Golden grass rolled toward the foothills outside Shirotsume, the late afternoon light turning every blade warm and bright. A farmer pointed out uprooted fences and torn furrows with a shaking hand, then hurried his family inside.
Erza took point, armor gleaming as she scanned the wind-bent fields. "We keep the damage contained. Priority is civilian safety."
They'd arrived by carriage—and, yes, the usual happened. Natsu had slumped green against the window, and Ryuji had matched him shade for shade until Wendy leaned over with a gentle spell and a worried smile.
"Troia," Wendy whispered on the ride, cool magic easing the churn in Ryuji's stomach. It helped him—but did nothing for Natsu, who groaned theatrically while Happy patted his head and failed to hide a grin.
Now, on steady ground, the team fanned across the field in a search line. Dry stalks brushed their boots; a quiet breeze tugged at sleeves and hair. Ryuji fell in beside Wendy. They caught each other looking—just for a second—and both flushed, hearts jumping with an echo of last night's music. (Carla, a few paces back, noticed everything and said nothing.)
A shadow moved between hay bales.
"Left," Gray murmured, palms already frosting. "Big."
The creature burst out—a hulking Vulcan, matted fur bristling, shoulders like boulders. It beat its chest, bellowing. Startled crows scattered from a fence rail.
Erza's gauntlet lifted. "Contain it. No civilian damage—regroup!"
Lucy stepped forward, key raised. "Open, Gate of the Archer—Sagittarius!"
With a swirl of light, Sagittarius appeared, bow already drawn. "Yes! Target acquired, desu."
The first arrow pinned the Vulcan's attention; Gray followed, crisp and economical: "Ice-Make: Lance!" Spears of ice drove the beast sideways into a clear patch of dirt.
"Short breaths, not a full Roar," Wendy told Ryuji, voice soft but steady. "Shape it like a ribbon."
Ryuji drew in cold air. "Winter Dragon's Roar!"
The blast came tight and clean—frost skimming the Vulcan's guard instead of tearing half the field.
"Nice," Natsu grinned, flames licking his knuckles. "My turn—Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
He darted in, driving a fiery punch into the creature's crossed forearms. Steam curled where heat met cold.
"Follow!" Erza called, stepping in with a precise combo—nothing reckless, every angle chosen to keep the beast away from fences and storehouses.
Wendy brushed a quick enchant over Ryuji's arm. "Arms." She kept it light—enough to help, not enough to drain her. "Don't overextend."
Ryuji nodded. "Winter Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Frost burst on impact, staggering the Vulcan two heavy steps.
He risked a glance—couldn't help it. Wendy was already watching him, eyes bright in the wind. Both froze in place, cheeks pink. The Vulcan's backhand swept in; Ryuji caught the brunt on his shoulder and skidded a step, mortified.
"S-sorry!" Wendy blurted, face hotter. "Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!"
Twin gusts lifted the Vulcan just enough for Gray to stitch another Ice-Make: Lance through its escape route.
Overhead, Happy wheeled, sing-song under his breath, "Ryuji loo—"
"Not. Now." Carla's tone was velvet over steel.
The Vulcan lunged wild—tired now, off-balance. Lucy pivoted.
"Sagittarius—angle two!"
"Adjusting and firing, desu!"
Arrows thudded the dirt at its feet, redirecting it cleanly away from a cart and into open space.
"Finish it," Erza ordered.
"Winter Dragon's Talon!" Ryuji slashed in a cross, frost raking the Vulcan's guard.
"Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!" Wendy's winds shoved it back into the perfect pocket.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu drove the last blow home.
The creature listed, eyes rolling, then crashed to its knees and toppled, breathing but out cold. A stray crow settled again on the fence, as if nothing had happened.
Erza lowered her blades. "Area secured. Check injuries. Report."
"Nothing serious," Gray said, brushing ice dust off his hands.
Lucy exhaled, closing the Gate. Sagittarius vanished with a courteous nod and a final, "Duty fulfilled, desu."
Happy floated down near Ryuji and Wendy, cheeks puffed. "Sooo... are we calling you two a duet now?"
"Happy," Wendy whispered, pink again.
Natsu barked a laugh. "Save the duet for after we win, next time."
Ryuji's ears burned. "Right."
As the wind laid the grass back down, Erza checked the perimeter, then spoke to the farmer returning from his doorway. "The threat is contained. We'll escort the beast to a safe drop. Your fields are clear."
Relief washed over the man's face. In the hush that followed, Ryuji and Wendy shared a smaller, steadier look—shy, yes, but less startled than before. There was room for breath there. For the promise of another song.
Erza glanced at the sun bedding into the hills. "We move before dark. Form up."
The team fell in—footsteps creaking on the dry path, leather and buckles settling, low chatter rising. Somewhere behind them, a crow called once and went quiet. Ahead, the road turned homeward.
Author's Note / Disclaimer:
Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima / Kodansha. This is a non-commercial fan work. I only own Ryuji Kazuma and this fan story.