It was the middle of the night by the time Makarov and Gajeel made it back to the empty guild hall. They had timed their trip back to Magnolia specifically to arrive when the guild was empty. The Iron Dragon slayer was led into Makarov's office and, with little fanfare, he was branded with a black Fairy Tail seal.

"Now then let's get down to business." The old master said. "I have an old run down cottage on the outskirts of town. I'm willing to rent it to you. It's quiet and out of the way no one will bother you there."

"What are you planning old man? To hide me away in the forest somewhere. If you're ashamed of me then I don't need to stay here." Gajeel growled back and stood up his chair slid across the wooden floor.

"I meant nothing of the sort." The master looked embarrassed. "Considering where I found you I assumed that money was tight. It's been almost two months since Phantom Lord was disbanded. Two months without any income for food, clothing, or a place to stay. Magnolia is not a cheap town to live in and they frown at people living in the streets. I also did not take you for the kind of man who would want to sit in a noisy guild hall all day. I figured you would want your solitude. The cabin can help you with all of those things."

"Tch. I'm not looking for handouts old man"

"It's not a handout or a gift. It needs some work and if you live there you're going to fix it up. All of the tools and supplies are already there." After a quick pause to which the master got no response he continued on. "Juvia told me about the other offer you received. If you want to atone for the damage you have caused to this guild and to my children, I'm offering you a fresh start. Do you still have the doll from Ivan?"

Gajeel silently pulled the paper doll out of his pocket. And waved it back and forth before setting it on the masters desk.

"Good. Ivan is my son and the father of Laxus. He is determined to get any information on the Fairy Tail guild so that he may destroy it. I would like you to act as a double agent for me. We can feed him harmless information about fairy tail and in return you help me keep tabs on my son."

"And why would I agree to that?" Gajeel asked incredulously.

"Gajeel you are nothing but loyal to your guild. You view it, as most of us here do, as a replacement for the family you never had. Now whether you like it or not, Fairy Tail is now your family. Ivan is a threat to your family. Are you willing to throw it all away so soon?"

Gajeel scowled. How is he able to see right through him? "What do you want me to tell him?" He growled

"Simply that I came and offered you a position here at Fairytail. And that you are willing to report back to him on our operations. He would be a fool to pass by that opportunity." The master stated. "However, It's getting late. So let me show you to the cabin. You can talk to Ivan in the morning and go to him to gain his trust if he requires it."

Gajeel looked at the small master shock overriding his usual scowl. The Master stopped walking and turned to face the tall man beside him. There was no longer any trace of humor in Makarov's usually smiling face. "Think of it as a personal request. But Gajeel, I don't take what you did to my children lightly. If you betray us or hurt one of my children again you will regret it for the rest of your life. And I will make sure you have a long life." Makarov didn't wait for an answer and walked out the office door. Gajeel sighed and followed slowly. What had he gotten himself into?