3rd POV
Within Fairy Tail, the usual, ever-present joyful atmosphere was nowhere to be seen; instead, the guild has been filled with a solemn presence ever since Loke returned with Cooper a week ago. No one knew of his current situation as Porlyusica had shooed even Makarov after reluctantly agreeing to treat him; all that remained was the memory of a lifeless Cooper being carried into the guild.
"It's already been a week." With a sigh, Natsu listlessly rested his head on the table while gently shaking a cup of alcohol. "Still no news about big bro?" Raising his eyebrow, Gray lifted his head and glanced at the second story of the guild where Makarov's office resided, only for Happy to land atop his head.
"Aye, don't be so down, it's big bro we're talking about. No matter the injury he sustains, he always comes back stronger." With a large, infectious smile, Happy gently pulled Gray's hair, only for Elfman to suddenly sit down at the same table. "But when has big bro ever returned with his heart not beating? He… He was practically dead." Slamming his fist onto the table in frustration, Elfman heaved a deep sigh, only for him, Gray, Natsu, and Happy to suddenly shiver in fear.
"Don't say that, Elfman, understand?" Standing behind Elfman was Mira, sporting a demonic smile while her magic power poured out of her body, causing the four men to nod rapidly. "Y-Yes, Mira!" Gently patting Elfman's shoulder, Mira returned to her spot behind the bar, serving Cana and, surprisingly, Erza, who made no attempts at arguing.
This boredom and slightly depressing atmosphere continued for another few hours, only for the guild's entrance to suddenly be opened, gathering everyone's attention as a prominent figure covered in bandages appeared. "I can't sense Nab; has he gotten better at hiding his presence?" Stepping into the guild, Cooper cautiously eyed his surroundings, searching for a hidden figure. "B-BIG BRO!"
As if in sync, everyone in the guild excitedly yelled Cooper's nickname and charged towards him before engulfing him in a massive hub. "Big bro!" "Big bro, you're alive!" "W-We've been worried sick!" "Damn you, big bro! It's not manly to make a man cry!" "Big bro!" "Fufu, I knew you'd return, big bro!" "This is why you require supervision, big bro!" "You damn brat, Cooper, making us old men worry!" 'Big bro!'
"Ouch, dammit, Laki, ease up! Warren, you don't need to speak telepathically with me. Pah, your hair is getting into my mouth, Bisca. S-Stop pulling my hair, Happy! Tch, s-stop trying to choke me Nab! You better stop painting Reedus! Max, fix your ugly ass haircut. And who the hell keeps grabbing my butt!" Cooper's voice was drowned out among the yelling of his many siblings, and for several minutes, he was trapped, only for an overpowering voice to echo within the guild.
"TO MY OFFICE COOPER!" As Makarov's loud voice garnered everyone's attention, they all quieted down and looked up at the second story, where Makarov was seen standing atop the railing with a hardened expression.
"Ugh, finally freedom!" Thanks to Makarov calming the rowdy bunch down, Cooper was able to free himself, prompting Makarov to walk to his office. "Haa, why did Gramps have to come and ruin the mood?" Grumbling under his breath, Natsu spat a small breath of flames and folded his arms in annoyance, prompting Erza to hit his head gently.
Instead of immediately heading upstairs, Cooper first exited the guild, confusing everyone, only to reappear a few moments later, dragging someone by the back of their collar. "G-Gajeel!?" Said Levy fearfully as she nervously gulped while instinctively backing away, prompting Jet and Droy to protectively stand in front of her. "Why did you bring him here, big bro?"
"Because he's our newest guild member. Anyway, I found him stalking the guild, probably too scared to enter, so I forcefully dragged him with me. If you have a problem, ask Gramps; also, make sure to get along as I'm not in a good mood." Dropping Gajeel in the middle of the crowd, Cooper walked past everyone and leaped up to the second story while walking to Makarov's office.
"H-Hello." Said Gajeel awkwardly as he stood in the middle of the guild members, only for Jet to break the silence first. "Tsk, I don't like this." "If you had a problem, wait and speak with Master. Of course, you can ignore big bro's words if you think you can defeat him." With slightly furrowed brows, Erza glanced at Jet, who sported an ugly expression while looking at Gajeel before sighing. "Haa, even while injured like that, big bro could probably still beat us all up."
"Heh, speak for yourself, Jet; when big bro comes down, I'll challenge him to a fight!" "If you do that, I'll beat you up after big bro beats you up." Despite her friendly smile, Mira stared at Natsu with a piercing gaze, causing him to sheepishly rub his head while avoiding eye contact. "N-Never mind."
"ARE YOU BEING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW, GRAMPS!?"
"YOU DIED, COOPER! YOUR HEART HAD STOPPED BEATING FOR NEARLY FIFTEEN MINUTES! IT'S ALREADY A MIRACLE THAT YOU'RE ALIVE, LET ALONE WALKING AROUND A WEEK LATER LIKE YOU RECEIVED A NORMAL INJURY!" Everyone's attention was promptly shifted away from Gajeel as they looked up at the second story, where Makarov and Cooper's arguing voices echoed throughout the whole guild.
"SO YOU WANT ME TO DO NOTHING WHEN MY SIBLINGS' LIVES ARE IN DANGER! I'LL ALWAYS SACRIFICE MYSELF FOR THEM FIRST!"
"WHAT IF YOUR SACRIFICE ISN'T ENOUGH!? WHAT DO YOU DO THEN!? EVERY SOLUTION CAN'T BE SOLVED WITH VIOLENCE! THINK SOMETIMES, COOPER, DAMMIT!"
"Um, t-they sound rather serious right now." "T-They won't start fighting, will they?" Unsure of his own question, Max looked at Erza, who was just as uncertain as everyone else.
"YOU EXPECT ME TO SIT DOWN AND HAVE A CIVILIZED CONVERSATION WITH THE PERSON KILLING MY SIBLINGS!? THERE IS NOTHING TO THINK ABOUT WHEN FACING SUCH AN ENEMY! THE ONLY LANGUAGE I'LL SPEAK IS VIOLENCE!"
"WHAT IF VIOLENCE ISN'T ENOUGH!?" "THEN I'LL USE MORE VIOLENCE!"
Following Cooper's furious voice, his magic power erupted from his body even stronger than before, yet matching his intensity, Makarov did the same.
"Crap, they might really fight." "Damn, where is Laxus when you need him?" "Hmph, if Laxus didn't help us against an outside force, what makes you think he'll help with something like this?" Snorting in annoyance, Mira folded her arms and cocked her head to the side, earning a reluctant nod from Erza.
While Makarov and Cooper's magic power continued to grow, seemingly moments away from the two engaging in battle, they suddenly snuffed their magic power, causing everyone to heave a sigh of relief. After several minutes, Cooper was seen walking by the balcony of the second story, clearly in an irritated mood, while Makarov followed from behind.
"Sorry about that, everyone; Cooper and I got into a bit of an argument." Smiling as if he wasn't just moments away from pummeling Cooper into the ground with his giant magic, Makarov leaped onto the railing while looking down at his guild members, who all hesitantly nodded.
"Anyway, I see you guys have met Gajeel." "Oi, where the hell is Loke? I've got a few things to discuss." Standing beside Makarov, Cooper glanced at his siblings while licking his fangs, causing everyone to gulp. However, before anyone could respond, Lucy stepped into the guild, prompting everyone to split as she became the center of attention.
"Um, a-am I missing something? Eh, why is Gajeel here?" Standing in the front of the guild in confusion, Lucy glanced at everyone before widening her eyes when she spotted Gajeel standing by himself. "Loke has become Lucy's celestial spirit." Softly sighing, Makarov gestured to Lucy, who finally noticed Cooper, causing her to joyfully smile. "Big bro! You're alive!" "Hmph, of course I'm alive, what makes you think I'd die?" "Well, I heard from Loke that your heart had stopped beating."
"Oh, perfect, summon Loke, I have something to discuss with him." Barely able to contain his predatory grin, Cooper clenched the railing with his one working hand while Lucy nodded, oblivious to his dangerous aura.
"Time to pray for Loke." "Heh, you think praying is going to save Loke, Laki?" "No, but it's better than nothing." Clasping her hands together, Laki prayed for the survival of Loke, who had just been summoned.
"Ah, you called for me, darling Lucy?" "Well, not me, big bro wanted to speak with you." Shaking her head, Lucy gestured to Cooper, prompting Loke to stop bowing as his body was suddenly frozen stiff with fear while he slowly shifted his gaze upwards. "Ah, b-big bro–" Before he could even finish speaking, like an unstoppable bull, Cooper charged towards Loke, grasping him by the collar of his tuxedo and slamming him into the ground.
"B-Big bro, l-let me explain!" "Okay, explain with your face while I listen with my fist." Not hesitating for a second, Cooper began to pummel Loke into the ground. "H-Help! S-Someone help!" "Stop crying, I'm not going to kill you, Loke, I'm just punishing you!"