[JACKPOT] It's close. So very close!
[JACKPOT] "Time ticks forward, on toward inevitable chaos!"
[Jackpot laughs]
[ARCHBISHOP] That dream.
[ARCHBISHOP] Not again.
[ARCHBISHOP] "Time ticks forward,
on toward inevitable chaos"?
Her grave? You're pretty morbid this morning.
Well, since Lisanna's still alive,
it's pointless to have it up.
And I'd rather not have to look at it again.
Then just go knock it over.
That seems a bit harsh.
The church said the decision's up to us,
so we have time to think it through.
Natsu will never take down the one that we made.
Right, ya big softy?
You just had to go and bring that up.
Well, we could leave it as a monument to the day
she came back home. Changing it might be a bit pricy.
[LISANNA] Speaking of the church,
this is a special time for them, isn't it?
[NATSU] Whaddya mean?
[ELFMAN] The Archbishop's coming to town, or something like that.
[HAPPY] Hold on, I've heard of him before!
It's kind of a big deal for him to come here.
This Arch-fish-up guy comes into town every few years
to perform a big, important ritual.
[MIRAJANE] You got most of that right.
Throngs of people make pilgrimages from faraway lands
just to catch a glimpse of him.
[NATSU] Really? For one guy?
[HAPPY] Jeez, Natsu, you don't know anything, do you?
[NATSU] You don't either!
[GRAN DOMA] You're absolutely certain of this?
[LAHARL] Yes. I'm very sorry, sir.
But despite our best efforts, it appears a church
in the Akaza region burned to the ground yesterday morning.
[GRAN DOMA] That makes over thirty incidents.
Yet the identity of the perpetrator
still eludes you, Lahar?
[LAHARL] We're analyzing pieces of the buildings,
but there are no solid leads yet.
[ORG] Other lands have taken notice of this as well.
If we're to save face,
we must find and capture the culprit quickly.
[GRAN DOMA] At this rate, the Custody Enforcement Unit's
reputation will be ruined,
and the Council's right along with it.
Do not fail.
Sir!
[HAPPY] Father's Memento!
[LUCY] Wow, another one? What gives?
Did something bad happen?
Someone's been setting fire to churches lately.
That's a sadistic hobby.
I know him! He works for the council!
[HAPPY] Seven years and he hasn't stopped frowning.
Natsu, look!
He's dead to the world, isn't he?
Brain dead and oblivious is pretty much
par for the course with him.
[HAPPY] I can't believe someone would set fire to churches.
Times have changed.
I'm having trouble catching up with everything.
Not to mention our seven year cat nap
destroyed my clairvoyance.
The future is nothing but fuzzy pictures to me now.
[WENDY] That's not good.
[CARLA] It's quite annoying.
That's a weird smell.
[HAPPY] Sleeping beauty's up.
[ROMEO] Hey, Lucy! You have a visitor!
[ROMEO] The blonde with the pig-tails is the one you want.
Thank you for the help, young man.
Who's that girl?
No idea.
[MICHELLE] Excuse me, but are you Lucy Heartfilia?
Yes, ma'am, I'm a Heartfilia, but--
Who's asking exactly?
Who am... I?
How could you forget your dear Michelle Lobster? You meanie!
[LUCY] What?
Her tears are like waterfalls.
Way to be a jerk, Lucy.
I'm so sorry. I guess I shouldn't expect you
to remember me after such a long time.
Would you like some tissue?
How could you forget a vision like that?
Elfman. I hate you.
[MICHELLE] Allow me to start over.
I'm Michelle Lobster, of the Lobster family.
It's good to see you again, Big Sister Lucy!
Hang on...
[ALL] "Sister"?!
I guess Daddy Lucy was sewing wild oats
on those business trips!
While the Lobsters and Heartfilias are related,
Lucy and I aren't really sisters.
I see, so you're a distant relative of hers.
That makes a little more sense.
Yeah, they do seem pretty different.
Looks to me like they've got a couple of things in common.
First it's Gildarts and Cana,
and now Lucy has a shellfish for a daughter?
How did you get that idea?
Just kiddin'; don't blow a gasket!
[Plue chirps]
Would you mind explaining why you call me "Big Sister"?
[MICHELLE] Because you're older than me, silly goose!
Okay.
No offense, but I thought you were the one who's older.
Oh, that's alright.
What's the matter, Natsu? You look confused.
That girl's from the future. I totally get it.
I don't think you do.
Even though we've been bringing this up constantly
ever since we got back to the guild, Flamebrain forgot
we spent seven years on Tenrou Island.
When you take that into account it makes perfect sense.
Lucy may not have aged physically, but her actual age
remains unchanged, so she's technically older.
Uhhh...
His poor little brain can't handle all of this.
That's our Natsu.
At long last, I finally found you.
Come on, don't cry! Here, why don't I take that case for you?
Oh, that's right. I'm supposed to give this to you.
You're so thoughtful, Lucy!
Wait!
The entire point of my journey was to find you
so I could deliver that.
On another topic, could I have some ice for my footsie?
A real man woulda saved her footsie!
So why didn't you save it, ya jerk?
This is heavy.
No kidding! Is it full of cement?
Are you sure they're related?
They're both blonde, busty, and have their own
personal brand of crazy. Sounds like family to me.
[Plue hums affirmatively]
[LUCY] Okay. What the heck is in this thing?
[MICHELLE] I'm not sure, honestly.
All I know is your father wanted you to have it.
[Lucy gasps]
[MICHELLE] I was his assistant until just a short while ago,
and this is my last errand for him.
Actually, he passed the case on to me
when he was on his deathbed.
So here we are. My last assignment
for Mr. Jude's come to an end.
[LUCY] His final moments. And you were right there with him.
He never stopped worrying about you
after you went missing all those years ago.
But he was sure you were alive somewhere.
It's because he held onto that hope that he asked me
to find you and give you this memento.
He went peacefully, as if falling asleep.
And ever since then I've been searching for you.
Finding you has been my sole purpose.
And now it's all done. I think Mr. Jude
will finally be able to rest in peace.
[LUCY] So, what's in it?
[MICHELLE] I don't know. I was only told to deliver it,
so I never looked inside to see for myself.
Thanks, Michelle.
[NATSU] Open it up!
Huh?
Don't leave her hanging like this.
Seriously, she busted her butt getting this thing here.
The least you could do is let her see it.
So hurry up, everyone's waiting.
[LUCY] Okay.
[LUCY] Can I close it now?
[NATSU] It smells funky.
Maybe it's this cloth.
Nah, it's got some kind of magic on it,
but whatever it is, it smells really old.
You okay, Carla?
Maybe she has gas.
[CARLA] Oh. It's nothing.
Michelle... What is this, exactly?
[MICHELLE] I assume it's something Mr. Jude was fond of;
does it look familiar?
[LUCY] Not really. I don't remember
seeing anything like this around the house.
[NATSU] Ahh... A weapon!
Yeah, somehow I doubt that.
I just remembered!
It's totally a weapon, isn't it?
[MICHELLE] No, it's not.
But you do know what it is?
No, it's just...
I remembered that I haven't eaten anything in three days.
[sound of stomach growling]
[MICHELLE] It seems like a fun guild!
[LUCY] You mean Dad didn't tell you about it?
Fairy Tail's only the most important thing
that's ever happened to me.
[Plue chirps]
Actually, I knew you were in a guild,
but you had already vanished.
That seems to have thrown a wrench
into a bunch of people's lives.
[Plue coos]
After everything you've been through,
I'm surprised you've remained here.
[LUCY] Really? I wouldn't give it up for the world.
Like I said, Fairy Tail's my life.
The guild's got its fair share of bad apples, but who cares?
Everyone's so passionate. They all love their magic
the same way I love my Celestial Spirits.
We would do anything for one another. We're like family.
I think Mr. Jude would be very happy
to know that you've found a home.
I'd like to think so, too. I'm glad you're here, Michelle.
[Plue trumpets]
Tadah! Welcome to Castle de' Lucy, Madame!
[Plue cheers]
You know it's because of Dad that I'm still able
to call this place my home.
[LUCY] Get comfy! I'll brew us some tea!
[MICHELLE] Oh, don't trouble yourself!
[LUCY] It's no trouble, trust me.
I can't tell you how happy I am.
I was so little when mom passed away,
and then I lost Dad in the blink of an eye.
It's been pretty rough lately.
Finding out I have relatives is awesome!
So are there any other Lobsters nearby?
I'd love to meet them sometime.
Do you get to see them often?
Don't mind me, I just ramble when I'm excited.
Keep your chin up, Iris, you'll get through it somehow!
Oh, come on! Don't read things without permission!
So how long have you wanted to be a writer, Big Sister?
You're worse than Natsu. Chew or talk, it's not hard.
[LUCY] I really wish I knew what this thing is.
There's no inscription or anything.
[MICHELLE] You're so cool. I'm jealous.
You've achieved one dream,
and now you're working towards another.
You're really living a charmed life, aren't you?
You think so?
[MICHELLE] I do. It must be nice.
To have a dream. All your own.
[LUCY] So, where are you going from here?
[LUCY] Hey, why don't you stay with me for a bit?
It's no trouble, really!
Oh, no. I don't want to be a bother--
Don't be silly! I'd love a roommate!
Thank you! I promise you won't regret it, Big Sis!
I'll find a job quick.
Don't worry about rent; I'll be on time, promise!
[LUCY] Michelle, your nose.
I've got an idea! Why don't you work at the guild hall?
[MICHELLE] Me? Work at Fairy Tail?
[LUCY] It hasn't been long since Michelle showed up
with a package and became part of my family.
[GROUP] Cheers!
[LUCY] And of course everyone adored her
from the moment they met her.
She's been helping with every little odd job you can imagine.
Even doing people's hair!
I've really enjoyed having her.
She's pretty shy and tends to keep to herself,
and she's not the most dependable worker around.
Honestly, she's clumsy and can squirt out tears
faster than she drops plates.
But I take care of her like a good big sister.
In a way, she's helped me get my own act together.
Say, Mom. Do you think it's possible Dad sent her my way
so I wouldn't be lonely? I'd like to think that he did.
Giddy-up Mr. Horsie man, it's outlaw Lucy!
We gotta go catch her!
[LUCY] No, it's the little bounty hunter!
[MAKAROV] Be thankful you don't have facial hair.
Horses don't talk, silly!
But they feel!
Natsu's lookin' for ya, Lucy.
It was somethin' about huntin' bandits.
I'm so excited.
'Bout time, slow poke!
We've been waiting for you!
May I come along? I'd love to watch you work.
[BISCA & ALZACK] Huh?
[LUCY] Umm, I'm not sure that's such a good idea.
But I'd love to see what wizards do first hand,
and you'll be there to protect me!
Yeah, she'll be fine!
Come on, Lucy; there's nothing more fun
than watching this team put the hurt on some thugs!
And we do guarantee satisfaction.
Master, would you talk some sense into them?
May I please go?
--You bet! --Go for it!
Guess it's settled.
Any objections, Master Macao?
Whatever; knock yourselves out.
[ERZA] I have no objections, either.
Experience isn't a bad thing. Even if that experience is
forced on someone too early, it will still benefit them.
You know all about that, don't you,
Miss "I'm going on an S-Class Quest Without Permission"?
Yes, Erza. I see your point.
Alright, Michelle. Welcome to the team.
How exciting!
It might get pretty hairy,
but stay by my side and you'll be just fine!
This is awesome! We're gonna make hunting down these bandits
a family affair! I'm fired up!
[GRAY] The flier says these bandits are so ruthless
the victims suffer from night terrors after the attacks.
[NATSU] They sound nasty. This should be fun!
Even royal soldiers who went into the mountains
to search for them came back sobbing like a bunch of babies.
I'm having second thoughts about this whole thing.
I brought snacks if you're hungry.
She's just like Natsu. Totally clueless.
So good...
I can't believe you're depended on more than the royal soldiers!
"Depended on" might be a bit much.
[ERZA] The client gave us this to use!
[NATSU] Please tell me she's not driving.
I've got this all worked out.
First, we need to tempt the bandits into robbing us.
Lucy and I will ride in the front seat,
posing as a pair of helpless women.
Meanwhile, Natsu, Gray, and Michelle will hide
in the wagon so they can spring the trap.
Once we're surrounded, Lucy and I will distract
as many of the fools as we can with our feminine wiles.
At that moment, Natsu and Gray will leap out and dispatch
the other bandits before joining us in a pincer formation--
If you think I'm setting foot in that wagon,
you're out of your mind!
You object to my plan, do you? That's a gutsy move.
Beat me all you want; I ain't goin'!
What's wrong?
Natsu has trouble with anything on wheels.
[MICHELLE] That's certainly surprising.
[GRAY] It's so hot!
[LUCY] Don't you dare!
If you'd like someone else to be up front,
I'm a fairly capable driver.
[LUCY] Huh?
That's fine, if you don't mind being bait.
It'll be dangerous.
I know, but it makes more sense to have
all the fighters in the back, doesn't it?
If it would better our chances, I'll gladly take the reins!
I don't know about this.
[BANDIT 128A] Looky looky.
[BANDIT 128B] Ooh, more visitors.
[BANDIT 128C] We've got a big haul today!
Next time you wanna fly, leave me out of it.
Come on, gimme a break.
If you want to blame someone, blame Erza for coming up
with such a stupid plan!
[HAPPY] Tell that to her face, hot shot.
[NATSU] Screw that. You tell her!
[HAPPY] Uh huh. That's what I thought.
Here they come. Don't leave my side, understand?
[LUCY] Operation "Show the Goods" is a go!
[MICHELLE] Right!
We're so lucky you big strong men found us!
Prepare yourself.
Okay, but "Show the Goods" is the best you could do?
We're lost and need some major help right now.
[LUCY] They're putty in my hands.
[BANDIT 128A] Oh my! Cover yourself!
[BANDIT 128B] Yeah, nobody wants to see that.
[BANDIT 128C] Only bimbos flaunt it.
Besides, my skin has much more luster!
[BANDIT 128B] You tell her, girl!
[BANDIT 128A] Get the cargo before I vomit.
I think my self-esteem just died.
[BANDIT 128B] Hope you're packing product, ladies.
[BANDIT 128A] Or a wagon full of chocolates!
Sorry, fellas, but all we're packin' is a beating.
[BANDIT 128A] He's gorgeous!
--[BANDIT 128B] Kiss me! --[BANDIT 128D] I saw him first!
[ERZA] You fiends! I stayed up all night long planning
that strategy of ours and now it's been for nothing.
In the name of all night owls,
I shall punish the lot of you!
And survey says: crazy!
You made me break a nail, witch. I'll get you back!
Keep trash-talking; that's not all she'll break on ya.
[BIG SIS] Brazen hussies!
[BANDIT 128A] Big Sis, it's you!
[BIG SIS] You may have been born women, but your hearts
will never possess the feminine spark ours do!
Also, your hair is atrocious,
your hips are too curvy, and those fun bags look about
as real as daddy's dentures.
Big Sis, I have such a girl crush on you right now.
[LUCY] I see. No wonder all of their victims
kept having nightmares for months.
I think someone deserves a spanking!
[MICHELLE] Lucy, get out of the way!
You almost killed me, you nut job!
You're done! Chew on Fleuve d'étoiles!
Huh? Why does this always happen to me?
Come on, work! Pretty pretty please!
[NATSU] Let's do it, Happy!
[HAPPY] Aye, sir!
[NATSU] Fire Dragon Brilliant Flame!
[ERZA] So are you going to come quietly?
[MICHELLE] Amazing!
That was absolutely incredible, Big Sister!
I can't believe how strong you and your friends are!
[LUCY] Thanks, but I didn't do anything.
How did you like your first job?
[MICHELLE] It was awe inspiring!
Wizards and their guilds are amazing!
That's right. It can get kinda rowdy at times,
but there's never a dull moment.
[MACAO] So, ya find anything?
I had one of my contacts look into it for us.
Laki should be back with the report in just a bit.
Speak of the devil.
[MACAO] Thanks, we owe you one.
[WAKABA] Sorry to send you on a weird errand like that.
[LAKI] Don't worry, it's not like it was a bother.
According to your contact, the Lobsters were a wealthy family
that had a lot of land in the Zentopia region's townships.
So we were worried over nothing.
Hardly. There's no such thing
as "too cautious" these days. Still, this is quite a relief.
Hold your whiskers. Did ya notice
how Laki said they "were" a wealthy family?
It's rough stuff. The rest of the family was lost
in a tragic accident several years ago.
[WAKABA] Man, rough is right.
[CARLA] I guess that makes Michelle
the sole surviving family member.
[LAHARL] This makes no sense. First it burns,
then it collapses, and now it's corroding?
Given the distance from each parish and the traces of magic
left behind, there's clearly more than one person involved.
This can't be. It's impossible!
[LAHARL] Who is he?
[SUBORDINATE 128A] The priest. He was outside
when the incident occurred.
[LAHARL] But the earlier report stated
that there was a body found among the wreckage.
[SUBORDINATE 128A] Yes sir.
[LAHARL] So, if the only man who was
supposed to be here is still alive...
Where did the body come from? Is it one of the culprits?
We don't know, sir. He insists that no one else was here.
[Jackpot laughs]
[MICHELLE] I've been putting some thought into this.
And I was wondering if I could bend your ear.
[LUCY] What's up?
I'm curious as to how your guild receives its jobs.
Do people pay for their requests to be considered?
[LUCY] I think so.
[MICHELLE] I'd really like to know more about the memento your
father left. So I'm thinking of putting in a request.
Michelle, you're a freakin' genius!
[MAKAROV] This is a first.
In all of my years, I don't think I've ever seen
a wizard hire another wizard!
I don't see any problem with it;
I'll have Mirajane make a request poster for the board.
What a great idea, Lucy!
Indeed. I look forward to seeing who takes the job.
So you're asking Fairy Tail for help?
[LUCY] Yep! It's approved!
I'm curious about the magic on the cloth
wrapped around the memento. And I'd like to find out
what Mr. Jude was trying to tell Lucy.
It is his very last message to her after all.
Good attitude! Happy and I will solve it, no prob!
[HAPPY] Just don't let him hold it,
unless you want him to break it.
[NATSU] Oh, yeah? How bout I break your face, pal?
[MAKAROV] Seems like fate, doesn't it?
Those two meeting up.
The only family either of them has left is each other.
By the way, I want you to know I'm impressed you had the
foresight to run a background check on our new friend.
[MACAO] Being thrust into the role of Master for seven years
teaches you to think on your feet. I've learned a lot.
Like how to be paranoid.
[CARLA] I still can't shake the feeling
that something is very wrong here.
[MICHELLE] Aaahh!
[NATSU] Not my fault!
[LUCY] Are you okay, Michelle?
[MAKAROV] Huh?
Hey, look!
Yes, I see it, too.
Huh?
I am seriously freaked out right now.
What's with the writing? Is it some kind of ancient script?
[LUCY] If it is, Levy could read it!
[MAKAROV] She left with Shadow Gear this morning
for a job clear across Fiore. Fried is gone, too.
What do you think it's trying to tell us, Big Sister?
I wish I knew.
Can't you read ancient graffiti too, old man?
Listen closely, I think you should let sleeping dogs lie.
[LUCY] What are you talking about?
I can't. I'll solve it!
[LUCY] I have to! For my dad's sake, and for mine.
[HAPPY] What? You're challenging Loxus to another fight?
Boy, you just never learn, do you Natsu?
[NATSU] Hey, it's not just me! Gajeel does it all the time!
[HAPPY] Yeah, but he doesn't challenge
people like Erza or Gildarts.
[NATSU] A real man always aims for the top, no matter what!
[HAPPY] A real man also knows when he's out of his league.
Unlike you.
[HAPPY & NATSU] Next time: Turbulent Showdown!
Natsu vs. Loxus!
[NATSU] Where the heck did Lucy go?
[HAPPY] I don't know. I think she's still
fighting that stick thing.
[NATSU] Hey, I wanna fight it!
Alright, stick! I'll show you who's boss around here!