The sun shined brightly through the curtains in Lucy Heartfilia's house. A ray of sun over Lucy's eyes caused her to open them slowly and roll over. When she rolled over, she noticed the absence of a certain demon lying on the ground. She got up and without getting properly dressed, walked out into the dining room. There she saw a plate of food sitting there, with a note next to it. The food was still warm, so she picked up the note and read it.

Dear Lucy,

I have prepared a meal for your breakfast, and cleaned up everything. I thought it best to be out of your hair before you wake up; so please enjoy your meal to it's fullest. I'll be seeing you later at the guild hall, if you come by. Thank you for the night.

Ryuga

Lucy: "He really is a nice guy."

She smiled, blushed and sat down to eat. The breakfast consisted of two pancakes, strawberries, blueberries, and three slices of bacon. She quickly ate her meal and laid back in her seat with a heavy sigh. She got up and put the dishes in the sink; after that she took a shower, got dressed, and readied herself for the day. She walked out of her house and to the guild. When she got there, she didn't see Ryuga or the Master; so she walked up to Mirajane.

Lucy: "Hey Mira, where's Ryuga or Master?"

Mirajane: "Master went for a conference in Clover, and I think Ryuga is up the stairs looking at some S-Class quests."

Lucy: "Oh, I wanted to thank him for breakfast."

Mirajane: "He made you breakfast?"

Lucy: "Yeah, he left before I woke up, but he made me breakfast and left a note."

Mirajane: "He must really like you then." Lucy blushed.

Lucy: "W-What do you m-mean?"

Mirajane: "The only other people I can think of that Ryuga made breakfast for is Elfman and myself."

Lucy: "I'm sure he doesn't like me like he does you."

Mirajane: "I don't know what you're talking about, we're just good friends."

Lucy: "RRRiiigghhtt..."

There was a quick silence, then Loke bursts through the doors with a panicked look on his face.

Loke: "Terrible news, Erza's back!"

The guild went wild. Members were running and screaming, Nastu and Gray were hugging eachother, cowering in a corner. Lucy was confused and afraid as to why the members were acting this way.

Lucy: "Just the mention of her name throws the guild into chaos."

Mirajane: "Well she is the strongest female wizard we have."

Footsteps were heard approaching the guild, but unlike Ryuga's, these footsteps were heavy and loud. The footsteps rumbled throughout the town. Guild members started to murmur to each other.

Natsu: "That's Erza, that's definitely her."

Elfman: "No kidding, she's getting close."

Soon the doors opened, revealing a giant horn and a redhead carrying it. She set the horn down, with a crash, and looked up with a stern face.

Mirajane: "Welcome back, Erza."

Erza: "Where's Master?"

Mirajane: "He's out at a conference in Clover."

Erza: "I see."

She then started tearing through all the guild members. Whether it was for dancing on tables, or for drinking too much. She soon stopped to take a breath, then continued and kept at it for a few minutes. After she got about everyone in the room, she turned back to Mirajane.

Erza: "Is Ryuga here? I was informed that he finished his mission."

Mirajane: "I believe he's on the second floor searching for quests."

Erza: "I see." Then she yelled. "Gray! Natsu! I need your help with something."

Natsu: "Eh?"

Erza: "I was in a bar when I overheard about a dark guild planning to use something called a Lullaby."

???: "I would advise against you going after them."

Everyone looked up to see Ryuga resting his arms on the balcony of the second floor. He was looking down at Erza with a stern look.

Erza: "Oh? How did your quest go, and why don't you think we can handle this Lullaby?"

Ryuga: "Firstly, the trip went fine, it was 100% completed. Secondly, Lullaby is a demon created by Zeref. It takes the form of a flute, and who ever hears its song dies."

Erza: "That's all the more reason we shouldn't let them keep it!"

Ryuga: "True, but did you think that you might be outmatched this time?"

Erza: "Oh? Is that what you're implying."

The tension grew quickly, the very air froze in place, waiting for what was about to happen next. A few whispers were sent saying things like "He shouldn't of said that."

Ryuga: *sighs* "I always mean what I say. No matter how many swords you can requip, you can't keep standing through Lullaby's song."

Erza: "So you're concerned about me?" She blushed a little pink.

Ryuga: "Of course." She blushed more at his blunt answer.

Erza: "In that case, would you like to accompany me? It would help to have someone strong like you."

There was a short silence, when everyone looked towards Ryuga for his answer.

Ryuga: "If that's what you want, Erza."

Erza: "Good, we'll leave tomorrow morning."

Mirajane: "Erza, Natsu, Ryuga, and Gray on the same team? This is definitely the strongest team Fairy Tail's ever seen!"

Natsu: "I have to work with this guy? No way!"

Gray: "Yeah seriously, I'd rather die." Erza then pulled her sword out and pointed it towards Gray.

Erza: "That can be arranged. I'm sure Ryuga and myself could handle it."

Gray: "A-Ah I was just j-joking. I love working with this guy, right Natsu?"

Natsu: "Aye!"

Lucy: "Natsu's turned into Happy!"Everyone chuckled

Ryuga: "Erza. Would you like to talk about this mission over dinner?"

Erza's blush was matched only by her hair. She looked down and thought it over for a few seconds, before slowly nodding.

Erza: "Y-Yes that sounds okay."

Ryuga: "Good. I'll see you then."

Erza was in her dorm getting ready. She was wearing a beautiful purple dress that hugged all the right places, silver earings, and she even tied her hair into a ponytail. Erza was looking at herself in the mirror, trying to find anything wrong with her appearance, when suddenly Ryuga came behind her and startled her.

Ryuga: "You look ravishing."

Erza: "W-W-What are you doing here?"

She noticed what he was wearing, and instantly blushed the color of her hair. Ryuga was wearing a black dress suit with a purple dress shirt underneath and black tie. To top it off, he had black gloves and golden earrings with purple gems on. However, she looked down and noticed he was still barefoot.

Erza: "Y-You look good too... really good, but you're not wearing shoes again."

Ryuga: *sighs* "Do I really have to wear shoes? They're so uncomfortable."

Erza: "I would like for you to wear them, yes."

Ryuga: "Fine." He left and soon returned wearing black leather boots. "Acceptable?"

Erza: "Yes."

Ryuga: "Let's be on our way then."

He grabbed her hand, much to her embarrassment, and led her out of her room and down the dorm stairs. They started walking side by side to the place Ryuga picked. While they were walking, men kept staring at Erza, much to her dismay. Seeing this making her uncomfortable, Ryuga grabbed Erza's hand and intertwined it with his own. Erza only looked down with a large blush on her face, and squeezed his hand tightly. He understood that Erza was really just a scared little girl deep down inside, and he hoped to release her from that soon.

Erza was crying by the bank of the river that ran through Magnolia. The reason she was crying, she kept having nightmares about the Tower of Heaven and of her friends. Jellal told her that if she were to attempt to return or save them, he'd murder them all. She was thrown into the outside world without anyone to help or support her. She eventually made her way to Fairy Tail, where she found hope, but it was dim. She has only been a member for hardly a week, but she was soon interrupted from her thoughts when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder.

Erza looked up to find a young man with white hair and bright purple eyes looking down at her. The man took a gentle, small smile to which Erza tried to smile back. However, when she smiled, tears ran down her face even more. Knowing what she must be going through, the man asked her a simple question.

Ryuga: "May I sit?"

Erza: "Sure."

He sat down and took a minute to observe the sunset and golden sky before turning towards the redhead and looking at her with eyes full of curiosity. She was quickly taken aback by his look. He didn't seem to mind that she was crying or look as if he was trying to console her.

Ryuga: "You're in Fairy Tail?" He took notice of her guild mark.

Erza: "Yeah. I just joined a week ago."

Ryuga: "Do you like it?"

Erza: "It's all right. Everyone's nice there."

Ryuga: "They're a pretty nice bunch aren't they? Have you met Lisanna?"

Erza: "Yeah, she's super nice! How do you know her Mr.?"

Ryuga: "You may call me Ryuga."

Erza: "I'm Erza, Erza Scarlet."

Ryuga: "A fine name for a fine young lady. As for your question, I'm also a member of Fairy Tail."

Erza grew suspicious; she's never seen this man in Fairy Tail before. She didn't believe him, which caused him to sigh and point to his back. Erza held a questioning glance at where he was pointing, before he spoke.

Ryuga: "Lift my shirt, you'll see my mark."

She did as told, and lifted his shirt to see a purple fairy tail mark on the back of his left shoulder.

Erza: "So you are from Fairy Tail."

Ryuga: "Yes, but enough talk about me. How are you adjusting?"

Erza: "I'm fine, I guess."

Ryuga: "If you were fine, would you be sitting here crying? Anyway." He sat up. "You don't have to tell me your problems. However if something is troubling you, maybe you should try to find something that would help."

He was about to walk away, but then Erza reached up and grabbed his hands. With tears in her eyes and a pleading voice, she spoke.

Erza: "Will you hear my story? I haven't been able to trust anyone enough to tell them it, but you... you it might be okay to tell."

Ryuga: "Sure I'll listen to your story, but only if you'll listen to mine."

She nodded, and began to tell him her story. Through tears and hugs, she finally got done with it. He then began to tell her his story. She was scared at first, because he was a demon, but soon relaxed and even started laughing at the horrible luck he had while adventuring. It soon turned to night, and she fell asleep on his shoulder. He carried her home and tucked her in. After a couple of minutes of watching her sleep, he told her something, although she couldn't hear it.

Ryuga: "I'll be watching over you. Until the day you break free from your despair, and even past then, when you need me, I'll be there."

Little did he know, that she was secretly awake and smiling.

Erza remembered this and hugged Ryuga out of what seemed nowhere. He almost stumbled on to the ground from the sudden action, but he returned the hug and held her tight.

Ryuga: "Remembering the past?"

Erza: "How'd you know?"

Ryuga: "Because I know you more than you think. Anyway, were here."

Erza looked up to see a restaurant named The Golden Horn. They went inside and sat down at a table. Ryuga started to look through the menu, trying to find shrimp. Erza was more focused on the desserts, but decided on a steak. The waitress came to them next.

Waitress: "What can I get you two to drink?"

Ryuga: "Water will be fine."

Erza: "I'll also take water."

Waitress: "Understood. Are you two ready to order or do you need more time?"

Ryuga: "I'm ready, you?"

Erza: "Yes I'm ready."

Ryuga: "Ladies first."

Erza: "I'll have the 8 oz. ironclad, medium-well."

Waitress: "Would you like a salad to go with that?"

Erza: "Yes, caesar."

Waitress: "And you?" She looked to Ryuga.

Ryuga: "Sulfang Shrimp, with a house salad and ranch dressing."

Waitress: "Understood, you're drinks will arrive shortly."

She walked away, leaving Erza staring at Ryuga.

Ryuga: "Do I have something on my face?"

Erza: "N-No, just. How did you know I was thinking of my past?"

Ryuga: "I can see it in your eyes, Erza. Believe it or not, you're still that little girl from the Tower of Heaven. That's why you keep having nightmares; you can't let go of the past."

Erza: "I don't know how.."

Ryuga: "I fear the only way to do that will surface soon. And I'm not too fond of that way."

Erza: "What is it?"

Ryuga: "You'll find out soon enough, but when you do, I'll be there to support you."

Erza: "T-Thanks." She started blushing again.

Ryuga: "You're adorable when you blush."

Erza: "I-If you say something like that.."

The Waitress came back with their water, and asked if they needed anything else, to which they declined.

Ryuga: "Now then, about this mission. Are you sure you want to bring Natsu and Gray?"

Erza: "I would like them to come, yes."

Ryuga: "I see. Lullaby is a demon created by Zeref, but it has a flute form. Worse case scenario is if it gets released from that form. If it gets its true form back, a lot of people will likely die."

Erza: "You seem awfully knowledgeable about Lullaby."

Ryuga: "Yes, well, I've met the person who created it."

Erza: "You've met the Black Wizard Zeref!?"

Ryuga: "Yes. Such a tragedy about what happened to him and his brother."

Erza: "What happened?"

Ryuga: "That is not my story to tell."

Erza: "I see. Still, I can't thank you enough for accompanying me on this mission. If you're right about Lullaby, I doubt I could do it without you."

Ryuga: "Pay it no mind. I'll protect you."

Erza: "Thank you, Ryuga."

Their food came, and they ate all the plate had. Erza ordered strawberry cake for dessert, but Ryuga wanted none. Once they were finished, they went to their respective places to sleep. Although Ryuga just slept on the infirmary beds in Fairy Tail.