Asking For Help

— — — — — — 

"What?!"

The entire guild erupted in shock upon hearing the news.

Lucy stood there, dumbfounded. Everyone's reaction to Erza's name had her worried.

Just how terrifying could this person be to make even the most rebellious members of the guild quake in fear?

On the other hand, Kitaro's eyes lit up. If he had to pick his favorite female character from Fairy Tail, Erza would undoubtedly top the list.

Thud, thud, thud!

Heavy footsteps echoed as Erza Scarlet strode into the guild.

She was clad in silver-gray armor on her upper body, paired with a deep-blue pleated skirt and matching boots.

Her long red hair framed a strikingly beautiful face. Even though the armor covered most of her figure, her impressive physique was still evident.

"She's stunning!"

Lucy couldn't help but blurt out as soon as she saw Erza.

It was true—Erza's beauty was mesmerizing. She was even more breathtaking than she appeared in the anime, the kind of woman you'd remember forever after just one look.

On her shoulder, Erza carried a massive horn from an unknown magical beast. Its sheer size hinted at the creature's formidable strength and the considerable weight of the horn itself.

Thud!

Erza dropped the horn onto the floor with a resounding impact.

"I'm back. Is the Master around?"

Mira quickly stepped forward. "Welcome back! The Master is attending a meeting."

"Is that so…"

"Um… Erza, what's that giant thing you're carrying?"

"This?" Erza glanced at the horn. "It's the horn of a demon I defeated. The locals gave it to me as a keepsake. I thought it was beautiful, so I brought it back as a souvenir. Is it in the way?"

The man who'd asked the question frantically waved his hands. "N-not at all! It's fine!"

"A demon's horn…"

"That's incredible…"

Just by looking at its size, anyone could tell the creature must have been terrifying. Larger horns typically meant more powerful demons. If the horn was this big, the demon itself must have been at least ten times its size.

"More importantly, you've all been causing trouble again, haven't you? Even if the Master forgives you, I won't."

Erza's stern gaze swept across the guild.

"Cana, why are you drinking in that position?"

Cana froze, caught mid-sip. She hadn't expected to be the first one called out.

"Vijeeter, if you're going to dance, do it outside."

"Wakaba, your ash is falling everywhere."

"Nab… still pacing in front of the job board, huh? Get to work already."

"And Macao…" Erza just sighed and didn't say anything.

"Hey! At least say something!" Macao snapped, frustrated. He'd already been humiliated after failing a mission and needing Lucy and Natsu to save him. Being scolded without any explanation stung even more.

"Forget it. I won't say much today."

Lucy whispered to herself, "Is she the guild's disciplinary officer or something?"

"By the way, is Natsu and Gray here? And Gray?" Erza asked.

"Oh, uh… Erza, we're getting along great today!"

"Aye!"

Natsu and Gray stood shoulder-to-shoulder, clasping hands and throwing their arms around each other like best friends. Anything to avoid Erza thinking they'd been fighting again.

Erza nodded approvingly. "Good. It's normal for friends to argue sometimes, but I like seeing you two get along like this."

"Uh… yes… we're friends…"

"Exactly!"

"You two are so close! It's wonderful," Erza said warmly.

"Wonderful?!" Lucy finally couldn't hold back. She'd seen these two brawl multiple times already!

"Actually, I need your help with something," Erza continued. "I heard some troubling news while I was working. Normally, this would be something for the Master to decide, but I think it's better to deal with it quickly. Will you two join me?"

"What?!"

"Wait, what?!"

"Erza's… asking for help?!"

"She's the woman who just brought back a giant demon horn…"

The guild buzzed with chatter. Erza was an S-Class Mage, one of the strongest in the guild. She always handled missions solo. For her to ask Natsu and Gray for help meant the task must be incredibly dangerous.

"We leave tomorrow. Prepare yourselves. I'll explain on the way," Erza said before turning to leave, not even waiting for their agreement.

"W-wait! Hold on—"

"I didn't say I was going!"

Natsu and Gray tried to protest, but their voices were weak, as if they didn't dare challenge her decision.

After Erza left, the guild erupted into speculation.

"For Erza to ask Gray and Natsu for help, it must be something serious," Mira said, her tone carrying a hint of concern. She turned to Kitaro. "Kitaro, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Of course, Mira. You know you can always count on me," Kitaro replied with a reassuring smile.

— — —

The next morning at Magnolia Station, Natsu glared at Gray, his face full of irritation. "Why the hell does someone like her need our help?"

Gray shot back, "How should I know? Anyway, if she needs help, I'm the only one she needs."

"And... why the hell are you here?!"

The two turned their eyes toward Uchiha Kitaro, who stood calmly nearby. Kitaro had only recently joined the guild and had already defeated Natsu in a fight.

After his loss, Natsu had been training hard, determined to take him down someday.

Though Gray didn't know Kitaro well, he respected his strength. Having watched the fight, he knew he probably couldn't beat him either. For Gray, Kitaro had quickly become a rival.

Lucy stepped in to explain. "Mira asked Kitaro to come along. She figured that if even Erza needed help, the situation might be dangerous."

"And why are you here?!"

Both Natsu and Gray turned their accusatory glares on Lucy.

Lucy averted her eyes, mumbling, "I… Mira also asked me to…"

"Liar!"

They shouted in unison.

"..."

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