~*****~

"What are they doing over there?" I ask Marko as we return to the guild after a job.

Marko stares for a moment, humming in thought. "Transformation magic?" Marko suggests. "Wanna give it a go?"

I snort loudly. "Been there, done that. I'm content with my dragon slayer magic."

"Not to mention the Seer magic, too." Ballad chirped.

I roll my eyes. "I'm gonna go grab another job if you want to join in." I mention.

Marko yawned. "I'm good. Gonna take a nap."

"God, you're old," I comment before trailing into the guild hall. When I leave the guild hall, I feel my throat hitch up tightly when I come across two similar faces. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" I bellow as I stare at myself in both cat and human form.

Mira just giggles behind her palm. "I've been teaching Natsu, Happy, and Lucy about Transformation magic! And I suggested using you as an example!" Mira explains cutely.

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THEM TRANSFORMING INTO ME, JUST PUT ON SOME DAMN CLOTHES!" I bellow. Natsu laughs as he and Happy revert back to themselves. I pinch the bridge of my nose with a sigh before my ear twitches at the sound of a commotion in town. I turn my gaze over my shoulder with a hum. "We should head to town."

Lucy hummed curiously. "What for?" At that moment, a monstrous roar shook the silence. We all glanced at one another before running towards the beast. "Now I understand what all the commotion was about."

"It smells familiar." Natsu commented.

"I know that mustache! It's Macao!" Happy exclaimed.

"You're wrong! The Macao you once knew is gone forever!" The monster shouted. "You can call me, Mr. Purple!" Ballad and I began snickering, holding our mouths shut with her palms.

"What the heck is going on?!" Lucy cried.

"Don't know. Was it somethin' he ate?" Natsu asks.

"That's a serious food allergy!" Happy cried.

"I'm bursting with so much youth and vigor!" Macao exclaimed. "I'm ready to blow!" The resulting flood of magic could've been enough to hurt someone. Thankfully, we moved out of the way in time.

"Careful, man! You coulda hurt someone!" Natsu bellowed as he grasped onto my waist to keep me behind him. I grunted irritably.

"He's out of control!" Mira exclaimed.

"What happened to him?" Lucy asked.

"Isn't it obvious? He turned into a big purple jerk," Happy commented.

My nose twitched violently as smoke began filling the streets. "That smoke!" Mira gasped.

"What do we do now?" Lucy asked.

A familiar chuckle rang through the air as Wakaba's figure appeared. "Wait. Wakaba? Is that you?!" Mira exclaimed.

"Nope. Sorry, sweet-cheeks. See, that wrinkled old has-been you once turned down for a date was tossed aside like yesterday's stogie!" Wakaba exclaimed as he stroked at his... smoke hair. "I've been reborn as a hunky punk, but you can call me The Smoker!"

"Right..." Lucy trailed off.

"You can poke someone's eye out with that hairdo!" Ballad cried.

"I'm finally the in-your-face rebel and handsome devil I was always meant to be!" Wakaba chirped.

"You're lookin' at the studliest villains in all Fiore, so show some respect!" Macao barked.

"Not good..." Mira hummed. "They've both gone completely mental!"

Macao and Wakaba began trying to destroy the city. "Hey! Knock it off, are ya tryin' to destroy the city?!" Lucy cried.

"What's with the bad attitudes!?" Natsu barked.

"I think Magnolia's on the wrong end of a mid-life crisis!" Happy exclaimed.

Macao let out a delighted sigh. "I hear a voice deep inside demanding me to brutally destroy everything in my path!" Macao exclaimed loudly.

"That makes two of us!" Wakaba grinned. "I've never been one to ignore my instincts, especially when I get to wreck everything in sight!"

"How in the world did this happen?" Lucy asked.

"It's one of the many things that can go wrong with Transformation magic," I mention as I rub at my neck. "The stress of being overshadowed lately must've gotten to them and took on a physical form."

"Not to mention they're both ugly bald dudes," Ballad added.

I shrug. "Whatever the case, we have to stop them before they actually do destroy Magnolia. Not to mention the guild's rep is gonna go straight down the toilet after we worked so hard to bring it back up." I sigh loudly as I slouch forward.

"We can't let that happen," Natsu grins. "Besides, this'll give us a chance to try our new abilities in action!"

"Way to use your noggin!" Happy cheered.

"I don't think this is the time for playing around," Lucy commented.

"Remember! Picture and release!" Mira chimed.

"Got it!" Natsu nodded.

"Ready when you are!" Happy beamed.

"Transformation!" The two exclaimed.

I gave a great laugh as Happy turned into a giant bamboo shoot and Natsu turned into a pink piece of paper. "I don't think it worked," Happy whined.

"What do you have to picture to turn into construction paper and a bamboo shoot?!" Lucy shouted.

"How should we know?!" Natsu cried.

"We thought of it," Happy retorted.

I hear a familiar exaggerated laugh from up above and start howling again. "This is a job for Fairy Woman!" Erza exclaimed loudly.

"Erza?!" Lucy exclaimed.

"Sorry, I've never heard of Erza Scarlet! I am Fairy Woman!" Erza reiterated boldly.

"Okay... we're screwed. Even Erza's gone cuckoo." Lucy murmured.

"Didn't you hear? She's Fairy Woman, not Erza," Mira and I coo.

"I don't think it matters," Happy sighs.

Erza leaps into the air. "Fairy... Kick!" Erza exclaims as she lands a sweet attack on Macao. "Now, Fairy Punch!" She cracked Wakaba with a powerful uppercut.

"The era of plain ol' superheroes is over!" Macao exclaimed.

"Dark and serious super villains are what's hot, sweet heart!" Wakaba exclaimed. "Get with the times!"

"Dark and serious?" Lucy hummed.

"You scum!" Erza snapped before she's enveloped in Wakaba's smoke, tightening around her like a rope.

"Sorry, Fairy Woman, but this turf is ours." Wakaba grinned.

"And you're not welcome!" Macao shouted.

"Despicable cretins!" Erza growled.

"Well, yeah. We're bad guys!" Wakaba grinned.

"Be careful!" Lucy cried.

"Don't worry, I'll help ya!" Natsu cheered.

"Me, too!" Happy exclaimed.

I snatch Natsu the paper out of the air. "Oh, no you don't. We'll stay out of this, Fairy Woman!" I exclaim with a big grin.

"Thank you, valued citizen!" Erza shouted back. "I'm gonna teach these scoundrels a lesson with my fairy fists of justice!"

"Ha! Yeah, that'll be the day!" Macao snapped.

"After we're through with you, superheroes will be a faded memory!" Wabaka exclaimed.

"Hold it--" Gajeel's voice rang out. I swung my gaze up and began howling even harder. Gajeel and Pantherlily stood atop a building in a spandex suit that resembled that old hero who dressed like a bat in the old days.

"No one cares about superheroes anymore!" Pantherlily exclaimed loudly. "It's all about the dark hero now!"

"I am the iron flower that booms in Magnolia. The dark hero of Black Steel. Fairy Man!" Gajeel introduces himself. "I have no weakness. 'Cept trains."

"And I am his trusted sidekick. The ultimate warrior, and seeker of justice. You can call me Fairy Boy!" Pantherlily introduced himself. "The stronger my foe, the harder they'll crumble!"

"Who're these chumps?!" Natsu cried, squirming around in my hand.

"A mysterious duo appears!" Happy exclaimed. "Are they friend or foe?!"

"Must be someone we know, because Aria can't breathe anymore." Ballad mentions as I squat on the ground, holding my stomach to contain my laughter.

"It's obviously Gajeel and Lily, right?" Lucy asked.

I throw myself backwards, tearing up from the intensity of my laughter. "Has to be, no one would make Aria laugh that hard." Mira giggles. "This is fun, isn't it?"

"Hey, Fairy Woman! Leave these jerks to us!" Gajeel roared.

"Prepare for justice!" Pantherlily exclaimed. "Evil doers!"

Erza uppercuts them and sends them flying effortlessly. "Do you idiots have no honor?! How dare you steal my climactic scene! Imbeciles!" Erza turns back to Macao and Wakaba, who are cowering into each other. "This is the end! Try to embrace your fate with dignity!" Erza exclaims as she pulls out Lucy's whip. "Fairy Fleuve!"

"That's mine, Erza! Hold on, when did she take it?" Lucy cried.

"Erza's fighting without using any requips," Mira hums fondly. "She must be totally immersed in her role."

"But she stole her role! Copycat!" Happy cried.

"I'm not copying, but paying homage in the most respectful way possible!" Erza exclaims loudly. "We've come to the part where I pull off a spectacular finish. I think I'll start with you: Old Smokey!"

"It's The Smoker--"

"It doesn't matter who you are!" Erza exclaimed. "Fairy Wings!" The powerful wind torrent whips away his smoke magic, and the transformation dispels as Wakaba drops the ground, unconscious.

"You'll pay for this, Fairy Woman!" Macao barks.

Erza pointed down at him. "You are the one who will pay for this, Mystery Pool!"

"My name is Mr. Purple! Get it right!" Macao shouted loudly.

Erza kicks him across the face as he charges, dispelling his transformation effortlessly. Macao hits the ground in a heap. "Looks like she did it," Mira hums.

"I never doubted her for a minute!" Lucy chirps.

In a cloud of smoke, Happy and Natsu finally revert back to their normal forms. "What gives?!" Natsu asked.

"We finally turn back to normal!" Happy cheered.

"Talk about lame," Natsu complained. "I didn't even get to throw a single punch at 'em."

"Transformation magic's tougher than you thought, huh?" Lucy giggled.

Erza leaps down to us. "Are you okay? Was anyone injured?" She asks.

"We're good, thanks to you, Erza!" Lucy chuckles.

"I'm not Erza! I am Fairy Woman!" Erza exclaims.

I chuckle. "Well, Fairy Woman, you're also a thief, cause that's Lucy's whip you used." I comment impishly as the others panic. I just laugh as I rub at the back of my head as she approaches. Apparently, her face had gone through some changes during her role as Fairy Woman. I didn't really see an issue with it.

~*****~

Over the course of a few days, I barely see the others. Job after job have been coming in requesting an S-Class wizard, and while Erza and Laxus were busy on other jobs, and Mira not wanting to go on jobs, I was the only one who could go. I didn't mind taking on the jobs by myself, even if it would upset the others that they missed going on S-Class jobs with me.

I'm yawning loudly as I finally reach the house with my haul being tugged behind me. I park it besides the door and enter, nearly recoiling at the intense heat blasting out. "What the hell--"

"Close the door!" Natsu exclaimed quickly as he messed with something in front of him. I shut it quickly behind me and violently shove off my overcoat.

"What's going on? It's usually warm, but this is like an oven--" I mention as I quite literally kick off my pants and boots. "I need to start wearing lighter clothing if this is gonna become a normal thing. For goodness sakes, I've only been gone for nine days."

Natsu peered over his shoulder and began flushing as he stared at my near naked figure. I notice the dark circles on his eyes, but I don't comment on it. He flinched outwardly as a cracking noise echoed out from in front of him. "Natsu, it's hatching!" Happy cried.

"Come look, Miss! We've been taking care of it!" Ballad chirped from the other side.

I hurry over, peering closely at the strange looking egg in front of Natsu. "What is this thing?"

"It's a sky egg!" Natsu beamed.

The egg split in two, and a cute little fuzzy black creature sat in its place, staring up at us with wide eyes. I let out a loud squeal as I scoop it up and cuddle it to my chest. "You're so cute!" I cry as I rub my head into it. It makes pleased little chirping noises as it snuggles back into me. Natsu, Ballad, and Happy fall backwards, sighing out in exhaustion. I perched on Natsu's knee and curled into his front. "Look, it's just the cutest thing ever!"

Natsu yawned and palmed at my hip as he stared down at it. "Glad you like the baby," Natsu yawned louder. "Had a hell of a time keepin' you warm, huh, buddy?" Natsu hums as he plays with the little things hands. It just chirped happily and went from staring at Natsu to myself before it settled in for a nap.

Natsu ended up dozing off, and I took to basically turning into a mother hen as I cared for the little creature.

The next day, I greet Erza, Gray, and Lucy with a wide smile, the baby in my arms. "Check it out!" I beam. Natsu yawns again behind me.

"He actually hatched it?!" Lucy cried.

I laugh happily and nod. "Totally did! I come home to an oven and find the cutest surprise!"

"Looks pretty ugly to me--" Gray started but flinched and cowered behind Erza as I glared at him. "I mean, it looks so cute!"

We take the baby to the guild hall to try and figure out some names for it. "All right, then! It's settled!" Natsu cheered as he finally thought of a good name. "Your new name is Kemo-Kemo!" Kemo-Kemo chirped happily. Natsu held him out for Happy and Ballad. "Guys, I'd like ya to meet your new brother!"

"Hi! I guess this means that we're gonna have one more mouth to feed!" Happy chirps. He gasps. "Hey, wait, do you think Kemo-Kemo eats fish, or what?"

Ballad raised her paw. "Kemo-Kemo likes munching on ice with Aria sometimes." Ballad mentions.

Kemo-Kemo began flying around with delighted chirps before he plopped onto my head. "Hey, no fair! You can't use Aria as a shield!" Natsu laughed as I rubbed at Kemo-Kemo's head.

"Is this a wizards guild or a pet shop, I forget," Makarov complains as I tug the baby off my head and cuddle him into my chest.

"Like I'd bring a pet in here! This guy's kin!" Natsu chirped.

"When it has an accident, it shall not be on the floor of this hall." Makarov mentioned irritably. "Besides, that dog grows far too quickly."

"Yeah, he's right," Lucy mentions. "Your pet grew like two inches!"

"What?" I complain. "He's not a damn pet!"

"And if he makes a mess, we'll clean it!" Natsu agrees.

"Had I ever seen you clean up after yourself, I'd believe you." Makarov comments. Kemo-Kemo hummed curiously. "Keep it if you must, but not in here."

Kemo-Kemo gave a grunt of irritation before a cute little blue flame shot from his mouth. "Kemo-Kemo! You can breathe fire!" Natsu chirped as he squished into my side to stare at the cute little thing.

"You're totally his parents, all right!" Happy laughed.

"That's no dog, it's a hellhound!" Makarov complained. "We should shoot it!"

"Hey!" I exclaim angrily. "You're not shooting him, he's just a baby! Besides, you're being mean to him, of course he's gonna retaliate! We're keeping him! You don't turn your back on family."

The door opens behind us, and I hear someone groan. "Frog man, alert!" I hear.

I flinch and cower downwards as I hand Kemo-Kemo to Natsu and walk off, shielding my eyes as if I were in trouble. Kemo-Kemo chirps curiously as I trail down the bar to hide. "Master Makarov," The council member hums. "I've come here today as an emissary of the Magic Council."

Makarov tilted as he stared down the bar at me. "She's totally innocent! Whatever it is, neither of us did it!" Makarov exclaimed. "It's a set-up!"

The frog just smiles. "I assure you, it's nothing like that, sir. I've been sent to inform you of the Council's newly established wizarding exchange program! Each guild that made it to the Grand Magic games proper will send wizards to work with each other's guild. The goal is to foster co-operation and the sharing of knowledge amongst you."

"A wizard exchange program?" Makarov echoed.

"You may send seven wizards of your choosing." The council man hummed.

"Hey, Gramps! Pick me, will ya?!" Natsu shouted. "I love to learn stuff! Not to mention, this'll be the perfect chance for me to ask around about Kemo-Kemo!"

"Natsu, no offense, but you don't even know what exchange wizard means." Lucy commented.

"Still gonna be one!" Natsu grinned. "Are you comin', too, Happy?"

"Aye!" Happy cheered.

"Guess, I'll go with them!" Lucy chimed. "Pretty sure they'll start a war if they're unsupervised."

"I'll go," I hum as I slide back up the bar, still sweating bullets as the council member stares at me.

"All right!" Natsu cheered. "Let's go!"

~*****~

The train ride out of town was a little uncomfortable, but with Kemo-Kemo in my lap, I was over the moon as I brushed out his tufts of fur. Ballad hummed delicately as she put little braids everywhere she could get to. "Gray, kill me, will ya?" Natsu complained.

"How're you not dying?" Lucy hummed.

"I'll wager its her maternal instincts kicking in." Erza chirps as she plays with Kemo-Kemo's little hand. "She can't be vulnerable somewhere she's usually uncomfortable."

I giggle as I palm at Kemo-Kemo's head. "It's crazy. Kemo-Kemo just keeps on growing." Lucy mentions.

"Yup. He officially looks like a pillow." Gray comments.

"I'm focused on the exchange program," Erza suddenly states.

"If you wanna give the little guy a cuddle, just for for it." Lucy comments dryly.

"He won't mind, he just loves cuddling!" I chirp. Kemo-Kemo coos in response.

When we arrive at Blue Pegasus, Natsu holds onto the baby as I'm bombarded by Ichiya once again. "Welcome, friends. It's been too long." Ichiya greets. "Man~"

"Thanks for having us," I grunt.

"I smelled you coming for miles, Aria," Ichiya chirped. "Having once intertwined your parfum with my own, I'm attuned to your scent." He gives a gross hum. "Best sniff I've ever had."

"What... does that mean?" Lucy comments.

"It's difficult to convey with mere words, sweet Lucy." Hibiki hums.

"You seem tense." Eve chirps. "Why don't we go to the lounge and unwind?"

"It might look like we cleaned up because we knew you were coming, but we didn't," Ren comments.

Lucy stammered. "Cool. So! We're here to help and learn. D'you have work for us?"

"Yes! Though your task is such a pleasant one, it hardly warrants the name." Ichiya mentions as I feel Kemo-Kemo latch onto my shoulder and hold on, cooing in my ear as he nuzzles my head. "And you are?"

"This is Kemo-Kemo!" Natsu introduced as I patted at his head. "Have you ever seen someone like him?"

Ichiya hums as he slides up to me, staring at Kemo-Kemo. "No." He takes two inhales before humming. "His parfum is unlike any beast's I've smelled."

"Thanks, man!" Natsu beamed. "We washed him earlier today!"

"I know." Ichiya hums. "As long as he doesn't bite our patrons, he can stay."

"What patrons?" Gray asks.

"Oh right. Show them to the dressing rooms." Ichiya ordered.

"Right this way, please," Hibiki, Eve, Ren, and Jenny coo.