12

Ben helps train Lucy with her magic and melee skills. Some members of the guild are hasty to jump to conclusions, and the Magic Council needs to have a discussion with the Rogue Take-Over mage.

The quiet hum of the early morning sun filled Lucy's room with a gentle warmth, casting a soft glow over the pages of the letter she was writing. With a white tank top and pink shorts complimenting her hourglass figure, Lucy was the picture of focused contemplation as her elbows were on the desk and her fingers curled around her pen.

Dear Mom, she began, the words flowing from her pen as naturally as the thoughts from her heart.

It's been an eventful week. The Eisenwald guild has been arrested, although their master Erigor is still at large. The story has made national headlines, and I'm honored to be a part of it. But that's not even the biggest piece of news.

Remember when I told you about Ben–the guy who saved me in Hargeon? Well, he's making big splashes in the papers too. Ben changed into some kind of Titan that he called Way Big, a fitting name, and saved Clover Town from Lullaby–which turned out to be a demon from the Book of Zeref! Crazy, right?

If I'm being honest, I'm still coming to terms with what I saw that night. It's hard to believe the man who saved my life possesses that level of power…I'm just glad he's on our side.

Speaking of which, I have more exciting news! Ben's chosen to join Fairy Tail! I can't express how excited I am.

Lucy paused from her writing as a particular memory came to mind.

A Week Ago…

The guild hall of Fairy Tail was alive with a cacophony of laughter and the cheerful tinkling of beer mugs. The heart of the celebration was the guild's newest member, Ben, whose decision to join had been announced by Master Makarov upon their return from Clover. It was the perfect reason for the guild's members to raise their mugs and voices in a joyous uproar, welcoming one of their own.

Amidst the revelry, Ben stood by the bar where Mirajane was ready with paperwork. Lucy, holding a modest drink, sat nearby with a quiet air of contentment, observing Ben as he penned his signature on the official documents.

As Ben completed his signature, Mirajane's smile beamed across the counter. "That should take care of all the paperwork, Ben. The only thing left is your guild mark," she said, her voice a melody over the buzz of the guild hall. She presented the stamp with Fairy Tails emblem on the end. "Where would you like it stamped and in what color?"

Ben contemplated for a moment before raising his left hand, positioning it just below the Ultimatrix. "Right here, please. And in green if you don't mind."

Mirajane obliged with a practiced motion, pressing the stamp onto his skin. The mark, vibrant and emerald, settled on top of his hand.

"Huh," Ben looked over the insignia, for some reason having been expecting to feel pain when the mark was placed, guess it's different from a tattoo. "So, this won't wash off or anything?"

"Not at all!" Mirajane chirped as her eyes were sparkling. "The ink is enchanted. It will remain on you as long as you are with us."

Ben's attention was momentarily diverted as he retrieved a bag from the floor, presenting Mirajane with a white box from a Clover sweetshop. "Before I forget, I got you some Kuzumochi from a shop in Clover."

Mirajane's smile softened, and her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "Thank you, Ben. That's so thoughtful of you."

It was then that Cana sauntered over, her gait as confident as her voice. "Is she the only one you got a gift for?"

"I didn't forget you, Cana." Ben chuckled, revealing a bottle from the bag. "This is Clover's finest sake—or so they claim."

Cana's eyes danced with delight as she accepted the bottle. "Only one date and you know me so well, huh stud?"

Lucy's head snapped towards the trio, her heart skipping a beat at Cana's implication.

"Wait… A date?!"

Cana continued, her voice rich with playfulness. "By the way, I saw your handiwork in the sky last night. Not a bad start to your wizarding career."

Mirajane's gaze shifted between Ben and Cana, her eyes alight with amusement. "We're happy that you decided to join," she said, her tone warm and welcoming.

"And since you're officially one of us," Cana leaned closer, her smirk widening, "we can all pick up where we left off last time."

Ben who was caught off guard mirrored the shade of Erza's scarlet hair. Meanwhile Lucy's grip tightened around her celestial keys, her emotions a whirlwind of frustration and jealousy at the attention Ben was garnering so effortlessly, especially from women.

Present Day…

Lucy shook her head from that memory and refocused her attention on the letter.

I wasn't the only one excited, of course. Ben's only been a member for little over a week now and he seems to be quite popular…especially with the ladies.

The blonde couldn't suppress an irritated groan.

Well, I shouldn't be surprised. He is pretty amazing… Makes sense he'd be a catch with other women. Not that I'm crazy for him or anything! Please don't judge me, mom.

Anyways, I know you are always worried about me, especially with my decision to join Fairy Tail, but I want to reassure you, I'm not alone. I've made friends—real friends—who have my back.

I promise, I'll be okay.

P.S. Please don't mention any of this to Dad. You know how he gets.

With all my love, Lucy

With a final flourish, Lucy signed her name, folded the letter with care, and slid it into an envelope. She sealed it with a stamp—a small celestial insignia—and with a satisfied nod, added it to a growing pile on her desk.

As she leaned back in her chair, a knock at the door snapped her out of her reverie. She grabbed her Celestial Spirit keys from the desk, their metallic clink a familiar sound that accompanied her every step.

Upon opening the door, she was greeted by Ben's friendly face, a hint of anticipation in his smile. "Hey, Lucy. Ready for training?"

Lucy's determination shone in her eyes, mirroring the resolve in her heart. "Yeah, let's do it!" she replied, stepping out with a sense of purpose that had become her new normal.

In the clearing of a serene forest just outside Magnolia, the sounds of nature were punctuated by the rhythmic cracking of a whip and the occasional grunt of effort. Lucy lashed her whip at a series of targets Ben had set up for her, each strike bringing her closer to mastering her weapon.

Nearby, a large, orange-brownish, crab-like being observed Lucy's actions with a keen analytic eye. It had an unusually large head, with its white teeth being perpetually exposed. It had pincer like claws for hands and six legs. It wore a black and silver belt around its torso, with a black and green hourglass-like symbol attached to its center.

This was one of Ben's smartest transformations, Brainstorm. The amnesiac teen figured that his incredibly intelligent cephalopod-like Take-Over would be very useful in guiding Lucy through their morning training routines.

"Remember, Lucy," Brainstorm's voice echoed in a British accent, articulate and precise, "precision with your whip is about anticipation and understanding the physics of your movements. Visualize the path of the whip before you strike."

Lucy nodded, sweat glistening on her brow as she took a deep breath and focused. She envisioned the target, the whip in her hand, and the arc it needed to take. With a swift motion, the whip cracked through the air, hitting the bullseye dead center.

"Excellent! See how when you calculate the trajectory, your accuracy improves?" Brainstorm encouraged, his claws gently clacking in approval.

Lucy beamed, pleased with her progress. "Got it. It's like a math equation, right?"

"Precisely," Brainstorm confirmed, pleased by her comparison "Every physical action can be broken down into fundamental principles. Now, let's work on your reaction time."

As Lucy prepared herself, Brainstorm's cranial plates split into two, exposing his extraordinarily large, pink brain. Though Lucy had seen this many times over the past week of training, she still couldn't help but turn slightly green in moderate disgust. And to think she once actually wanted to become a doctor after her mom passed away so she could try to save people from sickness. Unfortunately, she quickly learned she did not have the stomach for it as even the sight of blood made her uncomfortable. The first time she saw that brain her face went completely green and by a miracle she didn't throw up. She couldn't imagine having to operate on someone by cutting them open. Just the thought made her feel dizzy in the head.

A large web of electricity sprang forth from the cephalopod's brain and levitated several small objects and flung them towards Lucy at varying speeds and angles.

"React and deflect!" he instructed.

Lucy whipped her head around, lashing out with her whip to knock each object away. Her movements were still a bit slow, and a couple of objects slipped past her defenses.

"Don't be discouraged," Brainstorm reassured her. "Improving your reaction time is a process. Let's go again. Focus on the objects' velocity and plan your defense."

They continued the exercise, Lucy's movements growing sharper with each attempt. The improvements were incremental but undeniable.

As the training session progressed, Brainstorm also coached her on maintaining her stamina, offering tips on breathing techniques and endurance. Lucy's muscles ached, but she was determined to keep pushing her limits. It had been Ben who suggested she exercise and train to make herself not completely dependent on her celestial spirits. After all, if her keys were separated or taken from her then she'd be alone without their aid. She saw his point and decided to learn how to fight on her own. Although he did show surprise at her selection of a weapon, finding it an unusual choice. She told him she didn't feel comfortable using any kind of bladed weapon and he simply accepted that.

Finally, they ended with a cooldown period, where Brainstorm tapped the Ultimatrix dial on his belt, transforming back to human. He then proceeded to guide the blonde through a series of stretches, doing his best not to focus on her exposed glistening skin.

"You did well today, Lucy." Ben said with a smile, helping her stretch out a particularly stubborn muscle.

Lucy, catching her breath, looked up at him with gratitude. "Thanks Ben. I really appreciate the time you're spending to help me improve."

Ben grinned, offering her a hand to help her up. "No problem. And remember, it's not just about getting stronger. It's about being smarter in how you fight. Just because someone is stronger or faster than you doesn't mean you can't outsmart them to win a fight."

Lucy took his hand, rising to her feet. "You know, it's funny you say all that while being an amnesiac."

"Fair point," Ben chuckled. "Guess you could say all this training knowledge is muscle memory. Anyways, let's call it a day for now. We don't want to burn ourselves out. Next time, we'll tackle some new challenges."

As they gathered their things, the pair headed back to Lucy's apartment, the morning sun casting a gentle warmth over the forest. Lucy's steps were measured, her energy spent from the intense training session they'd just completed. Ben, carrying his backpack over his shoulder, noticed her fatigue but also the subtle signs of improvement in her posture and stride.

"I meant it when I said earlier, Lucy," Ben encouraged, noticing her tired expression. "I can see you've been improving since we started last week."

"Thanks," Lucy, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow, offered a weary smile. "But I don't feel like I have."

"The first few weeks are always tough," Ben assured her, his tone light and supportive. "But you'll start recognizing your improvements soon enough. Who knows? You might even hold your ground against wizards like Natsu and Erza one day."

Lucy shivered at the thought. She vividly remembered Natsu and Erza's recent duel at the guild. It had started evenly, with Erza in her Flame Empress Armor matching Natsu's fiery assaults. But the tide quickly turned, transforming into a one-sided showcase of Erza's prowess. Lucy had watched, awestruck and a tad frightened, as Erza claimed victory in two consecutive rounds.

"I'm not so sure about challenging either of them anytime soon," Lucy admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of respect and apprehension. The last thing she'd want is for Natsu to suddenly see her as a rival and constantly challenge her to fights the way he kept butting heads with Gray. She'd probably never get a moment of peace again, which is something she really wants to savor. Heaven forbids if Erza ever saw her like that and wanted to fight her as well. That thought was honestly scary due to the fact Erza was an S-Class wizard and one who didn't go easy on her own guildmates.

Later, as Ben and Lucy arrived on the outskirts of Magnolia, they walked through the streets and continued on the familiar path to the blonde's apartment. The air was filled with the sounds of the bustling town, yet their conversation felt like a quiet sanctuary amidst the chaos.

As they walked, Lucy glanced at Ben, curiosity in her brown eyes. "So, Ben, where do you plan to stay now? Still at Mirajane's?"

Ben's cheeks tinged with a soft pink, his mind drifting to the warm moments shared with Mirajane.

A Week Ago…

As Ben and Mirajane walked through Magnolia's dimly lit streets, the distant sounds of celebration from the guild hall lingered in the air. The cool night breeze was a gentle companion to their quiet stroll.

"Mira, is it okay to leave Elfman like that at the guild?" Ben asked, a hint of worry in his voice for his heavily inebriated guildmate.

Mirajane's expression softened into a playful grin. "He'll be fine. He's with family. Plus, it's not often we get time to ourselves," she said, her tone laced with a subtle suggestion that made Ben's cheeks flush.

"Right," Ben replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Later at Mirajane's house, Ben entered the serene space of the bedroom once occupied by Lisanna. As he settled in, the door opened quietly, revealing Mirajane in a baby blue nightgown dress that highlighted her stunning figure. It stopped just above her knees showing plenty of her slender legs especially since she was barefoot. It also had a v neckline that showed plenty of her large cleavage.

"M-Mirajane?" he stammered, captivated yet flustered by her appearance.

Mirajane approached him, her voice tender and slightly teasing. "Would it be alright if I stayed here with you tonight?"

Swallowing hard, Ben managed to nod. "Yes, that's fine. But…could I ask you a question?"

Taking a seat beside Ben on the bed, Mirajane nodded. "Certainly. What's on your mind?"

After a moment of comfortable silence, Ben gathered the courage to voice his thoughts. "Mira, I've been wondering...why me? We've only known each other a short while."

Mirajane's smile was gentle, tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "It's hard to explain. There's just this...connection I feel with you. It started the day you walked into the guild."

Ben's attempt to lighten the mood emerged in a playful quip. "You mean when I ended up falling over you? That was quite an entrance."

Mirajane's laughter filled the room, a comforting sound in the stillness. "Yes, that was memorable. But my feelings go beyond that. I'm still figuring them out myself."

Ben nodded, his expression understanding and appreciative. He didn't understand it either, but he also felt some kind of connection with her. It was different from simple attraction due to her beauty and nice personality. It was like something from his being had latched onto her and didn't want to let go. "I understand, Mira. And I'm here to figure it out with you."

Mirajane moved closer, her warmth a reassuring presence. "Then let's take our time. There's no need to rush."

As Ben and Mirajane settled into a comfortable embrace, the room was enveloped in a serene tranquility. The gentle rhythm of their breaths synchronized, creating a harmonious lullaby that eased the day's worries away. In each other's arms, they found a peaceful haven, slowly drifting off into a deep, restful sleep.

In the quietude of his dreams, Ben found himself gazing at the familiar sight of the ten gems. Aside from two that were ashen gray, the other eight sparkled with their own unique hue, but this time, the white gem stood out, glowing with a slightly brighter intensity than the rest.

Present Day…

That memory brought both a comforting warmth and a flutter in Ben's heart.

"Ben?" Lucy asked, snapping the brunet hero from his thoughts.

"Ah, well," Ben started, slightly embarrassed, "I've been thinking about getting my own place, actually."

"Really?" Lucy sounded surprised. "Where?"

"There's this piece of land just outside Magnolia, right by the lake," Ben explained, his gaze distant as he visualized the spot. "It needs a lot of work, but it has potential. Just need to save up a bit more to buy it."

"You're thinking of building your own house?" Lucy asked, a note of curiosity coloring her voice.

Ben nodded with a hint of excitement. "Yeah, I met a couple of guild masters at the conference. They specialize in landscaping and construction. They offered to help me out if I contacted them."

Lucy's smile was warm and genuine. "That sounds really great, Ben." Curiosity then flickered across her face. "But why leave Mira's place? Aren't you living every guy's dream there?" Her tone sharpened slightly, betraying a hint of jealousy she couldn't quite mask.

The question caught Ben off guard. His cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as he thought of the tender moments he shared with Mirajane. "I just... feel like it's time for me to have my own space," he explained, his gaze drifting to the cobblestone path. "Mirajane and Elfman have been nice, but I couldn't impose on them forever, ya know."

Lucy nodded, understanding his need for independence, though the tightness in her chest didn't ease completely. "Yeah, having your own place is a big step. It's definitely exciting."

The conversation lulled into a comfortable silence, allowing Lucy to gather her thoughts before changing the subject. "Hey, would you be interested in joining me on a mission? It could help with your savings."

Ben raised his eyebrows, surprised. "A mission? But aren't you already part of Natsu's team?"

Lucy chuckled, the sound light and airy. "That was Mirajane's idea. She thinks I can keep Natsu and Gray from fighting when Erza's not around."

"Fairy Tails strongest team huh?" Ben mused with a laugh. "Guess every team has their quirks."

Their conversation was briefly interrupted as Ben's mind was flooded with a pair of memories.

He saw himself, younger, standing alongside his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max.

Then, as if the scene had shifted…

He was a teenager, fighting alongside Gwen and another teen with shoulder-length black hair and an impressive physique.

"Ben?" Lucy's voice pulled him back to reality.

He blinked, returning to the present. "Just... some memories coming back," he said, shaking off the remnants of the past. "But about that mission – count me in. Working together sounds great."

Lucy's face brightened with a smile that reached her eyes. "Awesome! It's going to be fun."

Ben returned her smile, the echoes of his past slowly fading. "Never a dull moment around here, that's for sure."

As they arrived at Lucy's apartment, she offered Ben the use of her bathroom to freshen up. He accepted with gratitude, stepping inside with his backpack. His thoughts lingered on the young man with black hair from his memories. 'Who is he? A friend, maybe? Why can't I remember his name...' Ben pondered, hoping that one day, the pieces of his past would finally fall into place.

In the bustling city of Era, the Magic Council convened in their grand pavilion, surrounded by the scenic beauty of snow-capped mountains. The council, a collective of nine authoritative figures in the magical world, were deep in discussion about the rising challenges they faced.

Crawford Seam, the venerable leader of the council, with his characteristic long, braided beard, set the tone. "Eisenwald's defeat is but a small victory in the grand scheme. The increase in dark guilds poses a greater threat."

Michello, a short, old man known for his thick mustache and tufted hair, voiced his concern. "The proliferation of dark guilds is indeed alarming. It's a trend we can't ignore."

They all knew the reason for the increase in dark guilds popping up and causing chaos, the Balam Alliance. The three most powerful dark guilds in Fiore had teamed up with each other. An arrangement that was more like an agreement to respect each others independence and not interfere. Though they're believed to continue to operate on their own there was some speculation that they might be doing business with eachother. A service for their benefits and to continue showing some level of cooperation to maintain their alliance in an agreeable level. Regardless it was them who were recruiting people into their fold, having them form smaller dark guilds under their service. From there they went and caused trouble wherever they went.

Another member, seeking a proactive approach, suggested, "We must devise a strategy to eliminate these threats."

A senior female member questioned the feasibility of such a plan, "But how would we accomplish such a task?"

Crawford, his voice tinged with gravity, emphasized the stakes. "However we do it, we cannot allow Zeref's magic to be misused again. It's imperative we prevent such dangerous magic from falling into the wrong hands."

Yajima, the wise elder with a small grey mustache, raised a pertinent issue. "The real question is how Eisenwald obtained such a powerful tool of Forbidden Magic."

Michello pondered deeply. "Regrettably, this might point to corruption even at the highest levels."

Siegrain, the young handsome member with striking blue hair and a red tattoo over his right eye, interjected, "Annoying as they may be, Fairy Tail has proven useful in this instance."

Michello visibly irked retorted, "Fairy Tails actions in Oshibana and Clover have caused unnecessary destruction. Their reckless behavior cannot be overlooked."

Ultear, the elegant young woman with long black hair, offered a counterpoint. "Despite the destruction, we must acknowledge Fairy Tails role in dismantling an entire dark guild with minimal manpower."

The council murmured in agreement, recognizing Fairy Tails effectiveness.

Crawford Seam redirected their focus to a more pressing matter. "Our immediate concern, however, lies with the events coming out of Clover, particularly involving the man named Ben Tennyson. His description fits the reported appearance of the rogue Take-Over wizard to a tee."

Siegrain leaned forward. "Reports from Clover are nothing short of astonishing. He transformed into some matter of Titan and single-handedly defeated Lullaby with minimal collateral damage. There was only minor cosmetic damage to the conference hall," he continued, "which, considering the scale of his power, is a miracle in itself."

Michello, not one to hold back, expressed his apprehension. "But we must consider the implications of such unchecked power. The rumors of him joining Fairy Tail only add to our concerns, given their history."

Crawford Seam considered Michello's point, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "While his power is undeniable, we must approach this carefully to understand his true intentions."

Siegrain smirked and proposed a solution. "Then why don't we take the time to arrange a meeting with him to discuss these issues?"

The Fairy Tail guild hall was alive with its usual cacophony, but today, an undercurrent of murmurs and stares centered around Ben. He and Lucy, having just returned from her apartment after cleaning up, couldn't help but notice the peculiar attention they were receiving.

"Does my shirt have a stain or something?" Ben whispered to Lucy, self-consciously checking his clothes.

Lucy, equally puzzled, shook her head. "No, but... it seems like you're the star of the guild today."

As they weaved through the crowd, the reason for the attention soon became clear.

"You bastard! You went on a date with Mirajane AND Cana?!" Loke blurted out, a mix of disbelief and envy in his voice.

Ben was taken aback. "Huh?!"

"We heard about the spa trip too," Gray added, an eyebrow raised.

Ben's eyes widened, his mind racing back to the unexpected double date and the subsequent events at the spa. "Wait, how did you guys—"

"Elfman told everyone," Cana interjected nonchalantly, taking a sip of her drink. "Apparently he found out from some town folks gossiping about it."

Ben flinched. 'Right… We did draw a lot of attention that night; particularly from guys.'

The brunet was snapped from his thoughts when Elfman, his muscles bulging with anger, stomped over. "You bathed with my sister in a spa!?" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls.

"Hey, it wasn't my idea!" Ben tried to defend himself, his hands raised in a gesture of innocence.

Cana raising her hand with a smirk decided to add "Guilty. But hey, Mira didn't complain either."

"That's not exactly helpful…" Ben muttered, glancing around at the gathering crowd.

Elfman's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Meet me outside! We're gonna settle this like real men!"

Ben blinked and sighed in exasperation. "What did I get myself into…?"

Mirajane, who had been observing from a distance, covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh, my goodness…"

Cana, ever the instigator, looked around the guild hall with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So…bets anyone?"

Mirajane shook her head, a slight frown on her face. "Perhaps not this time, Cana."

As the guild erupted in a mixture of excitement and concern, Ben followed a fuming Elfman into the courtyard, his mind racing to figure out how to defuse the situation. Lucy, along with the rest of the guild, quickly followed, eager to see how the confrontation would unfold.

Outside, the courtyard was filled with guild members, forming a loose circle around Ben and Elfman. The tension was palpable as Elfman cracked his knuckles, preparing for a showdown.

"Elfman, listen," Ben started, attempting to reason with the irate mage. "I didn't seduce or force Mirajane to do anything. There's no need for—"

But Elfman cut him off. "I don't care! You crossed a line, Ben!"

Ben sighed, realizing that words alone wouldn't calm Elfman down. "Guess this is happening then…"

On the sidelines, Natsu's excitement was palpable. "I really hope I get to challenge him next."

Gray couldn't help but sigh at his friend's persistence. "Are you still on about fighting Ben? Just drop it already."

"No way!" Natsu exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. "He knocked me out before I could even land a hit. That's just not cool. I need a rematch to show what I'm really made of!"

Lucy, overhearing the conversation, couldn't hide her irritation. "Is this really what we're focusing on right now?" she interjected. "Shouldn't we be trying to stop this fight from happening?"

Happy, ever the instigator, brushed off her concerns. "Oh, lighten up Lucky."

"It's LUCY!" she corrected sharply, her patience thinning.

Gray, attempting to bring some reason to the conversation added, "Look, Elfman was the one who challenged him and from what I heard, he's got a good reason. If Ben really did what Elfman says, then they have to sort it out somehow."

Lucy, not satisfied with the justification, continued to argue. "But fighting isn't the way to resolve their issues. They should be having a conversation, not throwing punches."

Natsu, undeterred by Lucy's logic, simply responded, "Nah, fighting's way more fun."

Lucy's glare intensified as her disapproval of the situation was clear.

Meanwhile, Elfman's muscles bulged, a determined glint in his eyes. He cracked his knuckles, a clear sign of readiness. "You better be ready, punk," he growled across the makeshift ring, his gaze fixed on Ben.

Ben, standing opposite of him nodded, his expression serious yet calm. The Ultimatrix on his wrist gleamed under the afternoon sun, ready to be activated at a moment's notice.

Master Makarov, sensing the escalating tension, raised his hand, signalling for silence. The room hushed, all eyes on the Fairy Tail master. "Begin!" he declared, his voice echoing through the hall.

With no hesitation, Elfman activated his unique Take-Over magic. "Beast Arm: Black Bull!" His right arm turned black and enlarged in size, bulging with prominent muscles. With a roar that resonated with power, he charged at Ben, the ground almost trembling under his feet.

Ben, unfazed by the oncoming assault, activated the Ultimatrix and slapped down the core. In a flash of green light, his human form instantly reshaped into the familiar form of Swampfire–who didn't bother shouting out his name.

As Elfman closed the distance, Swampfire extended his palms forward, expelling a thick, green gas directly into Elfman's path.

Elfman, unable to halt his momentum, barrelled headlong into the cloud. His eyes widened as the gas enveloped him and despite his determination, his steps faltered. Within seconds the effect of the sleep-inducing gas took hold and he slumped to the ground fast asleep before he could even lay a finger on Ben.

The guild hall fell silent, the members processing the swift conclusion of what had been an eagerly anticipated fight. Tapping the Ultimatrix dial, Swampfire reverted back to Ben, who looked around at the gathered crowd, indifferent. "Guess that's that."

Lucy let out a relieved sigh. "Right, I almost forgot Ben could do that," she murmured, her earlier apprehensions dissipated.

Mirajane smiled softly, nodding in agreement. "Thank goodness it ended without anyone getting hurt."

Cana, holding a mug of ale in her hand, chuckled. "Well, it was anticlimactic but hey at least it's over now."

However, not everyone shared their relief. Natsu, his arms crossed, voiced his disappointment, "What? That's it? I was hoping for a real showdown."

Gray standing beside him with a smirk teased, "What'd you expect? Ben doesn't seem to be into fighting like you. Besides, Elfman practically walked into that one."

"Still," Natsu grumbled, "it would've been more exciting to see them really go at it."

Makarov approached Ben, his face wearing a mixture of amusement and approval. "Well done Ben," he commended. "You handled that situation with finesse, albeit in an unorthodox manner compared to what we're used to here at Fairy Tail."

"You mean where members just KO each other?" Ben inwardly deadpanned.

Ben shrugged modestly. "Thanks, but I honestly just wanted to avoid a real fight if I could since this was a big misunderstanding anyways."

Makarov nodded, his gaze shifting to where Elfman lay peacefully sleeping. "I'm sure Elfman will hear you out once he wakes up." The old wizard chuckled, the sound rich with mirth. "Though knowing Elfman, he may just challenge you to a rematch."

"Great…" Ben groaned.

Later in the afternoon, the Fairy Tail guild hall buzzed with the remnants of earlier excitement and the usual cacophony of voices that filled the spacious room.

Erza Scarlet, Fairy Tail's formidable S-Class mage, stepped into the guild, her presence commanding immediate attention.

However, her keen ears began to pick up on the hushed tones and not-so-subtle whispers that permeated the lively atmosphere of the guild hall. Groups of guild members huddled together at tables, their eyes darting around furtively as they discussed the latest guild drama with fervor.

"Did you hear about the new guy, Ben? He took Elfman down just like he did Natsu!" a wide-eyed mage exclaimed to his companions, his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief.

"Yeah, and that was after he supposedly charmed both Mirajane and Cana into going on a date with him. Elfman was just trying to defend their honor," another added, shaking his head in exaggerated dismay.

Erza's pace slowed as she absorbed the fragments of conversation, her mind piecing together the narrative.

"And I heard that Mirajane and Cana didn't even put up a fight about it! Just let him sweep them off their feet. What's happening to the strong women of Fairy Tail?" a female mage pondered aloud, her tone laced with mock concern and a hint of jealousy.

"Elfman said he was 'being a real man' by challenging Ben, but ended up passing out before he could even land a punch. That new guy's something else," a younger guild member chimed in, his eyes wide with the excitement of retelling the tale.

Erza's expression darkened with each snippet of conversation, her sense of justice and protection for her guildmates flaring up. The picture painted by the gossip was one of disrespect and dishonor, traits she could not stand for in her beloved guild.

With that, the scarlet-haired knight approached Mirajane and Cana at the bar area. Mirajane caught sight of Erza's approach, her smile faltering as she recognized the tell-tale signs of Erza's ire. Cana on the other hand took a long sip from her mug, bracing herself for the inevitable explosion.

Erza, standing tall and imposing, addressed them with a voice that brooked no argument. "Mirajane, Cana, I need to know the truth about this 'double date' and the altercation with Elfman... Now."

The two women exchanged glances before Cana asked, "Okay, what do you want to know?"

"For starters," Erza's gaze hardened, "if there's any merit to this story. Did it really happen?"

"Oh yeah, totally." Cana said casually.

"What?! Where is Ben?!" Erza's voice rose, a dangerous edge creeping into her tone.

The guild, accustomed to Erza's intensity fell into a hush, the previous noise dimming as if doused by cold water.

Cana and Mirajane exchanged uneasy glances, aware of the misunderstanding but wary of Erza's escalating anger. Cana attempted to interject, her voice wavering slightly, "Uh, hey. Let's calm down. It wasn't like th-"

Erza cut her off, her aura intensifying with every word. "Are you saying you were fine being defiled by such a scoundrel?" Her glare was enough to make even the bravest of mages reconsider their life choices.

Cana's face was the picture of discomfort, sweat beading on her forehead. "Uh… no, but…"

Mirajane ever the peacemaker tried to clarify, "I tried to help, but Elfman got a little carried away. You might find them around the Request Board, though I wouldn't…" Her words trailed off into the air, unheeded, as Erza stormed away toward the board.

Cana let out a long breath, a hand wiping away the sweat from her forehead. "Well, safe to say this got out of hand rather fast and not even an hour since the last one."

Earlier, Ben and Lucy were at the job board, scanning for potential missions. Their search, however, was interrupted by Natsu, who, still burning for a rematch, tried to get Ben's attention. "Hey, Ben! Ready for that rematch yet?"

Lucy was exasperated. "You really don't give up, do you, Natsu?"

"Aye," Happy chimed in. "He's pretty hard headed."

Ben responded with a light-hearted chuckle. "Maybe later Natsu. For now, Lucy and I have jobs to look for."

Their banter was cut short by the sudden and dramatic entrance of Erza, her eyes locked onto Ben. Her approach was deliberate, her steps echoing through the hall. "Ben Tennyson," she called out, her voice firm and filled with a promise of retribution. "We need to talk."

Lucy squeaked in fear while Natsu and Happy both shuddered in fear, sensing the menacing aura wafting off of Erza's form. The guild hall, sensing the impending confrontation, went silent, all eyes on the unfolding scene.

Ben who was momentarily taken aback by Erza's stern demeanor nodded in agreement while wondering what was up with her bad mood. "Um, sure. What's on your mind?"

The guild members watched, some with apprehension, others with a sense of foreboding. In the background, Mirajane and Cana exchanged worried glances.

"I've heard some...troubling rumors." Erza's voice was cold, her presence imposing as she stood before him. "Is it true you took Mirajane and Cana on a 'double date' and then assaulted Elfman for challenging you?"

Ben, taken aback by the accusation, tried to keep the situation light. "Well, 'assaulted' is a strong word—"

But Erza wasn't interested in nuances. "Answer the question, Ben. Yes or no?"

Ben sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Well kind of yes but it's not what you think—"

Erza, her patience worn thin summoned a sword with a swift motion pointing it directly at Ben. Her voice though calm carried an edge sharp enough to cut stone. "I will not tolerate anyone especially not a newcomer, disrespecting or harming my guildmates."

Ben opened his mouth to protest, to clarify, but Erza cut him off. "Meet me in the courtyard. We'll settle this matter there."

As she turned and walked away, the tension in the guild hall reached a palpable level. Murmurs and whispers filled the air once again, the members unable to hide their concern and curiosity about the impending duel.

Ben groaned, rubbing the back of his neck in exasperation. "Again with this?" he muttered under his breath. Seriously he just went through something like this with Elfman not long ago today, why couldn't he catch a break.

Lucy, standing beside him looked worried. "Ben, are you going to be okay? Erza looked really serious."

Natsu and Happy meanwhile approached Ben, their expressions a mixture of sympathy and resignation. "Gotta say, it's been nice knowing ya Ben," Natsu said patting Ben on the back with a grim smile.

Happy floated by nodding solemnly. "Aye. Elfman's one thing but Erza's really scary when she's like this."

Ben glanced around at his friends, their faces filled with concern and pity. He straightened up, determination settling in. "Don't worry about me. I'll just have to clear this up with Erza, one way or another."

The shock of the moment was palpable, leaving many to wonder what the future held for Ben, the guild, and the delicate balance between their actions and the ever-watchful eyes of the Magic courtyard of Fairy Tail Guild was abuzz with anticipation as Ben and Erza took their positions, facing off in what promised to be a clash of epic proportions. The guild members had formed a wide circle around them, their expressions a mix of excitement and concern.

"Re-Quip!" In a golden flash, Erza's attire had been switched out. This armor is black in color, sporting some silver trimming. A distinctive feature of the armor is its pair of wings, which are reminiscent of those of a Dragon or a bat. Around Erza's neck is a neck guard decorated by several gems, and, while wearing this armor, her long scarlet hair is tied up in a high ponytail, with two bangs framing her face. Her large shoulder pads, each composed of two silver-edged plates one over the other, sport silver crosses on them too, and flank the high collar, whose shape is reminiscent of that of a dress. The silver-edged breastplate reveals a fair amount of Erza's cleavage and belly, with plates flanking her hips and reaching down to her very large waist guard, composed of very long, silver-edged plates shaped like feathers and decorated by silver crosses. The waist guard leaves the front of Erza's body exposed, with her groin being covered by a dark indument. The slim gauntlets come equipped with prominent protection for her hands, each sporting silver patterns. The plates guarding her legs are sliver-edged on her thighs and knees but pitch-black dark on her metal greaves.

'Did I see her naked for a moment?' A slightly blushing Ben thought as he could've sworn that he had seen her bare body although there was so much light coming from below her neck that other than her bodies shape, he couldn't make out any skin or features.

Clad in what was dubbed her "Black Wing Armor" she stood ready and imposing, her eyes reflecting disappointment and anger.

"I thought you were a good person Ben," Erza stated coldly, her stance defensive yet ready to strike. "But defiling the honor of Mirajane and Cana, and assaulting Elfman... I cannot overlook such actions. Prepare yourself."

Ben raised his hands in a gesture of peace, trying once more to reach out to Erza. "Erza listen to me. It's all a big misunderstanding. I—"

"HRRAAGH!" His words were cut short as Erza charged forward with a battle cry, her sword drawn and her intention clear.

"Guess we're doing this after all,"Ben internally groaned.

Just as he was about to activate the Ultimatrix and counter Erza, a loud, resonating gong echoed through the courtyard, halting the impending clash. All heads turned towards the source of the interruption, their expressions shifting from confusion to shock as a squadron of Magic Council knights, led by a frog-like humanoid, entered the scene.

The courtyard fell silent as the council messenger stepped forward, her voice authoritative and clear. "This fight is over. I come with the authority of the Magic Council," she announced, her gaze fixed on Ben.

A wave of disbelief swept through the guild members, many wondering what they could be doing here.

The messenger continued, unfazed by the guild's reactions. "We are here to apprehend Ben Tennyson, the Rogue Take-Over Wizard."

Natsu's jaw dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "That... That can't be. They must have the wrong guy..."

Gray and Happy exchanged looks, their deadpanned expressions a silent commentary on Natsu's naivety.

Confusion marred Ben's features, but he offered no resistance as the knights approached him. "Wait, why? What's going on?" Bens questions were ignored as cuffs were placed around his wrists.

The courtyard was a tableau of mixed emotions as Ben was led away by the Magic Council's knights. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, the guild members struggling to make sense of the sudden turn of events. Erza still in her battle stance slowly lowered her sword, her earlier resolve replaced by confusion.

Lucy, Mirajane, and Cana looked on with varying degrees of worry and unease for the amnesiac's fate.

In an unknown part of the Fiore countryside was an intriguing yet outlandish building - the headquarters for the Fiore branch of the Magic Council.

It started out as more-or-less a normal building, shaped like an octagon with multiple doors and large windows. Above that level, the shape of the building suddenly expanded outward like a massive bowl. The bowl-shaped rim level was elaborately and colorfully decorated with various geometric shapes, such as alternating red diamonds, smaller green rhombi on the lower section of the bowl, and a row sharp triangle above them.

One layer higher, floating several meters above the bowl were ten decorated panels. Each panel was divided into nine sections; each section bearing three red dots stacked on each other. Finally, above the ten panels was a colorful round tower sitting on a round octagonal tower with two smaller structures flanking it. To top things off, floating around the spire of the central tower were blue and red rings.

In short, the building was ridiculously but marvellously designed, looking like it had come out of some fairy tale story.

In the solemn expanse of the Magic Council's Fiore branch headquarters was a grand courtroom, with its high vaulted ceilings and the sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, casting vibrant patterns on the marble floor, Ben Tennyson found himself at the center of an unprecedented situation. Escorted by a squadron of Magic Council knights, he stepped forward, his footsteps echoing in the hushed atmosphere, towards the imposing bench where the ten members of the Magic Council presided. Yet, as he looked up at them, he noticed an unusual flicker in their appearances, as if the sunlight was passing right through them. It didn't take Ben long to realize they were not physically present but were instead projections of some advanced magical technique.

The head of the council, an older man with a long beard, began without preamble. "Ben Tennyson, you stand before the Magic Council charged as the Rogue Take-Over Mage. Your actions have raised significant concerns within our community." His voice, amplified by magic, filled the courtroom.

Another council member, a stern woman with piercing eyes, continued, "The charges against you include the unauthorized use of magic within the boundaries of the Fiore Kingdom, significant damages to Hargeon's port, and minor damages to Clover's Conference Hall. Such recklessness endangers the delicate balance we strive to maintain."

The room felt colder with each word, the weight of the situation pressing down on Ben.

The head councilmen paused before saying, "Ben Tennyson, you will now be given the opportunity to speak. Explain your actions and why you believe the charges against you should be dismissed."

Ben took a deep breath, feeling the gaze of every member of the council on him. "Thank you. I guess I'll start from the beginning. I come from a small village named Bellwood," he began, his voice steady, projecting a confidence he wasn't entirely sure he felt. "I…heard about all the amazing magical guilds and wizards in Fiore, and…migrated here to possibly join a guild and make a name for myself."

Several council members exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of intrigue and skepticism. Ben's story, while plausible seemed to skim the surface of a much deeper tale.

"Along my path," Ben continued, "I encountered individuals in dire need. It was never my intention to break any laws, but I also couldn't in good conscience ignore those in need. My actions were those of intervention, not interference."

The room was silent, save for the soft murmur of council members conferring amongst themselves. Ultear and Siegrain however, wore faint smirks seemingly amused by Ben's carefully worded narrative.

It was Crawford who steered the conversation towards the more pressing matters. "I see. Then, what of Lullaby's fate? And reports of a titan, a Take-Over called Way Big associated with you?"

Ben met Crawford's gaze, his demeanor calm. "Lullaby is no longer a threat. It has been completely destroyed. As for Way Big, he's one of my transformations." His answer was factual, devoid of embellishment, leaving no room for doubt regarding his involvement.

"And the green sky-beam that lit up the kingdom?" another council member pressed, their curiosity evident.

Ben's lips twitched into a half-smile, his response laced with a hint of jest. "I suspect you already know the answer to that." His levity in such a solemn setting was unexpected, yet it underscored the sincerity of his previous actions.

The council members leaned back, their projections flickering as they absorbed Ben's words. The room was thick with contemplation, the members weighing the truth of Ben's statements against the implications of his actions. While the council whispered among themselves, Ben stood firm and awaited the Council's judgment.

Within the Fairy Tail guild hall, the atmosphere hung thick with confusion and disbelief following the arrest of Ben Tennyson. The news had spread like wildfire, igniting a storm of emotions among the guild members. At the heart of the turmoil stood Natsu, his fists clenched in defiance, the flames of rebellion flickering in his eyes.

"We can't just sit here and do nothing!" Natsu exclaimed, his voice echoing off the ancient walls of the guild. "We have to free Ben!"

Lucy who was standing nearby shared in the sentiment though her approach was tempered by reason. "I don't think breaking him out is the best idea," she countered, her brow furrowed in concern. "But we should definitely go and testify on his behalf. There's been a huge misunderstanding."

Erza however remained unmoved by these pleas. "No," she stated firmly. "We will not interfere with the Magic Council's proceedings. And I see no reason to testify for someone who has caused so much trouble."

The guild hall, usually a beacon of camaraderie and laughter, felt unusually tense as Erza's words hung in the air. Elfman, his pride still smarting from his earlier defeat at Ben's hands, nodded in agreement with Erza.

It was in this moment of division that Mirajane and Cana finally stepped forward, their patience worn thin. "Enough!" Mira declared, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "You've all got it wrong about Ben."

Cana who was standing beside her exhaled a weary sigh. "For real… It was funny at first, but this is getting out of hand. So everyone please pay close attention and I'll explain what happened," the brunette beauty began. "Not too long ago, Mirajane asked Ben out to show him around town. I decided to join in on their outing for fun and we ended up going to the spa together. We didn't go all the way…but a few bases were definitely reached."

She briefly paused, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "And it was completely consensual."

The guild hall fell silent, the revelation landing among the members like a thunderclap.

The silence was broken by Loke clicking his tongue and rubbing the back of his head. "Damn… That's… Mad respect for Ben. Lucky bastard."

Erza meanwhile was taken aback and could only stare in stunned silence. The thought that Mira and Cana had willingly engaged with Ben—and so quickly—was beyond her comprehension.

"I…I…Y-You…willingly…allowed him to…" She stammered, unable to complete her sentence. Her face starting to sport a blush as she tried and failed to speak clearly.

Cana sensing Erza's shock leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper. "You know Erza," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Ben's a special guy. You might find yourself becoming interested too."

Erza's face fully flushed a deep shade of red, her usual composure crumbling under the weight of Cana's words. "That's... that's preposterous," she stammered, her denial doing little to hide her flustered state.

Across the room, Elfman and Lucy found themselves grappling with their own revelations. Elfman's thoughts churned with shock that his older sister had made such a move on a newbie, and guilt that he had rushed to conclusion. "Dammit… Guess I was too quick to assume," he admitted quietly.

Lucy meanwhile was caught in a maelstrom of confusion. Her interactions with Ben though limited had left an indelible mark. The news of his consensual encounter with Mira and Cana forced her to confront her own feelings, which until now she hadn't fully acknowledged.

"What does this mean?" She inwardly pondered, her heart a tangled web of emotions.

Without warning, the front door swung open, and the guild hall fell into a sudden hush. All eyes turned to the figure stepping into the building: Ben Tennyson, walking in as if the day had been just another ordinary one. The guild members' expressions ranged from disbelief to relief, their confusion palpable in the air.

"Uh, hey." Ben smiled sheepishly. "Guess who's back?"

A beat of stunned silence passed before it was shattered by a collective, incredulous "WHAT?!" echoing off the walls. Ben flinched and even rubbed a finger in his ear from their loudness.

Gray was the first to break the momentary pause, his voice laced with disbelief. "Hold up a second!" he exclaimed, standing up. "You're telling us they just let you walk out of there?"

Noticing the sea of puzzled faces, he offered a weary but reassuring smile. "Yeah, well…," he said, his voice cutting through the silence. He began to recall what happened and how things led to his release.

Earlier…

Ben looked upon the stern faces of the council members, their bodies flickering in the sunlight streaming through the windows of the courtroom, their projections a testament to the power of their magic.

Crawford Seam spoke with a gravity that matched his substantial presence. "In light of your heroic actions, we've decided to release you with a stern warning," he'd declared, his voice echoing in the vast chamber. "However, now that you're a member of Fairy Tail we expect you to limit property and collateral damage. Your power Mr. Tennyson, has the potential for great destruction or worse loss of life."

Ben nodded. "I understand. I'll be mindful of what I do and try not to destroy anything."

Michello sighed wearily. "If only the other Fairy Tail mages could practice that."

Several other council members nodded in agreement.

Ben's focus snapped back to the present, to the expectant faces of his guildmates. "So, basically they gave me a warning to be more careful, especially with the kind of power I wield," he explained, summarizing the council's decision.

Perched at the bar with his legs crossed, Makarov wore a smile tinged with understanding, as if the day's events had unfolded precisely as he had anticipated. "Ah, I see. So that's the story," he quietly mused to himself, piecing together the council's actions. 'They were looking for someone to pin the destruction on. But choosing Ben as their sole fall guy? That's an interesting move.' He pondered the situation more deeply. 'It seems they've cleverly diverted all the public scrutiny towards Ben's heroic takedown of Lullaby, allowing them to conveniently attribute the chaos at Oshibana Station to the Eisenwald guild without much question.'

Lucy, who had been among the most vocal about supporting Ben, sauntered up and pulled him into a tight hug. Ben was momentarily taken aback from the sudden affection, as well as her big bust pressing up against him but quickly recovered and returned the hug.

Pulling away she smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're not in real trouble or anything."

"Same here," Cana added. "Would've sucked had they put you in the slammer when you just got here stud."

Mirajane offered him a sympathetic smile. "I'm glad you're back… You must've had a long day, huh?"

Ben exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… You could say that." He then turned to Lucy, looking apologetic. "Sorry Luce. It's getting late, so we'll need to postpone looking for a job until tomorrow."

Understanding the whirlwind of events Ben had endured, Lucy nodded. "It's alright, I totally get it. Better luck tomorrow huh?"

Natsu ever the optimist clapped Ben on the back, his smile wide. "Glad to see you're okay, man! And here we were, thinking they really thought you were the Rogue Take-Over wizard!" He laughed, oblivious to the irony of his statement. "Clearly those council jerks need their eyes checked or something."

A collective moment of disbelief swept through the guild members, their gazes shifting between Natsu and Ben, wondering how the fire wizard could have missed the obvious. They all thought Natsu could sometimes be ignorant or naive, but this was looking like pure stupidity now.

Ben catching the incredulous looks, decided against enlightening Natsu as a mischievous glint developed in his eyes. 'Let's see how long this lasts,' he thought amused by the potential longevity of Natsu's misunderstanding. "You're right. But oh well, maybe they'll catch that guy sooner or later."

"Hopefully it's sooner," Natsu grumbled to himself. "That stupid jerk still owes me three jobs."

Ben internally groaned. 'Guess he isn't letting that go anytime soon…'

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere in the guild hall softened into one of warmth and familiarity. Ben, stationed at the bar with Mirajane, Cana, and Lucy, engaged in lively banter while Natsu, Happy, and Gray ate and bantered at a nearby table.

Cana, with her signature mug of ale in hand couldn't help but probe. "So, how'd you make it back to Magnolia so quickly, Ben? Someone teleport you?"

Mid-chew on his steak, a delicious concoction courtesy of Mirajane's culinary skills, Ben paused to answer. "Nah. I flew back using Jetray," he said after swallowing.

Lucy ever curious tilted her head. "Jeffrey? That's an unusual name for a Take-Over."

A light laugh escaped Ben before correcting her. "Jet-ray, not Jeffrey. I wouldn't name any of my forms something like that."

Mirajane, intrigued, leaned in. "You have names for all your Take-Overs?"

Ben affirmed with a nod. "Yeah, each one's got its own name. They're not just transformations to me; they're a part of who I am."

Lucy's eyes sparkled in understanding, reminded of her deep bond with her celestial spirits. Mirajane, recognizing the sentiment from her own experiences as a Take-Over wizard, nodded appreciatively at Ben's perspective. It was something quite common actually. Both herself and Elfman had names for the kind of transformations they could assume despite the fact she hadn't fought in a long while. Even Erza had names for all her different armors.

After expressing his gratitude to Mirajane for the meal, Ben noticed Erza sitting by herself, her demeanor contemplative and distant. The usual hustle of the guild seemed to give her space, an unspoken understanding of her current state of mind.

Curiosity piqued, Ben leaned towards the group, his voice a whisper. "Does anyone know what's up with Erza?"

Mirajane with a gentle smile responded softly, "She's probably processing the events from earlier. Cana and I explained everything once you were taken away. She might be feeling a bit ashamed for acting so hastily."

"Ah, got it." Ben nodded, a sense of resolve lighting up his eyes. Without hesitation, he rose from his seat and headed towards Erza intent on bridging the gap.

Cana watched with an amused smirk. "Bold move, going up to her like it's nothing."

Lucy added, a note of admiration in her voice. "It seems like Erza can be pretty intimidating to most of the guild."

Mirajane's smile widened, tinged with a hint of pride. "Well, she has earned her reputation as the strongest woman in Fairy Tail. It's not without reason."

Ben approached Erza's table with a calm, confident stride, a stark contrast to the apprehensive glances thrown their way by the rest of the guild. As he took a seat opposite her, he noted the slight raise of her head as she acknowledged his presence without a word.

"Hey Erza," Ben started, his tone friendly yet cautious. "Mind if I join you?"

Erza, her expression softening slightly nodded once. "Go ahead."

There was a moment of silence between them, filled only by the distant laughter and chatter of the guild. Ben took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.

"So, about what happened earlier," he said with his green eyes meeting Erza's brown. "I just wanted to say...no hard feelings."

Erza's gaze lingered on him searching before she let out a small sigh. "I...I jumped to conclusions without all the facts. For that I owe you an apology Ben."

Ben offered her a reassuring smile. "Apology accepted. We're guildmates after all. Got to have each other's backs, right?" he finished by offering his hand as if to seal the deal.

Erza managed a small smile, a rare sight that spoke volumes. She accepted his hand and shook it, acknowledging forgiveness and a new start to friendship.

Just as the atmosphere began to ease, a sudden hush fell over the guild. Ben and Erza looked around to see everyone looked either considerably tired or pained.

"Hey… What's going…on…" Ben would've continued, but suddenly felt his strength zapped away as he leaned over on the table.

Across from him, Erza was struggling to maintain consciousness as well. "Mystogan…"

"Not again..." Gray groaned.

Everyone around the guild hall began to drop like flies: Natsu, Gray, Elfman, Happy, Lucy, Mirajane, Cana, and everyone else. Ben couldn't stay awake any longer himself, as the left side of his head fell flat onto the table. Erza was the last to succumb to whatever this phenomenon was, with her head also landing firmly on the table too.

After everyone, save for Makarov, was sound asleep, a figure entered through the entrance of the guild hall. The man's presence was enigmatic, his identity hidden beneath the guise of shadow and attire. Draped in a cloak of deep blue, secured at the front by two red buttons linked with white string, he moved with a silent grace. His limbs were wrapped in bandages, extending into dark blue gloves that matched the hue of his cloak. A bandanna of the same dark blue shrouded his eyes, topped with a silver forehead protector that gleamed under the moonlight. A scarf of dark green cloth, covering the lower half of his face, added to his mystique, leaving only his eyes visible. His pants, an unusual design that ballooned out like inverted bells adorned with silvery-gray stripes, were tucked into his outfit, creating a silhouette that was both peculiar and intriguing. Around his waist and slung over his shoulder were belts and a strap of dark green, each complementing the other, centered with a silver buckle. In his right hand, he held a wooden staff, its end shaped like a fan.

The oddly dressed man steadily approached Makarov, and made a left, walking over to the Request Board.

The bizarre man walked over to the board, ripped a flier off of it, which appeared to have the image of a large, reptilian monster on it, and walked back over to Makarov, who simply looked up at him.

"Mystogan..." Makarov said.

The masked man, now known only as "Mystogan," spoke up, but in a low, monotone voice.

Mystogan held up his flier and simply said, "I shall return..."

"No, wait. Lift your sleeping spell before you leave." Makarov ordered.

Without responding, Mystogan glanced to his left, to see Ben and Erza together sleeping at a nearby table. He looked at Ben in particular for a moment, leading Makarov to also turn to the young shapeshifter. Any expressions the mysterious wizard may have been making were hidden by his bandanna and mask.

"What is it?" Makarov asked, curious.

Mystogan continued to stare for a brief moment, not saying a word. However, he then turned around and began to walk away, job request in-hand. As he made his way back through the guild hall, he spoke to himself.

Mystogan passed by several tables and started his countdown. "Five..." he walked past several wizards lying on the floor. "Four...Three..." As Mystogan made his way to the exit, he continued counting down. "Two... One..."

With that, the mysterious man disappeared completely, fading away in an eerie blur.

After he had disappeared, almost everyone in the guild immediately came to, with their eyes shooting wide open. There were a scarce few who didn't awaken instantly, with those few being Natsu, Ben, and Erza as well as some others around the guild hall.

Ben's eyes looked strained for a moment before they slowly started to flutter open. After a couple of seconds, they finally refocused. The first thing he saw upon completely opening his eyes was the sleeping face of Erza, much to his surprise. For a moment, he couldn't help but be transfixed by her. She looked so peaceful, and it was in such close proximation to her that he really started to notice the redhead's facial features.

'Whoa… She really is beautiful…' He internally gasped, captivated.

However, he stopped looking when he regained his awareness and picked his head up off the table. He then looked around, seeing that most of the wizards were now picking themselves up from the floor.

Erza woke up shortly after Ben did and picked her head up as well. She placed her armored palm on her forehead, seemingly still reeling somewhat from whatever just happened which Ben could definitely relate. What was that? Everyone was fine one moment, and then the next thing he knew, everyone was falling to the floor dead asleep.

"Oh, man…" Jet moaned. "Was Mystogan here?"

Droy rubbed his eyes. "What a jerk..."

"Does he have to put us to sleep every time he comes here?" Levy groaned.

Ben had overheard what the trio of wizards had just said from a table not too far away from the bar counter.

'Right… Erza said that name before we passed out. Who is that?' Ben wondered.

Lucy groggily lifted her head off the bar counter with a sleepy look on her face, rubbing her eyes all the while asking out loud. "Who's this Mystogan guy?"

Both Ben, Gray and Elfman walked over to the bar as well, standing right beside Lucy.

"For one, he's a contender for Fairy Tail's strongest wizard," Elfman answered.

Ben turned to Elfman, sleepy but still surprised. "Really?"

Lucy rubbed her eyes and questioned, "He's that strong?"

"Yeah..." Gray nodded, "and for some reason, he doesn't want anyone to see what he looks like. So whenever he comes here to take a job, he casts a sleeping spell."

Ben now having fully recovered from his bout of sleepiness faced Gray with a slightly suspicious look on his face.

"That's kinda creepy..." Lucy commented.

"Right? Why wouldn't he want people to see what he looks like?" Ben asked.

Gray shrugged. "Nobody knows..." He glanced over at Makarov. "Master Makarov is the only person here who's ever gotten a good look at his face..."

"That's not true. I've seen him before..." a new voice unfamiliar to Ben spoke out.

Everyone was surprised to hear the new voice speak up, including Ben and turned to its source. Standing on the second floor of the guild hall was a tall and muscular man that appeared to be in his early twenties. He had spiky, blond hair which was slicked back with several spiky strands pointing backward and a few small tufts hanging down on his forehead. He had a very distinctive lightning bolt-shaped scar over his right eye and eyebrow. He wore a pair of partially rounded headphones with each one possessing a single large spike in the center. He wore a mustard-yellow shirt with black leopard-like spots on the shoulders, collar, arms, and sides. Over the top of this shirt, he wore a large black coat with bluish-gray fur trimmings which hung lazily over his shoulders. He also wore wine-red pants, and plain silvery-white shoes.

The man was currently leaning his right elbow on the railing, with his hand holding his head as he wore a snide grin as he chuckled lightly to himself. Several individuals around the guild walked over below the balcony and looked up at this blond, headphone-wearing man with slightly surprised expressions.

"Laxus!" Elfman called out.

"Talk about rare." Macao commented.

"You're never here." Wakaba added.

"And here's another contender." Gray said flatly.

Ben looked at Gray, slightly surprised, and then turned back to the blond, scar-faced wizard, known as Laxus.

"Mystogan's just a little shy. You should all respect his privacy." Laxus grinned snidely.

Laxus hadn't said more than a few words, but Ben could already tell that he didn't like his tone. He didn't know why but some part of his mind seemed to instantly dislike him. As if he had a slight recognition for the kind of person he might be which was one he clearly didn't agree with.

It was then that Natsu's eyes finally jolted open, Mystogan's sleeping spell having only just now worn off for him. The Dragon Slayer quickly jumped to his feet and onto a table as he looked up at Laxus with a determined expression and clenched fists.

"Alright Laxus! IT'S TIME TO BRAWL!" Natsu yelled.

Ben closed his eyes and sighed, exasperated. "Seriously...?"

"Give it a rest man. Getting your butt kicked once this week wasn't enough?" Gray said, annoyed.

"Yeah pal. If you can't even win against the redhead then why bother with me?" Laxus mocked with an amused grin on his face. Looking at Natsu as if he were a clown meant to amuse him.

It was then that Ben could feel a strange air coming from his left. He turned to see Erza glaring up at Laxus with an incredibly dark expression, reminiscent of the one she had given Ben when she had falsely assumed he had assaulted Mirajane and Cana.

"What was that?" Erza snarled.

"No need to get all worked up Erza." Gray lifted up his hands in a placating gesture, trembling slightly.

Laxus simply scoffed at Erza's obvious anger towards him as well as Gray's attempts to placate her. "Word on the street is that the Fairy Tail guild has a new member." The blonde wizard stated. Laxus then glanced over to Ben, which the Ultimatrix bearer was quick to notice. The more this guy spoke the less Ben liked him. "...and that he gave 'Natsu the Salamander' the biggest thrashing in a while." he taunted.

"HEY!" Natsu shouted indignantly.

"Talk about pathetic." Laxus sneered. "You challenge some nobody fresh off the streets and lose to him. Then you think you have what it takes to go up against me?" The blonde man simply laughed.

Ben's eyes narrowed at Laxus who was laughing up a storm. He wasn't even necessarily mad about the arrogant insult the blond-haired man casually threw at him. He was more angered by the fact that he was speaking in such a condescending way to people who were at least in Makarov's eyes, supposed to be his "family." Erza seemed to feel the same way as she angrily stepped forward, standing tall and firm while glaring at Laxus.

"If you have something to say then come out and say it!" Erza yelled.

Laxus ceased his cackling and outstretched his arms. "I'm saying that I'm the guild's strongest wizard."

Natsu gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes up at Laxus. "Then come down here and prove it."

"You up here and make me little man." Laxus talked through his teeth, speaking in a mocking tone.

"With pleasure!"

Natsu then hopped off the table he'd been standing on, rushed over to the bar, and jumped over the counter heading towards the staircase behind it that led to the second floor of the guild hall. However, Natsu was stopped in his tracks when Makarov's left arm suddenly stretched out with his fist becoming at least five times larger than the old man's entire body, and slammed down on Natsu, pinning him underneath. Ben was not expecting that at all, especially not from Makarov. Neither was Lucy or Mirajane judging from their shocked expressions.

"Whoa." muttered Ben.

Makarov wasn't even facing Natsu, but instead had his eyes closed and head lowered as he faced forward. A very serious aura about him, unlike anything Ben had seen from him until now.

"You're not allowed on the second floor, Natsu. At least not yet..." Makarov reprimanded.

Laxus rested his chin on his wrist and scoffed. "Think yah made him grumpy..."

Natsu's face only grew angrier with Laxus's comment as he struggled against Makarov's massive left fist, but to no avail. "Shut up!"

"That's enough outta you Laxus!" Makarov chastised.

Ignoring Makarov's demand, Laxus stood tall, an arrogant, condescending grin on his face as he looked down at everyone present in the guild hall. "The most powerful one in the guild isn't a chick or some hooded weirdo. Ya wanna know what the strongest wizard looks like?" Laxus paused to point at himself. "You're lookin' right at him!"

Ben could only glare at Laxus as did everyone else, all of them thoroughly angered by everything the arrogant man had said. It seemed even Fairy Tail wasn't immune to having jerks in their ranks.

'Hopefully he's the only one...' Ben mused dryly.

As dusk settled over Magnolia, the vibrant energy of Fairy Tail's guild hall simmered down to a cozy atmosphere, with only a few members lingering. Among them were Mirajane, Cana, Lucy, and Ben clustered around the bar. A place that had quickly become their evening retreat. Mirajane ever the gracious host stood behind the counter while Lucy, Cana, and Ben occupied the stools in front, a familiar scene of camaraderie.

Lucy, her curiosity piqued turned towards Mirajane. "Mira, what was Master Makarov referring to earlier? Why the restriction on the second floor?"

Ben chimed in, equally intrigued. "Yeah, he seemed adamant about it. What's up there?"

Mirajane leaned forward, her voice taking on a tone of seriousness. "The second floor is reserved for the guild's advanced members. The job requests there are S-Class quests, far more perilous than anything on the main floor. They're not just dangerous; they're potentially lethal. But, of course, the rewards match the risk."

"S-Class...?" Ben repeated, absorbing the gravity of what that entailed.

"Yes," Mira nodded, her expression solemn. "We have five members who qualify as S-Class mages. They include Laxus, Mystogan, and Erza."

Ben wasn't entirely surprised to hear Erza's name among them. Given her formidable reputation, it fit. Yet the contrast between her approachability and the distant or haughty demeanor of Laxus and Mystogan was stark. Erza, despite her power blended seamlessly with the guild's everyday life, earning Ben's deeper respect.

"And the others?" he inquired, intrigued.

Mira's eyes briefly flitted to Cana, who had grown noticeably quieter. "The fourth is Gildarts. He's regarded as the strongest mage in Fairy Tail." Ben's eyebrows shot up in surprise at this revelation, especially given Laxus previous boasting on being the strongest. However, it was Canas reaction that caught his attention. At the mention of Gildarts her usual vivacity dimmed replaced by a veil of sadness.

Mirajane, perceiving the change in mood but opting to move forward, casually mentioned, "And the fifth S-Class mage has retired. Their identity remains a mystery for the time being."

The air hung heavy, and Ben could sense there was much more beneath the surface. The subtle transformation in Cana's demeanor, particularly at the mention of 'Gildarts' suggested a deeper more personal story. Yet, out of respect for their privacy Ben held back his curiosity.

Shifting the mood, Mirajane offered a reassuring smile to both Ben and Lucy. "Honestly, I don't think any sum of money is worth endangering your life for though."

Lucy quickly concurred, "Absolutely. There's no way I'd ever sign up for something as dangerous as that."

Ben just nodded, lost in thought. The idea of becoming an S-Class mage lingered in his mind. He subtly glanced at the Ultimatrix under his sleeve, contemplating. 'Maybe once I get a better handle on you, I could aim for that rank too.'

Notes:

A/N: Better late than never! Apologies for the belated update. I was held up by a combination of work and writing inspiration for my primary story "The Man Out of Time".

There's quite a bit to unpack in this chapter. For one, Ben is helping Lucy to train her melee skills as well as her magic. This will help her become more of a viable fighter earlier in the story rather than constantly being a damsel in distress.

Ben has his first encounter with the Magic Council. Though it ended anticlimactically with him being let go with a stern warning, he knows they'll be watching him closely going forward. Meaning the next incident will result in more serious consequences…

Laxus and Mystogan make their official appearances, albeit not different from canon.

For the next chapter, I'm thinking of having Ben go on a solo mission while the Galuna Island arc plays out off screen. Let me know whether or not you guys would want to see Ben in the Galuna arc or not. If so, you may suggest what you would want to be done differently from canon.

Thank you for the support! Please leave any comments or critique in the review box. Until next time!

Notes:

This is a fun side project to The Man Out of Time. I intend to update this story once a month or two. The Man Out of Time will remain my main focus, but I would like to have a secondary project to work in conjunction with it.

The tags will be updated as the story progresses.

I may or may not decide to do lemons further on in the story as it progresses. If I do, I will label the chapter as Mature and provide plenty of warnings prior.