//------------------------------// // Informing Makarov // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Spike returns to the guildhall after helping his friends accomplish the job Warrod Sequen requested. He sees the guildhall a bit empty. "Hmm, must be working on their jobs," Spike sees Master Makarov and Laxus sitting by the bar stool having a drink. "So, you thinking about taking the next shift with Mr.Yajima's 8 Island Restaurant?" Makarov asks while drinking his mug of beer. "Yea. After reviews of Spike being one of the best chefs in Fairy Tail, Freed took that offensively and wants to display his cooking expertise. Freed wants to show that he's the better cook and wants to prove it." "Have you tasted Spike's cooking, Laxus?" Makarov asks. "Yes. Between you and me, Grandpa, Spike is the better chef. I am eager to know how Freed will gain an advantage in the kitchen," Laxus drinks his mug of beer. "Wow, I need him to whip up some dinner for the guildhall one of these days. Say, what about a Fairy Tail cooking competition to see who'll claim as Fairy Tail's Elite Chef?" "Sure, why not? Have a day where everyone is hungry and try out the best food each chef and devise. A five-course meal to amaze and woo everyone." "Excellent idea. I'll invite Jason from Sorcerer Weekly to display the trophy as well as be a judge." "Sounds like fun. Who knows, maybe I'll win," Mirajane said while cleaning the cups. "Sounds good, Grandpa. Mira, can I have a steak?" "Sure thing, Laxus," Mirajane starts cooking. "Make that two, Mirajane," Makarov says. "Three," Spike sits at the stool. "Spike?" Laxus is confused as to why Spike came alone. "Spike, what happened to the others?" Master Makarov asks. "They got ambushed by Acnologia." "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" Master Makarov, Laxus, and Mirajane panics. "Just kidding." "Why you conniving, little..," Makarov refrains his anger from finishing his statement. "Seriously, what happened to Natsu, Erza, and the others?" Laxus asks. "They're doing well. Partying with the giants at Sun Village after completing the job." "So, why are you here? Why aren't you celebrating with the others?" Mirajane asks while cooking the steaks. "Well," Spike takes a deep breath. "I'm here to inform you, Makarov, on the latest development Erza discovered." "What is it, Spike?" Makarov is eager to know about Erza's discovery. "There is this guy named Doriate, and he explained about the Netherworld Gate opening. Erza says that the Dark Guild Tartaros is in the works of doing something horrific." Master Makarov spills his beer in shock. "WHAT?!" "That doesn't sound good," Laxus said in shock. "Oh my..," Mirajane imagines the horror Tartaros can do. "Grandpa, what should we do?" Laxus asks. Makarov sighs heavily. "We should wait while keeping our guard up. Pay close attention to any activity of Tartaros' involvement. I fear war may be of the essence." "Understood, Makarov," Mirajane said. "I'll have Warren reach out to everyone about Tartaros' activities." "Thanks, Mirajane. In the meantime, I should get ready when the Magic Council calls for all Guild Masters to attend to an assembly." "Be careful when you go, Old Man," Laxus said. "I will, Boy," Makarov replies. "So, how will the others come back home when you're here, Spike?" Mirajane turns to him. "I'm sure they can follow the way back to Warrod Sequen," Spike doesn't sound like himself. He looks down a bit. "Something troubling you, Spike?" Mirajane asks. She's concerned by Spike's expression written on his face. "I.., I don't want to talk about it. Not right now." "Rage, can you explain?" Makarov asks. "It's something deep and personal. Spike mentioned to you all except for Laxus months ago. It's all I can say without mentioning the details that swirl in his mind." "Oh, boy. There's a lot Spike told us about," Mirajane tries to remember what Spike said that was so important. "Agreed. It may take a while," Makarov starts remembering. Spike closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "I'll tell you when I'm ready. Right now, I want to eat before going home." "Geez, that bad, huh?" Laxus wants to know what is troubling Spike. "Yea." Fairy Rage answers. "It's something that he thinks about every now and then." "Hmm," Makarov ponders a bit. "Yo, Fairy Dragon!" Gajeel walks into the guildhall with Panther Lily. They bring a tired Jet and Droy with them. "Wow, Jet and Droy did a job with you two?" Spike sees Jet and Droy covered in bruises. "No, these two idiots followed us, and we had to rescue them," Panther Lily said. "We said we were sorry," Jet and Droy say in tears of anguish. "So, where's Salamander and the rest of them?" Gajeel asks. "They're partying with the giants of Sun Village," Spike replies. Gajeel notices Spike's demeanor. He doesn't sound like himself. "Hey, something bothering you?" Gajeel sits by the stool. "What's up, Spike?" Panther Lily joins Gajeel by the stool. "Some deep personal stuff, you two. Spike mentioned it to you months ago." "Crap," Gajeel tries to remember what it was that Spike said months ago. "It'll take a while for either of us to remember what explicit details you mentioned to us, Spike," Panther Lily says. "Hey, we're back!" Cana said in satisfaction. She's drinking a new liquor that came out recently. "I need to get some work done," Elfman said. "A man needs to earn back what was lost." "What happened with you?" Panther Lily turns to Elfman. "I used my winnings of the Grand Magic Games. I had Elfman buy me all sorts of drinks from different pubs everywhere," Cana drinks her bottle. "Are there any high-paying jobs on the board, Mira?" Elfman asks his sister. "Yes," Mirajane gives Elfman a job he can do. Eliminate the ravenous beasts that terrorize a farming land near Crocus. The pay is 2,000,000 Jewels. "Thanks, you're a lifesaver," Elfman takes the job. "Up, up, up, I get half of it," Cana smirks. "Oh, c'mon," Elfman complains a bit. "I barely have money in my bank account." "I still own you for ten more minutes. As my final command, you'll give me half of your paycheck." Elfman groans and leaves the guildhall. Mirajane sighs a bit but knows that it's part of the stipulation Makarov devised. "Mira, we're home!" Lisanna said while walking into the guildhall with Juvia. They return from their job. "Spike! Where's my beloved Gray?" Juvia looks around, trying to find Gray. "At the Sun Village partying with the giants," Spike answers. Juvia picked up on Spike's demeanor. He sounds upset. "Something wrong, Spike?" Juvia asks Spike. "Yea, you sound sad," Lisanna walks up to him. "I have some things on my mind. A feeling that returned out of the blue." "It's not the warning Fairy Rage spoke of, is it?" Lisanna asks. Makarov, Mirajane, Cana, Gajeel, Panther Lily, Jet, Droy, and Juvia are silent after what Lisanna said. Laxus doesn't know anything about the warning but, judging from the reactions from his friends and his grandpa, it must be crucial. "I'll take my steak to go," Spike said. Mirajane gives Spike the well-cooked steak. She respects Spike's wishes if he chooses to be alone for a while. Spike leaves the guildhall and flies to the apartment. "Uh, mind telling me what's the warning Fairy Rage told him?" Laxus wants to know what's Spike has in his mind. "Fairy Rage warned him that a guild will take something from Spike soon," Lisanna said. "Yea," Panther Lily remembers the explanation. "Fairy Rage didn't say what guild it is. However, from time to time, it would bother Spike a bit. He needs some clarity from Fairy Rage. However, he doesn't have all the details. According to Fairy Rage, he can sense who's part of the guild." Laxus remembers during day three of the Grand Magic Games, Fairy Rage sensing one of the members before passing out. "Whatever guild is after Spike, they'll live to regret messing with Fairy Tail." "Agreed," Makarov said. "I refuse to allow any of my children to suffer by the clutches of the enemy. No matter what they are and who they are, the enemy will feel the wrath of Fairy Tail."