The Master's Game

It was a normal enough day.

Everyone was just doing what they do as they do every day.

So why was it Simon felt today was one unlike any other?

"Fairy Tail Gather! First floor ten minutes! I want a thing!"

Julius was sitting in the guild lost in thoughts. Hmmm. Julius still hasn't heard anything from John... Julius hopes every thing is alright over there. Julius thought bubble quickly burst as he heard Simon screaming through the hall. What is happening?Why is master Simon screaming? Julius quickly ran to the first floor as he was waiting for instructions from the Guild Master. Julius's face was still a bit down and worried

Zecarayus was practicing his necromancy on a skeleton of a dog who died in a fire to save its owners outside. But the simons yell interrupted his concentration and the dog fell back apart. He sighed but knew the guild masters call should not be ignored. He grabbed the bones and hid them in the bushes, then rushed into the main floor. He saw julius who looked concerned, but it was hard to tell if it was for simon or some other issue. He assumed simon would tell them when more people arrived as he and julius were the closest here, so he grabbed a chair and sat near julius, wondering what simon had in store for them. "Heya julius, you allright?" he asked as he waited for simon to speak.

Sorano glanced up from her book, confused by the sudden noise. She had been too deeply engrossed to see what it was. "Hoshi, did you hear that?"she asked her friend. Hoshi smiled, knowing how deaf to the world the girl could be while reading. "The guild master's calling. We have to go to the first floor," she explained. The two quickly hurried down, to see two other members already gathered.

Bellaria was currently fighting a Tranzbose's Familiar when she heard the disturbance. It was an annoying little thing, which belonged to Gertrud. The Anthony was trying to steal roses from the garden located outside the guild hall for its mistress, and unluckily enough for it, a Nova Girl just happened to be located inside, more than close enough to sense it.

She had made quick work of the thing, as she never wanted to be found out. It wasn't as if she was doing anything bad, but she was advised to keep the existence of Tranzbose a secret, the reason for which was unknown for her. Maybe they were just voices in her head, but some time during her transcendence, that instruction was implanted into her along with many others.

Flipping her sectioned off ponytail, Bell jumped out of Anthony's Barrier and landed swiftly in the garden. She probably wasn't seen, considering the entrance was conventional located behind a large shrub. Defeating the single Anthony was quite easy, seeing as it was basically defensless. She might have felt bad about killing it, but if left to fester, it may become a full Tranzbose. It had to be eliminated either way because of its proximity to the guild hall.

Before turning the corner, Bellaria reached into her Nova Gem and produced a pink lollipop, popping into her mouth as she approached the guild hall. She had no idea what the disturbance was, but she could sense it somehow. Maybe the disturbance was related to the Familiar, but it couldn't be, as she was sure it hadn't killed anyone in its ended short life.

She whisked away her transformation as she entered the guild, smiling at everyone as she entered.

"What is going on? I'm just curious, thats all."

The only person she recognized was that skull dude and someone she knew from a drunken description as the guild leader. He appeared to be a small child, but she knew not to judge from appearances.

Simon descended from the upper levels of the guild in a blur of motion, only solidifying when he stopped to stand on the bar before the gathered individuals. There was a descent assortment of people gathered before him. Most of them seemed like the right cut for what he had in mind but Heero did stand out. The phoenix didn't say anything but he did think You may be a bit over qualified for this one buddy. But hey maybe something will go horribly wrong and it won't be a total waste of your time. Regardless the guild master crossed his arms and stomped his foot on the bar to get everyone's eyes "Alright listen up! I was sitting in my office earlier and I realized, Clover Town and our buddies at Blue Pegasus could be burning to the ground right now and I would have no idea. Naturally instead of sending someone to go check I have decided to set up a hotline system between us and Blue Pegasus, or really us and all the other big guilds.." The guild master went from a shout to a reduced volume as his mind shifted from his announcement to an external monolog, "I mean yes I had the idea with Blue Pegasus in mind. But at the same time there is no reason to not set it up with Sabertooth and Lamia Scale as well. I guess we could get Eclipse Soul too but I don't know if we really call them big anymore. Are we a big guild anymore? Hard to say. But I bet we will get some public attention when we pull this off."

At this point the master wasn't looking at the guild members anymore and was passing back and forth along the bar talking to himself more than anyone "Then again this will be more a "neat," headline over a "holy cow!" head line. Unless I find a way to make it a holy cow head line. I mean maybe if we accidentally unleash a bunch of giant monsters to fight along the way it will be more news worthy. Then again we are going to Thunder Island and any time anyone goes to Thunder Island it is a head line so if we combine our destination with our objective it could be substancially media worthy..." Simon froze mid-pacing and looked at the collection of Fairy Tail mages surely staring at him in confusion, "Wait why are you all still here?"

It took Simon a moment then his face lit up and he continued louder then before "Right! I didn't tell you what we are doing yet! I want a Thunder Parrot! I want the best thunder parrot the world has ever seen! Naturally I've arranged for a boat to take any volunteers to Thunder Island to join in the hunt for our target. The Thunder Parrot could also be named the Lightning Parrot as its body is composed entirely of lightning, but it is called a Thunder Parrot because of its incredible ability to replicate voices and sounds. Naturally I want one to use as an emergency messaging system between the guilds. Sure it may seem a mundane function for a mythical beast that has never before been captured, but surely just the notion of capturing something that has never been captured alone is reason enough to do it!" How a boy that small could project a voice so loud so consistently was anybody's guess.

Simon threw his hands wide "So who wants to take a stab at it?"

Bellaria was very interested. This was a chance to prove herself and get stronger, as such strength was needed for a superhero fighter of justice. Another thing that piqued her interest was the elusiveness and usefullness of the thunder parrot. They needed it to communicate with other guilds in case of an emergency, so how could she turn a blind eye and let potential for injustice and harm to pass by her sight?

She was warned that the guild master could be a bit overbearing, but she was really surprised by his apparent age. Bell had been informed he was young, but she never imagined what had just yelled at them with a strong deafening voice.

Now she was interested if anyone else was up for the challenge, as everyone else was probably much stronger than her.

This was also an opportunity to scout the nearby lands for Tranzbose or Familiars, as she had felt a looming dark energy over the past few days.

To make herself clear, she stood up from the creaky wooden bench and smiled at the guild master, waving shyl.

"I'm Up-p for the C-Challenge."

She instantly regretted her words. There was no way her powers were strong enough for whatever this task was, she was too weak. She had to go and stutter too, everyone was probably thinking about how pathetic she was right now, this was a big mistake.

A what?zecarayus thought to himself, he had no idea of this thunder parrot, but simon says it was important to the guild. Still, the way he carried on made it look like he wanted the parrot for bragging rights more then anything. And the fact that he said no one has caught it before did put doubt in zecarayus.

But then he could not get out of his head of how good this could be. Not only would it help relations with the guilds, which zecarayus remembered he might have worsened at the ball, but also the emergency alarm system is a good idea. But then it was to, thunder island? he thought to himself. a place where it always made news, which meant it had to be dangerous.

Then again, this was his guild and to help here would echo across the land, helping others in ways that none of the guild members could even imagine. That was an aim-able goal, even if the capture of the mythical parrot was impossible. Zecarayus then heard bellaria wanted in, and this made it easier for him stand and speak, "Simon, the way you put it makes it sound too easy. But none the less, if this helps things here, it sounds worth the effort, so count me in!" He said a little nervous with a little sarcasm, but then added more serious, "When we do capture this parrot though, lets treat it like one of our own aight?" He stayed standing after and looked at bellaria, and gave her a thumbs up, nervous and excited for what he just volunteered for, as anyone would in the situation perhaps.

"Hmm, that actually does sound like fun adventure", Zero as he munched on some food. "Though, it would probably blow my cover if I volunteered." Zero whispered to himself as he looked at the guild mark on his hand.Earlier today when he was passing by, he had smelled some delicious food coming from the guild hall.After he bought some water resistant paint, since using his magic would was it away, he painted what he thinks is pretty good imitation of a light blue Fairy Tail guild mark on the back of his right hand.He then proceeded to scope the place out while eating some food. He considered it all right since he originally came to see how guild was anyway, he saw it more as a "free sample" of guild life." Though if I catch the bird, I could probably get some sweet food as well", Zero thought. Zero continued to debate whether or not to participate while sitting at a table.

Sorano smiled at Hoshi's response to Garfield, the younger exceed bristling away from the other. As the guild master came and began to speak, Sorano had to cringe at his voice. She knew no one who could yell quite as loud as her guild master. When he finished, the letter mage glanced around at everyone else, meanwhile wondering where she had read the term thunder parrot before. Her problem was, though she read many useful books, she never seemed to be able to remember where all the information came from. Still, Simon seemed to be quite informed on it, so nothing too bad could happen, right? Then, she grinned slightly to herself. If nothing interesting happened, what would the fun be in that? Slowly, her fellow guild members replied. Both were D ranks by what she knew, so she should be okay. "I'll volunteer,"" she said coolly, dipping her head slightly to the other volunteers. Hoshi, on the other hand, was terrified. However, seeing the stubborn glint in Sorano's eyes, she sighed, and flew to Sorano's shoulder in a show of agreement.

Suddenly Zecarayus appeared he grabbed a chair and sat down right next Julius and asked if everything was alright. Well to be honest Zecarayus-kun Julius is not doing alright Julius is worried about the island. You remember when Julius needed to go to the post office when you first came here? Well it was a letter for the person that took care of Julius after Julius's parents died but Julius still hasn't heard anything from him. Julius was about to cry when a girl and her exceed appeared Julius remembers that her name was Sorano but Julius didn't know what her exceed was called. Not long after Heero appeared and gave a salute and a greeting to Julius and Zecarayus. Hi Heero-san. When Bellaria was with the group Simon started talking about going to thunder island to capture a beast. T-t-t-thunder island?! Julius is afraid for thunder. Julius wasn't afraid of thunder because of the noise or flashes. But because his magic wasn't effective to thunder and if Julius used his water body it would hurt Julius more.

Zecarayus, Bellaria and Sorano volunteered to go. Despite the danger Julius wanted to go because he wanted to see more of the world and he wants to help his guild. JULIUS VOLUNTEERS! Julius screamed. He didn't scream because he wanted to go that badily he screamed because he was very nervous.

After the event in town where he encountered Raina once more after all these years, it was such a delightful moment for him. For the feeling of being reunited is nothing compared to all others, for it is considered to be an epitome of love and happiness to some.

With that said, the hooded figure headed back home. There in the center of town stood the hall of Fairy Tail, the place he was headed. And as he walked toward it, he could hear someone shouting. The voice sounded familiar. Of course, no one would sound the same after all these years, he took into consideration that they may have aged. So from what he was able to piece together he said... "Simon... Heh... You still smell scorched..." afterwards he went inside. Opening the door slowly, doing his best not to make a scene.

It seems Simon is announcing something to the guild. Although he doesn't know why. All he knew is that it involves a thunder parrot and the need for volunteers.

The man asked the mage next to him about what Simon said, and the man said "Huh? Wait who are you anyway? Why are you hiding your face? Are you a spy or something?" The man had no reaction. It was immature and unwise to overreact. No. He simply replied softly "Young man, if I were a spy, I wouldn't make my presence known to anyone. Just please tell me what's going on." The man looks as if he still doubts the hooded figure, but after a time of thinking, he knew that he was right. So he told him that Simon, or Master Simon as the young mage called the little kid the hooded figure once knew, was asking people if they want to volunteer in catching a thunder parrot to trade messages with the other legal guilds.

The swordsman was interested, he even smiled at the notion of what's going on. This could prove to be the best way to be with the guild again. Old and new since there are a lot of new faces around, and that there were still people he knows, like Heero. In a cheerful tone, the hooded man said "Alright, that sounds like fun, I'm in." and then began to walk towards Simon. But the mage he spoke to stopped him saying "In? Ha! Who do you think you are coming in like that? I don't know you. That means no one will. We're all so close like a family here." At this point, it looks like the man is getting pissed off. But the mysterious figure only smiled at him and replied "It's good to know you still think of each other that way after all these years..." then turned around. The man didn't follow. Possibly because he must have known he was an old member.

Approaching Simon, making his way to the crowd, they all looked at him with suspicious eyes. He understood very well why, so he simply ignored them.

When he got to the front, he looked up, still with his face covered by the hood's shade. "Master Simon..." when he said that, he couldn't help but snicker a little. It was such a happy thought. ... I wish to be one of the few who will capture the thunder parrot."

There was a still silence in the air. They couldn't believe that this man would volunteer to be part of a quest that was strictly for the members of the guild. He could hear them murmur. Hear them question his motives. Some would even say that he doesn't feel familiar. Most would say that he has a very dark aura.

The silence fell again and the hooded figure was alerted to the coming of a big hurling fireball. In response, He simply held his weapon's hilt and blocked it with it. The cloth got burned, revealing the blade of his weapon. Other than that, he made no other move. But everyone around his seems to be getting ready to fight...

Zecarayus looked around with a smile, he could not believe the many people banning together for this. However he saw a member sitting at a table, away from the crowd. Zecarayus saw this as odd, and made his way through the crowd to go see the stranger. However he saw the guild tattoo mark, it did not look right at all. Now zecarayus approached the man with caution until he was at the table. "You know, if you wanted to be here in the guild you could just ask rather then try to fake your way in." he said to the man with an irritated tone, to zecarayus right now the man looked like one who wasn't responsible.

Then however, the stranger came in. His aura was felt indefinitely by zecarayus, who looked away from the man to the stranger. It was an odd one, dark even. However the stranger kept walking until he reached the crowd of volunteers and volunteered himself. Zecarayus was put off by this, why would a stranger volunteer for this? Then however, a light flashed indicating a fire or lightning spell been cast. Zecarayus could have easily guessed that it was targeted to the stranger. He looked at the man again, "Look help me with this and I won't say about how you tried to fake your way into here ok?" he said but didn't wait for an answer as he made his way back into the crowd. Sure the stranger had a dark aura, but that doesn't make a mage bad, otherwise zecarayus would have been kicked out already.

He made his way to the front of the crowd while trying to calm people down to not attack the stranger more. "Hey, you could at least introduce yourself first stranger, and please don't start a fight?" he said to the stranger now at the front of the crowd. A few of the members were getting suspicious of zecarayus, he had always been trouble in the guild with his necromancy, and now he was speaking up for the stranger? That didn't seem right.

A brilliant flash of light shined enigmatically in the middle of guild hall near where the members of Fairy Tail and the Guild Master Simon stood. A angelic voice sung through the crowd, "Tell me Simon, will there be room for me on this adventure as well, or have you already forgotten me?" The voice said as a lone figure flipped up to the upper banister and stood on it gracefully. The lone figure wore stunning angelic themed armor that was styled like a bathing suit with angelic feathers hanging off the sides. She was a gorgeous girl with large "gifts". Her long flowing carnation colored hair danced through the guild like it was a wave of flower petals. Her crimson eyes scanned the guild for familiar faces and sparkled like the morning sun.

"Hello, my family. I have returned!" She said. She was home, finally. Raina, the Princess of Fairy Tail was home.

Simon grinned ear to ear as people stood up to volunteer, and more to his delight he didn't know half of them. Fairy Tail had always been his home but with his recent accent to the upper echelons of the mage world he had become out of contact with the guild on ground level. His wanting to reconnect with his family was a large part of his calling for this mission, and the cast of strangers before him spelled out an ideal pool of new. Around the time Julius volunteered Simon balled his hands into fists and threw them above his head "Alright! Sounds like we've got a hell of a team! Train station one hour if you haven't lost your nerve. We'll take a train to Hargeon and get a boat from there. Gather your gear and-" Simon's eyes darted to a hooded figure moving through the guild, later nearby guildmembers would claim they saw his eyes become like that of a hawk but only for a fleeting second.

Simon tried to remain composed but he could feel his hairs standing on end. He couldn't peg the figure yet but the phoenix got the feeling as soon as he did there wouldn't be time to finish his speech. Picking up where he left off and trying to play off his pause he continued "Erh sorry mind wandered off. Train station! One hour! Be ready for a trip to Thunder Island! Go!" Simon opened his clenched fists releasing a tongue of blue fire from each in a showy but harmless display of his magic. Having dismissed his audience Simon's attention returned to the hooded figure just in time for said figure to arrive.

Naturally an unexplained fire ball that was in no way shape or form Simon's showing off back firing just so happened to burn away a section of the man's cloak. Then he saw the gleam of metal. Simon froze.

Then he jumped. Rather high really, and really fast, in fact to the untrained eye it might have appeared he teleported. But in reality he had jumped to the uppermost level of the guild to his nest, only to reappear right where he had been standing only a moment later. But now he held in his hands a white and light-blue sword with a thin blade and hilt. The sword hummed with magic but any mage worth their salt could tell it wasn't really compatible with Simon. "Zecarayus its okay. No fight is going to start."

Simon twirled the sword before pointing it at the hooded figure "Where the hell have you been!?"

Then of course princess angel lady showed up in a display of light and Simon addressed her in turn "Yo! I'll get back to you in a second! Please have a response ready for when I ask you where the hell have you been." With that it was back to pointing Sky Heart at hoody mchood.

Raina smiled at her guildmates brightly giving them the once forgotten sense of love she always gave. She scanned around the room and laughed as everyone finally realized Leo was here and when Simon made a comment at where the hell she has been. "Well Simon, well I guess I should call you master now, It has been a long story, but I am back and ready to find this Thunder Parrot!" She said as she threw her fist and the air which many others followed. She continued to look around and noticed a familiar blue haired wizard giving her a vaguely famiiar smile. "It could not be." She said softly. It was, it was Heero! "Heero!!!!!!!!" She called as she pushed through people and tackled him. "You have grown up so much!" She said as she hugged him.

Bellaria smiled at the display. Before the climax in which the stranger's identity was revealed, there was soo much fear and angst, she swore it could've given birth to a Tranzbose, but that was obviously not the case, as it turned to bliss as the hooded figure was apparently recognized. Bell was short so she couldn't really see him, but he had caused quite the emotion.

She wanted to join in on the fun, but she knew she'd be an outsider. Bell was a newcomer, and had no idea who these people even were without having been told their names by a creepy guy that kept making 'subtle' suggestions to her. Bellaria just shrugged him off her shoulder and usually just waved her hand in dismissal, but she had enough of the guy. Sighing, the girl walked over to a table and sighed, chewing the last bit of candy off her lollipop before shoving the stick in her pocket.

"Last one there is a melted gumdrop!" Bellaria giggled out before running out of the guildhall towards the train station. As to make other people feel better about themselves, she'd take the long way around just to make sure other people got there first.

OOC:

Mixed emotions filled the air. Leonard had already made a fuss, the exact opposite of his plan on getting back home in a low profile. His new family members were ready to beat him down. Although he would vefy much like to see them try, it would be very wrong to.

A young mage whom he felt the souls of the dead were about him came to his defense, but also demanded Leonard to explain himself. He grabbed him by the shoulder and said softly "I thank you for coming to my aid young necromancer, but I'll be fine. It looks like my word will do any of you any good...." Then he noticed that Simon had already realized that who he was and so he continued "....how about I let others vouch for me." And at that moment, Simon called out to him pointing and old nostalgic blade at him.

Leonard smiled and snapped his fingers, dispersing the Sky Heart into thin air putting it back to his pocket space. The rest of the guild gasped and wondered how was he able to do it. That their master simply let the blade of great importance disappear like that. While some of them may have realized why, it wasn't enough for the guild to be convinced he was no threat.

Without taking the hood off yet, Leonard replied to Simon saying "I was on a journey. To find myself. It took a while, but thanks for giving me the time alone."

Fortunately, another would vouch for him. And this time, having two esteemed, legendary, and well respected Fairies back him up the people around him kept their distance. Master.... A title he nevef thought he would hear again. It made him smirk under his hood also because they thought it was an act. But if one was to know what Leonard found out himself to be and what he encountered, surely they would take up the same.

It was at this moment that Leonard removed the hood, pulling it down with two hands holding at the sides, he revealed a face they were all unfamiliar with. Leonard had grown a beard and his hair was soft and down as opposed to his distracting spiky hair in his youth. He looked towards Heero and replied "I can asure you, son that this is no act. You just got to have to get used to it." The rest of the guild starred at awe and it was at this moment that he young mage that threw the fireball said his apologies to which he simply nodded to.

After that, Leonard held Raina by the hand and told Heero and her softly that "Well then, to the train station. I hope you're ready to go to 'sleep' again Heero." He giggled in an evil manner after that and walked out towards the station.

Visa had been sitting in the back of the room as people came in and began speaking of finding a bird. The girl would stay back against the wall, not wanting to interrupt anything or annoy the others. She'd look down silently as people spoke more and more. Barely anything made sense to her. Visa didn't know any of these people... She had only just come to the guild and joined. Silently, the girl glanced up as the majority of the people left- all heading for what their apparent young leader called a train station. She had read about those...

She'd take in a deep breath and close her eyes before slowly counting to ten and releasing it. Then, Visa adjusted her cloak and moved to go follow anyone she could find heading to the station. Of course, she'd keep a respectful distance behind them.

Zecarayus was occupied on the man and was caught off guard by the voice above him. He looked above him and low and behold...zecarayus was transfixed on the woman, she was beautiful and had clothing that amplified the lust of anyone who would looked at her. Then his attention was snapped back as the man put his hand on zecarayus's shoulder and told zecarayus not to be so concerned necromancer. The whole part of the stranger knowing that zecarayus was a necromancer scared him deeply, was necromancy a lost art as he was told or was it more common? But then the stranger's identity was revealed, Leonard dragonbane, 1st master of fairy tail. After this, zecarayus wasn't as afraid no more but cautious, if Leonard was the 1st master, then what was simon?

However, it was clear that he was welcomed back as simon greeted him, and the very beautiful lady was welcomed as she hovered downward, zecarayus was still surprised how such magic can be gained easily, and ran at heero, as he knew was an ace of the guild but nothing else much. Then everybody was moving out, zecarayus realized that he needed to follow the crowd to the station. He was going to follow, but if this was a mission to look for a mythical bird then he was going need anything he could get. So he returned outside to the skeletal dog's remains, and put them in a burlap bag before following outside the crowd toward the train station.

(I suppose now we get a link to the event place?)

Zero was watching the events go on with half interest, he was mostly thinking on what to do now that he had got caught.He thought about just sneaking out since everyone's attention was diverted, but wont look good later on."Oh well, this sounds fun anyway so might as well go all in.", said to himself quietly.He sprinted out the entrance tapping Zecarayus on the shoulder on the way out. "See you at the train station buddy!", Zero called out as he ran towards the train station.

After Julius screamed through the guild he froze. Julius can't believe what Julius said. There is no going back now... STOP IT Julius! You want to let the guild see what you are made off sometimes people need to face their weaknesses to show how strong they actually are! Julius thought to himself Julius was so lost in thoughts he didn't hear the ruckus that was happening. But when Julius heard that 1 of the strangers was a former guild master of Fairy Tail Julius's heart skipped a beat and he almost fainted when he heard that the former guild master would come along to Thunder Island. Great now Julius really can't screw up now. What is wrong with this day? First Julius hasn't heard anything from John. Second the master decides to hold a expedition to Thunder Island. Third the former guild master showed up on today of all days and then says he will join us to Thunder Island. Julius thought to himself. WHY HAS EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE COMPLICATED TODAY?! Julius screamed through the guild and then went on his way to the train station

It was uncomfortable seeing this odd reunion with her guild master and two new people. Though she saw a guild tattoo on one of them, she still felt hostile around them. After eavesdropping on some conversations, she gathered that the man was the first master of Fairy Tail. The woman besides him was apparently another member of Fairy Tail. Sorano shrugged, then turned to Hoshi. "What do you think is happening?" she asked the exceed. Hoshi shook her head uncertainly, looking confused by the chaos. "Well, I guess we ought to head to the train station," Sorano sighed, and the girl and the exceed left the guild hall silently.