Back inside the Fairy Tail guild hall, the once-shattered building now stood pristine again, thanks to Tamamo's magic. The usual morning buzz returned, though the tension from last night still lingered just beneath the surface.
Natsu, with bandages on his cheek and arms crossed, grumbled loudly, "Tch! I still don't get why Ji-chan hit us! We fought that overgrown lizard, didn't we?!"
Beside him, Gray nodded, scowling while nursing his bump. "Seriously. What the hell was that thing even doing outside the guild? Who leaves a wyvern in front of someone's door?"
Erza, calm but visibly confused, crossed her arms. "I've been wondering the same thing? And more importantly—why hasn't it attacked the town?"
Happy floated just above them with his little arms behind his head. "Lucy was so scared, she almost peed herself."
"WHAT?! I did not! I was just surprised!" Lucy spun on him, face beet red. "Plus you were just as scared as I was!"
Happy countered with a smug grin. "I wasn't the one screaming, 'Oh God, it's so big please don't come this way!' Isn't it kinda embarrassing? A little girl like Sakura was braver than you."
Lucy grabbed his cheeks. "SHUT IT, CAT!"
As they bickered, Gray glanced toward the bar. "And seriously, why was Gramps so mad at us? We destroy the guild almost every week and he never yells like this!"
A voice answered from behind the counter. Mirajane, wiping down a glass, smiled sweetly. "Because it had just been repaired after it was nearly destroyed, Gray."
That gave them all pause.
"What do you mean, 'repaired'?" Erza asked, her tone sharpening.
The rest of the guild began murmuring and stepping closer.
Macao chimed in, "Gajeel from Phantom Lord came here last night."
Natsu's expression froze.
"Yeah," Said Wakaba, "He attacked the guild. Came at night and tried to level the place."
"But he was stopped," Added Cana, folding her arms with a nod. "By our new barmaid Miya."
"She beat him up with a wooden sword," Said Loki, still wide-eyed.
Lucy blinked. "Wait…a Dragon Slayer just like Natsu?"
Mirajane nodded, her tone soft. "Yes. He attacked us, but Miya was here and drove him off. Still, the battle caused a lot of damage… and Tamamo had to fix everything this morning."
Natsu clenched his fists, fire flickering in his eyes. "He did this…?"
Gray's jaw tightened. "So that's why Master was so on edge…"
"Are we really not gonna do anything?" Natsu growled. "They attacked our home!"
Lucy looked around, confused. "Why would Phantom Lord do that?"
Erza's voice was cold. "Is there anything we can do? This isn't just an insult. This is an act of war."
"But why aren't we fighting back?" Gray asked, looking around.
Mirajane folded her arms, glancing toward Makarov with a more serious expression. "Because the Master told us not to. And because Tamamo fixed everything before the sun even came up."
"She did it in seconds," one member whispered in awe. "Like, she reversed the damage. Magic of that level is insane."
Lucy's brows furrowed. "Wait, you're saying someone from another guild attacked us—and we're just… letting it go?"
Erza asked flatly, "Is there nothing we can do?"
Makarov, having stepped forward during the conversation, raised his hand and answered for them. "We will do nothing."
Everyone turned toward him.
Makarov's face was stern, more serious than they were used to. "Fighting another guild is strictly forbidden by the Magic Council. If we retaliate, they'll label us the aggressors. I won't let Fairy Tail fall for one of Jose's childish pranks."
The room went silent.
Even Natsu, fire still licking at his fingertips, held back. "But—" He started.
"I said no, Natsu!" Makarov cut in firmly. "I said we're not doing anything."
There was a tense beat.
"…Tch." Natsu muttered, turning away but clearly fuming.
"I understand, Master." Erza said calmly, bowing her head.
Gray exhaled. "Still doesn't sit right with me."
"Nor with me," Makarov muttered, glancing toward the damage that had been—before Tamamo's magic reversed it all. "But what's done is done…" Then he looked at the group. "And now... on to your punishments."
Lucy paled. "P-Punishments?!"
"You three," Makarov pointed to Natsu, Gray, Lucy and Happy, "Took an S-rank quest without permission. Again."
He raised a fist and, with surprising speed for his size, delivered a swift, bonk to Natsu's and Gray's heads—while flicking Happy's forehead.
"OW!!"
Then he turned to Lucy.
"And you, young lady—"
SMACK!
He gave her a swift slap on the butt.
"KYAA!" Lucy leapt a foot in the air. "WHY ME?! Why was mine different?!"
From behind the bar, Mirajane frowned, her tone shifting just slightly. "Master," She said with narrowed eyes. "Touch her like that again and I'm going to get angry."
Makarov immediately turned away, whistling innocently. "Right, right, disciplinary measure complete!"
The rest of the guild burst into laughter.
With the tension finally broken and the guild beginning to settle, Mirajane clapped her hands lightly and offered a cheerful smile. "Well, now that everything's been handled," She said, glancing at Natsu's fuming expression, "Why don't I tell you about the wyvern you fought?"
Natsu blinked. "What about it?"
"That wyvern—Kuromaru—wasn't just parked here for fun," Mirajane explained. "It actually attacked Issei and his group during their very first quest."
The entire room paused mid-bite or mid-sip.
Mirajane continued, enjoying the drama. "They didn't just survive… they defeated it."
"What?!" Erza's eyes widened looking at Issei's group. "You defeated that creature?"
Even Gray looked stunned. "But its scales… my Ice-Make spells didn't even scratch it…"
Natsu rubbed his chin, intrigued. "That's one hell of a first quest."
Mirajane nodded. "After beating it, they tamed it—made it their mount and familiar. Now it's basically their pet wyvern."
There was a beat of silence.
Then: "THAT'S. AWESOME." Natsu practically exploded with excitement.
Lucy, meanwhile, looked from Issei to his companions with a touch of disbelief. "Seriously… you guys tamed that thing?"
Matsu adjusted her glasses proudly. "Naturally. Though the definition of 'tame' is still debatable. Kuromaru mostly just likes Sakura now."
Sakura, sitting on a barstool and sipping juice, raised her hand. "He lets me ride on his head!"
Tamamo smiled gently. "He's more loyal than most beasts I've seen."
Erza, impressed, furrowed her brows. "Even I couldn't pierce his scales with my swords… and yet you overcame him. That says a lot." She turned slightly, her gaze settling on Mirajane, who was still smiling—but with a distant softness behind her eyes as she looked toward Issei.
Erza's sharp eyes caught it and raised an eyebrow at the softness in Mirajane's face and the slight flush in her cheeks. 'Interesting….'
Before she could pursue the thought, Natsu suddenly charged forward, pointing at Issei. "ALRIGHT! LET'S FIGHT!"
Issei blinked. "Wait, what?"
"You beat that wyvern. I gotta see how strong you are!" Natsu pumped his fist. "C'mon! Right now! One-on-one!"
Issei tilted his head, clearly considering it. "I mean… sure, I guess? But only if you teach me Dragon Slayer Magic first."
The entire room froze again.
"...You want to learn Dragon Slayer Magic?" Gray repeated.
"Dragon Slayer magic is considered lost magic, can anybody learn it." Laki whispered from the side, looking intrigued.
Even Erza narrowed her eyes. "That's not something you can just pick up."
Natsu, now vibrating in place, looked like he was about to explode with excitement. "You want me to teach you Dragon Slayer stuff?! That. Is. SO. COOL!"
But after a few energetic hops, Natsu suddenly paused mid-jump. "…Wait a second…" His eyes narrowed as he turned toward Mirajane. "You tricked me! I was mad! Why am I excited now?!"
Mirajane gave him a dazzling, innocent smile. "Isn't excitement better than anger?"
"...Darn it," Natsu muttered, flopping into a chair.
Issei sighed, rubbing his temples. "This guy changes gears faster than a bike." He turned to Natsu. "Look, if we're gonna do this—training or fighting or whatever—tomorrow. Today, I'm going house shopping with my wives."
There was a collective pause again.
Lucy nearly choked. "Wives?!" She then looked at the girls. "I always forget that your all sharing him."
Tamamo, Miya, and Yuuka, all waved nonchalantly from their seats.
Uzume chimed in from nearby, already stretching. "It's a big family. But you get used to it."
Natsu stood again, fists clenched. "Alright, then! Tomorrow morning, it's training time! Issei!"
Issei smirked. "Tomorrow morning. I'll be ready."
—----------------------------------------------
Later that morning, after the excitement in the guild had quieted down, Issei and his extended family gathered around a large table in the guild hall. Cups of tea steamed gently in front of them, and a map of Magnolia Town had been unrolled across the table.
"Alright," Issei said, stretching a bit. "Let's figure out where to start looking."
"I suggest we start here," Misuki, sitting beside Yuuka with a thoughtful expression, tapped her finger against the map. "It's closest to the guild, not too loud, and the properties are well-kept. It seems like a good place to begin our search."
Issei scratched his cheek, nodding. "Yeah, that makes sense. Sakura won't have to walk far to get to the guild, and it's close if anything happens."
"That and we'll probably need a big yard," Yuuka added, crossing her arms. "You know, for Kuromaru."
Matsu, adjusting her glasses and flipping through a magical book, immediately raised her hand. "Count me out. I've just found six tomes on high-tier enchantment theory and I will be spending the day in the library. Preferably without walking."
"You're so lazy Matsu." Yuuka teased.
"I am not." Matsu replied proudly. "I'm simply very busy."
Karasuba, arms folded and already half-turned toward the exit, waved a hand dismissively. "I'm out too. If there's no fighting, it's a waste of time."
Issei chuckled awkwardly. "So... that's a no."
Tamamo leaned in, gracefully sipping her tea. "Someone should also stay with Sakura. She's supposed to have her magic lesson with Levy today—though Levy's surprisingly late."
"Probably buried under books like our resident shut-in." Miya added.
"And I'll be busy enchanting everyone's gear today," Tamamo continued, setting her cup down. "So I won't be able to watch her."
Before anyone else could volunteer, Uzume grinned and waved a hand. "I got it! I haven't had a proper girl's day with Sakura yet. We'll bond, maybe braid each other's hair, and make some cute clothes for her, she'll love it."
"Thanks, Uzume," Issei said, visibly relieved. "You're the best."
"Obviously," she winked, scooting closer to Sakura and ruffling her hair. "C'mon, squirt. You're gonna have fun with your coolest mom."
Sakura giggled, hugging her juice cup. "Yay! Can we get matching ribbons?"
"You bet."
With plans forming, Issei looked around the rest of the group. "So that leaves me, Yuuka, Misuki, Miya, Yashima, and Akitsu for the actual house-hunting."
Akitsu, silent as ever, nodded obediently.
Yashima gave a small smile. "I'll help as much as I can, Issei-sama."
Miya, serene as always, folded her hands. "It'll be great spending time with my husband. Hopefully we find what we're looking for."
"Don't jinx it," Issei muttered.
Yuuka leaned against his shoulder with a grin. "Don't worry. If we can tame a wyvern, we can survive a house tour."
Issei groaned dramatically. "I have a feeling this is going to be more stressful than fighting Kuromaru." Issei then gave an exaggerated sigh and stood up, clapping his hands. "Alright! Team House-Hunt, let's move out!"
—------------------------------------------------
The streets of Magnolia bustled with life under the midday sun. Shops opened their shutters, children played by the canals, and market vendors called out with practiced rhythm. Among the crowd, Issei, Yuuka, Misuki, Miya, Yashima, and Akitsu strolled through the cobbled avenues, their eyes scanning signs as they walked.
Yashima and Akitsu were each holding onto one of Issei's arms, calm and content. Akitsu, quiet as ever, clung with casual affection, while Yashima leaned slightly closer, her expression thoughtful as she took in each neighborhood.
Despite the warmth and the quiet companionship, their search so far had brought little success.
"I didn't think it'd be this hard," Issei muttered, glancing toward a beautiful two-story house… with a price tag that could make a devil faint. "This one's perfect—if we sell our kidneys."
"It has enough rooms," Misuki muttered, glancing at a listing in the window. "But it's absurdly expensive."
Yuuka groaned, kicking a pebble. "Every decent place is way too expensive…"
Misuki sighed, flipping through a small notebook where she'd been keeping track. "And the ones we can afford… are barely large enough for three people, let alone all of us. We require space, privacy, security, and room for Kuromaru. It's not a small request."
Akitsu stared quietly at a small apartment with a cracked window and dead flowers on the porch. "That one smells like mold."
Yashima gave her a sympathetic nod. "It's… cozy. In a claustrophobic kind of way."
Akitsu simply whispered, "No it isn't."
The group collectively sighed as they continued on, slightly deflated.
"Well," Misuki said with a forced smile, "we'll just need to take on more quests, then. Earn more money. We can make it work."
"We always do," Yuuka agreed, nudging Issei lightly with her shoulder. "No need to rush."
Issei smiled despite the setback. "Guess so. I wonder how long it'll take though."
As they turned a corner near one of the quieter residential lanes, a familiar voice called out from ahead.
"Oi! Isseeeei!" Natsu bounded toward them with a wave, Gray and Erza following just behind with Happy flying above them. "Didn't expect to see you guys out here," Natsu said, grinning. "Whatcha doing?"
Miya answered before Issei could speak. "Issei told you we were looking for a place to live. A proper home for all of us."
Natsu's eyes lit up. "A home? You should've said so sooner!"
Issei tilted his head. "Why?"
"Because—" Natsu pointed proudly to himself "—I know just the place!"
Gray crossed his arms, looking skeptical. "Wait, what place?"
Natsu ignored him and looked back at Issei with unshakable confidence. "C'mon! Trust me! You're gonna love it."
Issei hesitated, glancing back at the girls.
Miya's eyes narrowed slightly. "What kind of place?"
"It's fine, it's fine!" Natsu said with his usual reckless enthusiasm. "Trust me!"
"Ay!" Happy said.
Issei looked at the girls, all of whom wore varying degrees of concern and resignation.
Yuuka shrugged. "We've got nothing else."
Misuki flipped her notebook shut. "Worst-case scenario, we leave."
Akitsu gave a silent nod.
Yashima smiled gently. "Lead the way."
Miya just exhaled, already anticipating trouble.
They all began following Natsu.
—----------------------------------------
Lucy's Apartment
Inside a modest, tidy apartment, Issei and his group stood looking around curiously. The walls were lined with books, clothes hung neatly on hooks, and a sweet floral scent lingered in the air. While Natsu, Erza, and Gray lounged casually like they owned the place.
Issei slowly turned in a full circle, eyes narrowing as he took in the pink curtains, bookshelves full of romance novels.
"So…" Issei drawled, his brow twitching. "This is the great place you wanted to show me?"
Natsu grinned, sprawled out on Lucy's bed like it was his personal throne with Happy rolling around spreading his fur on the bed.. "Yup! Cozy, right?"
Issei raised a brow. "...It's a used apartment."
Yuuka walked over to a shelf and picked up a framed photo of a blond woman. "Looks like someone actually lives here."
Miya folded her arms, her eyes narrowing. "And judging by how clean it is, it's definitely not Natsu's place."
"Of course it's not mine," Natsu said like it was obvious. "This is Lucy's apartment."
There was a beat of silence.
Issei's eye twitched. "Wait—she's not even here?! Did we just break in?!"
Natsu shrugged, stretching. "It's fine. I do it all the time."
Erza, standing near the bookshelf, looked mildly scandalized. "That's not something to be proud of, Natsu."
Misuki sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I can't believe we're standing in a stranger's apartment, uninvited."
Akitsu sat on a cushion on the couch and softly added, "It's... soft."
Issei exhaled deeply. "Okay, yes, the place is nice. But even if Lucy were magically okay with this, there's no way it has enough room for all of us. We'd be sleeping on top of each other."
Yuuka smirked. "I mean, we already do that."
Issei gave her a look.
Natsu suddenly sat up. "Then why don't you guys just build your own house? Y'know, like me and Happy did."
"That's right we live by our own rules," Happy said proudly.
Everyone turned to them.
Yashima blinked. "Wait, you built a house?"
Misuki, ever the realist, asked the logical question. "How much did it cost to buy the land?"
Natsu blinked at her. "Cost? I didn't buy anything."
Now everyone blinked.
"You didn't buy it?" Misuki asked.
"I just picked a spot in the forest outside Magnolia and built a place there. Problem solved."
Misuki looked like she was buffering. "You just… claimed a random part of the forest and moved in?"
"Yup."
"Was the government okay with that?"
Before Natsu could give another confusing answer, Erza stepped in, arms crossed.
Erza nodded calmly. "Technically, yes. Anything outside city territory is unregulated. The government won't stop you from settling there but they also won't protect you."
"Because of monsters?" Yashima asked.
"Exactly," Erza said. "If you build outside the walls, you're responsible for your own security."
The group fell into thoughtful silence.
Issei slowly turned to face the others. "...So," he began carefully, "we could technically go out, find a nice spot… and build our own home?"
Yashima looked at Issei. "We would have to buy the materials for the house."
Miya nodded slowly. "It would give us privacy, space… and no rental fees."
Misuki tapped her chin. "We'd have full creative control."
Akitsu simply said, "No neighbors."
Yuuka grinned. "Plus we can have as much room for Kuromaru as we want."
Issei looked around at his strange, wonderful, chaotic family and smiled. "Alright," He said with a grin. "Then it's settled."
Misuki pulled out her notebook, already scribbling down logistics. "Tomorrow, we will start surveying land."
After learning this information the group started relaxing, forgetting that they were uninvited guests in this apartment. But then the apartment door creaked open with the soft jingle of keys.
Lucy Heartfilia stepped in, dragging a small suitcase behind her and muttering under her breath about the exhausting day she'd had. She glanced up—only to freeze mid-step as her tired eyes registered the complete chaos inside her home.
"...What the—WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HERE?!"
Erza and Yashima stood by her wardrobe, flipping through her lingerie drawer with casual curiosity.
"Do you actually wear this?" Erza asked, holding up a lacy red set with innocent sincerity.
Yashima tilted her head. "It's... bolder than I expected."
At the couch, Gray sat with a smug grin, leisurely flipping through a half-written novel manuscript Lucy had left on her table. Yuuka and Akitsu peeked over his shoulder.
"'Her breath caught as he leaned in—'" Gray read aloud.
"Don't spoil it," Yuuka giggled. "I was getting into it!"
Happy was seen scratching the walls quite content in destroying Lucy's room.
In the kitchen, Miya gracefully plated food on ceramic dishes, having taken command of Lucy's entire kitchen. Issei, Misuki, and Natsu were already seated at the small dining table, chatting and awaiting lunch like this was an everyday occurrence.
Lucy's eye twitched.
Natsu turned to her and raised his hand, smiling. "Welcome home, Lucy."
Then—SMACK!
Her suitcase slammed straight into Natsu's face, knocking him out of his chair and leaving a print on his forehead.
"NATSU!!" she shouted, red-faced. "How many times do I have to tell you—STOP BREAKING INTO MY PLACE!"
Natsu rubbed his face, dazed. "Ugh… that one had books in it…"
Lucy stormed forward, cheeks burning. "And who told you to bring our entire friend group?! What, was the guild not having enough space for you anymore?!"
Miya, calm as ever, gently placed another plate of food onto the table. "Forgive the intrusion. We were simply following Natsu's suggestion."
Erza, unfazed, pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. "Actually, there's a good reason for this."
Lucy turned to her with exasperation. "Really?"
"Yes," Erza said, taking a bite of rice. "After the failed attack by Phantom Lord, we can't be sure they won't target individual members. I decided it's safer for us to remain grouped, especially when not in the guild."
"That doesn't explain the lingerie drawer!" Lucy cried, glaring at Erza.
Yashima offered a small shrug. "We were simply looking around."
Lucy groaned into her hands.
Still, the scent of Miya's cooking quickly filled the apartment, warm and inviting. Despite herself, Lucy felt her stomach growl.
"...Fine," she muttered, slumping into her usual chair. "But next time? Please ask first."
The group enjoyed a lively, impromptu lunch, full of small talk and laughs, while Natsu inhaled food like a vacuum.
Afterward, Issei and his family stood up, gathering their things. "Well, I think we've overstayed our welcome."
Yuuka handed Lucy her manuscript back. "Loved Chapter Three."
"Thanks for the meal, Miya," Erza said genuinely, patting her stomach.
Yashima nodded in agreement. "It was delicious."
Issei smiled at Lucy as he approached the door. "Sorry for the sudden invasion. We'll head out now. Good luck with your sleepover."
Lucy crossed her arms and sighed, but a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Just don't do that again."
"No promises," Yuuka winked as she followed Issei out.
As the door closed behind them, Lucy glanced around her cluttered apartment, half of it still rearranged from Miya's efficient touch.
She groaned. "…Why does my life get weirder every day?"
—---------------------------------------------
Phantom Lord's Guild
Inside the dark, iron-wrought halls of Phantom Lord, the mood was suffocating.
The usual sneers and brash boasting from its members had been replaced with hushed whispers and cautious glances.
Gajeel Redfox sat hunched in the corner, surrounded by a pile of bent metal bars and iron scraps, each one twisted and slowly shrinking as he devoured them chunk by chunk.
His coat was torn. Dried blood crusted over one brow. A nasty bruise trailed down the side of his jaw. Each bite seemed to fuel his healing—but the fire in his crimson eyes made it clear his pride was far from mended.
Everyone kept their distance.
No one dared mention it. No one wanted to poke the iron beast. Every member who passed by avoided eye contact, pretending not to notice the dragon slayer nursing his wounds like a wounded beast waiting to pounce.
Then—
BANG!
The main doors burst open.
A loud, brash guild member stomped inside, his voice reverberating across the stone walls. "Oi, Gajeel! What the hell?! Fairy Tail's guild is still standing! Didn't you say you were gonna level the place?! What—did you lose or somethin'? Couldn't even do your job?!"
Time froze.
For a split second, the air grew deathly still.
Then—
CRACK!
The man screamed as Gajeel's fist of pure iron slammed into his gut., sending him crashing into a pillar. The metal splintered. The man dropped to the floor, groaning.
"I didn't lose!" Gajeel snarled, eyes blazing with barely restrained fury. "Our fight just didn't finish."
The other members backed away even more now, murmuring.
"He actually got beat?"
"Who was it…?"
"Wonder who was strong enough to fight Gajeel?"
Just then, a new presence entered—calm, composed, but radiating cold authority.
The guild members stood straighter, tension climbing as Guild Master Jose Porla stepped through the grand hallway, his black eyes narrowing beneath his cloak. The very air seemed to hush in his presence.
His voice was low, but carried weight. "Gajeel."
The iron dragon slayer snapped upright, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Master."
Jose's expression didn't shift. "Explain something to me, Gajeel," He said coldly. "Why is Fairy Tail's hall untouched this morning? Did I not send you to cripple them?"
Gajeel's jaw clenched.
But then, he leaned back against the wall, a slow smirk curling across his lips.
"Relax. Master. I didn't just walk away. I left them a little gift."
Jose raised an eyebrow. "Gift?"
Gajeel's smile widened, sharp as steel. "Something they'll notice. Something that'll piss them off. Just give it time…They'll come to us."
Jose studied him for a long, silent moment.
Then, without a word, he turned and walked away, his long purple cloak trailing behind him.
As he left, whispers broke out again.
"What gift…?"
"Did he leave a trap?"
"Is he bluffing?"
But Gajeel just leaned back, biting into a steel rod like it was a snack. 'They'll see it soon enough.'
—-------------------------------------
Fairy Tail's Guild
The guild hall doors swung open as Issei and his group returned, the fading light of the afternoon casting warm rays behind them. Yuuka, Misuki, Miya, Yashima, and Akitsu followed close behind, chatting softly among themselves as they stepped inside.
Waiting near one of the tables were Uzume, Sakura, Gorou, and Miki. Uzume waved casually, Sakura sat on her grandfather's lap looking slightly downcast, and Miki stood with her arms crossed, eyes flicking toward the returning group.
"Welcome back," Miki greeted. "Any luck?"
Misuki shook her head gently, sighing. "Unfortunately, nothing good. Either too expensive, too cramped, or too close to nosy neighbors. But," She added, a subtle smirk playing on her lips, "We did find out something interesting."
As the others began to settle into chairs or remove their cloaks, Issei's gaze shifted to his daughter, who had her head lowered as Gorou gently bounced her on his knee, murmuring something comforting.
Issei walked over and knelt in front of Sakura, his brow creasing at her unusually quiet demeanor. "Hey, princess. You okay? Didn't have fun with Mama Uzume?"
Sakura nodded slowly. "I did… Mama Uzume played with me lots! But…" She hugged her fox plush tighter. "…Levy-sensei didn't come for my lesson."
Issei smiled softly and reached out, ruffling her silky white hair. "I'm sure she just got caught up with something important. She's a Fairy Tail mage, after all. But I bet she'll be ready to teach you first thing tomorrow."
Sakura looked up, eyes still a little downcast but hopeful. "Really?"
"Promise," He said with a wink.
Satisfied, Sakura nodded and leaned into her grandfather, who gave Issei a grateful glance.
"Where's Tamamo and the others?" Issei asked, standing again.
"Matsu's still glued to the library." Uzume answered, stretching. "Said something about unlocking a new magic before dinner. Karasuba's outside somewhere testing her new enchanted katana. Scared off some poor squirrels. And Tamamo… she's finishing the enchantments on the rest of our weapons back in the room."
Miki crossed her arms. "So. About that interesting thing you found?"
Yuuka groaned. "House-hunting was a waste of time. Nothing fits our needs."
"But," Yashima chimed in, her voice calm and collected, "We did discover a potential alternative."
Issei nodded. "We're thinking… Maybe it's time we build our own house outside of town."
Miki blinked. "Outside of town?"
Misuki nodded. "Yes. We'd have to do it beyond Magnolia's official limits. It would be our responsibility to protect it, but it gives us freedom, space and privacy."
"That way we're not stuck in cramped apartments or overspending on something that can't even fit Kuromaru," Yuuka added.
Issei looked around the group. "So… what do you guys think? Building our own place—something that's truly ours."
Gorou, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, smiled. "If we're going to build it ourselves." He said, "I'd like a spot next to a lake. Quiet, peaceful. Good place to fish and watch Sakura play."
Sakura lit up. "Can we have a big tree too? One that blooms pink!"
Miki chuckled. "We'll need clean water access, plenty of space, and flat land. It has to be defensible too."
Issei then remembered the perfect spot that Natsu showed them. "Lucky I know just the place. Remember that time Natsu took us fishing."
Gorou's eyes widened in excitement. "That place would be perfect."
Miya nodded. "We would have to cut down some trees."
Issei looked around at everyone and grinned. "Looks like we're building a home."
—--------------------------------
The next day
The warm scent of fried eggs, herbed rice, and freshly baked bread wafted through the Fairy Tail guild hall as morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows.
In the kitchen, Mirajane, Miya, and Tamamo moved gracefully around each other like a well-rehearsed dance. Mirajane stirred a pot while smiling softly, Miya sliced fruit with precise movements, and Tamamo gracefully placed cooked food into some of the serving platters.
The rest of the guild had begun to trickle in, the atmosphere light and social.
Conversations drifted from table to table. Mages clustered in small groups at tables, laughing, teasing, and sharing stories from the previous day's quests. The usual mayhem had yet to erupt—everything was unusually peaceful.
"So then I told him—'That's not a spellbook, that's my diary!'" Macao laughed, earning chuckles from Wakaba and a few others.
Issei leaned against the wall nearby, chuckling softly while watching Sakura feed her fox plush a tiny spoonful of imaginary porridge. Gorou and Miki sat with her at a corner table, enjoying their morning coffee, content to just bask in the peaceful start to the day.
Tamamo, wiping her hands on her apron, looked around the room and smiled softly.
Then—
BAM!
The front doors slammed open.
A young Fairy Tail member, the same one who came to warn the members when Kuromaru was coming to Magnolia, panting heavily with wide eyes, stumbled inside. "Everyone! You—You've gotta come quick! Something's happened—at the southern entrance park! "
The entire guild froze.
"Southern entrance…?"
"What's going on?"
"Did something explode again?!"
Chairs scraped against wood as guild members immediately jumped up. Without another word, every available Fairy Tail mage rushed to their feet and charged out the doors, a whirlwind of movement as instincts kicked in.
Issei glanced to his side and saw that Yuuka, Misuki, Uzume, Yashima, Akitsu, and Matsu were already ready. Without a word, he nodded and joined them.
Everyone except four.
Tamamo, wiping her hands calmly, stayed rooted in place beside the kitchen.
Miki and Gorou, though tense, remained seated near Sakura, who was now staring toward the door with wide, confused eyes. "Mama? What's going on?" She asked softly.
Tamamo knelt beside her and brushed Sakura's hair with one hand. "Don't worry, little one. They're just going to check something."
Gorou gently placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "We'll stay here with you."
Tamamo's eyes glinted briefly, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn't like the sound of this. Not one bit.
But someone had to protect those who weren't fighters.
She exhaled and calmly said, "If it's something serious… we'll know soon enough."
—------------------------------------
The streets of Magnolia blurred past as the Fairy Tail members sprinted toward the southern entrance park. The panic on the messenger's face hadn't prepared them for what they were about to see. The further they went, the quieter the city seemed—until they turned the final corner and saw the crowd.
Dozens of civilians had gathered in a hushed, horrified semi-circle. Murmurs filled the air, mixed with gasps. The guild members pushed their way through the wall of bodies—
And then they saw it.
The world seemed to freeze.
Three bodies crucified against the trunk of the old central oak tree. By metal chains, twisted cruelly around their limbs. Blood stained the bark beneath them, dripping down from gashes and bruises.
Levy McGarden, her face swollen and streaked with blood, hung limply in the center.
To her sides were Jet and Droy, equally battered, their clothes torn and their bodies barely conscious.
Painted into the exposed skin on each of their stomachs was the unmistakable mark of Phantom Lord.
A dark, jagged brand. A cruel message. A provocation. A violation of everything Fairy Tail stood for.
There was a moment of absolute silence.
Then—
"LEVY!!"
Jet and Droy's names were lost in the chorus of shouted cries as the guild members rushed forward, some trying to climb up, others calling for healers, others already trembling with fury.
Lucy's hands flew to her mouth as she cried out.
Gray looked frozen, fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.
Erza trembled—not in fear, but in pure, vibrating fury.
Issei felt a pulse of pure rage erupt from his chest. His hands clenched into fists, and the Boosted Gear flickered into being on his arm with a metallic hiss.
(Calm yourself, partner.) Came Ddraig's words to pacify his host.
Beside him, Natsu's fists were already engulfed in flames, his teeth bared in pure animalistic fury. "They hurt her…" Natsu growled, his voice shaking. "They hurt Levy…"
Issei's voice was lower, but colder. "They'll regret this."
Erza stood frozen, her jaw tight, hands trembling at her sides. Even Gray had no words, his knuckles white as he stared up at his fallen comrades.
The civilians had backed away now, sensing the oncoming storm.
And then—
A new presence arrived.
Makarov stood at the edge of the park, silent.
No one spoke as the Fairy Tail master walked forward, eyes fixed on the desecrated tree. He stopped just before the base, the tension in the air wrapping around him like a noose.
He looked up—his aged eyes locking onto Levy's bloodied face.
And something snapped.
His voice came low, calm… but it carried through every soul present. "Wrecking our shoddy bar…" he began, "…I could bear with." He lowered his gaze, fists trembling at his sides. "But no parent… can remain silent after seeing their children's blood."
Then, with a surge of magical energy that rippled across the clearing, he slammed the cane down.
CRACK!
It shattered into splinters, the force so great the ground shook.
"This means—WAR."
A moment of silence followed.
Then the guild roared.
"We'll destroy Phantom Lord!"
"They want war?! They got it!"
"They went too far—this ends now!"
Even Erza, normally the one to hold the line, unsheathed her sword with terrifying purpose.
Flames erupted from Natsu's body.
Issei's aura pulsed violently, the Boosted Gear glowing with rage.
Every member was ready.
There would be no mercy.
—----------------------------------------
Inside the Fairy Tail guild, the once-lively hall was filled with an intense, simmering tension.
Weapons were sharpened. Armor was checked. Magic circles flickered to life in the corners as members prepared for the battle ahead. Conversation was hushed, expressions grim. There was no laughter today—only resolve.
In the infirmary, three beds had been arranged side by side. Levy, Jet, and Droy lay bandaged and unconscious, their wounds still raw. The metallic scent of blood lingered faintly in the air.
Tamamo, her fox tails gently swaying, moved gracefully between them, hands glowing with golden healing light. Her face was calm, but her eyes burned with quiet fury as she noticed the tears on her daughter's eyes.
Sakura sat beside Levy's bed, her tiny fists balled up on her lap, tears streaking her cheeks. "Sensei…" She whispered, her voice trembling.
Gorou knelt beside her, a steady hand on her back, while Miki knelt on the other side, offering quiet comfort. "She'll be alright, sweetheart," Miki said gently. "Tamamo's healing is the best in this world. Just give her time."
Sakura sniffled and nodded, but didn't let go of Levy's hand.
Across the hall, Issei leaned against a support beam, arms crossed, lost in thought.
He was pulled from his reverie by Miya, who stepped up beside him. "I won't be joining the battle." Miya said firmly, hands folded in front of her.
Issei blinked. "Miya…"
Karasuba leaned against the wall, arms folded, her enchanted katana strapped to her back. "Still clinging to your little vow to a dead man?" she sneered. "How noble."
Miya's eyes narrowed, the calm in her expression thinning like ice under heat. "I'm honoring a promise. Not hiding."
"You'd let others fight and die while you watch from the sidelines?" Karasuba asked coldly. "You talk about honor and peace, but you'll let someone else bleed for you?"
Miya's voice sharpened. "And you'll fight simply for the pleasure of it. You don't care about Levy. Or Jet. Or Droy. You just want to cut something."
Karasuba smirked. "At least I'm honest about it. But at least I'm not hiding behind principles that do nothing to avenge the people bleeding in that room."
Before the tension could boil over, Issei stepped between them, hands up. "Enough."
Both women glared at each other but held back.
Issei looked at Miya, his voice warm but firm. He then placed a hand on her cheek affectionately rubbing it. "I understand. I know you're not a coward. You're strong in your own way—and I'm glad you're here. Knowing that you and Tamamo are here to protect the ones who can't fight… that gives me peace of mind."
Miya softened, nodding leaning further into his touch.
Karasuba rolled her eyes and walked off with a mutter, "Still think it's a waste."
The heavy wooden door creaked open as Master Makarov entered, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with a grim stillness. He walked past Issei and straight to the injured, placing a hand gently on Levy's shoulder. His eyes darkened as he saw the wounds Phantom Lord had left on his children.
He turned to Issei, his voice low and heavy. "I won't stop you. I won't stop any of them," Makarov said. "No parent could. But I must ask something of you."
Issei straightened. "Of course, Master."
"Do not kill them."
Issei blinked.
Makarov continued. "As much as it burns to say it, Phantom Lord is still under the Magic Council's protection. They're still members of a recognized guild. If they had wanted them dead, they'd be gone. But they left them alive because they know the limits." He looked at Issei firmly. "We won't show mercy. But we must not give them an excuse to brand us as criminals."
Issei nodded slowly. "Understood."
"Tch. Politics." From the side, Karasuba huffed but didn't argue aloud.
"Understood, Master. We'll fight—but we won't cross that line." Issei added. "We'll do it our way."
Makarov's eyes lingered on him for a long moment, then he sighed and nodded. "That's all I ask."
—-------------------------------
Dozens of guild members gathered at the doors, clad in armor, cloaks, or ready stances, each face hardened by fury or determination.
At the front of the group stood Issei, his jacket fluttering slightly in the breeze that crept through the open doors. Beside him were Natsu, Gray, Erza, Elfman, Loki, Cana and his own family: Yuuka, Yashima, Uzume, Karasuba, and Akitsu, all focused and ready.
Behind them, gathered like a second wall of strength, stood those who would not be joining the fight—but whose presence was no less important.
Mirajane stood quietly, her hands clasped, her lips drawn into a rare, tight line. "Come back safe," she said, her voice warm but firm. "All of you."
Lucy stood nearby, arms folded across her chest, concern in her eyes. "Kick their asses for Levy."
Misuki crossed her arms, trying to look composed, but her eyes betrayed the storm of worry within. "Don't do anything stupid." She murmured.
Tamamo approached Issei, placing a gentle hand on his chest, over his heart. "Be careful. You carry more than your own life out there. Return to us… whole."
Issei nodded, his expression softening for just a moment. "I will. I promise."
At Tamamo's side stood Sakura, clinging to her mama's robes with wide, glassy eyes. She sniffled but tried to be brave. "Papa… you'll come back soon, right? With all of them?"
Issei knelt down, brushing her cheek with his thumb and giving her a warm smile. "Of course. I'll bring everyone back. And when I do… we'll all have your favorite dessert, okay?"
Sakura nodded slowly, eyes shimmering. "Chocolate cake?"
Nearby, Miya stood straight and composed, but her gaze softened as she looked at her husband. "Strike hard, but hold your heart steady. Do not let anger control you."
Matsu could be seen waving her hand. "Take care and watch your back."
Gorou stepped forward, placing a strong hand on Issei's shoulder. "Make us proud, son. And don't forget—fight smart."
Miki, arms crossed beside him, offered a tight but proud smile. "And if any of you lose a limb. You'll do chores for the rest of your life."
That got a chuckle from a few of the girls, the tension breaking ever so slightly.
Issei turned back to his assembled allies, his Boosted Gear glowing dimly on his arm, each member standing at his side with pride.
"Let's go," he said, voice low but clear. "Time to bring down Phantom Lord."
The doors opened wide—and the guild surged forward like a storm.
And behind them, the hearts that waited… burned with hope.