[IC] The Guild

[Nica]

The Celestial World, a realm only available to Spirits, was currently peaceful for the moment. All of the Zodiac Spirits were home, none called out to battle. Plue, a favorite companion of a certain Celestial Wizard, wandered aimlessly around the Astral Plane. His clumsy nature had him stumble into the private domain of a fellow Spirit, to which he immediately apologized and shook nervously. However, the Spirit that he'd innocently invaded upon was none other than Maho, the second eldest of the Spirits. Also, a kind and compassionate woman that welcomed his company. Plue happily walked inside her crystallized house, struggling at first not to slip on the smooth floors.

Maho giggled, her voice echoing like a beautiful wind chime throughout the breeze. "Welcome, little Nikora." She used his technical name, which Plue corrected politely. "Oh?" Maho blinked her thick lashes quickly, "You've been given a name by your Celestial Wizard?" Plue nodded, explaining that his master prefers to call him by another name which he finds endearing. Considering she hasn't been in the service of a Mage for centuries, hearing Plue speak so fondly of his master was unsettling for her. However, Maho was delighted to know that the sweet Nikora's key had landed in the hands of a lovely owner.

Plue and Maho enjoyed an hour of conversation together until the younger Spirit was suddenly summoned through his gate. Maho watched, managing to catch a glimpse of the Wizard through the portal. She saw a woman, fairly young, with golden hair and eyes of brown. The image only lasted for a second, but Maho was curious for more information. She knew the Wizard owned Leo's key, so she decided to go and pay the Lion Spirit a visit.

Hovering above the ground, locks of sliver toned hair floating in the air, Maho gently knocked on Leo's door. "It's Maho Tsukiko," she announced with a smile. "May I be permitted to come inside, Leo?"

[El_Tigre]

Loke lay quietly within his chambers, sprawled out across his bed as he stared idly at the ceiling. Though it wasn't a ceiling at all, more a tapestry of the stars and the eternal realm of the Celestials. Brilliant lights danced through the heavens, looking around bright stars before ascending off into the distance, further than his eyes could see. It was truly a beautiful place and he surely missed it's comfort. As he stared aimlessly he seemed to be lost in thought. Thoughts of Earth and though he wouldn't admit it outright he thought of Lucy, The Celestial Wizard who took control of his key and he graciously abided.

His thoughts began to drift though a swift knock at his door caught his attention. Loke swung himself to a seated position on his bed, pushing his fingers through his thick orange hair into something resembling a hair do. "Yes, come in." he called out simply. Pushing himself to his feet he brushed his hands across his untucked dress shirt, flattening the wrinkles in attempt to be presentable.

---

Katsu stood before the large Mission board located at the top balcony with the higher ranked missions lay pinned to the board; most rather dry and dirty from negligence. His dark crimson eyes slowly scanned over each mission. He needed money, quite badly. His rent was coming up and sadly it did not pay for itself no matter how loud he prayed. His eye brow raised faintly as he came across a rather simple looking mission with a rather handsome reward. It was an S-rank though he knew he would have little trouble. How hard could it be to killed a Forest Golem terrorizing a village. If there were a damsel in distress it might make quite the heroic journey. He plucked the piece of paper from the wall, the four corners tearing free of the push pins. He gave the paper a few folds before stuffing it into a hidden pocket within his lavish kimono.

Katsu lifted his heavy bag and slung it over his shoulder; it was going to be a long trip and he would bring along the necessities. Unbeknowngst to all it was mostly filled with food. Katsu slowly made his way down the stares. Most people didn't notice the man inside the guild hall simply for the fact he was rather silent compared to the chaos Natsu and Gray set forth in their competitions. Katsu cracked a smile as he looked upon the two, in a simple arm wrestling match yet fuming with fire and ice. He continued towards the exit without a word. Though he preferred having a companion for his missions he knew S-ranked missions might require him to use his full potential and he didn't like witnesses. Though maybe if someone were to come along it might relieve the effort he would have to put forth and not have to go that far.

[Nica]

Once given permission, Maho came inside. She lowered herself to the ground, bare feet finally touching the surface lightly. Its been years since Maho saw the inside of Leo's domain, the last time was just a few weeks before his banishment. Although he was only isolated to Earth for three years, in the Celestial World time works much differently. A smile glided onto her lips, finally having the chance to see Leo after so long. "Greetings Leo." She's only ever known him by that name and isn't aware that he's taken on the persona of Loke as well. Honestly, she would feel uncomfortable calling him anything other than his proper title, but she'd also respect his wishes.

"I have an inquiry in regards to the Wizard maiden that holds your key." Maho announced, walking forwards with grace and perfect balance."May I ask a few questions about her?" She wanted to know any and everything about the Mage that now wields her friend's service. After all, Leo's prior owner was a despicable woman. Karen treated him and Aries terribly. Witnessing them return to the Celestial World with bruises and injuries always upset Maho, but she wasn't permitted to get involved. Despite being an elder Spirit, even she must obey the laws set forth by the Spirit King.

Maho seated herself in a chair that was provided, crossing her legs and placed both hands neatly atop her lap. "Your previous owner, Karen Lillica, she was unworthy to wield Celestial Spirits. I'm sorry for implying this reputation onto another that I know nothing of, but I'm concerned about your safety with this new Wizard, Leo." The last thing she wanted was to see him hurt again.

* * *

Natsu and Gray, engaged in a furious arm wrestling match, were quite the distraction. Flames and shards of ice went scattering in all directions, a few even coming dangerously close to Lucy's head. Thankfully, she knew when the duck. Being their teammate, situations like this were fairly normal and Lucy has adjusted throughout the months. A blue cat was circling the two wizards, cheering on Natsu loudly.

Lucy smiled, watching Happy only antagonize Gray further. Someone walked briefly by, catching Lucy's attention. She didn't know the individual, but they seemed rather intriguing. Suddenly, Lucy felt a hand drop onto his shoulder. She jolted, scurrying away. "Watch it, you jerk!"

"Apologies, Lucy." The voice, a mixture of feminine and authority, spoke calmly. "I was wondering if you'd be willing to join me on a mission?"

"Oh!" Lucy smiled, recognizing the flame red hair and dark eyes, not to mention the usual armor. "Ezra! Well, I'd love to but..." She glanced back at the bickering males. "I'm supposed to be going a mission with them whenever they finish."

Ezra nodded in understanding. When she went back to the mission board and discovered her notice was torn off, she frowned. "Who took that request?" She glared, searching the area. Finally someone answered and pointed to the retreating back of the mysterious man approaching the gates. Ezra caught up with him, blocking his path. "That was my mission." She declared, hands on her hips and eyes narrowed.

[El_Tigre]

Loke smiled warmly as his old friend Maho entered his room. It felt like ages since he last saw her even if it were only a mere three years ago. "Wow... It had been so long since I had been addressed by that name." He mentioned wistfully, faintly saddened by the fact the name sounded so foreign to him. "It's very nice to see you Maho." He returned the greeting as his smile came shining through once more; nearly as bright as his luminous powers. Loke felt a bit out of place, back on Earth when a visitor came to his quarters he could offer them food or drink though spirits needed no such things nor did they have any to speak of. He sighed a bit flustered at his own confusion on what to do next though resolved to simply greeting the girl with a hug.

Loke crossed the distance between the two, gently taking her in his arms and squeezing her tight though minding not to hurt her; which he knew would be difficult with only a hug though he was still mindful. He released her and flashed yet another kind smile, though corking his head a bit to the left as Maho mentioned his wizard. "You mean Lucy?" He laughed warmly. "You don't need to worry. She is nothing like... you know." The name to painful to even speak. "Lucy is very kind to us Celestials. She doesn't treat us like a tool or a shield to hide behind. She sees us as equals. As friends even. She would never do anything to hurt me or put me in danger I cannot handle." He assured. He turned away and seemed to pace to the other side of the room. Only to stop for a brief moment only to spin back around a bit flustered. "Sorry. It has taken me much longer to adjust back to being here. Habit are harder to break than Dragon scales." He joked playfully.

---

Katsu kept his normal, relaxed steps towards the gates before suddenly a red haired girl appeared in front of his path in an attempt to stop him. He came to a slow stop before her, a brow rising faintly in curiosity to the meaning. As she mentioned the flyer he had swiped moments ago a crooked smile touched his lips. He stifled a laugh at her attempt to intimidate Katsu which was nearly impossible to do. Nothing seemed to scare the man, it was simply how he was. "Your mission?" He questioned in a warm, smooth tone. "I don't believe I saw a name on the flyer. And I thoroughly read over the entire sheet. Now, if you want to tag along you are more than welcome. Share the reward fifty-fifty. No more, no less. Or you could find a mission of your own. I have no issue what you choose. Though if you come with me I expect you to pull your weight." He teased with a grin. He knew of the girl, he believed she went by Erza. Many people spoke of her skills and in the back of his mind wondered if what they said were true.

But nothing would make Katsu give up the mission. That was his ticket to paying his rent and getting the food he needed. And no one would get between him and his food. Katsu then casually side stepped around Erza and exited the guild hall, slowly striding down through the streets. One eye casually looking over his shoulder to see if she would follow.

[Nica]

"Do you have a preference of name?" Maho followed Leo as he walked across the room, she stayed at a respectful distance, though, not wanting to invade his personal space. "I'll use whatever name you desire to be called." She wanted him to know that. Maho approached cautiously, extending a hand and letting it drop lightly to his shoulder. Her touch held no weight, just a mild presence that he could surely sense. "I'm glad that your key has fallen in wonderful hands." After the abuse he and Aries have suffered, they deserved to have an owner with a compassionate soul.

Realizing his discomfort with the Celestial World, Maho offered what little assurance she could. Gently gliding a single finger along the curve of his left cheek, Maho transferred a soothing aura through his body. Immediately removing her hand afterwards, she smiled happily. "Perhaps you would enjoy a walk along the Astral Plane?" Something to get him familiar with the Celestial World again. Maho gestured to the doorway with her hand, "Come along."

* * *

Not many people would be so courageous as to speak up against Ezra, something that she admired in this mysterious stranger. Even without knowing his name, she barely recognizes him as a member of the Guild, Ezra decided to allow a joint mission to be arranged. Besides, so long as she got a share of the profits, Ezra wouldn't complain. Adjusting her armor slightly, Ezra followed behind the unnamed man. She refused to walk behind him for long, suddenly taking her place at his side. Matching his stride entirely, she stayed in pace with him exactly.

"So, what's your name?" That information was crucial now, considering their position as teammates. "I'm Ezra Scarlet." She didn't bother with formalities, such as handshakes or bowing. After all, they weren't friends and hence no reason for the display. Ezra was dragging along a few suitcases all carried on a board with wheels. Where the massive object came from, no one knew. It just, sort of, appeared. Ezra always brought along more than she actually needed. However, she prefers to be prepared for anything.

[El_Tigre]

Loke soft laughed as Maho asked which name he preferred. In truth he liked both names and didn't mind which ever she called him. "You can call me either, Maho. Whatever you are more comfortable with." He assured in a warm tone with a smile to match. She stood casually as she came close, playing a hand to his shoulder. He nodded in agreement, it was nice that his key found a nice home. He softly laughed as he felt her aura slip into him, making him feel warm and happy. "I forgot about that little trick of yours..." he mused softly.

He thought about the offer to take a walk around the Astral planes. It would be nice, seeing his old home once again with an old friend. So he nodded, "Sure, that sounds nice, Maho." he agreed as he made his way towards the door at maho's side.

***

Katsu grinned slightly as he noticed that Erza had decided to tag along on the mission. It might be nice, not taking all the trouble on himself. He wouldn't leave with a lot of money but enough to get buy for a couple months. Maybe. If he didn't spend it all on food. He looked at his side as he noticed Erza catch up and mimic his stride perfectly. He nodded as she spoke her name, he knew of her very well. Everyone did practically, even if you weren't part of the Guild.

"Nice to meet you Erza Scarlet. My name is Katsu Ankou. I am new to the guild." He introduced himself in a warm, confident tone. He flashed a kind smile her way, as if they had been friends for years. It was simply Katsu's nature, he was a rather flirtatious and confident fellow and had little problem acting friendly.

[Nica]

Maho happily escorted Loke to the Astral Plane, a place where all the Celestial Spirits can wander for their own leisure. "After spending such a prolonged period of time on Earth, you seem to have forgotten the beauty and attraction of your own homeland, Leo." She'd chosen to stay with his proper name, a force of habit. Maho guided him along, reintroducing him to the beauty of the Celestial World.

When they reached a large ocean, the water sparking beneath the star filled skies, Maho gently dipped her fingers into the water and watched as the droplets crystallized at her touch. "The last time I was summoned, Dragons still roamed the land." Her key has never fallen into a human's hand since then. "You trust this Mage of yours so greatly?" She knew Loke was a difficult Spirit, he doesn't give his loyalty so easily. Maho's decision required no hesitation.

With a wave of her hand, a fairly large and elaborate key appeared in the air. She gestured to Loke, asking him to accept the key in his hand. "I'd be honored if you were to give your Mage my key. I have been isolated in the Celestial World for centuries and I'd like to serve someone that has earned the Lion's pride." She smiled, placing the key in his hand and attached was a note for Lucy.



* * *

Ezra nodded at his introduction, she wasn't impressed with his friendly behavior. Considering her rank and dedication to the Guild, Ezra does not seek friendships openly. Sure, she became friends with Lucy, Natsu and Gray...but those were special situations. She is not an open person and it takes sheer determination to gain her acceptance. That's not to say or imply that Ezra is cruel, though. She just has her priorities.

Also, she's suffered great betrayal at the hands of someone that she dearly and sincerely loved. His very name still haunts her to this day: Jellal.

"So, let's not delay ourselves any further." Ezra commanded, quickening her pace. "We must reach the trains before nightfall."

Normally, this wouldn't have been a problem. But, with the delay they had at the Guild hall, only a few more hours of sunlight remained. The sun was already beginning it's descent.