Chapter 10: Stubborn to the Core
"Moen, is training over for today?"
Just as the trio finished placing their dinner orders, a curious voice chimed in. A girl carrying a tray approached and sat down at the same table.
The tables in the guild hall were long rectangles with benches on either side. Moen had strategically placed Natsu and Gray on the same side—to help "improve their relationship." So, naturally, the girl took the spot beside Moen.
"Yes, Cana. Where's Little White?"
Moen turned to the girl—Cana—who had soft brown hair. She, like him, was an orphan. Among the kids their age, Cana had been one of the first to join Fairy Tail, right after Moen. The two had always been close.
Looking at her now—her features starting to mature—Moen recalled the fragile little girl from five years ago who'd arrived at the guild clutching a tiny white puppy. She'd only been six, with no idea how to use magic.
"He's over there. I already set out his dinner," Cana replied with a smile, pointing to a cozy corner where Little White was happily devouring a well-prepared meal.
That once-scrawny stray had now lived at the guild for five years and had basically become its unofficial mascot.
Clink.
Seeing Cana sit with them, Erza also made her way over with a tray, dragging a chair and taking a spot at the side of the table. She said nothing—just sat down and began quietly eating, her small mouth working away in focused silence.
Moen smiled.
If this had been a year ago, the Erza who had just joined the guild would never have done something like this.
Back then, she was completely closed off—always curled up in a corner, sneaking away to isolated places like a wounded cub hiding from the world.
"How's your eye, Erza? Is it fully healed?" Moen asked gently.
Erza paused for a beat before answering matter-of-factly, "It's completely fine. Aside from being unable to shed tears, it works just like a normal eye."
Her right eye was a prosthetic. Thanks to Porlyusica's near-miraculous healing magic, it looked indistinguishable from the real thing—both visually and functionally.
Erza had arrived at the guild covered in wounds, missing an eye—the most tragic case of their generation.
And she had never spoken about what had happened.
Out of respect, no one pried. Instead, they welcomed her with patience, kindness, and friendship, gradually melting the icy armor around her heart.
Now, she was a different person. Compared to the girl who first arrived, Erza had clearly opened up. She was becoming part of the group—and showing her sharp edges, too. Her serious, strict, and highly responsible personality made her seem like a miniature adult.
The moment Erza sat down, Gray suddenly straightened up and behaved. He stopped bickering with Natsu and silently began eating.
This baffled Natsu.
He hadn't even fought Erza yet. Actually—scratch that—he had fought her. Or, more accurately, been defeated. Which probably explained the cautious look he now gave her.
"I'm sorry, Natsu. I shouldn't have acted like that before."
Erza, noticing Natsu's odd look, put down her utensils and apologized sincerely.
"Uhh, no… it's okay! We can just fight again and settle it! Moen says you're strong, but I'll win next time!"
Natsu scratched his head awkwardly, clearly unsure how to handle Erza's seriousness. But true to form, he quickly issued a challenge. Moen had already warned him—but unless he got a proper rematch, Natsu simply couldn't let it go.
Stare.
Cana and Gray both looked at Natsu in stunned silence.
Had this guy really not learned his lesson? He'd just been pounded into the floor by Moen—and now he wanted to take on Erza?
"That's some real courage."
Moen gave him a thumbs-up.
He'd already warned the kid—not to be fooled by Erza's pretty face. That girl was lethal. But Natsu was the textbook definition of a stubborn bull—the kind who only understands pain after smashing into a wall headfirst.
Want to know what happens when you fight Erza? Just look at Gray.
He trains with Morn every day, gets beaten black and blue every day — and yet, he's not afraid of Morn. But when it comes to Erza? He turns into a mouse in front of a cat. That fear? It's real — because he's truly been beaten into submission.
Morn's strikes may look heavy, but they're always measured. He knows exactly how to pull his punches.
Erza, on the other hand, takes every battle seriously. To her, going all out is a form of respect toward her opponent.
Sure, she avoids vital spots and never does anything that would risk someone's life. But make no mistake — the pain she dishes out? You'll feel it. You'll remember it. That's why Gray has long since given up trying to provoke her. After a year of getting thoroughly worked over, he's learned his lesson.
Morn could tell — Erza had an uncanny understanding of how to inflict pain without knocking someone out. She wouldn't end the fight quickly — she'd make sure you felt it. She was a master of controlled punishment, a specialist in pain.
In a way, even her cruelty had precision.
But behind that calculated skill, Morn suspected a story — and not a happy one. He still remembered how Erza had looked the first day she came to the guild: bruised, battered, missing an eye. It wasn't hard to guess — this ability probably came from her own lived trauma.
"I accept."
Erza nodded seriously at Natsu's challenge. No hesitation. She stood up, ready to head outside.
"W-Wait! Let me finish my food first!" Natsu panicked, frantically shoveling rice into his mouth.
Right now, if he had some flames to eat, that'd be even better.
As a Dragon Slayer, Natsu could consume his element — fire — to restore energy and boost his strength. Just like Laxus could eat lightning. It was a massive advantage in a fight.
Morn clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Natsu, you're a Dragon Slayer — a son of dragons. Don't embarrass yourself out there. Show Erza what you're made of. If you beat her, you'll rank second in the guild!"
If he couldn't stop Natsu from throwing himself into disaster, he might as well give him a good send-off.
"Got it, Morn! I'm ready!" Natsu declared with fiery determination.
He gulped down the last of his food, leapt to his feet, and felt his strength surge back through him.
"Good lad!" Morn gave him another thumbs-up, smiling wide.
He just hoped Natsu would still be standing afterward.
Though… that probably wasn't going to happen.