Hot and Cold

Wendy's First Big Job

~*****~

"Oh my, you're back and already looking for your next job!" Mira chirps. "It seems like you're getting the hang of the work we do around here pretty quickly!"

"So far she's only taken the small, low paying jobs around the city, so she could stand to be a bit more ambitious." Carla comments.

"I'm trying!" Wendy hisses at her.

Mira giggles. "There's nothing wrong with taking small steps to build experience," I comment as I lean against Mira's shoulder. "Master Bob had me start out that way when I was a part of Blue Pegasus. So don't feel embarrassed by that!"

"She's right, but don't you wanna start getting into some of the big-time jobs like we do?" Natsu asked.

"They're fun, and you can visit some cool new places." Gray nods.

"Now that you mention it, the sooner I'm able to take on some of the bigger jobs, the sooner I can be more helpful to the guild!" Wendy exclaims.

"She just wants to do her part around here, huh?" Max hums.

"Good on you, Wendy!" Warren chimes.

"Now that's the spirit!" Cana agrees. "Young, idealistic, and full of heart! I'll drink to that!"

"Don't drink for a kid," I comment lightly.

Wendy just beams under the praise. "Thanks a lot, you guys!"

"Lucy sure could take a page or two from her book, eh?" Happy giggled.

"Are you trying to say I'm not helpful or I've got no heart?" Lucy wondered irritably.

Happy hums. "Wow. Tough question."

"NO, IT'S NOT, STUPID CAT!" Lucy bellowed. Ballad began to laugh, her little paw pointing at Lucy. "I'm helpful by inspiring others with my inner and outer beauty!"

"You help me laugh-- by saying stuff like that!" Happy cries.

"Yeah, it's super helpful for a laugh!" Ballad agrees.

"YOU TWO ARE SO RUDE! OH, YOU WANNA LAUGH AT ME, DO YA?! COME HERE!" Lucy bellows as she gives chase to the two cats who are laughing hysterically.

"Anyway, I'm sure everyone who's been out on jobs for a while will be surprised when they get back." Reedus comments. "You might be the youngest new recruit we've had."

"Oh yeah," Max hums.

"What will Gildarts say?" Warren asks.

I hum in thought. "Gildarts?" I echo.

"I haven't heard that name in ages," Warren follows.

"And nobody's heard from him in a long time, either," Gray hums. "He's been on that same job for how many years now?"

"I dunno, like three, maybe?" Natsu guessed.

"I wouldn't worry about him," Max beamed. "Don't forget who you're talking about. I mean, it's Gildarts for crying out loud!"

"He's fine, that guy can handle anything." Warren hums.

"It just so happens, we havea job request that's perfect for you!" I hear Mira say as she approaches Wendy. "This poor person is in dire need of a wizard who can soothe his heart! It doesn't pay a lot, but it does involve some travel, which would be good experience!"

"Where is it, anyway?" Gray asks. "All the way over in Onibas?"

"What are they askin' for?" Natsu asks.