Endless adventure

chapter 42

Walking the streets of Magnolia were five dragon slayers, each with their exceed partner in tow. They had just returned from a very successful mission and Natsu was looking forward to telling Archer about this one. He didn't set anything on fire, be it the forest or the town itself. That was mostly due to Wendy and Rogue constantly making sure he didn't destroy anything. It was hard work for them both seeing as Natsu was so reckless. Them actually succeeding was a miracle in its own right. Naturally Natsu was very excited as he walked ahead of the group. He was far too enthusiastic to get to the guild hence his quick paces in order to get there faster. It took him five years, but he managed to do the one thing Archer told him to do. He managed to complete a mission without damaging the village in anyway or burning down a forest. If he were to request an S-class mission with her she could not deny. He grinned brightly at the idea. Finally he had the upper hand. Archer could not say no. He knew she wouldn't say no. She always kept her promises, even the stupid ones.

"S-class mission here we come" Happy was as his name suggested as he flew above the heads of the group. Of course he had been looking forward to the mission as well. A higher ranking mission meant more money amd more money meant more fish. And  more fish meant a greater chance at getting Carla's attention. Okay, maybe the last part was invalid. She never accepted any fish from him. She doesn't like it he guessed. She always eats cake and drinks tea. Erza must've influenced her at least a little bit.

Gajeel scoffed at Natsu and Happy's joy. He had never asked to accompany Archer on one of her missions. He saw no need to. The only time he would be attending an S-rank mission is when he achieved that status himself. Nothing else would be acceptable. He was determined to finally earn that title in the next upcoming tests. He was sure to be recommended again. And though his first and second try were a bust, due to his very terrible luck, his third try would have to bare success. He was still angry over the last two tests. It was very unfair to add Archer as an opponent in his way. Actually it was his own fault anyway. The only way she was to become his opponent was if he challenged her and like an idiot he did. Archer knew exactly what buttons to push. He needed to learn to be more calm and level headed. If he always let her get to him he was never passing that test.

"I wonder what happened while we were gone" Lily mused as he landed on Gajeel's shoulder. The exceed wore nothing but tiny pants on this day, having rid himself of the shirt he wore. He found he was far more comfortable without it. He might make it a habit.

"Someone could've died for all I know"

Wendy glanced at Lector at those words. He said it with a shrug and a fair amount of nonchalace. Her first instinct was to scold him,but then she realized that he had a point. The way the guild was set up she wouldn't be surprised either. The fights they get into were terrifying, especially when Archer decides to join out of pure amusement. So Wendy said nothing to Lector's rather crass statement.

"This year for sure" Sting mumbled to himself with a fire in his eyes. The upcoming test would be his first if he was nominated. Last year he was disappointed at having been left out. He was excited since he turned ten for that was the required age. From then on you can qualify for the tests and he was sure he would be noticed. Alas he wasn't, but Rogue was. The shadow dragon slayer had almost done it. He had almost gained the title of s-class mage. He was so very close. "We'll both do our very best Rouge"

"Sure" he wasn't as enthusiastic as the others. S-class or not, it made no difference to him. A mission is a mission and the money earned is still worth much. That was all that mattered to him. He had enough money to support himself, finally not needing Archer's help. He didn't want to be too reliant on her. She already gave them a place to stay and everything else they wanted. Their monthly allowance was actually more than what they had earned on their mission. She always took such good care of them. Rogue appreciated that and would like to thank her by learning to look after himself. So he started with going on his own missions and earning his own money. He never really spent that money though, most of it went into savings.