Magnolia
The roar of the wind filled the ears of the people of Magnolia, mingling with the shrieks of laughter and exhilaration.
Soaring high above the rooftops, Kuromaru sliced through the sky like a living jet, wings spread wide, his scales glinting in the sunlight. Each beat of his wings sent ripples through the air, powerful yet smooth.
Seated along his broad back were four figures Issei, Tamamo, Yuuka, and little Sakura.
Issei sat in the front, hands steady against the base of Kuromaru's neck, grinning ear to ear as the wind whipped through his hair. Behind him, Tamamo clung to his side with one arm, her other wrapped tightly around their daughter to keep her secure. Her pink hair and fox tails trailed behind her like ribbons in the wind.
"WOOHOOO!!" Yuuka screamed, arms flung into the air like she was on the world's most dangerous roller coaster, her eyes sparkling with pure adrenaline. Her long dark hair whipped in the wind behind her, and though she clung tightly to Issei's side with one arm, the gleeful danger of it all just made her grip him tighter. "This is the best day ever!" She howled.
"Faster, Papa!! Go faster!!" Sakura's voice cracked with laughter.
As if the wyvern had heard her, Kuromaru let out a low, but amused growl and tucked in his wings briefly, diving into a barrel roll that spun their world sideways. Sakura squealed, delighted.
Tamamo couldn't hide her grin. "You're going to scare half the town!"
"I think they love it!" Issei shouted back, barely able to hear over the wind as Kuromaru tucked his wings slightly and shot forward into a dive.
The girls clung tighter to him, the thrill unmistakable.
Down below, the streets of Magnolia were filled with wide eyes and open mouths. Merchants paused mid-transaction, shoppers stopped in their tracks, many standing on balconies watching silently as the wyvern glided overhead, looping, twirling, and clearly playing around. Citizens paused in the middle of errands, fingers pointing skyward. Children waved excitedly while shopkeepers leaned over their counters just to catch a better look.
"That's… that's a wyvern, right?"
"That's the one that caused a scare and landed at the eastern side!
"Look it's that guy! Who defeated and tamed it!"
Even the Knights stationed near the market turned to stare, unsure whether to be amazed or horrified.
—------------------------------
On the other side of town, three more familiar figures stopped in their tracks as they exited a quiet shop.
Until a massive shadow fell over them.
Misuki was the first to look up, her sharp blue eyes widening. "Is that…?"
The roar of Kuromaru's wings made the trees tremble slightly. As the massive wyvern banked over the rooftops, they could make out the figures on his back—two women, one small child, and their son.
"Is that Issei?!" Miki blurted, rising from her seat, hand over her heart. "On that thing?!"
"That's… that's a dragon, right." Gorou muttered, blinking repeatedly. "A very, very big dragon,
Miki blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of the scene. "And… that's Tamamo. And Sakura. And Yuuka. Up there. Laughing."
Misuki looked dumbfounded. "I didn't know Issei came back."
—--------------------------------------
Up above, Kuromaru began his descent, swooping in low as gusts of wind scattered flower petals and dust through the plaza in front of Fairy Tail's grand doors.
With practiced grace, the wyvern landed, his claws gently thudding against the cobbled ground as he lowered his body and curled his wings. Tamamo stepped off first, setting Sakura down with care. Yuuka followed, leaping down and striking a victorious pose like she'd just conquered the sky. "Best Day Ever!" She declared, chest rising and falling with adrenaline.
Issei jumped down last, chuckling as he adjusted his jacket and went to pet Kuromaru, who was folding his wings. "You handled that like a champ, buddy."
Kuromaru gave a low, pleased rumble and curled up contentedly beside the guild steps, his tail swishing lazily.
Standing there, slack-jawed, was Mirajane. Who was watching the flying spectacle with amazement. She blinked once. Then again. "That was amazing!" Mirajane gushed with disbelief and admiration.
Issei gave her a thumbs-up. "Yuuka and Sakura wanted to experience flying in Kuromaru's back. It's pretty smooth once you get past the initial launch."
Tamamo walked by with a proud smile, brushing a leaf from Sakura's hair. "It was quite the experience.."
Sakura threw her arms up. "And I didn't throw up once!"
Mirajane covered her mouth as she laughed. "Well… I guess I'll add that to the list of things Issei's family does that no one else ever would. I'm so jealous."
Issei turned to her, the smile on his face sly and playful. "You sound a little jealous," he said teasingly, brushing some wind-tossed hair out of his face. "Wanna take a ride too?"
Mirajane blinked. "Eh?"
He jerked a thumb toward Kuromaru, who was stretching his wings lazily. "He's still got plenty of energy."
Mirajane lifted a hand, politely shaking her head. "Oh, no, no. That's not necessary. I wouldn't want to impose, I mean, it looks amazing, but—."
"Yay! We're doing it again?!" Sakura suddenly squealed, grabbing Kuromaru's leg and hugging it with childlike excitement. "With Miss Mira this time!"
"Looks like it's decided," Issei said with a grin. "Kuromaru, you up for another round?"
The great wyvern let out a pleased rumble, wings twitching slightly in anticipation.
Tamamo chuckled from the side, her eyes shimmering with amusement. "You'd better be careful, Mira. Once Sakura makes a decision, there's no going back."
"I wanna see if we can do a flip again!" Yuuka added, already bouncing on her toes. "Let's make it a double spiral this time!"
"I want to sit in front this time!" Sakura declared.
But before they could climb back on, Matsu emerged from the guild hall, holding her notebook in one hand and adjusting her glasses with the other. "Ahem. Before you all go flying off again," She called out. "I'd like to ask you what magic you learned while we were away."
"Can't this wait?" Yuuka said as she wanted to continue flying.
"No. I want to know everything that you learned." Matsu said seriously.
Tamamo and Yuuka exchanged glances, then sighed dramatically.
"Well," Tamamo said, folding her arms and began walking inside with Matsu. "I suppose we can always do this another time. Let's just humor her."
"Yeah, yeah," Yuuka grumbled, but she followed willingly.
That left Mirajane, Issei, and Sakura standing before the now-ready Kuromaru.
Mirajane rubbed the back of her neck, cheeks tinged pink. "I appreciate the offer, really. But I don't want to intrude."
"You're not," Issei said as he knelt to lift Sakura up onto Kuromaru's back again. "You deserve to have fun too. Come on."
Her protest died as Sakura was already climbing up Kuromaru's wing, and Issei was on Kuromaru in a flash. He looked down, extending a hand toward Mira with a casual smile that held just enough mischief to make her heart skip a beat.
"Come on." He said. "You only live once, right?"
Mirajane hesitated.
But then she looked at Sakura, eyes wide, hair fluttering in the wind, cheeks glowing with excitement and at Kuromaru's waiting gaze. Her curiosity stirred. Flying like that, feeling the wind… How often did someone get this kind of offer? 'Just once,' She told herself. 'Just to see what it's like.'
"…Alright," She said softly, slipping her hand into his.
Issei helped her up with surprising gentleness, steadying her as she settled in. Sakura giggled and planted herself in front of Mirajane, snuggled securely in her arms. Mirajane wrapped her arms around the little girl automatically.
Issei adjusted himself taking his spot behind Mirajane, his arms stretching around her on either side to grasp the reins embedded into Kuromaru's saddle harness.
Then Mirajane realized how close she was to Issei.
His chest lightly pressed against her back, his warmth seeping through her dress. Their bodies were pressed just close enough for her to feel his chest and the calm rhythm of his breath. She could feel the strength in the arms braced around her.
Her heart skipped. Her cheeks darkened. Why does this feel… romantic?
"Wait, maybe I should—" she started to say, shifting slightly.
But then Kuromaru launched. The sudden acceleration stole the rest of Mirajane's words and replaced them with a gasp.
The town shrank below, the rooftops becoming specks beneath their rising altitude. The sky opened before them, vast and blue, and for a moment, all she could do was stare.
'It's beautiful…' Mirajane thought with her eyes wide. Her breath caught in her throat.
She clutched Sakura tighter, who was laughing again, completely at home among the clouds.
"Hang on tight!" Issei called over the wind.
She nodded quickly and instinctively leaned back into him. The wind howled past her ears, the thrill of speed and open sky washing over her like a wave. It was terrifying and exhilarating. Her heart pounded, not just from the flight, but from the awareness of the man holding the reins just inches behind her. His heartbeat, steady and calm, thudded against her back. A strange comfort.
She exhaled, her earlier protests forgotten.
And in that moment, flying through the open sky, laughter ringing in her ears and the world spread out beneath them, Mirajane allowed herself to smile, her cheeks flushed not just from the man holding the reins.
It was a view and a feeling she would never forget.
—--------------------------------------------------
Fairy Tail
Later that evening, under the gentle glow of enchanted lamps and the warm flicker of the Fairy Tail guild hall's lights, a long table had been claimed near the back of the room. Plates were pushed aside, mugs half full, and laughter echoed as stories were traded like currency.
Seated around a large table were Issei, Tamamo, Yuuka, Uzume, Miya, Akitsu, Yashima, Matsu, Karasuba, Misuki, Gorou, Miki, and little Sakura, who sat snuggled against her mother, barely staying awake but determined not to miss anything.
"So after that," Issei said, gesturing animatedly, "We climbed our way out of the tunnel, fought a cranky wyvern, and somehow turned him into our sky-riding pet."
Sakura clapped softly, fighting off sleep. "Kuromaru's the best…"
"And you blasted him in the face!" Uzume added with glee. "Don't leave that part out!"
The table was filled with smiles, a few quiet laughs, and some wide-eyed reactions from the three adults.
"You've certainly had a lively trip," Miki commented dryly, raising her teacup.
Eventually, the conversation shifted as Issei leaned forward with a curious frown. "By the way… where were you three today?" He asked, glancing at his parents and Misuki. "I didn't see you around when we landed."
"We were on the other side of town," Gorou explained, swirling his drink thoughtfully. "Just walking around. Window shopping, mostly."
"With Misuki tagging along," Miki added. "We were also trying to find a side job or two while we're here."
Issei raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You're supposed to be relaxing. That was the deal."
Tamamo nodded in agreement, stroking Sakura's hair as she dozed. "Mother, Father, you should be relaxing, not scouring job boards."
"We know," Miki replied with a small smile. "But it's not just about money. This world… it's different. It's full of things we've never seen. We just wanted to experience that. Something we couldn't do back home."
Misuki leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hands. "It's fascinating, actually. I've been studying the local economy. Seeing what's valuable here, what could be transported or reproduced. I want to bring back something useful for the shop."
Issei relaxed at that, nodding slowly. "Alright, that's fair. As long as you're not overdoing it."
"Lets worry about that later." Yuuka said, nudging Issei with her elbow. "What matters now is how we use our reward. First things first weapons."
"Oh?" Issei said with dread.
Misuki nodded her head. "I agree. I'd like to get my own magic guns."
Issei blinked, surprised. "Wait—you want guns too?"
"I was training with Yuuka while you were gone," Misuki explained, smiling calmly. "Turns out I'm a pretty good shot."
"She's actually better than me with her aim," Yuuka grumbled with mock annoyance. "It's kinda unfair."
Matsu adjusted her glasses. "We should definitely prioritize that. Having reliable ranged weapons will improve our combat coverage."
Miya glanced at her sideways. "You mean you want them so you can take them apart and reverse engineer them."
Matsu gasped. "And is that such a crime?! Imagine the possibilities! I could mass produce upgraded firearms, optimize their structure, and even integrate energy converters!"
"...That's not a thing," Issei muttered.
"Yet," she corrected.
Misuki leaned forward, intrigued. "So, you think you can recreate them?"
Matsu grinned. "With the right tools? Absolutely. It could revolutionize our gear and weapons."
Uzume laughed, tossing her hair. "Forget guns. I want some of those enchanted outfits I saw in the boutique! They shimmer, resist fire, and make your curves look amazing."
"I want a better sword," Karasuba cut in, tapping her fingers against the table. "Mine literally bounced off Kuromaru's scales. That can't happen again."
Yashima nodded beside her. "A better war hammer would help. My current one doesn't hold up well against fast opponents."
Then Miki raised her hand. "What about… our living situation?"
The table quieted for a moment.
Miki cleared her throat. "Weapons are nice, but maybe we should prioritize our living situation. We can't keep living in the guild forever."
Gorou nodded. "And Kuromaru needs a place to stay that doesn't terrify the townsfolk every time he moves."
Tamamo tapped her chin. "A larger property near the outskirts might work. Something with land."
"And a stable or enclosure for Kuromaru," Miya added.
"Oh, I would also like a workshop!" Matsu said quickly. "If I'm going to work on these weapons, I'll need the proper space."
"And if we want to improve our equipment…" Tamamo's golden eyes glinted. "I can enchant our current weapons. And the new ones too."
Everyone paused. The air around the table shifted as all eyes turned toward her.
Karasuba narrowed her eyes. "Wait. You can enchant our weapons?"
Tamamo gave a sly smile. "Of course. I just didn't feel like it. Plus no one asked and I had no reason to offer… until now."
"You what?!" Karasuba says with a twitch.
"I didn't want to do the extra work unless it directly affected my husband's well-being. Now it does."
Matsu leaned forward, fascinated. "Can I watch you do it?"
"Sure," Tamamo replied, "As long as you don't pester me with questions every five seconds."
"No promises." Matsu cheekily says,
The group broke into laughter again, and as things settled, Issei clapped his hands once. "We have a plan, then," Issei said, looking around. "Step one: we get the guns for Yuuka and Misuki. Then we investigate and find a proper place to live."
"And somewhere that fits a wyvern the size of a carriage," Gorou muttered.
"After that," Uzume said, eyes twinkling, "A shopping spree."
Sakura mumbled in her sleep, still snuggled in Tamamo's lap. "...and cake."
Issei smiled softly and leaned back in his chair. "Alright," He said. "Looks like we've got a plan."
—-------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the next morning as walking down one of the roads of Magnolia were Issei, Matsu, Yuuka, Misuki, and Uzume, all dressed casually. Walking just a little closer to Issei than strictly necessary was Mirajane, who was smiling cheerfully though her smile twitched slightly every time their arms brushed.
Mirajane gestured ahead. "The magic item store I have in mind is just down this way. It's got good prices, and the shopkeeper's pretty fair."
Issei chuckled. "Thanks for showing us around, Mira. It really means a lot."
Mirajane's steps faltered just a bit. She turned her face to him, a light pink hue blooming across her cheeks. "It's nothing, really," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and suddenly unable to meet his eyes. "I was free today anyway, and… well… it's also my way of saying thank you for letting me ride Kuromaru.""
She fidgeted slightly with her hands, shifting her weight from foot to foot. Her normally confident and composed aura was replaced by something... shy. Soft.
Issei tilted his head, a bit confused but smiling warmly. "Anytime. We could probably convince him to take us for another flight later."
Mirajane's cheeks turned a shade deeper, and she gave a soft, flustered laugh while fidgeting around Issei like a schoolgirl. This did not go unnoticed by the rest of the girls as they stared at Mirajane.
Behind them, the other girls were watching the exchange with narrowed eyes and suspicion.
Matsu adjusted her glasses and released a quiet "hmm."
"…Did Mira just giggle?" Uzume whispered.
"She blushed," Misuki muttered, glancing between Issei and Mirajane with a calculating gaze.
Yuuka leaned toward the others, voice hushed. "What the hell's going on with her?"
Matsu's lenses glinted. "She's acting like someone who accidentally saw her crush shirtless."
"I knew something was off today." Uzume hissed. She leaned in toward Yuuka. "You were with them yesterday, right? What happened after you went on a joy ride on Korumaru?"
Yuuka looked baffled. "I didn't see anything. Matsu dragged me off with Tamamo for questioning, remember? When we came back, Mirajane was already on the ground, looking flushed and… twitchy. Then she practically bolted."
They all exchanged looks.
Misuki blinked. "That was fast. You think she…" Misuki trailed off.
"…caught feelings?" Uzume finished, eyes narrowing with a devilish grin.
Yuuka frowned. "That fast? I mean, sure, he's dumb and sweet, but…"
Behind them, Mirajane laughed at something Issei said, and her hand brushed his shoulder, accidentally, of course. She immediately glanced down and tucked her hand away like it had misbehaved.
Uzume snorted. "Well, isn't this a fun little development?"
Yuuka crossed her arms. "We'll need to keep an eye on her."
Matsu hummed. "For observation or interference?"
Yuuka groaned softly. "This is going to get complicated."
Uzume chuckled and crossed her arms. "Good thing complicated is kind of our thing."
Issei, completely oblivious, continued chatting with Mirajane, who was doing her best to maintain her composure despite the fluttering in her chest every time his shoulder brushed hers.
"So, how long until we get there?" Issei asked, still smiling.
"Not long," Mirajane replied, regaining a bit of her usual calm. "Just a couple more streets and you'll see the sign. It's hard to miss."
—----------------------------------
The group eventually stopped before a quaint, slightly crooked building nestled between two larger shops. The wooden sign above creaked gently in the wind, adorned with faded arcane runes and a picture of a cat curled atop a broomstick.
"This is the place," Mirajane announced with a smile, pointing at the crooked doorway. "Don't mind the smell—it's always like that.."
Issei tilted his head. "Smells like burned herbs and… something citrusy?"
"Probably a failed potion." Mira chuckled.
They stepped inside and were instantly greeted by the sight of cluttered shelves and floating magical trinkets spinning slowly in midair. Soft chimes echoed with each step they took. Shelves lined every wall, stacked with glowing trinkets, rune-etched boxes, and peculiar tools labeled in both runes and Common. Glowing crystals, preserved monster parts, and enchanted books filled the room from floor to ceiling.
Behind the counter stood a small, hunched woman with wrinkled skin, sharp green eyes, and a crooked witch's hat. Her cloak was adorned with tiny bells and small stitched-on charms.
"Ahh… customers," The old woman cackled lightly. "And a beauty like Mirajane to boot. Welcome, welcome."
"Good to see you, Granny Ru," Mirajane greeted. "I brought some new faces—and wallets."
Granny Ru's grin widened. "Ohohoho~ You know how to speak my language."
Matsu was already gone, wandering through the aisles like a moth to a flame, her glasses gleaming with curiosity. "Oh! This book teaches alarm spells. And this crystal stores ambient energy… Fascinating!"
Issei watched her disappear behind a shelf and sighed. "She's going to ask to buy half the store, isn't she?"
Yuuka, however, cut straight to the point as she headed to register. "We're here for magic guns. Do you sell any?"
Granny Ru cackled. "Of course." She reached beneath the counter, the sounds of rattling wood and clicking metal echoing as she pulled out a case and laid it open on the counter.
Inside, a beautiful array of magic firearms glistened under enchanted lighting—sleek black pistols, silvery revolvers with rune carvings, and even a few experimental models from flintlocks to sleek, rune-inscribed semi-automatics.
"These are my current collection. Reinforced with enchantments, recoil dampeners, and mana conduits. Trigger-sensitive runes. Good range too."
Yuuka's eyes sparkled.
"These are… beautiful." Misuki joined her at the counter, admiring the craftsmanship. But her enthusiasm quickly faltered when she flipped the price tag on one.
Sure enough, the girls' enthusiasm dimmed as they saw the price tags. Yuuka groaned, clutching her head. "Yikes. They're all… kind of pricey."
"Expensive, too," Granny Ru added sweetly.
"That doesn't matter." Issei said with a shrug. "You need to protect yourselves."
Eventually, Yuuka settled on a pair of elegant, rune-inscribed twin revolvers, spinning them briefly before nodding. "These ones speak to me," Yuuka said, spinning one with practiced fingers. "Stylish and deadly."
"They suit you," Issei said with a warm smile.
Misuki, more modest, chose a single pistol with a condensed spell chamber. "This one's light and easy to aim. I like it."
Granny Ru nodded, impressed. "Good choices. And you'll be needing ammunition."
She placed another box on the counter, filled with neatly labeled magic bullets—each with different elemental effects, from flame to wind, lightning, even paralysis. "If you want ammunition, these are specialty rounds. Fire, paralysis, sleep, wind bullets. Mix and match as you like."
Issei looked at the ammo, then at the girls. "We'll take a box of each type."
Yuuka's eyes widened. "Issei! That's going to wipe half the reward—"
"Doesn't matter," He said firmly. "It's fine. If these weapons keep you two safe, that's all I care about."
Both Yuuka and Misuki blushed at his words.
Misuki looked down, fidgeting with her hands. "That's… really sweet, Issei."
Yuuka turned her head, trying to look aloof. "Y-Yeah. You sap."
Issei laughed softly. "Besides, we'll just do more quests. Not like money's ever stopped us before."
Matsu, having reappeared from who-knows-where, suddenly gasped. "Oooh!"
She was holding a pair of strange-looking glasses with glowing blue lenses. "Granny Ru, what do these do?"
"Ah, the Gale-Force Reading Glasses," The old witch said proudly. "They increase reading speed tenfold. Useful for scholars or nosey researchers."
Matsu's eyes gleamed with unnatural light. She turned toward Issei slowly.
"…No," he said instantly, recognizing that look.
Matsu then gave Issei the most devastating puppy-eyed look he had ever seen. Her lips in a slight pout, eyes shimmering behind her current lenses like she'd practiced it in a mirror. "Issseeeiiiii…" she whispered. Her lower lip trembled. She pushed the glasses up on her head and unleashed the full force of her puppy-eyed stare. "Pleeeeease?"
Issei crumbled instantly. "…Fine. Two. One for you, one for Misuki."
"Yes!!" Matsu cheered, then she pounced and proceeded to grab Issei by the collar and kiss him full on the lips, much to everyone's shock.
"Wha—M-Matsu!" he fumbled.
"Thank you~!" Matsu sang.
Yuuka, not to be outdone, stepped forward. "Well if she gets a kiss—"
She quickly grabbed Issei's face and planted a deep one on his lips, and before Misuki could even react, Uzume leapt onto his back.
"I want in too!" Uzume stole a kiss making sure to use her tongue.
Misuki, seeing that she was the one left out, decided to risk it and kissed him as well.
The kissing storm commenced.
Mirajane, off to the side, pouted slightly. Her fingers tugged at the hem of her skirt as she muttered under her breath. "Show-offs…"
Granny Ru chuckled, stroking her chin. "Ah, young love. So bold these days. Makes me feel like a broom-riding teenager again."
Issei stood there, dazed, surrounded by affectionate girls and holding an empty coin pouch.
"...So," he muttered, "how much did we just spend?"
Granny Ru gave him a toothy grin. "Sixty thousand jewels, give or take."
Out of a hundred thousand.
Yuuka winced. "Sorry…"
Issei shrugged with a smile. "It's fine. We'll just take another quest."
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun was still hanging lazily in the sky as Issei, Yuuka, Uzume, Misuki, Matsu, and Mirajane made their way back through the streets of Magnolia toward Fairy Tail. The cobbled streets buzzed with merchants, passing wagons, and the occasional magical pets trotting alongside its master. The mood was relaxed—until someone remembered they were now sixty thousand jewels lighter.
"Well…" Issei sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Guess we should tell the others how much we didn't save."
Yuuka didn't seem too worried. She had been admiring her new twin revolvers with a satisfied grin playing on her lips. "These are so cool, if you ask me," She said smugly, spinning one around her finger before storing them with flair.
Hey," Uzume piped up from behind her, hands behind her head as she walked. "What's so special about them? They just look like cool guns."
Misuki, walking just behind them, answered before Yuuka could. "They're magical conduits. They allow the user to condense their own magic into a bullet and fire it. Depending on how much magic you compress, the more powerful and dangerous the shot becomes."
Yuuka grinned. "So if someone's got a huge magic pool, they basically have infinite ammo. Cool, right?"
"Sort of," Misuki continued. "If a mage has high reserves, technically they have infinite ammo. But more magic equals more power and more of a drain."
Yuuka gave a proud grin, spinning one of her revolvers with a flourish. "And guess who has a nice, fat magic pool now?"
Issei raised an eyebrow. "Really? Tamamo once said that your reserves was so pitiful that there was no point in teaching you any magic."
Yuuka released a smug smirk and proudly puffed her chest, proud at proving the fox wrong. "Well clearly, she was wrong, again."
Issei tilted his head in confusion, Tamamo was hardly ever wrong and wondered what caused Yuuka's reserves to grow.
Misuki continued her explanation. "Plus, the special bullets we bought give extra effects. They work without using magic. Each one's pre-enchanted with fire, frost, paralysis and even sleep. Great for people who don't use magic but still want to fight—or mages who want to conserve energy."
"Oooh," Matsu hummed, her glasses catching the light. "So even non-mages can use them efficiently… and mages can supercharge them. Fascinating. I could maybe even create new bullet types while improving the weapon, piercing, multi-shot, tracker rounds…"
Issei glanced at her. "Should I be worried you're talking about turning guns even more dangerous?"
Matsu answered with a gleam in her eyes. "Absolutely."
He laughed. "Figures."
Yuuka flipped one revolver in her hand, eyes narrowing with determination. "Now I really want to try these out."
Issei's smile turned curious. "Actually, yeah. We should test them out."
Yuuka blinked. "Huh? Why?"
Uzume tossed her arms behind her head casually. "You know… to make sure the expensive weapon actually works. What if it backfires or jams? Gotta field test that stuff, right?"
Yuuka groaned. "Ugh… fine. I guess we should find some dummies to shoot at."
But Issei shook his head, expression turning calm and just a little smug. "No dummies."
Yuuka looked confused. "Then what?"
"You're going to shoot at me."
Silence.
The group turned as one, staring at Issei.
"…Come again?" Yuuka asked slowly.
"We'll have a spar," He said with a confident grin. "You just have to defeat me. While I just have to capture you."
Yuuka's face twisted in disbelief. "That's not even remotely fair. I could hurt you."
Issei shrugged. "We've got Tamamo. She'll patch us up if anything goes wrong."
"That's not the point!"
"What's the matter?" Issei asked, now wearing the smug grin that drove her crazy. "Afraid you'll lose? Or is it that you know you can't land a hit on me? Pretty arrogant of you to assume you'll even graze me."
Yuuka's eye twitched. Her grip on the revolver tightened.
Uzume let out a slow whistle. "Oooooh. He went there."
"Should we get a coffin ready?" Matsu asked innocently.
Misuki sighed. "He really knows how to provoke her."
Uzume snickered. "Bet she clocks him at least once."
Yuuka's competitive flame ignited instantly, her fingers twitching near her holsters. "You're on, hotshot."
"Good." Issei cracked his knuckles.
It was Mirajane who clapped her hands, bright as ever. "This sounds like so much fun! I know just the place!"
Everyone turned to her.
"There's a training field just outside the northern edge of town. With open terrain, it's where most Fairy Tail members practice their new spells."
"Perfect," Issei said, stretching his arms. "Let's go before Tamamo and the others wonder where we vanished."
Yuuka holstered her revolvers with a dramatic spin. "Hope you're ready, Issei. I'm not gonna hold back."
"I hope you don't," He replied, eyes glinting. "It'll be boring if you do."
Misuki watched the two banter and sighed. "This is either going to be amazing or a complete disaster."
Uzume elbowed her gently. "Knowing Issei? Probably both."
—------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun hung high over the training field, casting long shadows over the terrain. At opposite ends of the field stood Issei and Yuuka, facing one another with determined expressions.There was a considerable distance between them, at Issei's request to give Yuuka an advantage.
"This should be enough distance." He'd said, stretching his arms with an easy grin. "Let's see what those new toys of yours can really do." Issei stood casually, hands loose at his sides, his weight shifted to one leg.
Across the field, Yuuka stood poised and focused. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, both hands gripping her brand-new twin revolvers. Each barrel hummed with condensed magical energy.
Watching from a safe distance were Misuki, Uzume, Matsu, and Mirajane, seated on a makeshift bench beneath the shade of a tree. Their eyes fixed on the impending match.
"I'm rooting for you, sweetheart!" Misuki called out, waving a hand. "Give him hell!"
Matsu adjusted her glasses. "This will be a great test run. Let's see how Yuuka does in her first fight."
Uzume elbowed her. "You just want to collect data."
"I always want to collect data."
Mirajane stood just ahead of them, acting as referee. With a bright smile and a raised hand, she called out, "Alright, fighters! Get ready… and—Begin!"
Yuuka wasted no time.
With a shout, she unleashed the charged shot from her right revolver, an orb of compressed magic fired, fast and glowing with electric energy. Her left gun remained at the ready, still building up power for the next surprise.
'Fast!' Issei's instincts kicked in as he sidestepped just in time. The bullet tore past him, exploding in the earth behind with a concussive boom, throwing up dust and leaving a scorch mark across the ground.
She didn't stop there.
After releasing the first shot, the same revolver barked shot after shot in rapid succession. Small blasts of magic streaked across the field, and Issei had no time to stand still.
He didn't know just how much damage these pot shots would cause him and he didn't want to find out. Without activating his Boosted Gear, he relied on pure agility, zigzagging as more shots came his way. Each bullet sparked with energy, grazing the ground.
""She's better than I thought…" He muttered between breaths, narrowly ducking another shot.
(Indeed, not bad for her first fight. Pay attention to the other revolver.)
'She's setting up another charged shot,' Issei realized, eyes flicking to the second revolver. 'She's holding it back and saving it for later.'
Yuuka watched him close in and noticed him pay attention to the other revolver. "He's reading me," she muttered, breathing steady. "Need more distance."
She pivoted, sprinting backward, kicking up dirt as she continued firing short, precise bursts to keep him off balance.
Issei twisted, dodging most but one grazed his jacket, singing the edge.
But as she took one step too far, her heel caught on an uneven patch of ground—and she stumbled.
Issei's eyes narrowed. "Gotcha." Issei locked on the opportunity. Without hesitation, he launched forward by reinforcing his legs, closing the final few meters in a blur of motion.
But that stumble was intentional.
Yuuka smirked as she pulled the trigger on her left revolver, the charged shot she'd been saving was released at point-blank range.
The bullet roared to life as it was released, quickly crossing the distance and headed straight to Issei, who barely had time to react.
Boost!
The Boosted Gear erupted around his left arm, red energy flaring as the gauntlet materialized in a blink. He threw his arm forward just in time—the bullet slammed into the gauntlet, and with a pained grunt, he pushed it aside, sending it ricocheting into the air in a spray of light and force.
Steam hissed from the gear. His arm throbbed.
Yuuka was right there—frozen mid-step, eyes wide.
"Nice trick, but I caught you." Issei said, and stepped forward, grabbed Yuuka by the waist, and pulled her up into him. She yelped in surprise and before she could recover, his arms wrapped tightly around her, lips pressing against hers in a sudden, deep kiss.
Her eyes widened and her revolvers clattered to the ground as she froze for a heartbeat before melting into the kiss, her arms curling up around his shoulders.
The crowd exploded.
"Whooo!" Uzume hooted.
Misuki stood, voice raised in the air. "That's my girl!"
Matsu blinked. "Data inconclusive. Emotionally… impressive."
Mirajane crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "He's really too smooth for his own good…"
Issei broke the kiss slowly, grinning at the dazed, blushing Yuuka still in his arms. "I win," He whispered.
Yuuka tried to speak… but only managed a quiet, breathless whisper. "…You're such a jerk."
Issei chuckled, brushing her hair back. "You almost had me."
She grumbled softly. "…Next time, I will."
Issei laughed as he watched his cute girlfriend pout.
The rest of the girls soon approached the two each with very different expressions on their faces.
Uzume was the first to strut forward, arms crossed, her smirk far too confident to be innocent. "Alright, hot stuff. My turn."
Issei blinked, still holding a slightly breathless Yuuka in his arms. "Huh?"
"You heard me." She pointed at the spot where he'd just kissed Yuuka. "I want a match. And when you win, you better kiss me just like you did her. It's only fair."
Issei turned slightly red. "Wait, wha—" Before he could even recover from that, Misuki casually raised her hand and her cheeks held the faintest blush. "Actually… I'd like a turn too."
Issei's eyes widened. "Misuki? You too?"
She gave a small nod, looking slightly away. "I've been training with Yuuka. And… I want to see how far I've come."
Uzume grinned. "And maybe get a kiss?"
"...Maybe," Misuki replied, softly.
Yuuka groaned, still trying to catch her breath. "I just got my kiss and you're already trying to cash in on one?"
"We share our hubby." Uzume replied smugly. "And we're just… following your lead."
Matsu, stepped beside them with a hand raised like a student. "I would also like to spar. For science. Though, I'll admit I lack any actual combat spells at the moment."
Mirajane, who had been standing a bit to the side with arms crossed and a pout already forming, perked up. "If I could use my Take Over, I'd challenge you too. My magic's still sealed though, so I can't fight right now... but if I could, I would like a spar."
Issei blinked. "You can't use it right now?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Mirajane admitted while looking away.
Issei was about to ask as he noticed her sadness but was caught up by Uzume who expected an answer.
"I'm waiting."
Issei looked between the growing group of challengers, a nervous smile forming as he started to raise his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I'll spar with all of you. Let me just get rea—."
Grrrrrgle.
The loud growl of his stomach cut him off.
Issei froze. Slowly lowered his hands. "...Okay, maybe not right now."
The group stared at him.
He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Guess I burned more energy than I thought."
"Convenient excuse," Uzume muttered.
Then Yuuka's stomach growled.
Followed by Misuki's.
Even Matsu's eyes went wide as she discreetly placed a hand on her abdomen. "...We forgot to eat lunch."
Mirajane's face twisted as she tried to hide her own traitorous stomach grumble, but it was no use.
Silence. Then:
"I guess we're all starving," Issei said with a chuckle.
"Let's just go eat. Miya should be able to cook us something." Yuuka sighed, holstering her revolvers.
Uzume shrugged. "Fine. But next time, I want my kiss."
"Line starts behind me," Misuki muttered.
"I must find a way to learn an attacking spell." Matsu added, flipping through her notebook.
Mirajane crossed her arms, huffing. "If I had my magic, I'd win. Just saying."
With laughter and teasing bouncing between them, the group turned back toward the Fairy Tail.