The Fairy Tail bar was filled with the comforting aroma of grilled meats, fresh bread, and sizzling spices. Drinks and food could be seen in circular wooden tables packed with rowdy mages and laughter.
At one of the tables sat Issei, Yuuka, Misuki, Matsu, and Uzume, as they were all halfway through devouring their well-earned lunches. Plates were stacked high, drinks poured, and the clatter of forks was near constant.
Especially from Issei and Yuuka, who were eating like they hadn't seen food in days.
"Slow down," Matsu muttered, poking Issei's side with her chopsticks. "Or else even with your workout, you'll get fat."
"Can't help it." Issei mumbled between bites. "Sparring makes me hungrier than normal."
Yuuka gave a satisfied sigh as she downed a bowl of rice. "Totally worth it. I still can't believe I am actually able to fight."
"Barely," Issei admitted, chuckling.
Before the laughter could continue, two familiar pressures dropped over the table like a shadow. Tamamo and Miya had arrived.
Tamamo wore a pleasant smile while Miya radiated quiet intensity, her bokken in hand and her gaze locked directly on her husband.
Tamamo gently set a plate of food in front of Issei. "Here you go, dear."
Issei blinked. "Thanks, Ta—"
"Now," Tamamo said sweetly, folding her arms, "where. Were. You?"
Miya's eyes narrowed. "You were supposed to return after purchasing the weapons. We agreed to use the leftover funds to look for a residence."
Issei chuckled nervously, sweat already forming at the back of his neck. "Well… uh… funny story…"
Miya's tone sharpened. "Issei. Explain. Now."
Yuuka paused mid-chew. Matsu slowly slid her glasses up her nose, avoiding eye contact. Misuki leaned back slightly like she was pretending she wasn't part of it.
"Yes, ma'am." He said instantly, back straight. "We bought the guns. But I may have… bought extra stuff. Like bullets and… glasses for Matsu. Then Yuuka wanted to test them out and we left to have a short spar."
"Whaaa?" Yuuka responds in disbelief at being thrown under the bus. "It was you and Uzume, who said we should test the product."
Tamamo stared at him, unimpressed. "Issei, how much did you waste?"
He laughed nervously. "W-We still have forty thousand left."
Tamamo sighed. "Eat. You'll need your strength to explain this to the rest of the family."
"Y-Yes dears…"
Miya pinched the bridge of her nose. "So what now?"
"I'll just do more quests to make up for the money." Issei offered. "We'll earn it back in no time. Besides, Yuuka's really improved—she was amazing out there."
At the compliment, Yuuka puffed up proudly, hands on her hips. "Damn right I was."
Across the table, Sakura tugged on Yuuka's sleeve, her eyes sparkling. "Mama Yuuka, did you really fight Papa?"
Yuuka perked up at having the admiration of Sakura. "You bet I did! And I gave him a run for his money too."
"She still lost," Uzume chimed in, chewing on a skewer. "You should've seen her face when Issei kissed her after dodging a point-blank shot."
That caused a chain reaction.
The rest of the girls nearby suddenly stopped eating and turned toward the table. Karasuba, Yashima, Akitsu, and Matsu, even Tamamo and Miya, locked eyes with Issei.
Each had a different expression.
Tamamo raised an eyebrow. "…A kiss?" Her voice echoed, eyes gleaming with dangerous curiosity.
Issei swallowed. "Uh…"
Miya tapped her bokken once.
Yashima looked adorably flustered.
Akitsu tilted her head with faint curiosity.
Misuki raised an eyebrow. "That was how Issei won?"
Uzume nodded helpfully. "It was very romantic."
Tamamo tilted her head. "I see."
Issei froze. "It's just kinda the only thing I could think of to win."
Miya set her bokken on the table with a soft thunk. "Then we'll spar next. You better win the same way."
"Hold on, wait—"
"No way I said I was next." Uzume argues.
"After I learn a way to fight, I want my victory kiss too." Matsu said, adjusting her glasses.
"I want one too." Misuki chimed in.
"I want two kisses if you beat me." Tamamo added. "One for my pride, and one for my ego."
Issei tried to respond, but then Karasuba spoke, her arms crossed and looking utterly bored. "Next time, we spar. Don't you dare pull punches, got it? I expect you to hit me. Hard. Break a rib if you have to. Then we can make out."
The entire table blinked.
Issei nearly choked. "W-Wait, what?!"
Uzume laughed and slapped him on the back. "Better get used to it, lover boy. That's Karasuba for you."
Issei slumped into his seat. "I'm going to be killed by your hands, aren't I?"
Tamamo smiled sweetly. "If you keep making promises like that... yes."
Issei sighed but then made a smile. "...Worth it." Issei wanted to continue to eat and was reaching for a piece of bread.
Matsu suddenly leaned in, resting her chin on her hand. "Issei," She said sweetly. "Why don't you take Sakura outside and play with Kuromaru for a bit?"
He blinked, caught mid-bite. "Huh? Why?"
Before Matsu could answer, Yuuka nudged him with a foot under the table and sighed. "Just do it."
Issei narrowed his eyes. "Are you all planning something?"
"We're about to have girl talk." Uzume said bluntly. "And you're very much in the way."
"…Ah." Issei nodded slowly, then stood and stretched. Then ruffled Sakura's hair, and offered her his hand. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go give Kuromaru some attention. I bet he's been waiting for a walk."
Sakura beamed, grabbing her juice box. "Yay! I'll ride on his tail again!"
As the two exited the hall, waving over their shoulders, the mood at the table shifted.
Yashima, Akitsu, Karasuba, Tamamo, and Miya all turned toward the remaining girls with confusion painted on their faces.
Tamamo tilted her head. "Alright. What's going on?"
"Yeah. What's this about?" Karasuba asked, clearly not one for subtlety.
Miya gave them a cool glance. "You called an emergency meeting over lunch. Speak."
Matsu gave a meaningful glance toward Yuuka, Uzume and Misuki.
Misuki folded her hands in front of her. "We've discovered something… interesting."
Uzume twirled a spoon between her fingers. "We figured out that Mirajane has a crush on Issei."
The table went still.
Tamamo blinked. "Wait—are you sure?"
"Not yet. Just a budding crush." Matsu confirmed. "It's subtle, but clear. Blushing around him. Eye contact. Fidgeting. Flustered reactions."
Miya's brow furrowed. "Is it serious?"
"No," Misuki replied. "Just a crush. But this is Issei we're talking about."
Uzume smirked. "Yes. He'll do something stupidly sweet, oblivious, or heroic and that'll intensify it."
Yashima looked thoughtful. "So… what do we do? Do we stop it? Or just let it play out?"
"Why?" Akitsu asked, expression calm as ever. "If it happens, we should just accept her. It's not wrong that she developed feelings for our Ashikabi and should that be punished?"
Tamamo rubbed her temples. "No, it's not. But if we allow him to date Mirajane, that's still less time he'll spend with the rest of us."
Yashima nodded solemnly. "I'm fine with sharing. As long as he doesn't stop loving me, I won't complain."
Yuuka exhaled, folding her arms. "He did say he wanted to be a Harem King… and I still fell in love with him knowing that. I won't stop it. I've already accepted all of you—including my own mom."
"Sorry," Misuki blushed faintly at that.
Yuuka waved her off. "The point is, I won't stop it. I've made peace with the harem. I won't interfere."
Uzume nodded. "Same here."
Yuuka then looked at the displeased faces of Miya and Tamamo. "But I don't want this to become a mess. So… how about we vote?"
There was a pause as the girls looked around at each other.
Tamamo raised a hand, expression firm. "No. I don't want the time I get with him shrinking any more than it already has."
Miya nodded. "Agreed. Too much competition already."
Misuki sighed. "Also no. She's sweet, but I'm not ready to give up more of him."
"I don't mind," Yuuka said. "As long as we stay honest."
"She's cute," Uzume shrugged. "Could be fun."
Akitsu raised hers silently.
Yashima gave a soft smile and raised her hand. "She seems kind."
Matsu glanced around and shrugged. "Doesn't bother me yet. Yes."
Everyone turned to Karasuba.
She picked her teeth lazily. "Don't care. If she can land him, good for her."
"Five to three," Yuuka counted. "Majority vote. We don't interfere. If something happens, it happens. But if the harem keeps growing… we vote again."
Tamamo let out a long sigh. "Fine. But when he kisses another girl and forgets a date with me, I'm holding all of you responsible."
Matsu grinned. "We should probably make a schedule."
Misuki muttered, "And then start assigning days…"
"Girls," Miya said with quiet steel. "Focus."
The table went silent again.
The verdict was clear—for now, Mirajane Strauss would be left alone.
—--------------------------------------------------------
Outside the Fairy Tail guild hall.
Issei stood in the grass watching his daughter have fun. Sakura giggled wildly as she balanced on the massive black-scaled tail of Kuromaru, who lay lazily on his side with half-lidded golden eyes and a barely restrained growl of contentment.
"Higher, Kuromaru!" Sakura squealed, arms stretched wide like wings.
The wyvern gave a pleased rumble, flicking his tail up gently—just enough to launch the little girl a foot into the air before catching her again on the way down like a living trampoline.
Sakura laughed with pure joy, not an ounce of fear in her.
Issei stood nearby, laughing right along with her, hands on his hips. "You're spoiling her, big guy."
Kuromaru huffed proudly.
"She's not even scared." Issei continued.
"I'm brave!" Sakura shouted mid-bounce, clearly overhearing.
Issei walked over and caught her midair, spinning her once before setting her down in the grass. She collapsed in giggles.
"Alright, alright," He said, sitting down beside her. "Break time. Kuromaru needs to recharge."
The wyvern gave a lazy stretch, curling around the two protectively like a mountain-sized guard dog.
From a distance, leaning slightly against the side of the guild building and half-hidden, Mirajane watched the scene unfold.
She held a tray of drinks that she brought for Issei and Sakura. Her usual bright smile was softer.
Issei looked as a father. A protector. A gentle soul who laughed easily and gave his all to his daughter without hesitation.
Sakura tugged at his shirt. "Papa, when I get older, can I ride Kuromaru all by myself?"
Issei tilted his head. "If Kuromaru lets you, sure. But you gotta feed him at least once a week."
"Deal!"
Mirajane pressed her lips together, heart giving a tiny flutter.
'Why am I even standing here like this?' She wondered. 'He's reckless. He's loud. He's got more girls than guys should be allowed to have. And yet…' She shifted slightly, stepping away from the wall but not yet approaching. Just watching. 'He makes people feel safe. He makes her laugh like that.'
Issei gently laid down in the grass, hands behind his head, gazing at the sky while Sakura laid beside him. Kuromaru let out a low, contented growl, wings fanning over them like a protective curtain.
Mirajane took a breath… then turned. She'd bring the drinks in later.
—---------------------------------------------
The group had finally called it a night.
Plans to get more money had been postponed until tomorrow. No one had the energy to argue, especially not Issei, who was emotionally, and physically drained.
The Fairy Tail guild hall, though large and lively during the day, was quiet now. Most members had returned to their own homes or nearby inns, leaving only Issei's group resting within the upper floor's borrowed rooms.
Kuromaru again by Issei's orders was told to rest in the nearby forest and not bother the town.
In one of the largest guest rooms, the moonlight streamed in through half-open curtains, casting silver over the floor and illuminating the scene within.
There at the center of a massive blanket that was laid out across the room. Issei lay on his back, fast asleep.
And sprawled over and around him were his girls.
Tamamo's tails were lazily draped over Issei's chest, rising and falling with each slow breath. Her arm rested protectively across his waist, her cheek pressed to his shoulder. Yuuka had claimed one of his arms, curled into his side, one leg slung over his. Matsu had somehow wormed her way to his other side, her glasses tilted and barely clinging to her face, mumbling softly about "calibrating pressure."
Uzume was tangled half on top of him, hugging his torso like a body pillow. Misuki, surprisingly, had settled behind Yuuka, the two sharing a blanket corner. Akitsu and Yashima were curled close by, and Miya was at the edge, her hand resting gently against Issei's thigh—her serene face soft in the moonlight.
It was warm, peaceful and cozy.
Until—BRRRIING!
A soft chime echoed through the room.
Then a second louder pulse—BZZZZZZZMMMMMMM—followed by a low hum and crackle of magic.
The boundary field had activated. Specifically, Tamamo's nighttime security field, which she had etched around the earth beneath the guild as a precaution. It had only one trigger:
Malicious intent directed toward anyone in the guild hall.
The moment the pulse echoed a second time, the girls around Issei began to stir.
Yuuka groaned. "Ugh… what time is it…?"
Uzume mumbled into Issei's chest. "Somebody go deal with it… I'm warm…"
Matsu shifted and muttered, "An alarm breach… need to update the formula…"
Tamamo let out a soft growl but didn't move, still nestled comfortably.
Only Miya sat up, brushing her bangs back and blinking calmly as the alarm pulsed a third time.
She sighed. "I'll take care of it."
With practiced ease, she slid from the cuddle pile, stepping lightly across the room. Her purple hakama fluttered slightly as she pulled it closed, and she moved with that distinct blend of grace and quiet lethality that only Miya seemed to exude. Her bokken rested by the wall, and she took it in hand without hesitation.
Turning back, she walked over to Issei, still peacefully snoring under the pile and knelt beside him. Her gaze softened for a moment.
She smiled softly. Then, with no one watching, she leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Issei's lips. "Rest well, dear."
She vanished into the hallway, steps silent as a ghost—ready to confront whoever or whatever had dared cross their boundary.
—------------------------------
A shadow streaked across the rooftops, leaping between buildings with inhuman speed. Cloaked in darkness, the figure soared through the moonlit sky, landing just outside the Fairy Tail guild hall.
His messy, long black hair fluttered behind him, and his face was lined with cold metal piercings. A wicked grin twisted his lips. "Let's see this 'legendary guild' stop this!"
With a sudden upward leap, the man rose high above the guild, moonlight framing his silhouette. He raised his arms wide and in a single motion, conjured massive metal pillars, each the size of tree trunks.
With a cruel laugh, he aimed directly at the guild below. He flung his hand forward, and the pillars rocketed downward, gleaming like spears of ruin.
But before they could reach their mark before they could so much as cast full shadows across the sleeping hall
A crack of movement came out of the building.
SLASH–CRACK–CRACK–CRACK!
Before the pillars could strike, they were shattered in midair, cut apart with precise, clean arcs.
The assailant's grin faltered as the debris rained down harmlessly across the road. Pieces of metal clanged against the stone in defeat.
Below him, standing calmly amidst the ruined shards, was a woman with long lavender hair tied with a white ribbon, her eyes calm yet fierce. Dressed in a simple miko shozoku, she held a single wooden bokken loosely at her side.
The attacker stared, wide-eyed. "What the hell?"
Miya Asama. Her expression was calm. "Young man,I don't know who you are." Miya said, voice smooth but annoyed. "But if you think I will allow you to destroy this place... then you have severely miscalculated." Her brownish-red eyes gleamed. "This guild is under my protection."
The black-haired man landed several meters away, eyes narrowing. "Huh... you're not Titania." He tilted his head. "Didn't think Fairy Tail had anyone like you."
"I'm not a member," Miya replied flatly. "But I temporarily live here now. That makes it mine to defend."
The man rolled his neck. "Heh. Big words for someone with a toy stick."
Miya lifted her bokken with one hand, pointing it calmly in his direction. "Leave. Now. This is your only chance."
He smirked wider. "Why would I run from a woman? Especially one carrying a wooden sword?"
He slammed a hand against the ground and a green magic circle sprouted. Iron rippled from the stone, forming into jagged shapes—a sword, a lance, a bladed bat, and a spinning chainsaw, all rising and flying toward her at once.
Miya didn't move.
Not until the last second.
WHSH!—CRACK!—SNAP!
In a single breath, she moved. The bokken danced.
Each weapon was destroyed mid-flight, shattered by impossibly fast swings. The chainsaw was split into two clean halves. The sword was broken. The lance shattered like glass.
The man's eyes widened. "No way…"
But she wasn't done. Miya stepped forward to land a blow to her opponent.
But the mysterious assailant summoned more metal. A barrage of flying spikes, a jagged axe, a bladed whip. Each was launched with ferocity.
But Miya flowed like water, slipping between attacks, breaking them apart with graceful, minimal movements. Her bokken never once splintered. Her expression never wavered.
The man was forced back, step by step.
"She's pushing me back…" He growled, shocked. "With a wooden sword?!"
Miya's eyes glinted under the moonlight. "You brought this upon yourself." She raised the bokken again. With blinding speed and unwavering calm, Miya closed the distance.
The man barely had time to react before—
CRACK!
Her bokken struck him squarely in the chest, and the impact echoed like thunder across the stone streets of Magnolia.
The man's body rocketed backward, slamming into the ground with bone-cracking intensity. The stone road beneath him shattered, forming a spiderweb of cracks that spread outward like veins.
He coughed violently, blood splashing from his mouth, eyes wide with shock and pain as he clutched his chest. "W-What the hell…" He wheezed. "What kind of… strength…"
His voice was barely a rasp as he pushed himself upright, hunched and breathing heavily. He glared at the woman calmly lowering her wooden sword—her wooden sword—as if that attack had cost her nothing.
Miya stood calmly in the middle of the courtyard, her bokken lowered but still ready. Her miko outfit fluttered slightly in the wind, but not a single hair was out of place. "You're quite hardy" She said, voice even. "I'll give you that. But this is over."
His rage boiled.
"No more games! I can't afford to lose here. Not to you. Not now."
He thrust his arms to his sides, eyes flaring with focused magic. Iron scales began forming across his body—fusing with his skin and hardening like armor. The metallic sheen glinted beneath the moonlight as he opened his mouth and inhaled deeply.
"IRON DRAGON'S ROAR!!"
A massive storm of spinning, razor-sharp metal shot forth from his mouth, screaming through the air in a deadly wave aimed straight at Miya.
For the first time, Miya's eyes widened slightly. But only slightly. "Hmph." She took a step forward and swung.
FWOOOOOM—CRASH!
The wooden bokken met the metal storm with a single, decisive arc. The wind howled as her strike cut through the attack, dispersing the metal torrent into harmless fragments that rained to the ground like fallen leaves.
The man's mouth dropped open, his jaw trembling with disbelief. "She... dispelled a Dragon Slayer roar... with a stick?!"
"No," Miya said coolly. "I cut through it." She stood tall, untouched. Not a single scratch marred her form.
The man snarled and rushed at Miya to have a fight at close combat.
He swung a metallic fist aimed at her head.
Miya effortlessly ducked.
He tried to slash with a steel-formed blade from his elbow.
She twisted away, catching it with the flat of her bokken and snapping it effortlessly.
Their clash was like thunder. They exchanged a flurry of blows, his body fully metal clashed with her wooden sword, each strike carrying the weight and edge of a blade. Metal met wood. Sparks flew. The ground trembled beneath their feet as they exchanged blow after blow in a whirlwind of motion.
But each time he was struck, he felt it—the pain. His transformed limbs dented, his metal fractured, his body crying out with each impact.
And Miya? Not a scratch. Not a bruise. Not even winded.
Her strikes were precise, effortless, and terrifyingly effective. Every counter made him stumble. Every parry made him bleed. He was being beaten down by her effortlessly.
'She's breaking me... piece by piece…'
He gritted his teeth, fury and humiliation swirling in his chest.
"W-Who... are you?!"
Miya's eyes met his. Calm. Focused. Cold.
"I am just a simple housewife." She said, lifting her bokken again. "A woman you would do very, very well to fear." And with that, she stepped in for the finishing blow.
The man staggered backward, his body bruised, cracked, and bleeding through the cracks in his iron skin. His breaths came in ragged gasps, his vision swam, and his pride screamed louder than the pain ever could.
He couldn't accept this.
Defeated? By a woman with a wooden sword?
Never. He was strong.
With a guttural growl, he forced himself upright, his magic still sparking violently around him. He raised his arm to charge once more—but then his eyes flicked to the horizon.
The first rays of sunlight were peeking above the mountains.
The black-haired man froze.
With morning came people. With people came reinforcements. Guild members. Other Mages and if they showed up on top of the demon in front of him...
His odds would plummet from grim to zero.
"No," He spat, clenching his jaw, his blood staining his chin. "Not today."
With a final snarl, he turned and bolted, his iron-covered limbs propelling him through the streets with furious speed. Each step echoed like a hammer on an anvil, but he didn't look back. He couldn't.
Miya remained still for a moment, watching his retreating form with narrowed eyes. She raised her bokken slightly—ready to pursue.
But then... she glanced around.
Her expression flattened.
The guild courtyard was a disaster.
Though she had managed to stop the man's opening attack, the shockwaves from their clash had ripped through the front plaza. Cracks ran deep through the stone. Multiple lamp posts were toppled. Parts of the roof were broken. Chunks of metal littered the ground from the man's conjured arsenal. A section of the main gate was in splinters.
Miya sighed, shoulders relaxing as the adrenaline faded. "Well…" she murmured, tilting her head slightly.
She scratched her cheek with her free hand, gave the ruins a once-over, and offered a sheepish little smile to no one in particular. "Whoops."
—----------------------------------------------
The morning sun bathed Magnolia in golden light, but the mood outside Fairy Tail's guild hall was anything but warm.
Everyone stood in stunned silence, eyes fixed on the damage before them.
Destruction scarred the once-proud exterior. Shattered stones littered the courtyard, walls were cracked, lampposts bent or broken, and debris covered the steps leading to the entrance.
Standing before the aftermath were the assembled members of Fairy Tail, joined by Issei, Tamamo, Yuuka, Karasuba, Misuki, Uzume, Matsu, Akitsu, Yashima, Miki, and Gorou. The guild members each wore an expression ranging from disbelief to sorrow… to simmering rage.
Karasuba, however, looked slightly impressed. "Someone actually made Miya fight," she muttered. "Didn't think I'd see the day."
Amidst them all, Miya stood with her head slightly bowed, her hands folded in front of her, her face tinged with shame.
"I failed," she said quietly. "I couldn't protect the building properly… and I didn't even catch him. This shouldn't have happened under my watch."
Issei stepped beside her, gently resting a hand on her head and gave her a headpat to cheer her up. "You did good," He said softly. "You protected everyone that was sleeping. You stopped it from being worse. That's what matters."
Miya looked at him, the corner of her lips twitching into the faintest smile.
Makarov took a few steps forward, his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was stern—but not unkind.
"I won't lie," He said, surveying the damage with a pained sigh, "This hurts. But Miya, thank you for protecting our home." He turned to her fully. "We can rebuild stone. We can't replace lives."
Miya nodded gratefully.
Makarov's eyes narrowed. "Did you learn anything about the intruder?"
She nodded. "He didn't give a name, but he was a young man. Long black hair. Red eyes. Multiple metal piercings on his face and arms. He used magic to conjure metal, and he performed an attack called Iron Dragon's Roar. He was most likely a Dragon Slayer, like Natsu."
That caused a ripple among the Fairy Tail members.
"A Dragon Slayer?" Cana gasped.
"Same magic as Natsu?" Macao muttered, eyes wide.
"Could there really be another one?" Wakaba added.
Makarov's eyes darkened. "There is."
Everyone turned to him.
"That sounds like Gajeel Redfox," Makarov said grimly. "From Phantom Lord."
Murmurs spread like wildfire. Anger simmered. Even Mirajane's usual warm expression faltered.
Only Issei and his group looked confused.
"...Phantom who?" Issei asked, scratching his head.
Mirajane stepped forward, sighing. "Phantom Lord. A powerful guild, equal in status to Fairy Tail. They've been…calling themselves our rivals for a long time."
Uzume frowned. "And do they always just attack you?"
"Not openly," Mirajane said, folding her arms. "Gajeel's one of their S-Class mages. I think they just came looking for a fight."
Matsu glanced around. "So he attacked to send a message?"
Some of the guild members were already seething.
"We should strike back!"
"They're asking for it!"
"Let's show them who they're messing with!"
"They attacked our home!"
"Let's level their entire guildhall!"
But Makarov's voice rose, sharp and clear. "Enough!"
Everyone fell silent.
"You all know the rules. The Magic Council strictly forbids guild-on-guild violence. If we retaliate, we're the ones who'll be punished. Losing our licenses to do quests from clients."
The angry energy simmered, but no one dared challenge their master.
"I hate it too," Makarov admitted. "But for now… we let it go."
The crowd remained quiet, frustration palpable.
Makarov turned back to the ruined entryway and let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping. "All this damage… it'll cost so much to fix…" A single tear sparkled at the edge of his eye. "My poor budget…"
Tamamo sighed from the side, brushing invisible dust off her sleeve. "If it'll shut everyone up and bring back some peace…" She stepped forward, hands weaving through the air. Talisman shimmered to life in glowing golden threads around her fingertips."I'll fix it."
The guild froze.
"Can you fix this?" Makarov asked.
Tamamo smiled faintly. "Just give me a second."
She snapped her fingers once.
The others watched in awe as Tamamo raised both hands, the tips of her fingers glowing with divine energy. The talismans danced around her wrists in golden light as she chanted softly in Japanese.
A soft wave of magic burst outward like a gentle breeze.
The broken stones lifted themselves, realigning. Cracks mended, columns restored, lampposts snapped upright. Within seconds, the entire front of the guild was restored to pristine condition—cleaner than it had been in weeks.
Silence fell.
Then—
"...That was amazing!" Laki gasped.
"She fixed it in, like, five seconds!" Shouted Macao.
Tamamo dusted her hands. "You're welcome."
Uzume gave her a thumbs up. "Ten outta ten."
Mirajane clapped. "That was incredible!"
Tamamo gave a soft "hmph," but her tails twitched in satisfaction.
Issei grinned, looking toward the others. "Alright," Issei stretched, arms above his head with a relaxed grin. "Crisis averted. Is anyone else starving?"
"After all the drama, we will need a big breakfast" Yuuka mumbled, rubbing her stomach.
Just then, Tamamo, Miya, and Mirajane stepped forward with graceful purpose, smiles lighting their faces.
Tamamo's tails flicked as she raised a brow playfully. "Then let's get breakfast started. We're not letting anyone go hungry."
Miya nodded softly. "I'll prepare something warm and hearty. You've all earned it."
Mirajane added, "And I know exactly where they keep the good ingredients." She gave Issei a quick glance and an almost shy smile before spinning on her heel and heading toward the kitchen.
Excitement bloomed in the air.
"Yesss!" Macao pumped a fist. "Best chefs in the building!"
"I'll take seconds! No, thirds!" Shouted Wakaba.
The aroma of spices, simmering sauces, and freshly baked bread soon began wafting from the kitchen.
Chairs were pulled up, tables pushed together, and the buzz of chatter rose like morning birdsong. The earlier damage, the threat, and even the identity of the mysterious attacker were momentarily forgotten beneath the promise of warm food and good company.
—-----------------------------------------------------
The streets of Magnolia were alive with morning activity—merchants setting up shop, townsfolk greeting one another, and the hum of magic already drifting through the air.
Striding down the road with tired but triumphant steps came Natsu, Erza, Gray, Lucy, and Happy.
Natsu stretched with a wide grin. "Man! That was awesome! First S-rank quest down!"
Happy fluttered beside him, arms crossed proudly. "Aye! We're totally S-rank material now!"
Erza nodded, her expression composed but satisfied. "You both showed real improvement. But next time…" Her eyes narrowed just a little. "Try not to take an unauthorized mission."
Natsu looked away, whistling innocently.
Lucy let out a sigh, dragging her feet. "Still… we didn't even get to keep the reward. All that effort…"
"You're lucky if Master doesn't strip your guild membership," Erza added.
Gray smirked, tossing his coat over his shoulder. "Let's just get back before something else happens."
"Right!" Natsu grinned. "I bet everything's totally normal back at the—"
He paused mid-step.
His nose twitched.
"…Huh?"
Erza raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I smell something big. Something really big," Natsu muttered, scanning ahead. "And it smells like Issei but different?"
As the group turned the final corner to the Fairy Tail guild, they came to a dead stop.
Right at the main entrance, curled up lazily but with a watchful gleam in his golden eyes, lay Kuromaru—the massive, black-scaled wyvern.
His tail flicked with slow intent, claws glinting in the morning light.
"…Is that a wyvern?" Lucy whispered, wide-eyed.
"Why is there a wyvern in our yard?" Gray deadpanned.
But Natsu's eyes locked with Kuromaru's.
Kuromaru's pupils narrowed. He lifted his head.
And in that instant—both hot-blooded creatures came to the same unspoken conclusion:
"You're challenging my master's authority."
"You're in my yard."
BOOM.
Natsu let out a wild yell, flames bursting from his fists. "Let's go, lizard!"
Kuromaru responded with a thunderous roar, his wings flaring wide, claws carving furrows into the ground as he surged forward.
Within seconds, the clash began.
Natsu darted forward, throwing a fire-enhanced punch that Kuromaru dodged with surprising speed for his size, countering with a swipe of his tail that sent Natsu tumbling through a stack of crates.
"Hey!!" Lucy shouted. "That almost hit me!"
Erza's brow furrowed. "That thing is a threat to the town."
Gray's fists iced over. "Then let's handle it!"
In an instant, Gray and Erza joined Natsu, launching their own attacks. Ice lances flew. Swords flashed. Fire raged.
But Kuromaru was no simple beast.
He twisted through the air, evading, countering, defending the entrance like a loyal guardian.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as peace had begun to settle and laughter returned to the guild, the aroma of breakfast filling the air, a massive explosion thundered from outside the freshly repaired guild entrance.
BOOOOOOM!
The ground trembled.
Plates rattled.
Makarov dropped his tea with a startled curse. "Don't tell me—"
"Master, I think Natsu is back?!" Laki cried, already half-rising from her seat.
Issei, eyes narrowing, was the first to reach the door, throwing it open just as another blast of magical energy lit up the street.
What they saw made everyone freeze.
Outside the guild, a fight had broken out.
In the middle of the now-charred courtyard stood Natsu Dragneel, Erza Scarlet, and Gray Fullbuster, all mid-battle and unleashing full-powered attacks at none other than Kuromaru.
The massive black wyvern roared, arcs of electric breath surging from his jaws as he swept his tail, kicking up gusts and knocking over a vendor stall.
Natsu, his fists ignited with flame, grinned wildly. "This thing breathes lightning?!That's awesome!!"
He inhaled deeply—"Fire Dragon's Roar!!"—and launched his own torrent of fire to meet Kuromaru's electric breath.
The two elemental blasts collided in midair—BOOM!—canceling each other out in a blinding explosion.
Nearby, Erza was mid-air, blades flashing as she cycled through multiple Requips, each sword enchanted and sent flying, targeting weak points. But each blade struck Kuromaru's hide with a resounding clang, bouncing off his scales harmlessly.
"Tch—his defense is incredible!" She said, landing gracefully. "Even better than other S-Class monsters."
Meanwhile, Gray thrust his hands forward. "Ice-Make: Binding Coffin!"
Spikes of ice surged upward, encasing Kuromaru's legs and tail. But the wyvern snarled, shattering the ice with brute force and charging forward. He had clearly learned from fighting Akitsu.
On the sidelines, Lucy and Happy stood frozen in panic.
"Th-that's not a normal monster!" Lucy squeaked.
"Aye… we're gonna die!" Happy whimpered.
Just as it looked like the fight would escalate, a small figure burst from the guild doors—
"STOP!!!"
Sakura.
Her high-pitched voice sliced through the chaos, making everyone freeze including Kuromaru.
The little girl ran fearlessly onto the battlefield, arms outstretched.
She skidded to a stop in front of Kuromaru and threw her arms around his massive front leg. "Stop bullying Kuromaru! He didn't do anything wrong!"
The wyvern let out a soft, low rumble. His fury melted the moment Sakura touched him, his tail curling gently around her like a protective barrier.
Natsu blinked. "Wait… what?"
Gray lowered his hands. "That's… Issei's kid, right?"
"Why is she hugging the wyvern?" Erza asked, confused.
At that moment, the rest of Fairy Tail's members poured out of the building—including Makarov, Issei, Tamamo, and the others.
The guild members began backing away slowly, their eyes shifting nervously as Makarov stepped forward, arms crossed, face dark.
His eyes scanned the destruction—the once-repaired entryway now partially demolished again. Scorched stone, shattered railing, and several blown-out windows.
His lip twitched.
And then—
POW—POW—POW!
A giant, magical fist formed from his expanded magic aura and bonked all three of them—Natsu, Erza, and Gray—on the head simultaneously, flattening them to the ground.
"YOU IDIOTS!!!" Makarov bellowed. "WE JUST FIXED IT!!"
"Owwww," Natsu groaned, his face in the dirt.
"It was Natsu's fault!" Gray argued, nose bleeding.
"Why was I punished?" Erza mumbled, slumped over.
Tamamo covered her face with both hands. "I just fixed that…"
Issei sighed, crouching beside Sakura and Kuromaru, patting the wyvern's side. "You okay, big guy?"
Kuromaru let out a grumbling huff and nudged Sakura closer to her father.
Sakura puffed up her cheeks. "They were being mean to Kuromaru, Papa."
Issei ruffled her hair. "I saw, sweetie. Don't worry. They're just idiots."
Behind them, Karasuba crossed her arms, smirking. "That wyvern's got better reflexes than I expected."
Yuuka pointed at Natsu's flattened form. "He's definitely the kind to pick a fight before asking questions."
Uzume laughed. "I kinda like that about him."
Makarov turned slowly toward the stunned trio. "Get. Inside. Now. Before I decide to reassign you to latrine duty."
"Yes sir," All three muttered weakly.
As the guild slowly returned indoors, some shaking heads, others laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.