chapter 7

Makarov wasn't sure what to make of the story this boy had just told him. If what he said was true it would not only prove the existence of the afterlife and higher powers, but also turn the religious world on its head. He was never really one for religion but he knew the chaos that would spread if this got out. Gin himself would be at the center of it as well. The church would want to burn him at the stake as a heretic while cults would probably rise up to worship the boy as a god. But no matter how crazy it all sounded he believed Gin.

"So what your telling me is that your from an entirely different world where you were killed by the man that you dedicated your life to killing yourself." He said trying to let it all set in.

"Not my proudest moment, but yes that pretty much the jest of the whole thing."

"And your what's known as a Shinigami and not just any Shinigami but one of the 13 most powerful and the leader of a whole division of others."

"Division 3 to be exact. I wonder how little Izuru is holding the place together. He always was the one to do the paperwork. Good times." Gin said with a smile thinking back on how he used to torture his poor vice-captain with his constant pranks.

"I see. From what you've told me, you've spent the majority of your life lying and killing to achieve your own goals. Your actions led to the pain and suffering of many who some could say did deserve it." The old man said in a dark tone. "Tell me. Why do you believe you deserve a second chance. After all the horrible things you've done, why should I allow you to spend another moment here in my guild with my children?"

Gin was silent for a moment. He looked at his hands and then at Shinso. Honestly, he couldn't think of a single reason. He wouldn't hide it. In fact, he'd be the first to say that he was scum. "You are correct master. I've done horrible things throughout my life. Chances are I'll do more horrible things before I finally die for good. You have no reason or obligation to help me or let me remain here." Gin stood from his chair and got onto his hands and knees. Normally it would be more likely to see the sky fall or the oceans turn to ash than to see Gin Ichimaru bow before anyone one. "For the first time in longer than I can remember Im happy. I have a family who cares about me. Friends who are actually happy to see me each day. There is nothing I won't do to protect my new home." He said raising his head and looking the master in the eyes with his eyes wider than normal revealing his light blue eyes.

After a moment of silence, Makarov made a decision. "Very well. I am not one to judge another on the sins of there past. Gin Ichimaru you are allowed to remain here as a member of Fairy Tail. Everybody deserves to have people who care about them and you are no exception. Also, I swear to keep this secret and take it to my grave."

"Thank you, master." He said as he stood. He turned towards the door. "If you don't mind I'm going to go get some sleep." The master gave a nod and he opened the door to leave.

"Gin one more thing before you go. Let's keep the mission you did for the council between the two of us." He nodded and left.

Four days later

Gin had just gotten out of the shower and had gotten dressed in his usual attire for the day. His head was killing him so he lied down on his bed. "Just a few more minutes of quiet." He said lying in the darkroom.

After a few minutes of silence, he felt himself nodding off. As he was about to let sleep retake him he was disturbed by a knock on his door. He let out a long groan and pushed himself off the bed and to the door. "Hello?" He said opening the door.

"Morning Gin." A small grin appeared on his face.

"Morning Levy. How can I help you?" He actually didn't mind when Levy woke him in the mornings occasionally. Izuru would do the same thing when he slept in and was late to the office which was pretty much every day.

"I was sent to get you by the master. He's about to announce all the S-class candidates and is waiting for everyone to get to the guild. You're the last one." She said obviously very excited.

"Oh yeah. That's today, isn't it? Fine, let's go." As she was about to start running back to the guild Gin stopped her and picked her up bridal style.

"What are you doing?" She said loudly with a blush across her face.

"This is faster."

She was about to ask what he meant when everything went blurry. Next thing she knew they were in front of the guild and it felt like her stomach had flipped upside down. Gin set her down gently patting her on the back as she tried to get a grip on her insides.

"Don't worry, its always rough the first time."

"What was that?" She asked as she started to stand back up.

"A high-speed movement technique called the flash step." He said helping her up. "Come on. Some water will make you feel better." He said leading her inside. Once in the building, he lead her to a bench on the outskirts of the crowd that had gathered around the master, Gildarts, Laxus, and Erza. The Master noticed them enter and begun the announcement.

"Alright you brats settle down." He said yelling over the crowd. "It that time of the year where we choose a new S-class wizard." The crowd cheered loudly at this. Levy was getting some of the colors back in her face and decided to stand on top of the bench they were sitting on while Gin just decided to sit and remain silent. This wasn't much of a surprise for him since he already knew he was going to be chosen. "This year we have four young mages who have been recognized as possibilities for S-class. These mages have proven their capabilities in battle as well as in intellect and wits. The first candidate is. MIRAJANE STRUASS." Mira jumped up onto a table and started celebrating with her siblings.

"The second candidate is. CANA ALBERONA." Cana was being congratulated by all her friends though Gin could tell her mind was elsewhere. She kept glancing towards Gildarts.

"Our third candidate is. MYSTOGAN." Gin wasn't really familiar with Mystogan but from the few times they'd crossed paths in the past two months, he'd figured that the guy just likes his privacy. He was currently leaning against a pillar in a corner of the guild mostly out of view from the other.

"And finally our last candidate." Everybody was whispering about who it could be hoping that it might be them. "GIN ICHIMARU"

There were a lot of surprised faces in the crowd but none more so than Erza.

"WHAT! No, I refuse to accept HIM as a candidate for S-class."

"Oh come now Erza. If you keep saying things like that you might just hurt my feelings." Gin said from his spot next to Levy who was in a bit of a hard spot. On one side she wanted to be happy with her new friend. Sure he could be a bit scary and they didn't really get off on the best of starts but he was really nice to her and had so far refrained from including her on his list of people to prank. On the other hand, she had known Erza far longer and knew the redhead was trustworthy and smart when it came to people.

"Master, you can't really be serious. Not only do we know little to nothing about him but he has also proven that he's dangerous to be around. How can we trust someone that we're always having to look over our shoulder for?"

"Erza. I understand that you and don't exactly get along but since when have you been one to judge someone on there past. Gin and I have discussed the past in detail and I have decided to place my trust in the boy." The master said in a calm manner. He had been expecting this kind of reaction out of the girl.

"Fine but the S-class exam is a team challenge. He's never taken a mission with anyone else and hasn't gained any real trust among the other mages in the guild. Nobody will want to be on a team with a wild card."

He hadn't thought of that. Gin didn't know he needed a teammate to take part in the exam.

Erza looked out over the crowd. "Is anybody here willing to put their life in the hands of Gin Ichimaru?" There was a silence over the crowd. nobody said anything. Gin actually thought that he'd have to back out for a moment before a hand was raised.

"I'll put my life in his hands and be his teammate." Said none other than the blue-haired book worm herself.

Erza sighed in defeat. She knew that the master had made his decision and now that Gin had a partner she couldn't hold that against him. Any further opposition would be seen as the ranting of a child who didn't get her way. Instead, she decided to just step away from the crowd and cool off.

"The exams will begin in three days. This year we will be holding the exam in the ruins of Darnassus. So make sure your prepared for anything and be here at the crack of dawn on Monday. You brats are dismissed.

As everyone was heading out and the other candidates we're looking for people to be their partners Gin just stood and looked at Levy. "Thank you. You trusted me when no one else would and that means something." He said with a smile but not one of the usual smiles he had across his face but a real smile.

Levy blushed slightly. "Don't worry about it. Anyway, we're going to have to train as a team for the next three days."

"Alright, let's start now. Follow me I know a spot in the woods that'll work." He said leading her out the door.