presence,having trained herself to do so when growing up.


    "You were in there for quite some time" Asher commented with legs up on her coffee table and a magazine held before her. She looked as if she owned the place which was just insulting. "Whatever were you up to,princess?"


    "Don''t call me princess" Lucy walked into her room and fully ignored Nero,who quirked a brow at being so easily neglected. Audacious little thing she was.


    Nero shuffled out of Lucy''s way as she moved to her closet in search of clothes. The dragon stood in the door opening and silently watched her ruffle through articles of clothing. With each movement her towel threatened to just slip off and Nero could not help but wonder whether or not it actually would and what exactly the blonde would do to her when she got an eyefull.


    When she found her clothes of choice she stood in the middle of her room, her eyes on Nero, who did not move from her spot at the door. There was a long silence as they simply stated at each other until Lucy released a sound of frustration and pointed past the dragon, silently ordering her to leave.


    With a giggle the dragon royal obeyed and took a single step back. No sooner had she stepped away that the door was closing in her face and the sound of the locks could be heard. Since she was officially locked out of the room she decided to join Asher in her leisurely lounge and patiently await the annoyed blonde.


    "Apparently we get on her last nerves" Nero stated the obvious while trying to see what had Asher''s attention in the magazine.


    "Something Archer can relate to" the page was flipped,but all interest was already lost. The magazine was discarded,leaving her with nothing to occupy herself with but Nero, who quickly retrieved the discarded magazine. The dragon proceeded to settle into Asher''s side until she was comfortable before trying to find something entertaining. Asher let her head fall onto the backrest of the couch and aimlessly stared at the wooden ceiling and enjoyed the silence. It contrasted greatly with the loud guild she had so casually joined. How could Archer spend most of her time there anyway? She had to dampen her senses to a degree just to save her ears and she did not like that. Dampened senses make her less aware of everything around her and that was unnerving. You never know what could happen and missing even the slightest of hints could be dangerous. In Lucy''s quiet apartment her senses were at their highest without a single complication. Closing her eyes she focused on the world around her, her hearing reaching all the way past the streets packed with people.


    "So what exactly are you two doing here?" The blonde was fully dressed when she stepped out of her room ,immediately catching their eyes. She sighed for she could feel their eyes following her every move. "Why are you here?"


    "It''s in Shirotsume town" Nero informed. "We need to retrieve a book from the duke of Evaroo"


    "I feel like there''s another part to this and I won''t like it" saying that, Lucy took the mission sheet from Asher and read it for herself. It was indeed in Shirotsume town,which was conveniently nearby so that would be far easier. And they did need to get a book from this rich guy,but then there was the part she knew she would not like. There in the corner was a disclaimer stating that the man was a massive pervert and was now in search of a blonde maid.


    "Before you make your displeasure known,I would just like to say that I imagine you would look quite delicious in a maid uniform" Nero said as if it was supposed to make Lucy feel any different about the mission.


    "Yes, she would" Asher quickly agreed as she eyed her intently. "You would look ravishing"


    Lucy released a slow breath and connected with what ever god was keeping her calm all the while trying to suppress the blood rushing to her face. Why were they like this?


    "That doesn''t make me feel any better" she finally spoke as she disappeared into her kitchen in search of food. She stood before her fridge,idly searching for ingredients that would create her breakfast. After gathering what was needed the fridge was closed and she turned to place everything on the kitchen table only to come face to face with Nero.


    "Understandable,but it is a fairly easy mission that''ll earn you 200.000 jewel" the dragon stepped aside once Lucy didn''t try to go around her.


    "And what about you two?"


    "What about us?"


    "No?" Nero seemed confused as to why she would ask that. "We have no need for the money, while you do,seeing as you need to pay rent"


    "Yes,humans and their money" joining the two in the kitchen Asher wordlessly relieved Lucy of the ingredients she was carrying in favor of making something herself. "It often brings out the worst in you creatures"


    Lucy couldn''t help but agree,albeit silently. For some reason she wasn''t fully aware of Asher literally taking everything off her hands until a few moments later when the woman was carefully laying everything out before her and expertly gathered the essentials.


    "Would you happen to have an apron lying around, sweetheart?"


    Lucy was surprised by the sweetness in her voice and blankly directed her to the apron''s location. She heard Nero giggle in delight from her place at the kitchen table and fondly watched Asher don the apron with ease.


    "What is happening?" She could clearly see what was happening,but still felt the need to ask. Obviously Asher took it upon herself to prepare breakfast this morning. And that surprised her for some reason.


    "I''m preparing breakfast"


    "Why?" She was genuinely confused at the moment for she didn''t understand why Asher just walked into her kitchen and decided to cook.


    " Consider it an apology for entering your living space unannounced and without permission" Asher said after a minute of thought.


    "You dont have to" Lucy was trying to move her away from the counter to no avail. Asher was unmoving and simply watched her with clear amusement.


    "I insist"


    "And I''m saying you don''t have to" she again tried and failed which had her sighing in frustration. "Why are you so strong?"


    "You''re forgetting who you''re talking to" Asher had a firm grip on her jaw and tilted her head back, easily tempting her to meet her eyes as she smirked. "Now, you will sit and enjoy Nero''s company while I prepare breakfast"


    Nero had to suppress a broad smile while watching the interaction. Lucy was trying to avoid her eyes and also hide the clear blush on her face as she opened her mouth to clearly reject everything Asher had just said only to be silenced moments later. There was no hope for the blonde for she could clearly not disobey Asher,which came as little surprise seeing as it was Asher of all people.


    "Fine" she silently cursed at the way her voice had just slightly increased in pitch. She carefully reminded herself that she had only known the women in her house for less than five days. She knew nothing about them save for their names. They were practically strangers to her and rather bold too,for they have done nothing to hide the fact that they clearly have an attraction to her. The both of them,and they enjoy tormenting her in this way.


    Asher''s smirk turned to an actual smile as she released the blonde, who swiftly looked away, clearly not liking how she had reacted to the phoenix.


    "Good girl"


    Those words made her feel things she pointedly ignored as she sat herself next to the smiling Nero,who was clearly very amused. She was neglected for the second time that day for simply being there. She had said and done nothing to earn the cold shoulder other than simply watching and taking amusement. Her neglect was funny to her because she knew it was a hard thing to do for the blonde. From their interactions she knew Lucy was trained to be aware of anyone nearby and because of this ignoring her was far harder than she would like. For Nero this created a little game to play as she wondered how long she could fully neglect her until her instincts got the best of her.


    Lucy glanced at the silent dragon, watching her watch her back with her chin in her palm and eyes gleaming. All her focus was on her as she patiently waited to be addressed,or not. She was less forward than Asher up to this point, although she was the one who paid her far more attention in silence.


    "We vex you, yet you do not turn us out" she finally spoke.


    She was also the one who enjoyed conversing with her as well, no matter how weird their conversations can become.


    "You''ll only come back" Lucy replied while watching Asher work in the kitchen. "So it''s useless"


    "If you tell us not to,we will not" she was honest with her words and hoped that Lucy understood that.


    "Really?"


    Nero had to roll her eyes at the skeptical tone in her voice. "Yes,darling" there was almost an accent when she used the pet name which Lucy noticed.


    "Why do you guys even follow me around?" she couldn''t help but sigh with the question that earned her a look from Nero, silently questioning if she was serious.


    "I''m sure you know this,Darling. Why is it that you ask questions you already know the answer to?"


    "I need someone else to say it so the reality can sink in"


    "Very human of you" the dragon couldn''t help the quip.


    "Well,I apologize for being human" she said it sarcastically,but had taken no offense to the words.


    "Well if I must spell it out for you darling" Nero smiled,showing sharp teeth for the first time, grabbing Lucy''s interest. "That scandalous creature over there known as Asher and the magnificent royal that is I, Nero, are attracted to you,little human and us "following you" as you put it is our way of trying to learn more about you and impress you,I suppose"


    "Impress?" They were trying to impress? She said that as if she wasn''t a literal dragon who could conjure a massive wave with ease.


    "It appears she does not understand why there is a need to impress" after being silent for so long Asher finally spoke again as she appeared at their table to place plates of pancakes before each of them. "Do you have syrup?"


    "Top cabinet"


    She disappeared just to return within a second sporting a bottle of chocolate syrup which she expertly applied to the stacks of pancakes she had created.


    "As for the need to impress" she pulled a chair for herself as she spoke. "It is simply our way of doing things and has little to do with power, at least with us, I suppose. It is not us showing off either, but simply a way of letting you see what we can do for you,sweetheart"


    She hummed in understanding,looking at the pancakes before her differently now.


    "So the pancakes?"


    Asher nodded as she watched her expectantly while Nero already had food in her mouth with a look of glee.


    "Asher can cook" she m??n?d in delight which earned a smirk from the phoenix.


    "So can you ,dragon, do not flatter me"


    "As if it doesn''t inflate that big head of yours"


    "So this is primal" Lucy concluded after piecing everything together. She understood it when she said it that way for it made sense for them. They were not humans and as such had different customs,juxtaposed to them.


    "If that is the word you wish to use, then yes, it is primal" Asher still had that expectant look on her face and Lucy realized she wanted her to eat what she had made for her. It was kinda sweet that she wanted her to like her cooking.


    "I will be the one cooking next time, I promise" Nero stated as she too would like for Lucy to try her cooking. "Then you can tell us which is better"


    "I enjoy your cooking far more than my own, sweet Nero" Asher admitted with a shrug while pulling Nero''s plate over to herself.


    "And I enjoy yours far more than my own as well, hence the need for Lucy to be our judge"


    While the two debated whos cooking was better Lucy finally decided to try the pancakes before her,only to be pleasantly surprised by exactly how good they were. Her eyes found Asher, who had a tilted head as she watched, questioning.


    "Damn,thats amazing" she was already munching on a second bite when she spoke, to Asher''s joy.


    "Will you allow me to cook for you another time then?"


    "Sure,just don''t break into my house again"


    "That is not something I can promise you" Asher said honestly.


    "I second that" Nero quiped. "Though we will try to let you know when we decide to break in"


    That was terrible,but Lucy decided it was far better than them popping up unnanounced so she nodded in agreement. Baby steps.


    "So you two are trying to "impress" me" she pointed her fork at the both of them. "A form of courting,right? So in the end I will need to choose between you two if I do end up reciprocating,no?"


    The both of them were silent for a couple of seconds when the question was asked which only worked to make Lucy far more curious. So of course when they both shrugged she wasn''t satisfied.


    "I need a solid answer"


    "We both want you and we do not have any qualms about sharing" Asher said simply to which Nero nodded happily. They have absolutely no problem with sharing. None at all.


    "Huh?" it took a moment for the words to fully sink in and it left Lucy a flushed mess. "B-b.."


    "Whatever is running through that pretty head of yours, darling? You''re a red mess" Nero giggled.


    "I wasn''t...I- ...both of you? I-" Lucy was struggling to explain just how she felt about that and wasn''t even sure she fully knew how she felt in the first place.


    "Whatever is the matter,darling?" Nero''s voice was suddenly very sultry and she was suddenly before her and Lucy didn''t even realize until she had fingers trailing up the back of her neck. Fingers that soon tangled in her hair and gently tugged, tilting her head up to meet baby blue eyes. "Do you not think you can handle us?"


    Right then and there Lucy decided she was going to die,because yes, that is exactly what she thought. How in the world was she supposed to manage these two? What in the world had become of her life? How was she the interest of a dragon and a phoenix, creatures she wasn''t sure were real until just a few days ago?


    She definitely had a lot to tell her mother today.

 Chapter 48 - 48

    Two million jewel all for the sake of a single book? Lucy would be lying if it wasn''t a pleasant change,however, it did strike her as odd even when the client,known as Kirby Melon,began to explain. The mission simply stated that they had to retrieve a book kept by a rich snob and they would be rewarded with two hundred thousand jewel,which was great but also questionable. Even that seemed too much for a simple job and it was something Lucy only thought of while reading the mission sheet for the fifth time on their train ride to the town. The book must be very important to this man if he was willing to pay that much money just for getting it back or perhaps stealing it. She should really focus on what he was saying since it would be crucial information and missing a single detail could lead to mission failure.


    "I want you to destroy the book"


    That is what she came back to which had her silenced in surprise and glancing back to the mission sheet. There stood that she had to retrieve it and now he was not only telling them that the reward had increased exponentially,but that the job had changed. She wanted to ask why, but figured she shouldn''t try to pry. If it was important he would tell her soon and that was all that mattered


    "You''re rewarding two million jewel for the destruction of a book?" Nero questioned with a look of offence on her face. The destruction of a book is not something she stood by,for books contain a vast array of knowledge and wisdom and frankly some good adventures. To destroy such a thing this man must have a good reason,if not the dragon would not favor this man at all.


    "I have a question" Asher finally spoke since her arrival in the client''s house. She had remained quiet and simply listened to what the man had to say,ignoring the oddness of his request,but now she found she had to bring something to his notice. "Was this book belonging to you or is it this rich man''s possession? If the latter then you are encouraging us to commit a crime,are you not?Because as far as I''m aware, destroying a person''s property without permission is a criminal offence to you humans"


    "I-" the man looked off in obvious shame and nodded sadly. "It is the latter"


    "Why do you want to destroy this book so badly?" Lucy asked even though she had told herself she would refrain from prying and looking too deep into this.


    "I cannot forgive that book''s existence"


    "What an odd request" Nero voiced her opinion as she started to walk away. "Whatever had that book done to the man?"


    "Humans are strange creatures" is all Asher had to comment on the question as she quickly followed after her beloved dragon. "How shall we continue from here,sweetheart?"


    Lucy wanted to reject the pet name immediately,but stopped once she realized that would only result in another pet name. So she said nothing and decided to be happy with the fact that she no longer referred to her as princess for she absolutely despised being ?ssociated with that word.


    "Our target is looking for beautiful maids, so it would be best to find you a maid uniform" Nero suggested to Lucy''s horror.


    "No" she simply said with a glare and folded arms. "I am not dressing as a maid, that dress is not tactical in anyway and gives me no way to effectively hide my daggers and also no convenient way of carrying my keys and my whip. I am not going in there feeling defenseless so I will absolutely not pretend to be a maid"


    "But" the disappointment was obvious on Nero''s face and she did not try to hide it in the slightest. "You''d be so,so delicious in that uniform"


    "I am not dressing up for you,dragon"


    Nero sighed with a look of dejection and made no further comment on the issue. If Lucy did not want to don the uniform she would not be insistent on it for it would obviously temper the blonde.


    "So what do you suggest we do all mighty leader?"


    The trio came to stop in front of the mansion just as Mr. Evaroo popped out of a hole in the ground after a large pink haired maid. The man''s eyes immediately found Lucy who in that moment could care less about him and more about the obvious celestial spirit he had in his possession and the form he let her take on. Virgo the v?r??n,one of the zodiac spirits. The mission became far more important to her in that instant.


    "Are you trying to apply for the blonde maid position?" The man asked with a tone of full selfishness as he eyed her up and down with a look of disgust. "You can go back home for I have no use for ugly women"


    Asher and Nero gasped dramatically at his ugly words,both looking at him as if he had grown a second head. Their eyes went from him to the unaffected Lucy and back again,both debating whether or not they should point this man to a damn mirror or just simply slap him for spouting nonsense.


    When the man disappeared in the hole he had popped out of Lucy turned to face her offended companions with a small smile.


    "What exactly are you smiling about and how did you not slap him for his idiocy" Asher questioned very seriously. "For him to insult you in such a manner, why I should just ....." Asher trailed off with a growing smile that screamed bad intentions.


    "I suppose we cannot be mad at this poor man for his sense of beauty is clearly cretinous. It is not his fault I believe,one could never be blamed for their mental instability" Nero spoke with a wise air around her which resulted in an eye roll from Lucy.


    "I''m flattered you guys got so offended on my behalf,but we''ve got something important to do,remember?" Lucy flashed the back of her hand,displaying the pink mark with pride and a look of success. "I made sure he saw my guildmark"


    "That gave us away" Asher pointed out.


    "Yes" Lucy nodded. "So now he''ll either be very cautious or send out whoever he has fighting for him"


    Lucy was walking around the outside of the house with a critical eye as she scanned for easy entrances.


    "We''re still breaking in even though he''s aware of our mission?" Asher was asking this as she effortlessly flung a surprised Lucy over her shoulder and shot herself up to the highest window that just happened to be wide open. "What is the point?"


    Nero followed close behind them and they soon found themselves standing in a room of thropies.


    "I guess I want them to know we''re in here so they come chasing so that way you guys can be distractions by engaging them while I head off to find the book"


    After she revealed her somewhat reckless plan Nero did not hesitate to boldy step out of the room and drop a vase she found to be too ugly to continue to exist. That attracted immediate attention and the three soon had a hoard of,excuse the use of words, gorrila maids running at them with the intent to eliminate the threat.


    "Is this what you had in mind?"


    "Yes,Nero,thanks" Lucy smiled while already retreating. "Keep them distracted please and be careful with the pink haired maid,she''s a celestial spirit and I don''t want you to hurt her too much. On fact don''t hurt any of them too badly"


    "As you wish" red eyes were focused on Virgo and she silently planned to send her back to her world or just wait for her master to summon her to his side. The latter should be a better action since Lucy would most likely be the reason for the summons and this would give her a chance to claim the key and spirit.


    As they stayed behind Lucy quickly ran off in search of a library which she hoped he had and hopefully the book could be found there. Once the book was retrieved she just needed to destroy it,nothing a small fire couldn''t help with.


    Once the book was in her hand her plans of burning it went out the window for she quickly realized it was infused with some magic or another. It wasn''t something she was seeing for the first time as her mother would hide messages in books for her as a child with the use of a simple spell,pen and glasses. It was a clever way of communicating in secret truly and one she had studied since the death of her mother. Looking over the book she saw the author''s name on the bottom and knew that she had to unscramble whatever secret he had hidden within for he was not only an amazing writer but also a known mage.


    "Change of plans" she fumbled in her pouch for the glasses she carried with her at all times and opened the book to get to work.


    Her glasses almost fell out her hands when the floor beneath her feet began to shake and crumble in one spot slowly revealing the man she had to steal from. He laughed a very annoying laugh as came out of the ground with a magic she wasn''t sure belonged to him.


    "I was wondering what you were after" he dusted himself off with an air of pride at having discovered their objective by his lonesome. "The book,huh? Did that Kaby hire you? All for that worthless book."


    "Worthless?" Lucy looked at it in wonder and realized this man was not aware of the secret it hid. "Can I have it then?"


    "Of course not,it belongs to me and I don''t like that you''re stealing from me"


    Stingy.


    "Because you had to break in and steal something belonging to me you''ll have to be punished severely" he smirked at her as he said this,his look devious. "So I''ll introduce you to the vanish brothers"


    Crap. Lucy had to quickly put the book away and reach for two keys because she knew who those two were long before they revealed themselves to her. She had a feeling he would have some good bodyguards on his side,but this exceeded her expectations. Matters not,because she didn''t plan on letting them scare or bully her and she was not going down without a fight. The brothers were well known and came from the mercenary guild, the southern wolves. Offering them up to the council could surely get her some extra cash for they were also wanted for several crimes.


    "Another pathetic mage to kill" the other chuckled very pleased with the events.


    Lucy would have to be careful fighting the mercenaries and frankly did not want to drag things out. From what she knew of them they were physically impressive while magic could not meet that level of mastery for they believed that mages care more about their magic than their physical strength. She also knew that they fight rather unfairly for while their opponent was focused on one brother the other would be ignored giving him the chance to attack brutally. With all of that in mind Lucy carefully returned the two chosen keys in favor for a single silver one. Hopefully the spirit she was about to summon was more than enough.


    The key she plucked off her keyring was elegant in it''s silver design and one she had only recently stumbled upon. When she found it she could not contain her joy and now she was happily using her new friend in action. When she flashed her key the brothers didn''t even try to stop her,something she was counting on. They were ???ky and arrogant,thinking no mage could stand up to them. While it may be true that Lucy could not defeat them or at least not on her own and without pulling some tricks. What she could do is summon a spirit who could easily take them out with no need for violence.


    She smiled almost smugly as she focused magic into the key and decided to at least let them know the name of the spirit who defeated them.


    "Open,gate of the Aquila Cadens" the key glowed with her words attracting the attention of the brothers,but they still did not move. It''s not good to be ???ky and they would learn that now. "Lyra"


    With her name the spirit was summoned in a glow of golden light,blinding everyone,but Lucy who was used to the glow of her summonings. With the fading light their opponent was revealed to them,only making the men smirk devilishly at Lucy''s apparent foolishness.


    Little did they know.


    Black hair almost hid beautiful golden eyes gleaming with hidden intentions as slender fingers rested upon thin strings of the beautiful instrument the summons sported as some sort of weapon. A flowing white dress trailed elegantly behind her as she slowly approached the one she saw as her master,a mental question sent to the blonde to which she simply nodded.


    "Hello gentlemen" she spoke,her voice carrying on the wind and so melodic that they were taken by surprise. Her voice added the slightest of pressure on their minds,a pressure that to their surprise was very pleasing. "I am Lyra,it is a p???sur? to meet you"


    "What th-"


    "I would like to play a song for you" her words were followed by the sweet sound of her lyre filling the room,increasing the pleasant pressure on their mind with it''s first notes. "Beautiful isn''t it?"


    "Yes" Eyes were far off as the men quickly lost themselves to Lyra''s beautiful and effortless hypnotism.


    It was Lucy''s turn to smirk as if she was a devil at how easily they had fallen under Lyra''s influence.


    "You are as amazing,Lyra, and your song is beautiful" Lucy complimented to which the woman smiled kindly.


    "I thank you mistress" she bowed her head in respect,her fingers still playing with the strings of her instrument effortlessly.


    "Just Lucy is fine"


    "As you wish,Lucy" gold eyes displayed genuine joy at having such a kind master to work with. "Any request?"


    "Put those to sleep please and have that one tell me everything he knows about this book and the writer"


    "Well you heard her boys,why don''t you rest your pretty little heads for me,hmm?"


    They were useless while under her melodic spell. Anything she asked of them they would happily give to her,anything she tells them they will happily follow for that is the nature of her magic. The ability to charm anyone hearing her voice or music,fully manipulating them into anything she so pleased. Lucy did not know much else of her magic safe for that and made a mental note to find out as much as she could later. It is best for her to know the strengths and weaknesses of those who are contracted to her for they were not simple tools she could use at her whims. They were sentient beings with their own thoughts and emotions, their own rules and morals and she did her best to follow them and not abuse the power she had over them.


    "And you" Lyra tilted her head as she looked at Evaroo,eyes glowing just slightly as she delicately probed his mind just enough to tempt his words easily. "Would you be so kind as to reveal everything it is you know about Daybreak and its creator?"


    Words were tumbling out of his mouth with the hypnotism telling him he needed to. He had no control of what he said and as he revealed the story behind the book Lucy was trying to convince herself not to burn the entire mansion down and out this knowledge to the public. He was a politician and what he did will surely earn him a good amount of hate from those he looked to him.


    Everlue forced Kemu Zaleon to write the book for him, with the Duke himself as the main character, after he refused to do so the first time.Since Everlue was a politician, he could easily ruin his family by revoking their citizenship, keeping them from getting jobs as merchants and effectively making their lives a living hell. Left with no other option Kemu then agreed to write the book but Everlue, angry at the first rejection, put Kemu in a solitary cell and forced him to stay there until the book was finished, keeping him from his family which must have crushed his writers spirit for he had cut his writing hand off.


    "This man did what?" Lucy was surprised by Nero''s appearance and even more surprised when the dragon royal roughly took him by the collar with a look of anger. "Lucy, please have your companion free him from this mental prison so I can deal with him"


    Lucy did not have a problem with the dragon teaching this man a lesson and gladly asked Lyra to release him. When he came back to himself immediate terror found his eyes as he was facing a very angry dragon who had plans of tormenting him in the worst of ways. So of course his instinctual reaction was to defend himself and that had him reaching for a small number of keys in his pocket,pulling out a the single gold key he had acquired.


    "V-virgo"


    "Hello" after the familiar light faded to reveal the spirit who was apparently also the head maid,it also revealed Asher,who sat comfortably on Virgo''s broad shoulder just before she attacked her. The phoenix then relocated to Lucy''s side and pressed something into her palm. The look of surprise on Lucy''s face when she held the gold key before her was priceless even more so than the look of complete terror that crossed Evaroo''s features.


    "How did you.... When even did you take this?"


    "Just a second ago,along with these" Asher proudly held three silver keys between her fingers,presenting them to the joyous Lucy who gladly accepted them. "I happened to have traveled through the celestial world and took it upon myself to ask if these spirits enjoy their contract to this bastard of a man. They do not so I offered you and they''ve take quite a liking to me"


    "But Virgo attacked you just now" Lucy pointed out.


    "She is still bound to that man and he does see us as the enemy and did tell her to extirpate us" Asher explained. "You know this"


    Lucy sighed,but still held her smile when she met the terrified eyes of Evaroo when Nero actually snarled at him


    "Nero,wait a minute please"


    Lucy noted how Nero completely stopped all hostile actions with her words and slightly loosened her grip on Evaroo,doing as she said without hesitance.


    "As you can see,Nero is very mad and will cause you a world of pain for what you had done to Kemu" Lucy decided to use his fear to her advantage at that moment. "So I offer you this, end your contract with your spirits since you clearly don''t treat them with the respect they deserve and I''ll make sure Nero doesn''t torture you"


    ~~~~~~~


    "Four keys in one day,nice" Lucy attached the new keys to the keyring at her waist and ignored the pained cry of Evaroo when Nero punched him in the face. She never said she would keep Nero from harming him,she simply said she would keep her from torturing him. With him taken care of Lucy wore her gale force glasses and quickly read through the entire book,effortlessy finding the secret message within. She had a hunch and it was proven right with the book. Kaby was indeed the son of Kemu . She knew the name Kemu Zaleon was simply a way to disguise his real name that was Zekua Melon. Now she had to make sure the book found its rightful owner and convince Kaby not to destroy the book before reading it.


    "What is the meaning of this book?" Asher asked,leaning over her shoulder curiously.


    "A message from father to son" Lucy held the book before her with a bittersweet smile before putting it safely away and departing from the mansion she wanted to burn down. Following behind her and Asher was Nero and the newly acquainted Virgo who helped the dragon carry a stack of books they had rescued from the library. It was an injustice to let such beautiful books wither away in that awful man''s hands so the dragon took it upon herself to liberate them.


    "I appreciate the help Virgo"


    Since being contracted to Lucy Virgo''s appearance had changed drastically,going from the big gorrila type woman she was to the admitingly very cute but very weird young woman they had following them. Weird because she had asked for punishment with a gleeful gleam in her eyes making both Asher and Nero chuckle with no hidden perverseness.


    "Will I be rewarded with punishment,then dragon mistress?" The smile on Virgo''s face betrayed all her sinful d?s?r?s right then and there.


    "If that is what you wish for" Nero nodded in agreement,seeing no issue in her request or purposefully ignoring it.


    "No! You will not punish her"


    "But Lucy,that is what she wants" Nero argued. "And you do much to make your spirits happy, this would make her happy"


    "I''m not comfortable with her request" Lucy admitted,not having the heart to harm her spirits in any way even when they ask for it and Virgo was the first spirit she found who wanted such a thing.


    "Then I''ll do it for you" Nero offered.


    "No"


    "My mistress says no, dragon mistress" Virgo relayed to Nero with a stoic face and monotone voice. "So you are not allowed to punish me"


    "Fine" Nero simply shrugged. When Lucy turned away she quietly whispered to Virgo who eagerly leaned in to hear what she had to say. "I will reward you, I promise"


    "I heard you!"

 Chapter 49 - 49

    "I do believe someone told them we were returning" Archer jested as she carefully placed the massive decorated horn on the floor before casting her gaze back to her guild mates. They sat quietly with their eyes casted down and a somber air around them. They all looked as if they were mourning the loss of a good friend. Erza folded her arms at her ?h?st,eyes stern as her gaze passed over the quiet members. She had to shake her head at how dramatic they were,but she was impressed by how quickly they had cleaned up their mess. She had seen Gray and Loke running away from them just a minute or two ago so she could only imagine how fast they had to be to accomplish such a feat. There was hardly a single speck on the floor,which meant there had been a big brawl taking place before their arrival.


    "Gray,Loke,don''t think we didn''t see you" Erza shot a glare in their direction and they stiffened,a cold shiver running up and down their backs.


    Archer suppressed a chuckle as she flexed her arms to release the tension of having carried the horn for so long. With her movements Silver popped her head out of her jacket,jawning after her long nap before climbing out and flying off to the bar. She received pets from Mira,who was always happy to see her as she ordered a simple glass of milk.


    "Welcome back you two" Cana held up a mug in greeting with a grin on her face. "Those idiots almost lost it when they found out you guys were back. You should have seen them,it was hilarious"


    "I bet"


    Lucy was staring in awe when Archer casually tugged her mask down her face,leaving it resting around her neck. She smiled,revealing sharp teeth and dimpled cheeks before her eyes abruptly found Lucy''s own,surprising her. She stared at her with eyes furrowed for a long time before raising a hand to wave slowly in greeting. Seeing her action,Erza leaned slightly forward to see who Archer had greeted to find Lucy as well. The redhead smiled in greeting and she too waved at her with a simple hello,leaving Lucy frozen. Sitting next to her on either side,Nero and Asher quirked a single brow in amusement. They realized that Lucy was meeting her idols at that moments and them being so friendly to her must''ve hit her hard. She was star struck and they found it adorable. And she finally saw her face too,she must be gleeful.


    "Mira,is master present?" The redhead was approaching the bar with eyes constantly glancing overhead in search of Makarov. "We need to speak to him"


    "Scarlet" Archer released a sigh when Erza asked the question for she already knew the answer and she had told Erza already. "I do remember telling you that he''s at the gathering with the other guild masters"


    "I still need to check,Archer. This is important"


    "Permission to punish a group of bad wizards,is all" the words were said with a casual shrug as Archer forcefully grabbed Loke by the collar and dragged him across the guild. Lucy was surprised to have Archer standing before her with a struggling Loke in her grasp. Red eyes lingered on the blonde for a moment before drifting to her sister,who was watching her with a quirked brow. The two simply stared at each other for a long time before smiles broke through.


    "Hello baby sister,how was your trip?" There was amusement in the elder''s voice and her smile turned to a smirk when her younger sister released a sigh.


    "You took my pills,so you tell me"


    "I did no such thing"


    Archer was very skeptical of that,but said nothing further as she held Loke tighter,wordlessly telling him to stop the dramatics.


    "Hello Nero,I''m glad to see you''ve decided to join the guild"


    "Awe,thank you" she giggled happily,as she often did,which made Archer smile.


    Then those red eyes were back on Lucy,taking her in. She was different,she noted. She could tell. There were daggers hidden within that blue overall dress,daggers infused with magic that had Archer impressed. It had her curious as well for she wondered how different this Lucy shall prove to be from her counter part.


    "You''re our new member,yes?"


    "I''m Lucy" she introduced,leaving her last name as she always did. She managed a smile,proud that her voice did not betray the excitement she was feeling.


    "Archer" it was but a formality,for she was sure Lucy already knew of her. With introductions now out of the way she pulled Loke to stand next to her,the celestial spirit sighing in defeat. "This is Leo"


    Lucy nodded to the words,having already figured that out. She was very different,Archer noted upon realizing that Lucy knew and how she knew of this. That was impressive. Very impressive.


    "And you''re a celestial mage" Archer continued as a golden key manifested in her hand,a key she offered the bewildered Lucy. "You may have his key"


    "Isn''t he contracted to you?" She hesitated before the key was placed in her hand without any other words.


    "No he is not" Loke was shoved forward,now smiling charmingly at Lucy,who was not entirely immune to his obvious charms. "He is not contracted and is stubbornly keeping himself in this world even though I have fully taken care of his situation"


    "I will happily take you as my mistress,princess" being the charmer that he was,he brought her hand to his lips.


    Nero and Asher watched him closely with no clear expression on their faces. Each glanced to Lucy,wondering what she would do at the moment. Loke was indeed a charmer,but Lucy did not seem to like being treated like a princess as she had said many times before.


    Loke looked genuinely hurt when Lucy pulled her hand away with a thin smile on her lips. Being the drama king that he was he sighed deeply with his hand on his heart,saying something about such cruel rejection


    "Don''t call me princess,please" the question was ignored and his nickname corrected. She rubbed a thumb up and down the newly acquired key,slowly. She had to admit that she was happy to have acquired another zodiac,the leader no less,but she still found it odd that Archer so easily handed him to her. She looked to the younger Phoenix,who was watching her sister with furrowed brows. Archer had keys dangling off a keychain at her waist so Lucy ?ssumed she was a celestial mage as well,so of course she was curious.


    Asher looked to her sister after noticing her stare,silently asking her what the problem was. Archer said nothing and didn''t even pretend to look at something else. She simply stared pensively before her eyes went to Nero and then Lucy. She seemed to be considering something for a moment before she turned on her heels and walked away with no other words.


    She could just be reading into things,she told herself as she silently patted Wendy on the head. She earned a gleeful sound from the young slayer. Wendy was gracious enough to release Erza from her hug just to hug Archer as well,having missed them both equally.


    "You destroyed the clock" Archer said as if she just remembered the incident. "I''m torn between being proud and disappointed"


    "I''m sorry"


    "It''s okay" it really was no terrible issue and it was impressive. "Don''t apologize"


    "May I come?" The little dragon slayer was peering up at her with big pleading eyes and pouty lips. Archer allowed a smile and nod,knowing she could not say no to Wendy,especially when she pulled off the puppy eyes. It was adorable. And even if she said no,Erza would insist for she was weak to Wendy''s charms. "Erza told you about it?"


    "Yup" she seemed eager to attend the mission with them for it wasn''t very often she accompanied them as of late. She had taken to more missions on her own recently,but she was missing them now.


    "May I invite someone,Scarlet?" Archer easily lifted Wendy off her feet,earning a happy giggle as she was easily carried off. "The three of us are more than capable,but I''m curious about our new member"


    The blonde perked at her name for she had been paying close attention to their conversation. There was a potential mission with Erza and Archer and it had her smiling like an idiot.


    Erza looked to her,smiling because of the almost childish one of her own,making the other blush self consciously.


    "She''s fangirling" the words were said bluntly with Mira focused on cleaning a random mug. There was a devious smile on her face. "She''s pretty strong and skilled"


    "And confident" Cana added for good measure. "Very confident"


    "And a big fan of this guild and the people constantly on the front page" Mira grinned at Erza and Archer who both looked to the person they were conversing about,as if she could not hear them.


    "Then I suppose she had a similar reaction to the two of you?"


    "Smart,aren''t you redhead?" Mira rolled her eyes.


    "I try"


    "She was b?r?ly containing herself and did very good in the end. But she slipped up this morning when we talked,since we were the only ones in the guild this morning" there was a smile on Cana''s face as she recalled. She had to admit that it was adorable and Mira repeatedly pointed that out to the blonde and even brought up Asher and Nero constantly.


    "Eight tomorrow at the train station" Erza said loud enough for Lucy to hear to which the blonde nodded quickly.


    "Eager" Asher commented.


    "Now if only you''d be as excitable to see us" Nero sighed,but smirked at the way Lucy looked at her." Give it time,darling, and you''ll see"


    "Are they really a couple?" The words left her before she even realized what she had said. She had been staring at them and suddenly remembered all the suggestive words in the sorcerer weekly magazine. It said that they were,but it could just be rumors. However,she did learn that Mira and Cana were actually a thing so it could be that sorcerer weekly was telling the truth.


    "Oh?" Nero had to laugh at absolutely mortified expression that bloomed on Lucy''s face as she realized what she had said.


    "That just came out"


    "It would seem so" Asher stood and did a quick stretch before walking towards her sister. "But yes they are lovers and I shall prove that to you"


    "I don''t....I don''t need proof" her words did nothing to stop Asher for the elder Phoenix was not simply doing this for Lucy.


    "Hello,little red knight"


    "You just had to,didn''t you?" She questioned. "Or do you actually have something to talk about?"


    "Nothing really"


    Archer was absently chewing on a bar of chocolate as she watched her sister very closely. She smiled at her to which Archer simply narrowed her eyes at her. Her hand twitched with a sudden urge and she quickly buried it and glared dangerously at her older sister. She was doing it again when though she knew it made Archer very uncomfortable having her that close to Erza. Biting into her chocolate bar,Archer forced herself not to move because that would result in....well,it would just end up pretty bad.


    "Asher" her tone was warning as the redhead escaped her grasp. She had gotten used to her antics by now that she didn''t react much to her. "Do you remember what happened the last time?"


    "Yes,that was quite entertaining" she mused and petted Erza''s head as she sometimes did. The pets were no insult to injury so Archer calmed slightly,only for Asher''s eyes to find Erza''s neck. Erza simply stared at her for a moment before palming her face and pushing her away,laughing when Asher said something utterly rediculous.


    "What''s Asher trying to do?" Lucy had to wonder to which Nero simply chuckled.


    "You''ll see"


    Just as she said that Asher had somehow gotten hold of Erza again,carefully tilting her head to the side to reveal her slender neck,eying the unmarked flesh for a moment before looking to her sister with a show of teeth


    Mira looked between the sisters with excitement while eating out of a bowl of peanuts and ignoring all request for alcohol including Cana''s. It was always fun to watch when such things happen. Asher would continuously test her younger sister in one way or another and often times it ended with Archer punching her and Asher laughing on the floor.


    "Asher" Archer was calm,or at least doing a good job of appearing so.


    "Yes,dear sister?"


    "Let go of her"


    Asher took too long to answer,for Archer was suddenly right there and quickly pulling Erza out of her grasp. She held her close while looking at her sister sternly before sighing deeply when Erza soothingly squeezed her hip.


    She said nothing to her sister and simply stalked towards the door with Erza in tow.


    Asher smiled after a moment of thoughtfulness and returned to Lucy and Nero.


    "That wasn''t very nice" Lucy said with a frown


    "I know" a shrug accompanied her answer,giving off the illusion of casualness.


    "Why''d you do that?"


    "To encourage her" Nero answered for Asher after she went silent. When Lucy looked on with questions she did not elaborate any further,frustrating the curious blonde.


    ~~~~~~


    Erza silently watched Archer walk back and forth in the familiar living room. She was seated on the couch and made no move to stop her pacing for it was something she did everytime Asher riled her up like she did. After regaining her senses she would never truly be mad at her sister and would always say that Asher had her reasons for irking her in such a manner. She would do such things every now and then,always getting the same reaction out of her sister,but in the end Archer was never angry. Their relationship was complex,but they loved each other,Erza had witnessed moments of their affection often. Neither would admit it around others.


    "Are you going to tell me why your sister does this?"


    "Because she''s a dimwit who enjoys torturing me?" There was a dry chuckle and the pacing only increased. She sighed,running a hand through her hair as if it would help in some way. "She''s encouraging me"


    Erza did not understand in the slightest and Archer had to elaborate.


    "I haven''t claimed you as my mate yet and she''s telling me to do so" she spoke,her pacing slowing just slightly. "It''s more of a primal thing really. If you are not marked anyone can have you,hence Asher constantly reminding me of that. It''s claiming territory,so to speak,a very possesive act. And as my sister she will constantly push me to do it,it''s just how she is,I suppose. She''s very fond of you,if you haven''t noticed"


    "Oh"


    Archer nodded,her pacing increasing again


    "Whenever she does that I really need to prove that you belong to me. I desperately need to and she knows that so she does it to inspire the urge until I do it"


    Erza said nothing and really didn''t know what to say. She still wasn''t entirely sure how the whole process worked too. She wondered if that''s why Archer would pace as she currently was. Walking up and down to focus on something else and burn out the urges.


    "It truly is primal" Erza finally said.


    "As I''ve said"


    "And why dont you mark me?" It was a genuine question on her mind and one she often thought about because neck kisses were a constant. There would always be the slightest hint of teeth,but she would never bite,not hard enough that is.


    "You would let me" it was a statement more than a question and it had Archer faltering,for it was so very appealing to her in that moment. But she shook her head no,continuing her frantic strides." Gods,you would let me and I do want to and it would be absolutely amazing,but if something happened to me the pain you would be left with would be unforgivable"


    Before Erza could comment on that she was already talking again.


    "The mark is an unbreakable bond tying us together;mind,body and soul,perhaps magic as well. It is like a completion to yourself,as if finding the half you never knew you needed. But once you have that half when you lose it you will truly know despair for losing half of yourself is a painful tragedy" that was the only reason she constantly stopped herself. If something happened to her Erza would be in unbearable pain and she could not allow that.


    "But you-"


    "There is no such thing as true immortality. Everything living can and will die at some point. Even the gods can perish for they are with their weaknesses"


    Was Archer constantly worrying about such a thing,Erza had to wonder. She often times hinted at her terrible future,but never truly told her what would happen or why she thought she would be in such danger. It worried her and only encouraged her to work harder and grow stronger to protect her should she need to. But she still worries that there was nothing she could do.


    "Archer" she was on her feet when she did not respond to her,not having heard her with her own thoughts consuming her. She had to stop her by carefully taking her arm,finally getting her attention. "It''s alright,I understand"


    That was all she could really say to her. She did understand and she let her know that. She did not comment on it any further because she didn''t want to think about it. Ignorance is bliss as they say and she''d rather be blissfully unaware for the time being,as illogical as that may be.


    "I am in desperate need of a hug right now" Archer admitted with a weak laugh and Erza promptly complied. Arms came around her waist as she nuzzled into her neck,releasing a sigh of content at the gesture. "I''m picking you up"


    She was warned,but still yelped when Archer easily lifted her off the ground and quickly wrapped her legs around her to secure herself. Archer was quick on her feet as she carried them up the stairs,stifling her laughter as Erza told her to be careful lest they both fall down the stairs.


    "I won''t drop you"


    "I don''t care,you could"


    "But i will not"


    "You could"


    She said nothing for she realized it would just end in a constant back and forth.


    After finally reaching their room Archer quite carelessly tossed Erza onto their shared bed,amused with the high pitch yelp that escaped her before quickly joining her.


    She was humming as she slipped between Erza''s legs and rested on her stomach with a content smile.


    "Don''t throw me" Erza complained even as she tugged on her scarf to pull her further up her body.


    "You said that last time,but here we are" of course she never truly listened to her warnings. Even though she had silently refused to leave her comfy spot on Erza''s stomach she still let her pull her further up until she settled on resting her head on her ?h?st. They were great pillows so they did the job.


    Erza always enjoyed playing with Archer''s hair and did not reply to her because she was too invested in doing so. She had carefully removed the band keeping her hair in the usual pony tail and watched silver locks fall around her in a mess before she took the time to neatly arrange them. The pads of her fingertips found her scalp and gently massaged the tender flesh there,enjoying the soft hum of encouragement she received as reward.


    They lay in silence for a blissful ten minutes, Archer softly humming while enjoying their close embrace and Erza comforted by playing with her hair.


    "Erza" the silence was then broken ,but not ruined.


    "Hmm?"


    There was a small silence as if Archer was thinking over her words.


    "It appears that I am aroused"


    She said it so easily and so bluntly that Erza was sure she misheard her,but then there was another long ranging silence as the words sunk in.


    Erza''s face was quickly reaching the color of her hair even though she shouldn''t be surprised. Archer always told her what she was feeling,sometimes describing her feelings so that Erza could help her figure out what she was experiencing. So this was not the first time she had said those words and not the first time it happened while they were cuddling in such a position. Archer just enjoyed being between her legs,saying that it was comfortable and she would often fall asleep on top of her.


    But then there were moments such as this.

 Chapter 50 - 50

    Okay,before you start this chapter I just need to say a few things. I realize that there are author notes for the end of the chapter but I can only write so much there so hear me out. First of all I would like to apologize for disappearing for a month. I had exams so you could imagine how swampted I was. After my exams I was hellbent on writing some more but my creativity was and kinda still is at an all time low so I just need some rest. School is stress inducing when it does not have to be,I swear. Anyways. I realize where I left off on the last chapter and I could''ve continued that,but I just saw no need for an explicit scene. Not yet anyway. As for Archer and Erza having done such a thing well,it''s up to you guys really. I mean they''re like 19 so they could''ve, I don''t know and really don''t care either way. I will most likely give you guys an explicit,but not yet,okay?


    Also I wanna say that I am not very confident in my writing in this chapter. It took me three days to write this because I was struggling. It''s not that I don''t have the motivation it''s just that I couldn''t form the words. I don''t know how to better explain it.


    I hope you enjoy this chapter


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Gran Doma, chairman of the council that oversees the world of magic, the people that inhabit it and the holder of many magical artefacts that could endanger the world and people they are supposed to protect. There was just a single question and concern on his mind, or perhaps it is two. How in the world had a dark guild acquired the flute that can kill hundreds, the very flute that was under close watch, the very same flute that was supposed to be locked away securely. How had a dark guild obtained it? There was just a single explanation that seemed plausible to him so now he had to find the mole amongst them on top of worrying about the very much immortal being that had miraculously agreed to work with him, not for, but with. She would not let him believe he could use her, her power or her knowledge. He was sure she knew of what had happened and would not be very happy considering she had requested the flute and many other hazardous artefacts to be handed to her for better protection. Looking back on it he was very much a fool for not granting this request seeing as it obviously would have been that much safer in her hands. She would come for him soon, he knew. It was impending and he just waited out his fate. Over the past three years, he has had a good amount of experience with her, her attitude and the way it shifts just slightly. A slight change is enough to send shudders up and down his spine, a single smile brings foreboding so he could not even begin to imagine what she would subject him to when she arrived.


    He should not be afraid of a single person, he would tell himself, but this single person, being, is not one to be played with. If she deemed him worthless he could meet his end as easily as he draws breath.


    She was dangerous and it is best he remains on her good side even if it made him seem like a coward.


    "Old man Doma" in comes the very person he was thinking about. She tugged her mask off as she appeared in his chambers, a smile already in place and hair braided, which is odd. "Let us converse"


    "I ?ssume you''ve heard of the flute"


    "Of course I have" she was still smiling as she pulled out a chair from nearby and seated herself. Doma was very much confused for this smile is not the fiendish one that spelt danger for his entire existence, but one of cheeriness. She was happy about something and he wondered if he should be relieved or even more terrified. "A group of outcasted wizards somehow got a hold of it, which speaks volumes of this little organization you''re in charge of"


    "I do believe you said that the flute was under the best of care and that no one could get their hands on it, no? So how did Eisenwald get their hands on it? This speaks of a turncoat, no? Or perhaps it was not as protected as you professed it to be" she listed down idly while looking the old man right in the eyes. There was no threat in any of her words nor was there the usual aura of danger when she is not very happy. Doma was very much confused as to what was happening at the moment for Archer did not seem mad in the slightest.


    "Someone has betrayed us" he admitted after a long silence and the discomfort of meeting Archer''s ever-observant eyes.


    "I''m aware" she stands from her seat and returns the chair to where she had found it. "And don''t worry about the flute, I''ll get it back. I''m not returning it to you, but I''ll get it back. You should really think about re-evaluating the people that work under you because a lot happens that you are not aware of"


    She''s leaving with those parting words, waving goodbye as she pushes the massive doors open before her.


    "Call me when in need old Doma"


    ~~~~~~~~~


    "How did we leave Asher on the train?" Lucy wondered as she watched their train take off with one of their companions. At her side, Archer had a hand on her mouth in a failed attempt to impede her laughter while Erza shot her a somewhat scolding look. Erza was sure that Archer had not forgotten her sister but just did not care enough to help her off the train seeing as she had succumbed to motion sickness. That could have been averted had Archer simply shared her medicine but she and her sister had decided to act like children on this crucial day and mission.


    As to how everyone forgot about her....well, she had been passed out in her own booth on the train. Out of sight out of mind after all.


    Archer really couldn''t help but laugh at the situation she had found herself in. She was not surprised things went somewhat as they did originally with Asher taking Natsu''s place on the train. It was just too funny and she knew she was in for a handful when they got her back. Nero was on the same both as she openly laughed at her friend''s idiotic dilemma despite her having gone through almost the same thing just minutes ago.


    "Archer"


    "You say they love each other?" Lucy whispers to Nero who''s laughing at the question. It''s been just a day and she could not imagine any affection between the sisters seeing as they''ve been hostile towards each other for most of the day already. The only sign of affection was their smiles when Archer had returned. After that, there came nothing more. Archer refused to share the pills that would prevent Asher''s motion sickness and now she was not concerned in the slightest about her sister''s situation.


    "They do, in their own odd way"


    "Hey, she had it coming" Archer said with a shrug as she wandered off in search of an onibus to catch up to her sister who hopefully had acquired the flute they are after. She had to admit that she did think of getting her sister even if it was for the briefest of moments, but she decided against it, obviously. She''ll be perfectly fine. Motion sickness never stopped her from beating anyone''s ?ss.


    Besides, she could at least suffer for her stunt yesterday


    ~~~~~~~~


    Asher did not know if she should feel betrayed, sorrowful or indignant at being left behind by the others. In fact, she had remained motionless as she watched them walk off the train and patiently waited for one of them to realize that she was not with them, but none did. Isn''t that a shame? She was sure her sister and the dragon decided to leave her on purpose so there''s that to take care of when she returns to them. For the moment she allowed herself to be engaged by the human man that decided on keeping her company. She did not mind him and found it to be very opportunistic for she could sense the curse magic coming from him. He had the flute on his person, that was easy enough to decipher. Now she had to wonder how she''ll get it off him. It''s an easy enough task but at the moment she''s distracted by the jumping of her stomach that was very much uncomfortable. Damn her sister for refusing to share her medicine and damn herself for pretending not to need it. A big ego never did anyone any good.


    Her companion went on to talk about how all the regular guilds tend to have some very beautiful girls and while she agreed with that statement she was no fan of the way he was looking at her. She smiled sweetly at him, her hands folded over her ?h?st and eyes on his own. The flute was well hidden within his jacket, but easy enough to get hold of with the right manoeuvring. She''d have to get a hold of it quickly and get off the train in time to meet her sister who was quickly approaching.


    Best she be straightforward with it.


    "Kageyama"


    "Nice to meet you, Kageyama, I go by Asher Phoenix" she smiled even more upon saying her name and watched his eyes widen with recognition that soon turned to realization.


    "You''re not related to Archer Phoenix, are you?" She could feel the nerves rolling right off him with the question and had to admit it was quite amusing.


    "Why yes I am"


    Within less than a second, dark shadows were wrapped tightly around Asher''s body, tightening every time she made the smallest of movements. She had to concede that she was quite impressed with his reaction speed and his magic overall.


    "Well, isn''t this quite the predicament?"


    Her amused chuckle did nothing to calm him as he quickly retreated from her. Something told him that just because he had her bound does not mean that he was indeed the victor. He clasped the flute tightly as if to make sure it is still within his possession before deciding it best to flee and report back to his boss. He was warned not to attract the attention of Phoenix no matter what he did and he had failed miserably. Erigor was going to kill him when he relayed the news. He was dead, dead, dead. Damn it all. Why didn''t he abandon his broken guild when he had the chance? Had he done that he would not be in his current situation, fearing for his life.


    Asher remained dormant as she watched his figure retreat to the back of the train carefully. That would not do at all. With the release of a breath, flames had engulfed her body for no more than a second, scarring the shadows holding her in place and successfully freeing her. She did a quick stretch to relieve her limbs before quickly following after her now troubled friend.


    "I have just one request of you, dear Kageyama"


    "Wh-"


    "Don''t mind that" she waved off the unasked question as she tugged off his jacket and retrieved the weapon he had been recklessly carrying around. "I''ll be taking this"


    She released him and he fell to the floor in a weak pile of limbs. His strength had slowly abandoned him, leaving him struggling to hold himself up on his hands and knees as he watched Asher retreat with the weapon he had risked everything to obtain. And for what? All of that just to please Erigor, a man who would dispose of him as easily as some sorry animal? He should get up and go after her, get the flute back. But he could not move and honestly he didn''t know if he wanted to get it back. And what of his magic? There was still an emptiness that felt absolutely terrible to him. The absence was almost painful as he crumpled further to the ground pathetically.


    He really should''ve left the guild when he got the chance.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Lucy knew that Asher was very capable of handling herself and that she would not get injured or get herself killed easily, but even so, she found it very stupid and worrying when the four-hundred-year-old phoenix decided it was an amazing idea to jump off the roof of a moving train unto a moving automobile. In what world or realm is that in any way, shape or form, a good idea? She made the landing of course and fell right into Nero''s arms sending them flying off the roof of the vehicle just like that and all Lucy could do was watch them tumble to the dirt with a desolate expression. Now that was just beyond stupid for creatures such as themselves who have lived for as long as them. When they pulled over and returned to them they were a pair of laughing messes just laughing at themselves.


    "What is wrong with you two?" Lucy had to seriously wonder.


    Archer was slowly falling into a fit of laughter the longer her sister and Nero struggled to form words in their laughing fit. Every time they seemed close to recovery one of them would burst into hysterical laughter and drag the other right back down the rabbit hole.


    "Sometimes it''s hard to believe that you two are over four centuries-old," Carla said with a look of distaste. "You act like children"


    "I did, you''re just heavy"


    "I am not"


    "That was stupid" Lucy had the urge to hit them both, but clasped her hands at her side and instead took a deep breath. The two were frustrating normally but this is just dumb


    "It was, wasn''t it?" Asher grinned brightly. "It was thrilling, you should try it"


    "No" Wendy was looking at the retreating train and their vehicle with clear apprehension. She did not even need to think about it for her answer will always be no. That did not seem fun in the slightest and the fall seemed painful on top of that. Overall it was just very idiotic and something her brothers would most likely do.


    "It would''ve been far more. humorous had you missed us entirely" the comment came from Archer who met her sister''s eyes with a hidden smirk. "Maybe you should try again"


    "You''re lucky I don''t toss you back to your mother, you little gremlin"


    Erza silently watched as that led to another childish bicker between the sisters. Sometimes she wondered how they had not gotten into destructive fights yet or perhaps how one had not accidentally murdered each other. She wouldn''t put it past either of them with how much they antagonize each other for absolutely no other reason than spite and having nothing better to do.


    "They always fight" Lucy was at Erza''s side as she too decided it was best to let those two have at it for the moment.


    "Childish creatures" a scowl was very prominent on Carla''s face as she said that.


    "You left me on purpose" Asher slapped her sister upside the head with the accusation before glaring at a smiling Nero. "Both of you"


    "I don''t know what you mean, love" her tone would suggest that was truly clueless but the smile on her face said otherwise. "I would never do such a thing"


    Asher said nothing to the words and instead pulled the retrieved flute out of literal air to present to them


    "Whether it was on purpose or not, which it most definitely was, I managed to obtain the weapon we are in search of" she said quite proudly.


    Oh


    Well, that was far easier than they had expected and Erza almost did not believe it even as she held the artefact in her hands. Huh. Well, she shouldn''t be surprised, should she? Things never go as anticipated when around either of the phoenixes and this was no exception. At least they got what they wanted.


    "Great" Lucy was quite happy with the way things turned out. It was alleviating to know that a weapon of mass murder was no longer in the wrong hands and that the people were safe. They still did not know what was planned to be done with the flute but it was surely nothing good. "We return it to the council now, right?"


    "Absolutely not" Archer spins the flute between her fingers and it''s gone in the blink of an eye with no trace. Not even its magic could be sensed. " I had told the old fool that it was best things such as this flute be in my possession for I can keep it safe, but he refused. Now look what happened right under his crooked nose"


    "Are you allowed to keep it?"


    "There''s nothing Doma can do about it" It was Silver who had spoken after being silent for almost the entire day. She was still present on Wendy''s head and did not plan on going anywhere else. There was no way she was returning to her slumber either so she might as well remain awake and help when she could. "He isn''t brave enough to go against Archer"


    "Exactly" Archer grinned.


    Did Silver just insinuate that the head of the council was afraid of Archer?


    It didn''t surprise Lucy that much actually, in fact, it made a lot of sense when she thought about it.


    Huh


    She really ended up part of a very deadly yet very chaotic team

 Chapter 51

    "You lost it!?"


    The shout renders everyone silent as the poor fool who lost the flute shivers in fear before his fellow guildmate. Anger was rolling off him in waves, his face dark with rage and his teeth clenching hard enough for them all to hear it. The staff in his hand shook as he restrained the urge to end this pathetic creature cowering before him. He gave him one job and he went and failed. He had told him to keep the flute safe, keep it hidden, keep it close. He had no reason to be wandering the train and flirting with every woman he saw. He and his foolishness ruined everything that was so carefully planned out. Had he not specifically told him to avoid the phoenix? He had informed him of there being two of them, the second less known than the first, but just as, if not even more dangerous. So why in the hell did he approach and flirt with one of them?


    "Did I not tell you to stay away from the phoenix?!"


    All the coward could do was nod, not even daring to look this man in the eyes. He was praying to every single god out there that Erigor''s wrath and his stupidity were not the cause of his death. At this moment he was regretting every life decision ever made to bring him to this point. Yes, he had told him to stay away from the phoenix. Yes, he had seen a very detailed picture of the woman he was supposed to avoid and told very clearly that she had a sister that looks almost the exact same, mask or not, it would be easy to notice the both of them.


    So why was he stupid enough to approach one of them? Why, oh why did he think it a good idea to flirt with her? He doesn''t understand it himself and he just wished he could undo his foolishness.


    "You ruined everything!" A gust of wind erupted from the angered Erigor, hitting Kageyama in the ?h?st painfully. "But no matter"


    He was calm within seconds, a smile growing on his face.


    "They''ll come for us and when they do I''ll rectify your mistake"


    No one said a word, but most of them had the same thought, or perhaps doubt in mind. Erigor planned on confronting them directly and not a single person there believed he could succeed. He himself is wary of them, warning each of them to avoid them at all cost. He, who always told them to fight, was warning them against it.


    Now he plans on facing them?


    Suddenly they were all regretting the choices that led up to this moment.


    "Why are we following the train and not going to the council?"


    The automobile swerved dangerously, sending Lucy crashing into Asher, who did not seem one bit affected by the rough handling of the vehicle and in turn everyone within. Lucy, tired of being thrown around constantly did not even try to move away from Asher, knowing the phoenix was the most stable thing to cling to at the moment.


    "For one, Archer is in no way returning this flute" Wendy is the one to answer the question. The young slayer sat in front with Erza and Archer and had to turn around to face the blonde. The vehicle flew over a pretty rough bump, Wendy went up with a yelp, only to be carefully grabbed by Archer.


    "Careful Wendy"


    "Erza''s the one driving so recklessly" Wendy rebutted with a look sent the redhead''s way.


    "I agree with the child" Came Nero''s voice from the roof. How she managed to stay up there through it all is a mystery.


    "We have to get to them before they do anything dangerous" while the argument was very much logical, the rest don''t seem to agree because they have the flute.


    Looks like they''re heading straight for the men who want to kill a ton of people. Neither Erza nor Archer had said where they were headed and no one had asked. It seemed everyone had understood what was happening before Lucy, which made her feel left out. The fact that the group can agree on something without saying a word speaks volumes and she wonders if she''ll ever get on that level with them.


    "Comfortable are we?" Her thoughts are interrupted by an amused Asher who had an arm over her shoulders. She had been leaning into her since she was practically thrown into her arms, hoping Asher would not say a word. It was all hope.


    There''s a chuckle, then she pulls her closer with this smug smile on her face.


    "Then hold on tight, sweetheart"


    Lucy ?r??n?d and wanted to move away then and there. She wasn''t stupid, however, and would not risk flying off the automobile just to prove a point.


    "Scarlet, we can stand to slow down a bit" Archer''s reaching for the band attached to Erza''s wrist in an effort to interrupt the overabundance of magic she''s forcing into it. "You''re wasting your magic"


    Erza didn''t even try to protest as Archer detached the band from her hand and placed it around her own wrist. The second the switch occurred the vehicle slowed and went across the sand far more smoothly than before. With the transition, Lucy untangled herself from Asher and moved to sit on her own almost immediately. She ignored the small laugh and the comment made about her swiftness in favour of staring straight ahead.


    "We were not supposed to attend any missions for the next week" they were supposed to stay home for the week because they had been on mission after mission after mission for the last two months and Erza wanted a break. They were this close to getting that break and they would have been enjoying some well-deserved rest had they not stumbled into that bar. They could''ve left it alone and let the council handle it but they both know that the council likes to take their sweet time.


    "Yes, well after this we''ll take two weeks off but knowing the trouble our guild attracts I doubt we''ll get any rest"


    "Definitely not" Silver adds to Archer''s statement, popping her head out of Archer''s shirt. "I won''t be surprised if something comes up tomorrow"


    "Don''t jinx it" the warning comes from Wendy, who was also looking forward to the two staying home for a while. She''d miss them between her following her brothers on their mission to them not being around when she has nothing to do.


    "And you shouldn''t, it''s stupid" Carla agrees with a scoff. When is this exceed ever in a good mood? And you would think that the exceed with future sight would believe in such things


    Silver was completely right and Archer knew that better than anyone. As it is, things are going according to her future knowledge, at least somewhat. If things continue as they are she''ll most likely be facing off Phantom Lord soon and even that S-class mission on that island. She never could remember the name of that place, only that the residents there truly believed they were cursed. Then there was Gray''s want to sacrifice himself with every opportunity. She''d have to be there just in case some drastic change takes place and the rest don''t get as lucky as originally.


    "Those fools have taken control of the train station most likely" the words pull Lucy''s focus away from the three before her. Glancing at Asher she finds the woman gazing at the train with unreadable eyes, but a smile remains on her lips. She wonders what she was smiling about. "We could stop them so easily, but sometimes it''s entertaining to drag things out"


    ~~~~~~~


    "I knew you''d come, fairy tail"


    No sooner had they arrived at the station and they''re standing before the entire guild of mages. Erigor sits proud and smug above the rest of them, his smile nothing but sinister as he looked at them. To him they were no more than obstacles in his way to revenge, obstacles he would stomp into nothingness. He did not care that they were powerful mages from the strongest guild. He did not care about those under him that would definitely be injured or worse in this confrontation. All he cared about was revenge, revenge on every single person who did him wrong.


    The question on Archer''s mind is whether or not anyone ever truly did him wrong. Everything that happened to him was his own fault and he should learn to accept that instead of blaming others. He''s blaming people who had absolutely nothing to do with the fall of his guild instead of just accepting things as they are and just simply move on.


    "We''ve been wai-"


    He is cut off by the presence of someone just behind him. His sense of danger immediately kicks in just in time to block the magic-infused blow headed straight for his head. Even with his weapon in the way of the blow he was still sent flying by an overpowering gust of wind that had him crashing into a nearby pillar that was quickly crumbling onto him by the sheer force of his impact. His guildmates are left in a state of utter shock as they watch debris collapse upon their leader, eyes wide and mouth even wider.


    Wendy received a simple pat on the head as praise for her action while Archer could only smile in glee as Erigor struggled to climb out of all that rubble. She scanned of the group of mages who were supposedly on his side, noting the way each of them shook in their little boots. Him awaiting their arrival and expecting a confrontation is a very ridiculous plan. Did he seriously believe he would stand even the smallest chance against them? Hopefully, he realizes his mistake, for the youngest of them could kick his ?ss into next year with ease. When it comes to wind magic Wendy is only second to the dragon who taught her, and that is saying a good deal. While she is but thirteen years old, she is more than capable of handling mages more than twice her age.


    In fact, Archer could leave her to fight the entire guild without a single ounce of worry, because all she had to do is steal the air right out of their lungs.


    "That must be humiliating" Nero comments just as Erigor releases a shout of fury and burst out of the debris that kept him down with a powerful wind.


    "This entire scheme of his is humiliating," says Asher with a shrug. "Why do humans entertain the thought of facing those with powers they cannot even comprehend?"


    "Humans" was Nero''s simple answer


    Erigor is fuming when his eyes find Wendy. How dare a child mock him in such a manner? His anger towards Wendy had a powerful wind manifesting around his very being, overpowering magic gathering into one with its sole purpose to return the favour to the one who had so easily overpowered him. His manifested wind has most of his followers struggling to stay on their feet and fear overtaking their entire bodies.


    "Don''t just stand there you fools!" His shout is loud enough to make those with s?ns?t?v? senses wince and those under his order snap back into attention. They hesitate to follow his words, but as always they do as told even while fearing for their life. It was hard to decide if fighting for him was better than fighting against him, especially after that show of strength from a child that could''ve killed him.


    They should not follow this man, but they do out of fear and habit.


    Lucy is smiling at this development despite the four men already surrounding her. She was suddenly itching for a fight and a fight she would get. She had no idea what type of magic these men had and she would not wait long enough to find out. They were already ???ky, believing she would be easy prey. In their ignorance they didn''t even try to use their magic, believing their weapons and fists would be more than enough to handle the single blonde


    Nero and Asher stood over a pile of bodies, eyes only on Lucy who was so skillfully handling her aggressors. They had entertained the thought of helping her but realized there was absolutely no need. Two were already on the floor when daggers were thrown, laced with powerful magic the blades rendered them immobile upon contact. The other two, now shocked by the turn of events, were quick to adopt more guarded stances with magic circles already forming under their feet. It would be of little help to them because Lucy was not letting them use any form of magic against her. She was too quick on her feet, too agile and very much smaller than them, something that worked to her advantage.


    She was quite ruthless on top of that, for even when she had all four men on their backs she still saw the need to grind her heel into their family jewels. That was quite the violation on her part, but all is fair on the battlefield they supposed.


    Nero chuckled in amusement at the scene while Asher looked quite conflicted.


    "I''m apprehensive"


    "What? Afraid she''ll hurt you?"


    "Well, yes, she seems quite devious"


    ~~~~~~~~


    "You!"


    Erigor is angrily approaching the youngest of the group, eyes ablaze and a literal tornado brewing behind his back. The young slayer was on her own after Archer and Erza got dragged into their own battle. She had gone untouched, for the men working under Erigor did not have the guts to approach the child that had basically slapped their boss into a pillar.


    Silver knew to take her leave when she saw Erigor approach and sat somewhere with a good vantage point. If she''s needed she''ll set to work, but for the moment her presence was not required and she saw no need to be a hindrance to the battle. She wondered how long it would all take since she was very much looking forward to returning home. Personally, she found that Wendy should simply steal the air right out of their lungs until they pass out and have this all over with, but she has no problem watching a fight unfold.


    "Child, give me back m-"


    "Why do you see the need for dialogue?" Wendy wondered when Erigor tried to say something to her. Her interruption and questions seemed to be vexing him even more as his magic spiked considerably. "If you had not wasted time talking to us I would not have so easily gotten to you. It was something that could have been easily avoided"


    "You are but a child"


    How many times has Wendy heard that coming from an enemy and how many times has she shown them exactly how much of a child she truly is?


    She winced when Erigor released a shout, propelling the impressive tornado type attack he had accumulated towards her. She noticed the smirk on his face as he truly believed it would be end of her and she wondered if he was truly that ignorant.


    "Such a fool" Carla sighed as she retreated to Silver who looked on with disinterest. "Does he not know who she is?"


    "I don''t think that would have done him much help, for stupidity ignores all else" Silver replied with a shrug. "I mean, he was stupid enough to await our arrival and even more idiotic to think he could pose some sort of threat without the flute"


    The two exceeds watched on in silence as Wendy was swallowed completely by Erigor''s attack, both feeling sorry for the fool when he broke out into maniacal laughter


    It wasn''t too long before his impressive attack was shrinking before his eyes as Wendy feasted on what he had stupidly offered her. Well, she wouldn''t consider it a feast since his magic wasn''t very appetizing, but it did the job as well as any other. It didn''t take long before she had fully su?k?d up the attack he thought could harm her, leaving him staring in shocked disbelief.


    Wendy made a face of disgust at the taste in her mouth, a look that offended Errigor deeply. She sighed whether it be in disappointment or regret at having eaten such disgusting magic she herself did not know. As disgusting as it was she would admit that it was very powerful magic as she could feel it coursing through her body fiercely. She felt as if she could be full for days and that was the only silver lining at the moment.


    "Dragonslayer" Apparently Erigor had not known or perhaps did not believe she truly was a slayer of dragons. Either way, he was screwed and he refused to acknowledge it because he will not allow himself to be bested by a child.


    "Well, yes that is what I am, I thought you knew this?" Wendy seemed genuinely confused at the moment. "But it would explain why you did something like that. You used a lot of magic in a single attack so now you''re running low"


    As she spoke Wendy held up the weapon she had stolen, gazing at it thoughtfully before making a slicing motion with her hand, slicing a piece off the weapon to make it accommodate her size.


    Erigor did not wait for her to do anything else lest he end up under debris again. If he got to her when she''s unprepared he would likely succeed in defeating her. At the moment it seemed like the best option, for he realized that Wendy must be taken seriously as she''s as much of a threat as the others.


    He truly believed it would work.


    Wendy had learned to never be unprepared in a fight. She had learned to never let her guard down even when her back is turned to the enemy, even when she knew they could not defeat her, even when she busied herself with her new weapon. She did not let her guard down and was not at all unprepared for Erigor. She may have just acquired the scythe and never used it in her life but she knows very well that it is very sharp and did not hesitate to swing it at Erigor when he was in range. The sudden attack surprised the man for how fast it was on top of the obvious strength behind it as he narrowly avoided losing an arm only to be faced with another swing before he could recover from the last. He had to propel himself away to avoid losing a limb but he could not get away from her. She propelled herself after him adding more force to her own to close the distance between them. The scythe was discarded as she grabbed him by the scarf he wore, tugging it tightly around his neck and used the scarf to send him back to the ground with enough force to crack concrete.


    The second his back hit the hard stone her feet met his stomach as she descended upon him with painful force, the entire act damaging him internally and sending blood out his mouth.


    There are times when Wendy has absolutely no mercy.


    Lucy saw the whole thing unfold and was left in complete shock at what she had just seen. Wendy was a sweet girl, but she had a different side to her when she was in the middle of battle. Lucy had seen this side before but it still shook her to her core.


    She wondered if Erigor''s even breathing still because that looked deadly.

 Chapter 52

    Wendy had to admit that she was fairly disappointed by how quickly her fight had gone and how much Erigor had underestimated her. It was not the first she was taken for granted and not the last it will happen. She is Wendy Marvel, a member of the dragon team and dubbed the maiden of the sky and one of the strongest members of her guild...the number one guild. Many know her name and of her capabilities yet they see the need to underestimate her, they look down on her all because she is a child? She can understand that it is sometimes hard to comprehend that a child can be stronger than most ?du?t mages, but she does not understand being treated as if she doesn''t know how to tie her own shoes. She is strong and any who know that should know to proceed with caution, lest they want to end up like poor Erigor here. She is not an arrogant person, but she does not like to be treated like a child and have her strength ignored. She had worked hard to become as strong as she is, for she would not allow herself to be a burden to Archer and the rest. If she could not measure up to those considered strong, she does not believe she''ll be of use to Archer and Erza when they would need her.


    On that note, she considers Erigor for a moment. She knows him as a powerful wizard who many fear and she has defeated him as easily as she makes her breakfast in the morning. She has defeated someone considered strong with ease, so she should be proud, and she is. She''s grinning before she understands it as she takes the man by the scarf and happily drags him off to Erza and Archer, who both stood overlooking the pile of bodies they had accumulated. She noticed Asher and Nero conversing about something, having long since taken care of any fool who dare approach them, and from what she could hear; their topic of conversation is the blonde who had recently joined them. It had her looking to said blonde with curiosity and interest. She had been the one to bring her to the guild and the one to know her the longest yet she has spent little time with her until now. She doesn''t know much about her, safe for her apparent resentment towards men. Well, she wouldn''t consider it as resentment for she is not bitter to every man she meets. It''s just that she perhaps does not like how certain men treat her and that is very much understandable. They underestimate her as well, and no one likes that. Besides, she should not be underestimated because she is very skilled with those daggers alone. She also has some impressive magical knowledge and a great magic sense on top of incredible control of her magic. She seems pretty good at combat as well and has reflexes like a cat.


    She also seems to itch for a fight sometimes, something that is shown when she beats the hell out of her guildmates with a grin on her face.


    It is also seen when she stabs her knife into some poor man''s side.


    Wendy feels a bit bad for them after seeing the way she brutally took them down, but that pity was gone the minute she remembered how ???ky they were.


    All because she''s a pretty girl.


    She doesn''t get that. Why does being a pretty girl immediately mean that you can''t handle yourself in a fight? What kind of misogynistic logic is that?


    "Is he alive Wendy?" Erza had to wonder when Wendy dumped Erigor''s unmoving form before her feet. Her question was met with silence as Wendy stared down at the body she had brought over as if she too was curious about his state of being. That just made Erza doubt even more, because if Wendy wasn''t sure then he likely already shook hands with the one he wished he could be.


    "That was very devastating" Archer appeared out of nowhere, sounding proud of the younger. Of course she is. She''s always proud when Wendy defeats an opponent. "He''s not dead, but he''ll likely drown in his own blood"


    "Splendid" Asher carelessly stepped on his body as she approached them with a smile that spoke volumes of her sadistic nature. Nero followed after her, glancing at Erigor with pity before exchanging sweet words with the young slayer. Lucy was the last to approach, smiling and happy with how well she had handled herself, although she was thinking of Wendy and how she handled the wind user. She could only imagine the type of pain he must be in


    "Does the council want him dead or alive and will we get paid for delivering him and his entire guild as well as saving countless lives on top of retrieving something they carelessly misplaced?" Nero wondered to which Archer shrugged.


    "We''ll see how things go"


    "Welp, that''s their problem" Archer doesn''t seem to care about the pay or their reaction when she refuses to return the flute. She had already told the old man that she would not be returning it, especially after he lost it. Especially after she told him it would be safer in her care. This man does not even know what goes on behind his back, he does not know of the deception and the betrayal that is taking place and will be taking place in the future and he does not heed her advice. He fears her, yet does not see the need to heed her words. What a stupid old man if she ever saw one. At least he''s not the other one, he would''ve been something else.


    "Archer and I will go to the council and you lot can return to the guild," Erza says after considering for a moment. Bringing Asher and Nero along seems like a terrible idea because the two can be as reckless as Natsu when they see the need and they can make enemies of anyone they meet. It''s not that she fears what the council would do to them, it''s that she''s concerned about how things can unfold and what type of damage these two can cause.


    "Afraid we''ll kill someone, little knight?"


    "Yes I am, Asher"


    Asher doesn''t seem surprised, instead, she wears a knowing smile even when she turns to part ways with the two.


    "Come now children, we must return to the guild"


    "Children?" Nero and Lucy''s sound very much offended, but still, follow with little complaint. Wendy is left to watch them retreat before deciding to go with them as well. While she does want to go to the council she does not need to be there when Archer did something they do not like. Best not.


    "Now then" a clap and Archer''s walking off with a bounce in her step. Things went pretty well, although it was all very underwhelming. She had expected as much, but it was still disappointing. Still, she was happy to see that Wendy was so strong. She had known but it''s different to see her in action, especially when Wendy is shown to have a rather merciless side. She didn''t seem to care about Erigor in the slightest, even when she suspected that he may not be breathing. That''s unlike the Wendy she had known, but very much like the one she had raised so she is beyond proud of her show of strength. Wendy deserves to be an S-class mage and she''s sure she''ll have that title soon enough.


    "Where will you store the flute?" It''s a valid question and one that has been on Erza''s mind for some time now. Archer had said that she had wanted the flute for safekeeping yet she never said where she would be hiding it.


    But sometimes you just can''t stop the war, can you?


    She wouldn''t be here if that wasn''t the case.


    Terrible, really.


    "And where are all the other dangerous stuff?" You''d think that after all these years and their newfound relationship that Archer would stop beating around the bush, but of course she kept her frustrating habit despite it all. It''s not as frustrating now, Erza will admit to that, but she still thinks she does not need to be that way.


    "With the dragons," Archer says as if it should''ve been the most obvious thing to figure out and when Erza takes the time to think on it, it kinda is. " They''re in a completely different realm, one no one but us knows of and even if someone other than the chosen does know, they will not know how to enter this realm. And even if they manage that by some miracle they would have to face a horde of dragons"


    It''s the safest place to keep weapons of mass destruction and also the best place to hide should they need to. Archer had created that realm with much in mind next to keeping the dragons safe from Acnologia. It was an idea that struck her when she had recalled all the very cliche fics on Wattpad that almost always involved some dragon realm or another. She figured that if there truly was such a realm it would be good for everyone in the end. The dragons would be safe, the slayers would have their adoptive parents, and she''d have some powerful allies to summon. The dragons are also very knowledgeable and can be teachers to those of her guild when the time comes. They don''t need to become slayers, she just finds that the dragons'' guidance would be very beneficial to those who wish to become stronger in the use of their magic.


    For example; Laxus would be that much stronger had he been trained by a dragon of his element.


    That will happen sometime in the future, as for now, she''ll let Laxus think he can take the guild before she slaps some sense into him.


    "I''m curious to know how many dragons are in that realm" who wouldn''t be?


    It took her a great deal of time to create the realm and by then Acnologia had already killed off a good deal of the dragons. That was added to the fact that not all dragons wanted to align themselves with the Phoenix, apparently, they had some hate towards the creatures that were supposedly the most powerful. They didn''t like the Phoenix for they didn''t think to help them before, why should they believe them now?


    Kinda stupid though, but somewhat understandable.


    Still stupid though because they died when they could''ve just accepted her help.


    There is no use dwelling on dead dragons.


    ~~~~~~~~


    Doma was very much conflicted when Archer and Erza appeared in his office, both dragging bodies after them. Archer was smiling at him, mask removed and teeth on display and the old man had a terrible feeling in his gut. It is times like these that made him question himself and the decisions he had made that led to this point. He thought it a good idea to employ the phoenix and it is actually an amazing idea. She handles things swiftly and silently, bringing no attention to what does not need to be brought to light and punishing those that need to be punished. She is the best worker he has had since he became the chairman and he could only imagine how certain things would turn out differently without her.


    Yet there was this constant fear of her snapping his neck, because he knew she could do so if she wanted to. He himself wondered why exactly she allowed herself to work with him for Phoenix do not interfere with mere humans. He could not understand her appearance in the world, he could not understand why she showed herself, he could not understand what she could possibly want. And there isn''t just one of them, but two, the other an older sibling no less.


    "I have returned, Grand Doma, and I come bearing gifts" she dumps Erigor at her feet with a grin. "Wanted criminal, no?"


    Doma nods in agreement before looking to Erza who herself dumped a body before him.


    "As am I, and so is the old man here," Archer says that, yet Doma couldn''t help but feel as if she knew exactly how he had gotten the flute.


    "And the flute?" He was hoping she would return it even if he knew deep down that she would be doing no such thing.


    "Acquired" Archer holds out her hand and the flute materializes in her grasp. With its appearance came the eery presence that encompasses the weapon of darkness and destruction. "And as I''ve said before, I will not be returning it to you because clearly, you can not keep it safe. Had it not been for us, many would have been killed because of your carelessness"


    Speaking to the chairman in such a manner would earn anyone else a death penalty right then and there, but this is Archer. What could the chairman possibly do to her? And she had a point even if the old man would never admit to it. He was careless. Things are happening right under his nose that he has no knowledge of, and while he''s sure Archer knows every single detail he is just as confident in her ability to keep this information from him.


    "I will question all who work here," he says after a moment of consideration and those words don''t seem to satisfy Archer at all.


    Erza looks at her with a question, one the phoenix immediately understands and silently promises to answer later.


    "Do as you please, Doma. I got what I wanted so I won''t be bothering you unless you need me"


    With that Archer has decided that the conversation has come to a close for she was already approaching the door. Erza chanced a single look back at the old man, noting the way he slumped in his seat, his brow creasing in concern. She could practically see the gears turning in his head as he considers all who could possibly betray him.


    "There''s a traitor" Erza falls in step with the phoenix, brown eyes stuck to her as she awaits the answer. There is no need for her to reply, Era had pieced it together on her own.


    "Of course you are not one of them"


    "Naturally" she allowed a smile before covering her face with her mask when they entered a more public space. "I see and hear all"


    It was a joke but Erza actually believed it. Archer does tend to know what she could not possibly have any knowledge of and Erza never took the time to question her on this. She doubts she would receive a concrete answer to the question should she ask it.


    Archer opened her mouth to says something else, only to abruptly stop once she senses someone nearby, someone she had no good feelings towards and one she had always avoided when Erza was in her presence.


    "Something wrong?"


    Before she could reply to Erza''s question, the very person she did not want to see came walking down the corner, a smile finding his face once he sees the both of them. Blue eyes first travelled to Erza, who stood stiff at his appearance before finding the red of Archer''s own, her expression hidden behind her mask, but her displeasure was as clear as day.


    "Hello, Erza" he adopted this sickening honey-sweet voice when speaking to the redhead, one Archer knew he used in purpose and one that always worked to start a fire under her flesh. "Archer" he smiled, innocently when looking to the phoenix, knowing exactly what he was doing and ???ky enough to believe Archer won''t kill him for even looking at Erza the wrong way.


    "Siegrain" Erza always had to remind herself that this man before her is not the boy she had known, not the boy that had changed for the worse and banished her, forcing her away from those she holds dear. She had to remind herself of this every time she saw him and she would have to fight the anxiety that would surface whenever he was near.


    "I''ve heard of your latest exploits and must thank you for retrieving the flute," he says calmly, smiles still intact and eyes drifting slowly back to Erza. He was very aware of how uncomfortable she would get when around him, it made him smile even brighter. It''s always good to see her, to know where she is and how she''s doing, just waiting for the day he would lure her back to fulfil his plan. "I do hope you''ve returned it to Gran Doma"


    Siegrain could only smile when they vanished before his very eyes, Archer having decided to leave as soon as possible before she actually does something reckless.


    He chuckled darkly as he continued on his way, smile turning to a smirk as he thought of Erza, the little girl he had known all those years ago.


    "Soon"

 Chapter 53

    A fire all but manifested with the frustration that burned under Archer''s flesh. That blue-haired bastard is too ???ky around her, too sure of himself to not have some fiendish plan. She knows Jellal and she knows his created self. She knows them well enough to know that they would be smart enough to be very careful around someone who could kill them with the flick of their wrist. He should be sweating bullets whenever he''s in her presence, instead, he smiles this ???ky thing and has the balls to make Erza anxious. There are only two reasons he would be this careless around her, this confident and ???ky when it came to her. Either he was very stupid or he had something up his sleeve. He must have something he thought he could hang above her head as a threat, a danger and that thought - realization - did not sit well with Archer.


    She releases a long sigh, hand running through her hair as her eyes find Erza who sat almost motionless on their sofa. Silver sat just as motionless and quietly in her ??p, for a moment not knowing what to do to help her.


    "Erza"


    At being addressed she released an almost strangled breath, shaking hands moving to gently hold Silver in her ??p, letting the warmth and softness of her fur settle her nerves. She shouldn''t be this disturbed, shouldn''t be this anxious, this frightened. Siegrain is not the one he resembles, she had told herself that countless times. Still, her brain refuses to accept this as it forces all those terrible memories to the surface whenever she laid eyes on him. Every time he smiles she could only remember that little boy and that terrible wrong smile he held when she had found him. When he spoke he could only remember the cruel words that fell from his counterpart''s mouth, words that hurt her to her core. She hated the way he affected her when he had no right.


    "Will you be alright?" The question is followed by gentle hands cradling her face as she''s made to meet red eyes full of concern. She held that particular warmth that Erza could only ?ssociate with her, one that had her almost nuzzling her hands as all tension retreated almost immediately.


    "Yes, I''ll be alright" even if that were a lie Archer makes it a truth one way or another. Erza sometimes found it quite adorable how Archer goes above and beyond just to make her happy whenever she''s upset, even if she has to go to another town to do so.


    Archer considers her for a moment, searching for any identification that would suggest otherwise. It takes almost a full minute for her to be satisfied, smiling in relief as she let her worry slink away


    "I was ready to kill him," she says bluntly after a moment of thought. She''s always ready to kill him when he made Erza that anxious. Any sign of discomfort caused by him warranted his instant demise. It is only by some miracle that Archer has not acted on her instinct yet.


    "I know" Erza rubs Silver''s fur more thoroughly, scratching at her ears and chin, earning a very audible purr from the feline creature.


    "I do not like him"


    "I know"


    Her dislike for the man is as clear as day, even when she hides her expressions behind that mask of hers. Erza isn''t entirely sure why she hates him, only ?ssuming that she simply dislikes him because of the way Erza gets around him. She wouldn''t put it past her. Though she has a feeling there''s another reason she has such a strong dislike towards him.


    He''s a judas, Silver had decided. She has met him in a total of three times and each time he just felt off. There was something about him that wasn''t right, something Silver couldn''t understand. It was something that practically pulled at her whenever he''s around. It had her as curious as she is apprehensive, watching him carefully whenever in eyesight, uncomfortable whenever he smiled or spoke so nicely. Perhaps it''s the way his magic feels. It felt synthetic yet so very real at the same time. It''s harder still to understand how it fluxes, sometimes grows when in the presence of that woman - the one with the crystal.


    "Yes, I''ve said so" she''s fine, she''s going to be okay, Archer shouldn''t worry.


    "I''ll make you some cake" she promises as if she had to. "And those cookies you like and some milkshake as well"


    Before Erza could even try to stop her, Archer leaves her with a kiss to the cheek and a quick pet to Silver''s head. She''s in the kitchen before they know it, apron already tied around her body and chef''s hat already pulled onto her head.


    "Okay" is all Erza could then say.


    The sound of the door slamming absurdly loud disturbs the peaceful silence of the house. The sound is then followed by an equally loud shout that had Silver''s ears twitching. The exceed took one look at the door and the people standing in it before simply disappearing without a word.


    "You went on a cool mission without me!?" Natsu shouts as he practically stomps into the house. Lisanna follows after him with multiple apologies already spilling from her lips.


    Archer simply spares him a single glance, not even stopping her stride in the kitchen. She has a bowl full of cake mix in her hand already, strawberries spread over the counter as well as an ?ssortment of ingredients as she sets out to keep her word.


    "Natsu you don''t have to yell, you know" Lisanna scolds, grabbing the boy by the scarf, forcing him to stop his stomping. The action also worked to shut him up as that scarf got too tight around his neck, cutting off his airway and making it that much harder to speak, let alone shout.


    "You guys always go on cool missions when I''m not here" Natsu wh?n?s when he loosens the scarf around his neck, this time speaking a lot less louder than before.


    "See, I told you we shouldn''t go on so many missions Natsu, but nooo, you wanna go almost every day" Happy circles Natsu''s head as he says this, his high-pitched voice even higher as he teases the boy.


    Happy''s aim was to tease the already disappointed Natsu, but what he got was a grin in return. That wasn''t the plan in the slightest which just made him suspicious. Making a distance from Natsu, Happy eyes him with very curious yet untrusting eyes as the boy''s grin only grows.


    "What?"


    "Oh, nothing" Natsu shrugs too casually as he lays himself down on one of the sofas present, his smile still in place, though not as toothy. "It''s just that I planned on getting you a nice fishy treat with all this money we earned on our daily mission, but since you''re so against it, I don''t know anymore...."


    "Natsu that''s not nice"


    "Yeah, Lisanna''s right, that''s not nice"


    ~~~~~~~


    Later that day Archer was at the guild with the rest, su?k?n? on some lemonade while pointedly ignoring her older sister as she spoke of one thing or another. Gray had gotten into a fight with Natsu as soon as he stepped into the door, insulting him about his pink hair, and things spiraled after that. Archer likes to think that fighting is their love language, she likes to believe that Gray starts a fight as soon as Natsu arrives because he missed him but would never admit to it. Those two are close friends even though they hate it.


    "What do you prefer; smoothie or milkshake?" Nero''s asking as she presents a glass of each to an occupied Lucy. The blonde had her nose in one of the books Nero had righteously stolen from Everloo mansion and she had been reading that same book since she walked into the guild an hour or so ago.


    "What exactly are you reading?" Curious, Asher takes a glance over her shoulder, leaning closer to do so. Lucy does nothing, either not caring or not noticing. "The science behind Magic?"


    "There''s a science behind magic?" Wendy never heard nor considered that before. Though now that she''s thinking about it, she supposed it would make sense. There is science behind everything, at least that is what Epis had told her once. That dragon sure loves following that logic, despite her magic being one of the purest, or perhaps it is because of that, that she thinks that way. It''s hard to tell with her.


    "Well, maybe, I mean, there''s a science behind most if not everything, right?"


    "Magic is the combination of the spirit as well as the flow of nature, both forming a connection and creating what we all know and love. Looking at it that way it''s hard to find any scientific connection between the two because it begs the question that is hard to answer. How does one''s spirit connect with the spiritual flow of nature?" Starting off very casually Archer found herself very curious now she talked about it, wanting to find a way to explain it scientifically now. "Huh, but I do think it can be explained with science, just don''t know how at the moment"


    Erza wonders if this will lead to experiments in the backyard just like that one time Levy got Archer curious about explosives and other destructive things. Those two had the backyard completely wrecked, not even a trace of the beautiful green grass left behind.


    "I do believe Natsu''s use of fire is the easiest to explain," Asher says to Archer, the both of them watching said boy light himself on fire. "It''s simply chemical reactions, amongst others. Think of combustion reaction when he prepares for a roar"


    "Combustion reaction" red eyes stare intently, as if trying to see the explanation in the flames itself. "A Sublevel of an oxidation reaction which is when oxygen is combined chemically with something else in the environment. Natsu would be using his own body heat to release energy, or an exothermic process, which when combined with oxygen - oxygen he gathers when he prepares for that roar of his - creates fire"


    Erza was thankful that Levy was not present at the moment because that would have led them down a rabbit hole of more theories that the redhead could not deal with. She also hoped Archer didn''t plan on demonstrating anything she just explained, because she would feel so sorry for the backyard. And Demeter would not be very happy with such destruction, having chewed both Archer and Levy out for destroying nature.


    "And with Gray it would simply have to be taking away the heat from his environment, causing the water particles to crystalize and create his ice" Asher said matter of factly, shrugging and leaning back comfortably. "It would explain why he likes being without clothes so often"


    "That would involve space and time talk as well as the creation and access of a different dimension"


    Erza magic does work with a pocket dimension she can so easily access, not needing to think too hard about it or put in too much effort. Levy could probably explain it if they give her time, that girl can explain almost anything.


    "Awe I was really hoping you could explain that....that .....wait why am-..."


    Nero quirks as brow as Lucy struggles to keep her eyes open, suddenly noticing that most of the guild were practically asleep already. Even Erza had to blink herself back into focus when the magic''s effect tried to take her.


    "Oh, he''s back already" with a chuckle Nero takes hold of Lucy, holding her around the waist snugly and allowing her to rest against her shoulder. "Very dramatic, that one"


    "Why does he always do this?" Wendy yawned, but did not have to fight much. His magic affected her, but never as strongly as it did most.


    "His identity and all that"Asher replies with a shrug.


    "Hello Mystogan" Archer greets as soon as the veiled man steps foot into the guild, her greeting earning an almost bashful wave in return.


    He''s always been quite shy around people, though many wouldn''t know when he acts so indifferent and constantly puts the guild to sleep whenever he appears.


    "Back for another mission?"


    "The usual" Is his reply as he continues to the second floor and gets himself another long mission to occupy himself with for the time. The mission sheet is placed before Makarov for approval, the old man b?r?ly awake as it is.


    "I would appreciate it if you let up a little bit on the sleeping spell" the old man requests as he stamps his approval and is not at all surprised when he gets no answer to his words. He''s watching the boy leave soon, reminding him to undo the spell, as last time they had slept their entire day away when he either forgot or simply did not care to undo the spell. Sadly for them on that day, neither of the Phoenix siblings were present as well as Nero or Wendy, all of which could undo the spell that had been set upon them.


    "You should visit more!"Wendy calls after his retreating form.


    "I will"


    "That''s a lie" Wendy all but scoffs. "He never visits"


    "Maybe he will this time, you never know" Erza offers some hope to Wendy, who considers her words for a small moment.


    Once he''s completely out of sight, the spell''s effect begins to wear off as the guild members rouse out of their state of sleep as if being shocked out of a dream.


    "Damn you!"Natsu''s on his feet immediately, fire spilling out of his mouth in a roar as he announces his annoyance for having been knocked out once more. "I''ll stay awake next time, you''ll see you stupid Mystogan!"


    "Seems you''re not very happy about being put to sleep"Nero muses and its then Lucy realizes her situation and quickly scoots away from Nero, only to end up pressed right into Asher''s side, the phoenix smirking down at her when she groans.


    "If you find the need to be in my arms, you could have just asked, sweetheart"


    Nothing is said in reply and Lucy simply returns to her book, knowing that saying anything at all would result in some banter that she likely would end up losing due to Asher''s use of dirty tactics.


    "So this Mystogan figure" She inquiries, gazing over her book to meet Archer''s eyes. "Never heard of him"


    "That''s the point," says Archer. "No one has ever seen his face, well, safe for us and the Master. I''m almost jealous that he far outclasses me in the mystery department"


    Erza rolls her eyes, because of course Archer would be concerned about who''s more mysterious. And she''s right when she says that Mystogan outclasses her as not even the guild has seen his face and the media knows not of his existence.


    "You forget that I''ve seen his face as well" A voice from the second floor alerts the others to Laxus'' presence in the guild, which comes as a surprise to most. "He''s just very shy, so don''t question it too much"


    As if he would know


    "Laxus fight me!" Natsu immediately declares, his body engulfed in flames as he has already forgotten the number of times he had been beaten by Archer for attempting such reckless things. The last time he attempted to fight Laxus the guild almost burned down.


    Laxus'' only reply is a scoff as he b?r?ly regards Natsu, not because he deems him weak, no, he knows what Natsu is capable of after all these years of training under his dragon. He''ll never admit that he sometimes worries he''ll lose to the fire boy and he''ll never admit that he''s wary of fighting him because of the two Phoenix women that watch over the boy.


    "Laxus!" With a shout, Natsu shoots himself up to the second floor, fists lit in a fire and teeth b?r?d in a grin as he appears right in front of Laxus, who was a bit surprised by this.


    The explosion that results in this collision is deafening and has those of s?ns?t?v? hearing flinching. Makarov sighs as smoke fills the air, already regretting not stopping Natsu when the boy went for the attack. He was sure Archer would stop him, but these days she has been very lenient with Natsu when it comes to Laxus. She would only watch these fights unfold until she sees the need to intervene and at the moment she doesn''t seem bothered in the slightest.


    The smoke clears to reveal the clashing mages. Electricity sparks in the air around them both as flames mingle in the mix. Natsu is grinning, his fist blocked by Laxus arms and the latter appearing very much displeased by the fact he had to block and was still moved back a step or two.


    "You dare lay your dirty han-"


    "Keep your mouth shut Freed," Said a casual Archer, who appeared behind the green-haired man within an instant, a hand placed on his shoulder in an almost friendly gesture. "You know better than to interfere, don''t you?"


    He''s silent under her gaze, immediately relenting and allowing himself to relax. He does know better than to get in the middle of it. Laxus wouldn''t be pleased and Natsu would want to fight him next, neither have good outcomes.


    "Thought so" Satisfied, Archer turns on her heels to regard Evergreen and Bicslow. "Hello Evergreen"


    With her greeting, a pair of glasses appears in her hand as she presents them to the mage.


    "I have acquired some new glasses for you," she says with a bright smile. "I think they would look quite good on you"


    Archer can be very antagonizing towards Laxus, however, she has long since shown that she has no issues with the other three as she regards them as friends and often brings them gifts from her missions. It is why none of them take much offense to her actions anymore. And Evergreen never cared much from the very beginning.


    The presented glasses have green-rimmed, the color a theme when it comes to the gifts Archer brings her. She seems to enjoy the fact that green is literally in her name. They resemble the ones she already has, safe for the rims and maybe even the shape of the lenses. The difference in lenses is slight, however.


    "Any reason for the gift?" She has to ask as she always does.


    "Any reason for the others?" Archer asks in turn.


    "Fair enough"


    Before Bicslow can ask if he too gets a gift a tiki doll is thrown at him and he is satisfied for the moment.


    "Awesome"


    "You''re welcome"


    She''s gone as soon as she appeared, but she made sure to slap Laxus and grab Natsu on her way. While she would enjoy a fight, she doubts it''s a good idea for the moment. Some other time, maybe.


    "Archer, let''s go on an S-class mission" Natsu suggests as he is dragged along by the scarf. Laxus had been spouting some nonsense after Archer hit him,but did not dare challenge her.


    "I''m taking a break Natsu, some other time"


    "Please?"


    "I said no"


    "Fine, I''ll go myself"


    "Feel free, the second floor is right there"